I can hear the wind howling outside, tapping my windows as if to say, "Stay comfy indoors, it's a wild party out here." Keeping warm with thick knit socks and a big comforter wrapped around me, I think it's time to write another post about books I've read, loved and questioned. Let's do this. 

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

I started to run when I was a teenager. It just happened one afternoon. I decided to run. Just like that. I remember the difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, the feeling of wanting to fall flat on my face. The first few runs were so difficult, but I loved the feeling of having a clear mind right after. I didn't know much about running then to be honest. I didn't stretch afterwards properly, I didn't pace myself. I was just running for the heck of it. Boy, when my knees started to hurt, I knew I better read up. 

You see, Haruki Murakami's book isn't necessarily your typical running book. Murakami doesn't exactly give you advice on how to run. Rather, he paints this beautiful picture of his experience as a runner throughout the years. His writing is simply dreamy. I couldn't put this book down and when I did, it was mostly because I wanted to go for a run. I appreciated the parallels he described between writing and running, how his experience of these two activities were interlinked. Think about it. sometimes you run to clear your mind so you can write. Sometimes, you write and then your brain tells you it's time to do something else. What better way than to stretch your legs? 

I wish to have a colourful running history as Murakami. I particularly loved his storytelling of all the runs that failed, his successes and everything else in between. A must-read for anyone who loves to run, to write or simply who loves the creations of Murakami. 

Dear knees, don't fail me just yet. 

What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir by Kristin Newman 

Let's just say that 2015 was a year of memoir reading and soul-searching (to continue this 2016, to be sure). A few friends have gotten married or engaged, moved in together with their partners. And there I was (and still am), single to no end. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining that I'm not in a relationship, I simply make the most of it. (But you, man with green eyes, why do we ignore each other?)

I found this book one night, a brilliant stroke of luck. I was planning to purchase another book, but instead, the title of this book caught my eye. I'm glad I purchased it instead! Kristin Newman recounts her relationships or lack thereof, of her career struggles and then success, of all her travels as a single woman and then, finally, of falling in love with a man who made her want to stay put. Her honesty and wit are refreshing, as if I can hear her laughter. Her stories are also something else! They make my solo travels very tame and boring. Maybe Argentina and Brazil should be my next stop. 

It's not exactly validity, but reading about another person's experience that, in general, resonates to my own is a breath of fresh air. If you're single and just trying to live your life to the fullest, in the most colourful way possible, please, do yourself a favour and read this book. It's one heck of a turbulent plane ride, but with the view of the brightest rainbow. 

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

Did I always call myself a feminist? No. Did I even know what a feminist was growing up? No, not really. Did I feel as if there's inequality between the sexes that favoured one over the other in most cases? Yes, absolutely. 

Feminism is essential. I'll keep it simple as that. Anyone who dismisses the need for feminism in today's world needs to be educated. Really. A good way to start would be by reading Roxane Gay's collection of essays. These essays are funny, witty and smart. Her voice is loud and clear, but not forceful. I appreciated that she made the essays personal, not generalising. This is an account of her feminist experience, from when she was a young girl learning about the world to now, as a woman. The range of her essays' subjects vary greatly to a wonderful effect. I particularly loved that she touched upon subjects that have been newsworthy (for example, the continuous debate whether abortion should be legalised). She weaves her stories to indicate the woman she has become, all the paradox that comes with it. I'm sure you'll read some of these essays and go, "Oh, that's totally me!" 

I cannot recommend this book more than I already do. It's a wonderful and insightful read. No judgments. Just plain truth of someone who thinks of herself as a "bad feminist." But then again, the only bad thing is to deny feminism. 

How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas

Confession: I have a cheesy love for anything involving Paris and Parisians. Just like Audrey Hepburn, I also think Paris is always a good idea. Look, the history of Paris has been rocky and romanticised, but you cannot deny the beauty that lies there still. All the opportunities. All the secrets. The je ne sais quoi that lies in street corners, waiting for you to discover the offerings of this magical city. 

When this book first came out, my reaction was, "God, no, not another one." After a few weeks, however, I purchased a copy (because it was on sale) and I bit my tongue. This book is uncannily funny! Hilarious! That little story about first dates and ordering at a restaurant made me laugh so much. There are truths. There are also, at least I think, bits and pieces that we generalise as Parisien, but that I highly doubt always apply. But you see, isn't that the charm of Paris? The idea that all Parisiens are this chic? Mais, oui, oui. It's a book to take lightly, but I do think it's written beautifully. I just feel a little cooler. Just a bit. 

So, if you dream of Paris or at least to unleash the Parisienne in you, grab this book and read away.  Put on a shirt and light perfume, moisturise and choose the red lipstick, and you're good to go. 

Au revoir !