I'm quiet and perfectly fine with it.

I read a chapter about Psychiatry and I'm relieved to learn that being an introvert is not a personality disorder. I've read a few articles about introversion online and I find that some of the things introverts do at great length to avoid people or recharge their batteries are quite funny. I'm not at the point yet, where I have to hide in the bathroom just to avoid talking to anyone. The first time I've heard the word introvert was, I think when I was in high school. Back then, it sounded odd to me and sort of reinforced my deep-seated suspicion that there must be something psychologically wrong with me. As a kid, I was not the type that needed to be always around with other kids, to be entertained. I used to play with these paper cut-outs of people (which I made myself ) and created a monologue while I play with them. One day, when my grandmother heard me talking to myself, it prompted serious concern from her. She must have thought I was going cuckoo. At her behest, my mother kept a close watch on me for a day and when she was satisfied that I’m perfectly sane, they left me alone. 

 I often wonder why I can’t just be like others who seem to have always something to say about everything there is. Growing up, I was told that I’m shy and have no people skills or personality and that I wouldn't amount to anything. Like, how I’m supposed to get anywhere if I don’t know how to talk to people. One time, when I used to live in a dormitory, one of the girls made a comment that I am autistic. Of course, she didn't say it to my face.  I wondered what made her come up with that remark, then I realized  later on, that it was because I don't hang out with their group and make small talk. On another occasion, I was told I'm anti-social, for the same reason. 

I used to be bothered when I heard comments about me being shy or quiet. I feel uncomfortable when attention is directed at me. Sometimes, I wish I'm invisible, so then no one will notice me and I'm spared from replying to questions like, "Why are you so quiet?" or "Are you okay?" Early on, I know I'm different. Not weird different, just different. And I'm okay with it. But the thing is, I have to be out there so I need to adjust and compromise, when necessary.

"Don't underestimate me because I'm quiet. I know more than I say, think more than I speak and observe more than you know." - Michaela Chung

For some reasons, I do try to fit in. But I can’t just bring myself to talk just for the sake of talking. I prefer to observe and listen. And I can be a good sounding board too. But just because I'm quiet doesn't mean I don't know how to talk or don't want to talk. Given the right topics, probably I'd talk for hours until someone will tell me to shut up. 

Being around with a lot of people is an ordeal for me. Not that I dislike people per se, it’s just that after a while, they become too loud and noisy. And it tires me out.  It’s for this reason that it only takes half an hour max before I start to fidget and complain to my sister, whenever we’re in the mall. And almost always, she tells me to go find a place where I can have coffee and sit, while I wait for her.

"What a commentary on our civilization, when being alone is considered suspect; when one has to apologize for it, make excuses, hide the fact that one practices it like a secret vice!"- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Some people think that if you’re quiet, it’s either because you’re dumb or shy or whatever word they can come up with. Or socially inept. I don't really think that I'm quiet. I mean, it's not something I put on or take off, like a piece of clothing. Or some sort of mechanism that I can switch on or off. It's part of me. It is me. To pretend otherwise is pointless and detrimental to my well-being. 

Yes, I like to be alone, most of the time and do whatever it is I love doing, like read a book or do the crossword or watch TV. But from time to time, I like some company too. I don't mind hanging out with my sister ( which we don't get to do much ) even if we always end up at the mall because its her "favorite" place. Or go for a hike with Rita and Janet. Or go to the book club meeting. ( Its like killing two birds with one stone, socialize and talk about books. Or should I say, four birds, counting the wine and all the food.)

So anyway, in the off-chance that you see me, staring out into space or have this zoned out look in my face, pay it no mind because I do it often. There's just a lot of stuff going on in my head. And it's just me, being me. :-)

Philomena

I don't usually write my thoughts about a book I've just read. But I made an exception for Philomena. As much as possible, I try to keep an open mind  when I read a book, recommended or suggested by someone. The book club gives me the opportunity to read books that otherwise I won't read or even hear of. Its great that Rita loves to read too and don't mind taking me along to their book club meetings. And the ladies are nice.

Reading "Philomena" stirred emotions in me that I haven't thought about in a long time. It touches on the subject of religion, for one. I am a non-practicing Roman Catholic but I was raised as one. I remember the times when I reluctantly went with my grandmother to hear mass on Sundays at four in the morning. I'd sit there in church, half-asleep and didn't really understand what was going on. I grew up on talks about eternity in hell if I commit sins. Later on, as I got older, I started to ask questions and refused to go to church. At some point, probably out of exasperation, my grandmother called me a heathen. I was sure I disappointed her but I know that she doted on me till the day she passed away. I also have had first-hand experience with nuns. I went to a Catholic school in my secondary years. And during my first year in university, I lived in a dormitory run by nuns. While I was there, I did crazy stuff, like hide under my bed when it was time to say the rosary. I even come close to being kick out from the dormitory because I got drunk. But I didn't feel bad that I break the rules, I was more embarrassed when my father had to come and had a talk with one of the nuns. When I think about it now, all I can say is that, things back then were not really what they purport to be. And belief in God is not just about going to church.

Babies born out of wedlock is not  foreign to me. I have three younger sisters who got pregnant and they never heard from the guys again. My nieces and nephews don't know their fathers. When I first learned about my sisters' predicament, I was angry at them for being stupid. Then, the babies came. I realized that I could not be mad at them too and act as if I don't care. It wasn't the babies fault and they didn't ask for it. Sure, another mouth to fed put more strain on our family's meager resources, but to abandon the babies was not an option. My sisters were lucky, they didn't have to go through what Philomena did.  A few months ago, I had the chance to go home for a short visit and I was amazed at how my nieces and nephews have grown, in the past four years I was away. Amid the chaos and noise in our big family, I know they'll be fine. I think we made the right decision to keep them, besides it would break my mother's heart if they were taken away.

I can relate to Mike's need to belong and have the affirmation from the people he cares about. Sometimes, I wonder if I do things just to be in good terms with my family. That if I do something contrary to what they expect of me, I'll disappoint them. Fortunately, my mother never pressured me to do something I don't like. She told me once, that she knows I'll always do the right thing. And I try to.

Anyway, I like to read books that make me think. And Philomena is one of them. It made me think. Probably way too much, I end up writing this post.

Indigo's Q & A, my take....

I haven't been updating my blog regularly. I can't make time for it or I'm just being lazy lately. Anyway, I thought I'd  come up with my own spin on Indigo Chapters' WRITERS UNBLOCKED ( I don't think it doesn't really matter that I'm not a writer. ) So, here goes....

How I Read?

If it's up to me, I probably would read all the time. But then there are other things that needs to be done. I don't have a favorite place to read. A comfy chair is a must, I suppose. I read wherever it is comfortable for me to do so and the lighting must be good too. One time, I unroll a yoga mat on my bedroom floor, lay on my tummy and read. It wasn't the most comfortable position though. I don't have a special attire for reading. I read in whatever clothes I put on at any given day. As for reading in bed, I'm not too keen on it, unless I'm reading something that is really, really good that I can't put it down and befits staying up way past my bedtime. I do have a book within reach, so I can get into it whenever I feel like flipping through the pages before drifting off to sleep. Falling asleep while reading in bed hasn't happen to me yet. But falling asleep while reading, I've done it more than a few times during the day. I read a few pages then fall asleep without me even realizing it, until I notice that I'm still on the same page that I started minutes ago.

A perfection combination.

What I Read?

I seldom go for days without reading a book or two. I can't say I read every available genre there is. Usually, it all depends on my interest. And I always like a good story wherein I can lose myself and never want to stop reading until I get to the end. At present, I'm reading Jeffrey Archer's Best Kept Secret. I like to read Ken Follett's Edge of Eternity ( book #3 of The Century Trilogy ) and book #3 of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire saga.


What about you?

My journey to "A Game of Thrones"....I love it!!!!

"Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you." 

I've heard about this book somewhere. I even watched a few snatches of its TV adaptation on the HBO channel. I wasn't interested then, but  things  change. I look up online for book reviews. Most of them were favorable, except for a few.

I haven't had the slightest idea what makes me decide to read this book. I put up a request from the library, which would take like months perhaps, before I can get hold of the book. I even thought of buying the wholes set ( which consists the first four books in the series ). As luck would have it, a neighbor was reading it and gladly lend me her copy. She warned that it was kind of slow at first, with all the different characters. But she also added that it is really good. I took her word for it.

I enjoyed reading this one. 

The fine print did not deter me from plowing on, page after page. At one time, I stayed up way past my bedtime to read a few more pages, after I told myself to put it away and sleep. I can be stubborn at times.

I'm not a fan of historical or fantasy books. I usually shy away from them. But often, I'm proven wrong and realized what a loss in my part to not read these kind of books.

"A Game of Thrones" allows me to be in Winterfell vicariously. And I happen to like Tyrion Lannister. I'm curious to know what happen to him in the next one.

"A craven can be as brave as any man, when there is nothing to fear. And we all do our duty, when there is no cost to it. How easy it seems then, to walk the path of honor. Yet soon or late in every man's life comes a day when it is not easy, a day when he must choose. Choosing... it has always hurt. And always will."

February reads...

February started a bit slow for me, if we talk about reading and books. I borrowed a couple of books from the library which I didn't read. I rarely write something about the books I've read except, to say, they're good or an excellent read. And that's it.

Towards the end of February, after such a long wait and aimless wandering from one day to the next, I was fortunate enough to come across two books that I had a great time with.

I finally get hold of "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" by Rachel Joyce. I first saw it from the Chapters website and decided that I want to read it. So I put a request at the library and then, waited. This book appealed to me because of the "long walk" ( I was curious as to how he fared at the end.) that Harold did to visit a friend that he haven't heard from for twenty years. He met a lot of people along the way and endured all sorts of discomfort. When he begun to falter, he allowed hope to keep him going and not give up. And plow ahead. In the end, he see his friend for the last time and in the process, rekindled the failing relationship he had with her wife.

"The Light Between Oceans" by M.L. Stedman has me occupied for three days. A friend read it for her book club. She told me it was good so I read it too. I'm glad I did. I always find it hard to put a good book down. "The Light Between Oceans" is one. I told myself to read just a  couple of chapters every time but I ended reading more. I even stayed up until midnight to finish it. The story is about the choices people make through the course of their lives and the consequences they have to deal with after. I feel Tom's struggle between doing what is right and his love for Isabel.

I'm glad to read these books. I enjoyed them and feel a bit lost, after I turned the last page.

I'm reading....

What are you reading right now? ( And, it is good? Would you recommend it? How did you choose it? )

I'm reading "The Light Between Oceans" by M.L. Stedman. I started reading it two days ago, and so far, it has keep me occupied. I can't seem to stop and usually, I don't read in bed, but with this book, I made an exception. I keep telling myself to read just one chapter but I end reading more.

For now, I can't say I can recommend it because I'm still halfway through it. But if you're the type who likes to read something interesting and doesn't care if it is penned by a famous author or otherwise, then you should give it a try. In my experience, I have read books that were written by first-time authors that turn out to be best-sellers and memorable ones.

A friend read this book for her book club and after she was finish, she asked me if I like to read it too. And I said, sure. I rarely say no. :-) I'm glad I did.

I'm biting off more than I can chew...

With my resolution to read more and as often as possible, I amassed three books ( of various subjects ) none of which, I read diligently, at present. Yes, I am slacking off with my readings. I'm too preoccupied to be bothered by it. And this is unlike of me.

Before I can fully feel guilty or have someone point a finger at me for going astray ( Okay, I just assumed this, as if anyone  care  whether I read or not ), let me share the objects of this "affliction", that at first, I thought deserve my undivided attention....

The Rainmaker ( John Grisham )

Truth is, I don't really feel bad about this because I already read this book, years ago, when I was still in school. One day, I watched the movie "Runaway Jury" on TV, then out of the blue, I just have this desire to read again my all-time favorite Grisham novel---The Rainmaker.

Well, I only get to the first few chapters. I'm not sure if I'm ever going to finish it before it will be due. Perhaps, I'll skip a few pages and get to the parts I like.

Persuasion ( Jane Austen )

"Pride and Prejudice" is the first book I've read ( and I think, will be the only one ), written by Jane Austen. After I watched the movie "The Jane Austen Book Club"  where different characters read all of Jane Austen's six books, I vowed to read them all too. I only went as far as Mansfield Park ( that is, after Pride and Prejudice ) and didn't even finish the book.

Now, I try to take a stab at it again, so I decided to borrow "Persuasion" from the library. I have yet to finish a page, let alone the first chapter. The words are printed too close and the font size used is too fine for me. Excuses, excuses....

Mastery ( Robert Greene )

I have my own copies of "The 48 Laws of Power" and "The 33 Strategies of War", I like them both. I read and treat them like they're textbooks. ( My neon-colored pen and Post-It notes are always at hand, just in case, I come across an interesting phrase or paragraphs. )

Anyway, when I learned about "Mastery", I put a request for it in the library. I had to wait, like a few months, before it came through. I try to resist the temptation to use my neon-colored pen. Although, I had one Post-It note on a certain page I like, but that's it. With this one, I need my own copy.

Enough said.

current reads and what not...

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

So, here goes mine:

What are you currently reading?

I have John Grisham's The Rainmaker ( that I got from the library ) waiting for my undivided attention. Although I've read this book before ( years ago, I think ), I figured there's no harm done if I read it again. Besides, this is my all-time favorite of all Grisham books.

What did you recently finish reading?

I finished James Patterson's ( and Marshall Karp ) NYPD RED a few days ago. It took me just one day to finish it. Since  that first time I read one of Patterson's ( along with a co-author ) novel, I was hooked. I enjoyed reading his books because it is fast-paced and always give me this impression or feeling, that I'm watching a movie. The scenarios and characters described come to life in my mind. 

What do you think you'll read next?

Whatever that comes available from the library ( that is, after I finish reading The Rainmaker ). I requested a few books and I'm just waiting for them. So, let's see.

Year-end reads

"Books are delightful society. If you go into a room and find it full of books---even without taking them from the shelves, they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome." - William Ewart Gladstone

The past few weeks, I neglected to keep my blog updated. I tried to but somehow, I wasn't up to the task of writing another post. Ideas come to mind but I wasn't focused enough to sit down and write.

I've been reading a lot lately though. So I'm torn between taking the time off from reading in order to write. Anyway, enough of that. I'm sure you don't check out my blog just to read my tirade about not writing often.

If there's one thing that I never get tired and bored of doing over and over again, that is, reading. I know, I've  made mention of this before. I just love being on my own, in between the pages of a good book. I have this plan to list down all the books I read this year but I'm not sure if I'd ever get down to it. So allow me to share the latest books I've read so far....

Winter of the World ( Ken Follett )
Second installment from the Century trilogy. I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed "Fall of  Giants". The 900+ pages didn't stop me from forging on ahead and read every page.

The Racketeer ( John Grisham )
John Grisham is one of my favorites. I read all his works, except for a book or two. I can't remember the titles though. But I always make it a point to read whatever new book he has written. "The Racketeer" is the latest and you're in for a thrilling read with this one.

The Zoo ( James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge )
This is the fourth book I've read from James Patterson. Usually it just took me a day or two, tops, to finish reading it. I always feel like I'm watching a movie when I read his books and gets me right in the zone of "can't put it down until I get to the last page".  "The Zoo" deals with the idea of animals running amok and attacking humans. It is scary. And the irony is, we are to be blame.

The Secret Keeper ( Kate Morton )
The latest one from Kate Morton. If you've read "The Forgotten Garden"; "The House at Riverton" or "The Distant Hours", then you know what to expect. Kate Morton has this talent of creating an intricate web of suspense that leave you wanting for more, by this I mean, staying up late at night to read one chapter and end  up reading two chapters more.

Anyway, there goes my year-end reads. I'll take a break for a few days before starting again at the start of 2013. And it will give me time to brush up on my writing too. Hopefully.

"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend." - Paul Sweeney 

The End of Your Life Book Club

I can't say it enough, I love reading and I love books. And I also love to read books written about the love for books and reading too. ( Lost yet? )

I'm lucky to get hold of "The End of Your Life Book Club" by Will Schwalbe, when it was fairly new and just released this year. Not that I'd mind reading this later or next year. I found this book at the Chapters website where I frequent, to look for new books to read. I perused its summary and decided I like to read it. I put a request for it at the library and I'm glad  I didn't have to wait that long.

I'm not going to write a book review because until now, I don't know how to write one. And I feel that I don't do justice to it, anyway.

What I love about this book is the way the author shared his and his mother's passion about books and reading. And the impact it has in their respective lives. Through the course of reading this, I can't help but wish that Tiya ( my aunt in the Philippines ) is here, so we can share books and talk about them. One day, I brought up this subject ( you know, sharing books and reading ) to my sister, she pointedly told me to leave her out of "it".

"That's one of the things books do. They help us talk. But they also give us something we all can talk about when we don't want to talk about ourselves."

I remember the lady that I used to look after and work for before. She passed away a few months ago. One thing that made us hit it off from the start, I believe, is books and reading. ( Well, there's the crossword puzzle too. She got me started with it and now, I'm hooked. ) During the time, I lived with her, we've shared books and talked about them. She suggested books that I should read, which I did and found them great and enjoyable. ( My favorites: Roots by Alex Haley; A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry and The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay ). I let her read whatever books I got from the library that I thought she might like and she did enjoy them too. We both cried over "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. Sometimes, I think about those times, when we just hang out and  read in companionable silence.

Looking back now, I realized that, without both of us intending to, we started out our own book club too. However short-lived it was. Of course, at that time, we didn't think about someone dying or something, instead we look forward to more years ahead of us and more books to read. After she died, I stopped reading for awhile. I just didn't feel like it. Later on, I started writing diligently on my journal and found my way back to reading again. She once told me that I should write something about my life, especially coming to and living in a foreign country and leaving my family behind. I was taken aback, since no one ever suggested that to me before and I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind, "Yes, I will. And you'll be the first one to read it." 

 "The End of Your Life Book Club" afforded me that glimpse, to know what it feels like to have someone, to share with your "love" for books and reading. Although, I really don't mind, if there's no one to share books with and reading, for that matter.

Sometimes, just for the heck of it, I teased my sister about how I wish she like books and reading too, or start telling her about a book I've read or currently reading, I love seeing her "Please, don't talk to me about that." look.

Anyway, if ever you get the chance to read "The End of Your Life Book Club", hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did. But if not, that's alright too. :-)

The Time Keeper

(Quote from The Time Keeper)

I always enjoy reading Mitch Albom's books. "The Time Keeper" is another must-read. At first, it started out slow for me, while I tried to find my footing in the story. Obviously, it is about time or the lack thereof or it being not enough. To fully appreciate what I'm trying to say here, you better read the book and see for yourself.

I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or not, but the story affected me in some ways. I have always been particular about time, that sometimes, I fail to take part in what is happening around me, because I'm so wrap up about  the time ticking by or whether I'm being productive or not. I prided myself on always showing up on time, except if there are unforeseen events that I can't do anything about.

"With endless time, nothing is special. With no loss or sacrifice, we can't appreciate what we have." - ( from The Time Keeper )

After moving to Canada, I find that time just go by so fast. Whenever I go and see my sister, we both complained about there's not enough time, especially when we're having fun. But then, we know it's all part of being here. We make the best of whatever limited time we have and look forward to the next visit. So now, I don't nag her as much as I used to, when it takes her, like forever, to comb her hair or whatever she does with it. And I stop thinking of myself as being the aggrieved party, just because she takes her sweet time.

Reading the book made me realize that I need to step back a bit and enjoy each moment. Never mind that the clock is ticking nearby. ( Seriously, I can hear the second hand of my watch, counting down each minute. )

Time is something that  is outside my control. What matters is what I do with what I have. I learn to "stop and smell the roses" once in a while. And I find that, sometimes "doing nothing" is not such a bad thing after all.

GOLD

"Happy people believed in someone. Expecting company, they walked with a careful space beside them. Even in their worst moments they could imagine the possibility of someone. A magic someone who could glue them back together with words." - ZOE

I found this book in the Chapters website where I usually check for new books to read. I look over the brief outline and was taken with what it was about. So I decided to put a request for it at the library. I had to wait, like a few months, before it was available.

"You had to keep yourself desperate--as wild as you'd been when you had nothing. You had to double your stake every time..." - ZOE

I like the story and was drawn to the character of Zoe. Something resonates in me-- that feeling of being alone even when surrounded with people. And the desperate measures resorted to try to make up to someone you care about. It was mainly about cycling and all the hard work and compromises a cyclist put in to get that much-coveted gold.  Although, I'm into running ( an entirely different sport ) and not an athlete in training, I understand about pain and sometimes, that blind desire to push oneself to the limits, whatever the consequences.

Reading "GOLD"  by Chris Cleave was a good and enjoyable experience. And a few POST-IT notes after.

"Maybe the deal was that life had to break you down before you could see it. Maybe there wasn't any other racket in town except this one that brought you to your nadir and challenged you to build your self back up from it, then showed you that what you'd done at least meant something to someone." -TOM

Fall of Giants

"But you don't love your family because they're kind and considerate. You love them because they're your family." - Grigori

I first laid my eyes on this 900+ -page of a book, December of 2010. That time, it looked daunting and as I flipped through the pages, I couldn't find that spark or instant connection that I always have when I pick a book for the first time.

I haven't read a single book penned by Ken Follett until I met someone who told me about "Pillars of the Earth". It was a wonderful read and I so enjoyed it, that I tracked down "World Without End." I'm not a huge  fan of books with long and beating-around-the-bush kind of narrative. It's a turn-off for me, most of the time.

"Fall of Giants" is an exception. And after reading "Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End", I'm ready to be swept yet again, to another time long gone.

Somehow, the book let me take a peek into what happened during the First World War. And it's not mainly about history because it also touches about the frailties and quirks of man's behavior toward his fellowman.

If you don't mind reading a really long one, then you'll enjoy this first installment of Ken Follett's Century Trilogy. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Happy reading.!!!

Things I like about "You've Got Mail"....

"Don't you just love fall in New York?"

I've always been a movie buff since I was young enough to understand what I'm watching. Let's just say that I used to frequent the movie house whenever I had the time ( and extra cash ) and keep my myself abreast with all the new movies shown. ( Well, not all of them. ) This was during the time when cable TV wasn't popular yet.

I love to watch movies, especially the ones with endings that keep you wondering what happen, long after the credits stopped rolling. "YOU'VE GOT MAIL" is one of my favorites. I'm not really a huge fan of romantic flicks but for this one, I made an exception. And after 14 years when I first watched it, I don't mind  watching it again.

Here's the rundown on why the movie is my all-time favorite...

• It was filmed in New York City.
• Starbucks ( which means coffee )
• Bookstores ( books and reading )
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Cranberries' song "Dreams"
• Meg Ryan's hair

Just  few of  the things about the movie  that resonates with me. The plot and story line is simple but it wasn't boring at all. It's a love story but without the usual "effects" that some films has to entice viewers.

[ I have yet to fulfill my 'dream' of one day going to New York City for a visit. And perhaps, when I'm lucky, run in the New York marathon. So I'll wait and see. :-) ]

I go for series and trilogy too....

The first two...

I've always been fascinated with books and reading. I say, I'm happier when I have a book with me or when I'm in a library or a bookstore.  Since moving to Canada, I've read a lot of books. Thanks in part to the library. I read anything that interest me. Although, there are type of books that don't strike a chord with me.

Even before the HARRY POTTER books became so popular, I already read most of them and watch the film adaptations. It started when I was still back in the Philippines. I enjoyed Harry, Ron and Hermione's adventures all through out the series that I decided to read it again last year. And it was made possible by the VIRL.

Another series that I managed to read, pertained to vampires and werewolves. If you're familiar about Bella and Edward ( with Jacob thrown in to spice things up ), then you know what I'm getting at. Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Ring a bell? It's a surprise that I can still remember all the titles. The opportunity to read all four books presented itself and I was curious to find out what all the hype was about. Will I read it again? Probably not. Besides, my idea of what a vampire should be, will always be Louis and Lestat ( remember "Interview with the Vampire" )

The first trilogy I come across is from Suzanne Collins---I'm talking about "The Hunger Games", "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay". I read the first two books when I was still back home. And I read the last one, last year. It dealt about futuristic stuff and all that. And it was a fast-paced read.

A nice birthday present.:-)

Then there's Stieg Larsson's Millenium-trilogy that starts with "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo", then "The Girl Who Played With Fire" and "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest". All three books were published after the author's death in 2004. The books has been adapted to film. I watched the English version of the first book and it was good. The trilogy deals with various subjects, like corruption, human trafficking and other flaws of society in general. I got all three books for my birthday, two years ago. A birthday present. So there's no excuse not to read them all.

I've started accidentally on Jeffrey Archer's "The Clifton Chronicles". I say accidentally because I didn't plan on reading "Only Time Will Tell", which was the first book. I'm glad I did because it turned out to be a wonderful one and with Jeffrey Archer, being the author, you won't be disappointed. I had to wait for months before I get to read the second book, "The Sins Of The Father". It's worth the long wait. Now, I'm looking forward to the next one. Soon, hopefully.

I watched "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" a few years back. I didn't know then that it was based on a book by C.S. Lewis. It was only recently that I know about it. And there's a whole lot of other books in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. So I Google d it and jot down the title of the books ( all seven of them ) and the order they should be read. I borrowed "The Magician's Nephew" from the library and finished reading it in just one day. Well, it was a short one and the large print helped too. I have the second book, "The Boy and His Horse" ready to be pick up. So, let's see how this will turn out.

I noticed that I read a lot of series lately so I thought I write something about it. And also to keep track, perhaps. ( Whatever happened to my Book Journal? )

As I've mentioned before, reading is a great pastime. You can never go wrong with it. :-)

Never stop reading.

The Power of One

"First with the head and then with the heart, you'll be ahead from the start."

Someone suggested "The Power of One" to me. Few weeks after I got it from the library, it stayed unopened. Not for a lack of interest though. I was reading another book at that time. At first, I wasn't keen to read it because the print were way too fine for me. After reading a few books in large print, my eyes have become accustomed to the nicely spaced, large font.

My boss told me  it's a good book and that I will like it. And true enough, after I read the first two chapters, I'm hooked. The fine print did not matter anymore.

The book allow me a glimpse of a time, a few years back, when I know how it feels like to hit a heavy bag and punched it like crazy, until my knuckles were raw and sometimes, bled.

I read all 530 pages of the book and enjoyed it. Even go as far as jot down phrases I like. Here's one...

"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete; the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further or box better."

I read Stephen King's 11/22/63 in 9 days

"The multiple choices and possibilities of daily life are the music we dance to. "

The concept of time-travel is fascinating. I think it is a neat idea to be able to revisit the past and perhaps, change the course of things, especially the ones that mattered. But then there's also the fact that when things are meant to happen, they do and trifling with them can bring repercussions.

One day, I find myself in the library. My eyes wandered into the new books section and saw 11/22/63. I wasn't reading something at that time so I decided to check it out. This is my first time to read one of Stephen King's work. I am familiar with some of his previous novels, especially the ones adapted into film.

Occam's Razor: The simplest explanation is usually the right one.

So, what made me pick this one? The title intrigued me and more so because it signified a date, thirteen years before I was born. And I think it doesn't hurt to know a little bit more about  American history.

I enjoyed reading this book although it took me more than a week to finished it but it was worth it. Worth the time spent and the overdue fine I have to pay. :-)

"If you've ever been homesick , or felt exiled from all the things and people that once defined you, you'll know how important welcoming words and friendly smiles can be."

reads to start off 2012

Waiting for me ( not in vain, I hope )

If reading can be compared to taking a swig of alcoholic drink then, I'm in a perpetual daze of inebriation. Lately, I've been reading a lot and it helps that the local public library is just within walking distance from the house. Sometimes, I pick up books while out for a short run.

I decided to do away with the usual "resolution" thing that is always seem overrated at the start of every new year. Instead, I came up with this idea to write something about the books I've read lately. I'm still doing the POST-IT thing but I have yet to fill in the first page of my BOOK JOURNAL. I'm lazy, I know.

So, to begin with, I've read three books so far ( and more to come, hopefully ) I get them from the library ( now you can imagine, how my life would have turn out if this 'favorite haunt' wasn't conveniently located )

The Clan of Cave Bears ( Jean Auel )
A very slow read for me. Took me more than a week to finish this one. And I had to read another book in between to get away from it, for a bit. To break the monotony and somewhat dull pace of the story.

What keeps me going? It was interesting and you not only get to read fiction, per se, but also learn about the prehistoric people and all. And there's always that nagging thought to find out what happen next.

The Secret Letter of the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari ( Robin Sharma )
I read this one in  while reading The Clan of Cave Bears ( of course, not at the same time ). I requested this from the library a few months ago. Finally, when it was available, I started reading it, the same day I picked it up. Well, I stayed in the library for a couple of hours at that time.

A great read for me and truly inspiring. I stick POST-IT notes on different pages of the book, filled with phrases I like.

A Secret Kept (Tatiana De Rosnay )
After I've read "Sarah's Key", Tatiana De Rosnay's first book, I know then, that I like the way how she writes. It just took me more than a day to finish "Sarah's Key" and the same thing happened with "A Secret Kept".

A fast-paced read and something I can't easily put down and wait for another time to get back to it. Yes, I stayed up until midnight with this one. And save the few remaining chapters for the next day.

Anyway, this enjoyable activity has keep me preoccupied so far, aside from my other love. :-)

Who says reading is boring?

Updated Book List ( at last )

“We read to know that we are not alone.” - C.S. Lewis

Since the start of this year, I put it upon myself to make a list of all the books I've read in a month. And I was able to do so, at least for the first quarter of the year, though. You can check it out here.

I think I'm lazy. Once I started to get engrossed in a book, I just completely zone out everything ( except my work, of course ) I have this thing of sticking a POST-IT note on the first page of the book I will read and jot down the title, author's name, date started and date finished. It's my way to keep track of the books I've read and the time it took me to finish them.

Somehow, I muster enough willingness to come up with the list and update it diligently. It's not much actually. I usually get the books I read from the library ( which has become my favorite haunt during my days off ) and some I buy from discount stores ( if and when I want my own copy of a book that I particularly like) And so, here it goes...

APRIL 2011 

1. The Help ( Kathryn Stockett )
2. Up Island ( Anne Rivers Siddons )
3. And Thereby Hangs A Tale ( Jeffrey Archer )
4. Mirage ( Soheir Khashoggi)
5. Water for Elephants ( Sara Gruen)

MAY 2011

1. The Mermaid Chair ( Sue Monk Kidd )
2. False Impression ( Jeffrey Archer )
3. Someone Knows My Name (The Book Of Negroes ) ( Lawrence Hill )
4. World Without End ( Ken Follet )

JUNE 2011

1. Roots ( Alex Hailey )
2. The Kite Runner ( Khaled Hosseini )
3. Life Without Limits ( Nick Vujicic )
4. A Thousand Splendid Suns ( Khaled Hosseini )
5. The Book of Awesome ( Neil Pasricha )

“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.”  - Oscar Wilde

JULY 2011

1. The Distant Hours ( Kate Morton )
2. Sarah's Key ( Tatiana de Rosnay )
3. Marathon Woman ( Kathrine Switzer )
4. Any Known Blood ( Lawrence Hill )
5. To Be A Runner ( Martin Dugard )
6. The Hours ( Michael Cunningham )

AUGUST 2011

1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan ( Lisa See )
2. Let's Take The Long Way Home- A Memoir of Friendship ( Gail Caldwell )
3. A Cup of Friendship ( Deborah Rodriguez )
4. Dreams of Joy ( Lisa See )
5. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone ( J. K. Rowling )
6. The Splendor of Silence ( Indu Sundaresan)

SEPTEMBER 2011

1. Ancestor Stones ( Aminatta Forna )
2. Burnt Mountain ( Anne Rivers Siddons )
3. Kabul Beauty School (Deborah Rodriguez)
4. A Fine Balance ( Rohinton Mistry )
5. Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets ( J.K. Rowling)
6. Running on Empty ( Marshall Ulrich)
7. Prisoner of Tehran- A Memoir ( Marina Nemat)

My reading experience for the past few months has been wonderful and excellent. I cried when I read "The Kite Runner" and "Sarah's Key". I'm always transported to a different time and place whenever I start reading. I read about various subjects. Slavery, conflict between the Nazis and the Jews, and the ongoing struggle in Afghanistan. Then there's about India and China. And there's also about running.

I'll look forward for more great reads in the future. Many thanks to the South Cowichan Library here in Mill Bay!

Let's keep reading.:-)

My e-reader experience

So finally I got hold one of them e-readers. Cool, eh? Well, actually it is more than cool if I may so. I'm happy I have the opportunity to try it before I go ahead and buy one for myself. 


First, I commend the Vancouver Island Regional Library ( VIRL ) for coming up with this brilliant idea. They have this KOBO e-reader for loan to the adult reading public. How nice is that? Libraries are just awesome.


Since they first come out, I've been wanting to try one. Even went as far checking out the Chapters website and almost place an order. But something always stop me. The price, for one. And other reasons that somehow managed to make its way through my "I WANT THIS " state of mind. 

KOBO e-reader

Anyway, the day I got the e-reader, I can't wait to use it. And it's a no-brainer ( if you know how to read and follow instructions ) And the library took the time to provide a laminated help sheet to better aid the users as they go along. So, it's pretty easy to use.

And now, if anyone will ask me, would I buy one? 


Frankly, yes, if I have the extra dough to burn ( but sadly, no ) And if my reason for wanting to own one is just for the sake of keeping up with the times. 


I'd still go for the ol' real books. I like the feel of the paper against my fingers when I turn the page. I like the smell of the books. I like the different textures that a paperback has compared to the hardcover one. I like the idea of a book having its own self through its print, the kind of paper use, the images used on the inside cover or jacket. 


Convenience-wise, e-reader has its advantage. You can take it anywhere without an added weight. But then that's the only good point I can think of. Or maybe, I'm just not totally into it.


"Real" books will always be my choice. Whenever I pick a book and decide to read it, I feel that I have already establish a relationship or bond with the author and the story. And I don't feel that way with the e-reader.


Well, anyway, that's just me saying. Call me old-fashioned but I'd still go for the "real" ones.