Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Books, books, books

My mother taught me to read at an early age. I had fun. But the reality is, I only read the books that I chose to read. By the time I entered Grade 1 at age 5, I was all alone in my readings.

So what are these books that I read?

The Bible – This is one book that has the greatest impact on my life. I believe that this is the greatest book of all. At an early age, I memorized important verses, and had kept them by heart. “Thy word Oh Lord, is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

The History Textbooks - There are only few school subjects wherein I read the textbook by heart, and guess what, these are all history books. I should have majored in History, but nah, too late for that. I particularly like the books on Philippine and World History.

The first novel that I read was “Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” by Mark Twain. I didn’t really finish it, but was still able to make a book report for a high school assignment.

In college, the first fictions I read were F.I.S.T. and Firefox. I do not know much about famous authors then so I just tried to get hold of the titles that interest me.


Then I tried Grisham. I can only count the few of his books that I haven’t read. And I have them in my shelf for sometime now: A Painted House, Bleachers, Summon, The Partner, The Brethren, Skipping Christmas, The Testament.

I heard of Sheldon, but was not particularly convinced. I also just borrowed a few from a friend was willing to lend me one for a week. I didn’t like the twist but still found it entertaining but not worth the keeping.

I read Jeffrey Archer’s Kane and Abel, Prodigal Daughter and First among the equals. Very nice story and not much twist.

I must admit that Erich Segal is my favorite. I first read “Love Story”. It was very simple yet moving. I almost cried when I read “The Class”. “Acts of Faith” is very intriguing. “Prizes” is very inspiring. “Doctors” is very heart-warming. “Oliver’s Story” is the book that I like the least.

Some other books that I read:
1. David Morrel’s “Brotherhood of the Rose”
2. Isabel Allende’s “House of the Spirits”
3. James Patterson’s “Along Came a Spider”
4. Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ “A Hundred Years of Solitude”
5. Steinbeck’s “Of mice and men”
6. Hemingway’s “Old man and the Sea”
7. Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”
8. “Exit the Rainmaker” a non-fiction whose author’s name I can’t remember.
9. Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”
10. John Updike “In the Beauty of the Lilies”

11. Gibran's "The Prophet"

Some four years ago, I slowed down in my book readings and got into web surfing. But I continued buying books. So what are the titles left sleeping on my shelf:
1. Allende’s “Eva Luna and other stories”
2. Umberto Eco’s “In the name of the Rose”
3. Grisham’s latest books as mentioned earlier
4. Courtney Bryce “The power of One”
5. In the League of Night and Fog by David Morell
6. Forsythe’s “Odessa File”
7. “The Idiot” by Fyodor Dostoevsky
8. “The Eternal Husband and other stories” by Fyodor Dostoevsky



I really don’t know when I’ll pick up these books again. I am now reading and writing blogs, but I really missed the books.

9 comments:

ladybug said...

That's a great list you have there. I admit I'm guilty of the same...I haven't found time to read because of this new hobby---blogging.

Lazarus said...

Yeah, you're right ladybug. The internet may render books obsolete in the future.

Francesca said...

aha! you are a book worm! i a fan of Grisham, I got all his books and films, hahaha!
Pride and prejudice film the old one also I got.
I was reading and hooked: to
Steve Martini, Scott Turrow and Paul Kilduff.
Try their books, they are great read!
on the funny side: I got some books of James Herriot, he is a vet in England.
Thanks for visiting my blog. If u need to smile(or laugh aloud) just keep visiting there, u are most welcome!

Gail T. said...

hello fellow booklover! thanks for dropping by my blog!

i've read some of the books you've mentioned. what i'm looking for is erich segal's. my friends keep recommending him. guess i'll know who to look for in my next library visit. :) Love the Bible too. :)

read on!

Lazarus said...

Francesca - thanks for dropping by. I had fun reading your blog.

Gail - I really like what you wrote about unconditional love. thanks for dropping by!

dezphaire said...

cool list! also reco "The Dante Club" by Matthew Pearl. i read "The Name of the Rose" and it took me a mighty long time... very deep and you need full concentration to really ingest all that's happening.

i should get back to reading. i've bought so much lately but haven't gotten to even turn their pages...

niceheart said...

I also miss reading my books cause I got caught in the blogging fever. :)

I've also read The Prophet, Wuthering Heights and One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Lazarus said...

Dez - I only read a few pages of Eco's "In the name of the Rose". Very lengthy indeed and with very fine prints.

Niceheart - thanks for dropping by. The classics are a wonderful read.

I think I'll commit myself to read at least one book by end of September.

Abaniko said...

Wonderful list. I say this because we have a lot of common books and I want to think my collection's great. Hehe. Enjoy your books, buddy.