Picture this – in Literature class, someone tells the class what he/she thinks the writer is trying to achieve. Or explains why he/she feels the theme of the book is so. Nearly always, some other student in the class would be thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” or “Are we reading the same book?” and very possibly, “I should be paying more attention in class!”
Are you that student?
I was.
For some reason, we all take different things from reading the same thing. Most times, listening to somebody else’s views on a book will enrich our understanding. Even if we havn't read the book, the discussion might pique our interest to do so.
Recently, members of the Woodlands Regional Library (WRL) Staff Chinese Book Club ran through the three Chinese Language books from READ! Singapore. One of my Adult & Young People (AYP) Services colleagues, Guan Fong, introduced the writers as well as provided a simple summary on one of the short stories in the book. Storytelling for adults, if you will – which actually made me want to read the book.
Confession time – the only Chinese language stuff I read are comics and LianHe Wanbao – which I think is the most gripping reading in Singapore!
Anyway, we’ll be meeting in a couple of weeks’ time for another book sharing (if you don't know what that means -- basically we share our views on the book). We’re reading 7-11 Love at the Convenience Store by Han Han.
Know what?
I can’t wait.
Lee Ping!
ReplyDeleteIt's *really* you :-D