July 15, 2008

• books…

  So it’s about time that I wrote an entry that is not so frivolous. Not that I don’t enjoy writing nonsense most of the time; it’s an outlet for me to clear my head and all. Better out than in, as they say (no, I don’t exactly know who “they” are). Therefore, I shall talk about some writers who had really made a great impression on me over the years. And the thing about books is that the essence of the book stays the same, but your impression of the book always changes each time you read it. It’s an absolute thrill and one of the most underappreciated joys in life. Or maybe I’m just too easily absorbed in nuances and such. Anyways~~

  First writer to really challenge my way of thinking and eventually change my perspective about life is George Orwell. Good old George. That’s not even his real name, but whatever. When I first read “Animal Farm” in high school, it just started my quest for the solution (or least the alternatives) to the question of human nature, civilization, and the evolution of man. I was awed after reading “1984.” which henceforth became my favorite novel as to date. After Orwell, I also read Aldous Huxley, but his “Brave New World” was nothing compared to the works of the genius who is Margaret Atwood. Especially after reading her “A Handmaid’s Tale” and “Oryx and Crake,” I was happy that I’ve found the successor to Orwell.

  As for nonfiction, I think Michio Kaku takes the prize for writing “Parallel Worlds” and opening my eyes to the wonderful world of physics, astronomy, and most importantly, metaphysics. The book that I picked up to read for fun became a delightful surprise. I can’t say that I fully understand quantum mechanics and relativity, but that’s the beauty of it: no one understands it completely so the field is always growing. I also picked up other books about quantum mechanics and the universe, but since I can’t stroll around the ucla bookstore anymore, I haven’t had the time to go regular bookstores to see if anything new came out in the field. That’s the benefit of a university bookstore: they like to stock books written by the faculty so you feel motivated to take their classes as well. *sigh* If only I can redo the university experience again…

  I know people think I read a lot, but I actually don’t. I just read fast, so it looks like I read a lot, but only in one sitting. And I can’t tell you all the books I’ve read because half the time I’m trying random new books. Sometimes it’s a hidden treasure, and sometimes it’s a dud (yeah Anna Karenina, I mean YOU). I must say, those lengthy Russian novels are quite dreadful. It’s like an nightmarish marathon. Anyways, I know there’s more writers I forgot to mention, but my memory is so spotty nowadays. Early Alzheimers, hurrah.

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