About Me and this Blog
As my tagline implies, this is a book review site base on my opinions.
If I leave it as that, would that satisfy your curiosity on why I blog about books I read?
To be honest, I don’t really know where should I begin to tell you how I turn this once-a-personal-blog into a book review site.
Would it amuse you to know that the idea came to me as an epiphany when I was at the top of Mount Sinai marveling at the awesome view? Yes you guessed it right; it never happened, not in that dramatic way as I wish.
Instead it was more of a long soulful journey while juggling my personal affairs between two bustling cities—Los Angeles and Singapore. During those times, I read a lot of self-help books to help me get through the days. Although my life is quite predicable and routine now, nevertheless, I still read many self-help books to keep my sanity and soul in shape. This is just one aspect of it.
However, one of the most dominating aspects, I would say is that I love to read; though it is an understatement but for now this is good.
I’m an author (not in the mainstream, published under a pseudonym); and many authors would tell you that all writers—be it established or budding—are avid readers and their love for words started at a very tender age. I’m no exception here, however, I didn’t start writing seriously after I left two slightly-less-satisfying careers—Forex trading and teaching.
In order to master the craft of writing, I have to continue my voracious appetite for reading. The more I read the less time is left for writing. And when I do begin to write especially creating characters and sub-plots, I have to stop reading novels or at least try to avoid reading those similar genres I’m working on. And this has caused me some grief. Reading and writing, metaphorically, is like air and water to me. I can’t live on one alone.
In short, the only way out for me is to write book review with a personal touch. On the other end of my narcissistic agenda, I would very much like to hear what others have to say about the books I reviewed. It’s no fun just hearing one person’s point of view. Yes, there are Amazon and some other online bookstores/book clubs where readers share their take on the books they read. I can’t say for all, but Amazon has some pretty skewed reviews/ratings especially those non-fictions. I took pity on some folks who bought into it and soon found those books to be a waste of their time, money, and storage space, or worst some trees that died for the “unfulfilling” cause. I think they would be much better off if they borrow from public libraries or rent or buy ebooks or audiobooks.
Maybe one day I will get the chance to write the great American novel; but for now I’m happy to be reading any book that crosses my path and critiquing them.
