Books Celebrating Love

Alright, with Valentine's Day just twenty four hours away, here I am thinking about errands and chores. Many V-Days I've spent with my family and yep, I'm still going to spend it this year with them. May my Papa remember to come to town early to pick up the pizza in time and beat the traffic in town. Mama still hasn't decided on the dessert. 

To all of you, I bid you a happy, fun St. Valentines Day. As J would put it, "love is celebrated all year round". 

Here is a little suggestion for some Love Reading this month. Here are some inspiring reads for the Love Month of February.

Pablo Neruda. Best remembered for his love poetry and political beliefs, Neruda's popular poems have never yet been published in its entirety in English translation. In Isla Negra, the poet dedicates his celebration of love and life to his beloved wife Matilde. 

Haruki Murakami. Murakami is "easily accessible and profoundly complex" (Virginia Quarterly Review). One of the big influences in contemporary literature, Murakami writes in simplicity and yet his settings are laced with urban mysticism and elements of supernatural. 

A quiet college student, Toru finds himself attracted to Naoku, an introspective young woman. But their mutual passion is marked by the death of their best friend years before. A coming of age story, it is unforgettable and enticing. 

Laura Esquivel. Like Water for Chocolate is a sensual book, with generous helpings of Tita's story of how she prepares food for her family and by striving to win the heart of her beloved Pedro. 

Forbidden by Mexican tradition to marry, Tita is the youngest daughter in the household, condemned to take care of her mother until she dies. Tita gathers all her efforts and knowledge about the magical food she cooks, and Pedro is driven in desperation to marry Tita's older sister so that she can stay close to her. For many years, they circle each other in the same household with unconsummated passion. (goodreads.com) 

Here's a crazy thing. National Bookstore and Powerbooks as of this writing, Do Not have copies for sale of local writers Kerima Polotan Tuvera and other books by F. Sionil Jose. The only F Sionil Jose is the novel Don Vicente at Php 5,590.00 (approximately $130). 

Do you have any suggestions for this month's reading? Share them below!