Books and Music

I’m someone who can’t read in silence. There needs to be some other noise, preferably music, but if that isn’t possible then the sounds of other people or rain outside is a must. Something about having to force my mind to focus on the book instead of the music helps me to read, though if the plot is particularly complex then the low-fi beats are what I choose.

Sometimes though, I end up listening to one song on repeat while reading and whenever I read that book or hear that song, I think of the other.

This has happened memorably with three books and songs.

The first was The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. Reading this series as a teen, I was deep in my Panic! at the Disco phase and so the whole time I read this series I was listening to ‘The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage’ from their first album. Does this relate to the series in any way? Not really, though I suppose connections can be made by the story that the song tells and it saying to not trust those in power which the series explored to some extent. Still, whenever I hear that song, I think of the Iron Fey series.

The second was The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, and while I was reading those three books I was listening to ‘Bloom’ by The Paper Kites. To me, the song is quite magical, and it put me right into the historical, Russian-esque setting. Despite all the action in those books, listening to that song and having it as my reminder of them makes my memory of the series take on a calm and relaxing nature. I’m sure if I reread them, I would be taken aback by how unlike that they are.

And finally, and most recently, while I was reading Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell, I was listening to Harry Styles’ Fine Line album, which soon switched to just my favourite song from that album, ‘Golden’. Now all I can think of when I listen to that song is Simon, Baz and Penelope taking their road trip across America. I think of all the songs that I’ve made a connection to books with, this one holds the strongest connection in terms of fitting the themes of the book. To me, it symbolises how Simon and Baz think of each other, how they’re scared of being with each other and how much they really like each other. I think without this connection to the song, I wouldn’t have enjoyed the book half as much and it makes me more invested in their relationship than I was before.

Re-Reading

Coming back to a well-loved series or novel after going a long time without it is like coming home after years away to find that everything is as you left it, but at the same time everything has changed. You notice details you missed the first time round, grow to like certain characters more or less and notice subtle hints at what's to come that the author snuck in there.

It's a brilliant thing, but it's something we barely ever make time for. If a new book in a series has come out, instead of re-reading the books, I will usually google the plotline or check on goodreads for the spoiler reviews as they give a recap without me having to spend time going through all of the previous books, when there are so many others that I haven't read yet waiting for me.

I think that my ways are going to begin to change, though. Re-reading the Iron Fey series over the past couple of days has shown me how important it is to re-read series that you love and how much fun it is to do so.

That's my challenge to you. Over the next week or month, instead of picking up that new, shiny book that everyone's been raving about and you really have to read, stop, and go over to your bookshelves. Pick up a book that you loved when you read it, but haven't touched in years. Read it and enjoy.

-E

Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

It's amazing what little, and big, details you can forget when you haven't read a book in a long time. I had forgotten what an insight we had gotten into Mab's court, the heroic acts that had taken place and scheming of those clever little plans. This series is a pleasure to read and my only reason for not giving this novel five stars is that it lacked a bit of 'wow factor', though maybe that's because I already knew what was coming.

(Goodreads parallel)  

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

What let this novel down was its beginning. Once you get past the first few chapters, this novel becomes an action-packed adventure full of fantasy wonders, politics and intrigue. Though this is clearly a first novel, with all the difficulties that that presents, it is a great start to an epic fantasy series.

(Goodreads parallel)