Books are a source of inspiration for BTS’s music, concepts, and albums. Although Jimin of BTS is less often seen reading than RM and Suga, he has recommended several books he has read and enjoyed to his fans on multiple occasions. So, if you’re an avid reader looking for book recommendations, check out the reading list of BTS Jimin below.
Update Your Reading List with BTS Jimin Books Recommendations
1. “Between Calm and Passion”
Jimin recommended the novel “Between Calm and Passion” (Rosso version) by Kaori Ekuni via a fancafe post in 2018. This Japanese novel is a dual-perspective love story. The Rosso version, written by Kaori Ekuni, shows the woman’s point of view, while the “Blu” version, written by Hitonari, presents the man’s view. It explores about love, distance, and self-discovery.
We are celebrating #JIMINDAY with a special book spotlight! For the 5th ARMY kit interview on the BTS Fancafe in 2018, Jimin recommended the book "Between Calm and Passion" by Ekuni & Hitonari 📖
— Namjoon's Library⁷ (@JooniesLibrary) October 13, 2021
Originally in Japanese, it has a movie adaptation. #JIMIN #방탄소년단지민 @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/8KUhMoDZMd
2. “The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor” Series
Jimin’s second recommendation was “The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor” by Nam Heesung. The story follows a young man who becomes the ‘Moonlight Sculptor’ in a virtual reality game.
First published in January 2007 and completed in July 2019, this bestselling Korean game fantasy web novel ran for 1450 episodes on KakaoPage. In April 2020, those episodes were collected into 57 volumes.
Jimin talked about this web novel during his 2017 trip on “Bon Voyage” Season 2, which took place in Hawaii. He was interested in reading it for its imaginative world-building, and it brings the themes of perseverance and friendship. Additionally, he reads it before he goes to sleep.
3. “The Notebook”
Jimin of BTS is a fan of the 2004 film “The Notebook,” starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. He even watched it multiple times and said that it was the most impressive film he had ever seen.
The film is an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 bestselling romance novel, “The Notebook.” It tells a heartbreaking love story of young people who face numerous challenges to stay together.
Jimin also recommended reading the original novel. It is about lasting love, sacrifice, and the power of memory. A fun fact: his solo album “Like Crazy” was inspired by the movie.
4. “Essay After Eighty”
Another book Jimin read was “Essay After Eighty” by Donald Hall. It is a collection of essays about aging, loss, and memory. Jimin of BTS shared about this book during his VLive in 2020, when BTS held a concept meeting for their new album.
5. “The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke”
The last book is “The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke.” It is a bilingual collection of poems (in German and English) by the Austrian poet and novelist Rainer Maria Rilke.
In Jimin’s 2023 solo music video for “Set Me Free Pt.2,” he had Rilke’s poem across his neck and chest, which sparked much interest. Titled “Ich Lebe Mein Leben” (“I Live My Life”), Rilke’s 1899 poem is beautiful and moving, which explores a lifelong journey of spirituality and self-discovery.
“Ich Lebe Mein Leben”
Ich lebe mein Leben in wachsenden Ringen,
die sich über die Dinge ziehn.
Ich werde den letzten vielleicht nicht vollbringen,
aber versuchen will ich ihn.
Ich kreise um Gott, um den uralten Turm,
und ich kreise jahrtausendelang;
und ich weiß noch nicht: bin ich ein Falke, ein Sturm
oder ein großer Gesang.
Rainer Maria Rilke
Translation
“I Live My Life”
I live my life in ever-widening circles,
each superseding all the previous ones.
Perhaps I never shall succeed in reaching
the final circle, but attempt I will.
I circle around God, the ancient tower, and have been circling for a thousand years, and still I do not know:
Am I a falcon, a storm, or a continuing great song?
Tr. Albert Ernest Flemming
So, what do you think about the reading list of BTS member Jimin? Have you read any of these titles? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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