07.03.09
The Bookish Impression
“You don’t have a boyfriend, do you?” An older lady armed with an inoffensive frankness asked me in the boat on my way home from Cebu. I was a bit thrown back by her query that all I could manage was a puzzled laugh.
“Not with all those books!” she continued, smiling.
“Ahhh…” said I inwardly.
I had to smile back as I realized the amusing spectacle I displayed in my cot. There I was, surrounded by books obtained in Cebu while trying to fit them inside one bag; the beautifully-bound Jack London treasury for Misha… my Günter Grass… Colette… Sionil Jose… Anzia Yezierska… (I am indebted to my sources.)
Why does reading give others the impression of alone-ness? This is not the first time my books and I have communicated this notion, but when I adeptly examine how books have affected the most meaningful relationships in my life, I am persuaded that they have only made bonds stronger, deeper, and truer.
How about you? How have books touched your relationships with other people?
sopraninigabi said,
July 3, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Well I have a lovely story to share that proves that books can actually BRING people together instead of rendering them separate from the rest of mankind. :) I just came from our monthly book club meeting, and two of my dearest friends made their one-day-old relationship public in the middle of our book sharing session. Our book club brought them together!! *sigh*
Miracle ♪♫ said,
July 3, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Awww… isn’t that the sweetest proof! Thank you for sharing, Gabi. Even though I have never met these people, I also feel happy for them. =)
And I have to admit, my most valuable friendships are “book-bound”. haha =)
sopraninigabi said,
July 4, 2009 at 11:16 am
You’re most welcome! :) That can be our battle cry: “Books bridge barriers!” (besides doing lots of other amazing things) :p
Just wanted to share… I found a solution to my “coffee” problem… DECAF!!
mika said,
July 4, 2009 at 12:20 pm
maybe it’s because reading is commonly thought to be a solitary activity. but i guess it really depends on the person. an opposite thing happens with playing the piano. some people think lots of girls like me because i play the piano! not true, not true!!!
Miracle ♪♫ said,
July 4, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hahaha… I like that, Gabi ;-)
Weeeee! I’m glad coffee’s back in your life now. I can’t imagine how you went through months without coffee!!! haha
…
Yeah…as if most of people’s daily activities aren’t solitary. You’re right though, Mika. It all depends on the person… we just have to suffer some generalizations every now and then, I guess. haha
Mika!!! But we like you!!! =D
ToTomel said,
July 5, 2009 at 10:42 am
Hahaha… i have to adhere to what Gabi said. In fact, i met the loveliest lady in my life all for the thirst for books, though i was a little oblivious if it all started with Christ and Caesar or with Nicholas Sparks. :) Actually, it depends upon the person Mir, some are too hooked up on reading that they forget to look around to see that people are better than the reality that books fashion. that woman is included, i guess.hehehe
Young lady, you look lovely in that photo. :)
Miracle ♪♫ said,
July 5, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Hmmmm… lucky woman - but I doubt Will Durant or Nicholas Sparks’ role in this twist of fate in your life.hahaha
Yes… that’s right.
Besides, I don’t have a boyfriend, but that does not mean I am not loved, nor does it imply that I do not love someone with all my heart… =)
Young man, I think your spectacles are not helping your eyes… tsk tsk…
owen said,
July 6, 2009 at 10:55 am
to some reading books implies alone-ness, to me, who’s literally in a solitary existence, i thank books for keeping me company. :)
Miracle ♪♫ said,
July 6, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Glad to know that, Owen. Books have also kept me company during the loneliest points of my life… what people should know is that books are not the reason why we are alone at times. =)