i'm not a bookworm by any measure, so it's interesting to see this week's bestseller list released by MPH & published in today's sunday star - because i actually have read 4 of the 10 novels listed.
so, what does that make me? an avid reader? i'm not sure but i'd like to think that i could fill those blank moments in between treating & waiting for patients with some literary knowledge. (note : doctors wait for patients, too!) oh yes, that's also how i kill time while waiting for my turn at governmental offices, banks & also for people who are habitually late.
i think to be a "balanced" well-informed reader, i should also read non-fiction, although i must point out that Tuesdays with Morrie strictly should be classified non-fiction, as it is a true story (& almost a biography). if i can vaguely remember, the last non-fiction that passed through my fingers in the distant past was Rick Warren's Purpose-driven Life .
so, do i ever read local/asian writers? sadly, very occasionally. Karim Raslan writes well with dollops of humour & cynicism, Catherine Lim's style is simple & straight-forward & we all know about Lee Kuan Yew's blunt & hard-hitting autobiography.
hmm, maybe it's time to re-read The Malay Dilemma again.
13 comments:
hi doc,
Interesting snapshot of your reading life. I remember you bought some non-fictions recently.
Yes, I do read books and writing between patients too.
Blessings
Hi, doc,
My 16-year-old daughter has read 9 of the 10 books. Her mummy bought for her. But mummy is behind, she has only counted to four!
Try "The World is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman, a New York Times Columnist - a good read. Though it relates more to economic and business interests, some are devoted to science and technology. You will like it - for a non-fiction read.
I was preparing to interview a physician scientist/doctor and read of his comments on the book, so I read the book before the interview.
Like doctors read while "waiting" for patients, journalists read so that we don't look so silly :)
Yan
to "kill" time, I observe people.
I love reading too. But because it is not a habit to spend $$ on books, I only have the miserable library to depend on. Which is real sad! When I went to a local library in NZ, it was awesome! Every single book you wanna read, you can find it there. How I miss the place!
As for The Malay Dilemma, I must read it one day! (I found the book in the bookshelf!)
Congrats! I am behind you !
I read, but I borrow my books, and mainly fiction.Do you buy all those you read, maybe one day, I could borrow from you and Yan?
Once in a while I may buy books from a book sale.
Care to review PS I love you, the book you read?
Okay, I already read the book review on P/s I love you,couldn't wait for you haha
Did the book mention whether the main character fall in love again?
I guess only a widow needs a "push" to live again, whereas a widower may not need this push?
hi again alex,
at the recent Times warehouse sale in PJ, i only got fictions. however, i had previously bought a few non-fictions but they are currently lying idly on the shelf eg. Clinton's My Life, & 2 with eye-catching titles - A Theory For Everything and Decline & Fall Of Practically Everybody.
yeah, i'm attracted to wacky titles - i've been eyeing The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari for some time.
yan,
rachel has cultivated the reading habit, probably from young, & that is a good thing.
yes, i have seen The World Is Flat a few times, but unfortunately not convinced enough to get it. however, i will take up on your tip - thanks.
i think it's crucial to check out the background/profile of the person to be interviewed to derive maximum benefit from the limited duration of the meeting.
las M,
would you like to put your observations into writing? if it's good, you could make a "killing" out of it!
ha ha!
lynnx,
reading is one of the best, if not THE BEST, habit to cultivate. what better way to spend a lazy rainy weekend than to curl up on the sofa with a hot chocolate & a good book??
i have not been to national library in KL, but anastasia did mention that the library in s'pore is very well-stocked, probably even with books deemed a threat to (our) national security, whatever that means.
case in point is The Malay Dilemma, banned when released in 1970, but lifted when Dr M himself became PM.
everyone should read it (& re-read if possible!), then perhaps go on to May 13 (the book).
just me,
i have to say i didn't really find PS I Love You my cup of tea. that is because it's a different genre from what i'm was brought up on & what i'm used to, eg. Sheldon, Grisham & Archer.
BTW, the lead chracter Holly would have fallen in love with Daniel, if his ex-girlfriend didn't come back into his life. however, i hesitate to allow my daughter read it because of the occasional expletives.
i buy the books but only when discounted or during a sale. i want to make use of the RM700 tax relief for books!!
i think both widows & widowers need a nudge to get into another relationship again.
I enjoyed The Malay Dilemma
nyonya,
wouldn't it be a real pity had the book been perpetually banned??
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