Our books in the Book Corner

Our meeting this past Sunday was truly memorable. We came together to share our favorite books, each person offering a window into the stories that have moved or inspired them. This is what Book Corner is all about: sharing, connecting, and discovering the ideas that books reveal.

Sumar, Head of Mission of Domus Orientalis in Lebanon and Syria, was our moderator. She opened the meeting warmly, saying, “Let’s get to know each other better and share our thoughts.”
Nour, the youngest participant, shared her love for illustrated books. She explained that no matter the author or the plot, she enjoys them because they’re fun and easy to read.

Tomasz Kopytowski, Director of Caritas of Łódź, spoke about The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans. He appreciated the dynamic, cinematic style of the writing, noting how Evans, also a screenwriter, brings scenes to life with striking clarity. The story follows a girl and her horse, both injured in a tragic accident, as they attempt to heal with the help of a gifted horse trainer. Tomasz was especially moved by the evolving relationship between the girl and her mother, and he encouraged us to watch the film adaptation as well.

Viola talked about The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, a story she treasures for its portrait of unconditional love that endures through time and hardship.

Sandy introduced "Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us" by political scientist Brian Klaas. She described two experiments mentioned in the book, which support the idea that power doesn’t necessarily corrupt, but that people with a tendency toward corruption are the ones who often seek power.

Nathalie presented "Life Is Not Always in Pink" by Egyptian author Rasha Adly. The novel follows Nathalia, a young girl with a rare talent: the ability to draw faces from memory with remarkable accuracy. It traces her artistic path and her love story. Nathalie said she saw herself in the character, not just because they share a name, but also a love for art and reading. One quote that stayed with her was: “Art is not something you can have. It’s something for all people to enjoy.”

Maciej spoke about one of his favorite authors, Serhiy Zhadan. A collection of Zhadan’s poetry left a deep impression on him. He read a poem about two lovers in winter, where the speaker expresses quiet and steady affection: “Maybe we won’t be able to speak, like birds in the winter, but let’s walk together.”

Charbel shared his appreciation for "Five Feet Apart" by Mikki Daughtry. It tells the story of two teenagers with cystic fibrosis who fall in love but must remain physically distant to stay alive. It’s a tender and emotional story about connection, loss, and the desire to live fully despite the barriers.

Marie-Thérèse spoke about her favorite author, Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. One book that made a lasting impact on her is "By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept", which tells the story of a woman reunited with her childhood love, caught between spiritual devotion and romantic longing. She was captivated by the book when she read it as a young woman in love.

Marina reflected on "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky. The novel explores themes of faith, doubt, free will, and family through the story of the three Karamazov brothers: Dmitri, the impulsive one; Ivan, the rational and questioning one; and Alyosha, the gentle and spiritual one. When their father Fyodor is murdered, each brother becomes entangled in the mystery. Marina admires the complexity of the characters, especially Ivan, whose inner conflict gives the story a powerful dimension.

To close the meeting, Sumar shared that she enjoys books that offer new ways of seeing life. One of her favorites is "Lipstick Jungle" by Candace Bushnell, which follows three successful women as they navigate careers, friendships, and relationships in New York City. The book explores ambition, loyalty, and what it means to thrive in a competitive world.

Marina, the coordinator of Book Corner, said, “I really enjoyed this meeting. It introduced me to so many new books and authors I can’t wait to explore. Listening to everyone’s recommendations and hearing what these stories meant to them made me even more excited to read. My reading list has grown, and so has my curiosity.”