I want to be defined by the things that I love
collection of books, films, music, photos and quotes that I currently LOVE
“I just think that you are what you love”
Over the past few months, my best friend and I have fallen into a delightful routine of visiting our favorite bookstore, Fully Booked, whenever we hang out. During each visit, we spend over two hours wandering through every section, running our fingers over the spines of countless books, our eyes drawn to every line of the blurbs on the back covers, and admiring the artwork on the front covers, all while taking tons of cute and aesthetic photos. And being both indecisive libras, we spend another half an hour chatting and deciding which books to buy, until we find the ones that our hearts desire at that moment. This sacred place has become our sanctuary, or as we like to call it, The Tortured Poets Department.
During our first visit this year, we picked up some great reads: I chose ‘White Nights’ by Fyodor Dostoyevsky and ‘On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous’ by Ocean Vuong, while she opted for ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde and ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tart.
Upon arriving home that day, a spark ignited within me: the idea of sharing not just the words, thoughts, or ideas I want to put out, but also the photos I cherish most — here, a haven where I could revisit whenever I feel apathetic or disconnected from the world. Thus, this vision has come to fruition!
I also want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for this transformative application: Substack. This platform allows me to freely pour out my thoughts without fear of judgment. It has become my safe space where I can explore and express my innermost feelings and ideas. Substack has unexpectedly shaped my perspective on life in ways I never thought possible. It has empowered me to embrace vulnerability and authenticity and has taught me to appreciate the beauty of self-expression and literature even more. Cheers, Substack! <3
Photos shown below are everything that I currently love! ˙ᵕ˙ ♡
books
This book holds an incredibly special place in my heart because it had been on my wish list for ages—then came our graduation day, when my best friend surprised me by whisking me off to our favorite bookstore and insisting on buying it for me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I am sure I will cherish forever!
My current read! I initially watched its film adaptation, directed by the renowned Sofia Coppola, back in January 2024. Now, I am halfway through the book and must express what a delight it is to be captivated by Eugenides' writing style.
This gem of a book was the most entertaining read I've had in years! With nearly 400 pages, it was unexpectedly a delightfully easy and fun read, which I never imagined finishing in just a week while navigating my way out of a reading slump. Read my full review on Goodreads here. (Peep my baby cat, who gets jealous every time I pick up a book because my attention shifts away from him!)
“But how can you live and have no story to tell?”
The first few pages of this book stirred emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time, and that’s when I knew it would become one of my favorites. I can't fully express how much I loved and enjoyed reading this one, but all I can say right now is, Fyodor just gets it.
My bookstore wish list!
Little Women—which I have yet to read—is my all-time favorite film adaptation directed by my all-time favorite female director, Greta Gerwig.
The Bell Jar—my most anticipated book to read—written by my favorite American poet and novelist, Sylvia Plath.
films/series
“They built a train track over these Alps to connect Vienna and Venice. They built these tracks even before there was a train in existence that could make the trip. They built it because they knew someday, the train would come.”
Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt completely unmotivated and then stumbled upon something that unexpectedly filled your life with meaning and light? Well, this movie did that for me.
P.S. cue The Man Who Can’t Be Moved and skip to my favorite part: ‘If she changes her mind, this is the first place (ITALY) she will go’ !!!!!!!!
When June arrived, my brother and I decided to have a movie marathon, and of course, without a doubt, the Harry Potter film series was the first that came to mind. Watching this for the millionth time with my brother brought back so many cherished memories and reminded me why these films hold such a special place in our lives. My heart is happy and full once again!
I’ve said it once on Letterboxd and twice on Goodreads, and I’ll say it again—and probably a million times more: this is a f*cking M-A-S-T-E-R-P-I-E-C-E! I’ve never watched anything that ignites my passion for music and makes my soul come alive the way this entire adaptation did. The artistry, the storytelling, and the sheer emotional impact have left me in awe. Every scene, every performance, and every detail is crafted with such brilliance that it resonates deeply with me. This adaptation has truly set a new standard for cinematic excellence. A real game changer and a must watch!
This film series, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, was adapted from the 2009 debut novel ‘Sharp Objects’ by the American author Gillian Flynn. I discovered and watched it back in March while searching for a series to binge-watch all day. And man, oh man, did this series have me screaming my guts out! It really annoys me that it doesn't get the attention it deserves! THE ACTING? THE BACKGROUND MUSIC? THE THEME/SETTING? The entire show is a work of art. Thank you, Jean-Marc Vallée, you beautiful genius!
music
Unfortunately, without access to my guitar, which I inadvertently left at our provincial house, the only way I can fulfill my passion for music is by immersing myself in the enjoyment of these beloved works:
This album is definitely going to be on the top of my Spotify Wrapped this year.
I still can’t get over this masterpiece of an album. Nobody does it like her.
Uhm, hello?!?!? This music video was the highlight of my Summer!!!
Still can’t bring myself to believe that this song is finally out and ours after 7 freaking long years?!?!? Everyone, say THANK YOU, GRACIE!!!
Absolutely in love with Chappell Roan’s voice and music. Her artistry touches my soul <3
Hot girl song = hot girl Summer!
I first heard this song in the car weeks ago. It was played by my best friend as we headed to our graduation after-party and it brought back so many memories and repressed feelings.
quotes/excerpts
random photos
“So much working, reading, thinking, living to do. A lifetime is not long enough.”
— Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath
Margaret