Veronika Decides to Die

And after reading it, I almost did, too.

Such was the effect of Paulo Coelho's book to me that for a couple of days, I began questioning the standards of culture and society in my pre-organized, rountine-ordered mind. Imagine being transported into a novel where the main chararacter, Veronika, after having evaluated that her life was all it should be, realizing that it it could only go downhill from then on and after, decides to commit suicide. It then lands her in a mental facility where, after slapping an old man for hurting her feelings and engaging in a sexual activity with a fully-clothed man to see just how far she can go, and conversing with the other "crazy" patients, she gradually understands that she missed out on a lot in life only through her own acceptance.

Crazy? Socially unacceptable?

Yet, social norms aside, this book illuminates how we all have a secret, crazy side in us. The side that wants to retaliate, in any way we want to, every time someone else hurts us. And the side that wants to dance and leap with glee in the middle of the crowd everytime we finally receive something we've always wanted for a long time.

And I have resolved to finally act as I see fit, so long as it doesn't land me in jail, of course. To dance in the sunshine everytime the wind smells of lilacs, to eat my favorite food and shout "Yes! That's it!!!!" and to cry in the movies just because I feel like doing so. And yes, not to share my popcorn if I feel like it's not enough for me.

So, two thumbs up, Paulo. And based on the principles you've established in your book, I'm sure you wouldn't take it rashly if I see you and kiss you square on the mouth for this masterpiece you've created.

Cheers!