Analyzing literature is part of why I love reading so much - my brain loves recognizing patterns, connecting themes, enjoying beautiful language, etc. However, there are times when I crave reading for the simple joy of reading.
I was definitely that kid who would try to read under the covers with the flashlight, because I just couldn’t put the book down. I was also that kid who would read copious amounts of books during summer breaks - when it was so hot that all one can do was lounge and read.
I analyze and annotate every book that I read, because I enjoy it, but there are a few books that I’ve read recently that evoked a sense of nostalgia - reminding me of those days in my youth when I would just devour books quickly because the stories were just so addicting. These books also reminded me to never allow myself to be overly analytical and to read for the simple pleasure of escaping into a story.
The Wolf Den - I read this last year when it was release and I consumed it in just a few days. Elodie Harper did so much research for this novel and I enjoyed analyzing the themes that I noticed, but I primarily enjoyed how addictive this was to read. I could not put this book down and I would keep looking at the clock saying, “I have a little more time for another chapter…” Harper reminded me how much I love fast paced, dramatic historical fiction. I love that she put so much care and research into this time period - Ancient Rome is one of my favorite historical fictional settings. The sequel to The Wolf Den, The House with the Golden Door, is set to be released in the UK later this year. This is the only release I care about this year and I will be ordering it from the UK as soon as it drops because I can’t wait!
The Silence of Scheherazade - The family saga, taking place right at the fall of the Ottoman Empire is *chef’s kiss* so stunning! Defne Suman has a gift for describing scents and smells. Her characters are so lifelike and believable. Again, this was a novel that yes, can be read and analyzed, but it’s also the perfect novel to cozy up with and tune out the rest of the world. I became so invested in these characters and what happened to them, that when I wasn’t reading this novel, I was eager to get back to the book to find out what happened next.
Outlander - I cannot WAIT to post the review for Outlander because... MAN IT’S EPIC! Diana Gabaldon is a master storyteller and even though this series if often pushed aside because it’s viewed as smutty romance (ok, this is a sexy novel…), but it’s so much more than that. This novel, despite it’s size its incredibly readable and just fun. It’s just as heavy on plot as it is on the characters and while it raises so many interesting questions about the interpretation of history, fate, and the weight of knowing information that other people don’t have access to yet, it’s just and excellent story to dive into and forget about the rest of the world.
What books have recently reminded you about what it felt like to simply devour books as a child? Do you prioritize reading for fun over reading for analytical reason. Or, are you like me and prefer a balance of the two?
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