just because I've read The Goldfinch before this I almost hesitated giving it 5 stars, but by itself it is still worthy of that. I classic (hehe) tragedy. the characters were pretty terrible people, yet I still found myself sympathizing. I guess it's because in a way one sort of understands how messed up being young is. of course, not as much as that I guess, but still.

one of the things mentioned pretty early on, which resonated because I find it to be true, is that there is beauty in the terrible and tragic. I recalled this plenty of time throughout, most memorable for some reason was the time Camilla injured herself in the lake. the description was so picturesque; so beautiful. and this is what the rest of the book is like. definitely a good start to the year, reading-wise.

(this has been my attempt at actually writing about what I've read this year. Let's see how this venture goes...)