Finishing Two Novels: Reflections on Writing

Today, I officially finished two novels that I bought from the coffee shop I mentioned earlier in my blog (Or maybe I just worked enough to buy coffee?).

1. Because I love you by Guillaume Musso

2. We find each other in loneliness by Truong Tieu Nhan

It's been a long time since I truly sat down and read a book from start to finish. Over the past few years, I've been focused on my studies and have found joy in other activities --- immersing myself in nature, photography, and exploring different cultures through hands-on experiences. When I needed information, I often turned to short posts, blogs, YouTube videos, or other media.

Recently, I've started reading books again --- not just for enjoyment but also to learn more about storytelling and improve as a writer. I want to write reviews for these two books as content for my blog, just as others often do. However, writing a personal book review is not as easy as it seems. It isn't just about summarizing its plot or stating whether I liked it. 

While many people confidently analyze a book's structure, the author strength and its literary value, I've never pushed myself into the role of a "confident" reviewer before. In the past, I've approached books as a reader rather than a critic, focusing more on pure enjoyment than technical breakdowns. Additionally, since I'm currently more focused on writing journey, I tend to notice refined details rather than the bigger picture. This makes it difficult for me to give a well-rounded review.

Still, I want to challenge myself to write more reviews --- both on my blog and on platforms like Goodreads. I believe that with time, practice, and more thoughtful reading, I can develop my own voice in reviewing books. For now, I'll share what has stayed with me after reading these books, along with my thoughts on my writing journey.

1. Curiosity drives me to finish books

What kept me reading was curiosity. In part, it was because the book's back cover and reviews mentioned an unexpected ending, which made me eager to find out what would happen.

2. Well-built characters make a story flow naturally

I appreciated how the characters were developed in a way that felt natural and immersive. This ability to create smooth storytelling is something I admire and hope to develop in my own writing.

A well-structured story helps the reader stay connected to the main idea throughout, keeping the experience engaging from start to finish.

3. A shift in my perspective on fiction

As I grow older and develop a more realistic mindset, I find myself less drawn to purely imaginative or unrealistic stories. While I can still appreciate them, I no longer get as immersed in fantasy as I once did. Maybe some stories exist best in the world of imagination, but I now seek narratives that feel closer to real life.

This is especially true for love stories. I prefer stories that resonate and connect with readers as much as possible rather than hopeless romances that seem impossible from the start.

It's interesting to see how stories affect us differently at different stages of life.

4. Understanding what leaves a lasting impression

I'm starting to take notes on what I truly enjoy in a book and what leaves a deep impression on me. This is something I also hope to achieve in my own stories --- creating moments that stay with the reader.

5. Writing from my own raw ideas

I want to write from my own original thoughts rather than being overly influenced by other works. I'd love to see how my raw writing takes shape. While I still want to learn and improve, I don't want to mold my ideas too much to fit what's already published. Instead, I'll focus on discovering what I lack and working on those areas along the way.

6. Title matters: how a few words can make a book

Interestingly, I can buy a book solely based on its title. To me, the title reflects the author’s talent --- the ability to capture the essence of an entire book in just a few words. If a title grabs my attention and resonates with what I'm looking for, I'm more likely to buy it. After reading a few reviews and skimming through some pages, I make my decision.

I like simplicity. I used to write short and simple titles on my blog, but recently, I've realized that short and simple aren't always enough to draw attention. A good title should not only be concise but also provide insight into the main idea of the post, grab attention, and show effort.

                                                                                                            Hanoi, March 07, 2025