Day 88 – I discovered something: the meaning of my life was whatever I wanted it to be (Pg 145)

I am sorry dear blog, I have been neglecting you. Fortunately however, I have not been neglecting my reading and have just finished The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho. Next to The Alchemist (see cover below) it is my favourite Paulo Coelho. The Fifth Mountain is the story of the prophet Elijah who fled from persecution in his own country. Finding himself in a foreign country with foreign gods, he struggles to follow a god who seems not to support him and provide him only with challenges.

While I am by no means religious (I am agnostic at best, a true fence sitter!) This story has a philosophical base which has helped to change my point of view on life in general and be more accepting of the way things are. The story enlightens the reader with ideas of hope, discipline and patience. One cannot stop the unavoidable, they simply must overcome it. I would like to share a few more quotes from the book;


“But no one can lose sight of what he desires. Even if there are moments when he believes the world and the others are stronger. The secret is this: do not surrender.” Pg 28

“Tragedies do happen. We can discover the reason, blame others, imagine how different our lives would be had they not occurred. But none of that is important: they did occur, and so be it. From there onward we must put aside the fear that they awoke in us and begin to rebuild.” Pg 212 - 213

My refreshing outlook may also have something to do with the fact that I have had two very positive job interviews this last week. Neither were for the internship I was hoping for, but they are far from jobs I would not enjoy. And so with patience and hope I face the coming week.

197 days remaining, 26 books to go.

Day 49 – It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains (pg 13)

It’s Thursday, but I have had a bit of difficulty getting started this week. I feel like I have been on a lovely holiday after a birthday weekend filled with good company, good food and perfect weather, what more can a girl ask for? I did receive one book as a gift which will have to be read before the end date; The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho. I also received a gift voucher for a bookshop, however I am doing my best to stay away!

I am a little disappointed with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. There are some very promising sections, where remarks that could never have been made outright in the original version, are brought out in stunning fashion. Comments such as “Engaged to stupid fat Mr Collins!” (and no he is not one of the living dead).

I have quite delighted in these liberties, however they are few and far between and most of the story tends to be everything in the original with some zombies thrown in for good measure and some quite grotesque images. This book has also prompted me to find out where the idea of zombies originated from, and it is a concept stemming from Afro-Caribbean Voodoo.

The days seem to be passing me by so quickly at the moment and I feel as though I am working hard merely to tread water. The pile of books does not seem to be going down, especially now that one has been added...

235 days remaining, 18 books to go.