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A Voracious Reader

Ever since I can remember — and my parents can attest to this — I’ve always been a voracious reader. As soon as I got a book in my hands I’d be off on a journey with the literary characters for hours upon hours. Before I knew it, I’d have the book finished in either one or two sittings. Some of my most vivid childhood memories involve books and the library.

Having library periods (am I the only one that always had a class period devoted solely to going to the library). Going to the library and relishing being able to check out, read, and understand young adult books as an elementary and middle-schooler (though some were too raunchy). Choosing library time as one of my (many, many, many) after-school activities. And, oh my, ordering all the books my little heart could desire from the Scholastic Book catalog (the fair itself never went abroad…).

Reading is a passion of mine. It always has been and I hope it always will be.

During college, unfortunately, I rarely read. For pleasure, anyway. The several hundreds of pages of reading I had to do each night (it’s what I get for being a double major, one of which took pride in giving the most reading) were for academia. Fortunately, with college done I’ve got more time in my hands.

I’m reading two books right now — yes, you read that right — but I’m already on a search for the next book. Here’s what I’ve got in mind. Sorry, I couldn’t pick just one; I’ll probably be reading these both together if and when I get my hands on these.

How to Be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life

by Melissa Hellstern

Oh, Audrey Hepburn. She is the epitome of elegance and sensuality; her class and poise is timeless.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t look to her from time to time for inspiration. Especially since I often strive to be simply elegant with my style. You know, just… lovely. So, what better book to read than this?

I believe that there’s only one book left at Powell’s. So, if you’re in Portland, Ore., please don’t buy it.

Love Warps the Mind a Little

by Julia Glass

The title caught my eye; it’s clever and seems all too fitting. But, really: I’ve developed a fondness for dark humor novels and from the sounds of it this book is one. It’s also a ‘You Must Read This’ on NPR!

According to NPR, ”Love Warps the Mind a Little is a masterpiece of the genre that writers call the “funny-sad novel,” where humor both defies and gives shape to grief. It is rich entertainment, sheer lunacy, moonshine for the wounded heart. All the best novels are about one thing: how we go on. The characters must survive the fallout of their own cowardice, folly, denial or misguided passion. They squander what matters most, and still they pick up the pieces.“

It will probably be another week or two before I get around to buying these. I need to first finish the two books that I’m currently reading. I will keep you updated, and I’ll probably buy a book on home beer brewing too.

On a slightly different note, an author whom I really, really like is coming to Portland: Augusten Burroughs, probably most well-known for Running with Scissors. It’s next week but I can’t afford the ticket (I know, boo-hoo) even though it does come with a copy of his latest book, You Better Not Cry.

Wow. Okay. This entry has been all over the place; I hope you kept up with my rambles. Do let me know if you have any more books that I should consider reading though.

The Silent Ways People Drift Apart.

The sound of a heart breaking isn’t poetic. It is hollow. It is tragic. It calls for rituals – the denial, the shock, the anger, the disappointment, culminating in hopelessness. Just like a shrinking white star slowly

[thanks le love]

Ever wondered about the silent ways people drift away? Up until a few days ago, I haven’t really… Now I’m not quite sure what to do.

“today, remember

to be certain of your own strength.”

Religion Through the Ages

A growing amount of today’s students have the opportunity to take classes where the central religious texts of different beliefs–such as the Bible, Qur’an, Tanakh–become textbooks. After looking at the syllabus of several religion classes I noticed that texts by literary authors are often used to complement the religious texts, which only makes sense because their insights help express and reveal the complexities of human thought and experience. 

Students get to delve into Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism all at once. Amazing, yes?

What would make for an intriguing study, however, is an investigation of one religion over a period of time through the perspective of other religions. For example, how Christianity is perceived by Judaism, Islam, etc. in the last, say, hundred years by using chronicled interactions by people, and official and unofficial religious doctrines and texts as sources.

Imagine what interesting findings and insights can come from that? I’m sure numerous other studies can be derived from that, such as how it may have provoked conflicts within the religion itself or with other religions.