The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman

Currently readnig this book - "The World is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. My current reading speed is close to finish half of the book in 3 weeks. There are some interesting facts to read about, but the tiny words and the neverending story telling of Mr. Friedman make it hard to finish a chapter within an hour.

So far, I'm amazed how far we have came through in technology within the last century, and how it has changed our way of life and work vastly. Have you ever wonder how people work before computers come to age? I guess our generation has never experienced working life without email. I can't image sitting at my desk without a PC! I guess I would have to walk to and fro to my colleagues' desks, ringing up the phone...and receiving paper memos instead of a send-to-distribution-list email! OMG... that's kinda scary eh..

This book also tells you how the world and people have transformed, and if you are really crazy to believe the world if flat (or still round??). It tells you about the changes that are happening around the world while you were sleeping or burying your head deep in work. At a certain point, it's kinda scary actually to take in what you have read in this book. I felt like I have just watched the world whizzed by while I was just blinking my eyes.

If you don't believe me, just read throught the first 10 subchapters of the book. It tells you about the 10 "flatteners" of the world.

Here's an entry on this book and its author on Wikipedia.

The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

Just finished reading this book, The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. Let me quote the book synopsis from amazon -

"Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world, and this tenth anniversary edition, with a new introduction from the author, will only increase that following. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts. "

Paulo is a famous Brazilian author, we wrote this bestseller. This book has been translated and sold millions throughout the world. I was amazed at how a simple story infused with magical, folklore and myths can turn into a bestseller. The book is quite thin actually, you can finish it within half a day.

The story is quite philosophical, the things in life are described inexplictly. It took me awhile to understand what the author is trying to tell, and makes you think about your life. It looks at dreams and challenges in your life, and the presevere and determination to achieve it. It also tells about things that matter to you, the sacrifices you make, and your beliefs.

There's one thing which I remember clearly after reading this book - "How often can money buy your life?". The alchemist in the story had used 50 pieces of gold to buy 3 more days to live. Yes, money is important, but it almost never buy lives. We often view money as something very important and some will even die for it. It makes me rethink the value of money, and how we should use it when it matters most, and not to die/loss sleep for it for unworthy reasons.

If you have read this book before, share with me what you think about this book. And do check out Paulo's website : http://www.paulocoelho.com/ It does look kinda cool :)

The books have arrived!

Yay~ A big parcel arrived yesterday, and it's for me! :D Actually that parcel is from Lydia, she has promised to mail the books that I've won in her blog contest. That's 4 books, including one of her recent work, Honk! If You're Malaysian. I'm so excited, and she even autographed the book with a personal message to me. Cool! I've never had an autographed book before. I'm so excited that I dig my head into her book straight away.

The first story itself has made me giggle. How she described the china man in Pagoda singlet...haha.. the fact that it rings so true, that I can imagine the "apek" kissing her in front of before my eyes... yuccck!! :P I'm going to indulge in the book again tonight...can't wait to read the rest... Oh, and thanks Lydia!

I've won!

I was just reading through my usual haunt of blogsites, and wow...I was surprised to find my name chosen as the 2nd prize winner in Lydia's blog. Remember earlier on I had posted on her new book "Honk! If You're Malaysian" ? Yup, I guess I just got lucky and now I'm waiting to get my hands on the book prizes :D

Wanna know what books I'm going to get? Check it out here.

Honk! If You're Malaysian

I found out about Lydia Teh in PL's blog. She's our very own Malaysian author from Klang, and has recently released her book "Honk! If You're Malaysian".

I haven't got a copy of the book yet, but the book cover looks kinda cute and the book title sounds interesting enough to catch my eye. I've always like to read books about local culture written in a lighthearted manner. It makes me feel "connected" to the locals..haha.

This book is Lydia's humourous look on the Malaysian way of life. And I bet it would tickle the many hearts of us locals to read through the things that are so familiar to us. So far most of the fans' reviews have said this is an enjoyable book to read. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed to win a copy of this book through the Honk! If You're Malaysian contest on her blog.

Let's show your support to our homegrown author. Grab her books, drop by her blog, and don't forget to enter the contest too!

Guess I shall be checking out this book one of these weekends in the bookshops ;)

Sharing: The Undomestic Goddess

Just bought this book - "The Undomestic Goddess" by Sophie Kinsella, from the bookstore yesterday. It was an unplanned buy (*yeah, I know I'm a bad consumer, but what the heck, I just want to use up the RM5 book voucher before it expires end of the month).

This book has been one of the bestsellers, and this author, Sophie Kinsella has written a few other books which are bestsellers too. I'm giving this book a shot, as the storyline seems simple but fun.

Mclady has already read one of her book "Can You Keep A Secret?". I guess pretty soon we can exchange her books ...hahaha.. (* eh, mclady, can or not hah? :P)

Bookworm: Deception Point

Just started reading this book yesterday. I'm a big fan of this author Dan Brown. He's really good at the story plots, twists and turns of events, the facts, all the mysteries, codes...it just gets you hooked! Just like what it said on the cover - "It's unputdownable!".

Earlier on during my trip to Glasgow, I'd bought "Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons" for UK$3.99 at Borders. It was really a good deal, the books were selling for half price! I wished I could buy all four books, but it was too heavy for my luggage.

After finishing the two books, I can't wait to get my hands on the remaining two - Digital Fortress and Deception Point. I bought them at MPH. Yeah, a little pricier, but the books are worth the money. This current book is the last one to go... Hope I can finish it before the end of the year comes!

During one of my visits to Popular bookstore, I flipped through "The Da Vinci Code, Special Illustrated Edition". That was after I finished reading the non illustrated version of the book. It was simply inspiring and exciting to see what Brown described in his story. The drawings, museums, and the "holy grail". This book is pricey though. I suggest you read the non illustrated version, and flip through the illustrated version in the bookstore. Haha... But of course, if you lots of money to spare, buy yourself the illustrated copy.

Have any of you read Brown's books? You can share your reviews with me! My favourites are still DVC and A&D =D