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Thursday Themes: Going On A Journey

1) The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared - Jonas Jonasson



Centenarian Allan Karlsson has ended up in a nursing home after a very long and eventful life. But on his 100th birthday, Allan decides he still has a lot to live for and escapes out the window in his bedroom slippers. A series of zany events follows, involving a suitcase of stolen money, angry criminals, new friends, and an elephant. But this isn't Allan's only crazy adventure. The book talks about his crazy life, his fondness for explosives, and his ability to be in the right place at the right time. Not only has he seen some of the key events in the last century, but he may have been the one behind them. This book was wacky and fun to read, with lots of laugh out loud moments. The book was written originally in Swedish and translated into English, giving it a unique voice.


2) The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry - Rachel Joyce



Harold Fry, recently retired, lives a quiet routine life in Exeter with his wife, Maureen. He has recently learned that his old friend, Queenie, is terminally ill. He walks down to the post box to send a letter to her... And doesn't stop. In nothing but his normal shoes and a light jacket, he decides to walk the six-hundred miles to talk to Queenie in person, convinced that as long as he keeps walking, she will live. Along the way, he meets a series of characters, and he ponders about his life, especially about the losses and regrets. Maureen is also given the chance to come to terms with recent tragedies and they draw closer together as a couple, even as Harold walks further away. This book was beautifully written. I really felt the emotions that Harold feels as an extreme introvert who doesn't know how to connect: the awkwardness, the helplessness, the embarrassment. But that made it even more wonderful to watch how he progresses and overcomes his weaknesses


3) The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho


One of my favorite books of all time. Santiago is a Spanish shepherd who dreams of finding adventure and treasure. He meets a wise man who inspires him to sell everything he has and travel to Egypt to find this treasure. Along the way, he encounters hardships and learns to overcome them, and finds love. He also meets the Alchemist, who helps him learn to have courage, to listen to his heart and the universe, and to follow dreams. It is quite a short read, but it is profound in its simplicity. Coelho writes with a very Brazilian voice (something I only realized after I had lived in Brazil), which means the language flows and digs deep into your heart. Highly recommend to all.

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