THOUGHTS ON HARUKI MURAKAMI'S KILLING COMMENDATORE

This is in no way comprehensive but let's get started. 

The usual Murakami elements in the book are: historical events, phone calls, being somewhere else (a different dimension), moon, a young girl, pits, woods/ trees, an affair, sex, classical music, rain, vanishing, and scenes in the kitchen. 

Killing Commendatore didn't leave me with so many questions unlike most of his previous works. Most of my queries were answered and the ending was pretty much like an ending, if that makes sense. It ends positively, happily maybe. It wouldn't leave you saying "What?! What just happened?" 
Then the readers get to decide and interpret everything unwritten and concealed. 
But this one has a definite ending - not very common of a Murakami book but soothing and relieving. 

I like the idea that the main character/ narrator's name is not revealed and there is no need for that so it's okay. Coming up with Idea and Metaphor as characters was creative and successful. Highly impressive. 

The book has 2 parts, nearly 700 pages in all. Noticeably, the events and happenings were toned down and milder, comparatively, which makes it a safe first Murakami read for those who are actually planning to read his books. Not much of sex, not much of out-of-this-world experiences. It is more on following a life of an introspective, self-reflective painter. 

There was one chapter that was all about the parts of a mansion of one of the characters. One of the slow chapters but still bearable, especially if you are also after descriptive writing. 

One of my favorite parts is whenever the main character would prepare something to eat or drink in his kitchen. Picturing out a simple act of brewing of coffee is therapeutic. 

Final thoughts. The following are some of the things I can relate to while reading Killing Commendatore:

• The Path of Metaphor
• believing someone/ something actually exits
• Art
• your inner power when alone

I bought my hardbound copy for Php 1, 099. 

Enjoy reading, book lovers! ^^ 

On Khaled Hosseini and his books

Khaled Hosseini has always been one of my recommended authors. His works are not a pain to read (I mean the choice of words), though most of his themes and stories are quite heavy. He is an Afghan-American writer/ doctor who knows his roots. He knows what to show and hold back from his readers. There are a number of sensitive issues in his novels that he was able to euphemize without sacrificing the impression of cruel reality. 

I don't have a copy of Sea Prayer yet, his fourth book, but generally speaking, his works are about family, betrayal, love, sacrifice, and friendship. The Kite Runner captivated my heart and it is definitely unforgettable. Never have I read such a story before, pure and heartbreaking. I don't want to give you some spoilers because I want you to experience the journey yourself. Among his books (not including the last one), The Kite Runner takes the number 1 spot.  

The Kite Runner is a story of 2 boys and their friendship. According to the author, it is a father-son story but for me it was more on friendship between Amir and Hassan. Furthermore, it's a story of redemption amidst forces of ferocity. Reading this book is literally life-changing. 

Fully Booked

Probably one of the most sophisticated bookstores I have been to by far. This Fully Booked branch is located along B6, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, Metro Manila. On the first floor, you will be welcomed by a stellar painting of a woman and a pink cat. Take a closer look because it's not a painting on canvas but on books. Take the escalators for more books arranged neatly, not to mention Starbucks on the 3rd floor. Enjoy, bibliophiles!

Bliss

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Bliss is when I wait for each morning to drink my cup of coffee, run my fingers through the pages and look for where I left off. 

Jazz in my head; solitude for my soul.