Booktag #2: The Social Media Tag

I was inspired by Louise at Det fiktive univers to do the Social Media Tag. I have not been as active on the blog lately as I am in the middle of exams, which, sadly, take up much of my time and make my reading time short and the blog fall in the background. But I have thought a lot about my answers for the questions to the tag during this time, so I thought I'd take a break from the exam writing for a bit and actually answer them. For some of the questions I would probably answer with the same book(series), but I will instead try to mention different ones all the way through. So here goes!

1. Twitter: Your favourite shortest book

My immediate answer to this question was "After Dark" by Haruki Murakami. It is only 201 pages long and I read it during one day about 1,5 years ago. It was a really fascinating book to me. As I am a big Murakami fan this might not come as a surprise, but I really love the way he creates a world that is basically a real life interpretation but with a twist. Also it deals with some disturbing material, interesting personalities, etc. Really thought-provoking and a great, fast read.

2. Facebook: A book everyone pressured you to read

I have one slightly negative and one positive to this question.

Negative: When I was younger I read a draft from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen which I really liked, so I've always been looking forward to getting to read the novel. I had to read it during my first semester at my English studies, and I kept on postponing it to the last minute. I knew it was a book I "should" like as everyone always talk so highly of it, so my reading of it came with great expectations which did not match the amount of time I had to read it. It ended up being a forced read, because I had to meet a deadline, and I really did not enjoy the book at all. I don't know if it is simply Austen's authorship that doesn't really speak to me, or the situation. I hope to reread the book when I have more time, out of curiosity and wanting to pick it up instead of feeling forced to read it.

Positive: I don't know if you could say that I was pressured exactly to read "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt, but instead I felt an inspiration to read it driven by the book-blogging universe and several Booktubers. Everyone simply talked (and raved) about the book, so I really felt the need to read it and see what all the fuss was about. And even though it took me quite some time to get through it, I am so glad for this reading experience. I chose to not force myself through it at a fast paste, but rather picking it up when I felt like it, reading easier reads on the side. I think this really worked for me, because I couldn't stop thinking about it, and everytime I picked it up I felt immediately drawn in. I have been torn about whether to give the book 4 or 5 stars, as I really, really was moved by the story, but still I cannot really say that it blew me away; or at least, it was in a more passive way. 4,5 stars I think would be suitable. But really: Do yourself a favour and read this book. It is truly amazing, even though the storyline is kind of slow paste and you have no idea where the story is taking you. The language drew me in completely and I always wanted to know more.

3. Instagram: A book that was so beautiful you had to instagram it

There are a few books I feel the need to mention here. I don't use instagram that much (mostly during readathon, new books, etc.), so I will instead pick two from my shelf that I think are so darn beautiful, though in very different ways.

1) The Barnes and Nobles Leatherbound Classics version of "A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Storis" by Charles Dickens, which I won from Gitte on her old blog. It is so stunning, delicate and published so well. Perfect christmas colours. 

2) "Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his Years of Pilgrimage" by Haruki Murakami. It is not aesthetically beautiful, but I'm simply totally in love with the edition I picked up in Barcelona around the publishing date. One of the books that I love the most, cover wise.

4. Youtube: A book you wished would be turned into a movie

Here I have to mention Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. It is such an amazing series which left me blown away. I still think about it daily, and I cannot wait to read more by his hand. I could just imagine how the storyline would fit perfectly on the big screen. Yes. There's no doubt. Definitely this series.

5. Goodreads: A book you recommend to everyone

(This is the question where I would once again have mentioned the Mistborn trilogy. But just for fun, I'm gonna choose something else. But read it. Seriously.)

Graphic novels wise: If people mentions that they are interested in reading Graphic Novels I don't hesitate to recommend the Saga series. It is beautifully made and I love the universe. So pick it up!

Novel wise: Once again I have to mention Haruki Murakami. His book, "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World" took me completely by surprise and I was left speechless, unable to start a new book for several days. This one starts off really slowly, so even though I was enjoying the slow-pace, I honestly did not know what to expect, but I definitely did not expect the turn that it took. Wauw. Simply wauw. So... I tend to recommend this one if I talk to someone who already likes the works of Murakami, but I don't think it should be the one to start with. But this book is so amazing, I have no words.