01 June 2026
I went into The Song of Achilles knowing almost nothing about Greek mythology and honestly I don't think that helped me connect with the story. A lot of the names, prophecies, gods and mythology references felt distant to me so I never became fully invested in the world.
The writing itself is beautiful; soft, poetic, and emotional. I can understand why so many people love this book. Madeline Miller has a way of making even simple moments feel meaningful. However, the central romance between Achilles and Patroclus didn't resonate with me personally. Since their relationship is the heart of the story, not connecting with it made it difficult for me to become emotionally attached to the characters.
Part of the issue was that I couldn't fall in love with Achilles as a fictional character the way I usually do with protagonists. The romantic chemistry that many readers found moving simply didn't work for me, so the emotional impact of the story felt muted. Instead of being swept away by the romance, I often felt like an observer watching someone else's love story. That said I can still appreciate the craftsmanship behind the novel.
The character development is thoughtful, the prose is elegant and the ending carries a sense of tragedy that lingers long after the final page. While I respect what the book was trying to do, it ultimately wasn't a story that matched my personal tastes.
One thing I genuinely loved about The Song of Achilles was its quotes. Even though I didn't fully connect with the romance, some lines were undeniably beautiful. The quote "He is half of my soul, as the poets say," stood out to me the most. There's something timeless and deeply human about wanting someone who understands you so completely that they feel like a part of yourself.
Ironically, while I admired the words and the devotion they expressed, I never became emotionally invested in Achilles the way many readers seem to. The romance remained something I appreciated from a distance rather than something I personally felt. Still, moments like that quote reminded me why this book resonates with so many people; it captures love in a way that is poetic, sincere, and unforgettable.
Overall, I can see why The Song of Achilles is beloved by so many readers but as someone who isn't interested in Greek mythology and didn't connect with the central romance, it ended up being more admirable than enjoyable for me.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
12 April 2026
30 March 2026
Spend Less and Save More
Workout Daily After Work
Set Aside at Least One Hour to Read
Declutter and Aim to Live with Less
Get Enough Sleep
Cut Down on Sugar and Eat Healthily
29 March 2026
24 December 2025
21 December 2025
14 August 2024
Being in my 30s makes me want to have a truly peaceful life — less drama, more good vibes. Having a small circle is a bonus, so I don't need to worry about cutting people off except for strengthening my boundaries and protecting my inner peace. But that doesn't really matter cause I am focusing on myself more. I am trying my best to simplify life, which I started way back in my late twenties. The realization kicked in when I was struggling to find happiness in my life. I wrote a post about of thing about happiness last year, and being in that retrospective mode has changed my life.
Slowing down life helps me enjoy the present moment and reduce stress. Here are five things I do to simplify life and make me more at peace. It is just a teeny tiny change, but it still works wonders for me.
1. Practice mindfulness.
It is the act of paying full attention to the present moment without judgment. Live life as it is. This is quite difficult since I tend to reflect on the past and worry about the future. Keep trying until it allows you to focus on the here and now. This will reduce our tendency to rush things through life; in return, we will find ourselves smiling at the end of the day.
2. Simplify your schedule.
Reduce the unnecessary activities in your daily routine by doing fewer things. Manage your time well to accomplish your tasks. This is why I am so into minimalism, especially when it comes to space—home, room, etc. Less stuff means less time to tidy things up and more time for hobbies that bring me joy and fulfillment.
3. Unplug from technology.
Easy peasy tips! Constant connectivity on social media can lead to stress. Take a break from the screens and do something more happier. Don't waste your time reading gossip or commenting on someone's wall about things unrelated to you. It's not worth the time to be a busybody. Your own time is ticking!
4. Engage in slow hobbies.
This one depends on the individual itself. My only slow hobby is reading. I can't do gardening or knitting, so yeah, do what you love and immerse yourself in the process. Don't rush. Let the things you do give you a sense of calm and fulfillment as you enjoy the journey. (but readers dont really go slow when reading, right? :P)
5. Cultivate gratitude.
Learn to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, even the smallest things. It helps you shift your focus from what's missing to what you have and encourages contentment. We tend to ignore the small, treasurable things and be ungrateful, which ends up putting us in a stressful situation. Try to reflect on each thing and unfold the hidden gems.
Simplifying life can lead to greater clarity, less stress, less drama, and more enjoyment. Let's live a life full of balance and be more peaceful.
₊ .・✧.・。.・.°˖ ✧.・。.・.✧・. ₊
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