Books

Books have never been a fancy of mine. I remember as a teenager that my Dad would read non-stop. Even on vacation he would read. If we were driving in the car to Arizona and my mom was driving my dad was reading. I think it has become less of a hobby, and more of an obsession for him. With this said let us move on from starting point A into journey point B.

Something I have also noticed is that ever since I went to college I have grown more and more understanding of my father. I have learned that he works harder than anyone I have ever known, is smarter than most people I can name, and has read more books than Library of Congress contains. Without him knowing I have started a little project. Try to read 2 books a month. For me this is a serious feat, but my dad that is like a Saturday afternoon. But hey its a start. So far I have read my two books this month, and I am starting to see why he does it all the time. If I am at home I just was to read my book, and at work all I talk about is the current chapter of George Bush's memoir, or how Amy Chua is a crazy insomniac piano Nazi Chinese lady. Either way reading I think is my new thing. Moving on from Journey point B to "Books" conclusion point C.

So far I have read 4 books this summer and it has been enjoyable so far. I am really excited to talk to my dad and tell him all I have read. I think it will really blow him away, and not to mention it will give him some ideas on what to read next. Strangely enough the books I have avoided my whole life are the ones I am enjoying the most. Although the newest book I have recently started is "tricky". But then again I have a month to read it.

Post Script (P.S. see reading does make you smarter.)
It may be my luck, or New York times knows how to pick books, but So far I have learned two important thinks from the books I have read. The first is determination. In the book Decision Points written by George Bush I learned that no matter what hand President Bush was dealt he handled it well and with determination. He never gave up even when all around him in Washington D.C. people were telling him to throw in the towel. It was eye opening. I think that he really did do a good job as the president. not because I am republican, but because he tells the reader why he made the decisions he made, and proves he really was looking out for the country's best interest.
Second is my parenting when I have children. Even though I don't have children yet there will be two rules as soon as they are born. The first: If they want to play an instrument it will be either the Piano or Violin. Second rule: THEY WILL play either the Piano or violin. The book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is about a Chinese mother raising her children the traditional Chinese way. And first I want to say I love my parents and need to call them as soon as I am done posting this, but I am going to raise my kids a little more strict than they raised me. Amy Chua, the author, explains how and why she raised her two daughters so uptight. By pushing your kids to the limit they learn how much potential they truly have. And that they really can accomplish anything. If my kid is going to play sports, not only are they going to play sport, but they are going to get an Olympic gold metal. Why? Because they are my kids and they are the best musicians, or actors, or athlete the human body can physically allow. Pushing your kids has been taboo in the last decade, but my kids will learn that a 2 hour piano practice will be just a warm up...lets see who's kid plays Carnegie Hall first!

For kicks here is a quote from the book that I enjoyed very much.
Amy is responding to her youngest daughter while practicing piano, "if the next time's not PERFECT, I'm going to TAKE ALL YOUR STUFFED ANIMALS AND BURN THEM!"