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| Hemingway's studio at his house in Key West, Florida |
When I choose books, I usually read the jacket and sometimes, the first few pages to see if I get hooked. I gravitate towards names, cities, or events that I consider somewhat meaningful (I guess because I secretly wish to be linked to the story). When this happens, I believe it’s a serendipitous find. It’s a Eureka moment, I tell myself, “I must have this book!”
I’ll give you a couple of examples. I read The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shafak, and I fell in love with two paradoxical characters that were not only beautifully developed but intriguing as well. I empathized with Asya, the rebellious and non-conformist daughter of a tattoo parlor owner. I envisioned myself being on the streets of Istanbul again as I read the rich description of the city. This was the same case with Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits, a book that I couldn’t put down (literally!). I read this book in 1998 and I still remember some scenes and characters.Last summer while browsing the sidewalk sales (commonly known in Montreal as vente de trottoir), I came across a book titled, Claudia. I flipped the pages to see if this was a serendipitous find or just “another” book on the sales table. Well, I was thrilled when I discovered one of the characters was born in the same month and year as me. The main character has lived and visited the same cities/countries I have, and even the cover of the book it’s meaningful to me. I bought it! How could I leave it behind? It was only $1.00 and it was in mint condition. I’m reading it now and so far, I’m enjoying it. Let’s see if I change my mind once I finish it.
Have you found books you regard as a serendipitous find? Have you come across books that you consider “a must have”?
Hey!Happy Wednesday,Claudia! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of Hemingway's studio - how could one fail to write great works in a surrounding like that?
As for that book find? Sadly no, but then, I'm not exactly out there looking through book shops and second-hand book shops. There is yet but time.
Hope you're well and happy with life :)
Kind regards,
Mark
Hi Mark,
DeleteGlad you liked the photo. My hubby took it while we were vacationing in Key West in Dec 2009. I absolutely loved Hemingway's house and everything in it. His house and all the cats in it inspired me to write a story about it. ;)
Hope you're having a lovely day!
That is so cool how you find new books. And you're so lucky you found a book about a character that shares so many similarities to you. I've never had that happen to me, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteThe way I find books is rather easy. If I like the title, the cover, and the blurb, I buy.
Hi Angelina,
DeleteI guess everyone has a "method" of choosing that special book. For me, it takes more than just the title or the blurb. I usually don't go with the bestsellers or what the critics recommend. I believe in synchronicity therefore, the books I choose are meant for me to read. ;)
I feel the same way about "House of Spirits". But regarding finds, I discovered a book called "Tale of 12 Kitchens" at the dollar store of all places. It is now completely dog-eared and bookmarked. It's written as a collection of stories, recipes, and scraps of photos all pinned together. I still can't believe my luck with that one!
ReplyDeleteHi Raquel,
DeleteThis book you mentioned sounds interesting. It reminds me of "Aphrodite" by Isabel Allende. Have you read it? She uses story-telling to evoke the pleasures of food and sex by writing about the senses and aphrodisiacs. It's kind of "Like Water for Chocolate", the movie. ;)
I loved both the book and movie "Like Water". So I will add "Aphrodite" to my reading list now! Thanks!
DeleteMy serendipitous books usually involve humor in some way. And yes, it's always cool when I find them :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
DeleteSome of the books I've read include some sort of humorous scenes, which is a nice relief, when one's reading a sad book.
I remember stumbling across "The Master and Marguerita" and picked it up and read the blurb ONLY because the book cover had a cartoon drawing of a black cat in a magician's coat waving a wand! One of the best books I've ever ever read - fabulous! But if the cover didn't have a black cat in a magician's outfit I doubt if I'd have given it a second glance! LOL!
ReplyDeleteAwwww Claudia - I LOVE your knew avatar! You look GORGEOUS!! Take care
x
Hi Jennifer,
DeleteIsn't it amazing? You gave this book a chance based on the book cover given that you love cats ;) Glad this was a serendipitous find for you. Thank you for your compliments on my new pic, you're TOO kind :)
Say hello to Charlie!
I love browsing book stalls and markets. I came across 'A Year in Tuscany' at one, and once I read the first page, I couldn't stop.
ReplyDeleteHi Talli,
DeleteOh, you've piqued my curiosity now. I wonder if it's a bit like "Under the Tuscan Sun". I'll look for it ;)
You find books pretty much the same way I do. I love perusing aisles in book stores and serendipitously discovering brilliant authors I have not read before.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephen,
DeleteYep! I've discovered wonderful authors by chance. If they continue to captivate me, I become their fan. ;)
Usually I listen to people who know what I might like. I browse too, but in flea markets and second hand book stores. I'm too poor to buy new ones and I don't have a nook. I'll read the summary and open it up about a quarter of the way to see how the plot is moving. I hate slow books. I have ADD and they drive me nuts.
ReplyDeleteHi Dan,
DeleteThere's nothing wrong with buying second-hand books. I've done it so many times. I love entering these shops because you can smell the leather and old yelowish paper. My local library holds two seasonal sales and I always come out with great finds.
Hanta Yo - by Ruth Beebe Hill, bought from a stall in Marakesh Square. It's a beauful evocation of the Sioux in their prime. The other book of great sentiment is Centennial by Michener bought for me as a gift from someone I loved.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike,
DeleteIsn't that nice? I love it when people give me books as gifts, especially when it's a book I've enjoyed.
I agree, Claudia, when you have one of those 'moments' of serendipity, you should keep whatever object triggered the moment.
ReplyDelete(Re the photo) I visited the Hemingway house in Key West, but the studio wasn't open to tours at the time, so I'm glad you shared the photo.
It takes a certain awareness to spot those moments. I love the idea of finding a book with your name on it that has so many similarities with your own life.
I wrote about events that I considered serendipitous in this post (http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.com/2011/09/right-place-must-have-been-write-time.html)
Enjoyed this post and like your new photo!
Hi D.G.,
DeleteOh, I'm so happy you visited Hemingway's house. You can't go to Key West and skip this visit. Too bad you didn't get to see his studio. I was in awe. I even told my husband that I felt Hemingway's presence (not in a spooky way but in a literary/spiritual way).
Glad you liked this post and thank you for sharing your link about serendipitous events. I'll go check it out.
Its a nice blog..
ReplyDeleteAnd I liked that photo..
My sis is same as you do.
She really loves to hang out in reding books.
Regards from India,
jaice
beinalone.blogspot.com
Hi Jaice,
DeleteWelcome to my blog! Thank you for your kind words. I'll drop by your blog, too. ;)
Hope to see you around!
Like Kitty, I love your new Avatar, Claudia.
ReplyDeleteAs to the last question: Yes. All the time. I bought Girl of the Limberlost at a used bookstore because I just had to have it. Haven't read it yet, but I will!
I do what you do. I always read the jacket. I look at the back to read about the author. I, too, read the first pages.
Hemingway: I love that photograph of his room. I have his collected short stories in a print book that I also just HAD to have. I got it online through a used book seller, and it's in mint condition.
Ann Best, Memoir Author of In the Mirror & Imprisoned
Hi Ann,
DeleteYou're so sweet. Thank you for your compliment on my new pic ;)
Oh, I'm so happy to hear there are so many readers out there choosing books the same way I do :D
Regarding Hemingway's studio, I wish my office looked like this. Perhaps I would get inspired to write more often.
Thank you for dropping by!
Lovely blog! If I like the blurb then I buy a book. Not so much as the cover. Because I know the covers don't really matter. What's inside matter more.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you found a book with characters similiar to you.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Hope to see you around again ;)
DeleteI actually shy away from buying books without a trusted recommendation. If there's a question, I'll get it from the library first, then buy it if I liked it in the hopes of meeting the author some day. However, like you, I would have purchased Claudia for sure - that kind of connection is very unique. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
DeleteFor me, if it's a recommendation from a friend, yes, I'll check the book out. However, I don't usually trust critics. And yes, I bought this book because of its title and other similarities ;)
I thumb through books and used book stores and that's how a lot of books end up on my shelves. It's such a pleasure to go book-hunting. It's like going to an art gallery. I like your way of determining whether or not it's a serendipitous find.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth,
DeleteThank you for dropping by and sharing your comment. I love browsing the shelves of old bookstores and libraries. I can easily spend hours there. :D
If I like the blurb and how the book feels, I buy it. I also like to buy old books. I love books with cut paper, they just feel like something special...
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
DeleteIf I have a doubt about a certain book, I borrow it from the library. Used book sales are fun, so if I pay 0.50 or $1.00 for a book that I don't like, it's no big loss ;)