Then we Came to the End

Then we came to the end . This is not a hint to end this blog, but it is the title of my first summer vacation book. I've read excerpts of this book last year in Fully Booked Bonificio High Street while waiting for Mitch to arrive. I remember on that day I was not in the mood for waiting and walking. So, I entered Fully Booked to surround myself with my favorite comfort and distraction. Books. I clearly remembered this book was featured at the new releases section and I randomly grabbed it because the font and the color are intriguing. Not that post-its randomly dazzle me, but there's something about the title of course. Then I took a vacant seat. Call it a reader's or a woman's intuition, but I read the first chapter and began savoring the humor and words. I didn't realize I was actually waiting for someone as time easily passed by until unfortunately Mitch burst my reading bubble. We were in a hurry at that time so I vowed myself to purchase this book when the next opportunity comes, but when I did go back a couple of weeks later, this book was out of stock. With so many events and backlogs, this book completely skipped my mind.




A few months later and two weeks before my Boracay trip, I found myself in Powerbooks itching to find my Boracay Book. That material should be very interesting and preferably "lighter" than the usual ones I read. I want it to complement my vacation. I want a book that would humor me and that would share insights that I can easily relate to.

I was shifting from one aisle to another in Powerbooks Greenbelt and almost resigned to the fact that I should just search a book in my library, but with a glimpse of a second, the yellow covered book near the entrance took my attention. I made sure it was the same book in my mind by browsing through the first chapter. Same humor. Same book; and without any hesitations, I bought it.

For the past week I was itching to read it, but I reserved the book for looming Boracay vacation. When it was time to pack, I put the book in my bag first then came my pocket money. I began reading it from cover to cover on the plane and on the beach while my friends were busy doing their photo shoots.

I remember that exactly last year in Boracay I had fun with Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami, now this novel by Joshua Ferris has great promises as well. The first chapter, which is about dynamic people dealing with layoffs, is narrated and described in such a comic and real sense. It was not your typically happy start, but real enough for me to relate to. From then on, it's satire and wackiest moments that would leave you to confront your own office demons and laughing at that.

The Guardian after A Bend in the Road

One of my goals this year is to read as much books as possible. Last year started off fine, but ended up to be pathetic as there were months that I didn't get to read anything. Never again. Good thing that I've saved enough disposable income and I've successfully cut back some unnecessary food tripping and shopping for health and finance purposes. Now I see to it that at least I buy one book a month to replenish my remaining stocks. Thanks to some few good people, who gave me their books as charity. For the end of January until now, I'm still reading wonderful stories of Reader's Digest Condensed Books that Mitch's mom gave me. I didn't mean to notice that she keeps a stock in her house, when embarrassingly, she gave it all to me. Thanks to that I've got a couple of titles to go and a couple of books to close before I actually start reading my own books that I've lined up for the start of the year.

Last December, before heading off to a friendly dinner, I stopped over at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street to check out some few titles. The book store was bustling of people and I felt at home. I noticed a new stock line up of The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks. I remembered during August of the same year, attending Leslie Buena's wedding, I noticed my friend Caan was reading it. Knowing her, she never reads a book unless it's recommendable. Therefore I was intrigued. I managed to read a chapter and examine the summary that doesn't fall into the hopelessly love-sick categories. I just have this impression of Nicholas Sparks because of his books' film adaptations.

I saw A Walk to Remember, didn't like it. I saw the Notebook once and wouldn't go the extra mile to watch it again. I believe his material is not my cup of tea, hence it would take a lot of coincidence and interest to get me hooked to his works.



After that weekend, I went back to Fully Booked and asked for a copy, but there was none. It must be that sold out. Hence it must be that good. I decided to wait. The opportunity was ignited in me when I got my "baby" at our company Kris Kringle. The person I picked asked for Nicholas Sparks books she hasn't read yet. I went to Power Books Greenbelt and looked for specific titles, but all that's in her list weren't there. As usual, sold out. I ended up giving her a Powerbooks gift card instead.

The following weekend was the dinner night I went to Fully Booked. I saw familiar faces there and even saw Dez, a friend, whom I'll be going to dinner with. She was holding a copy of The Night Watch and was actively recommending it to me. Although interested, I presented to her my catch, The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks. Finally I said, I will get to read my first Nicholas Sparks book. Being an avid eclectic reader, she must have thought that it was weird for me to have never read a single Nicholas Sparks book when his books' film adaptations caused a general stir especially to women. I tried to explain I wasn't your mainstream reader and your typical woman. I observe and explore books at my own style and at my own pace and time.

I believe at that time I was still reading The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, so I just put The Guardian with the rest of my "must-to-read" pile of books. After that weekend, I wanted to jump from modern literature to classic literature and tried to read Howard's End. Until the time I switched to murder-mystery of Jeffrey Deaver and Mitch's mom gave me copies of her various Reader's Digest Condensed book.

At the end of the whole waiting and anticipating it didn't turn out exactly as I planned. The Guardian will not ever be the first book that I will read by Nicholas Sparks. At that time my mood was just right to read a laid back relationship story. Nicholas Sparks' The Guardian will be perfect for that moment, but unfortunately, I completely forgot that I didn't even manage to cover the book with plastic cover, and knowing me, I never read fresh books without any protection at all. (Sounds weird and the idea seems kinky) I decided to settle for the hard bound Reader's Digest books and lo and behold, a title page of one Nicholas Sparks's works covered the first page. It was A Bend in the Road.



If one would ask me, the story is laid back. Nothing quite special about it, but it didn't hurt reading it either. I believe these stories are what he does best. It's just not my cup of tea, but I'm still pushing through with The Guardian, it might turn my impression upside down.



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My "Squattered" Books

My old room was like a floating library. Since I've already maximized two big shelves in the house, I had no choice but to keep my books stacked on my desk, on my sister's desk, under the computer table, on the floor, on my sister's make-up drawer or whatever suitable place I could find. In every corner, container, cabinet and shoe racks in my room I have my delegates in the form of books. If my room was a battlefield and my books were hidden bombs, I wouldn't bet anyone going out of my room alive.

So, one afternoon, I decided to get all my books that were not neatly placed in shelves. My other books that are on shelves are still neatly stacked, which I wouldn't touch for now. My targets were my exposed 'squatter' books. Going through the process, I snatched, wiped, and carried a few as I neatly stacked them in the living room for a quick inventory. The books that I've forgotten that I still have made themselves known to me again! Joy! But I cringed when I saw how my Record Book's seriously outdated.

After pulling out one of my last squatter books, A History of World Societies, I was surprised at the stacks I've managed to form. I know I have lots of books. It's still evident in a couple of shelves that are still untouched in the old house, but I didn't figure out that the books scattered in twos and threes in my room would PILE TO THESE. Amazing.


**Presenting, the ex-Squatter books in my room, 10% of my collection (I guess..)

**My Old School VECO Record Book of Books?? I had this ever since High school. I've maintained this after college, but I firmly believe this is wayyyy OUTDATED. It's time to get you on a database.


Welcome home, babies, you are soon to be residents of the waiting SHELVES in the new "country." Never again to be seen as Squatters.

For TWILIGHT Readers

I'm just posting this for spontaneous reference.

This is the cast of the movie, Twilight, adapted from the best selling novel of Stephanie Meyer. I must admit, I liked the casting. Some smell upcoming Jude law, but I smell Orlando Bloom in the making. And you see the lead girl (in the brown jacket), she caught me by surprise. Her face is so familiar, yet I could not pin point where I've seen her, until I relied on my brilliant movie-memory for which I googled for confirmation.

Yes, this girl, in the chest of the beautiful vampire Edward, is Bella, played by Kristen Stewart who I last saw in....

PANIC ROOM!!

Can you imagine?! She has bloomed magnificently! I could just remember that first time I saw PANIC ROOM and I asked myself if Jodie Foster's child was a he or a she to begin with?


For TWILIGHT Saga fans out there, I guess you have to wait till December 2008, for which I will happily join you har-har.


Pic sources
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http://www.creativescreenwriting.com/csdaily/csdart/images/images/Panic_Room_cellphone.jpg

After Reading TWILIGHT

After reading Twilight, I must admit...I'll be reading NEW MOON shortly...

I never envisioned myself to be writing a post about Twilight because of my apprehensions in reading it. Even though I've been a passive witness to the rise of popularity of the book installments, I find the story so typical; and when it comes to vampires, I have very high standards. The only vampire character that I truly and madly accept is Bram Stoker's version, Dracula, where Gary Oldman brilliantly gave life to it. The other versions, unfortunately even Buffy, did not appeal to me. So it took me till the fourth book to go beyond mere glancing of its intriguing covers.



Last Monday, I decided to buy the first book just to see what it's all about. Since it was a freebie from Mitch, I was pretty encouraged to be loose with the selection process. If I wouldn't like the book, since a teenage romance-vampire concept is not my cup of tea, then I'd just be glad to get a chance to read it and no harm will be done since my saga would just evidently stop there.

But I was surprised to observe myself intensely hooked. I happened to finish the copy this morning, which forced me to read the blasted corporate manual instead. It is definitely a light read. The story is very fluid and the pace is very amusing, yet fast. But I think that's not the entire and only reason why it was able to anchor a certain level of popularity. I believe it has something to do with the main characters, the vampires in particular. Put a family of intensely good looking, skilled and powerful vampires, you got yourself a contender. But emphasize on the romantic plot of the two love-struck vampire-human characters, mixed with fast paced chases and subplots, and you got a bestseller.

The novel is a mixture of fantasy without losing its reality touch. It invokes mythical concepts with attempts of its own "vampirical" version. It integrates the thinking of vampires and humans candidly; not to mention the characters that would make you swoon in delight. It's RL Stine fused with Anne Rice and young Judith McNaught.

But do not expect the book to invoke an entirely different world like what JK Rowling created. Some might be looking for more in terms of detailed world difference. This is not entirely an escapist novel that takes you to another world. Usually, what you already know about vampires from hundreds of stories and versions, are just magnificently repeated and reminded in this book. Some information, which we all know about vampires, just rely on common sense. Usually, i wasn't shocked nor surprised about certain explanations of their kind. I'm sure most of it I've read and seen through the eyes of Anne Rice and Bram Stoker. If you've seen the movies Underworld, Interview with the Vampire, Queen of the Damned and Skinwalkers, you're probably going to get the same concept. If there's a variation, it would only be minimal (which I wouldn't spoil here). The rest of vampire attributes like strength, intensified senses, speed, beauty, immortality and morality are pretty much covered in this book. So it's really entirely not the plot in itself, but most probably it was how the characters were molded. The story takes a fast paced and interesting flow, which accounts for its light and voracious read.

Actually, I heard from a friend awhile ago that the movie is already in post production. This friend of mine, a Harry Potter follower, mentioned that Edward (the beautiful main character-vampire), will be played by the actor who played Cedric Diggory in the HP Goblet of Fire. I mused and immediately googled it down as soon as I got home. And pretty much, when I saw the cast, I was impressed. They almost got the characteristics 100%, especially Emmett who looked exactly as how I pictured him in my mind while reading the book. Good character development and casting for the movie, entail brighter promises.

I'm not considered a die-hard fan...yet, but I must admit I'll be buying the rest of the saga this weekend, just to save time covering the books; and banking on the momentum of literary high brought by these interesting characters. Yes, I admit I'm happily poisoned.


PIX:
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August sale at Powerbooks

Last night, after I got out of a cab and waved goodbye to Chechay and her spawn Rye, I hurriedly went to the G4 comfort room to take advantage of their tissues and sense of isolation. I had to wipe my disgustingly wet feet from the rain and hopefully wash it from all city pavement dirt and what not. As I was walking..no..nearly sprinting, something put me dead on my tracks. Ahem...Powerbooks is having it's sale for the whole month of August. Books sale up to 70% off. I see numerous red signs inside calling me, but nothing could beat the feeling of wet feet. In the end, I spent an hour in pbooks jotting down titles I'd buy once my cheque comes in, but I happily did it with a dried, soaped feet.

An afFAIR For Book Lovers

It's a gloomy rainy morning and I'm feeling it. Just after accompanying Mitch to the doctor, I went to the office and read this particularly interesting feature that I just like to share!

The 29th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), the country's largest book fair celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, will be held from September 12 - 16 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashelf Drive, Mall of Asia Complex Pasay City.

I say, book lovers, isn't this good news or what? Amidst the jaded circumstances we still have the comfort of books that always serve the classic entertainment experience! There's a new reason to save up and block those dates! Gosh, this is definitely worth going for! Prepare to wear flats and enjoy the experience!

Thanks, Manila Times!



For more details call 8900661 or email at bookfair@primetradeasia.com

Picture from: http://lh3.ggpht.com/_P4MRBlq14Rw/RtrDYX9Lg_I/AAAAAAAAAS4/XghmQyCwmoQ/IMG_7643.jpg

Reading. Period.

I read a very interesting article written by Motoko Rich in New York Times about the topic of Reading. The article points out that reading nowadays cannot be limited only to the traditional and more recommended medium through books when the fast changing times have taken reading on a new medium, which is on the internet. The article gave examples of traditional point of views when it comes reading through books and the modern alternative thinking when it comes to reading online.

It's not an uncommon sentiment or knowledge that "reading" is not a common or desired hobby or interest. Most people, especially those who lead very modern and busy lives, cannot relate to the joys of sitting down with a book, allotting hours and hours of in depth reading and internalizing. And at this certain age, who isn't busy? Reading often spurs the thought of academics, boredom and inconvenience. We might think that adults with so many areas of technology, professions, bills and extra curricular activities are the only busy individuals who find it hard to read even if they want to, but the truth is, children are more susceptible and adaptable to reading online that they rely on complex, fast and upbeat literary forms in Online social networks, ebooks and blogs.

Most traditionalists, academes or those who just love books find it hard to accept that the reading popularity (through books), if not gone stagnant, are dipping due to the emergence of Online access and material. This difficulty in acceptance might have stemmed from uneasiness due to this modern alternative's unreliability and ineffectiveness.It is not effective in a sense that most online literary works are done informally through social networks with less importance in the disciplines of grammar and overall literary strength. The message is often chopped to pieces for online readers who have the power to skip, scan and understand information in a few minutes' time frame. That is why reading through Internet's been made popular because you could get information, entertainment and insights in a few minutes' time. The format is very convenient, interesting and accessible to some. But in terms of literary effectiveness, it is often questioned.

However, readers online, who are not interested in books, feel that they are not being left behind in any way. They feel that reading blogs, engaging in forums, reading online reviews and news are more profitable and beneficial than going through the traditional method. For them, their time is maximized; and more knowledge are exchanged and uncovered versus the linear and time-grueling method through books. Some vowed that they have never harbored interests in going through libraries, entering bookstores or even found the entertainment and benefit from books, yet some are even voracious readers online. The usual examples of these alternative believers are children who have access on the net. A Professor in the University of Michigan, Elizabeth Moje, noted that:

One early study showed that giving home Internet access to low-income students appeared to improve standardized reading test scores and school grades. “These were kids who would typically not be reading in their free time,” said Linda A. Jackson, a psychology professor at Michigan State who led the research. “Once they’re on the Internet, they’re reading.

Neurological experts even noted that there is a difference in the method of "learning" that could change the brain's circuitry. Experts believe that the "Internet may also affect the brain’s hard wiring in a way that is different from book reading" It's not necessarily negative, it's just different from the normal effects on depending on books. Since the brain is very powerful and malleable, it naturally adapts to the demands and pressure of any method of learning available. Information processing in various medium is still a form of information processing. Traditionalists may not entirely advocate for this method, but they're just lenient and happy that people are still reading.

In my opinion, I've always been an advocate in reading. I may adore and love books, but I've also known that few share this interest in varying levels. There's ultimately nothing wrong with that. I believe every individual has different sets of interests that inevitably help them grow. The beauty of this age is that alternatives are present to suit everyone's needs and specifications, and there's a freedom of choice. Just like for those who feel that they are not "traditional readers," they have somehow found interest in engaging their literacy skills online. Some may not agree with its effectiveness, but seriously, who cares? It's good enough that everyone's literacy skills have greater chances to be enhanced through this medium, compared to having no exposure to reading at all. It's true that the manner of reading and the way we think are slowly being changed, but the fact that we have become more aware of these changes brought by alternatives, should leave every single expert, academe, writer and online reader more responsible to promote not just effective, increased and beneficial reading but Responsible reading as well. Another area to consider is the integration of medium. It's hopeless and stupid to stop the birth of various mediums that only aim to suit everyone's needs. Writers and voracious readers have learned how to integrate alternative methods such as blogging, social networking and online publishing of works and reviews to their traditional method. It's a shame if we do not responsibly maximize and challenge the medium presented to us.

I love reading. I advocate books above anything else out there and I still think books are the best. But it's also untrue to deny that I also do maximize alternative reading sources online. I am fully aware of its own benefits and it helps most people, especially those whom I know find immense difficulty in traditional reading. There is absolutely nothing wrong reading online. It's a case of different strokes for different folks. As long as everyone gets the chance and interest to read, maximize and get a fair chance to enhance their literacy, then I'd be happy to equally promote it.

Shopping Attitude in Books

I love books. Period.

I'm not entirely being idealist with this. It's the truth. I've come across books that are poorly written to the point that it's too difficult to read. I've also come across literary pieces, which plots are really not my cup of tea, and I'm not talking about just weird, twisted and out of the blue topics. But nevertheless, I love them for their existence. That is how I love and advocate books. It's like how the world sees a child. Not all children are born geniuses, kindhearted or promising, but all children are special one way or another.

My relationship with books seem sacred and OC to some, but sometimes I just see them animated and brought to life. I see them as a sort of company, a savior and an anchor to course through life aside from the usual agents of friends and family. Some may not agree with this as most fail to harbor the interest in reading. But any hobby or interests would be fine, as long as you get the picture.

Before I developed a relationship and attitude with anyone else, I relied on my relationship with books. Most of the times I buy books out of random. I walk into a bookstore, a thrift bookstore or a chic one, it doesn't matter. I browse and get immersed in hours finding that perfect connection. I remember a TV show I've watched in Lifestyle Channel wherein this shopping expert advised shoppers that if one cannot find a certain thing to buy in a store, in 10-15 minutes, then one should move on and go to the next establishment. Obviously, it doesn't work with me, with books that is. I stay there for hours if I can to find that book that I would be hooked with. It occurs in levels, actually. I first get enticed by the cover. I look at the author if he or she is familiar so that I may have an idea of his/her writing styles. Then I move on to the plot summary at the back. If I get interested enough I read 1-2 chapters (depending of the length of course). If by the 2nd chapter I'd still want to continue, I'd bring it along with me for a while and continue exploring the available book selections following the same chronological procedure.

Since I'm in a certain trance, most of the times I wouldn't know how many books I might end up with. If there's still time, I would sit and continue reading a few lines and find that strong gut feel and connection. If my overstretched budget would allow it, I'd go for a book splurge, but if not, I do the process of elimination taking note of other titles that I might have a chance to buy in the future. I return the books at their rightful place, request for a sealed copy (if available), savor the transaction process, and go out of the store feeling more rejuvenated than any spa trip I've ever been to. It's a priceless feeling.

The titles also do vary depending on the gravity of desire. There was a time that I wanted to learn more about Greek Mythology, I bought a couple of Greek Mythology art books and compilations such as Bulfinch's version and Edith Hamilton's. I've bought also series of inspirational books like Khalil Gibran's the Prophet and Sun Tzu's Art of War. Usually, I go for non-fiction titles in different genres, again depending on the current interest. There was a time that I felt vintage so I searched for the Great Gatsby. From medieval period to the usual modern court setting. I've been reading the novels from JR Tolkien to modern-fantasy of Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker. I am comfortable reading Youth by Coetzee and shift to Judith McNaught's or Josie Littman's intricate romance stories. I've also bought a compilation of Filipino essays on a giant book fair, and enjoying for the second time since High School, the stories of Sionil F. Jose, Manuel Arguilla, Nick Joaquin etc. I've managed to gracefully switch reading Maxwell's Blink and Greene's Laws of Power to managing through old yellow pages of the disturbing 1970's adapted true story of Sybil. With books, I can say that I've always been comfortable with variety.

Finding my connection with books before purchasing follows that certain procedure and attitude. I give time and effort to it, but mostly I rely on a few lines, current interest and gut feel. I'm not overly particular if the author is new, reliable or not. I go for the connection. But there are a couple of times wherein I bought a book based on hyped reviews. I've benefited from it sometimes, but I'm not the type who would usually rely on it. One particular example is Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. Before I left for the states in 2004, it's already been hyped up in the Philippines. Since I'm not the type who instantly conforms, I waited for the perfect urge and timing to buy it albeit I kept on reading and hearing reviews. But when I was already in the in the States, particularly in the BART (train) station in San Francisco, I saw 4 individuals actually reading the book. That's where I felt the urge. I immediately skipped the train, went to Borders and finally faced the hype. I'm happy to say I liked it, it tickled my beliefs. It was a good sign. But in some cases of hype-purchasing, most titles, I felt, were overrated.

In other special cases, I've been keeping notes on titles that I've been longing to read, waiting for the opportune time to buy them. Whereas in second hand books, the attitude and procedure of selection are almost the same, but more emotions are involved. Most of the times, I've been duped by vintage looking books. I buy them out of "awa" or sympathy. I feel I have this self-imposed obligation to restore them. Half of the books in my shelf aren't read yet, and some books are "mood specific" unfortunately. But I'm catching up always catching up, I'm in no rush in experiencing the literary party.

Recently, I've also added a new method in acquiring books. I've been doing it online. I'm not talking about ebay here. I'm referring to the brilliant business sense of MULTIPLY sites. I have a regular business contact in Multiply where she sells old to mainstream second hand books. She posts the pictures, summary and prices and from there you could message her your orders. Payment is made through bank deposits, and some through G-Cash to make everything more convenient. It saves you the time of traveling to bookstores, although the bad part is the limited connection-assessment with the book. It's a hit or miss thing. The gut would only depend on the cover, author and book summary. In this part, I suffer the usual shopping syndrome when you're faced on an establishment sale. "Quantity over Quality," but then again with PHP 500 pesos I can easily buy 10 titles, either hardbound or paperback copies, there might be a new found treasure there.




In conclusion, I am not really particular on how I would buy the book. I'm even less critical about it's condition. I buy the book out of connection and interest. Books, aside from food, have been the only retail commodity that could overwhelmingly stretch my budget or make my budget non-existent. Purchasing is an attitude, a method or a sentiment that can be applied in various situations. In my case, it deserved more practice and familiarity than usual, but once I've started to be comfortable and attuned to it, the treasures just keep on coming.