Review: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

4 stars for The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.

This is a depressing book. I cannot remember when the last time was that I read such a depressing story.

The male protagonist, Holden Caulfield is a 16-year old adolescent who swears a lot and isn't in the mood to do things, many things, or anything in fact. He is a disturbed young man who is prone to fantastic bouts of exaggeration. Not only that, Holden displays clear signs of severe depression, anxiety and an inability to cope with his emotions. His first person narratives contain hints of past sexual abuse which contributes to his distrust of adults and his mental health struggles. Due to his mental state, Holden's perspective is often seen as unreliable, making his interpretation of events, such as the encounter with Mr Antolini, subject to debate.

While Holden may seem a very unlikeable character, what with his overbearing swearing, hyperbolic expressions, deliberate lying and thoughtless spending, his actions often reveal a deeper sensitivity and consideration of others. He is a sensitive, kind-hearted teenager dealing with trauma, loss and loneliness rather than the spoiled brat that he appears to be.

On the surface, Holden seems indifferent and does not care about anything, but that is a mask. Deep down, he does care for his friends and family especially, just that he pretends not to to avoid being hurt again. He gets genuinely emotional and passionate when he talks about his brother or his fantasy of being the "catcher in the rye" (catching children before they fall). The book reads like a boy who grows up too soon and not being listened to, and now, he is trying to act tough while also trying to protect other children from the same thing.

The novel explores themes such as depression, loss, grief, and self-destructive behavior.

It also reflects themes of Childhood Emotional Neglect. Set in the 1950s before such terminology existed, the book illustrates how Holden’s parents handle grief and are notably absent from his emotional life. Following a family tragedy, their response is to send him to boarding school rather than engaging with him. Their subsequent bewilderment at his poor academic performance suggest a lack of attunement to his psychological needs and emotional state.

This is likely a book that hits differently and offers different perspectives depending on the reader's age. Sadly, I did not have the chance to read it during my school years. I wonder how it would have felt to me if I had read it then.

Review: Farthest North: Vol I by Fridtjof Nansen

4 stars for Farthest North: Vol I by Fridtjof Nansen.

This book is Volume I of the record of a voyage of exploration of the ship FRAM 1893-96 and the fifteen months of sleigh expedition by Dr Nansen and Lieut. Johansen with an appendix by Otto Sverdrup, Captain of the FRAM.

Nansen noticed that wreckage from a sunken ship off Siberia had drifted all the way across the Arctic Ocean to Greenland. This proved his theory that a natural transpolar ocean current existed. His plan was simple - build a ship, intentionally freeze it into the Arctic ice pack, and let the moving ice carry the ship directly over the North Pole.

Most experts thought this was a suicide mission, believing the ice would crush any ship to splinters. However, Nansen commissioned a special vessel named the Fram ("Forward"), designed with a highly rounded hull. Instead of being crushed, the ice would squeeze the ship upward, safely cradling it on top of the frozen pack.

In 1893, with the objective to investigate the great unknown region that surrounds the North Pole, Nansen and his crew of twelve set off in this small but strongly built ship that was stocked up with supplies of coal and provisions to last them for as many as five years.

Volume I is Nansen's first person account of how they designed the Fram to survive the ice pressure and details of their equipment instruments for taking observations - scientific, meteorological, astronomical, magnetic, hydrographic.

His notes from day to day gives readers a good idea of their lives on the Fram, in all its monotony. They may not be great events recorded but in their very bareness, they present a down-to-earth picture. There were well recorded encounters with reindeers, polar foxes, polar bears, seals and walruses. There were detailed notes on the endless ice that stretched on every side into the silent night, the severe pressure of the packing ice that thundered and rumbled and roared with a ferocity, the crashing and breaking of big ice floes against each other and how they were flung and pressed up into high walls, the cracking and shifting of the ice hammock that led to violent heaving and trembling of the ship. Amongst it all, Nansen shared how the aurora borealis burns in wonderful colours and bands of light over the entire sky and how the stars sparkle in the blue firmament among the northern lights.

True to its built, the FRAM is a safe harbour for Nansen and his crew in the frozen wilderness of the Arctic ocean. There was good shelther, good ventilation, warm clothing, great food, and great comfort in passing time on reading, writing, smoking, cards, chess, music and story-telling. Regardless of the comfort and safety, Nansen's first person account wavered between eager energy, idle longing, self-doubt, brooding and despondency, shifting with the winds as the ship FRAM drifted forwards to their goal or backwards from it.

Indeed, Fridtjof Nansen’s 1893 Fram Expedition is one of the most brilliant and daring adventures in polar history. The expedition paved the way for mankind by revolutionizing polar exploration, launching the modern science of oceanography, and modelling a philosophy of preparation that transformed how humans interact with Earth's extreme environments. Rather than viewing the Northern Arctic as a lethal adversary to be beaten through brute force, Nansen was the first to work with the forces of nature, a paradigm shift that echoes through science and exploration today.

Having read two books consecutively on the Arctic North, I have enough of the frozen wilderness of the Arctic Ocean, endless Polar nights and the wonders of the Aurora Borealis to last me for quite some time. I am going to take a break for now - not sure how long it will be though - before I return to continue with reading Farthest North: Vol II.

Review: I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail

4 stars for I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail.

This is not your usual wordy narrative kind of non fiction but it is not exactly a picture book either. This book is more like a picture diary where the author adds a few lines here and there as captions to her illustrations.

A practical book that expresses deep thoughts and feelings which we usually keep to our own selves for fear of being judged by others.

Easy to read and to relate to.

P/S: This is a late post. I finished reading this book way before I went for my surgery on 11 Sep 2026. There's just too many things to settle and too many things on my mind, so I did not post this until now. One thing for sure, I'm still battling with pain and a monster named Tired.

Review: Strange Houses (Strange #2) by Uketsu

4 stars for Strange Houses (Strange book 2) by Uketsu.

Strange Houses is a creepy puzzle-box of a book. Each chapter starts with an unusual, to the point of being freaky, house floor plan, then peels back the “normal” layout to reveal disturbing secrets hidden in the walls.

The story is not so much a horror, but leans more towards unsettling mystery. The reader in me feels like an architect-turned-detective as I manoeuvre these "haunted" house blueprints with "oh no" moments such as when a hallway makes no sense.

This book is perfect for you if you like weird-vibe stories that make you side-eye every corner of your own home.

Have you read it yet, or thinking of picking it up?

Review: Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

4 stars for Magic Burns (Kate Daniels book 2) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

I still remember vividly the first time I read Magic Burns. I did not like this book. I struggled with the story so much that I almost wanted to give up. It is hard to like this book. Serious. Looking back, I think it is a wonder that I persevere long enough to reach the end of the book and even more so, waited for book 3 to be published and kept a lookout for its availability. The rest as we know it, is history.

Reading Magic Burns a second time now, the feeling is different yet somewhat same. Different because I no longer find it so difficult to read. I actually enjoyed reading it. Same because I have finished reading the entire Kate Daniels series and I know that of all the books, this is still the one that I like the least; no change there, not now nor any time in the future.

This book involves coven and druids but it revolves mostly around Celtic mythology and its rituals. Reading it slowly helps in understanding. And where required, read the same sentence again and again.

Next up is book three Magic Strikes. My all-time favourite.

Review: King Solomon's Mines (Allan Quatermain #1) by H. Rider Haggard

4 stars for King Solomon's Mines (Allan Quatermain book 1) by H. Rider Haggard.

I own a copy of this book by chance. Some years back, the owner decided to donate this book and placed it on the free-for-all bookshelf placed outside the library which I always frequent then. Though used, the book looks good as new. One look and I decided to be the new owner and brought it home.

Since then, I have always wanted to read this book, but somehow, did not manage to. Beginning of this year, I tell myself I really need to get down to reading this book so that I can let go of it and re-circulate. I am glad this is finally done - the reading I mean.

If not for the free copy, I would never have seek out this book. It really is not my usual choice of read. The copy I have is the 1994 reissued edition. This book was first published in 1885. Perhaps because it was written so long ago, the way of writing and presentation is rather different from that in books these days. Nevertheless, the story flows well and the landscape was beautifully captured in the author's lyrical writings.

Now that I have finished reading this book, I plan to bring it along with me in my next trip to the library. I hope whoever owns it next will not only enjoy the story as much as I did but also takes great care of the book.

Review: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

4 stars for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne.

I am glad to have finished reading this book in time to review post it before the year is out.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is another classic novel by Jules Verne that I have always wanted to read. It has been on my list of to-be-read for so many years that I cannot remember when it was being added. I started on this book soon after I have read his other book, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

The story of Twenty Thousand Leagues is totally not what I have expected and this is what makes it different and an interest to read. As I read, I will wonder about the sea, about how deep the sea really is and what kind of creatures lurk in the depths of the ocean.

This book about the mystery of the great ocean depths is not exactly an easy read as it is more scientific fiction than science fiction. Speaking for the general readers, I feel that the book has way too much basic facts and details. Though good to know, these nitty-gritty overload is oft unnecessary and makes for many a dry, boring science lecture. In my opinion, this is a book that will appeal more to naturalists, or more specifically, ichthyologists who specialize in the study of fish and conchologists who study mollusc shells.

The above said, there are still pieces of the story that make reading this book enjoyable. I have a great time exploring the underwater wonders with the characters as they go about their submarine adventure: the hunting trip in the (underwater) forests of Crespo island, the running aground in the Torres Strait, the facing off against the savages of Papua, the Coral cemetery, the pearl fisheries of Ceylon, the Cretan diver, the Arabian tunnel, the Suez passageway, the fires of Santorini, the boundless wealth in the Bay of Vigo, Atlantis, the Ice Bank, the memories of the South Pole, the imprisonment in the ice, the battle with the devil fish, and the storm in the Gulf Stream and more.

Are you ready to go on a 20,0000 leagues underwater tour of the world? It is one guaranteed to bring you many wonders across the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Southernmost and Northernmost seas.

Review: Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne

4 stars for Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne.

I have always wanted to read this book. Over the years, I have added quite a few books of this title to my physical literary collection. Though I have not read all of them (this book being the first, and hence no comparison there), I dare say with confidence that this book, the complete and unabridged - authentic translation - version published by Macmillan Collector's Library is the best. And a joy to read.

"Journey to the Centre of the Earth" is a science-fiction novel written by Jules Verne during the late 19th century. The story follows Professor Otto Liedenbrock, a passionate and somewhat irascible scientist, who discovers an ancient cryptogram that hints at a journey to the centre of the Earth. Liedenbrock's excitement drives him to decipher its contents.

The opening portion introduces the dynamic relationship between Liedenbrock and his nephew, Axel, as they prepare for an extraordinary expedition. Despite Axel's skepticism about the feasibility of such a journey and his growing trepidation, he is drawn albeit reluctantly into his uncle's fervent ambition. Together, the two embark on a bold and perilous adventure filled with scientific inquiry and exploration. The narrative - in first person, that of Axel's - captures their preparations and the mounting tension as they head towards Iceland, where their adventure will truly begin, setting the stage for the unknowns and challenges that lie ahead.

This is an amazing story about a journey into the interior of the Earth, more specifically, a trip into the depths of one of Iceland's many volcanoes. As such, there are many references to Iceland in the book, such as the detailed geographical layout of Iceland, the beauty of the Icelandic language, the thirst for knowledge of the Icelandic people, the significant cultural and ecological importance of eider ducks (known for their unique relationship with local farmers and the prized eiderdown they produce), the rune alphabet, the midnight sun, and so on.

While there is no evidence that author Jules Vern ever actually visited the country, his book showed that he has researched Iceland extensively given his deep understanding of this Nordic island country. This book provides insight not only on geology but mineralogy, palaeontology and prehistoric life forms as well. The novel showcase author Vern's innovative storytelling and exploration of new worlds, making it a brilliant addition to his literary universe.

Because of this story, I get curious on whether it is actually possible to go inside a volcano, a dormant one of course. My returns on Google search prove that it is indeed possible - yes, you can go inside certain dormant volcanoes, such as Þríhnúkagígur in Iceland and Algar do Carvao in the Azores, through guided tours that ensure safety and accessibility. Þríhnúkagígur is the only volcano in the world where visitors can descend into its magma chamber. This dormant volcano has not erupted in over 4,000 years, making it safe for exploration.

On further reading, I came across this blog by Malorie Mackey where she shares her experience inside the Earth, to be precise, inside a volcano and of descending into Þríhnúkagígur. If you are as curious as me after reading "Journey to the Centre of the Earth", I will highly recommend reading this blog post for better insights - Venturing Inside the Volcano: Þríhnúkagígur, Iceland’s Dormant Volcano.

Review: The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy by Zhang Jia Wei |《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》张佳玮著

4 stars for 《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》张佳玮著.

Since there is no English title provided for this Chinese book, for purpose of book review, I shall title it "The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy".

The title "The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy" |《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》reads like a casual, everyday phrase, yet it serves as a gentle reminder to everyone living under modern stress.

This book avoids complex theories or preachy advice. Instead it explores the nature of happiness in a relatable, heartfelt and human way. It does not teach you how to succeed in life, but rather, how to find contentment in the small details of daily life.

The writing style is lighthearted and humorous at times, with a small dose of self-belittling, making it down-to-earth and easy to read. The author uses slice-of-life stories to share his own experiences, telling readers that life's imperfections and setbacks are normal, and so, there is no need to be overly demanding of ourselves.

If you are looking for a book that can help you to relax and offer spiritual comfort, this is a great choice. It encourages one to let go of anxiety, embrace the present moment and remember that no matter what happens, maintaining a simple sense of happiness is the most important thing in life.

Review: Before We Forget Kindness (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #5) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

4 stars for Before We Forget Kindness (Before the Coffee Gets Cold book 5) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

This post is long overdue. I know I should have posted it months ago but somehow or other, I am unable to find the time to sit down, write my review and publish it.

This book is the reason I re-read the entire instalment of Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. I was told this book 5 is awesome and the best of all. But I have forgotten most of the characters and their stories. So I made the decision to re-read all the books to refresh my memory before coming to this latest book.

Despite this being the fifth book in the series, the author still manages to throw in surprises surrounding the magical Tokyo cafe and the chair that can bring one back to the past or to the future. This book focuses on four new stories, each with its own poignant tale of love, regret and the desire for connection.

Same as the earlier books, the novel follows a similar structure: a new cast of characters, each with their own reason for visiting the cafe and its unique time-travelling rules. While the formula might feel repetitive to some, it is this consistent, gentle rhythm that provides a sense of familiarity and warmth.

The strength of this book lies in its heartfelt exploration of the human state of mind. Author Kawaguchi masterfully weaves stories that, despite being about time travel, are really about the present. The central theme is that even though we cannot change the past, we can find peace and closure by understanding it and showing kindness to those we care about. This instalment, in particular, leans into the idea of kindness as the primary motivation for time travel, making for some truly touching moments.

If you are already a fan of the series, Before We Forget Kindness is a great read that delivers the same mix of bittersweet emotion and quiet wisdom we have come to expect. For new readers, I will recommend to start the series from book 1 Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Book 1 is still the one I like most. It leaves me with tears and a full heart even as I read it a second and third time.

Review: Before We Say Goodbye (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #4) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

4 stars for Before We Say Goodbye (Before the Coffee Gets Cold book 4) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

I have learnt my lesson well from past experience with this series. So, this time, I specially make time to continue on with book 4, no matter what.

Same with the earlier books and stories, book 4 Before We Say Goodbye is a heartwarming and introspective novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, love, loss and memory. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories. With beautifully crafted characters, and poignant storytelling, the book delves into the depths of human emotions, leaving readers with a lasting impression.

This series is a powerful exploration of the human experience. A must-read for those who appreciate emotional, character-driven stories.

If you can go back in time, who would you want to meet?

Review: Before Your Memory Fades (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #3) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi |《Reread》

4 stars for Before Your Memory Fades (Before the Coffee Gets Cold book 3) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi |《Reread》.

I like that there is this "relationship map of characters" provided at the start of the book. This greatly helps readers to recall and associate those customers who time travel in the cafe. It is also through this map of characters that I realise I no longer remember any of the stories and characters in this book 3 save for Kei who, in book 1, travel to the future to meet her unborn daughter, Miki.

By now, I start to notice a trend, that is, most if not all of the time-travelling cases back to the past or to the future, are related to deaths, and they mostly revolve around being happy for the sake of those loved ones who continue to live on, empowered by hope and the power to believe in the future.

Of all the rules regarding the time-travelling, one that sticks clearly with me is that while in the past or future, you cannot change the present, no matter how hard you try. With this rule, it actually defeats the purpose of going back to the past to right a wrong. Because nothing changes. However, some things can change, and do change, even if the present reality doesn't. That is the beauty of this series and how the author crafts each individual story (four in each book) based on this core concept. Well, after all, what can possibly change is one's mindset and perspectives which is even more important and priceless.

If you can go back in time, who would you want to meet?

Review: Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

4 stars for Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.

Howl’s Moving Castle is a heart-warming story about love, courage, magic, and self-discovery. The is a story that caters to all age groups.

I want to stress that though I give the novel a 4-star rating, the Japanese animation movie created by Studio Ghibli (co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki) warrants a 5 stars rating. The animated movie is rich and strange, and the animation is beautiful. Breathtakingly beautiful.

Of all the Japanese "animated movies" I have watched over the years, Howl's Moving Castle has always been my favourite and still is. I cannot remember how many times I have watched it, I only know that each time I watch Howl's Moving Castle again, it always comes across as amazing and captivates me as if I am watching it for the first time. I remember first watching Howl's Moving Castle in 2006, around August to October time, and I was greatly charmed by wizard Howl. There are two scenes that I adore much in the anime. One is where Howl made his first appearance to protect Sophie and together they walked in the air before safely reaching the bakery. The other one is where Howl made his second appearance; he returns to his castle and he took over from Sophie to cook a breakfast of bacon and eggs.

All those years, I have always assumed that this animation movie was the result of some Japanese standalone manga or series. I have no idea that the anime originates from a novel, that is, until I saw the story book available for sale in a big bookstore during my trip to Tokyo last November.

It has been many years since I watched the movie, and Howl charms me still when I read the book where it all originates from. The novel is written with a dazzling plot and the spectacular team involving Howl, Sophie and Calcifer is brought to life through the unlimited imagination of author Diana. All three characters have magic - strong magic, one of a kind magic - which they use in very different ways, and that makes the reader in me adore them so.

What I like most in this fantasy novel is that, Howl as the hero, is not what we expect to see in most conventional novels - Howl is a flawed hero. Due to his flaws, Howl turns out to be even more of a compelling hero character. Because no one is perfect, not even heroes. Flawed Howl is made interesting because we never know what he is going to do next. I think it will be interesting and exciting to live under the same roof with a wizard of his calibre. 

For my own reference sake, I will provide a brief summary of the characters and a few items of importance.

Howell Jenkins mainly known as Howl
Sophie Hatter, the heroine in the story
Calcifer, the fire demon
Michael Fisher, wizard Howl's apprentice

The characters live in an enchanted castle with four doors - each opens on a different dimension.
There is a square wooden knob above the moving castle door, set into the lintel, with a dab of paint on each of its four sides.

The green blob goes onto the wide, moving moorland and the hills.
The blue blob goes to Porthaven entrance - the inside of it is really just Howl’s old house in Porthaven, which is the only real part.
The red blob leads to Kingsbury entrance, where the King lives.
The black blob leads to Howl's private bolt hole.

Later on, the doors are changed as follows:

The yellow blob leads to the street in Market Chipping.
The orange blob leads to an empty mansion at the end of the valley.
The purple blob leads to the edge of the Waste.
The black blob remains unchanged.

Review: The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

4 stars for The Reader by Bernhard Schlink.

The Reader is a tragic story of a whole life lived. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, guilt, and redemption.

Set in post-war Germany, The Reader begins with the unusual relationship, one of unequal experience and power, between a young German man 15-year old Michael Berg and an older woman 36-year old Hanna Schmitz, who harbours a dark secret. The story later turns into a philosophical enquiry into the effects of the Holocaust on a generation whose parents are perceived as at best complicit, at worst perpetrators. Central to the story is the question: what is to be done with the knowledge and the guilt of the Holocaust?

Through Michael's narrative that spans over the years, the author masterfully weaves together themes of love and moral responsibility, raising important questions about the nature of humanity and the consequences of our actions.

A haunting and unforgettable read. This is a story that will linger in your mind long after you finish the book.

Review: My Life on a Plate by India Knight

4 stars for My Life on a Plate by India Knight.

This is a long overdue post. I am pretty sure I finish reading this book at least four months ago. It seems such a long time that I can hardly recall what I want to say.

Well, not all is lost... I do remember this story being lighthearted and entertaining. I will say I have a relaxing time reading it and laughing over some of the hilarious conversations embedded in the story.

Review: The White Dawn: An Eskimo Saga by James A. Houston

4 stars for The White Dawn: An Eskimo Saga by James A. Houston.

The White Dawn is a thought-provoking and insightful novel that explores the complexities of cultural clashes and the devastating consequences of increasing foreign influences.

The story takes place in 1896 in the Canadian Arctic where three shipwrecked whalers are rescued by an Eskimo tribe, and nursed back to health by the Inuit community who share their food and way of life. As the three outsiders integrate into the community, they cause disturbances to the delicate social fabric of the tribe, leading to a downward spiral of cultural destruction. To quote "From the first day we brought the strangers to the village, everything started to change for us. We began to look at our own lives through their eyes. For the first time we started to see ourselves."

Told in first person by Avinga, the Eskimo leader's half son who is half cripple and a half slave to his household, the narrative offers a unique insider's perspective on the tribe's values, traditions and way of life. The author's vivid descriptions of the Arctic landscape and his thoughtful portrayal of the Eskimo people demonstrates his deep respect and understanding of their culture. Through this story, the author sheds light on the destructive nature of increasing foreign influences and the importance of preserving cultural identities.

The White Dawn is a captivating and educational read that will resonate with readers who are interested in cultural heritage, historical fiction and the Arctic region.

Review: The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell

4 stars for The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell.

It has taken me long enough to say this - I finish reading my first book of the year.

2023 was a difficult year. I am still trying to find back pieces of myself. It is not easy, but it helps with time. It is getting better now but I think it will be a long time before I can find back the balance that used to give me the strength and motivation to read. And I suspect, there may be a part of me, that is lost forever. Gone with the wind. I might never get it back.

I bought this book from a secondhand bookstore in Edinburgh, Scotland last November. I knew this book was meant for me the moment I entered Main Point Books, located just a stone's throw from Edinburgh Books, another secondhand bookstore and a big one too. This book was placed on top of a low shelf, obvious to anyone walking in. I was surprised that no one else had taken a fancy to it as the book is in an amazingly good condition considering a secondhand. So, I like to think it is meant for me as I have had this book on my reading list since August 2019.

The Diary of a Bookseller is the real life account of a year in the life of Shaun Bythell, owner and manager of a secondhand bookstore called The Book Shop, in a quaint Scottish town - Wigtown. He takes us with him on buying trips to old estates, auction houses and books deals. We also get to see the down side on the business of secondhand book trade such as internet downtime and grappling with a poor system that goes inoperable like a quarter of the time. I have been curious about this but the author never truly reveals about his stock acquiring - what factors determine the books he buys and the amount he offers to book sellers. He put it down simply as having no rules and that he makes his own. So, I gather it is all about experience and gut feel.

One thing that I certainly have not expected about secondhand book trade is the amount of time spent on the road - as many as thirteen hours of driving - to meet with booksellers. That and the amount of time and energy spent on carrying and moving boxes of book collections. To quote "... books dealers spend a good deal of time lifting boxes of books in and out of vehicles and off the floor in uncomfortable, awkward spaces. I calculated that I lift about fifteen tons of books every year, and those fifteen tons will be moved a minimum of three times."

This memoir is not just about the book deal business and interaction with customers, readers are also offered snippets of the author's life such as his hill-walking, sailing and mountain-biking trips with close friend Callum or his love for fishing. Though lighthearted and humorous, the book touches on a topic that I have never really given much consideration before, and that is, what happens to the books we own when we die. Some of the stories the author shares are sad in the sense that "One man's treasure is another man's trash". When the owner passed on, the books are also passed on as family members do not want to keep them.

I try listing down the books mentioned in this book to the best of my ability, but there are some, which I may have missed out or deliberately omitted due to one reason or another.

Bookshop Memories by George Orwell (essay)
Black Books by Dylan Moran (sitcom)
Three Fevers by Leo Walmsley (thriller fiction)
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon (history non-fiction)
Keep The Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell (literary fiction)
Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell (non fiction)
The Bankrupt Bookseller Speaks Again by William Young Darling (non fiction)
Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing? by Leszek Kolakowski (Philosophy non fiction)
On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (scientific non fiction)
Gay Agony by H. A. Manhood
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets: A Real-Life Scottish Fairy Tale by Jessica A. Fox
Talk Dirty Yiddish: Beyond Drek: the Curses, Slang, and Street Lingo You Need to Know When You Speak Yiddish by Ilene Schneider (language non fiction)
Collectible Spoons of the Third Reich by James Yannes (historical non fiction)
Pebble Mill Good Meat Guide by Ken Hutchings (non fiction)
Other passports by Clive James (poetry)
Prospero's Cell by Lawrence Durrell (autobiography non fiction)
Sartre: Romantic Rationalist by Iris Murdoch (non fiction)
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute Norway (romance fiction)
100+ Principles of Genetics by Anthony J.F. Griffiths and Joan McPherson (non fiction)
The Ascent of Rum Doodle by William Ernest Bowman (humor fiction)
Any Human Heart by William Boyd (literary fiction)*
Waverley by Sir Walter Scott (historical fiction)
Scott-Land: The Man Who Invented a Nation by Stuart Kelly (biography non fiction)
Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol (literary fiction)
A Book of Silence by Sara Maitland (autobiography non fiction)
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell (science fiction)
Orient Express: A Personal Journey by Ivan Fallon and James Sherwood (autobiography non fiction)
The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg (mystery fiction)
The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne (children's fiction)
The Complete Guide to Starting and Running a Bookshopby Malcolm Gibson (reference non fiction)
The Hobbit by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (fantasy fiction)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (literary fiction)
Sexing Day-Old Chicks by William Percy Blount (reference non fiction)
Antiquities of Scotland by Francis Grose (historical non fiction)
Tam O 'Shanter by Robert Burns (poetry)
The First Statistical Account of Scotland by Sir John Sinclair (reference non fiction)
Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect (commonly known as the Kilmarnock Edition) by Robert Burns (poetry)
On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin (philosophy non fiction)
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (philosophy nonfiction)
Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence (romance fiction)
Ulysses by James Joyce (literary fiction)
Where No Man Cries by Emma Blair (literary fiction)
Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore (biography non fiction)
Vamping Made Easy - For All Who Wish to Play by Julius Berne (music non fiction)
The Bookshop Book by Jen Campbell (humor non fiction)
Ethics by Baruch Spinoza (philosophy non fiction)
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson (historical fiction)
The Places in Between by Rory Stewart (memoir non fiction)
Angry White Pyjamas by Robert Twigger (memoir non fiction)
A History of Orgies by Burgo Partridge (history non fiction)
Laughter: A Scientific Investigation by Robert R. Provine (psychology non fiction)
The dieter's guide to weight loss during sex by Richard Smith (humor non fiction)
The Busconductor Hines by James Kelman (general fiction)
Feersum Endjinn by Iain M. Banks (science fiction)
The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien (literary fiction)
The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio (historical fiction, short stories)
A Gambling Man: Charles II and the Restoration by Jenny Uglow (biography non fiction)
The Observer's book of Observer's books by Peter Marren (reference non fiction)
E. D. Morel, the Man and His Work by Seymour Cocks (biography non fiction)
The Surnames of Scotland by George F. Black (history non fiction)
The Kilmarnock Edition by Robert Burns (poetry)
The Diary of Samuel Pepys by Samuel Pepys (memoir non fiction)
The Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith Jr. (religion non fiction)
The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom by Alfred Barnard (historical non fiction)
Whereabouts: Notes on Being a Foreigner by Alastair Reid (autobiography non fiction)
A Tour of Scotland in 1769 by Thomas Pennant (travel non fiction)
A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland by Martin Martin (travel non fiction)
A Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain by Daniel Defoe (travel non fiction)
Observations On a Tour Through the Highlands and Part of the Western Isles of Scotland by Thomas Garnett (travel non fiction)
A Journey from Edinburgh through Parts of North Britain by Alexander Campbell (travel non fiction)
The Winding Stair and Other Poems by William Butler Yeats (poetry)
The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (science fiction)
The House of Elrig by Gavin Maxwell (memoir non fiction)
The Railway Man: A POW's Searing Account of War, Brutality and Forgiveness by Eric Lomax (autobiography non fiction)
The Intimate thoughts of John Baxter, Bookseller by Augustus Muir (books & bookstores fiction)
In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin (travel non fiction)
The Bankrupt Bookseller by William Y. Darling (general fiction)
A Guide to the Orthodox Jewish Way of Life for Healthcare Professionals by Joseph Spitzer (non fiction)
Experiences of a Railway Guard: Thrilling stories of the rail by James Ferguson (non fiction)
Wigtown Ploughman: Part of His Life by John McNeillie (general fiction)
The Colliery Fireman's Pocket Book by Thomas Bryson (non fiction)
Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Thomas Edward Lawrence (autobiography non fiction)
Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alison Weir (biography non fiction)
The Reforming of Dangerous and Useless Horses by Mike Rimington (non fiction)
Sewage Disposal from Isolated Buildings by G. M. Flood (non fiction)
Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding by J. G. Dawber and A. T. Moore (non fiction)
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole (literary fiction)
Farthest North by Fridtjof Nansen (memoir non fiction)
The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard (memoir non fiction)
South with Scott by Edward R.G.R. Evans (history non fiction)
South: The Story of Shackleton's Last Expedition 1914-1917 by Ernest Shackleton (memoir non fiction)
The Heart of the Antarctic: The Farthest South Expedition 1907-1909 by Ernest Shackleton (memoir non fiction)
He Was Born Gay: a Romance in Three Acts by Emlyn Williams (play)
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (literary fiction)
The Odyssey by Homer (poetry)
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (literary fiction)
Pomfret Towers by Angela Thirkell (historical fiction)
Doctor No by Ian Fleming (thriller fiction)
Martialis by Martial (poetry)
Henry: Virtuous Prince by David Starkey (biography non fiction)
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (science fiction)
Galloway Gossip Sixty Years Ago by Robert de Bruce Trotter (reference non fiction)
Working With Depressed Women: A Feminist Approach by Alison Corob (reference non fiction)
Daniel Deronda by George Eliot (literary fiction)
Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James (romance fiction)
Incontinence by Susan Hahn (poetry)
And the Ass Saw the Angel by Nick Cave (literary fiction)
Scotland's Lost Gardens: From the Garden of Eden to the Stewart Palaces by Marilyn Brown (non fiction)
Highways and Byways in the West Highlands by Seton Gordon (non fiction)
The collected poems of Kathleen Raine by Kathleen Raine (poetry)
Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell (autobiography non fiction)
Red Nile: A Biography of the World's Greatest River by Robert Twigger (biography non fiction)
Robin Ince's Bad Book Club: One Man's Quest to Uncover the Books that Time Forgot by Robin Ince (humor non fiction)
Araki: Tokyo Lucky Hole by Akira Suei and Nobuyoshi Araki (art and photography non fiction)
Scholar-gipsies by John Buchan (essays non fiction)
A Royal Passion: The Turbulent Marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria by Katie Whitaker (history non fiction)
The House of Elrig by Gavin Maxwell (autobiography non fiction)
The Tinkler-Gypsies of Galloway by Andrew McCormick (history non fiction)
An open letter by Seamus Heaney (poetry)
The Penguin Book of Contemporary British Poetry by Blake Morrison and Andrew Motion (poetry)
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson (historical fiction)
Once a Customer Always a Customer: How to Deliver Customer Service that Creates Customers for Life by Chris Daffy (reference non fiction)
Biggles Takes It Rough by W. E. Johns (thriller fiction)
Alien Sex: The Body and Desire in Cinema and Theology by Gerard Loughlin (non fiction)
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (literary fiction)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (young adult fiction)
The Meaning of Liff by Douglas Adams and John Lloyd (reference non fiction)
King Charles II by Antonia Fraser (biography non fiction)
The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot (historical fiction)
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding (historical fiction)
Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell (biography non fiction)
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald (memoir non fiction)
Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford (literary fiction)
Ian Niall: Part of His Life by Andrew McNeillie (biography non fiction)
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy (historical fiction)
Highways and Byways in Galloway and Carrick by Charles Hill Dick (non fiction)
Eyeless in Gaza by Aldous Huxley (literary fiction)
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (literary fiction)
Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh (literary fiction)
Blindness by José Saramago (literary fiction)
Pereira Maintains by Antonio Tabucchi (literary fiction)
The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg (mystery fiction)
A Toast Fag by Harold Avery (children's fiction)
The Restraint of Beasts by Magnus Mills (literary fiction)
A Young Man's Passage by Julian Clary (autobiography non fiction)
Donald McLeod's Gloomy memories in the Highlands of Scotland by Donald McLeod (history non fiction)
A Drug-taker's Notes by Richard Heron Ward (non fiction)
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler (autobiography non fiction)
The Satyricon by Petronius (literary fiction)
The Flag in the Wind by John MacCormick (non fiction)
Cuckoo Problems by E. C. Stuart Baker (non fiction)
The Temple of Flora by Robert John Thornton (biography non fiction)
The Birds of America by John James Audubon (biography non fiction)
The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg (mystery fiction)
The Universal Singular: The Autobiography of Pierre Emmanuel by Pierre Emmanuel (autobiography non fiction)
Chattering: Stories by Louise Stern (short stories, fiction)
Georgian London: Into the Streets by Lucy Inglis (reference, non fiction)
British Trees: a Guide for Everyman by Miles Hadfield (reference non fiction)
The Cone Gatherers by Robin Jenkins (literary fiction)
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky (historical fiction)
The Princes in the Tower by Alison Weir (biography non fiction)

Based on all the books mentioned in this book, I cannot help but feel that the world of books is deep and vast. There are so many genres and subgenres of fiction and non fiction out there. And what I have been exposed to so far is just a tiny fraction.

Besides books, this book also mentioned a book club. So curious am I that I actually did a Facebook search for this Random Book Club. And I dropped them a message asking if overseas people can join and how to go about making payment for the yearly subscription fee of GBP59. Sadly, to date, I still have not received a reply. I also checked out the website of The Bookshop at www.the-bookshop.com. Maybe, one day, I may order book(s) from them.

This is a book for all booklovers, and especially booklovers who wish to work in a bookstore.

Review: Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee

4 stars for Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee.

I bought a total of sixteen books from my vacation to Scotland last month, mostly from secondhand bookstores in Edinburgh. Cider with Rosie is one of them books that I lugged back home from afar.

While holding the book and contemplating my purchase, I thought the author is a girl until I read the short introduction after the cover page. Then I started to wonder if author Lee's wife is someone by the name of Rosie. I decided there and then to buy the book, to read for myself and find out in good time.

The book is a recollection of early boyhood. Laurie Lee's account of his childhood is full of joy and gratitude for youth in a rich and sensuous world located in a remote Cotswold village. The writing is welcoming and fresh, of an era and landscape that has mostly vanished from today's world. Each sentence tells of first hand account mingled with the sense of hearing, touch, sight and smell. It is a heartwarming and wondrous record of a life lived.

Having finished Cider with Rosie, I can't help but consider if I want to pursue his two other autobiographies in the same series: As I Walked Out One Midsummer (1969) and A Moment of War (1991). But when I turn my head to look at my collection of books, I see the rest of those fifteen recently-bought books waiting for me, and I tell myself, I better read those first.

Review: Lottery by Patricia Wood

4 stars for Lottery by Patricia Wood.

In the midst of watching and rewatching Chinese drama series, I decide that I still want to do some reading. Deep down I know my reading progess will be slow but it does not bother me so long as I know I am still reading. I have no idea what I want to read, so I just randomly scroll to a collection on my kindle and click on it. I laugh out loud when I saw that the book I have so randomly chosen is one titled Lottery.

Initially, I wasn't sure if Lottery will make a good company, but it turns out that my worries are extras. The book makes an excellent lunch time buddy as the characters - Perry, Keith, Gary, Cherry, Gram, Gramp and even those so called cousin-brothers - come alive and leap out of the pages to accompany me on a great many lunches. Perry and his first person narratives never fail to perk up my lunch break. Gradually, his voice and his simple outlook to life turned into a kind of quiet strength for me.

As days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, I start to worry if I will ever finish reading this book. Yes, it does feel as if I am taking forever to read this book since I read mostly during weekdays lunch time. Now I have my answer and I know it can be done because reading is just, well, reading. The story will come to an end some day, even if it takes me as long as three months.

Lottery is both a happy and sad story. The protagonist, Perry, is a simple man. And because he is a simple man, everything he sees and does is processed in a different way. And because of that, life becomes so much simpler. And happier. I would say, Perry in Lottery is the thinking cap to a happy life. And oh yes, I learn a new word from him in this book. Perry likes the word "echt" and it keeps popping up throughout the book - it means real, genuine, authentic.

Lottery is a great story. This is echt. This is true.

Review: The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis-Klause

4 stars for The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis-Klause.

This is a story about family, friendship and dealing with life-changing events. The main characters are Zoe, a 17-year-old girl whose mother is stricken with cancer, and Simon, a 300-year-old vampire who, turned at the age of nineteen, still looks like a young adult.

The first half of the story is slow moving, uneventful and overly filled with repetitive thoughts of loneliness and how Zoe feels about her family and facing off death that I almost wanted to stop reading for good. I am glad that I did not give up as the second half of the story is where the plot thickens and there is even an unexpected twist.

To put it simply, Silver Kiss is a story about the dying, the undead and the living. I was all ready to give it a 3-star rating until the plot twist and ending change my mind. The bittersweet end to the story is just so right.