What are You Reading?

For this week, I'll be reading "The Primal Teen" by Barbara Strauch. It talks about "what the new discoveries about the teenage brain tell us about our kids."

I'm also interested to know what these new discoveries are and what do they tell about how and why teenagers behave the way they do nowadays.

Bookmooch #12 - Wishlist Comes True

Couldn't be happier when two books from my forever wishlist finally arrived!

1. Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado

2. Here I am Lord, Send Somebody Else by Jill Briscoe

First Book Purchased from Dasa Book Cafe

I'm glad to have found this used book store in Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok.You can choose books through their online database or book list which is updated on a daily basis. Orders are sent through email and payment is done through ATM. They don't accept credit cards.

It has been months of hesitating before I finally gave in and order my first books. After a couple of days of emails and confirmation, I sent my payment via ATM on Friday, 9th of January.  I opted for regular Thai post service instead of EMS. After 6 days (including weekends) I received the package.

This is how the packaged looked like after removing the string ribbon.

Inside the improvised cardboard box are my books wrapped in a magazine page.

After the magazine is a plastic wrapper.

And finally my two books. Human Smoke by Nicholson Baker and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

I'm very much satisfied with my first experience of purchasing books from the book cafe. The transaction was fast easy. I have a list of books that I wanted to buy from them when my budget allows a little indulgence :-)

Best Post Holiday Gift Ever!

In November 8, 2014,  I found used books in eBay that I wished to buy. I was excited and was about to purchased the books when I saw the unbelievably high shipping cost! :-( Disheartened, I posted the photos of them on my Facebook with the caption that they were on my forever wish list.Late that night, a friend in the US sent me a message asking for the link of the "eBay books." I thought she also wanted to buy the books. But when I asked her, she simply said, " I want it for you..."

Heart palpitating...

You cannot imagine my reaction that time. It seemed that the world suddenly stopped for a moment to give me time to process what I've just read. She wanted to buy the books for me!

She bought the books, waited for them to be delivered, and 46 days later, the books were sent to me.

13 days later, I received the books.

I was floating in the air while I was driving home. I couldn't think of anything else but to open the package and embrace all the contents.:-)

UNBOXING!

  

I laid them all on the floor just so I could enjoy looking at all of them.:-)

Who would have thought that the simple wish would come true? I never thought or expected that God would grant me this wish immediately and in this manner. If that isn't a miracle from God, I don't know what it is. I'm very much convinced that God hears and cares for the little things that concern me/us. God really surprised me!

This is my best post-holiday gift ever! Thank you, Lord!

Bookmooch #11 - For One More Day

Got another book through Bookmooch today. For One More Day by Mitch Albom. Slowly but surely, I'm on my way to having all his books.^^

This book has also been in my wishlist for quite some time. Finally, I got it!

Bookmooch #10 - The Picture of Dorian Gray

My Bookmooch is activated again. I got this book just this afternoon and still waiting for another one from another country.

This book came all the way from Nederland.

Penguin Modern Classics: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

What Do People Usually Read in the Toilet?

I found this infographic in Bookish Findings and thought it would be great to share with you all. 

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - One Hundred Years of Solitude

Every Tuesday, Bibliophile by the Sea host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where we share the first paragraph or (a few) of a book we're reading or thinking about reading soon.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Chapter 1

MANY YEARS LATER as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice. At that time Macondo was a village of twenty adobe houses, built on the bank of a river of clear water that ran along a bed of polished stones, which were white and enormous, like prehistoric eggs. The world was so recent that many things lacked names, and in order to indicate them it was necessary to point. Every year during the month of March a family of ragged gypsies would set up their tents near the village, and with a great uproar of pipes and kettledrums they would display new inventions. First they brought the magnet. A heavy gypsy with an untamed beard and sparrow hands, who introduced himself as Melquíades, put on a bold public demonstration of what he himself called the eighth wonder of the learned alchemists of Macedonia. He went from house to house dragging two metal ingots and everybody was amazed to see pots, pans, tongs, and braziers tumble down from their places and beams creak from the desperation of nails and screws trying to emerge, and even objects that had been lost for a long time appeared from where they had been searched for most and went dragging along in turbulent confusion behind Melquíades' magical irons. “Things have a life of their own,?the gypsy proclaimed with a harsh accent. “It’s simply a matter of waking up their souls, JoseArcadio Buendía, whose unbridled imagination always went beyond the genius of nature and even beyond miracles and magic, thought that it would be possible to make use of that useless invention to extract gold from the bowels of the earth. Melquíades, who was an honest man, warned him: “It won’t work for that...

Stacking the Blue Bookcase#2 - The Professor & Martin Luther

I went to the only used book shop I know today. I couldn't find a certain book I'm looking for so he referred me to another used book shop nearby. I didn't know that there's another one. So I'm happy when he gave me a hand-drawn map and was able to find the shop. Unlike Orn's bookshop, there's not much English books there and most of them are very old. 

These are the only two that I bought today.

1. The Professor by Charlotte Bronte

2. Martin Luther by Edwin P. Booth

"Conversing" Books?

I call them "conversing books" because they seem to be having a conversation that ask and answer questions. The book was made after the first one of similar topic. Some may call it a sequel, but that's not what I think is the case here.

I first seen, "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" in other book blogs and I knew immediately that I wanted the book. I accidentally found "Can You Eat, Shoot & Leave? in one of the book stores that I visited in Bangkok. Oh, I'm so happy! Still need to find a copy of the first book, though.

I borrowed the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" in a public library in S. Korea way back 2012. This year, once again by accident, I found the book, "I Moved Your Cheese." Isn't that great?

How about you? What are your "conversing" book(s)?

10 Reasons Why Introverts and Books are BFFs!

Need I say more? ^^

I saw this in Readaholic Zone's book blog and ask permission to post it here.

A Thousand Shall Fall Book Review

Paperback: 172 pages
Publisher: Review & Herald Publishing (December 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0828015619
ISBN-13: 978-0828015615
Genre: Non-fiction
Days spent reading: 2 days

A Thousand Shall Fall: The Electrifying Story of a Soldier and His Family Who Dared to Practice Their Faith in Hitler’s Germany They saw God work miracle after miracle to save them from certain disaster. As thousands around them fell victim to the horrors of war, they were borne up on angels’ wings–sometimes quite literally. This is the true story of one family who chose to be faithful whatever the cost, and found refuge in the shadow of the Almighty.

My Thoughts About the Book:

I first heard about his book from a fellow missionary. He liked the book so much that he bothered to recommend it to me. Since I trust his ingenious taste in books, I searched for the book in the only English bookstore in Korea nearest to our place, Whattabook in Itaewon. I got so excited to have this book that I forgot to order it online and just went straight to the bookstore to claim in. Only to be told that I need to order it first and wait for 120 business days for if to be ordered abroad. Fortunately, it only took 8 days and I got the book just before the Christmas vacation. Due to hectic schedules, it took me 5 days to finish the book.

From the first o the last page, I was so hooked that I couldn’t put the book down. “A thousand shall fall,” comes from the verses of Psalm 91 which is the favorite Bible passage of Franz Hasel. Reading about the family who struggled to keep their faith, in spite of persecution and possible death penalty, is something that made me rethink of how my faith is grounded firmly in truth. I’m I ready to face such tribulation in the last days? Will remain faithful and steadfast even unto death? I’m I willing to die for what I believe as truth?

This book will show us how to be faithful and uncompromising in keeping our faith, even in the face of death. The experiences the family went through could also happen to us in many forms. Learn and be rekindled in this electrifying story of faithfulness, courage and trust in God. See how miracles could happen and how God sheltered them from the “terror of night, and for the arrows that flieth by day.”

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Review & Herald Publishing (December 2001)
• Language: English
• Genre: Nonfiction
• ISBN-10: 0828015619
• ISBN-13: 978-0828015615

A Single Shard Book Review

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (February 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440418518
• ISBN-13: 978-0440418511

Publishers Weekly

In a starred review of this Newbery Medal winner, PW wrote, "The author molds a moving tribute to perseverance and creativity in this finely etched novel set in mid- to late-12th-century Korea. Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices."

Synopsis

Tree-ear is an orphan boy in a 12th-century Korean potters’ village. When he accidentally breaks a pot, he must work for the master to pay for the damage by setting off on a difficult and dangerous journey that will change his life forever. -From the Trade Paperback edition.

My Thoughts About the Book:

This book is my first encounter of Korean culture. I've read the book when I'm in my early 20s. I know it's not for my age, but the story is worth reading. It may be too easy for me because the story is so simple, and yet the values it teaches is appropriate for young and adult readers. I like how the story progress from Tree Ear being an apprentice to finally bringing his Master's work to the royal court.Faithfulness and loyalty are values that young minds should develop and possess.

In the story, the reader will also encounter how Korean values are expressed through literature. The conversation between the characters will show how respect to elders, however gruff they maybe be, are highly valued and esteemed in their culture. Each character shows different kinds of Korean people who exist even in today's modern-day Korea.

This book would be a perfect read for teens who's starting to delve into the world of books.

Stacking the Blue Bookcase#1 - The Classics

I have  confession to make. In all my life as a self-professed bookworm, I have never, except for Don Quixote, read the classics. :-(  Shame! I know right?  I do like to read the classics, except for the scary ones like Dracula. It's just that...well, big chunks book gives me a fright sometimes. Looking at it's thickness makes me think that it will take me ages to finish the book. 

So to redeem myself, I decided before the year 2015 comes, I would start reading the classics. Of course to be able to read them means having the books...so my first books of classics are these two:

There are many mores classics that I wanted to read, and I will read them. For now, I'll take it easy 'til I get the hang of it. Hopefully I would enjoy it^^

Tales from the Blue Shelf

I feel so happy today that I decided to treat myself to a yummy lunch at Chivit Thammada, ranked as #2 best restaurant in Chiang Rai. It was a wonderful first-time experience. The spot where they put me was beside a book shelf and that added to the bliss of eating yummy-licious food.^^

After eating, I decided to check if the furniture shop that I've been wanting to go to is open. I went there to buy a book case for my piling TBRs. I'm happy that they're open and the store owner was kind and and can speak fluent English (because he isn't Thai). I was riding my motorcycle and there's no way I could carry that book case while driving. They were kind enough to have the book case delivered to my apartment.

You cannot imagine how excited I was when I arrived home to arrange my books on it. Because in all my life, this would be the first time that I have a book case of my own! 

I stepped back a little to admire my little sky blue book case and realized that sooner or later, I would have to buy another one.

This was my book shelf when I was in S. Korea.

Some of the books on that shelf were left behind in S. Korea because I no longer have enough luggage allowance to bring them all. T_T 

New country means a new opportunity to stack my book case/shelf with books. Slowly but surely, my books will grow in numbers.

October-November 2014TBR

I'm on a mission to complete my own Christian Home Library. So, slowly but surely I'm buying books to complete the collection. I've known most of these books since childhood. But never had my own copy. So, I was delighted when my LE friend informed me of their book sale. I bought these books on a very big discount. Here are the latest addition.

Let's break it down...

1. The Heart of the Matter by Marilyn Johnson. It talks about how our heart works and how to properly take care of it.

2. Healing Wonders of Water by Herminia de Guzman-Ladion. This book teaches simple ways to use water to cure common household sicknesses especially those that are commonly affecting children. Other books have changed over over time except for this one. It's still the same book cover since its first publication.

3. Caring for the Filters by Pearle T. Pagunsan and Hazel Chua-Pagunsan, both M.D.s This book is very informative. It teaches the functions and proper ways to keep a healthy kidneys.

4. Education by E.G. White. One of the best books ever written about how to educate the minds of young learners, not just to become a good person, but to be a noble citizen fit for a higher calling.

5. The Great Controversy by E.G. White. Never has been a book so gripping and engaging that you cannot put it down than this book! Only someone who has read this could testify of how the it could change a person's view of the things happening around us. Once understood, everything seem to make sense.

And the latest addition as the result of my bookstore-hopping in Bangkok, which I mentioned on previous post.

Save Me from Myself Book Review

• Paperback cover: 225 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Language: English
• ISBN : 978-0-06-143164-7
• Genre: Biography/Memoirs/Non-fiction
• Days spent reading: 1

Synopsis

This book is about the incredible story of a controversial rock star, his secret addiction to methamphetamine, and his miraculous salvation through Jesus Christ.

My Thoughts:

I just couldn't put the book down. The author Brian "Head" Welch, former lead guitarist of Korn, tells about his roller coaster life with drugs, anger, abuse and other dark stuffs usually associated with rock stars. 

What really struck me the most was how his childhood friend, Kevin, sincerely and boldly talked about his faith in Jesus and shared it to him. And so did Kevin's mother. Little did that family know that their boldness in speaking about Jesus and their peaceful way of living will change and save their friend's life from the power of darkness.

The result of that encounter

The changed didn't come immediately. It took over twenty years for that prayer to take effect on the life of the rock star. But the "seed" of truth was already planted in his heart. 

What I learned about the book that I wanted to share to the readers:

• We should never judge a person. Especially if we don't understand the struggles they've been going through. Even the most evil person in the world can be saved. We should never think or treat anyone as beyond the grace of God. 

• What you see outside does not necessarily reflect what's on the inside. This book has changed my perspective about rock stars or other people that share the same dark, sad and depressing life of fame and addiction. 

• The way we live, the words we speak and even the way we treat people, will have impact on others, whether for good or evil that only eternity could reveal. 

Although there are some areas on the author's new found faith that I beg to disagree(one of which is about the speaking in tongues), I agree with most of what he says about the power of God to transform lives...even if it seem the most hopeless one. Our finite mind can never fully understand how the Holy Spirit works. We can only see the result in a changed and transformed hearts and lives of those who were once prisoners of the power of darkness.

Book Store Hopping in Bangkok

Sukhumvit Road.

I will never forget this road in Bangkok. 
On my quest to find a used book bookshop, I found 2 more books shops that really pumped my adrenalin on high! Not only do they have books on sale, but their books are very affordable. Well, sell used books but they are still cheaper compared to other used books store.

13 books in total. Not bad for 1 day book shop hopping, right?

1. ASIA BOOKS
This was the  first book shop that I found while walking down Sukhumvit road. They  have a wide selection of English books. When I entered the store, the cashier was telling another foreigner that they have book sale upstairs. So straight I went to the second floor and this is what I found.

Buy 1 get 1 free for as low as 99 Baht unused books.

I wanted to buy a lot but most of the books are of genre that I don't like and I don't think they would be worth buying considering I'm on a budget ^^. So I only got these 3 books instead.

• The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom - 299 Baht.  Although not part of the buy 1 get 1 free, it's still on sale. I got it for 299 Baht instead of 525 Baht. A real treat for me because Mitch Albom is one of my fave authors and the book is brand new and no damage at all. 

• How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read by Pierre Bayard - 99 Baht. This would be my second book about books or about reading. It got my interest and I thought it would be a great read.

• You'll Never Walk Alone by Debbie Singh - 99 Baht. A true story about the author's haunting experience when her brother was sentence to ten years in Klong Prem prison know as the notorious "Bangkok Hilton." I love true stories so this one is on my shelf.

 2. SUN BOOK STORE Another book store I found on my way to finding another book store.They sell and exchange English and Japanese books and magazines. I couldn't believe my eyes upon seeing the long and tall shelves teeming with English books of very cheap prices! 

Look at all these very cheap and still of good quality books!

One day wouldn't be enough for me to scan all the books to find something that I would really want to have. Such a wide variety of genre and good quality books that ranges for a s low as 40 Baht to 300 Baht. Those big chunk books on the photo are priced more or less then 300 Baht only. 

• Shelter in the Storm by E.G. White - 40 baht. Was surprised to see this book here! E.G. White, (not to be confused with E.B. White) is my all-time favorite author. This book is actually a compilation of two of her books, which are also my top-favorites. Since I've read those books already I plan to give this book to a friend. 

• Can You Eat, Shoot & Leave? by Clare Dignall - 100 Baht instead of 265 Baht. I'm not sure how this book is related to "Eat, Shoots & Leaves" which is another book that I wanted to have but couldn't easily find here in Thailand.

• The Light in the Window by June Goulding - 40 Baht. A moving and inspirational memoir written from inside the walls of a Catholic home for unmarried mothers in 1950s Ireland. I just have the feeling that I would love this book.

• The Shack by William P. Young - 140 Baht instead of 450 Baht. Another treat for me because I've been wanting to have this book for a long time. I borrowed it before in a library in South Korea but my friend ended up reading it instead. Not I finally have my own copy and would never exchange it with something else. ^^

• Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - 100 Baht instead of 400+baht. The very first time I read the review of this book, when it wasn't a motion picture yet, I already knew in my heart that I want this book. Not exactly the original book cover, but still the same story. 

• One Hundred Years in Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - 150 baht instead of 497 Baht. One of the best-selling books of all time and I have yet to read it (Shame! I know!) Couldn't read it without a copy, so now is my chance to redeem myself.

3. DASA BOOK CAFE. This is actually the only book store I had in mind while walking up and down Sukhumvit road. Three-story shop of mostly English books and some non-English books are quite overwhelming.  Not a cheap as the Sun Book Store, but still relatively cheap. 

My budget is running low now so I only got myself 4 books.

• Save Me from Myself. The story of Brian "HEAD" Welch- former lead guitarist of Korn.- 190 Baht. This book is about the incredible story of a controversial rock star, his secret addiction to methamphetamine, and his miraculous salvation through Jesus Christ.The book caught my attention and I know I won't be able to put this book down until it's finished.  

• The Primal Teen by Barbara Strauch - 29 Baht. This book talk about what new discoveries about the teenage brain tell us about kids. Hmm...I wonder so I bought the book.

• I Moved Your Cheese by Darrel Bristow-Bovey - 19 Baht instead of 80 Baht. Probably the answer to the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Dr. Spencer Johnson M.D.  haha! I'm just guessing ^^ It says that the book is a self-help book for people who want to take no steps at all. a self-help book for people lying on the sofa. I have a feeling that this would be a fun read. ^^

• The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - 49 Baht. Again, one good book that I failed to read long time ago. Now, no one can stop me from reading or watching the movie. ^^

13 Books Adventist Should Read Before Reading Other Books

When I was a kid and starting to develop my love for reading, I wanted to read any kinds of books that I that I could find. Then my brother told me that before reading other religious books, I should first read our(SDA) books.

So here are my top 13 books, that in my own opinion,  would help us in knowing more about God and the faith that we have.

1. The Bible. It is a MUST for every Adventist youth to have his/her own Bible. The Christian journey start with a firm and sure foundation. What else could there be other than the Bible? If possible keep only one Bible for yourself and read it day and night.

Isn't it nice that when you are already old and you still have and using your very first Bible?





2. Messages to Young. Appropriately written for the youth (and adults, too). This book will enlighten the minds and prepare the youth for the sacred calling and task that God has given to them. This book teaches the young people how to live a balance and harmonious life that is pleasing to God.

3. Adventist Home. The preparation for a home where God and angels are welcome starts during the young adult life. This book is a safe guide for those who contemplate to enter the married life and have a family of their own.

Conflict of the Ages Books

4. Patriarchs and Prophets. Is the first volume in the Conflict of the Ages series based on the Bible account of our world's struggle between good and evil. It covers the sweeping panorama of human history from the creation of Earth to the reign of Israel’s King David. --Read more.

5. Prophets and Kings. Is the second volume in the Conflict of the Ages series. It opens with the story of Solomon’s glorious reign over Israel and ends with the nation’s exile and captivity. It traces the history of a favored and chosen people, vacillating between allegiance to God and to the gods of the nations around them. In these pages can vividly be seen dramatic evidences of the raging struggle between God and Satan for the hearts of men and women. -- Read more.

6. The Desire of Ages. Is the third volume in the Conflict of the Ages series based on the gospels account of the life of Christ in Matthew, Mark Luke and John. Ellen White’s classic on the life of Jesus focuses on One who stands at the center of all human history. --Read more. 

7. Acts of the Apostles. Is the fourth volume in the Conflict of the Ages series, where the amazing story of the early Christian believers is told. After Jesus was victorious over Satan and returned to heaven, the enemy turned his attention to Jesus’ church on earth. Here are thrilling stories of fierce persecutions and unswerving loyalty to God. Peter, Paul, James, John, Luke, Barnabas, Stephen, Mark, and the other early apostles carried the wonderful news of the gospel to all of the then-known world. -- Read more.

8. The Great Controversy. Volume 5, is the last book in the Conflict of the Ages series. It carries the story of the controversy between God and Satan to its ultimate and glorious conclusion. Beginning with the destruction of Jerusalem and continuing through the persecutions of Christians in the Roman Empire, the apostasy of the Dark Ages, the shining light of the Reformation, and the worldwide religious awakening of the nineteenth century, this volume traces the conflict into the future, to the Second Coming of Jesus and the glories of the earth made new. -- Read more.

More books...

9. Christian Service. This volume is a call to consecrated service in the science of soul winning. Invaluable to ministers, teachers, and church leaders, it will be appreciated by all who, in fellowship with Christ, seek to fulfill the gospel commission. Topics include personal preparation, training, organizing, the health and publishing ministries, and methodology. -- Read more. 

10. Counsels for the Church. Is a comprehensive selection of inspired materials from Ellen White that first appeared in books and periodicals during her lifetime. Grouped into sixty-six chapters, this counsel and instruction covers a wide range of topics.  -- Read more.

11. Counsels on Stewardship. Stewardship is properly managing the resources that God has committed to our care. This volume gathers together all of Ellen White's published statements on the subject. Topics discussed include tithing, indebtedness, charity, making a will, and soliciting funds from outside sources. What about speculating in the markets? Does God require us to dispose of our property? How can children be taught economy? What is the divine antidote for covetousness?. -- Read More.





12. The Ministry of Healing. Many things contribute to good health—cheerfulness, fresh air, exercise, diet, and positive relationships with other people, to name a few. Crucial also is a personal relationship with the Creator who gave us life and everything we need for health and happiness. In this book Ellen White deals with sickness of the soul and the healing balm to be found by trusting God for all things. -- Read more. 






13. Steps to Christ. Thousands have become acquainted with Jesus through this little book, Steps to Christ. And it has helped many more, including those who have walked with Him for years, to know Him better.

In just thirteen short chapters, you’ll discover the steps to finding a forever friendship with Jesus. You’ll read about His love for you, repentance, faith and acceptance, growing like Him, the privilege of prayer, what to do with doubt, and how to spend your days rejoicing in your best Friend, Jesus.

The doctrines and teachings of our Church can be sometimes overwhelming especially to new believers. With sincere faith and support from the church members, the fledgling believer can be guided and be kept safe and secure within the fold.

However, sitting on the pew listening to sermons won't be enough. Every believer should (No!) MUST study on his/her own with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This time alone with God will strengthen our personal relationship with Him while we are gaining knowledge about Him.

Out technology nowadays made all these books available for us anywhere, anytime. There's no reason or excuse for us not to be able to read them. This isn't the end of the list. There are still more books out there waiting for us to read them. Just take heed in choosing the books you're going to read. Remember, 

"Garbage in. Garbage out."

Credit: All descriptions from book #4-13 are from the website Connecting to Jesus which give a detail description of each book that the author couldn't do otherwise. All images are from Google Images.