the perks of being a wallflower

"'Maybe he didn't really encourage me to do things, but he didn't prevent me from doing them either. But after a while, I didn't do things because I didn't want him to think different about me. But the thing is, I wasn't being honest. So, why would I care whether or not he loved me when he didn't really even know me?"'

Yes, I read this book for the first time, at age 29. But I loved it regardless (I'm a huge Salinger fan). And I knew I loved Sam from the first chapter she was mentioned...I felt like I could relate to her in some way, more than I could with Charlie (can't really hate the guy either, though you wish you could tell him to stop crying or give him a hug).

I will also be on the lookout for a copy of Fountainhead as that is the only book mentioned in this novel that I haven't read.

"Books, like all art, breed in us desire."

I know, I know, you're probably sick of me talking about it, but this is why I LOVE TheRumpus.net. And to be honest, it's been a while since I've sat down on a weekend day, with my massive breakfast and coffee to read the website. But articles like this, that seriously move me (I have butterflies in my stomach now) makes me feel that I'm okay. That it's okay that I want to go back to school. It's okay that I want to spend this beautiful spring day by myself to finish my book (A Visit From the Goon Squad). That even if I fall out of love with coffee, I will never fall out of love with reading and books. That I can continue to move for jobs, and stay friendless because I will always have my books (the ones I love keep moving). Okay, now I'm getting stupid but you get the point right?

I have about 100 pages left in Goon Squad and I'm loving it. Egan has an amazing way of letting you really understand the long list of characters without downplaying the importance of all of them, if that makes sense. You know, like the charming people who can make you feel like the-most-important-person-in-the-world at a party but make a dozen people feel that way before you even realize it. I will definitely be seeking out her other books.

The Golden Notebook, no I haven't given up on it yet.

What are you reading these days Caitlin?

Just like back in the day

I've been craving time at Barnes and Noble and Borders lately, which I live by both a few miles apart. It got me thinking about all the time I spent as a young adult/teenager when I would camp out for hours just reading, thinking. Maybe I need to read more, think less.

Writing and reading

Hey there,

I have to say, I had one of the best weekends ever. And that is good to say, especially since I really thought I was going to drive down to Washington D.C. on a whim and then was really bummed when the reality of money/time/work came into play.

I got a pleasant surprise from a talented friend of mine. A package in the mail with a book and homemade soap. Seriously, she is one of my heroes. The book you may ask... was Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord. And because my friend is so awesome and because I'm not really feeling the The Golden Notebook yet (I told myself that I would give it to 150 pages before I give up) I started reading it right away and finished within a few hours. And I enjoyed it! It reminded me a little of The Alchemist but in search of ..well, happiness (duh).

It was interesting to have the idea of happiness broken down into a list and formulas. Many of the points I agreed with. The story didn't blow my mind, though it got me thinking (and confirmed a few things as well). This never ending search for happiness isn't pointless, but rather hopeless in a way. I decided that when I have a fleeting moment of happiness, I will try to cherish it. Because in general, I have it pretty good in my life (knock on wood!).

And just to keep myself in check, I started to write again. On anything-whatever pops in my head and though most of it is in stream of consciousness, I'm just gonna go with it. I feel that it's good for me especially now. Much like this blog, har har.

I also started A Visit From the Goon Squad. It is turning out to be a great start (I can't say that about most books I start reading). The novel has characters that work at a record label and it has me nostalgic for my music times in San Diego (no, I never worked at a label, but thought one day I would).