The Song of Achilles

 Have you heard about this book? This was one of the books that the Universe told me to read. Maybe because I can relate?

I was drawn to this book probably because I had an obsession with Greek Mythology inspired by Percy Jackson. I have read all the Percy Jackson and The Olympians. As well as all the Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan. 

The Song of Achilles was the story of Achilles, the demi-god, and his companion Patroclus. Theirs was a forbidden love for in that period, same-sex love was not recognized yet. Patroclus was not even sure if Achilles felt the same. But he loved him. Achilles showed him that he loves Patroclus in his own way.

It's set in the Trojan War when Menelaus started a war to get his wife, Helen of Troy, back from Paris.

I read it in January and I am re-reading it now for Pride Month. 🏳️‍🌈

Anne of Green Gables

Since I don't have a budget in this period of my life and I wanted to read this, and since I am only getting the hang of reading again, I chose this book. Anne of the Green Gables is one of the books I wanted to read in my lifetime. 

While growing up, I didn't really know the full story of Anne of the Green Gables. I had the reference from cartoons and Anne of E (of late) but I want to know this classic creation of Lucy Maud Montgomery.

I was surprised to know that it was a novel series of 8 books, chronicling her life and adventures from being an orphan to coming to Green Gables, her life in Avonlea, as a student, as a woman bethrothed, as a wife and as a mother. The novel series included her childrens' life and adventures growing up and their experiences and thought during the World War I.

The Anne of Green Gables series is a charming collection of children’s books set in the beautiful scenery of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Written by L. M. Montgomery between 1908 and 1939, the novels follow the adventures of red-headed orphan Anne from the tender age of 11 right up until her own children are grown. In this blog, we’ve listed all eight Anne of Green Gables books in reading order, alongside a background of the treasured novels and their masterful storyteller, L. M. Montgomery.

When I learned that it was a novel series, I wanted to buy a boxed set.

I wanted to have a complete set of the eight books for my future coffee shop and study hub, I hope one day I can buy this. I also hope my coffee shop can be a bookstore.

I saw this on Amazon

It Ends with Us...

For those affected by domestic violence, as well as advocates and individuals striving to comprehend the complexities faced by victims when discussing their experiences, please read this book and consider the Author's Notes for deeper insight.

I think it's very confusing for a woman who grew up in an abusive household to realize that you are also in an abusive relationship especially since in this book, Lily thought she had found her happiness with her husband, Ryle.

The good times were really good. But the bad times were so bad that she ended up almost dying at the hands of her husband with anger issues.

After reading that, I got curious about Atlas' version of what happened to Lily and how he helped her overcome her confusion. This book was also about how Atlas was able to overcome his own trauma, growing up in an abusive household and how he became a gentle and kind person despite that.

These books were eye-openers. Have you read them?

Reading for me these days is the same as watching with subtitles.

It's the kind of book that 12-year-old kids and below should be reading. But still, I'm going to read it again to find out new perspectives in life now that I'm pushing 40. I'm about to read some classics that I read as a kid, including YA books. It's amazing how our perspectives can change over time, and reading those classics again might bring new insights and nostalgia. 

 I need an audiobook to read along. Using audiobooks to read along is a great strategy, especially if it helps you focus better. Whether it's an ADHD thing or just a personal preference, what matters is that it works for you.

5th book I have read this year

Probably an ADHD thing. Or just me. 🤷‍♀️

I noticed I need to do this to gain focus, especially with the refresher and bar review last year.

So far, I think it's working, I have finished 5 books. January is not over. Let's keep this up and enjoy our reading journey. 📚✨

Are there any specific books you're excited to revisit?

Galatea

This was just a concise story so I read it after reading The Song of Achilles. I'm justsad for Galatea. She was so perfect but her husband was really insecure. Very small dick energy of him.

I'm glad she got out and away. Imagine being committed in an asylum and just visited ONLY by your husband, to have sex with you?

Sick! Why isn't the husband being committed?

 

Reading is like Breathing

One of my goals before I turn 40 is to get in the habit of reading again.

After graduating from Law School and reading tons of legal-related books, I hated reading for a while. But reading is like breathing. Once you learn how to read a word, you can never stop. It enhances your vocabulary, grammar, and especially, your world views.

I thought I stopped. I didn't. 

 

 

If you're like me, it's wonderful that you're setting a goal to get back into the habit of reading! Reading truly is a powerful tool that can enrich our lives in so many ways. It's like a journey that never really ends, always offering new perspectives and insights.

What kind of books are you thinking of starting with? Maybe I can help you find some recommendations that align with your interests and goals.

I will talk about the books I am reading along the way.

Ikigai

When the new year entered, I wanted to have a change of perspective. Ikigai was always mentioned in the podcasts that I always listen to and from motivational speakers. Ikigai is one of the books I wanted to read within my lifetime.

I will not attempt to discuss this book. There are a lot of websites that discuss it to make profitable sales. But what I wanted to share with you is this chapter

FIND FLOW IN EVERYTHING YOU DO

We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.

—Aristotle

The Seven Conditions for Achieving Flow

According to researcher Owen Schaffer of DePaul University, the

requirements for achieving flow are:

1. Knowing what to do

2. Knowing how to do it

3. Knowing how well you are doing

4. Knowing where to go (where navigation is involved)

5. Perceiving significant challenges

6. Perceiving significant skills

7. Being free from distractions

Have you read this book?