...walk the read...

How often do you actually put into practice what you learn from reading nonfiction books (if you read nonfiction, that is)?










I'm not sure if I actually put into practice what I glean from reading nonfiction books, if at all. I'm doing one though, but it can't be considered as "putting it into practice" per se. I am not talkative and I'm not in the habit of rehashing to anyone ( interested to listen that is ) about my life or some aspects of it. There's this one rule from 48 Laws of Power, about just keeping quiet or something and not revealing your intentions until the opportune time comes.

Anyway, I read quiet a few of  nonfiction books but I don't get around to putting it into good use. I am easily distracted and just don't have the patience to get to it.

...when the house burns down...

If your house was burning down –and you could SAFELY grab a book on your way outside to safety– what book would you make sure you ‘rescued’? Why?







 I can't think of any particular book to save in case of fire. Probably because it will take me forever to look for my books since they are just all over the place. Seriously, in the event of fire or any emergency, the only stuff I'd make sure I have with me is my wallet ( with some identifications in it), the clothes on my back and my runners.

In any case that I can actually grab just one book on my way out then it should be the "The 48 Laws of Power". I'd like to save this one because though I have read it already more than once, I'd like to read it again from time to time. Besides it's the first ever non-fiction book I had and a friend gave it to me.

...cool Q & A...

1. Favorite childhood book?
I don't have any favorites for the obvious reason that I did not own any books at that time. I grew up on my Aunt's story-telling.

2. What are you reading right now?
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

3. What books do you have on request at the library?
Eat, Pray, Love  ; The Mocking Jay

4. Bad book habit?
I sometimes I don't finish a book that I started reading. Halfway through it, I just lost interest.

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
 A book about running.

6. Do you have an e-reader?
I don't own one but I'd love to. Still, I would prefer the "real thing".

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
There were times that I read several books at once but most of the time, I just read one.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Yes, I'm now more compelled to read more.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
I'm not sure. I don't remember.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
Born To Run

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Not very often. I've never tried reading in public.

12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Read in my room either on the bed or just sprawled on the floor. Whichever suits me.

13. Can you read on the bus?
No. Too many movements.

14. Favorite place to read?
My bedroom.

15. What is your policy on book lending?
Should return the book in the same way it was borrowed.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
No. I use bookmarks.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
I used to with my textbooks when I was still in school. But not anymore.

18.  Not even with text books?
I used to with my textbooks when I was still in school.

19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English

20. What makes you love a book?
I just love it. The entertainment and ideas I get from reading it.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
The story.

22. Favorite genre?
I don't have any favorites.

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
The classics but I just don't get my mind around it.

24. Favorite biography?
I don't remember if I ever read a biography before.

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Yes.

26. Favorite cookbook?
Don't have one. I don't cook.

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Born To Run

28. Favorite reading snack?
 I usually don't eat while I'm reading but sometimes I do. Anything that comes in handy.

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
A series, wherein you have to read several books before you know what happen in the end.

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
 Sometimes.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
 I don't give reviews, much more negative ones.

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?
 French and Latin

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Mansfield Park and I did not finish reading it.


34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
 Can't think of one.

35. Favorite Poet?
 I don't have a favorite but I like Edgar Allan Poe and  Robert Frost

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
One or two.

37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
 I haven't returned a book yet, unread.

38. Favorite fictional character?
 Harry Potter


39. Favorite fictional villain?
 Lord Voldemort


40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
 Anything think I'd like to bring except for those thin paperback "romance" novels.

41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Months, I guess.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
Mansfield Park

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
 Noise and sometimes my wayward thoughts.

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
Jason Bourne series

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
 The Rainmaker ( novel by John Grisham)

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
 More than a thousand pesos.

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
 Most of the time.

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Lose interest in the story.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
 I'm not an organized person.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
I prefer to keep them.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
Yes. Those kind that I can already guess what happen in the end just by reading the short description on the outside cover.

52. Name a book that made you angry.
 I can't remember.

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
I have no idea on this one.

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
I have to think long on this.

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
None

...is always inevitable...

Have your reading choices changed over the years? Or pretty much stayed the same? (And yes, from childhood to adulthood we usually read different things, but some people stick to basically the same kind of book their entire lives, so…)

 A book I borrowed from the library. Finished reading it in one week.

 I can say that it has changed. When I started reading, I was content on reading short fiction stories, the plot of which I can understand at once. As the years go by, I tried to read about anything, be it fiction or nonfiction.

Now, I alternate reading from one subject matter to another, that interest me. I'm into running so I read books about running. I also read photography books.

There's just one type of books that I don't bother flipping the pages over or worse, read them. Those thin, paperback novels which has romance ( or love story ) as its main plot. Of course, no offense to anyone who reads them.

...can't forget my first time...

What is the first book you remember reading? What about the first that made you really love reading?


I really can't  remember the exact moment I fell in love with reading. All I know is that I enjoyed reading to the point of choosing it over some other activities. I grew up with my Aunt's storytelling (TV and Internet were unheard of at that time ), naturally I would be drawn to books. During my first year in high school, I read every ( almost, I suppose )  Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys novels I could borrow from the library. I was hooked. And wanted some more.

One summer, my Aunt suggested a book to me ( well, it was really hers ). She told me to give it a try. I guess she could sense that I was ready to move on to more serious stuff. Hotel by Arthur Hailey, was the first "serious" book I've read. After that, I never looked back. For that entire summer, my Aunt let me borrow her books, from paperback novels to hardbound condensed Reader's Digest books. I was in cloud nine.

Through out high school, I borrowed every book I can think of from the library, on weekends. I never stopped reading. Until now, I'm still so into it. I know I'll never get tired of reading. I have an ongoing love/love relationship with it. And I have no plans of giving it up.

...what happened on a long weekend...

A long weekend means I have an extra day to lounge around and do nothing, except stuff myself crazy. Anyway, my sister and I always come up with something to do on these days....

I woke up to a Saturday morning with the sun like this. I snapped a photo for the heck of it. I woke up late because I did not head out for my usual run.

Later, the "lawnmower guy" caught my fancy so I snapped his photo. I was embarrass to approach him to get a closer shot.

My sister and I went to this running specialty store. As usual, she always wants her photo taken, anywhere.

On our way home, we chanced upon this deer, minding its business. I managed to take this photo just in time, before it trotted off.

Sunday after church, we went to Ladysmith to watch Stef perform with her band. We arrived a bit early that we managed to get some good seats near the makeshift stage. 

Stef performing on stage. She sung my favorite "Mr. Immature"

Cool way to watch a show and enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon. They really love the sun.

Stef took the time to sign CDs for her fans.

After we watched Stef, we proceeded to look for a spot in the park where we can settle ourselves and have our lunch. I was so hungry but I tackled the dessert first before the main course. :-)

Our "grub". The chips comes in handy.

my sister and I

After a late lunch, I was stuffed and content to lie down for a while...

We stayed for awhile to watched this event. But I was not really keen on watching it, probably because I felt sleepy and the park was crowded. Still, we stayed until the last event.

I could not stand the sun's heat so I donned this. My sister told me that I look like a parrot. Whatever.

It was close to eight o'clock when we drove back to Nanaimo. A nice way to end our weekend. And its cool because I get to watch Stef perform live on stage for the first time. And literally lie on the grass....