Book Talk Februar-April 2022 – What I read

With everything going on here in the past month there wasn’t a lot of reading done in February and March. And of course not much blogging either. Then after the surgery I had a bit more time again and in April my reading time spiked and I was able to catch up on my yearly reading goal. I decided to make a post of the last three months to catch up. Hopefully following a monthly schedule of my read books after that.

Since I was not able to read much with backing boxes I signed up for a trial run on audiobooks. So ia have a few of those now but overall I am not sure the books I listen to get the same (high) rating as they would if I actually read them. They all seem a bit more mellow. Anyhow lets start and maybe you find something interesting here for your TBR.

The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gaarder | ★★★★★

What it is about: Three books in one. Hans-Thomas is setting out with his father to find his mother. She has been gone for years “to find herself”. On the drive from Norway to Athens they regularly stop for cigarette breaks. This is when is father takes him on another story – a philosophical journey about fate, love, purpose and finding yourself. And then there is a magical story. A tiny book Hans-Thomas finds in a bakery hidden in a roll.
What I thought: I just love this book and I have read it many times. I believe it is the best work of this author – one of my all time favorite as I mentioned before. I enjoy the magical story most. It is so brilliantly with its own work based on a pack of cards. Each card a character and they have a whole calendar that works flawlessly. And of course in the end all three stories combine into one ending. It is a book for young adults but I have read it in all phases of life and it was never boring and I always picked up a new aspect. I have also talked about it in this podcast episode from Heybooklovers (in German).
Original Language and Title: Norwegian “Kabalmysteriet”
Publications: German: “Das Kartengeheimnis” hardcover, paperback, ebook || English: “the Solitaire Mystery” hardcover, paperback, ebook
Recommend to: Everyone should read in my opinion. But especially if you enjoy philosophical wisdom.

Marianengraben by Jasmin Schreiber | ★★★★★

What it is about: Paula has lost her brother and and her life purpose. Depression has taken over her life. Thee first visit to her brothers grave has her meet an old man Helmut. From here on they have to stick together – until the end.
What I thought: I enjoyed this book very much. I liked how you follow Paula in getting out of her depression after loosing her brother. I like the humor in the book. The way death is portrait and part of life. And while still being sad and missing someone life still has joyful moments, interesting conversations and silence that you need to accept. I enjoyed both characters and found some believable and fun to follow.
Original Language and Title: German: “Marianengraben” hardcover, paperback, ebook
Publications: Not translated yet unfortunately
Recommend to: Everyone enjoying a heartwarming story about two very different characters that each have their own battle.

Der Wind singt unser Lied by Meike Werkmeister | ★★★★☆

What it is about:

Globetrotter Toni is everywhere and nowhere at home – until a call from her father brings her back to the North Sea. St. Peter-Ording, with its pretty thatched-roof houses and miles of sandy beach, is paradise on earth for many. But Toni has never really felt at home here, where the wind whistles around the houses all year round. Even now, her old home is not making it easy for her. Her parents are getting crankier and crankier, and everything reminds her of her first great love. While helping out on the family’s vacation farm, Toni realizes that she has to tackle life to give it a new direction.
What I thought: Its my third book by this author and I was not disappointed. I read it in one sitting and it was the perfect “after surgery” book. Happy thoughts, happy places and easy flow. I enjoyed this one a lot. As with all her books at the end you find some extra goodies such as a recipe, a card or some DIY ideas.
Original Language and Title: paperback, ebook
Publications: unfortunately no translations as of now.
Recommend to: Everyone loving an adult love story taking place at the Nordic Sea – perfect vacation read.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller | ★★★★☆

What it is about: Elle is happily married – or is she? Every summer the family spends in a cabin in the woods on the lake. Its a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone and everything. Here she meets her childhood friend Jonas. One night more is happening. We follow Elles dilemma of two man, to choices.
What I thought: It was a book club pick and again probably not a book that would have made it to the top of my list. I enjoyed reading it but at times I also had to eye roll a bit. I didn’t particular like any character int he book. Jonas seemed the most sane one here. Despite everyone in my bookclub and most people in in general I dont think she pick any of the two guys in the end. Probably the most ineteresting thing for me about this book. It is a good summer beach time read.
Original Language and Title: hardcover, paperback, ebook
Publications: German “Der Papierpalast” hardcover, ebook
Recommend to: Everyone who enjoys a book about older characters, love and friendship and a quick fun read.

Der Buchspazierter by Carsten Henn | ★★★★☆

What it is about: An old man is delivering books to his customers. He is close to being retired and sad to leave his beloved bookstore behind. The books he picks are always perfectly matched to his clients who – for different reason never really go to the bookstore and rely on Carl for the delivery. But when you look closer the clients all have another story to tell.
What I thought: Listened to this one on audiobook and enjoyed it. It was perfect for packing up my books. I found the old man very likable and the cheeky girl Schascha a good match to him. The power of books and what they can do is a really great story.
Original Language and Title: German “Der Buchspazierer” hardcover, ebook
Publications: I have seen some Eastern European languages but no English translation as of now.
Recommend to: Everyone who enjoys a book about books and a great old-young duo as main characters.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz | ★★★☆☆

What it is about: Oscar is a sweet but disastrously overweight, lovesick Dominican ghetto nerd. From his home in New Jersey, where he lives with his old-world mother and rebellious sister, Oscar dreams of becoming the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkien and, most of all, of finding love. But he may never get what he wants, thanks to the Fukú—the curse that has haunted Oscar’s family for generations, dooming them to prison, torture, tragic accidents, and, above all, ill-starred love. 
What I thought: I found it rather interesting how Díaz interloped the history but also the mindset and the living of the DR in this novel. I happened to google a lot and read up on historical background. Oscar itself was likable but also a bit disgusting in places. Overall it was a good social study on society. But it was a but bumpy too read for me at times.
I have read this book as part of my “Read around the World” challenge – it was my book for The Dominican Republic.
Original Language and Title: hardcover, paperback, ebook
Publications: German “Das kurze wundersame Leben des Oscar Wao” hardcover, paperback
Recommend to: Everyone who likes a book about society and loners and want to learn more about the Domician Republic.

The Life-Changing Magic of Cleaning by Marie Kondo | ★★★✶☆

What it is about: Transform your home into a permanently clear and clutter-free space with the incredible KonMari Method. Japan’s expert declutterer and professional cleaner Marie Kondo will help you tidy your rooms once and for all with her inspirational step-by-step method. 
What I thought: Perfect book to listen to while packing up a household and then unpacking. I had seen the Netflix show before so it wasn’t all new and some things helped to picture what she talked about (like folding clothes). It definitely is good book to challenge your own habits and rethink certain things. However I do find that at times it is a bit over the top and I am not sure if Marie Kondo might not have some sort of psychological issue.
Original Language and Title: hardcover, paperback, ebook
Publications: German: “Magic Cleaning – Wie richtiges Aufräumen ihr Leben verändert” paperback, ebook
Recommend to: Everyone who needs to get a bit more organized and needs some motivation in tidying up and decluttering.

Ich hab Migräne und was ist deine Superpower by Bianca Leppert | ★★★☆☆

What it is about: The authors story of handling her migraine peppered with lots of hard facts of current studies, interview with migraine experts about medication and research.
What I thought: it was interesting enough to follow along. However I didnt really learn all that much new things. It was very personal at times talking about the authors own story. I believe when you were just diagnosed with it its really powerful. I live with a migraine for over 15 years now and I think I have accepted and understood a lot. So for me it was a good audiobook to follow but I would have been disappointed if I spend much money on it.
Original Language and Title: paperback, ebook
Publications: not translated as of now
Recommend to: Everyone who needs to understand their migraine a bit better and needs encouraging words.

Mindset: How positive thinking will set you free & help achieve massive success in life by Benjamin Smith | ★★★☆☆

What it is about: A guide to positive thinking. Starting with some introduction why its necessary and helpful and then becoming a bit more practical.
What I thought: It was a nice enough read and some things made me think. But to be honest it wasn’t really mind blowing. Basically – with a lot of such works – you could find anything somewhere on the internet for free. But here you could read it in a book.
Original Language and Title: paperback, ebook
Publications: not available in other languages as far I know
Recommend to: Everyone needing some easy quick read and an introduction to the topic.

Du Darfst Nicht Alles Glauben Was Du Denkst – Meine Depression by Kurt Krömer | ★★★☆☆

What it is about: One of Germans most popular and beloved comedian is talking about his depression and how it has affected his life, his relationships and his work. Very honest very transparent and very authentic.
What I thought: I was a bit disappointed in this book somehow. It was sure entertaining and I enjoyed listening to it. However I felt like it was not serious enough. When you suffer depression for 30 years you dont get “fixed” in an 8 week program for will be immune to another episode. Not sure if he just did this book and is still riding high of finally being able to life again. I sure wish him all the luck that he’ll never has to be back in darkness. However I am not sure if that is very helpful to other patients…
Original Language and Title: paperback, ebook
Publications: not available in other languages as far I know
Recommend to: Everyone needing some easy quick read and an introduction to the topic.

New books on the shelves

I decided in 2022 I will also share how many books make it to my TBR list (only books I own otherwise we would sit here in years) and occupy my shelves right above the reading chair and also on my digital home on the kindle. Feel free to ask me in a few weeks if I have read it yet. HA

• Das Kartengeheimnis by Jostein Gaarder – as an ebook version
• Of Woman and Salt by Gabriela Garcia – a kindle steal
• Northern Spy by Flynn Berry – a 0,99€ kindle steal
• Das größere Wunder by Thomas Glavinic – a present from my colleague to enjoy during surgery recovery
• Meine geniale Freundin by Elena Ferrante – a find in the little library when I dropped something off

So much so for my books in the last month. As I said I am catching up on my reading goals. Do you have a book recommendation for books by a born author of Argentina, El Salvador or Chile? I want to move forward on my Read Around the World challenge a bit more.

Happy reading,

Tobia