Book Tag #2: Of Friday plans and reader confessions

I have no plans tonight. R invited me to “his thing” but I already made up my mind: I hate social interactions on Friday nights. Sorry, R. Happy birthday.

Weather Network predicts a high of 13’ today (Celsius, not Freedom). I will be visiting another open yard site for work; I hope I don’t freeze. The last few days have been unusually warm for October, but I don’t want to jinx it. Oh god let’s not jinx it.

Maybe I should go to the gym tonight. Yes, that could be the plan. Go to the gym after work, go home, and eat cake. There should still be some beer in the fridge. Perfect.

I did another book tag I found on The Reading Hobbit. Fun, fun.

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Have you ever damaged a book?

Yes, totally. And I don’t really care so long as the pages remain intact and the words remain legible. I’ve long abandoned this banal sentimentality towards physical books; nobody is any less of a reader just because their books look “used.”

Have you ever damaged a borrowed book?

Essie lent me (or gave me, haha) her copy of Junot Diaz’s The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao about 10 years ago. I’ve read it so many times and now the back cover is almost torn off. Sorry, Essie, for never giving it back.

How long does it take you to read a book?

It depends on how busy I am and how “heavy” the book is, literally and figuratively.

Books that you haven’t finished?

Psh, marami! I’m still working on Edward Said’s Orientalism and Terry Eagleton’s Literary Theory: An Introduction (nagmamaganda kasi!). I also haven’t finished Sloane Crosley’s essay collection I Was Told There’d Be Cake and Raymond Carver’s short story compilation What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. Basta marami pa!

Hyped / popular books you didn’t like?

The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, Macarthur by Bob Ong, Ilustrado by Miguel Syjuco, etc.

Is there a book you wouldn’t tell anyone you’re reading?

Nah. Even the trashiest, shallowest books could be read and discussed beyond the usual scopes of “life lessons,” “relatability,” etc. Just like with movies and with art in general. Try me, haha.

How many books do you own?

I don’t keep track, sowi (sowiii??).

Are you a fast or a slow reader?

Average, I guess. Sakto lang, tamang paspas lang.

Do you like to buddy read?

I’ve never done this, and I don’t think I even know what this is.

If you were only allowed to own one book, what would it be and why?

I’d pick a Filipino book because they’re not as easy to find online — huge bummer if you’re not in Pinas. For now let’s go with Antoholohiya ng mga Nagwaging Akda, Dekada 80: Maikling Kuwento.

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I changed the featured photo. This new one was taken at the Art Gallery of Alberta a few months back, and I apologize for not taking note of the title or the artist. Peace, and happy Friday everyone!