Two books at once

I'm reading two books at the same time now: Feather in the Storm and James Herriot's Dog Stories.

Normally I don't read two or several books at once, especially novels, memoirs and such. I would prefer to read one book, engage myself into its story before moving to the next. It's just how I read.

Feather in the Storm was next on my list of reading, but it's a hard cover and just too heavy to carry around to read while I'm on the train travelling between home and work as I usually do. So I can only read it at home. Coincidentally, the Perhentian Trip is coming this Thursday and I wanted to bring a book to read while I'm there. The book has to be a light read and enjoyable, thus James Herriot's Dog Stories which I bought from BookXcess recently came to mind.

I don't want to put Feather in the Storm aside for too long as I bought the book from Bookfest@Malaysia last year. I couldn't bring it for the trip because first of all, it's too heavy. And second, it's about the writer going through China's Cultural Revolution and the Great Leap Forward. There will be a lot of sad stories initially before reaching the part where the writer triumphed over her hard life. Not suitable to read for a relaxing island trip.

So what should I read instead? James Herriot's Dog Stories became the most suitable option. It's small and light, so I can bring it with me everywhere I go. The book consists of 50 individual stories, which means I can finish a story or two and can still enjoy the trip.

I won't be able to finish the book before the trip ends, but it doesn't matter. I can read it during my train travels. The short stories would also allow me to enjoy Feather in the Storm at home without confusing myself between the two books.

The Power of Now

Just finished reading The Power of Now. 

 

It's my first reading on spirituality, not counting The Celestine Prophecy, which I just find it very hard to read even as a regular novel. 

The idea of being present or conscious, and observing your mind as to how it affect our lives and action presented in the book was quite interesting. I was having trouble absorbing everything in as I'm unfamiliar with these kind of books, but I managed to get a rough idea on how to see things differently. 

I'll probably read Practising the Power of Now sometime later, in hopes of better grasping the idea. But before that, I'll see if I can obtain some form of enlightenment through the natural beauty of Pulau Perhentian!!(^^)

Preparing for Perhentian

Next week (8th July 2010), I'm going to Pulau Perhentian on a company trip. I've always enjoyed trip to places involving beaches. Although I don't swim, the sights and sounds of sandy beaches and view of the vast ocean just make me feel great and very relaxed.

I've checked some of the photos online and I'm totally captivated!!

I can't wait for next week!!! :D

Siamese twins??

Almost every Wednesday, the vegetable hawker next to my brother's stall at SS4 pasar malam always gives us a lot of vegetables after business, because most of the time he couldn't finish selling them.

Last Wednesday, we got lots of vegetables as usual. However, the ample supply included this odd old cucumber.



It looked so weird and funny that I just had to take some photos. (Does it remind you of a particular mobile phone service brand?)

We won't be keeping it around. Chances are my mom already prepared her old cucumber soup using it. I wonder if it'll be twice as tasty? :P

Eclipse in KLCC

This photo was taken in the underground tunnel below KLCC Park, stretching between the Suria KLCC and the convention centre.
It was really unusual to see the movie ad in the tunnel because the tunnel used to display product/service ads only. When I first saw it, I thought "Hmm... There's something new. I wonder how many people will pose in front of it for a photo?" Sure enough, for several days, while I was walking by after work, the expected scenes took place. It was quite funny.
I wonder if I should tell an old colleage of mine about this, since she's a big fan of the movie too...

My favourite bookstore

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Just started reading this book today, bought it from the previous Bookfest@Malaysia last year. It about a pet dog called Enzo and his master, with Enzo as the narrator.

I can't remember when and where I first heard about this book, but I do remember at the time I already have books about pets such as Marley and Me, Dewey, My Life with George and A Lion called Christian (Well, Christian was sort of a pet back then, when there was no law against owning exotic animals as pets). I was thinking that it would be interesting to see things from the pets' perspective.

Therefore, I decided to buy it during the Bookfest, which I'm kind of regretted now as BookXcess is currently selling it at RM 17.90. Darn...

Anyway, I've started on the first few pages. I got a feeling I'll enjoy this book a lot!