“Oh Christ, you’re reading again. When will you ever put those books down? Go out of your room for a change, get a life.”

So mom went in my room a while ago and found me reading a book again. And yup, that’s what she said to me. Of course, I got irritated but I didn’t tell her what’s on my mind because I really don’t want to have an argument with her this early in the morning. 

But here’s what I would have said: Well you know what mom? This is my life. Don’t you get that? You cannot just pluck these books away from me like some trash you want to throw away. You should be grateful that I am like this. I don’t go on about wasting away with other bad habits like drinking or smoking or drugs. I am no social butterfly or any of those sorts, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a life. You’d say it’s the summer vacation and that I should go out and enjoy the sun but I won’t do that. Like you’ve said it’s vacation, the only time I get to read these kind of books and not those thick hardbound textbooks. My life may be around all these fictional worlds but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a real one. Trust me, if I want to go out and party with my friends, I can. And a fat lot that would cost you. But that’s just it. I DO NOT WANT TO. Reading is what makes me happy and you cannot change that. How else do you think I maintain my scholarship grant if I do not love reading so much. I wouldn’t have passed my subjects if I didn’t read extensively. Plus, I enjoy being at home, alone. I do not have to put up with other people’s business. I’d rather soak up in silence, reading books than to fake enjoy spending time with other people.

So mom, my answer to your question is never. I won’t ever put these books down and stop reading. It’s part of who I am and I don’t care if you or other people think it’s lame and boring. And trust me, it’s not a waste of my time.   

How To Spot A Reader

1. They know more than you do… about everything.
2. They often use words that you secretly have to look up later.
3. They have magical cards that get them books for free. (and discount cards)
4. They speak the names of people whom you’ve never met; who live in different countries, who lived in other centuries.
5. Their purse/bag/briefcase is always a bit heavier than yours (which you later find out is equivalent to the weight of a book).
6. They know the endings to many of the newest movies before they’ve even seen them.
7. They give you a sympathetic smile when you mention that the last book you read was two summers ago…  and it had a half naked man (or woman) on the front.
8. Their bookshelves are covered in books instead of pictures of them.
9. They have bookshelves.
10. They do things that you wouldn’t do, such as reading lists about how to spot a reader.

8 out of 10. Not so sure about the first 2 but.. oh, well. NUMBER 7 PLEASE.

New Year’s Resolution.

For the past years, I always list a few bunch of things for my new year’s resolution. And as cliché goes, I always end up not doing any of them. So somehow, I don’t feel like making a list anymore. But this time, I have two things that I really want to do and stick doing throughout the whole year. So here they are: 

• Read more books and not let them pile up, unfinished.
• Unfollow people I don’t really like and follow more of those who I can really relate to.

For the first one, I really intend to do it because I have failed my goal this year of reading 50 books. I have been putting off reading too much because I was very busy. So next year, I’m going to find time, no no, make time for reading. The second one is for the sake of my own blog. This year, I have been recklessly following people who are, to use the phrase, “tumblr famous”. It was fun for a while, reading all those conversation and talks they had with their anons and all but then it got to a point that I become too annoyed. And so now, I am starting to unfollow them and look for blogs that really caught my interests. I usually follow fellow bookworms and those who have my type of music in them. So yeah, those are pretty much what I want for a change this year. 

New acquisition.

A while ago, I went to SM with my cousin to buy some plastic cover for my books. Of course, as I enter any bookstore, it’s a must to check out the book stands. And what do you know! I found these three babies which I cannot just ignore. Good thing I brought my money with me. And so, impulsive as I am, I bought them: 

• The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

—This is the sequel to I Am Number Four by an anonymous author. I enjoyed the first book for it is a well-written sci-fi novel. The Power of Six follows the adventures of Number Four and Number Six as they race to find the other four aliens of their kind in order to save the earth.

• Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto

—This book was recommended to me by my aunt. She said that she can’t put it down when she started reading it. I was intrigued so I read the summary. It’s about a newly widowed woman who meets a young man which is supposed to be the grandson of his 34-year old late husband. The story goes as this young man tells her that her husband is still alive. I am looking forward to reading this since the author is a Filipino.

• The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordono

—I have been looking for this book for sometime now. It’s a story about a mathematically gifted guy and a girl who both are misfits but comfort in each other. I read Cinderellainrubbershoes’ review and I wanted to read the book even more. So I did not think twice and bought it right away when I saw it a while ago.

Starting to feel bored.

Yep. This isn’t surprising when you have a month-long vacation ahead of you. And now I don’t know what to do. I’m broke ‘cause I don’t get to be given allowance during sem breaks. I’m not in the mood to watch any movies, plus there aren’t any good shows on TV. Have already slept for about 9 hours, so sleep is not an option. Maybe I’ll just start reading a new book, but I don’t know which one. Oh damn. I hate days like this. I feel bum and useless.

Anything worth reading is mine to read.