Seventh of the Ten: Books!

I read any kind of books regardless of the reviews, not because I like the book but I give chance for the author to convince me that it’s worth the time. Not all books’ a good read, that’s why choose what you read. Because what defines a person are, the books you read and the friends you keep.

4 Books.

1. Harry Potter. I’m an avid fan of the Harry Potter and of J.K. Rowling. Why? For the simplest reason. I like how J.K. Rowling creatively made a whole new life and world. Giving hope for the wizards and witches’ world, a redemption from the dark ages.

2. Lord of the Rings.  A Modern Classic.

One Ring to Rule them all.

 

“…..But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those are the stories that stayed with you, that meant something even if you were too young to understand why. But I think I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going because they were holding on to something-that there’s some good in the world, and it’s worth fighting for!” 
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

3. Tell Me Your Dreams (1998) by Sidney Sheldon. Another trial case story of Sheldon dealing with MPD or as known as Multiple Personality Disorder. The main character suffers from MPD and had 2 another alters which were  alternately controlling the main character’s behavior. I love the thrill and mystery in the story. Interesting plot but I just hate happy endings! Oopps!

4. Rizal without the Overcoat (1999) by Ambeth Ocampo. A well written book regarding Philippine’s National Hero: Jose Rizal. History and Biographies are usually a boring to read, communication is the key for an interesting read and Ambeth Ocampo, the author, captured the attention of the youth and made the life of the very well known Jose Rizal, a joy to read.

 

Let books be your dining table,
And you shall be full of delights
Let them be your mattress
And you shall sleep restful nights.
~Author Unknown

 

 

Lessons from the Heroes

The past few months, there been a lot of released films that are about heroism; marvel heroes and justice league heroes.

Avengers, The Amazing Spiderman, The Dark Knight Rises… and

Do you ever wonder why Superman and other “heroes” emerged?

It’s for a certain reason. Yes, they were all born because for a need. let’s take a look at Superman, or the man of steel.

Google Image result for Superman.

When you Google Superman, you would find that the great influence of the birth of Superman, and also his characters, was because of the great depression. Americans at the time of the great depression needs a hope, but for his creators, they created it to meet ends meat, but they created something more for the spirits of the people at the time. It lifts people’s spirits up and the rest is history.

But today, I believe, with everything around us, very chaotic! War here and everywhere. Conflicts right and left. We need more than just  a superhero, we need an inspiration! We need people to look up to.

I believe that it wasn’t accident that most of the movies showing in our cinemas one month to the next are superheroes. Because needless to say, we need hope.

Recently, the last film for the Batman Trilogy was released and I just can’t fathom how timeless the lessons are. I’ve watched the Batman movies, the Spiderman movies, The avengers, and even the never dying HP and Lord of the Rings. And the lessons are just different, EVERY TIME!

I like how their creators made them, because even though they have been extra ordinary to some aspect, but the always challenge are not from their arch enemies but of themselves. I like how  Bruce Wayne struggled to fight and face his fears on the recent movie, I like how Peter Parker, embraced his responsibilities, I like how each avenger have their own weaknesses and strengths and without one or the other, the team just can’t win the war. I like how Dumbledore mentored Harry Potter and how Harry endured everything of course with the help of everyone who loves him, I love how a Frodo Baggins needs a Sam. I mean, it’s speaks of life. It’s speaks of our struggles, it reflects us.

“….So his [Rizal’s] writings are like that; they’re never useless. The proverbs, you go back to a proverb, and each time you read it, you get something new. …That’s why a hundred years from now, we can still read him and find something new.” Prof. Patrick Campos [here.]

Our Heroes’ lessons are like Rizal’s writings, they’re never useless and you can always find something new.