And walla! Here is the reading list for the summer so far!
- Stephanie Meyer’s The Twilight Series
- Roald Dahl’s The BFG, The Twits
- Umberto Eco’s Baudolino, The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana
- Audiobooks: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter 1
- Kate di Camillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie
- Jacqueline Wilson’s Candyfloss
- Thich Naht Hanh’s The Stone Boy
- Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park
- J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit
- Gave up: James Joyce’s Dubliners
I know there are books here and there I have forgot to mention (mainly Korean. I’ve also been reading the daily newspaper much more often.), but the list is still not so scanty. As for a book report, I must admit that I’ve not much to say. I will bravely announce that I have read the Meyer books. That said, I would also like to mention that I did not pay a dime to read them and refuse to lavish them with more attention that they deserve. Besides the adolescent protagonist’s drama and the seemingly limited emotional range (dare I say that of a teaspoon?), the books do not offer much.
I did notice that I have read many children books: The Twilight Series, The BFG, The Twits, Harry Potter, Because of Winn-Dixie, Candyfloss, and technically, even The Hobbit. While an underlying cause exists (most of the books were chosen and recommended by one lovely student I tutor), I do not regret reading most. The syntax, vocabulary and even the ideas seemed refreshing. Perhaps slaving over countless pages of organic chemistry, et. al. for an entire year and dealing with adults and college students made me forget how easy life can be. I will say what has been said so often: I adore the simplicity.
I hope to spend this summer acquiring a refreshing outlook. Instead of complicating things more, I’m trying to appreciate the seemingly plain things. And maybe, this gratitude will prepare me for another challenging year… I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed! : )
