Top of my List

SHADOW OF THE WIND
by CARLOS RUIZ ZAFÓN

Have you ever read what you consider to be the best book ever that you find yourself telling everyone you know (and some you don't know) about how good it is and how they MUST read it?

That is exactly how I felt when I was about halfway through Shadow of the Wind, savouring every word from that moment on. I could not for the life of me, put it down. I loved it so much, I practically cried when it was done. Not because the book was sad, but because I was sad the book was over. I wish I had never read it. If I had never read it, I would be able to read it now, and that would make me so infinitesimally happy.

I was living in Barcelona at the time and I was just finishing up my last semester of my Master's program. I remember it was in february that I had just about had enough with school work and wanted to take a break from all the canonical mumbo jumbo I had to read. I went on my afternoon stroll and ended up at the FNAC (a department store in the city center). Although I was in the midst of a reading marathon, I obviously found myself in the book department.

There was what seemed to be a shrine dedicated to Carlos Ruiz Zafón in the middle of the floor obstructing my path to the G authors. Normally I don't care much for the ultra popular books, but for some reason, that day, I stopped to see what all the fuss was about. I was reading through the first few pages when a elderly man passed me by and said, "Este libro te va a cambiar la vida." ("This book will change your life.") It was magical and spooky all at the same time. I felt like I had to read this novel. Mystery, thriller, history... these are not genres that I typically read, and these were the categories that described Shadow of the Wind.

I got home and prepared dinner. I ate and finished up some research. I made my way into bed and grabbed the book that was about to change my life. Well, Shadow of the Wind did not, in any way, change my life, but it did leave me in a holding my breath, hugging the pages, begging for more. Really, it did.

Who knew that a novel set in Barcelona about the mystery behind a book would catch my attention? Wait, that's exactly what would grip me.

I don't really want to say anything about this book other than: it is one of the most amazing books I have ever read in my whole life! I am not worried that I am overselling it or that since I made such big claims, you'll be greatly disappointed. I am not worried at all. The story is outstanding and it is definitely worth reading... and worthy of my recommendation.

It's tops.