Yesterday, I was reminded to read a good book.I lauded the MCA President's call to all Malaysians to read at least six books a year as a part of Lifelong Learning campaign. Personally, I have complied with the call but yet I feel I have not been reading enough.I have at least half a dozen books lying on my table and bookshelf waiting for me to read them. Here is the link to my virtual Reading Room.
Most of us who wish to read are too busy with our work and family life.When I was a corporate executive, I came home almost dead tired.How could I have time to read? The same thing happened to my wife,who is a full time house-wife.Her hands(both of them) were working non-stop taking care of our children.How could she have any more energy to read? Those were our excuses for not reading when we were younger.Now, we have more time for ourselves,so we now have time to read even a book a month if we want to.But how many of us do read?
Looking back, we could have read more books if only we had allocated time for reading.Even now, our time will just pass by if we don't allocate time to read.It is much easier to watch TV because we just sit there and watch.But when it comes to reading,it is more active than the passive act of watching.
Over the years,I have observed that our government had spent millions of ringgit to promote reading.My personal observation tells me that nothing significant has changed.Is there any statistics showing otherwise?I love to see my general statement is wrong.
As a father, I love to see all my children have the culture of reading before they leave my home to start their own lives.I am still working hard at it and I hope I will succeed when the time comes.My friend complained to me that her children donot like to read books.When I asked her, how many books she read in year,she told me none! How could we inculcate the reading habit if we ourselves never show our kids the way?
I know of a friend who NEVER bought a book for the last 10 years! How can we read the books if we don't have any?May I suggest that all of us buy a book a month.Always have a book in our bag where we go ;and one at home so that we always have a book any where and anytime.
When it comes to Quran, I have one on my PDA,one in my car and a few at home.This way, the probability of reading the books or the Quran is higher.
Okay then, go on and read book...
Download readabook.htm
Yaaa..mari membaca..bulan membaca dah habis kot...heheheh
Posted by: Reader Jr | Sunday, January 23, 2005 at 09:36 PM
Pak Adib, I have lots of unfinished books to read - among them, Lord Jim, Tales from the south China Seas and many more books that I brought back from Malaysia. But I have just finished several short stories by Thai woman writer, Sidao'reung - but that is mainly because I have to do her for this term. She's wonderful and winner of several awards. Wish I could write like her. And of course I am trying to finish Syair Dang Sirat - about a biduanita who stole the heart of a Johore king! When I met Dato Samad Said recently, he told me that he reads at least 5 books at a time! Wow!
Posted by: kak teh | Monday, January 24, 2005 at 12:58 AM
Pak Adib. I Support You. I have two racks of books untouched. I think I am more of a book buyer than a book reader.
Posted by: riza | Monday, January 24, 2005 at 10:16 AM
Alhamdulillah, for this month...I've read 4 books. And I'm targeting to read at least 48 books a year. And I think there is no compromise of not enough time to read, as I myself working in the office. But the most important thing is know how to manage time, especially time to read. I agree with you Pak Adib....
Posted by: Khairusy | Monday, January 24, 2005 at 01:09 PM
Came across this blog and I agree with your point. Our soceity has not changed though government spent millions of ringgit to promote readings.
I have a daughter who will turn 2 in April. My husband and I find time at least 30 mins on reading everyday. And I can see the different. She will take any magazine and pretend she is reading it cover to cover. We also go to Kinokuniya or Times at least 2 times a month.
What do recommend for a two-year-old baby to read? Besides Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, what else do recommend? and also Islamic books.
p/s - I enjoy your “reading.my”. I have most of the books. Have you read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom?
Posted by: the-jamie | Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 07:14 PM
Thanks Jamie for dropping by and leaving me a note.I think you are doing the right thing for your kid.Btw, my youngest boy is 16 yrs old and I have not been buying books for younger children for years.
Yes, I have read Tuesdays with Morrie.
Posted by: Adib | Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 07:27 PM
If you have heard of Chowrasta,Penang but have yet to go there(like me),please visit Dr Bubble's blog at:
http://drbubbles.blogspot.com/
How I wish we have something like it in KL.
Posted by: Adib | Wednesday, February 09, 2005 at 11:07 AM