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The Bohemian Thinker The Bohemian Thinker has taken on the challenge to read 55 books this year. 35 fiction. 15 non fiction. 5 Chinese novels. As of now... i have completed 21/55 books 13 Fiction 7 Non Fiction 1 Chinese Novel Recent Bohemian Ramblings4
I wasn't always a pessimist Listening to Joanna Wang Slowly but surely... Workaholic My favourite book and Film Blankets Laughable Loves by Milan KunderaI thought this was... A Long Walk to FreedomBought this book in Sept. An... 17. How to Get IdeasHmm..i will not say it is revo... Fortune Cookies  Blogskins Soup-Faerie.com for Cursor Bohemian Archives January 2010 February 2010 May 2010 June 2010 August 2010 September 2010 December 2010 September 2011 March 2012 September 2012 February 2013 |
Thursday, February 14, 2013 The lady walked to the end of the ledge and turned. She was calm; not tear-stricken or hysterical like the usual suicidal cases. "It's a logical calculation; There's hardly anything worth living for," she said. My heart pounded at the imagery of her hair, scattering in the wind as she plummeted and finally, splattering on the ground, caked with blood and brains. "No," the words escaped from my trembling lips. "Yes." I shook my head, unable to believe that my first year as a counselor would end with such a scenario. Why such desperation? Perspiration trickled down my forehead. "Can I feel your hands before I depart? Just give me some warmth. I'm feeling cold in this rain," She told me with pleading eyes. I searched my head for solutions. Warmth? Warmth? I searched through the inner brackets of my memory for psychological theories to cling onto. Why this desire for a simple gesture of warmth at this final juncture in life? I saw Sigmund Freud taking a swig of vodka and mocking me with his elongated bony finger. "ID....ID....ID...." I heard my old professor muttering methodologically at my ears. "Mayhem, it seems like you have not learnt your theories well." I reached out. My left hand was quivering in the vacuum. The rain fell onto my brows. The drops felt like shards of ice lacing the tip of my forehead. Time had stopped. I looked into the hollow darkness of her eyes. Her pupils shimmered like a beam dancing in the harshest of Siberian winters. For a moment, there was recognition. There could be no mistake. She was but the manifestation of the Little Match Girl who gazed at the last flame of light and saw hope. Imagined hope. She clasped onto my hands lightly. It was soft. I nodded. She smiled. And flew. Friday, September 28, 2012 I thought that being a teacher in a primary school puts me in a position to undo some of the pains I accumulated as a child. To prevent it from repeating itself. Yet, I witnessed that in some cases, the damage has already been done. At the age of eleven, this child is sick of life. She wants to die. She wished that she wasn't born. Why? She is born in a rich family. They live in a big house. Yet, she is not given hue love and attention she feels that she needs. Her parents are very cooperative but they are at their wits' ends. They are even considering the option of sending her out into foster homes. How do I help a child like this? I feel utterly helpless. Why does she feel such pain? Such anger and hatred within her? Why is she never happy? I cannot even answer that for myself. Talk about that of a eleven year old spoilt kid. Sigh. Sunday, September 23, 2012 Plugging into Joanna Wang's album with a good pair of earphones feels like magic. Tuesday, March 13, 2012 my patience slips away. which makes me wonder. What makes a bunch of people friends? Monday, March 5, 2012 Even after spending more than 12 hours at work. I continue to work at home...even if not physically...in my mind. Areas for improvement? Vocabulary development? Spelling? Strategies? Examinations? Oral examination? THINK THINK THINK. sigh. hopefully, this pressure will develop me instead of crush me. Sunday, March 4, 2012 I have read many books and watched many films. It is hence difficult for me to pick out a clear favourite. But let's give it a try. My favourite novel has to be Haruki Murakami's Wind-up Bird Chronicle. I adore the lone protagonist striding in the hostile and utterly alienating urban landscape and the almost fantastical adventures he has having sex, fighting monsters real, imagined or within. There were some striking scenes that were etched in my mind. That of the person in the well...whose existence at that point was made meaningful in the momentary sun ray and whose life became empty after he was rescued. The irony of it strikes me and left me feel perturbed and in a state of disequilibrium. My favourite biography is definitely Nelson Mandela's Long walk to freedom. Through it, I lived vicariously as a freedom fighter. He's my personal hero ever since. My favourite non-fiction book is without a doubt, Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics 4th Edition. Being a history student, I often looked at current affairs and a wide array of issues from a political and historical point of view. That is natural given the nature of history as a subject that studies historical figures, institutions, constitutions and historical events. Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics revolutionizes my worldview and opens me up to another way of looking at things...another lens in which I can adopt to examine ideas and objects. I find that utterly refreshing and enlightening. My favourite film should be The Lives of Others. Being a history student, I am often drawn to films set in history and with historical significance. Through the film, I witnessed the humanity of villains who were conditioned to hate, to harm and to only think in very narrow and constrained ways. I find it extremely touching; more so than any of the tear jerker films I have seen. There is hope in humanity. Monday, September 5, 2011  I bought this book from Bookdepository for half the price it is sold in Kinokuniya. Though it is a really thick book, It is a real page turner and I completed reading the book within two hours. A very simple story. However, certain portions struck a raw nerve and caused me stop and ponder. I guess it is because the christian fundamentalist environment he grew up in strongly echoes mine and I can truly identify with the struggles he faced as an individualist, trying to survive in an environment that demands constant conformity to the norms, to often arbitrary but dictated standards... and worst of all... conformity to the crowd. Really love the recollections that he conjured about his childhood days, spent with his younger brother. Here are some portions that I identified with:  
This is a struggle I face constantly in the church or with a group of Christians. I find myself struggling intellectually to nod to the same line and unquestioningly repeat the jargon that are broadcasted at the pulpit and circulated Bible studies and repeated during sharing. It is only recently that I realized that I have never been part of the crew. Through it all, I am not a herd animal.
My brother and I used to sleep in the same bed, snuggle together in some air-conditioned room and talk nonsense before we slept.
 But I guess... inevitably as we grow, that became inexcusable. And we developed our own set of ideals, dreams and worries. Somehow, we emerged further than we ever had been... even though we started off well. This panel was followed by a panel which featured the protagonist saying, "Now he's really a stranger to me." Sometimes, I feel that way too. But oh well... I have lost my sense of nostalgia along the way.
The last portion of the book moved me inexplicably.
  This book speaks to my soul. Rating: 4/5 Tuesday, December 28, 2010 Laughable Loves by Milan Kundera I thought this was a strange Kundera book...in terms of its style and preoccupation with sexual relations. But as i read it in the quietness of spirit. I began to identify with it. And understand slightly the philosophical basis of the literature. I was particularly intrigued by the last story "Eduard and God" mainly due to my identification with his occupation, sense of adaptation and art of concealment. I like the brief discussion of religion being the tool of one's own inclinations. An expression of one's own heart. Though i have to admit i do not really understand the ambiguous ending. Did Eduard in his search definite and essential meaning found God eventually? That sounded kinda absurd. if not..what can we imply from the vision he sees. Is that a ironic manifestation of faith or a hypocritical mockery at faith? Anyhow, i enjoyed the consistent preoccupation with the ideas of communism and the rigidity of the communist regime. I guess these themes are to Kundera, not some lofty ideas of philosophy. but living reality. There was also a recurring theme of sex vs. soul which i find immensely interesting. I wonder if this is an exploration of the male psychic? An outcry of the antithetical combat of the male species between the flesh and the soul? Men are just screwed up in that way. They cannot decide what they really want. Currently STILL reading: Brothers Karamazov *faints* Going to start reading: Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance. by Noam Chomsky A Long Walk to Freedom Bought this book in Sept. And was forced to stop reading it when things got really busy in school. Finally sat down and finished the book. And gosh! at the end of it, i felt like i have vicariously lived the life of a freedom fighter. Who paid harsh prices for his beliefs. An honest and humbling account of spending more than 25 years in prison. The wondrous thing about the book was...it was never a platform of self-praise and justifications. Mistakes made were admitted. Regrets were sounded. The recognition of the contributions of others continually echoed throughout the book. It was consistently reiterated that NM was no super human. but a person put in position through circumstances and the struggle of those before him. Such a humble and wondrous thing for a politician to say! that he was in power not out of his own strength but through circumstances! the thought of it... just befuddled me a little...and increased my sense of admiration for this person. There were moments in the book where things get a little droning..with the methodological reports on prison life and trials. But the last chapter of the book made it all worthwhile. I sat there. relishing in the power of it. "It was during those long and lonely years that my hunger for the freedom of my own people became a hunger for the freedom of all people, white and black. I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred, he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else's freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity." And somehow this gave me courage. personal courage to face the woes in life. God Bless Afrika indeed! Monday, December 20, 2010 17. How to Get Ideas Hmm..i will not say it is revolutionary. But it gave me some brilliant ideas about how i could come up with better ideas. 18. Hunger Games. Completed this in ONE DAY. It was mad exciting ok. MY GOD. Minus the romance and lovey dovey...this would have been perfect. 19. Resident Tourist 4 Breathtaking. Keeps me awake on nights. STILL READING: Nelson Mandela, Brothers Karamazov. Sunday, September 26, 2010  Has Christianity Failed You? is an intellectually stimulating and comforting read for christians that are struggling with faith. It addresses issues whether rational or emotional ones in a logical yet empathetic fashion. At the same time, It rationally expounded on the logical concerns of Christians in a complex world founded concurrently on existentialism, materialism and rationalism. Some of the perspectives explored were highly intriguing and thought provoking. I think Ravi Zacharias is the medicine for any christian person fighting their trolls of unsubstantiated reason and battles of the relativist society that permeates so readily into the spheres of education and philosophical inquiry. I will not say that Ravi has solved all my immediate questions. But at the very least, he prevents me from drawing premature assumptions and judgments on a faith i am not completely acquainted with. Thursday, September 23, 2010
My first comprehensive encounter with Nietzsche. I had been an admirer of Nietzsche's existentialist ideologies for a long time. But hadn't got around to reading any of his works. Because 1) I had so many books on my shelf that i have yet to finish 2) I tried reading it on the iphone and found it to be extremely dense. My encounter with Introducing Nietzsche however, stirred my interest in Nietzsche again. Once i get my Amazon Kindle, i will make sure i download a couple of free Nietzsche books. I am particularly interested in the following titles mentioned in the book Genealogy of Morality Beyond Good and Evil Thus Spake Zarathusa I have yet to read enough of philosophy to give a critical evaluation of the book. But overall, the book has been enjoyable. Some philosophers to explore: Jean Paul Sartre Freud Sunday, September 19, 2010
This book reads like a fresh breath of air. It puts complex economic concepts and relations into a forms of simple analogies, interesting solutions, diverse perspectives. I will not say that it is an intellectually enriching book. But it is definitely a book that widens one's understanding of the world and one that allows people to consider alternative solutions to long-standing problems. Outstanding for its fun, humor and rich range of well-researched facts and knowledge. Ratings: 4/5 Friday, September 3, 2010 No.12 and 13 Mere Christianity: Interesting arguments and insights in the beginning. but gets droning towards the end... when it shifts its position to one that is fully theist and christian. The Girl with Dragon Tattoo: WHOA WHOA WHOA! this book brought me a hell of a ride. This is thriller at its best. Rather unexpected murder motive. Friday, August 27, 2010 Let's track my progress.. My aim is to read... 35 fiction. 15 non fiction. 5 Chinese novels. As of now i have read... 9 Fiction 1 Non Fiction 1 Chinese Novel Currently Reading: 1) Mere Christianity 2) Philosophy: 100 Essential thinkers 3) First Days of School 4) The Brothers Karamazov 5) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Short and simple yet dynamic activities for revision, enrichment and enhancing creative thinking. Tuesday, June 29, 2010 10/55: 第21页 This book reminds me of an inspiring JC teacher, Mr.Larry Lee. The one that always points us to the plight of people we do not see or think about daily. The plight of the poor, the oppressed and the ones deprived of an education. A page turner. Easy to read and often thought-provoking. This is so even though the theme of the articles remain consistent: Caring for the disadvantaged in our world. Valuable quotes from the book： "王教授有一次到印度去开会，特别去了那里，他这一辈子从来没有看过这么悲惨的世界。有一天，他看到一个人和一只鸽子同时在垃圾堆里找食物吃，他当时难过之至，他没想到人会穷到如此地没有尊严。所以，他从此以后不太敢看到大批鸽子吃东西". "王教授告诉了我所看到的事，他大概不知道我一夜未眠，我想起了圣经里的穷人，他靠富人桌上掉下的面包碎过活，那是两千年前的故事，两千年过了，世界上却有人靠猴子吃剩的食物过活，时代真的在进步吗？”
“德雷沙修女说的话，我们应牢牢记住。她说：“爱的反面，不是仇恨，而是漠不关心” I think this book is especially good for teachers. The purpose of education after all, is not merely the acquiring of knowledge, but also the attainment of virtue and empathy towards human kind. A teacher that is passionate about the furthering of the welfare of the destitute will be in the best position to inspire empathy in their students. Please feel free to borrow this book from me. Even for people that are not well-acquainted with the chinese language, this book will not be a trying read. Thursday, June 24, 2010  The unbearable Lightness of being 9/55 Have you ever read a book that make you heave a sigh of amazement and say "If this is the only book i ever read in my life...it is enough." This is it. this book flows like a poetry ringing in the dawn of spring. The cry of a wretched revolutionary. The tinkle of laughter from the child's gleeful luscious lips. The blood shed of young soldiers on the bullet-sweeping battle-field. It is MUD and it is Flamboyant Flowers right at the same time. The philosophy and the depth of it overwhelms me as a person. Reading this book...I feel overwhelmingly anachronistic. like people of another era or space of existential goodness...i walk on the space on this earth like the players of a Shakespearean play. We all have our entrances and exits. We exist for 7 acts. Sometimes for a shorter period of time. This book leaves me speechless. It is a tool of escapism as well as a tool of realism. Ratings: This book is beyond ratings. Monday, June 14, 2010 Picture of Dorian Gray 8/55  Tragically beautiful. Stirs the senses. Touches the mind. Love it. 4/5 wondrous book to savor. Friday, May 28, 2010
Chicken with plums 7/55 I came upon this graphic book after watching the movie Persepolis (City of Persians). Picking it up from the library shelf, i noticed that the graphics were similar to the ones i saw in the movie Persepolis. Looking at the author's name. author of persepolis. Indeed. This book is exceptional. With few words, it conveyed deep emotions...feelings of loss. of dislocation. of regrets. And it talks only about the last 9 days in the protagonist's life. The end of the book unveiled some surprisingly realization. And at once, one understood why the protagonist acted as he did. Upon finishing this book, i laid in bed with a confounded form of depression. Life..... Ratings: 5/5 It's been long since i was as moved from within by a book. |
