Another Story About Books
Every time I bring a new book in school, my blockmates would always ask me what I am doing. Can’t they see? I’m reading? Isn’t obvious? And then, they would ask me what is the title of the book that I am reading. Finally, they would comment that they’re not fond of reading (as if I care). I’ve heard those lines for the nth time! Seriously, I’m getting tired of hearing those lines all over again and again.
I want to ask them if they would mind if they will mind their own business, but that will sound very rude so I don’t ask them.
What I want to point out is that you don’t disturb someone who is reading, just to say that you don’t like reading or anything for this matter. Well, unless there is a life threatening situation. Okay, I’m exaggerating, but you get the point, ‘ayt? I don’t like being disturbed especially if I’m so engrossed with the book; my concentration is being lost. And mind you, it is rude.
*****
I’m already on the fourth book my uncle gave me. The first one “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen was good, I like it. I’ve already wrote a draft of my review of the book but I still have to type it (now, I’m wondering where I put my draft), The second was Mark Haddon’s “A Spot of Bother”. I did not like it much but nevertheless, the story of George was still somehow captivating. Like Haddon’s first book — “The Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” — the protagonist has mental problems. I’ve also finished “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. It is really a good book (and I encourage you to read it also) and I think it is the best book I have read this year so far. The reviews of the book don’t lie! It’s indeed a haunting book!
When I was choosing which book I wanted my uncle to buy me, I was not really considering “The Kite Runner” because of the author being an Afghan1. But I was in short of one title, and I can’t find something interesting else so I chose it. And now, I found out that Amir and Hassan’s story was really captivating and riveting.
And because of Hosseini’s style in writing, I bough his latest book, “A Thousand Splendid Suns” last Friday2. I’m now reading “A Long Way Down” by Nick Hornby. It’s about four people who wanted to end their life and they all met in the building where they were supposed to jump.
*****
Last Sunday, we went to Subic to visit the beach. There were only few people swimming that day and the sun was behind the dancing clouds. After we ate lunch, I decided not to swim anymore, the sea was very salty that you can even smell how salty the sea is! I looked for a secluded place near the shoreline where you can hear the waves smashing. There, I continued reading “The Kite Runner,” I was on page 110 when suddenly, tears started to flow from my eyes. I was glad that no one saw me crying.
Okay, I should stop talking about that. But before I’ll end this entry, I want to tell you all that after two years, we are going to Baguio once again this Saturday! Yahoo!
- I’m not being a racist, okay? It’s just that most of the authors of the books that I’ve already read are either American or British. [↩]
- Which cost me almost 500 pesos. [↩]
September 20, 2007 @ 11:08 pm
Ah yes… this should be the new golden rule: Disturb a person who’s reading if you want him to throw the book in your face to cause you massive brain hemorrhaging.
I was tempted to read Kite Runner but I felt that the book won’t be good enough… My classmates highly recommend it (They had to read it for a Humanities class), but I have yet to be swayed. Do make a review of it!
September 21, 2007 @ 6:09 pm
hahaha… your blog is green too! love the pattern! hahaha… oo nahuli ako.. wahaha.. pero they don’t care naman if i surf the net e.. heehee.
haha, katawa mga classmates mo… tinanong pa nila yung title di pala sila mahilig magbasa ng libro! hmmmppp! hoho. i was looking for some titles to read and thanks to you i think i’ll try one those you mentioned above.
heehee.
woooow baguio!!! haha enjoy! God bless and have a safe trip
September 21, 2007 @ 9:23 pm
Eriiiised: I recommend “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. It’s really haunting. I’m sure you’ll like it.
September 22, 2007 @ 10:54 pm
I understand how irritating that can be.
Have a lovely weekend and wishing you a peaceful reading time.
September 23, 2007 @ 3:50 am
Lots of book reading and travelling, bro?
Hmmm, with my schedule this second term, I don’t think I have time for trying to be a bookworm. Lol. Anyway, I’ll still try to hunt down some good titles.
September 24, 2007 @ 11:11 pm
I really wish that I could go back to reading again. Last time I tried to read a novel my brother was trying to converse with me every time I pick up a book. I saw “Water for Elephants” in the bookstore and it looks really interesting.
September 27, 2007 @ 6:28 am
Saan mo nabili yung The Kite Runner? Naghahanap ako sa NBS, parang wala. What color is the book?
September 28, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
I agree. It’s totally pointless for someone to disturb you while you’re reading something just to say that he/she doesn’t like to read! Whew, you really are quite a bookworm. I hope I could be one too. LOL. If only I have time (and books!)..
September 30, 2007 @ 10:16 am
nakikita ko ang book na “kite runner” sa bookstore sa singapore (ang dami nilang books ang ganda pa ng cover) and somehow gusto ko rin basahin.. siguro one day…
i dont like being disturbed as well… hehe pero i try to understand them 
September 30, 2007 @ 12:41 pm
Kris: If you have read my entry, you would know that my uncle gave it to me as a gift. He bought it in the US.
There is only a little chance that you’ll see a copy of The Kite Runner at NBS as it’s not really a book store (lol), well, you know what I’m talking about. Whatever. Haha. Here is the page of The Kite Runner at Amazon. It has a picture there.
December 23, 2007 @ 5:13 pm
My wife doesn’t read much. I prod her so she can pick up the habit. I buy lots of books and when I find something that I think would captivate her, I let her try read the first pages. One day I gave her a copy of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Upon finishing it, she cried. I was happy she appreciated the story that much enough to make her cry.
cheers!
TonyB