A Book Meme
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
This is a new one for me. I've been "tagged" for what is known as a book "meme" by Lyn. Haven't come across this one before. I don't even know how to pronounce it... meme = "me me" or "mime"? So, a little research revealed that I had to answer the questions listed in the original blog that I had been "tagged" by. Interesting concept this. So here goes...Well, I have to say that I am a book buff and much to the dismay of the BF, I collect books. Yawp, I buy books (doesn't matter if it is second hand or brand new) but I buy books and I KEEP my books. I don't like borrowing books as if I like it, I feel obliged to get myself a copy and then when it comes to actually paying for it, I start thinking that I am wasting my money as I've already read it... *sigh* I'm a little anal when it comes to my books too *sigh*. All the books that I read HAVE to be wrapped in plastic as I absolutely HATE those yucky corners or creased covers. Hence, I can't go to public libraries as all books that I read HAVE to be wrapped. Stupid I know. Books that are on loan to me, well, I wrap them first THEN read it. I think I have some sort of obsessive compulsive behavior!
Then, in my library, books are arranged alphabetically, via the author's names. Then, due to space limitations, I have my paperback section and my hardback section. As the BF and myself have diverse interests, I have a section on cooking (he used to be a chef), diving and aquaria, military (boys will be boys), computer literature and of course, knitting.
Total number of books in your house...
A rough estimate would be between 400 - 500 books. Not all of it are mine though, I'd say 5% - 10% are the BFs (he isn't much of a reader). I'd have more books but unfortunately, when I left for Australia, my mum donated my collection to a local orphanage (a good thing I know but believe you me, I was NOT happy upon my return... I had the entire set of the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Famous Five etc).
The last book you bought was...
Well, I went shopping at Kinokuniya last Friday. My darling brother gave me some vouchers for my birthday and I thought of using them. I bought two books:
The Knitted Rug by Donna Druchunas
I got this one because I just adore the patterns within. As I've made the decision to NOT follow the BF to NZ, I am in the process of doing up our apartment and I think that a few of the rugs in there would make nice additions to our somewhat sparse abode.
Hollywood Knits Style by Suss Cousins
She has some funky designs in this book, one that I really adore. This book isn't all about knitting though, she incorporates some ideas and suggestions on how to host a knitting party e.g. some recipes are included. Hmmm who knows, I just might try them out one day.
The last book you read was...
"Smart Women" by Judy Blume. She is this totally fab author who is known for her pre-teen and teen books. Remember that exercise that was floating around about increasing the size of your breasts whilst chanting "I must I must increase my bust"... well, that originated from a book of hers called "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret". Well, "Smart Women" was apparently on the New York's best seller list for months (much to my surprise) as I didn't really like it a whole lot. Interesting read though but towards the middle, well, suffice to say I thought that her previous works were a lot better.
Right now, I am reading "The Rice Mother" by Rani Manicka. Long, LONG chapters but it is proving to be a very interesting read, about this Ceylonese woman who was tricked into marrying an Indian Malaysian man at the tender age of 14.
5 (or 6) Books You Often Read or That Mean A Lot to You...
Oh lordi lordi lordi... how to choose??? Off the top of my head...
State of Fear by Michael Crichton
Why? Well, he does a lot of research when it comes to a number of his books and in this one, he challenges the notion that global warming does NOT exist and that we are being manipulated by the powers that be for economical reasons, much like all the hype about Y2K. I haven't yet arrived at a conclusion about what I believe in yet but this book has taught me not to take things at face value. A most intriguing read, albeit a little long but he quotes a lot of research which actually exists.
Wild Swans by Jung Chang
This is a classic and those who haven't yet read it, should! I've read it no less than 4 times since I bought it. This is my 3rd copy if I am not mistaken as the ones that I loan out, never seem to come back to me *sigh*.
Desert Flower by Waris Dirie
Well, I recently finished this book and it has climbed to the top of my must read book list as it dwells in life as a female in Africa, all about the tribulations and hardships, not to mention the horrific act of female circumcision.
First Wive's Club by Olivia Goldsmith
Every gal needs to have some sort of light reading to fall back on. I just love this book... heaps better than the movie though (which was also good). Sad to say, Goldsmith has since passed on (complications due to cosmetic surgery) and her last book, "Wish Upon A Star" wasn't one of her best work but the main character deals a lot with knitting and a few techniques and projects are mentioned throughout the book.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
A classic story which will never go out of style. The way he writes is just spectacular, the way he describes things, events and the characters.
Daughters of Arabia by Jean Sasson
I have to admit that I read a lot of these kind of books... firstly, it is interesting and secondly, when things don't go right in my life (it's horrible to say this but...) I think about the poor people that Sasson writes about and think "hey, my life isn't so bad".
Who are you going to pass this on to and why...
Ermmm I have absolutely no idea. Will have to work on this one.
