The Shadow of the Wind Review

I finished reading The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón close to sunrise. I had woken up at midnight, and in an inefficient effort to lull myself to sleep, I read myself to a plot twist and had to keep going.

In Barcelona 1945, David Sempere finds a book by Julian Carax. The book reaches his hands like a handsome mystery. Now, a posh book collector wants the book. An aggressive policeman wants the book. A stranger with a burned face wants the book. David can’t let the book go. Instead he seeks out the book’s author who is at the centre of the strangeness.

I will not say any more on the plot. Imagine this book like a parcel with a thousand intricate folds in the wrapping paper. It’s a mystery that needs to be unravelled by the author, and only him. I knew I would struggle to review a book that is written so elegantly and so fixed in place and time. It feels odd to try recreate some of the magic here, on my laptop, in Brisbane.

The thing you must know about The Shadow of the Wind is that it demands to be read once you start. The words roll around your tongue. The book paints Barcelona from people’s faces. I encourage all gothic mystery enthusiasts to visit Zafon’s Barcelona, and tell me about it on your return.

Favourite line:

Books are mirrors – you only see in them what you already have inside you.

Rating:

4 stars

Review of I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Status: read and back on my shelf.

Rating: 5/5.

I am Malala had me hooked from the first page. The story begins as any great story begins, with a birth and a family. From the outset, it is clear that Malala's relationship with her father is integral to her life story. Respect in their relationship, is always mutual. 

The thing that most impressed me was Malala's confidence. No not her confidence, her no nonsense honesty. In interviews, when asked how she has the boldness to confront world leaders about controversial topics, she says she doesn't do it for her, it is bigger than her. She finds the confidence because she must step up for her fellow people. 

What's more, she shows that everyone can learn from others. Malala is insatiable for knowledge. She is never satisfied with herself and often looks to her father and other great leaders on how to improve herself. Her father learns from his daughter too (though her brothers seem to not learn all that much haha from her). I feel I have learned to love learning through Malala. 

My favourite parts of the book were when Malala describes her life in Swat Valley. Malala captures the essence of her valley and explains it simply, aware of the possible cultural differences between herself and her readership. The importance of stories, particularly religious stories, is emphasised. She perfectly describes the real fear of your home becoming a dangerous place at night. The anxiety of her fellow classmates sneaking to school. 

That is what the book says. There are rules worth breaking despite threats and there are things worth saying despite nerves. Just as there are books worth reading despite the time of night. I highly recommend this book as an important an amazing story.

Favourite quote:

'It doesn't matter if I can't smile or blink properly,' I told her, I'm still me, Malala. The important thing is God has given me my life.' Yet every time they came to the hospital and I laugh or tried to smile, my mother's face would darken as if a shadow had crossed it. It was like a reverse mirror - when there was laughter on my face there was distress on my mother's.

Review of Bossypants by Tina Fey

Status: read.
Rating: 5/5

Oh Tina, oh you. You wonderful, intelligent, fellow-ethnic woman. Bossypants is Tina Fey's comedic memoir detailing her life from her childhood, to writing and acting days. There are some lessons you cannot learn from your parents without much discomfort. You can only learn them from comedians.

You may be familiar with this comedic memoir genre; for me, this is my first book in this style. Tina is an unapologetically funny human, who doesn't need to be constantly funny. Humour sometimes comes from Tina and sometimes it comes from the people around her. Either way, she is evidently very observant, the way I wish I was. Let's be honest, she does surround herself with awesome people. She writes, "In most cases, being a good boss means hiring talented people and then getting out of their way." Tina has perfected the art of watching and listening, and adding things when they are necessary. This careful commentator is -finally- the star of the show.

And what a show! Critics called it, "Quite the best" - Yanery Ventura, the Unironic Nerd

This book would make a great gift and was such a quick read. The chapters are self-contained articles, poems or stories. Even the table of contents was a joy to read, a taste of the russian roulette. My only complaint was that this book wasn't longer.


Favourite quote:
(From a Mother's Prayer for Its Daughter)

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance.
Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes
And not have to wear high heels.
What would that be, lord? Architecture? Midwifery?
Golf course design? I'm asking You, because if I 
knew, I'd be doing it, Youdammit.