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.

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. :-)

I "love" the library...

"A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people---people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book." - E.B. White

If there's one thing I like particularly about being here in Canada---its their library. I know, this confession would prompt comments like, "The library? Big deal." I didn't realize this at first, until after a year of going to the library in Mill Bay.

One of my recent read.

When I was still in school, I was never fond of going to the library, unless it is really necessary. And I dislike the idea of spending countless hours, on a secluded corner, with a book in front of me. In no time, I will be nodding off, the book forgotten. Back then, I view going to the library as something closely related with schoolwork so it's not fun.

And where I come from, a public library is not one of the priority. The few that do exist are stocked with outdated materials and books. Besides, no one really go to this place. Reading is not a popular pastime.

So a few days after I arrived in Canada, my aunt took me to the downtown branch of the library in Nanaimo. I was amazed. I felt like I was a kid inside a toy store. That day I got my library card. I was in heaven. I marveled at all the books on the shelves.

There's something about books that makes me happy and content.

When I moved to Mill Bay, the first I did is check out the library. I was happy to know that it wasn't located far from where I'm going to stay. On my days off, I always go there. It has become one of my "happy place". Every time I step inside the library, it feels like I'm transported to another place. I like the smell of the books, especially the brand new ones. I have this crazy idea--- I'd spend a night in the library, then all the stories in the books will come to life. With one exception though, no scary stuff.

I've read a lot of good books for the past two years, thanks to the library. And the cool thing about it is I can read any book I like, without buying it ( except if I want my own copy ) For someone who thrive on reading,  like me, the library is a great thing. I don't have to go out and do stuff, to amuse myself. Besides, I am always content with a good book ( and a cup of coffee on the side ).

The library will always be one of my favorite place. And hopefully, for a very long time...

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?

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.