Every first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), an initiative supported by comic specialty stores and bookstores across the world. On this particular day, participating outlets would give out FCBD comics – comics which have been specially published for the event – to readers. It’s an interesting way to celebrate this medium, giving independent comic publishers a chance to reach out to their fans and introduce new books to them.

A book to be savoured and treasured.

Last year, one of the greatest fantasy fiction authors (and of course, one of my favourite authors) passed away. After her passing, I rather in bad taste but also in a quiet sort of mourning, did a small books highlight of most of her books. Some of my colleagues abhor this sort of promotion but I usually do it in a bid of quiet desperation and resignation. Well, the awful truth is, is that inspite of an author's passing, good books and good writing never go out of fashion - unlike films - where there may be a sudden surge of interest and a quick dying off. An author's ideas and words should only go against the great adversary of Time and its erosion and evolution of popular thought, and not like their mortality bid an end to existence.

I think that many would agree with me that Diana Wynne Jones was such a wonderful author - her books were, are fun, engaging and thought provoking (although not in the most conservative sense), I personally like them for their humour, and interesting way of telling a tale. So her passing really saddened me.

In fact, these passings always make me very sad, doubly as a reader and a bookseller. Books never stay in print after that.

As I write, I've reread Year of the Griffin, the follow up to Darklord of Derkholm. I was book bereft in Singapore and could not find a book I wanted at Kino, (I forget which one) so I settled for one which I have not read by the master, the Derkholm. I loved it!
So when I got home, I naturally needed the sequel. And was subsequently surprised to find it now as a print-on-demand! (note the slight difference in the make of the books)

Oh no! Will her books be all going OP soon? It's unthinkable, unforgivable but really happening.

The race begins if you haven't been buying those books. Be warned or start an AbeBooks account.

As i type, the Korean drama 'Love in the Vineyard' is playing. (DVD) In fact, it has been my habit to either play a CD or any drama when i'm awake at times like this. Adds a little bit of life to the dead of the night.

okok, not trying to be romantic. Being the otaku that i am, something is always playing in the background.

Well, i've been spending X'mas day with the family (a bit) and had an enjoyable hour or so - wrapping gifts. yes, i love doing that. It's fun and i think it makes gift-giving and gift-receiving much more personal. (but i digress) Anyway, i wanted to borrow a drama called Love in the Aegean Sea from my mom, and ended up coming away with it! Madam Mother is giving away stuff because she's inspired by her friend. That's nice, thanks Mom! So here i am with another set of VCDs, which although i appreciate the gesture and i want to watch the drama, is totally against my new 'collection' policy of ... DVDs only from now on.

Why so? i'm bitter over the fact that i have huge boxed sets of The Gift (Sung-mool) and All About Eve and a whole bunch of other stuff in VCD. The colours are starting to fade; the sound is going AND there are no English subs! There is even this tiny idea, pushing its way to the front, convincing me to give some of my favourites away (read: Sung-mool and AAE) and replace them with DVDs. That way, they should keep for a longer stretch - although one never knows. Maybe i should wait.

And why is that, you dare ask? I would have loved to own the OST 'I have a Date with Spring' in CD, i'm telling you. And the humongous 6 CD collection of Lo-Dayou's best songs, one of Harlem Yu's earlier albums (forgot which), most of my Jacky Cheung collection, Eason's first album and some other indie albums. All this i happen to own - in cassettes. What use are three cartons of cassettes to one who does not own a cassette player? Was i to know that cassettes would now be practically obsolete? Talking of obsolete, i've been trying to replace my discman which a friend borrowed but has not returned (for around 3 years!) and discovered that there aren't any being sold in the shops. (okay, maybe if i really hunt for it i will find one but right now i need to do some shopping around if any) Does this mean that CD players are going the way of cassette players? Ha? Oh dear, i would still want to own a CD player even if i rip music into my mp3 because eventhough mp3s may be handy and can carry entire albums, i would still buy CDs that produce clearer, louder and sharper sound. (not forgetting how much i love owning a nicely made album with lyrics and all that)

Sure, you can download them - lyrics, photos and music. You may even pay for them. I'd rather you call me old-fashioned then, because my CD collection is growing. ;-p

On another level, e-books are bound to become the rage since it would be way-too-cool to carry entire libraries with you without breaking your back. i can imagine wanting to own one!

However, i'm not at all worried that i'll have to replace my entire collection of literature as i may have to with the music and moving pictures. Because, this technology that plays the paper book ain't gonna get obsolete so soon. Good old pencil and paper. Good old paperbacks, hardcovers and tradepaperbacks. Good old use your fingers to turn the page.

And if you need batteries - eat, sleep, love.

Here i go again. Went back and looked at my earlier blogs, one which i noted how important a story should flower, so that we can truly enjoy it.

So is Aw's a blossom? in a way, i think. Not a hothouse variety, i think. Nor the type which i really love, with light fragrances like a salad rose. Could be an orchid, i don't care for those, much.

The other day, a sort of discussion cropped up about the importance of Map of Invisible World and Tash Aw. Does it have a Malaysian voice? As for me, what is a Malaysian voice, first? Hmmm..., do you need to comment about social or political issues? Add in Malay words? Set it in Malaysia? Be Malaysian (this one probably)? This, somehow got a little too deep for me, being not used to this sort of literary discussions. However, the thought still remains in a certain conscious part of my mind.

Yesterday, one single word hit me. Relevance. Perhaps, being a Malaysian voice, means the story does speak to the Malaysian reader, in a different level and some issues are relevant to us in a personal and local way, but presented in a roundabout way. Relevant because somehow we feel that we can relate. Also, because we can relate, it is contemporary. Okokokok. My lack of experience and practice in discussing such things are very obvious. Hah! This would never have come about, though if not for that damned book.

So still, i persevere. On page 187 now.

SONG FOR A MOOD
Who is this/Jea-si-sui - Kelly Chan. Bought the cassette when i was in the crazy about Pal phase. I'm still crazy a bit about his songs. Took too long deciding if i should get the CD and only recently found some brains to look for it at the Sunday flea mart. Kelly Chan has never been one of my favourites, although she has some songs which i lurve. (Am still looking for the soundtrack to that first movie of hers) I think Pal did true justice to her voice, she does not sound as 'tested' as the ones Mark Lui wrote for her.

Daph asked me a tough question the other day. Would i recommend Tash Aw's Map of the Invisible World? Hmmm, hmmmm, hmmmm ~

My answer ... i would not, to her. And why?

First of all, i wasn't exactly keen to read it. The premise did not actually capture my fancy. But it was an 'assignment' so i forced myself to read a bit while waiting to collect my new passport. (2 hours)

Somewhere, somehow, he got me. I'm still halfway through the book, taking my own sweet time. Honestly, i've found it increasingly hard to read books of such nature, heavy like a ton of bricks. And, his writing style was hard for me to get into. Dunno how to put a finger on it, it is hard la.

That doesn't mean i don't like it, though. Many years ago a certain AS recommended The Catcher in The Rye, which i didn't exactly like, but it stayed with me and it still lives in me and i still feel some of the ideas it brought about. Did i like it? It's not entertaining and fun. Yet, i care enough to be curious when a sequel is written. i cared enough to read Esme. i cared enough to reread it. And i cared enough to tell people about the love-hate experience it gave me - this book that makes me think about other things, and gives me new understanding and another point-of-view. Out of nowhere, reluctantly read.

Since i'm still halfway through the book, i remain doubtful if this will be a similar experience. Of course, i would be gauche to compare Aw to Salinger, which i'm not. Nor can he be put side by side with Pramoedya Ananta Toer. However, i may still experience the effects on a smaller scale. Questions pop up in my head, that i cannot answer and am shy to ask because i may sound stupid. But ... is Indonesia being used as a mirror and a juxtapose to Malaysia or opposite? Is the book, Aw's map of the invisible world? What really was it like to live through those years? How strange that it was a small chapter in our history books.

Second reason, doesn't entertain but stimulates the brain way too much.

Do i like it? Can only say later, when i'm done reading it. At this moment, i can only describe it as a powerful read, one which does not allow me to give up reading it. i want to know, not the outcome, but the process. Yup, it's that kind of book. SO, if you care for that - i would recommend it.

SONG FOR A MOOD
Ripples/Leen-yi - Chet Lam. Part of Once in the Lifetime soundtrack, a musical that featured some of the late Danny Chan's works. Ripples created by the appearance of someone. This is what the song means. Poetic and simple. This song represents much of Chan's works. The crystal clear voice and the contemporary feel. Thanks to Chet Lam, we can once again feel deep joy in these songs without the additional tang of sadness and nostalgia. Powerful in its own way, creating ripples like the book i am reading.

If you like to read books, you've probably been called a bookworm.
But have you ever considered this - you may well be a supporter of the arts!
Well, lately there has been such a large proliferation of self-published books. First of all, i have nothing against writers who self publish. There are so many talented people out there who deserve the attention of the reading world, who has important and interesting ideas to share or have so much imagination and skill you know they deserve a try at getting published.
Then there' s the sad, sad condition of the big publishing houses that may or may not have sunk into semi-vanity publishing. If a publisher doesn't have a regular publishing schedule, nor do they actually have a plan, concept for their imprints, can you still call them a publishing house? No editors (real good ones who know how to direct and edit), no copy editors, no proper trained desktop or layout design people ... are you even a printer??!!
If you are such a publisher, then its also obvious that you do not have the know-how nor the right to tell anyone they aren't good enough to write a book. Therefore, little wonder that all those writers out there think that they are good, as good as the books being published by the big boys. They are all thinking - who are you to say i'm bad? And you know, i believe so sometimes.
And so when people self-publish, they also end up distributing their own books to bookstores - directly destroying two automatic filters, the editor/publisher and distributor/sales person. And so the person who decides what makes it to the shelves of a store is most likely the buyer, arrrghhh ...
You think that's fun? You think that's empowering or whatnot?
Let me tell you that book buyers are used to meeting professional people who sell books and know what is a well-made book. When you meet those larger than life senior citizens or the enthusiastic but naive young writer - should you say, not good enough? Everyone deserves a chance (provided they also consider that content is the most crucial decisionmaker), i do believe that even if the author is not yet a master but a promising apprentice, they should be given a tiny space on the shelf. For only by writing more and improving more, can the writer one day win a Nobel.
Still, it's quite bad for the publishing industry if this continues. Controls will be off and readers will be exposed to badly edited books, thinking that this is the way it should be written. Buyers end up having to truly scrutinize the writing of a book, without the aid of an editor who would have help prune and fine tune the contents and advise of suitability etc. Apart from selecting the book based on other merits, the buyer will also need to worry about the reliability of the research and the evil thing called plagiarism. Of course, we still do right now. But its just becomes more prominent.
On the bright side though, if books are the literary arts, then the book buyer and the book worm will slowly transform into an Art patron. (The art patron is the powerful and rich people who appreciate and support artists. Their support come in many forms and they are usually art collectors as well). With this statement - replace artists with writers and art collectors with book hoarders) There, i think that may just be me. Et tu, Brute?

SONG FOR A MOOD
In Nostalgia/Huenying Jiu Mung - Guo-Zi/Chyi Chin Ok. Why is the link not on the title? There are two versions of this song, both which i love. Guo-zi shows off his ability to sing in so many genres and this nostalgic feel suits his voice. Rock star Chyi Chin has truly mellowed over the years, but he retains his clean, bluesy and modern approach to music. Cool. Suits my mood, two points of view.

It's been nearly a month since i've updated this blog. In between, i've been to Penang (1); watched Gary in concert (2); wrote loads of reviews (3); did a 'not-too-bad-compilation' of book capsules (4); read many books (5); watched some TV dramas (6); gotten into hot soup and out (7) ... and made a few decisions about my life (8) and lifestyle (9).

(1) went with Eri-chan. had fun.
(2) wow! Mr Cao-Ge is too cool. He won Best Male Vocal in 19th Golden Melody Awards, which is decided by industry peers
(3) yes, i'll be rolling in money soon ;-p
(4) errr, i like some of the stuff i wrote for August issue
(5) The Color of Magic - Terry Pratchett, Twilight - Stephenie Meyer (halfway), A Hatfull of Sky - Terry Pratchett, Good Omens - Pratchett & Neil Gaiman, Penelope - Marilyn Kaye ... and i forgot what else
(6) worse, i think it was SP (with Junichi Okada), half way through Romantic Princess (Angela Zhang & Wu Zun), Galileo (the very cool Masaharu Fukuyama & Kou Shibasaki), Yukan Club (also halfway), It Started with A Kiss (ISWAK, the first part), Hana Zakari no Kimitachi e (Taiwanese version, also halfway and charmed by Ella's delightful performance), Forensic Heroes II (TVB one, with Kevin Cheng ...) AND i'm so taken by the movie Penelope (with the quirky Christina Ricci and James McAvoy and i forgot what else, too
(7) We will not talk about this :-(
(8) Don't go there either ... but there is one thing - i would like to fall deeply in love with paper again
(9) Went jogging

As you can see, i really have been busy. Most of all, i wanna remember that feeling in Gangnam without having to fly 6 long, uncomfortable hours on the fabled national carrier of ours.

There was this discussion about how low risk it was to be in book trading. Which may just be the case if you compare us to those supermarkets that sell perishables. After all, there are laws about how long you can display such goods before writing them off or how close to the expiry date you can keep the stuff. Plus, the cost of importing them includes damaged goods which i'm sure happens easily - think plums, grapes or some soft fruit.

Not that we are actually comparing books to food - even though they are food for the brain, just as essential to some people. Take it as 'food for thought', though.

Do books expire?

Hardcovers become unsaleable after the paperback is release, yes. Old editions are obsolete as soon as a new edition is released, except research libraries that keep them, others will trash. Old theories get debunked and pushed off relevancy. Genres lose their appeal, and suddenly no one writes or publishes them anymore. New covers will show you how ugly the old ones were. And author dies and the books start to go out of print. Yes, yes and yes.

Various means will end the life of a book.

We always complain that some titles are out-of-date. Being 'trained', i'll look at books covers and cringe at the US covers of self help books which look like they were grandparents to the books freshly published. Well, they are still relevant though and just as well-received by readers.

Relevancy, universal appeal, rare art and deep substance will make classics out of books, making them live longer and travel farther. My job is at times to feed them a little Amrita, at times to help to bury them when they die, be it prematurely or naturally. Like any reader and loverof books, i feel glad with every long-lived, well-loved book ... and sad to have cross paths with nasty books, unhappy books, sickly ones ... and perhaps a little gratified to have met ones that are short-lived but burned brightly. It sounds odd, ya. At times, i feel it is as such.

SONG FOR A MOOD
Fast expiring strawberries/Kuai guoqi de cao-mei - Vivian Hsu. She is a popstar with a past who has managed to walk away from it quite successfully. Having spent a long time in Japan, her style and music reflects the soft, sexy, kittenish types like Chara and Bice. i liked her cos she's so pretty. Now i see her in a different light - if you didn't know this, Jay Chou's first single had words penned by Viv. Then i also followed her incarnations in DEP and Lil' Viv. Such a chameleon. i wish her the best for being incredibly 'long-lived' in this fickle world of entertainment. Song from one of my utter favourite albums, Qia ban de tien shi/Disguised as a Fairy.

i realised that i forgot to put this in. About the 'Go Green' thing.

Recently, Penny Tai has announced that she's not releasing any albums this year, or rather any CDs. Her latest pain-to-the-ears, called Blow the Whistle (Cui Bi-bi) will only be available online and you can pay to own your own copy. So i thought, why ah? Cost of producing an entire album, in CD is expensive? Maybe. Trying to be environmental-friendly? Because imagine you print 5,000 pieces and the terrible pirates print double, then there is 15,000 of your CDs, of which people like Lil' Eri will buy the pirate at say 10 a pop. She'll nicely stick it elsewhere and promptly forget about it. Thus creating unwanted, forgotten waste. Then, this makes digitally downloadable music much more green, ya? But where does all this data hang out at? What is the virtual world but metal, plastic and electricity ... servers somewhere. And more and more servers and other hardware to keep the software. Still, it is a little more eco-friendly, i guess to keep MP3s or music virtually.

But... on the question of books, though... an electronic book versus a paper one?

Music is different because cassettes and CDs will end up being waste that cannot be broken down easily. Poison to Mother Earth.

Books, which means less trees however does not necessary equal to poisoning of the same earth that will grow more trees. i'm making this sound so complicated.

Imagine this - electronic books made of plastic or metal components, and servers that house the digital books can end up in the garbage as unrecyclable, or needs special means to safely dispose. Which ultimately could mean it'll poison the land.

Then imagine this - books are made from trees which we are unendingly cutting down and may not be planting back as fast. When we trash books (for goodness sake, donate them or give them away before you do that!), they may be recycled as another book or paper something else. Now trees will be harder to grow on 'poisoned' land. But you might still be able to write on recycled books.

MP3s, not too evil.
E-Books ... not too great, you see.

I guess you can see that i much prefer the solidity of books, the feel of paper between my fingers, the woody, heady whiff of ink and forests. So help me ....

Notice the last date i made a post. Now this definitely means i've been busy. Not just busy with work but also having a little R&R.

Watched quite a good movie, called Gegege no Kitaro. A funny, quirky live-action movie adapted from the classic manga by Shigeru Mizuki. It's about a one-eyed half-demon boy who fights to keep peace between yokai (demons and 'creatures of the night') and humans. Loved the CGI and the tongue-in-cheek characters, but i'm not sure if it's originally as such in the manga. (The lead is played by Eiji Wentz, one half of pop duo WaT - jpop fans will know that stands for 'Wentz and Teppei'. He looked quite cute, it didn't need any acting anyways.)

Currently, i'm thoroughly immersed in one of those TVB serials, forgot the 'English' title. It's a bit like CSI. i was fired up by colleague's comments that most of the Asian dramas (like Jdrama, Korean or Taiwanese, don't even go near the China ones) you don't really need to watch the entire thing. Just a bit in the front and then some at the end. However for TVB dramas, you must watch it in its entirety. Well, i don't really agree - yet.

Bookwise, i'm not managed to finish reading anything. Typical Arian trait!

Nevertheless, i've still left part of my heart and brain reserved for Colfer's Airman, which has turned to be quite extraodinary in the middle. Our cool guy, Conner is now planning an escape for the Saltees prison mines. Exciting! On the month assignments, i'm much taken with 'Ways to Live Forever' by Sally Nicholls. The novel was the winner of some competition. It is about a boy with leukimia and this is his project given by a tutor who wanted him to write more. Think what you may but it's suprisingly a not too sentimental book. Still touching but not off-putting, only sensible and matter-of-fact, you can imagine the parents crying in the background and putting up a brave front. Worth a look, if for that only.

Well, my life is now piecemeal here, a bit on the side there. i have not mentioned being inundated with work and having no idea where to start. BUT, that is obvious, of course. i think i need to work like i 'enjoy' - a little by little, a bit by bit.

SONG FOR A MOOD
Come closer/Kao-qin - Harlem Yu. My CD rack has a few prominent singers, Harlem is one of them. He's a singer/songwriter who has a unique sound and voice. Love him!!! This is from my all-time favourite album. The CD got scratched, so i felt very sad. Nowadays i play it less so that it'll last longer. He said in an interview how the death of a colleague made him feel the need to spend more time with loved ones, be closer with them while he could. And this is the acoustic version, with the guitar by a sifu, forgot his name but check it out.

If this sounds like an about-turn from my previous post about people preferring non-fiction to fiction, it isn't.

But like i said, i lurve non-fiction, too.

So what is this all about then? Been reading the Hornbook (Jan/Feb), where the wonderful people over there has made an entire issue on the winners of the Boston Hornbook book prizes. This Canadian guy (Nicholas Debon) won for Best Non-fiction Book, The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr. Published by Groundwood Books, this book has practically no 'interest' value in this part of the world, plus Canadian published books are very difficult to find. (i think the main problem is they only hold local rights, and very stupidly sell world rights, UK & US rights to other publishers. Though some like Groundwood retain US rights, which is why and how i managed to stock this book in the first place. Anyway, some award winning authors books seldom see the light of day outside of Canada because some bigshot publisher (UK or US) may not have planned to publish them).

My point is ... non-fiction books that cover the whole earth, factual please are easily obtained and even easier to pan them off. Non-fiction picture books are well, another species altogether. If picture books about rabbits who ask about how much they are loved are hard to sell, then non-fiction picture books are like selling fridges to Eskimos. But. I like them. i think they fill a niche for the in-betweeners. For kids who like to learn some facts, are too young to appreciate the really heavy stuff, or older children who appreciate the beauty of a good and well presented picture book that isn't at all about made-up things.

'The Strongest Man' is definitely one hard-to-sell. But have you read any Steve Jenkins? I find his books fascinating. There is one that is called Actual Size, where he draws the animals to their actual size. Quite cool.

And if you see them popping up on bookstore shelves, it's because they are worthy of notice. Look them up someday.

There's this funny sort of book called the Facttracker by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrations by Pascale Constantin, due out end of this month from Harper US. It's about this town where their commodity is facts. Then something happens and the people's true stories are replaced by tall tales! Now, sounds sort of interesting, huh? I thought the premise was quite cool, probably for the kids who liked Captain Underpants but grew out of theirs, so need something a little less yucky but just as hilarious. But the main reason for bringing this up is it put me in the mind of something totally different which i've been thinking of these two weeks.

The other day (sometime back, probably three Mondays back), i was going home from work and on the way down the escalator, i overheard one gentleman state and with some pride, that he never reads fiction. 'Oh, I only read non-fiction. If I want fiction, I can make up my own'. The man was standing in front of me. So i may be wrong, but did he sound disgustingly pompous. I wonder how the lady could still nod and agree with him.

Jay (who is our Humanities si-fu) doesn't read fiction either. She says it's because she cannot stop thinking that it is all not true. But we've been trying to convert her, one book by one book, though she may still think they are untrue (everyone knows they are not true, d-uh!), i was quite surprised the other day when she said she enjoyed The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Luis Zafon. Well, well, well ... not bad. Seeing some light, lately.

But back to those who rub their heels with fiction.

i mean, it's like fiction is worthless and for the dummies or people with no imagination. For your information (eh-hem), great fiction require a lot of skill, imagination and legwork (read research) to write. And the true beauty of fiction allows it to be as fantastical as it is believable and unbelievable at the same time. Take fantasy as an example, the setting may be out of this world, yet firmly we are able to accept it. It is all due to the writer's description that makes it seem real to the reader. Or those reality-based novels, where the exciting happen in an everyday setting, how skilled the pen of the author, to make the mundane majestic.

Fiction rings more true at times for people become less afraid to state what is true in a fantastic situation.

And non-fiction. Don't get me wrong - I love to read non-fiction, too. History is cool. Being Arian, i am only second to Librans (my mother), in absorbing information. And i will be the first to raise both hands to say that it also requires great skill to write non-fiction. If not, it's be dry and boring and so for those stuffy academicians. And it also has to be factually correct, to some point or other.

And sure, everyone is allowed to diss fiction for being not true, a waste of time (reading non-fiction is like studying) and probably not even worth buying.

Then here's my question to you. How do you know non-fiction is all facts? That everything you read is true? That there is not one piece of stated fact which isn't as it seem? Two different field experts with the same information may interpret them into opposing solutions, could they not? Then do you believe one and call the other fiction?

Yes, yes. You will also say, it is all a matter of opinion and deduction based on the true facts. But if you like to read about History, you will realise that some biographies take some creative license into making the story come to life. The only badge that gives them authenticity is a bibliography the size of a chapter. Fiction will probably have an accompanying note from the author, one para long - not even worth mentioning.

And where does this lead us?

Non-fiction is where facts are written creatively to tell a true story. Fiction is where stories are creatively wrought to sound true. Both require good writing (eh-hem again, storytelling) skills, some imagination or ideas and sound research. They both have their strengths and exist to fill the need to feed different sides of our brain. The logical side of the brain for non-fiction and the creative part loves fiction. Kids like Jay don't read fiction, but still enjoy music, film and other arts so they are fulfilling their creative hunger.

Fiction and Non-fiction fans are always at loggerheads but really, these two complement each other. i, for one, love both. And those non-believers of fiction or non-fiction, remember that they are NOT opposite poles, they belong to different parts - Left and Right.

And parents, puh-lease know this. Kids need some of both to feed and nurture a proper Brain. So STOP and think before you end up buying them dictionaries and atlases only. Stories are important, too - fake but still crucial. (and yes, i'm done for now)

Had this interesting chat (IM-ed) with Daph the other day about reading. It all started out with a discussion about Xmas gifts and escalated to that. Anyway, she was saying that she was okay with Son No.1 liking to read Mr Midnight but perhaps only barely. After all we all had our favourite rubbish reading. I lurve Mills & Boon in stacks as a respite to the heavy stuff i sometimes have to read.

But the comment that really got me thinking was something she said about it being ok if you read crap as long as you know the difference between good and bad OR rather, can tell what you like and appreciate in a book. So you can knowingly read crap and would never class them in the same level as a (for want of a better example) Pullman.

And what do i appreciate in a book?

I think the prize should go to the writer, any ol' writer who knows how to write a blossom. Meaning it gets better and better as you read.

Partly because i've been rereading The Merlin Conspiracy. For some books which i totally love, i would just randomly select a spot to start reading from. So the other day i started in the middle, then read to the end. And left it in the bathroom. After a couple of days, i went back to it and started from the very beginning. As i read, i marvelled at the way Diana Wynne Jones held all the cards, maybe smiling a secret smile as her plot thickened.

The same for The Franchise Affair.

The same for this sad book called the Corydon and the Island of Monsters (Tobias Druitt). Daph says it's written by a mother and son team, which makes me feel cheated. Since i really like mythology (hence Neil Gaiman is one Si-Fu), from the beginning, the story was cool. As it progressed, up to two hours ago, i was kinda surprised! I thought it was going to be serious a bit type of fiction, a tinge of historical, like McCaughrean or something. Imagine my shock and amusement, when it takes an about turn and becomes somewhat satirical. Aiya, i know it's been done before, but i've never read anything like this yet so if you want me to be enlightened, tell which books to read.

My point is this.

Love some books because they capture your attention at the beginning with the right amount of information etc. Then as you go on, either the plot or characters or maybe even the style, gets better, bigger and BAM! ... you know everything at the end. A book that grows, unfurls and blossoms, basically.

The Corydon book, not at the end yet but brownie points for sustaining interest and creating a new dimension with the humourous parts. BUT, one hopes with fingers crossed that it does not turn silly.

Another thing i appreciate in a book - intelligence and the concrete, unshakeable belief of the author in the intelligence of the reader. So help me blah blah blah.

SONG FOR A MOOD
OK - A-yue, from his album of the same name. Honestly, this is definitely my 2007 Chinese album of the year. It takes the words from my mouth, that i'm ok, hanging on. So there.

Fans of Phillip Pullman and that superb trilogy, His Dark Materials, please take note:
Once Upon A Time in The North is slated for April 2008 release. Supposedly about Lee Scoresby and his first encounter with Iorek Byrnison; and designed to match Lyra’s Oxford.

But true fans say – what of The Book of Dust? Or our young lovers Lyra and Will? Do something already Mr Pullman!

Still, if you’re desperate for a new story from HDM …

Folks who love the selfish and vain wizard called Howl will be happy to know that there's a sequel coming out!

The 30th November Bookseller reports that HarperCollins has acquired Diana Wynne Jones' latest book, to be out in June 2008.

i just got my November/December issue of The Hornbook. In it is Richard Peck's 'Zena Sutherland Lecture', and i quote from his introduction, paying homage to Zena Sutherland:

'For all of us who write for the young and the half-grown; for all of us who believe that picture book illustration has better not be second-rate art; for all of us who believe that childhood is a jungle, not a garden; for all of us who believe the story still stands because fiction is truer than fact, ...'

i don't know who Zena Sutherland is, forgive my ignorance but i found this description so touching because ultimately, when we sell children's books, then we should know what we are actually trying to provide. Some may think that children's books are simple and you can sell any damn thing to those gullible parents and their not-so knowledgeable kids. But let me ask you then, what's the use of a buyer, a bookseller or maybe a librarian - if not to present the right books to the world?

Sure, we want to make money, too.

So achieving the right balance is important.

Also, i quote another line:

'... the young deserve a well-crafted story - and that they could take it. That the narrative is a structure strong and supple enough to tell the traditional tale while tumbling taboos. That sentimentality is the enemy of both literature and politics. That you can pity the young or prepare them for the world, but you cannot do both.'

Wow! i'm so impressed by such vision. Honestly though, when i first started buying books, never did it cross my mind that i'll stand by these words, too and say, yup ezackly. Now i do.

In fact, i've just finish listening to the audiobook of Golden Compass, and can't stop marvelling over how this book and the other two of His Dark Materials, embodies some of these values. That you should't short change them just because they are kids. That you shouldn't dumb down the writing for they are only younger, not any less intelligent. That you should not shy from telling it as it is, for believe it or not, the eyes of the innocent can tell a faker just the same.

i believe that. Because i've had the opportunity to read books like the Golden Compass and understand the beauty of books like these. Written with such elegance and thought, they make you respect the artistry of children's literature.

Honestly, to get a child to read and love reading - ultimately, apart from those run-of-the-mill readers and chapters, they need these kinds of books to instill a true love for literature. These kinds are books that respect the reader and in turn, win their respect.

Still, as true booksellers, us are not to question. Our role is to keep the balance between making a profit and getting good books into the hands of people who appreciate them.
(even though, sometimes it's kinda tough on my own pocket, too) ;-p

Just reread Magicians of Caprona.

There are so many Diana Wynne Jones books that i simply adore, but my favourites are Magicians of Caprona, The Merlin Conspiracy and Hexwood. Of all the Chrestomanci books, this is my utter fave, i suppose it's partly because Tonino is one of my favourite characters. Because his magic is so different.

And i also find the setting and plot very original. Especially the duel scene, where the two families meet to fight it out which DWJ at one point compares to an opera, has so much theatrical value. If it was animated, the entire Chrestomanci series even, it would be way too cool.

Honestly, i want to move to Caprona where the two greatest spellmaking families live. So that i can buy a spell be it on a pink or green slip to chase away this restless kind of deepest blue that is ensconcing me.

Anything for a ticket out of here OR better still, one to the romantic state of Caprona.

I heard the Booker went to Anne Enright and it's a very depressing book. Well, awards are like that, they go the the more serious fiction. Anyway, there are even a few awards that go to publishers like the Mildred L. Batchelder, or from booksellers who appreciate the work done to improve the quality of books.

My stand is always award the publisher for their fine work by buying more of their books and hand-selling. And needless to say, i always pick up a few favourites by the end of the year. So here they are:

Thumbs Up Walker Books UK for venturing with such elegance into more serious Young Adult Fiction. (Small in quantity but impressive)

Also to another publisher for their new range of Young Adult Fiction, albeit a little spotty but still, Thumbs Up Usborne especially for McCaughrean's Tamburlaine and the planned three more books on warriors. (which i read somewhere that one is being written by Marcus Sedgwick)

Thumbs Up Heryin for coming out of the woodwork with picture books from Taiwan. Readers will soon notice the difference in the artwork and the Asian 'sensibility'.

Thumbs Up both Candlewick and Bloomsbury US for doing a better job in promoting UK authors with those great covers than the Brits, and quietly making your presence felt.

Thumbs Up Little Brown US for maintaining their stature as the master of bubble chicklit. Yet suddenly surprising us with The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Thumbs Up DC Comics for that imprint called Minx, which is unique and brave and very impressive.

Also, secretly Thumbs Up MPH Publishing for making Daphne Lee's dream come true.

So there. I love you guys, so keep it up.

i spend the entire day cleaning house, which really includes sweeping the floor (having positively refused to do it last weekend) and slowly (operative word here) dusting and polishing the furniture. At times like this, i'm glad we have very little of them.

well, anyway, i'm not a clean freak but i do enjoy the feeling i've achieved something whenever i'm done cleaning up. also, it puts my mind at ease so i don't have to bother about it for a while. as i was dusting and dusting, vacuuming etc, it suddenly occurred to me that it is such an odd subject that Mr Philip Pullman chose to write about. (i've been listening to the Golden Compass audio book with full cast on the car stereo, now at disc 7)

Common, no doubt but dust? i mean, sure his concept about elementary particles and what not is interesting and the consequences thought provoking. In fact, i think by calling it Dust, he made it easier for a whole lot of readers to understand (especially since his audience are often kids). but really, who would want to gather Dust? and the fact that teens get more dusty? that's cos those strawberries don't like soap and water. i, honestly, see nary a point to salivate for dust, but who am i to say? These Dust is powerful and golden! Freaksters will yearn for dust.

oh yes, Lord Asriel and Mrs Coulter can have my dust, anytime. See how different that feels.

on another note, whenever i had insomnia, i'd imagine myself cleaning up this room in my head. it's great to help me relax. Just sweep all your thoughts into those drawers up the inside left ear and open door at the right ear, to let out those troubles. sweep, sweep, sweep and i've got a clear mind, clean brain and a blank conscience.