The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Title: The Shadow of the Wind
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 5/5

The Shadow of the Wind, written by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, is a beautifully written book, and one that I will unquestionably read again and again.  This quaint mystery, set in the hearts of Barcelona, tells the tale of a young boy by the name of ten year old Daniel Sempere, who discovers a novel, The Shadow of the Wind, by Julian Carax.  Upon reading this gripping book, Daniel realizes someone has been systematically burning every one of Carax's novel, and that he may hold one of the last living copies of The Shadow of the Wind.  Suddenly swept up in a whirlwind of intrigue and dark mystery, once naive little Daniel grows up before our very eyes.  Not only did the storyline itself wholly engage me as a reader, there are so many lessons to be learned from each individual character - through their pain, their struggles, and ultimately their triumphs.  A rapturing novel, indeed.

Starting Off...

I decided to make a blog reviewing books I've read because I just recently realized that, while I love reading and I know a couple of key favorite books, I often forget many of the wondrous gems that I've read over the years.  So a couple days ago, when my friend asked for some suggestions, after rattling of said key favorite books, I found that I drew a blank in my head.  I must say, a rather discomfiting moment.

Books are really quite a magical thing.  Our written words can paint a much more eloquent illustration of a world, than we could ever hope to describe in our spoken language - they can capture and encapsulate a feeling or a learning that is hard to replicate elsewhere.  

While this blog is mostly for my own personal reference, it is my hope that these reviews will spark some sort of interest in you as a reader.  Or, for those of you who don't read, that it may evoke enough curiosity to pick up a book.  Happy reading!

Sincerely, SW.