READ AWAY, SOON

2 weeks ago, following the completion of a 10weeks practicum, I was back - in campus - re-tagged with the status of a "student". Had 2 modules' of lessons on the first day back at school, and I met a pretty interesting professor.

Being the first lesson of a new term, it was - predictably - quite boring. There was the usual course introduction, what is the workload, what are expected to be done to complete this course (read: boring essays, boring essays, and more boring essays), and - of course - the usual get-to-know-each-other introductory speeches.

This particular professor is interesting. He shared some insights and lessons from his personal life experiences which gave listeners delightful glimmers of optimism, hope, and courage. He challenged my mind and introduced to it ideas and adages which I've always so readily dismissed as cliche or yawn-it's-oh-so-predictable-please-tell-me-something-new.

Most important of all, what really amazed me is the way he lives his life. Man, this man REALLY reads. At any one time, he has as many as 10 books on the go.

What spoof. I thought. Reading 10 concurrent books is the same as having a supposedly undivided attention divided 10 times over. There is no real focus; and what's the point of having a focus if it is not even going to be focused in the first place? In addition - though rocket science it is not - but it's common sense that it's silly to start reading another book when you're not yet done with the previous one, isn't it?

As though hearing the invisible thoughts in my mind, Prof continued speaking.



"Yes, don't you all believe it?" He addressed to a bewildered class, "It is a fact that at any one time, I can be reading as many as 10 books."

"That's how it is, isn't it? Most people think that it is only appropriate to finish one book proper before moving on to the next. But, com'on, let's think this over now. When I say that I read 10 books, does it necessarily mean that I have to read all 10 books concurrently?

No! On some days, I read this book. On other days, I read that book. It's the same; humans eat 3 meals every day; but do you eat the same dish for all meals throughout one whole day or one whole week? No, we don't. So, on some days, I might be in the mood for sci-fi. On other days, I might be in the mood for inspirational non-fictions. On a certain day, I might be in the mood for romance. On another particular day, though, I might be in the mood for business magazines or documentaries. There should be diversity; something fresh, something spontaneous, to keep things going.

So, now, with this in mind, I make sure that I have a wide repertoire of books among the 10 chosen ones. Depending on the current state that my brain is in, I would just choose any one of the 10 books and continue from where I left off previously. Go with the flow. Sometimes, it is a few days or weeks later that I pick up the original 'first' book again. It may be slow, but remember: Balance is the key. You can't eat nasi lemak everyday.

This is how we should all grow in knowledge. You see, the problem that most people have with reading, is that they tend to only stick to one type of book; or read only one book at any one time faithfully. Compare this to another who, at any given time, reads a wide diversity - fictional, non-fictional, sci-fi, romance, detective, thrillers, documentaries, autobiographies etc. Certainly the latter would be able to hold far more interesting conversations. This is because as he exposes himself to more things through the habit of reading, he is opening himself to different types of mindsets and perspectives. Within the same time frame given, he has more to gain. He is thus, in general, more open-minded and well-rounded. He can throw out new, fresh ideas; his mind is always sharp and thinks out of the box; because he is receptive to - and takes in - ideas all around. Don't be narrow-minded.

This is mainly why some people find it hard to cultivate a consistent reading habit: they only read or focus on one genre; while closing off the possibilities of others. Not only that, but don't be ambitious too. Don't start off with a 5-inch thick book. For sure, I can guarantee you that the reading habit won't last. Would you eat chicken rice for every single meal for 2 whole months straight?"



His words got to me; and I think there is some truth in all that he has said.

For one, I'm - to a certain degree - guilty of only reading certain books. Books that are written by authors whom I have built a history with. Authors whom, based on experience, I would dare to safely state that I would enjoy any random books which are written by his/her pen. Max Lucado. Joel Osteen. Sidney Sheldon. Dan Brown. Nora Roberts. Mitch Albom. J. K. Rowling. Dave Pelzer. In primary school days, it was mostly Readers' Digest, Sweet Valley High (by Francine Pascal), R. L. Stine, Ronald Dahl, or Enid Blyton. Other than these "reliable" authors whom I've built a "rapport" with, I rarely venture out of the safety walls. In contrast to adult life, I read more voraciously when I was younger. I was hungrier to read then.



I also realized - to my disgust - that, unconsciously and unknowingly, my life appears to be getting increasingly routine; and I don't really like that. Evening jogs. Digging out and trying out recipes. Cooking and baking for my own pleasure. Going back to campus for lessons. Giving tuitions. In, out, in, out, in, and out. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, then Sunday; and it's back to Monday again.

Don't be mistaken; I thoroughly enjoy jogging and cooking; but something - somehow - is STILL lacking. I don't feel truly fulfilled; I'm not on the go enough; I'm not meeting enough people from all across; I'm not having real, genuine, and sustained conversations that directly challenge my mind or perspectives or impact the way my life is lived.

The brain feels like it has already slipped into a dormant, semi-hibernation mode. I practically feel myself getting increasingly dumb with each passing minute. Disgusting feeling. I hardly feel engaged, stimulated, or challenged most of the time. Truth be told, at times, it honestly even feels as though I'm not REALLY thinking per se. At worst, I am occasionally operating at just the very bare minimal; working on mere common sense or autopilot reflexes/responses. Suppressed. Idled. I just don't feel challenged or stimulated enough. I just feel, dull. As colourful as a polar bear.



I just so happened to browse through Popular's catalog for the month of September.







I WANT TO GET ALL THESE! (forget about the movies. Nothing beats reading the book itself.)

Now I know the power of a catalog. It is a powerful platform for stores to promote their wares, with words such as "SALE", "20% DISCOUNT", "MEMBERS' SPECIAL", and the likes practically screaming conspicuously here, there, and everywhere; in the hope that customers (like me) will get enticed to spend invest.



If only books rain from the skies.