Monday, May 25, 2009

first love

if i can be thankful for just one thing my parents have given me, it would be the love of reading. i am ever grateful for the world of literature they have opened up to me from a young age. i believe my dreams are richer because of the imagination i've grown used to from reading about the faraway tree, narnia, the indian in the cupboard, the giant peach.

there is nothing i love more than feeling my head spin after reading a book by an author who can weave exquisite tapestry from words we use every day. i remember gasping when i read "the picture of dorian gray", feeling a lump in my throat as my eyes travelled the pages of "the god of small things". such great pleasure from menial things like books whose writers really are nothing but tree murderers, no?

perhaps the only thing that can top the experience of reading a good novel is meeting someone who has read the same story and has a personal tale to share. it's nice to say, "oh, i've read that one too! what did you think about it?" and embark on a conversation, a connection birthed from what could possibly be the one and only similarity we have.

i had a laugh when i read this yesterday. i found myself nodding and agreeing with every word. i am indeed more attracted to people who read and have a favourite book they can wax lyrical about. when i see someone reading, my curiosity gets stirred up and i just have to know the title of whatever they've got their nose buried into. is it a classic? chick-lit? something i've read before? it could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

it's been a long time since i've read for pleasure, gone through an entire book in a single sitting, soaking in the thoughts of another person and appreciating the craftsmanship involved in producing literature. there is a stack of untouched books next to my bed at home, with a couple of misplaced orphans scattered around my room here. it's also been awhile since i've seen anyone steal a few minutes of their daily commute to spend with a half-read tale.

maybe it's time to go back to my first love and continue hoping for another who loves the same.

lishun at 10:07 PM

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