Book Review: Essays After Eighty by Donald Hall

Essays After Eighty by Donal Hall

Mariner Books, 2014

Here is one book I finished reading from our BTS Reading List of 2024.

“Essays Before Eighty” by Poet Laureate Donald Hall is a book that Park Jimin of BTS has read. A collection of 14 essays, Hall’s background as a poet is evident in his prose. His essays often have a lyrical quality, with careful word choice and deliberate pacing that create a sense of space and silence, much like poetry. This allows readers to feel the pauses and the weight of his thoughts.

The essays reflect a deep awareness of both the external world and the internal experiences of Hall. He writes honestly about growing old, dealing with entropy, and the changes in his body and mind, all while remaining sensitive to the beauty and pain around him.

The book serves as both a farewell and an ode to Hall’s life. It’s clear that he is looking back on his experiences with a mix of gratitude, humor, and resignation. The essays read like a final conversation with a wise, witty friend who has lived a full life and is now preparing to say goodbye.

No wonder, Jimin took away a valuable insight when he spoke about the book in one of their team meetings, “let’s not make a standard with age, young or old…” suggesting to make a song from this theme.

Sources on Jimin recommending the book: @choi_bts2 and Times of India 4.27.2022

Rating: 5 Bookmarks

Kuwentong Bangtan: Transcendence in Language and Music Bangtan Style

Back in August 2021, BTS had an interview for TIME where Namjoon stated their goal of transcendence through language and music using them as means to break barriers and cross borders. It is no wonder that singing English songs was a step towards the goal. Including sign language in PTD amplifies this goal even more. Hobi explained the gestures and the signs in an interview at SBS in September of the same year.

@titazeeh7

From the interview in TIME magazine last August 2021, Namjoon and BTS speak of language and music as transcendences 💜

♬ original sound - zarahg08 - TitaZee

Fast forward to 2024, Namjoon combines three languages in Domodachi: Korean; English and Japanese. It is an uncanny combination but the song makes perfect sense! And then we have Jimin who communicates his love for ARMYs in Smeraldo Garden Marching Band and signs L-O-V-E for the dance challenge.

One would think that doing so is their way of catering to an international audience. A marketing and business move. Nothing wrong there but there is undeniable joy and sincerity in their performances. They proudly speak of their happiness in pre-recorded interviews and WV posts.

Their dedication to breaking language barriers and reaching out to fans from all corners of the world is more than just a strategy—it's a testament to their love and appreciation for ARMY. By embracing multiple languages and incorporating sign language, BTS continues to innovate and connect on a deeper level. It’s this sincerity and joy that make their performances resonate so powerfully with fans globally. As we look forward to their future endeavors, one thing is clear: BTS will always find new ways to bring us together.

Sources:

TIME interview: https://youtu.be/iZJfVYb2w9w?si=nDe9iMpvWgGSfbQK

SBS interview: https://youtu.be/p1d3aaDGtL4?si=N_npi5_h7uJ7sPFt

Of Unspeakable Radiance

Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Zarah Gagatiga (@zarah815)

Bangtan Appreciation Post: Park Jimin

Oh my. Jimin. Where to begin?

To me, you are a creature of enchantment. Magical like a unicorn with a mane of sparkling rainbows. Astonishingly androgynous. Oozing with masculine grace.

Your duality is perplexing. Innocent and playful at one point. Sensual and searing at most. It can be strange and yet, awesomely beautiful. Sadly, not everyone is ready for this. But I am and so are millions of ARMYs.

Thank you for challenging me to look beyond the periphery. Thank you for expanding my world view on art in its varied forms, colors, movements, shapes, symbols and languages. I appreciate everything you are and all that you do!

Borahae!