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Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

“The present moment is filled with joy & happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it”

– T. N. H.

In a beautifully written collection of advice & life lessons learned, Thich Nhat Hanh’s Peace Is Every Step details the importance of being present in every moment, finding the silver lining & taking life one step at a time, one breath at a time.

Some say that self-help/personal development books tend to sound rather preachy & self-explanatory. I found this to be mildly true as I read Thich’s Peace Is Every Step (& I am an avid reader of books that focus on stating givens!) It is a small but highly mighty book; though it looks as though it can finished in one sitting, I found myself having to step back from it from time to time, in order to gather my bearings a little bit before continuing. Hence, just a little word of warning: the profound nature of Thich’s words lends itself to warranting some time away from it (which can be an advantage as retrospection comes to the fore!)

Having said that, I took so much away from this book & can see myself building a portfolio of his works within my personal collection; his take on life, though a bit overpowering, is refreshing.

One of my favourite takeaways from Thich’s Peace Is Every Step is how, in order to have positivity in one’s life, that positivity has to be created. He gives the example of switching off whatever degenerate show is being broadcasted on TV & could not have hit the nail on the head more. Too often, we are made to believe that if something is easily accessible- shows that make one unhappy, books that make one unhappy, people & relationships that make one unhappy- it must be given the time of day. Thich does well to affirm the ease & simplicity behind stepping away from all that brings one down so that one may walk towards all that brings one up.

The book to read if one wishes to learn more about being present everyday.

Rating: ✩✩✩✩

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✑

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All the Bright Places

“I am rooted, but I flow”

– J. N.

Close friends know Jennifer Niven’s All the Bright Places to be my absolute favourite novel of all time. It is for that reason that I decided to dive into Finch & Violet’s world for a second time & (oh!) how it managed to move my heart & touch my soul (again)

The story follows Theodore Finch, a teenager – who could care less about sticking to the status quo – & Violet Markey, who wants nothing more than to escape the reality of her sister’s untimely demise. Meeting at the top of their school’s bell tower, both plan to take their own lives. Finch does well to talk Violet out of it … & it is then that their story commences. The reader follows Violet’s journey of falling back in love with life from a boy who wishes to forsake it.

I found myself to be empathising with Violet as she strives to strike a balance between mourning the loss of her sister & regaining control over her life again. She proves to be a worthy reminder that, whilst it is important to remember those who have gone, self love & care should not be neglected.

Finch is my favourite fictional male character in the most timeless way; his spunk earns him his rightful throne. Though he is someone battling mental illness, Finch is a sincere, genuine & happy-go-lucky individual who takes time & memories for what they are : a worthwhile reason to be in & enjoy the present moment.

For my birthday this year, I was gifted with the chance to recommend a book to a few of my friends & along came All the Bright Places (which, lo & behold, they loved, each & every one of them! A sight that is easy on the eyes & a sure-fire highlight of my 2019.)

Thanks to All the Bright Places :

I have discovered a love I never knew I had for classical writing, namely works belonging to Virginia Woolf

I am reminded to trust my heart that little bit more (scary thought, but here for it most ardently)

I am inspired to wander

All in all, for someone who doesn’t pick up the same book twice, Jennifer Niven did to me what she had done four years ago, when I first read the novel : destroyed my being. Haha! Could not recommend giving this a go more!

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✑

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Shatter Me

“Don’t fight what you’re born to be.” He grasps my shoulders. “Stop letting everyone else tell you what’s wrong & right. Stake a claim! You cower when you could conquer. You have so much more power than you’re aware of & quite frankly I’m” – he shakes his head – “fascinated.”

– T. M.

Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me follows the life of teenager Juliette who is held captive because of what most deem to be her destructive power: to kill from one touch of her skin. She is contained by the Reestablishment, a government in power during a turbulent time in current society, where animals & food are few & far between. Juliette grows up believing that she is a lethal weapon rather than the gift that she really is, as the reader comes to discover later on. Determined to regain her freedom, Juliette strives to escape in search of a life that she has been too afraid to envisage but has desired it regardless … & ardently so.

Mafi’s writing is addictive as anything, as I found myself blitzing through the pages in one evening; yawn after yawn came but I remained steadfast in reading as much as my eyes could stay awake for!

As for the writing itself, strikethroughs were a prominent feature, illustrating perfectly Juliette’s actual thoughts, like her believing that Adam (not the biggest fan of him, more on that later) is handsome she means dangerous …

… Adam. Juliette’s confidant during her time in captivity. I feel like his & Juliette’s romance – when it does blossom -, though cute, was a bit rushed & not as authentic as I perhaps would have preferred. That may just be me rooting for the underdogs here. I’ll leave it at that because here’s the thing –

*spoilers upon spoilers*

As the story progresses, Juliette finds a stronger inner voice; there are fewer strikethroughs as she is more frequently thinking for herself (for the better), which was a notable demonstration of her character development & overall self-growth. Massive standing ovation worthy moment.

It’s safe to say that this book has left its mark on me, as I turned the final page feeling inspired by the reminder that being oneself in all of its entirety is best. A character like Juliette, who may well suffer as much as she does but then continues to encourage, advocate & motivate is one that will have my heart for a long while.

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✑

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Fahrenheit 451

“It doesn’t matter what you do, he said, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away”

– R. B.

Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 tells the story of fireman Guy Montag, whose occupation is to burn books. In this rather dystopian novel, the written word is illegal; books are a sin, a crime & forbidden. It becomes the duty of individuals like Guy to rid society of the poison that spreads by one’s indulgence in literature. One sees the mundane in Guy’s life, from his lacklustre interest in being a fireman to his marriage with his wife, Mildred. That is until he is introduced to Clarisse, a symbol of hope for a world that is filled to the brim with story-telling & lesson learning. As the story goes on, Guy’s character transforms from a servant to the community to a freethinking being. Gaining strength is what pushes Guy to hide from his co-workers the very truth that he knows full well could destroy the life he has built for himself thus far.

The story reads like The Alchemist, a book that I have picked up on & off in the last couple of years. I feel that Ray succeeds in delivering a reminder of the power that comes with reading, so much so that characters in the book pledge that even:

"a little learning is a dangerous thing"

Presently, if I was ever asked the question, “Alive or perhaps not, who would you like to have met?”, it would be Ray Bradbury. I would have loved to have asked more about his personal life (being the eager weirdo that I love to be!) & would have enjoyed to learn more about his personal inspirations behind his esteemed literary vocation.

Voracious reader or not, I feel like Ray’s encouragement of thinking for oneself & doing that which makes one’s heart truly happy can speak to & impact anyone. The complex vocabulary interwoven into the elaborate plot may occasionally make you falter but very quickly catches you again & refuses to leave you be, this I swear.

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✑

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A Silent Voice #7

“The motivation will present itself when the time’s right”

Yoshitoki Oima’s final instalment of A Silent Voice provides a bittersweet end to Shoya & Shoko’s story. About to graduate, Shoya & his friends prepare to face the real world, after experiencing so much in their own circle. Uncertainty amongst the friends looms as massive decisions regarding the future are on the horizon.

My favourite part about manga is the fact that one can learn ample lessons from it, from the importance of following one’s heart to understanding that life is a journey.

People-pleasing This coming-of age novel touches on the fact that, as a youngster (or maybe even as an adult), putting other’s needs before one’s own is a common occurrence. Being confronted with this reality in the book helps the reader to avoid this as best they can in their own lives.

Following dreams The importance of pursuing a passion is demonstrated through each character who strives to find their vocation, no matter how unbelievable.

Change A concept that is heavily focused on throughout the book, with the male protagonist, Shoya, feeling the fear & anxiety that comes with such a process … relatable!

Compromise The book reminds one never to compromise, neither on one’s present nor one’s future.

Reality The realness behind picking one’s vocation is mirrored in the adolescent characters; it is motivational to see them striving towards the end goal of being happy in the profession that they choose.

Whatever you do, do it well A lesson passed down to me by my own parents, the book teaches to put 100% into whatever one embarks on.

Friendship Centred around a group of friends, the seventh A Silent Voice takes the reader through the ups & downs of the cherished bond shared between individuals, ultimately allowing the reader to see how vital a beloved friendship can be.

It’ll work out, eventually Whether it’s fixing an old friendship or deciding what to do with oneself, life has a way of working out, as is demonstrated in this story, with Shoya’s friends discovering their true selves & Shoko her voice.

It is for the powerful & unique style that is manga that I urge readers to pick one up that sounds most tempting & appealing & to give it a go. I myself may have been fairly late on the bandwagon, but I’m not planning on getting off anytime soon!

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✒︎

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Sister

“And imagine acquiring a new language and only learning the words to describe a wonderful world, refusing to know the words for a bleak one & in doing so linguistically shaping the world that you inhabit”

Rosamund Lupton’s Sister concentrates on the bond shared between two sisters & reminds me of my own older sister & I’s. When her younger sister, Tess, goes missing in the middle of London, Beatrice rushes to book the earliest flight home. Refusing to believe that Tess has disappeared of her own accord, she risks leaving her safe & steady life in New York- with her dependable fiancé, Todd- to find out the truth behind whatever happened to her beloved sister.

Judgement Tess is an art student; as such, her actions are judged accordingly. The skewed opinions extend to reasons behind her disappearance, as the police is willing to believe that her going missing is neither suspicious & thus nor a cause for concern. Indeed, if she has gone missing, many reassure themselves that her free spirit lends itself to making brash decisions like going off the grid.

Family Relationships The book touches on the fact that even the closest of pairs have secrets that neither know. Though Beatrice reminds everyone around her that Tess wouldn’t dare make a move without updating her, Tess’s lifestyle suggests otherwise. It is when Beatrice comes back to London that she discovers Tess living what could be classed as a double life, of course unbeknownst to her older sister.

The State As someone living in London, I found learning about the judicial system & medical faculty fascinating. Lupton exposes how minute details can & are overlooked by hospitals & the police, causing major potentially irreparable- not to mention irrevocable- holes in an investigation.

Poignant & an absolute page-turner, Lupton knows how to keep a reader as enthralled nearing the end of the novel as they would be turning over its first page. It is a must-read for fans of realistic crime fiction. I can say with certainty that this won’t be the sole novel by Rosamund Lupton within my collection.

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✒︎

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A Silent Voice #6

“Everyone has their faults! So hold your head up high!”

I find it terribly easy to read Yoshitoki Oima’s A Silent Voice series; her writing is addictive & delectably moreish. Six volumes on & I feel no different.

In this tome, one sees history creep up on both Shoya & Shoya, no matter how fast they try to run away from it, to escape from it. Though Shoya views life as granting him a second opportunity, old skeletons refuse to budge. The previous volume saw Shoya confront his friends who for a long time partnered with him to belittle classmate Shoko, who has a hearing impairment & it is her disability that many, including Shoya, have in the past taken advantage of. Hoping for a clean slate, however, Shoya is determined to leave the past exactly there, triggering the collision with his otherwise loyal friends. Witnessing the dispute is too much for Shoko to handle as she holds herself accountable. Deciding to take her own life, Shoya risks all to save her, causing himself to be admitted into hospital, yet to regain consciousness. It is at this point in the series that all comes to a boil, as some point the finger at Shoko for Shoya’s rather critical state. Others are more mindful, reassuring her that it is Shoya’s dedicated and committed nature that has led to his plight, rather than Shoko’s own actions. The volume lends itself to an abundance of questions, leaving the reader itching to read #7.

Self-acceptance This novel heavily focuses on the theme of accepting oneself, which Shoko has struggled with as a result of constant bullying ever since she was a little girl. With supporting characters like Tomohiro, though, Shoko begins to grow proud of who she is, despite being criticised & trodden on.

Character development This is what I love most about Oima’s writing style. The reader is taken on a journey for numerous volumes, seeing several characters partake in enthralling introspection & retrospection. Characters who I initially despised somehow win me over because of their ability to recognise where they may have slipped up. It is their determination to make amends that can soften any reader’s heart, I’d like to think.

Packed full of suspense, cliffhangers & drama, the sixth instalment of A Silent Voice has followed its predecessors in winning my heart over & I await the seventh book – as it arrives by post – with bated breath!

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✒︎

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Two By Two

“If it comes, let it come. If it stays, let it stay. If it goes, let it go”



Nicholas Spark’s Two By Two details the story of Russell Green, who appears to have what most people would deem the epitome of a ‘perfect’ life, with a doting family, flourishing profession & home to match. However, when he decides to turn his back on the career of a lifetime for an uncertain but excitingly tempting future, all else around him falls. His marriage, career & the roof over his head all hang in the balance.

Sparks succeeds in providing a realistic take on finding love after heartbreak; how rocky, even stagnant, in fact, it can be, as old skeletons are welcomed back into today. Though I’m not yet married, I feel as though I’ve learnt so much regarding love, loss, the necessity of focusing on oneself when the going gets tough & the sheer force of unconditional love, be that of a father & his daughter or within the family as a whole.

If there was one drawback, it would have to be the way in which Sparks weaves the death of a cherished character into the story, a literary device prevalent in every one of his books that I have read thus far. When I discovered who it would be in this novel, I found it to be rather predictable. Perhaps it is because he is my favourite author that I found it to be more foreseeable than someone who is not so accustomed to Sparks’s writing style.

Grief is explored in a sensitive and realistic way; Russ leads the way to advocating how necessary it is to have the determination to move on & overcome but how difficult it can be not to dwell on what has befallen.

Character development throughout the novel is worth high praise; as I turned over the final page of the novel, what resonated loud & clear was the message that: it all does & will make sense in the end. Any trial or tribulation is & will be answered with a blessing, even in disguise.

I’d recommend this book to those who feel like their luck has run out, for this book reminds us that a second chance comes when we least expect it, but when we are most in need of it.

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✒︎

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Phantom Limbs

“My dreams were of beginnings without endings”

Paula Garner’s Phantom Limbs centres around Otis and Meg, two teenagers torn apart by the tragic passing of Otis’s toddler brother, Mason. With him gone, their once parallel lives could not be more different, as Otis busies himself in escaping from his sorrow by losing himself in the world of swimming and Meg embarks on the very bumpy road of self-discovery, in another town far away from her former childhood kindred spirit.

Introducing Dara : a swimmer hopeful. She had dreams of competing in the Olympics, until an accident resulted in her losing one of her arms. Since the incident, she trains Otis, striving to ensure that he will pick up the baton and do her coaching him a whole lot of good and justice.

All is as it has been for three years, until Meg re-enters Otis’s life in the form of one fateful e-mail, detailing her possible desire to move back. She has the ability to shake Otis up in more ways than one : his friendships, potential career and mourning for baby brother Mason. He begins to question his feelings and decisions concerning his life after Meg’s departure from it.

This novel explores lost love, discusses the act of grieving on an intimate level and begs the reader to contemplate the concept of time and how it has next to no importance when it comes to getting over a grave loss. It is a raw account that displays just how necessary it is to search for a silver lining, no matter how faint. The realism within this book reminds the reader that grief comes about due to losses of many kinds ; if there is one binding element between us human beings, it is the inevitable experience of loss, which is as heart-wrenching as it is reassuring.

Sincerely,

✍︎ Sheeza

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Stalking Jack the Ripper

“Roses have both petals and thorns, my dark flower. You needn’t believe something weak because it appears delicate. Show the world your bravery.”

Without sounding too crazed and curious, the stories behind serial killers never fail to grip my mind. Just this weekend, I found myself watching not one, but two shows centred around the very mysterious fiends; it has been an interesting couple of days, to say the least …

Kerri Maniscalco’s Stalking Jack the Ripper recounts the very renowned tale of the – yet to be identified – murderer, Jack the Ripper, who ran rampant during the late nineteenth century. Far too many women, namely night-walkers, fell victim to his blade. So much about him is unknown: his identity, casualty count, not to mention his intention.

His favoured spot to patrol was the district of Whitechapel, which I found to be enthralling because my university is situated not too far from some of his prized places to visit – and often target.

The female protagonist, Audrey Rose, studies anatomy, unbeknownst to her father who is adamant that someone of her standing and gender should indulge herself in matters of etiquette rather than extraction, manners rather than biological material and tea parties rather than tampering with a cadaver.

All in all, this novel gives to the reader charm that never ceases to age and that invites the reader to become well-acquainted with each character, evil and otherwise.

A work of art that is a must-read for those fascinated with gaining insight into the psychology behind individuals whom we ourselves would never dream of becoming.

Sincerely,

✍︎ Sheeza