#acheittilyoumakeit

Okay so. I haven't decided if I'll follow through any reading challenge this year, yet. I know it's almost april, idc. BUT. I miss reviewing the books I read, so here they are!

Now that I think about it, I guess you could also name this section as:

Fantasy Books That Resulted In So Much Obsession I Had To Rewatch Their Movies Both Of The Times

The Spiderwick Chronicles (Spiderwick: Le Cronache), by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black. ☆☆☆ Started: January 9, 2025 Finished: January 16, 2025

Ah yes, this one has been the perfect reading to start the year and to keep my reading streak active during my stressful exams session. Y'all don't know how much I've been obsessed with the Spiderwick movie when I was a kid. I've watched the DVD so many times, and at some point I had the xbox videogame too. Needless to say that there was a time when I was so obsessive about it that I had to finish the main story and every side-quest. I think I know the layout of the Grace's house as if it was my own. About the book, I found it in a thrift store on a completely random day when I was with my mom, so I had to buy it. And I started reading it out loud in the car as she drove me back to my apartment. The artworks are so pretty and it was so nice to dive back into the story once again, and as the movie scenes unfolded in my mind, the book filled up holes and added riddles and dialogues and thoughts to the characters' actions. Yes, of course I rewatched the movie when I was done with this book. Yes, I would've wanted to play the videogame again, since I remembered some scenes from the videogame that resembled the book, but weren't shown in the movie (the Knocker!) (I watched some clips on youtube, who do you think I am). Btw I know there's a tv show too, but I'm quite skeptical, I haven't watched it yet. Should I?

The Fellowship of the Ring (La Compagnia dell'Anello), by J.R.R. Tolkien. ☆☆☆☆ Started: January 17, 2025 Finished: March 17, 2025

This book, I can't stop thinking about it. It surprised me enough, even if I had to push myself through some parts. I kept on reading because I could sense the heart behind every word, every poem, every song, every detail, every description, every single piece of the world Tolkien built. Picture me, at times, just laying in my bed, holding the map of Middle-earth right above my head, studying the places and connecting them to their history, as they were mentioned thoughout the story. Yeah, merely connecting the easiest dots. I don't even know what got me so much into this book, since the characters are well crafted, but not that much in depth yet. Okay, maybe that's why I want to keep on reading the next book so much: I want to know more and more about everything and everyone. The established dynamics between each population and the history that bought the world to its current era is sooo complicated, but very real. The relationships between each component of the fellowship are so heartwarming to me, too. I loved how Gimli and Legolas slowly became besties. The way Sam cares about Frodo makes my heart cry every time. The loyalty of the fellowship towards each other is so wonderful to read. I loved reading what every companion brought to the group, I cried when Gandalf sacrificed himself (and after too - yes, to name one, think about the songs about him in Lothlórien), and it felt undoubtedly right for Aragorn to take his place as the head of the fellowship. God, I loved everything about Aragorn, he's been such a binding force for the group, the embodiment of reason and logic and care and truthful loyalty. I fell in love with some places I've only been in with my imagination, one above all was Lothlórien - do I even have to say it? Every description of places felt so real and poetic at the same time. Then I rewatched the movie, and I enjoyed understanding more and more; I was liteally jumping on the chair every time I could grasp a quote or when a piece of history was made clearer or addressed both in the movie and in the book. Note to self: this book reminded me why I love reading so much. I love taking time to appreciate how the pieces are put together, I love that it fucking takes time, like a lot of time, to do stuff like going from a place to another, and every decision is followed by a lot of preparation, thinking, discussing, especially when Frodo's journey will affect everyone inMiddle-earth. I love how every action and dialogue equals more insight on the characters, I love how every poem means knowing more about myths and history and context: these are just some of the things that unfortunately get lost in the movies. So yeah, I just love taking time to appreciate everything, slowly, step by step, just that. [No wonder it took me two months to finish this book. Oh well. Idc.] Oh and by the way, Boromir is alive and well at the end of the book. Let's keep it that way! For a bit, please. I remember only a few things from The Two Towers' movie. I will pretend I know nothing at all. Shhhh. I could go on talking about this book, but let's call it a day for now.

here I am again with two silly reviews because I LIKE putting my opinions on the internet [yeah I know it's only two books in 4 months what can I say I'm struggling to find time and energy to read as always]

Father Sergius (Padre Sergij), by Lev Tolstoj. ☆☆☆☆ started: june 29, 2025 finished: july 3, 2025

I read this short story because I reached a point where I couldn't go on with lotr or anything too long. As much as I miss Tokien rn, I needed a break from the two towers. Anyways, this book surprised me enough, the story is simple and rather short, but the writing style is witty and thoughtful. The soul of the main character, Stepàn Kasatskij - who is later gonna be known as Father Sergius - is inspected in a truly deep way. The ratio behind Father Sergius' personality is clear and coherent: the author isn’t afraid to dig until the very backbone of Kasatskij’s mind is showed and explained. I really liked this book, what can I say, books about inner moral conflicts are my cup of tea. I also think the story doesn’t end up in the “rushed ending” / “unexplained ending” trap, better yet, I think the author does a good job explaining the final reach for meaning of Kasatskij. The one thing I wish was more present, though, was the character of Praskov'ja, who is not talked about enough, imo. I understand that the whole point is her being a one-sided character, since the simpler lives of the ones who live for themselves and others are the most blessed ones, even when they aren’t as close to God as people judge them to be. This is twisted ik, and there are many other interpretations of this story, but I just want to say that I wish the woman who gives hope back to Kasatskij was more inspected too – but this is probably a fault of the time Tolstoj lived in. OH AND LASTLY, I loved Màkovkina and the climax of her meeting with Father Sergius: I was flabbergasted when that thing happened – and I won’t tell you what that is, in case you want to read this little novel – but yeah that one scene was probably one of my favs from this book. OK I’M DONE. written on july 13, 2025

The Cave (La caverna), by José Saramago. ☆☆☆☆ started: july 5, 2025 finished: august 11, 2025

This is the book that went home with me the day I decided I couldn't visit a library without borrowing something. Earlier to this one, I had only read Death with Interruptions by Saramago, and I admit I've enjoyed both of these readings. Observing the bonds that unite this little family slowly unwind before my eyes was beautiful. The relationships are outlined in a clear and concrete way: I truly admire Saramago's ability to well-describe every character using a few thoughts or a few dialogues during each scene. I'm also here for the blatant critic towards capitalism and consumerism, as well as the evident contrast between the barren and fake lives led in the Centre and the simple, yet genuine lives of the ones who inhabit the outside of the city. Nothing too new, maybe, but with enough innovation not to be perceived as something seen over and over again: I think this modern reinterpretation of Plato's philosophy came out quite good, adding to that just enough suspence and profound human connections, too. The plot twist at the end does its job, and then, what can I say, I loved my [spoliers] happy ending, as well as reading of an old man who gives love a second chance. AND let's not forget about a stray stray dog that finds a new and warm home [Trovato ily]. One critic I have may be that, even if this has been a fluent reading, the story proceeds really slowly; besides, I didn't mind the use of the stream of counsciousness – the author used it in Death with Interruptions, too, I knew what to expect – but it's not my favourite writing style, so I would have preferred more details here and there, clearer dialogues, etc. No big deal, tho, this book was definitely worth it! Reading the last pages left my heart with some thoughts to decompress, but lots of hope and love, too. written on august 15, 2025

christmas will bring much more tiring times, so I'm just breathing slowly now, diving into the feeling of having time just for myself, owning my so-wanted freedom. [15th of december, 2024]

I've been blessed with a calm mind and a beautiful sunset. The fresh air of the evening as the sun hides behind the mountains.

I want to remember my parents hugging me thight as I wake up. Reading all day. Petting my little dog and cat as they give me heart eyes.

I stayed home to study, I went out to check a library close to home and then bought some tissues and honey to cure the cold. I read some more, too.

Yesterday tastes like honey and tea, like milk and coffee. Yesterday smells like book pages.

Things I want to remember: the sun on my face as I feel better and walk alone on the street, music in my ears and books in my totebag. Uncluttered books all around me: they cover every wall and surround me. The feeling of catching the eye with a book I've been looking for, as if it was there just waiting for me. Focus over my studies. Had dinner alone, ate spicy noodles while I finished watching the extended version of revenge of the sith.