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Schoolgirl by Osamu Dazai: Melancholic Contemplation

Arriving all the way from USA, I had a tiny traveler plop down right in front of my desk. The moment I held the book, I immediately focused long and hard on the book cover. I've had my small share of contemporary Japanese novels and each had very interesting designs, but not one is as gently arresting as this Schoolgirl by Osamu Dazai published by One Peace Books . Soft yet stark. I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, but it certainly is a good way to hold the interest of the readers. A closer look at the cover would remind one of things that are "beautiful in its simplicity". Everybody knows the Japanese aesthetics, a "set of ancient ideals that include wabi (transient and stark beauty), sabi (the beauty of natural patina and aging), and yûgen (profound grace and subtlety). * " Reflecting at these values, it's wonderful to observe how the cover follows the flow of wabi and yugen, isn't it? But a book should offer more than...
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Books in the Mail: HarperCollins Stash for August-September

I've just about settled here in Manila, yet my address is giving me a headache. I've only been used to a residential address, not a condominium unit number so I'm always worried about lost mail. I didn't think that my Harper Collins books would find its way to me. Until one fine morning: I was absolutely crazy happy. I have very little faith in Manila postal offices due to horrendous reports of misdirected mail, opening of packages, and even high taxation of mailed goods which is so ridiculous #thirdworldproblems and all that. I received two packages from Harper Collins on the same week, so you can just imagine me jumping for joy. Here are the books I received from several months' worth: I am an avid fan of Harper Collins, even before they noticed me and my blog. They are one of the publishing houses that I love because their editors and agents are AMAZING! They source out new authors and get them published, and those are testament to their great ...
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Atoning

Okay so it's not a clever title. Well, I am currently reading Atonement by Ian McEwan (wow, I've been at this book for aaaages) and I am trying to atone for the lack of posts lately! We were having--- actually we still are having a tough time at home. We're moving!!! Been pretty busy with the repairs of the new home and packing all our stuff. *Sniff, Sniff* I feel really sad leaving our home. We've lived there for around 13 years. Hopefully we can all scramble and leave before September 18. And ugh, it's such a downer to spend September 19 unpacking and decorating our home. It's my b irthday , I was planning to host a Crab Party! :( Anyway, I thought I would just like to share my favorite quotes on Atonement , if you don't mind. I love this book. Everytime I read a passage that struck me, I hastily jot it down. The book is wonderfully written, it is so erudite! The story itself makes me contemplate on the dynamics of family, the strength of imagination ...
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