Book - "The Voice: A story of faith and trust" by R.W. Metlen

If you are stressed out or discouraged, and would like to read a light hearted book, I'd recommend this book. My friend grabbed me whilst I was in the library a couple of weeks ago and thrusted the book at me and said 'you gotta read this!'. I did, and it was hillarious! And so true... Read it in under 5 mins - the pics are funny.. *grin. The book cover is already quite cute.. :)

Readings

Before I came here, I didn't think that I'd get much time to read but managed go through these two books in the past few weeks. Have been checking out bookstores here whenever I can and am getting acquainted with some of the local authors. However, it is so hard to decide which book to buy due to limited luggage space as well as the rather expensive prices of books here. Am looking forward to doing some book hunting with my Arabic teacher this Sunday at Khan el-Khalili. Am hoping that the books there will be cheaper than the ones at the bookshops that I've visited so far.

1. A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
This book caught my eye when I was at my Big Brother's house.
I must say that it was a splendid novel- I found it really hard to put it down in between. Finished it in two readings. It gave an interesting insight to life in Afghanistan through the eyes of two women who formed an unexpected friendship. When I saw the novel at AUC (American University Cairo), it cost around 120 pounds(RM84)!! Am trying to look for 'The Kite Runner' cos I heard that it was really good too. Hopefully I'll be able to find it at the Khan.


2. Miniskirts, Mothers & Muslims - Christine Mallouhi

Am reading this book for a review with some friends. It gives some pretty good insights into some of the issues that women face in the Arab world. One of my friend mentioned that some stuff covered may be outdated but it does give quite a bit of food for thought as to why things are done a certain way. It certainly helped me to appreciate the differences in culture where before I may have found it constraining at times. Am really looking forward to hearing the thoughts of my friends on the book.

New Book to Read!

Am so excited! I have a new fiction book to read (my favourite genre)! Met up with my pastorate group lecturer this afternoon for the customary student-lecturer evaluation talk. I shared with him my interest in fiction books -especially the ones that covers certain issues and provokes me to think more about those issues. He showed me a 'section' in his office where he keeps this particular genre. My heart seriously sang for joy when he showed me the books he has(God bless him! hehehe).. This comes at a good time since I've sorta gone through STM library selection and have finished the ones that I bought from the Doulos last year half a year ago. Have been pining for some good fiction book for while now... *sigh

Out of the whole lot, I thought I'd better be more circumspect and choose ONE - since I'm in the midst of assignments. I have this bad habit - if the book is really interesting, once I get started I'd read it through non-stop even if it means getting only 1-2 hours of sleep (as well as neglect my assignments! :p). This book "Twilight" by Elie Wiesel looks really promising. He wrote it out of his experience during the Holocaust. I can't wait until I finish all my assignments next week to get started on it! :D Oh boy oh boy oh boy!!!!

Ps: On a side note, I'm hoping to get a quite a few new *serious* books with the help of a friend within the next couple of months! Really looking forward to that too!

My Readings...

In STM, we have required readings for almost all the classes. Occasionally, when I want a break from the 'intellectual stuff', I read some fictional stories... I generally love fiction not only because it's quite easy to follow, but it gives an insight to stories and situation from a different perspective and I learn a lot from them (hmmm - almost time to write another story on my blog soon)....

So far, since the beginning of this sem, I've finished reading the following:

1. 'As sure as the Dawn' by Francine Rivers-
This is the third book of Francine Rivers famous trilogy. The first two talked primarily of a Jewish girl, Hadassah who was taken out of her home to become a slave during the ancient Roman times. This particular book talks about the struggle of a retired gladiator from Germany in the Ancient Days of Rome. It tells the story about the journey of that gladiator in not only finding his place in society of that time - but his yearning to go back to his home country. In the end, though he finds his way home, but finds he doesn't fit there any more. Also, because of the living testimony of the people around him who journeyed with him to his home, he eventually accepts the Christian faith.

Personally, though some parts may seem surreal, I was moved by certain bits - like how Christians were struggling and working out their faith. It also gave me a glimpse of how being a Christian in those times must have been really difficult for them. Some of the chapters really moved me to bits - like the part where the Roman soldier died - yet he forgave his murderer and prayed that his murderer would find God....

2. 'A Man Called Dave' by Dave Pelzer
Inherited this book from Sarah. Quite an interesting book - talks about a man who grew up an abusive home... His mother never treated him as a human being but as an 'it'. She even stabbed him and did all sorts of horrible things to him. This book talks about his journey in overcoming his abusive childhood as well as how it affects his life and worldview. Some bits were quite inspiring.. As I said, it makes an interesting read...

3. 'Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire' by J.K. Rowling

Just finished reading this book yesterday afternoon (instead of sleeping).. Not going to say more about this since most have read this book...