Books galore

Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore? - Henry Ward Beecher

In the last few months, I've tried to avoid bookstores. There are just too many books I want to buy and not enough money to buy them. Mr Beecher is so right. It's pretty difficult for me to go into a bookstore and not be tempted to grab at least one and buy. I've still got quite a bit of unread books in my shelves but I just cannot help buying books.

Which is why I'm thankful for second-hand book shops like Booksale and Books For Less. There are books that I want to have, even if they've passed many hands and burned many eyes already. At least there, I don't have to dig too deep into my pocket, which to be honest has been to shallow of late. These days, I've been trying to find P.D. James books (Thanks for the recommendation, Te!) so friends out there, those few who may actually read all these ramblings I have, if you find one, text and let me know.

Still, there is something about a new book. In the past, I've never had any qualms about shelling out a bit of money for a book. Sadly, circumstances have changed. I take that back. I've got an adorable little kid now and I know I'd rather spend my money on something that will benefit him (come to think of it, books, especially good ones, will come in handy some day). But you know what I mean. Looking around at Powerbooks, Fully Booked, National Bookstore and a A Different Bookstore is bittersweet these days. Still, once in a while, I can't help myself and I take out the wallet and bring out the cash (or the plastic, which I really should stop using). The smell of a new book can be pretty euphoric. It brings some kind of high so I just love smelling new books.

Right now, I'm trying to decide how I can satisfy my book fetish. I was thinking maybe P300-500 bucks a month on books, but nowadays that sounds extravagant. Hmmmmn, this is going to occupy my thoughts for a while.

Off-topic: Watching the Oscars yesterday, I was glad to find out that The Departed won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Not that I've seen it (I will just watch the DVD). But I'm a big Brad Pitt fan (that is actually an understatement!), and he was heavily involved in the making of that movie. I believe he owned the rights to the Infernal Affairs for production in the US. Prior to the awards show, I already knew that if the movie wins Best Picture, he would not be named as a producer (as per rules of the PGA and the Academy). But I was disappointed when none of the winners (Graham King, Martin Scorsese, William Monaghan) mentioned him in their acceptance speeches (at least I didn't hear his name mentioned). So it was nice to read that Graham King has expressed his annoyance and said that Brad also deserved credit. Just thought I'd note it.

Also, I thought I'd make this blog a little less text heavy by adding either pictures or something else once in a while. Today, I thought one of my favorite comic strips will do again. Take it away, Calvin and Hobbes: