Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Confession of a Happy Bibliophile

My busy and hectic schedule as a teacher can't stop me to indulge myself with reading any books that sparked my interest. I am a self-confessed bibliophile and I don't regret a single moment being such a voracious reader. 

Since I am a computer teacher, my bookshelves and table tops and drawers are full of tutorial guides, easy steps modules, teach-yourself, application bibles and other textbooks related to Information Technology. It really pays to invest to them, since they are my ultimate source of knowledge and techniques in my day to day teaching. 

Professional and personal development books have also their place in my bookshelves. John Maxwell is my most favorite author, when it comes to self-empowering books.  I also  have books that will improve my speaking and writing skills. Andrew Matthews's books about happiness are really inspiring. Books for positive change and gaining confidence are some of the common theme. I even have some books on how to achieve a millionaire's mind. T. Harv Ecker's "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" is a great read! Gladwell Malcolm's "Outliers", "The Tipping Point" and "Blink" are some of my favorite non-fiction books. 

Every year, I see to it that I have read at least three to five classic novels. It is always part of my yearly goal. The works of Victor Hugo like "Les' Miserables" and "Hunchback of Notre-Dame" are some of my fave. "Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer is indeed a challenge but the passengers' stories are entertaining. The autobiography of Helen Keller always inspires me. "The Story of My Life" shows me that nothing is impossible for someone who is willing to learn, with her family and friends, her limitations were turned into beautiful privileges. I could never be more fascinated how William Golding in his "Lord of the Flies" tells a story about school boys stranded in an uncharted island, and proves how ethical nature shapes our society. Before this year ends, classic novels like Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray", Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Alexander Dumas's "The Count of Montecristo" are topping my list. I'm done with TPDG, two to go! 

Bob Ong is one of my favorite Filipino authors. I have all of his nine books. I am always fascinated on his wit and humor in discussing issues that involved social, political and cultural issues. Books that will really make you proud as a Filipino like the works of Lualhati Bautista and Ambeth Ocampo, have also earned their place in my bookshelf. 

As S.I. Hayakawa said:
“It is not true we have only one life to love, if we can read, we can live as many lives and as many kinds of lives as we wish.” 
I'm grabbing every opportunity I have to read those books that charmed me and suited my taste. Every time I pamper myself into reading, it is as if I am into trance playing different roles, or into astral projection going into different places. Bring me to mall, and my first destination will always be bookstore. Give a book as a gift, then I will be forever thankful. 




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