If I could read all the books in the world, I would do it in a heartbeat —starting with the dozen unread ones on my shelves. The thought of all the stories I could discover throws me into an intense windstorm that eventually leaves me paralyzed with doubt. I needed a bit of direction, so while I organized my books (after putting it off for a month) I set aside a few I would like to read by the end of the year. I’m not sure if I will finish all of them, but still wanted to share them in case someone else would be attracted to some of them.
Nosotras que nos queremos tanto by Marcela Serrano
I was unaware of the existence of this book and found it by chance while looking through the bookshelves at Goodwill. As soon as I saw its worn spine and oxidized pages, I knew I had to take it home. I genuinely don’t know much about the story, only that it explores women reclaiming their voices. Aside from that, I have to admit I was deeply fascinated by the state of the book and how easily I could see somebody enjoyed it before I did. I opened it and found a boarding pass from an Ecuadorian airline. I can see the person’s name, that they traveled from Miami to Guayaquil, and that it took place in March. It has all the elements that make both a book and its story appealing to me, especially because reading in Spanish feels like a warm embrace.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
This is one of those books I always felt drawn to but never found the time to read. After taking a class in college about Gothic literature, I really enjoyed how these stories can evoke so many sentiments at once. All the surroundings are vivid yet dreamy yet suspenseful. I’ve tried my best to not know any more details about the story, but I’m looking forward to finally adding this classic to my read list and diving into Gothic literature again for some much-needed nostalgia.
Near to the Wild Heart by Clarice Lispector (or maybe Agua Viva, we’ll see!)
There is something about Clarice Lispector that attracts me so much. I already read a few pages of this and was fascinated by how she effortlessly invites the reader to experience all the senses in the story, from sound to touch. I see it as a beautiful ability that turns a story into an experience. I'm not sure if I will read this one or Agua Viva. Nonetheless, I am excited to fully experience her stories and prose.
Family Lexicon by Natalia Ginzburg
I purchased my copy of this book when I was at my favorite bookstore, which is a bit far from my home, but always worth the trip. At the time, they had a tiny shelf dedicated to the vibrant editions from the New York Review of Books. I always gravitate towards stories that explore the ordinary, the day-to-day lives that seem boring at first glance but ultimately have depth (especially when they have exile undertones). It's also translated from Italian. I usually try to read books translated from Romance languages in Spanish, because I feel I'm a bit closer to the original version, but this edition was too beautiful and intriguing to leave behind.
Honorable mentions:
Some other books that I want to read but don't see myself finishing in a short amount of time. These are mostly poetry, essays, or fiction that can be a bit heavier on the mind. I think there are some books we genuinely need to savor and allow some time for them to affect us, and these are some of them.
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky: I tried to read Notes from the Underground earlier this year but stopped because I wasn't in the mindset for it. People say White Nights is a better introduction to his writing, so I might get to it before the end of the year so I can finally understand (or maybe disagree with) the Dostoevsky love!
Crossing the Water by Sylvia Plath: I always loved The Bell Jar and read a few of her poems when I was nineteen. I wrote some essays on her poetry and her literary presence, and I desperately want to revisit her writing and the effect it had on me in the past.
The Diary of Anais Nin (1931-1934): I find Anais Nin so fascinating and unique. She’s the type of woman who truly believed in herself and defied so many standards in the world. Aside from that, her writing is so emotional and captivating, that she basically creates a portrait of whatever she is living through. I want to read some of her entries but know I will not be finishing them in one sitting.
Philosophies of Art & Beauty, Selective Readings in Aesthetics: This is more of a textbook, with a compilation of essays from many philosophers. I bought this on a whim after I saw it beautifully standing on my friend’s bookshelf and can’t wait to read at least one of the essays in it.
If you made it to this point thank you so much for reading! Please let me know if you’ve read any already (as well as your opinion on them!) or if you have any other books on your to-read list for this Fall.
rebecca is the ULTIMATE fall read !!! i hope you love it 🫶🏼