Now, if you’re a BTS army, you already know that the members are incredibly talented musicians and avid readers.
Kim Namjoon, aka RM, is known for his incredible musical talents and love of books and literature. RM has been vocal about his passion for reading and has even referenced some of his favorite books in BTS’s music.
He has become a source of inspiration for many fans who have followed in his footsteps and started reading more.
Top 7 Books Recommended by Kim Namjoon (RM) from BTS
RM has often talked about how reading has helped him grow as a person and artist. He mentioned that books have allowed him to broaden his horizons and better understand the world.
Through his love of literature, he has also advocated for lifelong learning and the importance of education. RM has recommended several books over the years, and his choices range from classic literature to modern-day masterpieces.
His reading list is diverse, reflecting his interests and the themes he explores in his music. His recommendations are a great way to discover new books and an insight into his philosophy and values.
Whether you’re a fan of BTS or not, RM’s reading list is a great place to start if you’re looking for some great reads.
From coming-of-age stories to philosophical works, these books will challenge your perceptions of the world and help you discover new ideas and perspectives.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and dive into the top 7 RM book recommendations.
The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
It is a thought-provoking short story that challenges our perception of morality and societal norms.
The story is set in the seemingly perfect city of Omelas, where everything is just as it should be. However, the city’s happiness is built upon the suffering of a single child who is kept in a basement and mistreated.
The story presents a moral dilemma, forcing the reader to confront whether it is ever justifiable to sacrifice one individual’s happiness for the greater good of the community.
Le Guin doesn’t provide a definitive answer to this question, leaving the reader grappling with such a decision’s implications.
One of the key takeaways from the book is that happiness and prosperity often come at a cost, and that cost is frequently borne by someone else. This raises important questions about our society’s nature and the systems we create to sustain it.
Another takeaway from the book is the idea that there are consequences to our actions. In the story, the citizens of Omelas are forced to confront the reality of their society’s success, and some choose to walk away.
This raises questions about the role of the individual in shaping culture and the importance of taking responsibility for our choices.
Overall, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” is a thought-provoking and challenging read that will leave you pondering its themes long after reading.
It reminds us that morality is not always clear-cut and that our decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
This short story inspires BTS’s Spring Day music video. If you are into dystopian science fiction, this book is a must-read.
Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn, Joosun Lee (Translator)
“Almond” is a novel by Won-Pyung Sohn that tells the story of a boy named Yunjae who has a rare condition called Alexithymia, which makes it difficult for him to identify and express his emotions. Yunjae is also deaf and mute, which further isolates him from others.
Despite his challenges, Yunjae is a gifted student and has a close relationship with his mother. However, when his mother suddenly dies, Yunjae is forced to navigate the world independently.
His grandmother and aunt take him in, but they struggle to understand him and his condition. As Yunjae tries to come to terms with his mother’s death and adjust to his new home, he connects with a classmate named Gon, who struggles with his family issues.
Together, they support each other and try to navigate the challenges of growing up in a society that often overlooks and discriminates against those with disabilities.
One of the significant takeaways from the book is the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting individuals with disabilities.
The book shows how even small acts of kindness and compassion can make a significant difference in the lives of those often marginalized and overlooked in society.
Another takeaway is the importance of self-acceptance and self-discovery. Through the character of Yunjae, the book encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and challenges and to find their path in life despite societal expectations and pressures.
Overall, “Almond” is a heartwarming and thought provoking book that raises important questions about disability, empathy, and self-discovery.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, Translator: Stanley Corngold
It is a must-read if you love reading books on allegorical literature.
“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka is a classic novella that tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning to find that he has transformed into a giant insect.
The story follows Gregor’s struggles to adjust to his new form and the reactions of his family to his metamorphosis.
One of the significant takeaways from the book is the exploration of the human condition and the struggles we all face in life.
Gregor’s transformation can be seen as a metaphor for the isolation and alienation that many people experience, especially in modern society. Kafka shows us that even when we feel like a burden to others, we still have value as human beings.
Another takeaway from the book is the examination of the power dynamics within a family. Gregor’s transformation completely upends the family’s dynamics, and they struggle to adapt to his new form.
The novella raises essential questions about our responsibilities to our loved ones, especially in times of hardship and difficulty.
Kafka also explores the themes of identity and self-discovery in “The Metamorphosis.” Gregor’s transformation forces him to re-examine his sense of self and place in the world.
This can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges we all face in discovering who we are and where we fit in society.
Overall, “The Metamorphosis” is a profound and thought-provoking novella that explores
many important themes. It is a reminder that even when we feel isolated and alone, we are all connected as human beings and that we all have value and worth.
Human Acts by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith
Han Kang is an internationally acclaimed bestselling author. ”Human Acts” by Han Kang is a powerful and haunting novel that explores the aftermath of the Gwangju Uprising in South Korea in 1980.
The book tells the stories of various individuals impacted by the violent suppression of the protests, including a young boy who is killed, a factory worker who survives but is left with physical and emotional scars, and a student who becomes involved in the resistance movement.
One of the significant takeaways from the book is the exploration of the human cost of political oppression and violence.
Kang shows us the devastating effects of government crackdowns on individual lives and the trauma that can linger long after the events have ended.
She also explores how trauma can be passed down from generation to generation, affecting survivors, their families, and their communities.
The book also highlights the importance of memory and its role in shaping our understanding of the past.
Kang shows us that memory can be unreliable and subjective and that different individuals may have vastly different interpretations of the same events.
She also explores the power dynamics in constructing historical narratives and how some voices are marginalized or silenced altogether.
Kang also explores the themes of identity and resistance in “Human Acts.” The characters in the book are forced to grapple with questions of who they are and what they believe in, and their experiences lead them to become involved in acts of resistance against the oppressive government.
This raises important questions about the role of the individual in shaping society and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
Overall, “Human Acts” is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking novel that explores many important themes. It is a reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history and the human capacity for resilience and resistance in the face of oppression.
Please Look After Mom by Shin Kyung-sook, Translator: Chi-Young Kim
This million-seller book tells the story of a family’s search for their mother, who goes missing in a crowded subway station in Seoul. They uncover secrets about her life and
the sacrifices she made for her family as they search for her.
One of the significant takeaways from the book is the exploration of the sacrifices that
mothers make for their families.
The novel portrays the mother as a selfless figure who devoted her life to caring for her children and husband, often at the expense of her own needs and desires.
Through the search for her, the family begins to realize how much they took her for granted and how little they knew about her.
Another takeaway from the book is the examination of the generational and cultural
gaps that exist within families.
The children in the novel are portrayed as having assimilated to a more modern, westernized lifestyle, while their mother’s values and traditions are rooted in the past.
The story raises important questions about the conflicts that can arise when different generations and cultural backgrounds collide.
Kyunsook also explores the themes of identity and memory in “Please Look After Mom.” As the family searches for their mother, they question their identities and the memories they hold dear.
This raises important questions about the nature of memory and its role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our loved ones.
Overall, “Please Look After Mom” is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking novel that explores many important themes.
It is a reminder of the importance of appreciating and honoring the sacrifices that our loved ones make for us and the importance of understanding and valuing different cultural perspectives.
The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon
A comprehensive exploration of depression that combines personal memoir, research, and cultural analysis. The book examines depression from many medical, psychological,
and social angles.
One of the significant takeaways from the book is the exploration of the various forms that depression can take.
Solomon examines depression in all manifestations, from mild to severe and situational to chronic. He also looks at how depression can co-occur with other conditions, such as anxiety and addiction.
Another takeaway from the book is the importance of understanding the cultural and societal factors contributing to depression.
Solomon explores how social stigma, cultural norms, and economic inequality affect depression. He also examines how different cultures view and treat depression, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in mental health care.
Solomon also emphasizes the importance of finding effective treatments for depression. He examines various treatment options, including therapy, medication, and alternative approaches, and highlights the need for individualized treatment plans considering each person’s unique needs.
Overall, “The Noonday Demon” is a powerful and insightful book that comprehensively examines depression.
It offers hope and understanding for those who are struggling with depression and their loved ones while also highlighting the need for continued research and advocacy in the field of mental health.
A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney by Martin Gayford
The last one on the list has to be a book on art, as RM has shown his immense love for art via his social media posts. RM also visited David Hockney’s exhibition in London.
David Hockney is a British artist, and Martin Gayford is an art critic and biographer of
various artists.
“A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney” by Martin Gayford is a fascinating exploration of the life and work of the renowned British artist David Hockney.
The book is structured around conversations between Gayford and Hockney, providing a unique insight into the artist’s thoughts and creative process.
One of the significant takeaways from the book is the importance of creativity and the
artistic process. Hockney discusses how he approaches his work, including technology
use and interest in perspective and color.
He also emphasizes the importance of experimentation and playfulness in the creative process, encouraging readers to approach their creative pursuits with an open mind and a willingness to take risks.
Another takeaway from the book is technology’s role in art. Hockney is a pioneer in using digital technology in art, and he discusses how he has incorporated these tools into his work.
He also explores the relationship between technology and tradition, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection to the past while also embracing new tools and techniques.
The book also touches on broader themes related to art and society. Hockney discusses
how art can reflect and shape our understanding of the world around us and the artists’ role in challenging social norms and conventions.
He also emphasizes the importance of accessibility in art, encouraging artists to make their work accessible to a broad audience.
Overall, “A Bigger Message” is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that offers a unique insight into the mind of one of the most influential artists of our time.
It is a reminder of the power of creativity and the importance of embracing new tools and techniques to pursue artistic expression.
Some Honorable Mentions in the List of Recommendations
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
A novel by Jojo Moyes tells the story of Louisa Clark, a young woman from a small town in England who takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy and successful businessman who developed quadriplegia after a tragic accident.
At first, Louisa struggles to connect with Will, who is bitter and depressed about his condition. However, the two begin to form a bond over time, and Louisa is determined to show Will that life is still worth living.
As their relationship develops, Louisa learns that Will is planning to end his life through assisted suicide, which raises difficult moral and ethical questions.
The book explores their journey together as they confront these complex issues and try to find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo, Jamie Chang (Translator)
A novel that tells the story of a woman named Kim Jiyoung, who was born in the South
Korea in 1982.
The book covers various stages of Jiyoung’s life, from childhood to marriage and motherhood, and explores her challenges as a woman in a patriarchal society.
Throughout the book, Jiyoung experiences gender discrimination and inequality in various aspects of her life, including education, work, and marriage.
She faces societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations, which limit her choices and opportunities.
The book also highlights other women’s experiences in Ji-young’s life, including her mother and grandmother, who faced similar challenges and discrimination.
Through their ventures, the book shows how gender inequality is deeply ingrained in Korean society and how it affects women of all ages and backgrounds.
Ultimately, the book encourages readers to speak out against discrimination and to work towards a more equitable society. Through the character of Kim Jiyoung, the book raises important questions about gender inequality and the need for change.
The Stranger by Albert Camus, Matthew Ward (Translator)
A novel that tells the story of Meursault, a French Algerian who kills an Arab man and
goes through a trial for the crime.
The book explores themes of absurdity, existentialism, and the human condition as Meursault reflects on his actions and the meaning of life.
The Soul of a Tree: A Master Woodworker’s Reflections by George Nakashima
“The Soul of a Tree” is a collection of reflections, essays, and anecdotes by master woodworker George Nakashima.
Nakashima’s work is deeply rooted in a reverence for nature and a belief in the spiritual qualities of wood.
Throughout the book, he reflects on his woodwork experiences and shares insights into his personal philosophy and spiritual beliefs.
The book offers readers a glimpse into the transformative power of art and craft and serves as a reminder of the beauty and wisdom found in nature.
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