So you know how last month I said I was behind with my reading? Well this month I’m ahead as I finished a book in just one weekend. I guess it really does come down to setting aside time to dedicate to reading. It could also be a reflection on the book. Has it kept you turning pages and reading until your eyes are forced shut because you’re so tired? That’s the sign of a great book. So what’s in store for this month?

My chosen book for March
The book I’ve chosen for March is André Aciman’s novel, Call me by your name. The book was first published in 2007 in New York. That was 11 years ago! So why all of the attention now? Well, it was recently adapted for a major motion picture and has been critically acclaimed as one of the best love stories of our century. With a number of award nominations and James Ivory’s win at the Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay you can see why there is a certain buzz in the air. It’s because of this that I picked up a copy for myself at the airport on a recent trip away. I just had to read it for myself.

Call me by your name tells the story of a powerful and intimate romance between 17-year-old Elio and his father’s house guest Oliver, a 24-year-old post-doctorate teaching at Columbia. Set in 1980s Italy, Oliver is visiting the mansion for six weeks to revise his manuscript before publication. During this time Elio and Oliver develop a close relationship that tests both physical and emotional human connection, all whilst trying to keep this a secret from those around them. It’s an exploration of typical first love emotions; fascination, desire and heartache. This is a true coming of age tale that all should be able to relate to in some way or another.

I don’t want to give too much away before you’ve had a chance to read it but it really is a beautifully written novel, although explicit in parts. Now that I’ve finished the book, I’m very much looking forward to seeing this story come to life on the big screen. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair Aciman said, “When I finally saw the film at the Berlin International Film festival, I was stunned. The ending captured the very spirit of the novel I had written in ways that I could never have imagined or anticipated.” There’s no turning back now.

Happy reading!