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Growing up, I was a very productive child. I juggled between infinite interests that occupied the majority of my afternoon hours and engaged in every gifted programme known to men. I played piano, demolished every Spelling Bee, aced every test, tutored kids in my class, did gymnastics and awakened collective rage from boys as I made them eat my dust on the track team. I was the kind of kid that teachers called “a pleasure to have in class” and constantly praised for everything that I did, but among all the different hobbies I had pursued, I only really cared for one- books. I was the world’s biggest, nerdiest, most passionate bookworm. Ask each and every kid that went to primary school with me- I had a book in my hands at all times. The librarians at my local library and I were on a first name basis and I knew the place’s schedule by heart. Unfortunately, as every gifted kid’s inevitable fate goes, I burnt out.
Around fifth or sixth grade I started showing symptoms of mental illness that are still with me to this day, but at the time, I was helpless and clueless in front of this big, bad wolf- throwing me off the track I worked so hard to pave. I stopped showing up to school, quit piano and all physical activities, and naturally, I also quit reading.
Four years of intense therapy and countless hospital visits have paid off, for that I finally feel alive again, but most importantly- I am happy enough to feel passion for my interests, and oh, how excited I was to get back to reading after such a long hiatus. In my previous article, you got a glimpse into my fabulous taste in literature, but not into my thoughts about said literature (which I’m sure has kept you up at night in wonder).
Fortunately, I am here to fix that, introducing: Mari’s Book Club, where I occasionally talk about books I’ve recently read in full belief that somebody out there cares.
Video Courtesy of Kelly Writers House
And on today’s episode, my latest read, My Year Of Rest And Relaxation. When I picked this book up a few weeks ago, I wanted to hate it with every fibre in my body. I got sick and tired of seeing it all over social media, and laughed as people made it into a bloody accessory, but curiosity got the best of me and I decided to read it. Getting through the first half of the book took me what felt like forever, and I was very close to giving up on it and declaring it rubbish simply because I found its mundanity boring. Once I’ve got some sense knocked into me (a friend pestering me to appreciate the mundane in books and not to chase thrill in my literary experience), I finally got it. MYOR&R is a brilliant take on the mundanity of going insane, telling the story of a nameless narrator who wishes to sleep- surprise, surprise- for an entire year. It’s witty and bizarre, and whether or not the narrator is likeable is highly debatable.
I recommend it if you like/enjoy: Gillian Flynn’s writing, character studies, psychology-centred novels, slow-paced novels, non plot-centred novels.
Overall Marianne Rating: 8/10!
Until next time,
-Mari
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