Into the Land of Magic and Wonder

The four books below represent another part of my identity that coexist with the practical realist in me, who usually gets to make the final call during crucial moments in my life. Being a very analytical and logic-driven person, I do not seek to negate the more impulsive and much less restrained side of my personality. This, I think, is a very rational choice. I strongly believe that no matter where I will eventually end up and who I will become, my creativity and imagination will be the cornerstone of my future career and the making of all my happiness in life. The quickest way to kill off both of them is probably by restricting them and confining them in some chamber in my mind while the best way to nurture them is just letting them run free.

To me, these amazing novels are, in the words of Jane Austen, “a natural sequel to an unnatural beginning”. I didn’t grow out of my love for them; in fact, I grew into it. From the moment I decided that reading wasn’t just for fun but mostly for educating myself, I started choosing increasingly heavier hitter, trying to get myself acquainted with more complicated and disturbing subjects. Growing up in a loving family and with a tranquil childhood, I could sense that I’m sheltered, naive, untainted, and most unacceptably, unaware of the misery of others around me. Though I didn’t feel guilty, I never stopped reminding myself of how lucky I am and was desperate to learn more about the world, particularly the uglier side of it. My decision was well-intended, but it also meant that I forced myself into prudence and stripped away the magic that I could have had with Ursula K. Le Guin or Diana Wynne Jones. I was trying to grow up, but my method was lacking.

These works of fiction are captivating and endearing just the way they are. They sparked in me something that I failed to bring out in myself before: a passionate love and deep appreciation for magic and wonder. Together with Hayao Miyazaki’s films, they opened me up to so many more possibilities. Through them, I realized that my mind is as dreamy as it is practical. In other words, I’m a practical dreamer. Together, these two sides make me who I am today and help me be the best version of myself. Fantasy is probably still not one of my favorite genres, but in some cases, witches and wizards could be my great friends.

Alice in the Wonderland