Hey there! Can you believe it's already the end of April? It feels like it's been ages since I last uploaded a blog post. I just checked, and it's been a whole year! Time really does fly by. It's funny because when I first started this blog, I promised myself I would post regularly and share my thoughts on the books I've been reading. But, as you can see, that didn't last long.

Anyway, I've been doing some reflecting. It's not always easy to find the time to read, but when I do, I'm always blown away by how much I gain from it. The more I read, the more I learn about myself, people, and the world around me. It's been amazing to explore new authors and diverse genres too. I've found that being open-minded with my reading choices has been incredibly enriching.

I am so grateful to have come across Elizabeth Strout, Isabelle Allende, and Lily King this year. Their books have left a lasting impact on me. I can't even describe how much their writing has meant to me.

Thanks to Bookstagrammer's reviews and posts on Instagram, I discovered some incredible writers that have completely changed my reading experience. I owe that experience to the Bookstagram community for bringing those books to my attention. A message to all the Readers, Bookstagrammers, and writers: Keep doing what you're doing, and never underestimate the impact your words can have on someone else's reading journey.

It's incredible to think that something as simple as a book review recommendation, a quote, or just a conversation about books, can lead to such profound experiences for others.

I may not have been able to keep my promise to post regularly, but my reading journey has been such a valuable experience. I'm constantly discovering new authors and books that I absolutely adore. Maybe I'll surprise myself and come back with more blog posts soon!

May your reading journey evolve with every page you read.

Reflecting on My Reading Journey: A Year Later?

Has this ever happened to you? When someone is reading a book you have already read and it makes you think ‘Oh wow that book is amazing and I loved it but don’t ask me about the plot, because I only remember how it made me feel?’ - very specific, I know! (Also, just to be clear I still know what the book is about but not in detail.)

I may not always remember the whole story however I remember how it made me feel.

They say the right book comes into your life at just the right moment. A good book chat or a blog post could lead to a book recommendation with the story you might need at a specific time in your life. Some of you might have even noticed that I don’t leave ratings on books.

I don’t like to rate books because I feel that our connection to the story is very personal, our life experiences are different, and therefore I’m not placed to judge someone's work just because they are not a fit for me or perhaps I’m not the intended audience for it. Rating books are subjective. My reviews consist of how I feel about the book in general and are more bookish thoughts. I also don’t want to discourage anybody from reading a book they might be interested in just because I did not like it.

What one person will love, another will not. Sharing reading experiences is something I strongly believe in.

Reading can help us in so many ways. There are a few books that left a significant impact on my life when I read them for the first time and change something in me. You might look at the list and wonder why is that? You might not even like those books. The feelings might differ if I were to re-read them, but looking back on them fills my heart with happiness. You never know, I might even pick them up again soon.

I read the first one in my early 20s and the rest over time.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear


Which books are special for you?

In my previous post, I shared a few photos of my favorite bookstores in Amsterdam.


This time I‘ll be sharing three different bookstores in three different cities in the Netherlands. I’ve hand-picked these places to inspire joy and I’d love for you to experience that joy too… and also serve as some travel inspiration!

. It’s such a beautiful place to sit and have good coffee while being surrounded by beautiful books.

 is a dream destination for those who love both history and reading, preferably together. Oh, and of course coffee.

Entering a bookstore is like entering a different new world. Choosing the right book can transport you to all kinds of places.


Blog.

Bookstores in the Netherlands

The Hague

Maastricht

Leiden

Mayflower Bookshop A lovely international bookshop.

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Reflecting on My Reading Journey: A Year Later?

Which books are special for you?