10 suggestions of books to read
In the world there are two kinds of people: those who love movies and those who love books. Then there are those who love movies and books!
After sharing our suggestions for a film marathon, we challenged UCP's bookstore, represented by Marta Cravo, to share her top 10:
1. 50 Melhores Contos
Machado de Assis
We begin our "readings of isolation" with one of the greatest classics in Portuguese literature. Short texts that serve us as a magnificent introduction to this 19th century Brazilian author.
2. A Vida como ela é
Nelson Rodrigues
Still in Brazil we moved to a contemporary classic. Nelson Rodrigues is an undisputed genius (and equally misunderstood as a self-respecting genius). A collection by the critic Abel Barros Baptista of some of the most fantastic chronicles published in the newspaper column that gives the book its name.
3. Rules of Civility
Amor Towles
Still in the American continent, but further north we find Amor Towles. We change the literary genre to a more dense writing, this one in English (reading in foreign languages helps to stimulate the brain in more critical moments). This novel takes us to a New York on the eve of World War II.
4. The Hypochondriacs
Brian Dillon
An essay in nine texts. Nine mini biographies of famous hypochondriacs - from Marcel Proust to Charlotte Bronte. Sometimes recognising the diversities and achievements of geniuses can help us to place our own lives in perspective.
5. Pyongyang: a journey in North Korea
Guy Delisle
In a moment when we cannot leave home it always feels good to pay attention to travel literature. In this case we have a graphic novel that leads us to visit one of the most inaccessible places on the planet: North Korea. It's a great addition to the international political situation.
6. Matryona's House and Other Stories
Aleksandr Soljenítsin
We could not talk about classics without mentioning a Nobel and especially Russian. An excellent translation into Portuguese by António Pescada which leads us to a much more "popular" reading than other Russian writers we are sometimes more used to.
7. The World of Yesterday: Memories of a European
Stefan Zweig
Already in Western Europe we have Zweig who portrays another war, the first. Memories written in exile where the troubled times of war are confused with a time of peace and hope.
8. Monsier Proust
Céleste Albaret
If at this point we haven't had the courage to pick up the volumes of "In Search of Lost Time", Céleste's memories are an excellent introduction to the author's life. A recent edition in Portuguese shows us that cloistering can bring out beautiful things.
9. The Sense of an Ending
Julian Barnes
Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2011, Barnes is already a classic. A great love storyteller, these "levels" are an ode to his wife. Ballooning, photography and love. Comfort stories.
10. Palomar
Italo Calvino
If our attention is (also) in Italy, reading or rereading Calvino only makes sense.
Palomar was re-edited a few weeks ago. It makes us look for meaning in all things. Even if we can only see the world from the window. If we need comfort we will find it on every page of this book.
Good readings and don't forget: stay home!
#Catolicaathome