1. An Abundance of Katherines

First book of 2008

I started reading "On Beauty" by Zadie Smith, but didn't get too far. I got too excited when I finally obtained a copy of John Green's "An Abundance of Katherines" (not an easy find in the bookstores around here). I abandoned Smith and immediately dove into Green's book.

I just finished it and my mind is swirling with so many thoughts and emotions! This is possibly one of my favourite feelings in the world--a mixture of satisfaction, pleasure, joy, sadness--just a wave of overwhelming emotions felt after reading a good book. Harry Potter--need I say more?

"An Abundance of Katherines" was an incredible book! I absolutely abhor all-things-mathematics but I actually found that aspect of the book particularly interesting and significant. That's not to say that I actually understood any of it. (I did attempt to read the appendix and was immediately lost and found myself back in 11th grade math, struggling to decipher the foreign equations in my textbook). The writing is absolutely brilliant! The plot was engaging and the character development was very strong. It was exhausting yet endlessly fascinating experiencing the inner-workings of Colin's brain. And it was pleasantly surprising as the different layers of Lindsey were revealed. Hassan's humour and optimism were also appreciated and added honest depth to the story.

It was refreshing to have both a male protagonist and a female protagonist, and to witness the growing relationship between the two, as their worlds collided. I also particularly enjoyed observing the dynamics of Colin and Hassan's friendship, through even the bumpiest roads (pun intended). It was a great lesson in honesty, loyalty and companionship.

Overall, "An Abundance of Katherines" was a beautifully-written, well thought-out, intellectually-stimulating and endearing book, with lessons of (simple) beauty, compassion, happiness and uncomplicated love¹.

The author's light-hearted and oftentimes, humourous footnotes also added a very nice personal touch.²

Highly recommended if you're looking for an intelligent, exciting and adventurous young adult novel.

¹ small, seemingly insignificant moments that capture all the mattering in the world: inviting someone to share your "secret place", not-so-private habits, telling stories that are more than just stories, ...
² like this.

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Books I'm reading:
1. On Beauty (Zadie Smith)

Books I've read:
1. An Abundance of Katherines (John Green)