Over the past few months, I’ve been rekindling my love for fiction, diving back into stories that offer both escape and insight. Through this blog, I’ll document that journey — what I read and how each book made me feel — with the hope that anyone seeking a similar story for comfort or reflection might find a new favorite here too.
As I read, some books brought me joy, while others offered comfort, reminding me that my emotions and experiences are shared by others. Some novels let me indulge in pure drama, making me feel like a fly on the wall observing characters and their choices. Others provoked anger or brought me to tears with the real-world suffering they portrayed. And some even had me laughing out loud on bus rides, much to the surprise of my fellow passengers. Ultimately, I’m grateful to have experienced each story and its impact on me.
In this entry, I’ll be sharing a mix of books spanning different genres and styles.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾
Following the life of 13¾-year-old “intellectual” Adrian Mole through his daily diary entries, we’re drawn into the world Sue Townsend so humorously creates.
Adrian’s first love, Pandora, has left him; a spot on his cheek keeps getting bigger; his neighbor, Mr. Lucas, seems to be seducing his mother (and what does that mean for his father?); the BBC won’t publish his poetry; and his dog has swallowed the Christmas cake tree decoration.
I found Adrian’s diary entries endlessly amusing and relatable, even spotting glimpses of my own childhood in his experiences. This was a book that had me constantly smiling. To fully savor the feel of Adrian’s diary, I decided to take my time reading it, letting the story unfold bit by bit rather than all at once.
Inspired by Adrian, I’ve even been encouraged to start journaling again, hoping to capture my humorous moments — something that might make me laugh when I read it years down the line. The book also gave me a lens into the quirky, sometimes dramatic mindset of a teenager, making me appreciate how our youthful perspectives can be both entertaining and surprisingly insightful.
Norwegian Woods
I’m not quite sure where to place Norwegian Wood. Is it a romance, or simply a slice of life? Murakami has an incredible talent for making readers observe the overlooked details of existence, bringing an almost hypnotic quality to his storytelling.
The novel follows Toru Watanabe, a college student in 1960s Tokyo, caught between two contrasting women: Naoko, the fragile and haunted girlfriend of his late best friend, and Midori, an unconventional, free-spirited classmate. But Norwegian Wood is much more than just a story of romantic entanglements. The novel introduces a cast of characters who each bring their own unique struggles and perspectives, creating a mosaic of youth grappling with identity, mental health, and the emotional weight of the past.
These characters — the quiet, mysterious Reiko, the driven and somewhat cynical Nagasawa, and the vulnerable Hatsumi, among others — each offer Toru a different lens through which to see the world and himself. Together, they weave a story that explores not only love and loss, but also the loneliness, longing, and tentative connections that define young adulthood.
The story is both melancholic and deeply introspective, with Murakami’s usual depth and hint of surrealism — though it’s one of his more straightforward narratives. I found it to be a reflective meditation on the complexities of modern relationships, the importance of connection, and the ways we carry the people and experiences of our past within us, shaping who we are in subtle, lasting ways
Roman Stories
I picked up Roman Stories because I wanted to read something by Jhumpa Lahiri, and her more famous works like The Namesake weren’t available at the library at the time. To my surprise, this book sparked a newfound longing to one day visit Rome. Originally published in Italian and translated into English, the collection follows various characters navigating life in the Italian capital, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the quiet nuances of daily existence in a foreign city.
While, in my opinion, some of the essence inevitably gets lost in translation, Lahiri’s writing still leaves you with a vivid sense of the city — its streets, the beautiful countryside, and the sun-soaked beaches — making you yearn to experience it all firsthand. Her portrayal of Rome, with its mix of history and modernity, captured my imagination, and I found myself daydreaming about walking those very streets, seeing the places she describes, and soaking in the ambiance of the city.
Set on you
Set on You feels like the quintessential rom-com you reach for on those days when you just want to snuggle up on the couch, get cozy with a good book, and maybe enjoy some pizza and wine while you’re at it. It’s sweet, filled with humor, and, of course, a little steamy — perfect for a relaxing, feel-good escape.
At its heart, the story follows Crystal Chen, a body-positive fitness influencer who meets Scott, a gym-goer with a passion for weightlifting, in a clash of personalities that’s both hilarious and heartfelt. Their initial tension quickly gives way to a slow-burn romance, filled with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of heart.
What makes Set on You stand out from typical rom-coms is how it addresses body image, self-acceptance, and the pressure of societal standards in a light yet meaningful way. Crystal’s journey to embracing her body while navigating her love life felt refreshing and empowering. The romance is sweet and steamy, but it’s also grounded in the personal growth of both characters, making it more than just a simple love story.
Amy Lea’s writing has a charming blend of humor and sincerity, making Set on You a perfect pick for anyone in need of a comforting, uplifting read with just the right touch of steam and depth. It’s a fun escape that leaves you smiling long after the final page.
And the mountains echoed
As an admirer of Khaled Hosseini’s work, I decided to pick up And the Mountains Echoed this summer, eager to dive into another of his emotionally resonant stories. The novel opens with a heart-wrenching dilemma: a father is forced to choose between keeping his child or letting him go to a better life, where he will forget his father but be in the best possible hands. This moment sets the tone for the entire novel, which explores sacrifice, love, and the profound consequences of choices — on both a personal and global scale.
At its core, And the Mountains Echoed is about the complex relationship between a brother and sister, Abdullah and Pari, whose bond is tragically torn apart when they are separated as children. However, the story expands far beyond their relationship, weaving together the lives of a wide array of characters across different times and places. Hosseini’s signature narrative style shines here, with interconnected stories that illuminate how the impact of one decision can ripple through generations and across continents.
Through these interwoven tales, Hosseini explores themes of family, sacrifice, love, and the lasting effects of our choices. His writing is deeply poignant, capturing both the beauty and pain of the human experience. Each character’s story adds another layer to the complex web of human connections, reminding us that our lives are shaped not only by our actions but also by the choices of others.
The Origin
Dan Brown was one of my favorite authors as a teenager. I would devour each of his books, almost bingeing on them for hours, lost in the mix of historical mysteries and fast-paced thrillers. So, picking up Origin this summer was a way to relive that euphoria. However, unlike many of his previous works that explore the mysteries of the past, Origin takes a bold leap into the future. It almost feels like a sci-fi movie, filled with cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and questions about the future of humanity.
As someone who isn’t particularly fond of sci-fi movies, I was a bit unsure about how I’d feel about this shift. Yet, Brown’s signature style of constant action, puzzles, and high stakes still made Origin a compelling read for me. The novel is fast-paced, keeping you hooked with its cryptic clues and the suspense of unraveling the mysteries behind the questions: ‘Where do we come from?’ and ‘Where are we going?’ While the futuristic elements may not have been my favorite, Brown’s ability to blend historical intrigue with contemporary issues still kept the story engaging.
Reflecting on these books, I’m reminded of how stories can stir up emotions, transport us to different worlds, and sometimes even change the way we view our own lives. Whether it’s the humor that made me smile, the love that made me sigh, or the melancholy that made me reflect, each one left a lasting impression. Books have a way of staying with you, long after you’ve turned the last page!
