Blank books

This is I guess a fancy word for a notebook, a diary and a journal. A number of them can be a bit pricey, especially the notebooks they sell at Fullybooked. Some are so beautifully made that it seems to be a waste just to write on them.

But it still a notebook.

What is the use of a notebook if not used?

Nothing.

A blankbook or a notebook is probably one of my favorite type of books. It is the tabula rasa on which one jots down one’s idea , a reminder, a note or a curse. For in some cases the notebook becomes the repository of our knowledge and intent. The proverbial hole in the ground where we can shout our inner thoughts. The scapegoat that becomes the recipitory of our sins. And in some cases the coliseum where we deal with our inner demons and enemies. Also a place to store notes.

There is a restaurant in China that serves an authentic and multiple course Imperial Feast. Wealthy patrons go to this restaurant to feast on dishes that were prepared for the Emperor of China and served only in Forbidden City. The proprietor of the said restaurant was a descendant of one of the minor court officials who was in charge of preparing the food. And this court official was taking down notes of what dishes were served, how they were cooked and what were the ingredients. Probably to ensure that the Emperor and his Court will always get the right and consistent meal they were used to.

Another blank book became the diary of a Jewish girl, who for a time hid with her family in an attic. They were hiding from the Nazis. Unfortunately, they were discovered, separated and sent to different concentration camps. The diary remained in the attic and after the war it was published. In its pages survived the thoughts and interactions of the people inside that attic from the point of view of the girl, Anne Frank.

Its useful to write things down in a notebook. The act itself purges us of ill-thoughts and records our opinion and musings. And in retrospect it allows us to judge more fairly our thoughts of the moment. Similar to a blog.

Except, a notebook, diary or journal allows us to be more candid, a great deal more candid.

About Practical Cats

I am not really an avid poem reader. One of the few poems I remember, rather a few lines I remember comes Emerson’s poem about a tree and Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios. I do know the complete lines of a lot of nursery rhymes and JRR Tolkien’s poem found in nearly all the books of the Lord of the Rings- The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King.

Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,/span
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all,
One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
–J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

I even memorized the parts that were written in the One Ring.

Ash nazg durbataluk
Ash nazg gimbatul
Ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul
–J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

The Dark Tongue was easier to retain than any of the Elvish tongue. Although, I had friends who studied it and acquired enough knowledge to converse in it. This was before the Jackson’s film came out. Even before Bakshi’s film came out as well. The Orc version of the rhyme did play a small part in a couple of friends belief that I was possessed several years ago. Never mix alcohol and works by JRR Tolkien.

So these were the only set of poems I had continually read through the years. Then several months ago I found myself in a book store, drifting from aisle to aisle. Glancing at books, books and books. Until, I saw this small book, almost a pamphlet really. It was mocha colored and had an odd cartoon of a cat with a bowler hat. It was sofbound and the book was written by TS Eliot. The book was titled,Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.

The book caught my eye because I was familiar with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats, which was a musical adaptation of Eliot’s works. So I browsed it and soon enough left the store. I had bought the book.

The book, which is a compilation of TS Eliot’s cat poems, is and interesting read. In it he describeds the different types of cats. It is one of those books that you can take out and read in the park or inside a coffee house. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your lips.

Here is one of the poems –

The Naming of Cats

The naming of cats is a difficult matter,
It isn’t just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I’m mad as a hatter
When I tell you a cat must have three
different names.

First of all, there’s the name
that the family use daily,
Such as Victor, or Jonathan,
George or Bill Bailey–
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names
if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen,
some for the dames;
Such as Plato, Admetus,
Electra, Demeter–
But all of them sensible everyday names.

But I tell you,
a cat needs a name that’s particular,
A name that is peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he
keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers,
or cherish his pride?

Of names of this kind,
I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quazo or Coripat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellyrum–
Names that never belong
to more than one cat.

But above and beyond
there’s still one name left over,
And that is the name that you will never guess;
The name
that no human research can discover–
But The Cat Himself Knows,
and will never confess.

When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought,
of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.
The Naming of Cats by TS Eliot,Possum’s Book of Practical Cats

By the way, This book is a nice buy.

Books and Films

Never judge a book by its movie. – JW Eagan

In a few weeks the movie Brokeback Mountain will have its commercial run in Metro Manila. Ang Lee’s Cowboy-Shepherd Love Story will be a hit in Metro Manila. The range of interest for the movie cuts across personal sexual preferences.

There are two things general about movie adaptations.

First, Always note the word/caveat “adapted from”, this means that the Director, Writer and Producer may have tampered with the story, for the sake of expediency and to hype up the story.

Second, The resulting movie story is not as good as the original story. Rarely, the only film that seems to improve with the movie adaptation was Pierre Boulle’s “Le pont de la rivière Kwai” and the movie was David Lean’s The Bridge on the River Kwai. And probably, the film “Spartacus”, which was adapted from Howard Fast’s novel of the same title. Then again Bridge on the River Kwai and Spartacus are good examples of ensemble work at are finest.

However, despite this I like movie adaptations and I do not mind queuing up to watch them. Partly because to see their treatment of book and more importantly the interest it generates ushers in new batch of readers. Not to mention new and better editions of the story.

So for that I like movie adaptations. Movie adaptations that have ushered in a renewed interest in books include:

Please note, the books mentioned in this post are books that I like and I am quite aware there are more books and film adaptations out there worthy of praise and attention.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

I like the Fellowship of the Ring, but not its subsequent adaptations. It did, however, bring in new editions of JRR Tolkien works. The Lord of the Ring Trilogy is a good buy, but a better buy would be “The Hobbit”, “Farmer Giles of Ham”, and “The Tolkien Reader” – which include “The Leaf by Niggle”.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

The movie adaptation has brought about a new set of editions of CS Lewis’ works. I would disregard the derivative works. Concentrate on the original works. Collect the whole Chronicles of Narnia, the Silent Planet Trilogy, “The Screwtape Letters” and for those serious readers the rest of Lewis’ works. For movie it wont hurt to check out the movie “Shadowlands”.

Animal Farm

George Orwell’s fable has been done twice and both adaptations to put mildly were not good. In both occasions somebody thought of improving the story, bad idea. One does not improve a story on an excellent story.

Anyway, Excellent movie adaptations of books include:

Godfather I and II, Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” includes the story of Michael Corleone and Vito Corleone. The ending though was a more powerful in the book.

“The Princess Bride”, this is an odd-one. It seems to be more of a book adapted from the movie. The movie is nice and the book is a nice read. It pays that the screenwriter and writer of the book are the same, William Goldman.

James Ivory’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day” is a gem. The book more so.

A book and film are two mediums to express a story. Movies are dynamic and visually overwhelming. However, it is limited by time (there is a human limitation to the amount we can watch) and by the caprices or tastes of all its creators. A book or written word can be dynamic but works on the individual level, it uses word to describe action and it uses phrases to impart subtle and not-subtle meaning to these actions. It may not be visually overwhelming but it works effectively in imprinting an image in our conscience. More effectively than any film can.

By the way, I am now reading Annie Proulux’s “Broke Back Mountain” it should be an interesting read.

The Sign of A Well Loved Book?

A few days I discovered that one of the books, which my nephews and I read a lot, vandalised. Each line in the Table of Contents was crossed-over with a green marker. Needless, they say I was initially distraught and thought of several ways to exact punishment on the culprit, then it dawned on me that it was my nephews who did it. After, a quick verbal reprimand it hit me. Through the years, several books had also passed through my hands and my siblings hands and not all of them were spared. It took some time before we were able to realize how to take care of books. I remember my worn-out copy of Dr Seuss’ McElligot’s Pool and the Cat in the Hat.

Well what is more important a well-used book or a book in mint condition? What is the mettle and value of a book?

Maybe somewhere in between. One thing is for sure though books are meant for riding.

And somehow, it made that particular vandalism of the Dr Seuss book a great deal more bearable. At least they learned not to vandalize a book. And at least they are not book burners. Book burning is more malicious I think, especially if its done on purpose like what Shi Huang Di, The First Emperor of China, did. At least Julius Ceasar wept when the Great Library of Alexandria was accidentally burned.

Book Tastes

It’s January again and it seems despite my best efforts I have before me a pile of books, both brand new and not so new, for perusing.

Some can be described as hard to find. Some can be described as poignant. Some can be as saccharine as true sugar and honey. One thing though described them as my books. The books I like to read.

I was enjoying lunch with a couple of office friends last week and the discussion went to books. And it was kind of surprising to learn that despite, what seemed to be our mutual love for books. The books we liked were as similar as the Moon and the Sun. Some liked the history books, others preferred the old writers (even in that set there were the lovers and haters of Dickens), and some the new and still some loved to read just about anything. There seems to be an endless of books available for everyone. Each suited for one need and each tailored to one’s taste.

Animal Farm and Other Writings by Eric Blair

At long last I was able to buy this book. I had to wait a year but it was worth it. The book was sitting at Fullybooked for over a year. Several times I was tempted to buy it but somehow I convinced myself that I had to wait. Financial obligations and other important factors had to be considered. Anyway, I already had two copies of Animal Farm – a browsing copy and a collection copy.

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is one of my favourite books. Looking at things now maybe the Philippines would have been a better place if more people read Animal Farm. Maybe a Pilipino translation of the book would be needed. I have seen two movie adaptations of the book. The first one was the classic cartoon version I saw at the British Council and the second one was the version from the creators of the pig movies Babe. Unfortunately, both versions seem to be very pale, almost anaemic, versions of the tale. There really is no need to change the story of Animal Farm. It is perfect in its original form.

I was also able to read Orwell’s 1984. This was during 1984 or 1983 during my stint at UPIS. I read the book as part of the English literature class’ requirement – a book report. Interesting book and more guttural than Animal Farm. But it seems not as sly and wicked. Orwell’s Animal Farm was effective because it was a Fable. The distance it allowed the reader to learn about the happenings at Manor Farm made the lesson from the tale more evident and the impact lasting.

I just had to get this version. Along with Animal Farm it contained a selection of political writings culled from the complete collection of Orwell’s writing. It should provide interesting reads. One of the more interesting reads is Orwell’s List of Crypto-Communists and Fellow-Travellers – euphemism for Useful fools of political causes. Each piece of work is preceded by a short description of the work and its significance. Quite sure this is going to be good read. Orwell is probably one of the best political writers in English.

A must read for everyone.

Orwell & Politics: Animal Farm in the Context of Essays, Reviews, and Letters Selected from The complete works of George Orwell. Edited by Peter Davison. Introduction by Timothy Garton Ash.

Buying Second Hand Books

Several weeks ago, I found myself at the middle of Marikina Shoe Expo – the U-shaped complex on the fringes of Cubao’s commercial district. As I mentioned in my past post the place is being transformed into a place uncommon to Cubao. Some of the old shoe shops were or have morphed into restaurants, curiosity shops, record shops, teahouses and even bookstores.

Yes, the old shoe district seemed to be developing an artistic bent.

Anyway, my salary had just come in and I decided to go to the bookshop called Datelines. The bookstore has an interesting collection of books from Filipiniana to comics. So there I was browsing through the bookrack that had all the second hand books. On the topside was the paperback edition of Philip J Caputo’s a “Rumor of War”. Then I saw it. The book that I would buy that day. It was one of those old antonym and synonym books, quite useful when one is at a loss for words. And it was priced at thirty pesos. Very cheap. Its pages were a bit yellowish, showing the usual decay of paperback paper, but still its pages were not yet brittle. The book would probably last another three years.

Then and there I bought the thing. Happy with my purchase I proceeded on my journey for the day.

There was another shop that looked interesting, right up front of its window was an action figure of a flame creature one of the main characters in the anime Howl’s Moving Castle. There were several things that looked interesting. However, the store was closed for the day. It would have been interesting to see the items for sale inside that shop.

Night time came and I found myself flipping over the book that I got. It came after a minutes of perusing the pages. A faint odor that was neither pungent nor irritating but gave the essence that the book had not been read for several years. It was just like opening the tomb of Tutankhamen. I smelled the odor of age. Not irritating really, I still use the book, but I do not read for long.

I guess when buying second hand books be mindful of the condition of the books, paperbacks do not really age well. Papers were never designed to last that long. Not all of them anyway.

The Trouble With Harry

We were finally able to watch the latest manifestation of Rowling’s tale of the wizard boy Harry Potter – HP and the Goblet of Fire. The movie ran for around two hours and thirty minutes, forewarned is forearmed. And to give credit where credit is due the two hours seem to go past with relative ease, more or less.

I am not really a fan Harry Potter, call me old-fashioned but I still prefer reading the books of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. Its my only vice.

Those familiar with the quest of Harry Potter and friends will need no introduction to the story and plot. Suffice to say the Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher is achieving the same level of notoriety as the Enterprise Crew members who go down a planet with Spock, McCoy and Kirk. There are a series of puzzles or mystery to solve. And there is always something wicked coming this way.

The first two thirds of the movie seems to be a long walk and final look at the first two movies of HP. We are now entering the days of darkness and juvenile angst. Again to the credit of the director and writer the process is actually bearable. The reward and introduction into the darker saga of the series is the arrival of truly someone wicked. Gone are days of the wars with pawns and substitutes. This movie ushers us into a more sadder and darker tale of Harry Potter.

I am sure the cinemas are making a killing at the ticket counter with this movie. The cinemaplex we went to had more than half of its screening rooms for the movie, yet still there were long queues.

After the movie I asked my nephew what he remembered of the movie; I asked him to retell me the movie. He remembered one wizard being trapped in the box. At least he was not bored.

The first batch of readers of JK Rowling’s has grown up. And it seems the tale has too. Childhood ends and a new darker chapter begin. And this might not be bad thing.

I am looking forward to the Chronicles of Narnia. My nephews seem too.

A Tide of Narnia and CS Lewis Books

Yesterday, I dropped by book launching at Powerbooks at Greenbelt Three. And while there I noticed that there was a significant amount of Narnia – related books. It comes as no surprise, since the CS Lewis’ tale the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will be making its ways to cinemas this Christmas Season. Unfortunately, for us Filipinos there will a two or three week delay thanks to the annual film festival. I just hope that this year’s movies will be at worth watching. Or if not let them be like the wind and pass quickly through.

Yes, there were new sets of Narnia books from soft bound to hardbound books. Nearly all size and style of Narnia books. There were even books based on the books, these included a short children story about Tea with Mr Tumnus, trivia books about Narnia, and of course there were the books that deconstructed the story of Narnia and its author CS Lewis itself.

The upside of any movie adaptation of a book is that just before the theatrical release several books are re-issued into the consumer market. And if it’s any consolation, if the movie is a dud one can always read the book.

I just hope that the movie does justice to the book.

Before I forget, another plus side of the movie is that not only is CS Lewis’ Narnia books glutting the book stores but you will find a lot of his other works surfacing as well.

Among his Non-Narnia books for me the good buys would be the following:

1) Screwtape’s Letters, both the book and the audio book (read by Joss Ackland)

2) His Ransom or Silent Planet Trilogy: Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength

3) His retelling of a myth in Till We Have Faces.

4) The Dark Tower and Other Stories

CS Lewis was a close friend of JRR Tolkien (they were part of the University of Oxford-based literary discussion group called the Inklings) and was one of the first people who read Tolkien’s The Hobbit. For CS Lewis fans the movie Shadowlands (1999) a film about CS Lewis starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.

Books to read on Halloween, Feast of All Saints and All Souls Day

So what are you reading this weekend?

Despite the advance celebration of the department stores of Christmas the Feast of All Saints and the Feast of All Souls is just around the corner. It is the time of remembrance, celebration and prayer. A lot of people will be trekking to the different cities of the dead to remember friends and families who have crossed to the undiscovered country.

The topic of ghosts, ghouls and goblins will surely fill the tv screens and the airwaves. So for us bookworms what are we to do when we go tired of the usual run of shows featuring ghosts in the attics and vampires in the bathroom?

One can always read a book.

I am sure you would have your favourite reads when it comes to horror and supernatural books. The list of authors is nearly endless – Anne Rice, Stephen King, Peter Straub, Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stroker, MR James, HP Lovecraft et al.

Me? I am kind of old fashion I like reading the old authors Bram Stoker’s epistolary novel Dracula, Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, Edgar Allan Poe’s A Cask of Amontillado and the Black Cat, MR James’ Casting on the Runes, and HP Lovecraft’s Rats in the Wall. These are all my favourites but what is intriguing for me is a series of books written by Mr Maximo Ramos on the supernatural creatures and beings in Philippine folklore.

As far as I remember here are the titles:

• The Creatures of Midnight

• Aswang Complex in Philippine Folk Lore

• Legends of the Lower Gods

Mr Ramos compiled the different beliefs regarding supernatural creatures through-out the Philippines. It is an interesting read. You learn that the term Aswang is used to describe five different types of supernatural creatures – werebeasts, ghouls, blood suckers, internal organ eaters, viscera suckers and witches. You also get to learn of the different way to find out if the person is an aswang, how to deal with them and even how to cure one of the sickness. It also has a lot of stories taken from interviews with a wide array of people. You get to learn of an aswang bird caught near Subic, the delegation of mananangals teachers from another province, the danger of insulting an aswang, and the difference between two types of witches, a mangkukulam and a mambabarang.

His books are not limited to Aswang alone. Within the pages of the books you will get to encounter giants or cafres, headless creatures aptly called pugot, creatures like the bungisngis and other creatures.

For me it truly is an interesting read. So..what are you reading in the next few days?