February was a relatively slow reading month for me (a grand total of 4)… but in my defense, it is the shortest month! I read some incredible books in February, the ones in bold I will hold dear to my heart in the years to come.
- A Gentleman in Moscow: Urban legend is that I was named after the infamous Russian leader, Nikita Khrushchev because my father was a communist fanboy back in the day. In any case, this book was such a dreamy read — I have always held a strange fascination for the inner workings of hotels, and Russia, for obvious reasons. The book was lush with details about the life of said gentleman in the hotel, with history looming in the background, but not necessarily shadowing the plot. I grew attached to the characters, and even though the book is slow-paced, it felt like an indulgent soak in a warm bath.
- On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous: Half novel, half poem, this book was hard to read, not only because of its content but because of its dreamlike state. I think this book was meant to be felt and not understood. A few of my favorite lines from the book
We made friction of each other and fiction of everything else
Why did I feel more myself while reaching for him, my hand midair, than I did having touched him?
They say nothing lasts forever but they’re just scared it will last longer than they can love it.
Too much joy, I swear, is lost in our desperation to keep it - Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion: This is the book I wish I wrote. I strongly believe that this book will stand the test of time and make it through the annals of history as the conclusive tome of the millennials. Witty, introspective, genuine—this book blew me away with the depth of its insights and the relatability of Jia’s experiences. This book is what Uncanny Valley dreamt of being.
- Principles: Life and Work: Another book that could have been a blog. I don’t understand the hype whatsoever.