Clara Aparicio
I’m Clara Aparicio, an illustrator and content creator from Madrid. I’m a curious and somewhat shy person, always looking for stories that teach me something new or make me question things. Although I wasn’t a big reader as a child (obligatory reading bored me a lot), I discovered that books could be both a refuge and a window.
@clara.aparicio
Note 01 A book you love
El Palazzo Inacabado ("The Unfinished Palace"). The narrative of different women from such distinct eras, each living her own revolution from the same space, made me reflect on how individual stories can transcend time and context and inspired admiration for them.
Note 02 A book to help others
El palazzo inacabado. La narración de diferentes mujeres en épocas tan distintas, cada una viviendo su propia revolución desde un mismo espacio, me hizo reflexionar sobre cómo las historias individuales pueden trascender el tiempo y el contexto y admiración hacia ellas.
Note 03 A book that influenced your work
The illustrated books from my childhood, like the one by Gloria Fuertes with illustrations by Nivio López Vigil. It taught me that illustrations have the power to tell unique stories. I would spend hours looking at them; they are incredible.
Note 04 Why did you start reading
Yes, when I read La Espada Rosa ("The Pink Sword") as a child. The description “the bell of the monastery rings” at the very beginning made me look up what "tañer" (to ring) meant in the dictionary. It was the first time I discovered that reading could be a fun way to learn and enjoy, not just a school task.
Also, Rayuela ("Hopscotch") by Julio Cortázar. Reading a book in any order, independent of the page numbers, and having everything fit together felt stronger than seeing a car fly.
Note 05 A quote
It’s not exactly a quote because I have a bad memory, but there’s a little note from The Picture of Dorian Gray that says we’ll never be as young as we are right now. It’s a way to remind myself to enjoy the present and not be too hard on myself.
Note 06 Where do you like to read the most?
In bed, before sleeping. I really love that moment. Sometimes I manage to do it, and sometimes I don’t.
Note 07 A must-visit place for book lovers
A bookstore with a bookseller you trust and care about.
Note 08 A book as a gift
The last one I gave was Los Asquerosos ("The Disgusting Ones") by Santiago Lorenzo. The last one I received was Número Dos ("Number Two") by David Foenkinos.
Note 09 A book to your younger self
To my slightly younger self, I would give El Nervio Óptico ("The Optic Nerve") by María Gainza. And to my much younger self, I would give The Little Prince.
Note 10 Clara’s nightstand?
Right now, The Guest by Emma Cline and The Creative Act by Rick Rubin.
Note 11 A character you love
Maybe Cosimo from The Baron in the Trees. The idea of living in the trees, in your own space but connected to the world, is a wonderful metaphor for creative independence.
Note 12 Your ideal book dinner
Patti Smith, Geronimo Stilton, and Santiago Lorenzo. Let’s see what happens.
Note 13 My bookmark is...
I fold the top left corner of the page where I left off. And if I want to highlight something important and don’t have a pen, I fold the bottom corners.
Note 14 If you were to write a book,
who would you dedicate it to?
To our childhood selves, to remind them that curiosity is the engine behind everything worth pursuing.