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.

Wake me up when October ends.

My resolve to write more often was just that---a resolve. I never get really around to it. Its funny how my brain process these myriad of thoughts but when I try to write them down, nothing happens.

I love fall.

At this time of the year, from where I'm at, is beautiful. The leaves in various shades of color is pretty, not to mention the "crunch" sound they made. I think fall is my favorite season, doesn't matter if its cold and rainy. So, before October disappears into the pile of months gone by, I decided to make a rundown of what I've been up to. And if you do visit my blog, then you'll know about it too. :-)

I ran more often, which works fine for me and more so because I had races to prepare for. I ran in the Victoria Marathon for the first time, which was held during the Thanksgiving weekend. It was the best run I ever did by far. Then two weeks after that, I did the Shawnigan-Kinsol Half Marathon. Needless to say, I've been told I'm crazy. But really, I think there's only one person who knows why I run.

Collection. 

At the moment, I'm reading "A Feast for Crows", book four of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" saga. I have to say this, after I read "The Game of Thrones" , something just clicked and I'm hooked. Though sometimes, after a few pages while at it, I dozed off--- must be the too fine print.

I get to watch a live concert for the first time at Rogers Arena. It was PiNK's The Truth About Love Tour. I've always like her, since she first started. Never thought I'd get to see her perform live in person, albeit at a distance. Her voice wasn't really at par due to medical issues but she did sang live. She put a really good show and did awesome acrobatic moves, which was really cool.

Anyway, November is here and I know what that means. :-)

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?

INFERNO

I first came across Dan Brown's work when I read "The Da Vinci Code". I was intrigued and even had nagging questions about my supposed religious affiliation. Then I went on to read "Angels and Demons" and "The Lost Symbol". When I heard the hype about "Inferno" even before its scheduled release, I waste no time in putting a request in the library. I was even tempted to buy my own copy. Fortunately, my request came through.

Reading the book makes me want to read Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy". I heard about it in high school but never have the interest to get into it. And I got a history lesson on the side. I can picture the vivid narrative in my mind. It even made me think of perhaps, one day, visit the places mentioned in the book.

"The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." - Dante Alighieri

The book touched on the subject of overpopulation and the ramifications it if goes on unchecked. I have first hand experience on what its like to come from a big family. Crowded space and no privacy. I came to appreciate more the phrase "survival of the fittest."

Aside from the enjoyable history lesson, "Inferno" allowed me to learn things that otherwise I wouldn't have known. When I read a book, I always have this feeling that I am, in some ways, part of the story---like a silent character. It felt like I was there and actually see and feel what the characters see and feel in the story. It was no surprise that I stayed up way past my bedtime in order to finish reading this one.

This account is by no means intended to be a book review. It's just my personal view of the story in general. But if you're interested to find out what the hype is all about, go ahead and read the book.

Happy reading!!!

Family Matters

"If only we could have the impossible, he thought, we could vanquish unhappiness. But that was not how things worked in the world."

I read the book "A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry, more than a year ago. It was the most sad yet an eye-opener read I ever had. It is fiction but I can't help correlate it with reality. Some things that happened in the book and the respective characters' circumstances did happen in real life.

"Remember, people can take away everything from you, but they cannot rob you of your decency. Not if you want to keep it. You alone can do that, by your actions."

One day, I was in Chapters. While I walked around and browsed over different titles, I came across Rohinton Mistry's works. I didn't realize that he wrote three previous books before "A Fine Balance". So, I jot down the titles. Once I got back home, I put  a request for "Family Matters" in the library.

Reading the book made me think about my own family-- the relationship I had ( or lack thereof ) with my late father and my attitude towards my mother and younger siblings.

As with any good book that I read, I always make it a point to take note of phrases that I like or I think, impacted me in some ways.

So, here's one...

"Everyone underestimates their own life. Funny thing is, in the end, all our stories--your life, my life---they're the same. In fact, no matter where you go in the world, there is only one important story: of youth, and loss, and yearning for redemption. So we tell the same story, over and over. Just the details are different."

Oh, hello there....

So, what's up with you guys? January and February just went by in a blur. March is here and it's time to change the clock again, "spring forward", so they say. Resolutions, still there? I know it can be daunting and difficult to keep ourselves in check when something nice and tempting is right in front of us. ( Say, a big slice of a very tasty cheesecake or lemon pie. Just saying. )

I made this "huge announcement" of reading more often, but I didn't get to read for more than a week after I left behind my glasses in my aunt's place. The book, which I was reading at that time and that I would have otherwise finish days ago, lay, collecting dust on my bedside table. Thankfully, my sister realized my "predicament" and mailed my glasses for me. And all was good again. ( I can't read for long or use the computer without my glasses on. And if I do, I get headaches and feel nauseated.)

I like to think that you do check out my blog and read what I write from time to time. So, I assume you know a little bit about what's going on in my life. Not that its my intention to keep you posted on every mundane detail about it.

 My journals...

I have you know that I drank almost an entire bottle of sparkling wine. Yes, this is true. One Sunday night, I hang out with my sister and while she was getting dinner ready, I on the other hand, was busy knocking off a few glasses of sparkling wine. It was really my intention to get drunk but my plan didn't work. My sister was like, what's wrong with you? I dismissed her question with a laugh and drank the remaining contents of my glass. Just to be clear, getting drunk is not part of my resolution.

Another "resolution" I thought of doing is to write often. I even go as far as bought Moleskine notebooks from Chapters. ( Considering that they're $10 a piece and they were already on SALE, it was a splurge. ) Anyway, I'm back to writing on my journal again. I mean, there's no way that I can just let those pricey $10 notebooks to waste and gather dust.

As for my running, it is good so far. I'm happy that I get to do a short run during my work week on top of the ones that I usually do on my days off. I can't complain.

So far, things are good. Hopefully, they stay that way. I try to downplay the fact that I'm happy and like being where I'm at now, for fear that it may not last and then I have to move again.

Now, let's go back to those  resolutions. Where we at, again?

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.

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. :-)

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

How it all began for me...

There are only few simple joys in life that I cherish and nurture. Running, for one. Food is another thing. Then there's my love for books and reading in general. I have Tiya to thank for the latter. Without her stories, years ago and her encouragement for me to read, I wouldn't have discover this wonderful and worthwhile pastime. I don't have to go to far-away places just to read.

I can't remember the exact time when I started my love affair with reading. All I know is, I've always love to read and most of the time, happier when I'm just by myself, with a good book. ( I don't need to seek the company of others when I have a great book with me. Although, I had a great time in AMUMA with my batch mates.)

At first, I was content to read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Then later on, I found the same story line boring. One day, Tiya gave me a paperback ( Hotel by Arthur Hailey ) and suggested I try it. I did. From then on, I was hooked.

I remember one year, I just stayed home when I'm supposed to start college. Due to reasons that I can't recall, I had to defer going to school for another year. Tiya brought me books every week and I read them all. Paperbacks. Condensed Reader's Digest. With every book was an adventure waiting for me in between the pages.

I moved from reading young-adult ( the Harry Potter series is my all-time favorite ) to more complicated and serious stuff. I'm lucky to read great writings from different excellent and wonderful authors. I've been moved to tears and  laughter. With reading, I learned a lot about the world around me. I began to learn how to think outside the box. To be open to new ideas and think things over.

I prided myself in being able to put up an indifferent countenance about certain things, except for one. I can never pretend that I don't like books or reading ( for that matter ) My reaction to the sight of books neatly stack on shelves ( either inside a library or bookstore ) always give me away. I can't say I read everything. It depends whether it interest me or not.

Reading and books will always be a part of my life. And I'll always be thankful for Tiya for sharing this wonderful gift with me.

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...

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?