Quote of the day: 
Learning never exhausts the mind. -Leonardo da Vinci 

For me the essence of reading is in two folds.
One, to maintain a regular stream of knowledge. My mind expands and contracts at will. I get lost in narrative and dialogue, but I find myself again and again. Its like peering over the edge of a mountain, to get a brilliant view of the world below.

Two, it calms my thoughts. When I get immersed in a story, time stands still.  I learn about new places and things, feel emotions, and get mentally stimulated. Its just me, thoughts sharpened by the story, like a camera lens in auto focus.

This week my new book is titled 'After Dark', by my go-to author of the moment Haruki Mirakami. A quick look at my previous posts will fill you in -on his style of writing.

From the back cover:
The midnight hour approaches in an almost-empty diner. Mari sips her coffee and reads a book, but soon her solitude is disturbed: a girl has been beaten up at the Alphaville hotel, and needs Mari's help. Meanwhile Mari's beautiful sister Eri lies in a deep, heavy sleep that is 'too perfect, too pure' to be normal; it has lasted for two months. But tonight as the digital clock displays 00:00, a hint of life flickers across the television screen, even though it's plug has been pulled out. Strange nocturnal happenings, or a trick of the night?
image: GoodReads

Its a tantalizing escape, and a with a bold and refreshing narrative. At just 200 pages, it makes for a fast and enjoyable read so far.

 What books are you reading this week?

 Peace.Love.Light*
Current Listen: Charlie Parker - I've Got Rhythm