5 Books

In between my studying, I've read a number of books. Some I penda, others are just for when you need fill your time.

1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
This is a must read for everyone! Beautifully written. Emotional. Powerful. The descriptions give such a vivid picture of what beauty Afghanistan had before the Soviets moved in and war broke out. And that scene that caused so much controversy when the film was released could just break your heart. I haven't seen the film.

2. The Illiad by Homer
I went to a play "Troy" that had lots of references to ancient Greek myths so I decided to read the book. Still not done. It's amazing how the same themes repeat themselves in history today with war and politics.

3. Sex and the Single Girl by Helen Gurley Brown.
Hard to believe this book was originally published in 1962. The themes are just as real today. And no, the book is entirely about sex. It also talks about work and has funny stories, decorating tips, and recipes. Ladies, read this one.

4. Grace (eventually): Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott
You don't have to be religious to appreciate this book. Spiritual awareness is enough to appreciate The writer is funny and doesn't preach at anyone. Just shares her experiences that make it easy for one to relate. Talks about motherhood, friends dying, her writing career, church, etc. Makes you realize that making mistakes is human and we don't have to be saints to be spiritual. I first heard her a few years ago at a book reading. So I bought one of her books and got it autographed.

5. An Ordinary Woman by Donna Hill
A newly married man has an affair with his wife's best friend. This book tells the story from everyone's point of view and shows just how complex things get. And hearing from "the other woman" is really refreshing 'cause she's always demonized--even though it takes two to have an affair. Great writing.

Endings

Is there such a thing as being overambitious? Usually it's considered a great thing to have lofty goals and expectations....but sometimes a reality check is needed. I have this love-hate relationship with so-called over-achievers (I may have been one in the past) because I admire all they do but yet make some of us look bad=) Most people don't do it on purpose and I hold nothing against them. But there are those arrogant few who seem to enjoy gloating. And truth is, some have a right to. Well, comparing yourself to others doesn't get you far 'cause everyone deals with different circumstances and challenges. People have different resources, skills and talents that propel them to different places. Competition is just fierce with all the things we have to struggle to achieve these days: the education, career, finances,investments, while maintaining relationships,health and spiritual balance. One thing or another is often sacrificed along the way.

I heard about a guy who committed suicide (I didn't know him personally)--I'm told he was young, educated with a great job, great family,...etc. My heart goes out to his family and friends. After any kind of death, but especially suicide, people are left feeling guilty for not preventing it. Yet it's possible to be close to people who don't know what the hell is going on in your life. We might do it to protect those we love. And I don't think getting to the top (careerwise) is ever enough, there's always pressure to maintain your position and keep going. And it's a task to maintain balance in life. It may be morbid, but I think about what my funeral: who would show up, what would be said, the music (I want Pachelbel's Canon in D and Pink's "Who Knew"....I got into "Six Feet Under" and I'm on the 4th season now. There aren't many forums for discussing death openly and tv shows do get us thinking about these issues. A lot of family drama can be avoided if people would share their wishes with loved ones. I'm also a fan of Nollywood films and the dramas on it hit closer to home.

Talking about endings, graduation time is coming up and the big question "What next?" There are always options (if only 2). Time for changes and exploring new places. The current economical recession has made things tight for everyone. Well meaning people can give advice but it doesn't always work. But it's always great to hear different opinions and views. In the end, we've got to ask "What do I want?"