An Abundance of Books and then some.

Earlier this year, I had quite an epiphany (foreshadowing an impending quarter life crisis) – I have no life.

With an almost 24/7 job, and friends who haven’t gone up the stage and graduated yet, I was alone in the big city with nothing but work, and more work. I figured that the closest thing to a life was a pile of lonely unread books in my bookshelf. So from January to February, all I did was read. Because gangdammit if I’m not gonna have a life, no one’s gonna stop me from living that of others!!

I read a total of 10 books (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; Bell Jar; God of Small Things; The Comfort of Strangers; Hunger Games; Catching Fire; Confessions of An Ugly Stepsister; Dance, Dance, Dance; Never Let Me Go) for two months – a lot for someone who works til 3 in the morning. Boy was I mad.

I finished my 10^th book and left my job on February 28. My birthday was the following day (the preempted beginning of my quarter life crisis). From that day forward, I couldn’t start a book and finish it. Boredom was never a factor for shutting up books. You see, I have this feeling that I would offend books if I stop reading them, so I used to never stop reading a book until I’ve reached the last page (however unforgivably boring). It’s like interrupting them while they’re trying to say something: it’s rude! But after my reading-like-a-mad-hatter period, I just couldn’t read. And I'm sure that Chuck Palahniuk is far from boring, but I couldn't read past the 20th page. I tried a couple of times after, different genres, different authors, different themes, but always to no avail.

Last Friday, my friend KJ lent me her An Abundance of Katherines. I know that I gave up on forcing myself a few weeks ago, but thought I had to start again someday, so why not now? I finished the novel today. I FINISHED THE NOVEL TODAY! I’m ecstatic. I’m overflowing with all sorts of happy pills, enough to last til next week. Joy! I’m in love with John Green, simply because like a prince, he kissed me awake from this 6-month sleep. I’m reading again. I now have a life, and I’m reading again.

I don’t say this often, but hey today’s a proof, there are so many things to be thankful for. Friends who lend you wonderful books for one. 

In case you're wondering, An Abundance of Katherines is a good read. Not your typical young adult novel, because Colin is not your typical teenager (a child prodigy and a blackhole for women named Katherine - been dumped by 19 to be exact). Decked with graphs,  (incomprehensible) formulas and witty footnotes, the novel sure is full of win. It's a fun and light read. Can be a perfect break from a string of Kunderas and whatnot. *** (<--This is a three star rating. IT IS!)