After getting addicted to Sex and the City, i had the habit of writing a blog beginning with '... and the City.'
No no no. I am not imitating Carrie Bradshaw in her tiny sex column on The NY Star every Wed. But living in this tiny red dot on the map that has developed rapidly in 1/2 century's time means people are moving on as if they are taking a bullet train. The train just speeds without stopping, so that literally means people tend to miss the good stuff when they moved on without stopping to see what is happening around them.
And because people are moving so fast, that there are many little things to talk about, so long as you slow down and observe what is happening around you.
Bought 3 books yesterday, and never in my life would i buy 3 books at a go. Hey, i feel that i am becoming the next Paul, a distance friend of mine from Malacca who loves reading good books. While movies is still my No 1 choice of unwinding myself, books and music has slowly taking over coffee breaks or rather, coffee time in Starbucks.
Book No 1: SQ 21 - Singapore Queers in the 21st Century. Written by Ng Yi Sheng
This little yellow book published by Oogachaga (a counselling circle catered to the needs of people facing problems with sexuality, especially gays, lesbians, bis and transgenders.) brings us personal experiences from 15 Singaporean gays, lesbians and bisexuals from all walks of life, where they share their journey of self discovery, coming out to their loved ones, facing the acceptance of the society, and most importantly, moving on.
This book is not about glorifying homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender. No. More rather, it makes us think of how this people moved on with their lives and lead a normal life, just like you and me.
Book No 2: Cold Mountain - Charles Frazier
Bought this book at a weekend flea market located beside Cineleisure Orchard, where it was a group of volunteers who sold their books/DVDs to raise funds to help the migrants in Singapore. Their main purpose of helping them is to assist them in terms of development, psychological assistance and etc. (Well, it is not easy for one to settled down to a new land where he/she are not familiared with the new environment.)
And Frazier's debut novel was later turned to prints on the big screen by Anthony Minghella (of English Patient and Talented Mr Ripley fame), which gains Renee Zelleweger an Oscars for Best Supporting Actress in 2004. Oh yes, the film features another 2 beautiful celebs: Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. Putting fame and beauty aside, Cold Mountain is about a soldier's named Inman on his journey back to his home, Cold Mountain, after the American Civil War, and the things he went thru in the journey. On the other hand, his lover, Ada, was struggling with financial difficulties and coping with things on her hands after her wealthy father passed away, leaving her with a piece of land.
Book No 3: Four Films of Woody Allen - Woody Allen
Another rare hidden gem found at the stall, and at that moment, i took it with me home.
Nothing worth seeing it if you are not a fan/understands Woody's films. But this rare collection contains 4 screenplays of Woody's highly celebrated classincs: Annie Hall, Stardust Memories, Interiors and Manhattan. And know what? Love the front cover of the book, for it was a hand-drawn picture of Woody himself and the poster of the 4 films.
Woody and his simplicity again. (And if you understand what does this means.)