Falling Down the Chinese Drama Rabbit Hole (Again)

 do lovers wither when separated by vast seas

in all its beauty, the past can't be held

life after life we pledge ourselves

but how long before it forever

expansive world, infinite universe

we are but emotional beings

simply watching over each other

seemingly unfathomable, we understand

may I give my all in this lifetime

as it comes from the heart, I give freely

love like a dream evocative of fine wine

I just want to stay intoxicated

I desire all the world has to offer

joy or sorrow, they all come to pass like flowing rivers

...

...

Had been inspired to attempt this English translation of a beautiful Chinese song when I finally emerged from the drama-induced haze that was Chef Hua <人间烟火花小厨>.

My first experience with obsession over a drama series was for Scarlet Heart <步步惊心>. I had binge-watched all 35 episodes very quickly often forgetting sleep, meals, even toilet breaks. I loved it so much I even bought the book that it was adapted from after the visual feast for more mental indulgence in the art of Chinese literature.

But that experience also left me so overwhelmed that I swore them off entirely. The intensity of the experience, the way it consumed my thoughts and time, shocked me. I promised myself: never to blindly follow the fad of chasing dramas again.

For nearly 10 years I had been successful. I avoided popular dramas fervently. Even if a short footage that I chanced upon intrigued me, I would strengthen my resolve to not start the series for fear of falling into that rabbit hole again.

Last year I succumbed. I had more time on hand; the hubby was out of town; I was getting interested in cooking... so when the close-up shots of cooking Chinese cuisine in Chef Hua caught my eye, I gave it a go.

It was the flint that started an inevitable forest fire.

I tried to rein myself in. When I wanted to start on Love like a Galaxy, <星汉灿烂> but saw that it had more than 50 episodes, I thought I found a good compromise when I found some "watch-it-in-one-go" YouTube videos of it. Just 2 hours is better than 50 x 45 mins right? But I was only deceiving myself and made things worse because I was so impressed and intrigued and obsessed that I watched longer and longer versions and eventually went back to watching the original series anyway! All 40+ hours and sometimes I even re-watched favourite scenes. Kill me.

With easy access via Netflix and YouTube to a wide variety of Chinese dramas that are being produced incessantly, one drama led to another with no end in sight. Over the past year, I have been sliding down the slippery slope of drama addiction once again into a world of complex story lines, historical epics, and modern rom-coms. 

For the talent that is Leo Wu, I watched The Long Ballard <长歌行> to Nothing but You <爱情而已>. I started on Amidst a Snowstorm of Love <在暴雪时分> but amazingly am not completing it because it lost its appeal. Because of the multi-talented Liu Yuning who is also a great singer and the original talent from Scarlet Heart that is Cecilia Liu, I indulged in A Journey to Love <一念关山> when I thought I would be stopping this crazy spree. In between, I completed Love Between Fairy and Devil <苍兰诀> and Only For Love <以爱为营> because of Dylan Wang. Most recently finished The Rational Life <理智派生活> with mummy, a fellow drama junkie.

My favourite of all the series thus far is A Romance of the Little Forest <两个人的小森林>. Initially I thought I would not be able to stand the over-the-top act-cuteness of Esther Yu but it appears that she is genuinely that way even in real life. Eventually even she grew on me although what kept me from abandoning it were the breathtaking scenery, the attractive Vin Zhang and the clever, smart and hilarious banter between the main lead characters who are intellectuals. Not to forget the recurring feature of one of my favourite books, The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, and the sustainability theme which is a passion of both leads. *Swoon* So many of what I love in one series!

It really is a lighthearted and healing drama series. The cinematography often bathes scenes in warm, natural light, evoking a sense of comfort and rejuvenation. It was while *re-watching* one such scene where the female lead mistakenly assumed the male lead is leaning in for a kiss when it finally dawned on me. This was a series that I had curbed myself from watching previously! All I remember of the footage were the luminous frame of an inviting foyer, a sharp-witted dialogue, and an unusually long series title that involved greenery. The irony of my initial resistance to 'A Little Romance in the Forest' becoming my favorite drama is almost comical.

All these series have introduced me to talented actors, beautiful music, fascinating historical details, and clever storytelling. They've improved my understanding of Chinese language and culture, and provided countless hours of entertainment. As I ponder my Chinese drama obsession, I find myself in two minds. Part of me worries about the time I'm investing/wasting and the intensity of my interest. Yet another part revels in the joy, learning, and cultural exploration these dramas bring into my life.

Actually, I had not completed that translation of the song I shared at the beginning of this post. I am unable to adequately translate the last two lines which can also be encapsulated in the song's title "人间烟火". Its literal translation would be "the smoke and fire of the human world" but these four basic characters encompass so much more. It often represents the simple pleasures and small comforts of daily life. It can mean an in-depth appreciation of ordinary life. It can also symbolize the connection to humanity and the earthly realm, as opposed to the supernatural or divine. 

So for more than a year now, I had been grappling with its true meaning. Do I translate it as:

• "the enormity of our lives", 
• "the daily life of ordinary people", 
• "the hustle and bustle of human society", 
• "the warmth and vitality of everyday life",
• "the trivial but essential aspects of human existence"
• "The flavor of everyday life"
• "The warmth of human touch"
• "The pulse of the mortal world"
• "The heartbeat of society"?

Its complexity has me stumped. Interestingly, it is also this phrase (which kept reappearing in my series marathon) that encapsulates much of what I love about Chinese dramas - the portrayal of human living in all its everyday glory and complexity. 

So, obsession or not, I am going to allow myself to be continuously surprised and delighted by "the essence of human experience"!

Restarting the Engine

A casual chat with a friend recently led to the revival of my LinkedIn account. 

Not something I thought would happen after failing to transition into a new industry that I was aiming for with my Masters in Science Communication back in 2018, and certainly far from my considerations after moving halfway around the world to a vastly different setting from my birthplace last year.

When I was still in the education service, as fulfilling as it had been, I eventually came to an understanding of what I do not want and what I do want out of my career. Unfortunately, the list of do-nots was disproportionately longer than the dos in my role as a teacher. So I left. 

I was optimistic about my "new" prospects in what I considered to be a niche industry for which I had deep passion for. Until I simply was, not. Around the same time, the husband began his research into migrating to a more preferable, desirable country. The whole notion of landing a "sustainability focused, financially rewarding, energetically flowy" career was just, shelved.

Honestly thought I read enough self-help materials to realize the dangers of attaching my sense of identity to work. However, beyond that, I truly believe I have so much more to give and offer than just being a housewife. Thus I promptly got into action when the said friend mentioned the availability of remote roles on LinkedIn!

 

The engine has successfully restarted. 

Well, at least I am pleased and confident enough to share my latest sample work as a freelance writer on Stoicism. Coincidentally, a philosophy that resonated with me after learning about Marcus Aurelius. Even more serendipitous that I just finished his Meditations! Intrigued? Read my introduction to a book on this timeless philosophy.. (although it is targeted at youngsters, I truly think Stoicism is for everybody!)

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Introduction

External things are not the problem. It’s your assessment of them. Which you can erase right now. -Marcus Aurelius

I stumbled upon the above quote in the aftermath of uncertainties brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Life is an ever-changing landscape that shaped our roller-coaster journey through which we navigate essentially alone. The pandemic with its enforced isolation had brought out the uglier side of humanity. It was against such a depressive backdrop that this little bit of Stoic philosophy stood out for me like a beacon of clarity and wisdom.

Discovering Stoicism: A Turning Point

Imagine it is 2020. The coronavirus is spreading to all parts of the world. We are isolated. The news that we get each day consists of which new country has it landed in, the number of infected people, the shortage of supplies, the difficulties, the inconveniences. The death toll. My mind is clouded with anxiety, frustration, and helplessness. I go through the mechanics of the day like a zombie. But when I read this quote, it shone through the darkness like a torch of a thousand suns. Indeed we have the power to erase the actual problem.

A Personal Odyssey: Applying Stoic Principles

From the genius of Marcus Aurelius, I studied other key figures of Stoicism including Zeno of Citium, Seneca and Epicetus. Each ancient had me delved ever deeper into Stoic philosophy and I found myself embracing the concept of identifying what lies within my sphere of control and letting go of all that lies without. It has transformed not just my perspective but my very approach to living.   

The Essence of Stoicism

Stoicism may seem like an abstract philosophy but to put it plainly, it is a way of life. The core of which is the pursuit of eudaimonia - a state of “flourishing" that is the result of living in accordance with nature and virtue (Pigliucci, 2024). When one practices this diligently, it is equivalent to gaining a superpower that helps one to stay strong and calm when the going gets tough.

The Relevance of Stoicism To Young People

As a secondary school teacher for more than a decade, I have witnessed first-hand the many challenges and difficulties faced by young people. From academic struggles and social pressures to mental health issues and family problems, youngsters can use all the help they can get to navigate all kinds of situations and overcome obstacles. I wish I had discovered Stoicism earlier so that more of my students could have benefited from my knowledge of Stoicism. It is evident to me that its core principles offer a crucial guiding light in chaotic times, a roadmap for them to navigate life’s tumultuous seas of the growing up years.

Walking the Stoic Path: A Call to Action

Here let me formally invite you to discover for yourself the timeless wisdom of Stoicism. It is the wish of all teachers for our students, young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow, to achieve their fullest potential. The Stoic Path can guide and lead you on a journey of powerful transformation if you weave its principles into the fabric of your life. May this exploration be your source of inspiration and empowerment, guiding you through the vicissitudes of puberty and beyond with courage and grace.

Books - Borders - Beatitude

Visited The Book Barracks today. What a beautiful place. You know how when you come into a space and just know that you belong? That is how I felt when I stepped into The Book Barracks. It is the little details. Signs handmade with love. Tibetan prayer flags. Namaste. I still have fond memories of my first time in Nepal. 

Just like the founder of Books Beyond Borders. I remember the children, gorgeous little beings with rosy cheeks and cheerful eyes. But unlike the founder, I did not go on to run a successful social enterprise. Amazing what passion and a heart to give can achieve. Truly inspiring, and very inspired. 

I generally prefer to borrow books from the library or source from Books Don't Throw if I have particular titles in mind. Very often I just read what is available if the title or cover piques my interest. But when I do wish to buy a book, I am so glad there is Books Beyond Borders that allows me to get a pre-loved one and do good at the same time! 

A special shoutout to Yu Xuan for her assistance in my quest for this Meditation book. When I first reached out, I was informed that they do not have it but I received another message the following day that they just got one! I will call that beatitude! 

Had actually walked out of the cozy shop after making my purchase but felt so compelled to put up this post, I returned and asked Yu Xuan for a photo! Thus here's rounding up my fastest blog post of books, borders and beatitude. 😉

Aurelius

No, not Dumbledore. Although that was probably where I truly first heard of this name.. I remember relishing the way Johnny Depp enunciated it for Ezra Miller (start at 3:59).

Had not even registered it while watching Gladiator... He was already put in such a good light in that movie... What an unfortunate way for a great man to pass but his death as shown in the movie is not verified.

It is just this year when I was reading "The Power of Now" that I first came across the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism. I was so blown away by how it resonated with me that it earned an entire page entry in my bujo. 

That was my reminder to dig deep into stoicism but it is only just now that I remember and make another resolution to get the book! Which is really saying something because books are one category of things that I do not really buy anymore. Although I love reading physical books over Kindle, they often feel like clutter at home because they are so rarely picked up. I only kept a very small selection of books that I do not think I will ever let go. And now I am certain, this book has earned its space in my house before I have even read it entirely.

So, what jolted my memory again? For the month of June, I have been reading one book a day according to a suggested "30 Must-Read Books before you turn 50" list. Really not a speedy reader so just summaries of the listed books. 😅 Really gained quite some useful knowledge, even from books I would never have picked up from a shelf ("The 48 Laws of Power"?!?!) on my own.

Recommended book for day 24 is "Meditations". The list does not include authors (and there was no need to because it is always evident which best seller the title refers to) and I had thought this was going to be a yoga-related book but it is actually by that Aurelius this post is dedicated to. 😍 Also interesting that I am currently writing this post on the same land where his wife had died...

Usually, I would peruse a few summaries for the book of the day and draw up my own summary, noting the key points, into my bujo. For this particular entry, I noted that this book is "a collection of personal notes which was never meant for publication" and a command to "READ IT!"

I can't wait to get my hands on it! But first I need to decide which translation.....

that gut feeling is actually intuition lah

Sunning my damp note

Last week after our tuition session, my tutee discovered that he had misplaced the fifty dollars note meant to be my payment. He became flustered as he most likely dropped it along the way from the drop-off point to where we were and come on who wouldn't pick up $50 off the ground!?

Anyway, I suggested retracing his steps to look for it although I agreed that the note was unlikely to be found anymore. We searched the path but I kept looking into the flower beds and off the path too as if there is a chance to still find it, it would be in an obscure place. 

He got more and more worried ("my dad is gonna kill me!") as we got closer to the end point. I, on the other hand, suddenly, very clearly, had "a very good feeling that we are going to find it". I remembered smiling to myself at that point and telling him so. 

We walked the last stretch to the drop-off point and he was pulling his hair out when I looked into the last drain that I intended to look and behold!! There it was!! I made him do all the dirty work to retrieve my payment. 😝 

So damp fifty dollars note in hand, I was musing on how once upon a time I was not even able to understand what people meant when they said they have a gut feeling about something. It was just inconceivable to my logical brain. And now I am today's years old that I can wholeheartedly believe a feeling that defies logic and plausibility! It felt bloody damn good to be proven right!

I thought it was a gut feeling that I had about finding the note but the more accurate term is actually intuition. Learnt quite a fair bit about the differences between the two but regardless what I call it, tuning in was never something I was good at. 

 When I first read Malcolm Gladwell's Blink, I was simultaneously amazed and distraught. Amazed by how eloquently he put into words ideas that seemed impossible to explain and distraught that I was so very far from capitalising on my does-it-even-exist inner voice. 

Is it an age thing? Come to think of it, I can also remember one time I practically literally felt butterflies in the stomach, which will be closer to that gut feeling I supposed. Or another time I felt my heart turned cold. It is becoming more in tune with what is happening inside instead of having that drowned out by what is happening outside. 

Well, I like being able to trust my intuition 😏

What kind of books keep you up at night?

Been a while since I wrote a book review; Had done a few as an English Language teacher. Check out here and here. Wrote this one for NLB Book Review Challenge (200 words limit 😅) when I chanced upon it while reading the book. Really enjoyed this one. 💖 If you don't mind a preloved book, I can pass on the book to you! And just found out there is a TV movie based on the book!

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"Photography is all about secrets. The secrets we all have and will never tell."

"You can't stop time. You can't capture light. You can only turn your face up and let it rain down."

"A moment was not a single moment at all, but rather an infinite number of different moments, depending on who was seeing things and how." 

The very first thing that drew me to this book was its cover. On hindsight, the beautiful imaginary of the transparent dress perfectly reflects the theme of the daughter who is present yet as good as invisible. I also agree with the idea of photography portrayed as a means of holding memories and find myself nodding along whenever this theme is explored. I especially love the author’s artistry in describing landscapes, scenes, moments, and even the emotions of the characters to the point of making them almost tangible. It had been a meditation like experience for me reading this book as it demands full attention to its vivid description and suspenseful plot. The book was set in the late 20^th century and it is sad to note that the stigma attached to mental conditions and Down Syndrome had scarcely reduced since then. I can only hope that readers of the book may be positively impacted and better empathise with people having such conditions.

Ellen says..

I am a huge Ellen fan. I was almost a workaholic when I was working as a teacher but I tried my damnedest to make it home every workday at 5pm to catch her show on TV. I would dance along with her and the audience at the beginning of the show (if no one else was home), laugh out loud at her witty jokes, shed silent tears to the heart wrenching and/or heartwarming stories highlighted and really take to heart her constant reminder to "be kind to one another". Her show had been the most positive part of my otherwise stressful and monotonous life. Kind of a surprise to myself that she had only been mentioned once in my blog.

My friends know how much I idolise her. I am totally infatuated with her! I constantly made references to things, ideas, people, songs mentioned during the show in my conversations with others and come to think of it, many trendy things that I do know about are mostly because they had been featured in her show. Case in point, never laid eyes on SuperM until they performed live on her show. And I actually dislike the colour blue with the exception of what I call "Ellen blue". It is as though she can do no wrong such that even my least favourtie colour becomes acceptable when it is associated with her. So I talk (maybe gush is a better word) about her a lot. I have double copies of her books because I have sweet friends who think of me when they see her face. 

When she first started the Ellen Shop and began advertising her merchandise during the show, I often eyed them enviously. If I know of a friend going to or transiting in LA, I would be sorely tempted to ask for a gift from the shop. It is probably a great blessing in disguise that I do not live in USA because I probably could then set up a branch in my own house. 

Subsequently my inclination towards minimalisim all but squashed any of my desire to own Ellen items no matter how much I like them. Until she started her BE KIND by ellen box series. 
The internal struggle.....
~ a be kind box! awwww.....
* but it will be full of items that you won't need...
~ they are products that make a difference to the world!
* how much more dust collectors do you want to take care of?!?!
~ they are curated by Ellen!
* think of the environmental impact and of transporting it halfway round the world...
~ maybe just one??
...
...

Then my birthday came around... and although I was still struggling within... somehow... when you really want something the entire universe conspires to make it happen (feeling this a lot lately) and today I received it! It sparked so much joy in me just to unbox it! C'mon... it's Ellen... even if it was just chock-full of bubble wrap I would still be grinning from ear to ear. And the fact that I had no idea what the contents were made the unboxing all the more anticipative!

Ellen's note

I count the card with a note and signature by her an item on its own! Hahaha... the main point of the card is probably the descriptions of all the items within but this slightly bigger than A5 square tri-fold card with her gorgeous image on the cover is something I will treasure like all my Hello Kitty items!

Diff Eyewear

Aviator sunglasses! Haven't had one for a while and with every pair, the gift of sight is provided to someone in need. 👍 The hubby caught me at the moment when I was trying it on and pointed out that it would look better on him... so anniversary gift for him settled!

Vahdam Teas

Tumeric teas! Great timing when I am just trying to include more tumeric into our diet... Not sure if it will really be "BEST. TEA. EVER." as she put it but revenue goes towards education of the Indian tea growers' children - the educator in me approves! 

Quartet

A lasting dry-erase pad. Hmmm.... what will I do with my endless supply of scrap paper then? Hahaha... but I love the little message already on it... maybe I will just leave it there.... 🤔

Lotus Bags

Something that I have already decided against buying but lovely to actually own some! At least a percentage of profits is channeled to environmental charities.

BE KIND. Umbrella

Something from the Ellen Shop! So in the end I do own an Ellen merchandise after all. A straightforward reminder "when it's downpouring, literally and metaphorically". Certainly apt in the current Covid-19 situation. Can't wait to use it!

Little Renegades

Cards with basic mindfulness techniques for the little ones. Will definitely try them with Dylan and Erica and I imagine the cards will be very useful too if I take on some kids yoga classes...

Endangered Species Chocolate

Dark chocolates! Though not quite the percentage I prefer (these being only 55%) but helping gorillas (Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund) while enjoying a treat? Priceless.

Kind Lips

Lip balms that remind you to #SaySomethingKind and support anti-bullying initiatives. If I am still a teacher, this would be a consequence for any bully who does not understand how to shut up when you have nothing nice to say. Any teacher friends want them?


And that's it! The last time I was this excited about a parcel was when I ordered my leather backpack from Kickstarter. I am really not into online shopping but I think today I finally experienced a little of what regular Taobao kings and queens do with their consignments... 

Thank you Ellen! For being such an inspiration and beacon of light to me and to the world. I love my BE KIND box and I am so blessed to get it for my birthday!!!!!

TFIOS

Sharing my love for reading with the Pathlighters. Instead of my favourite book, shared the book i last read this month... The book left me a little emo for a few days which meant it is a really good book, at least to me..

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If you go to Popular bookstore, you will find this book under the Young Adults section. This is actually a book I would not pick up because I am not part of the target audience and thus although it was published in 2012 and the movie came out this year, I only read it very recently and quite by chance. However, I am very glad I did as i thoroughly enjoyed it and finished it within days!

Personally, good books are ones that enable me to learn more about something new, or is so interesting that I just have to read another page, or when what i read strikes a chord within me, as if it is stating exactly how i once felt. TFIOS fulfilled all three. I learnt about cancer, I read past many midnights and it is filled with quotations which made me want to post on Facebook to share with my friends.

So today I am thankful for this chance to share my love for reading with all of you through some of the quotes and what i learnt from this particular book.

Importance of fiction. The main character, Hazel, has a favourite book in the story. Yes, a book within a book. With it, the theme of the value of fiction surfaces. It brings up the point that made up stories can matter, especially when it matches the reader’s own experiences. It can bring comfort, joy and companionship. Personally, I like it when reading brings me into a different world that I can escape to and learn from. And like this quote, I often cannot find words for my thoughts and feelings but in books i sometimes find the answers i seek.

The theme of suffering. The story is basically about teenagers dying from cancer. It is a little bleak. It is not just physical pain but also emotional pain, hurt. The physical pain from suffering from a disease and the emotional hurt for being a human with feelings. Although it is not pleasant, it is a part of life. Like death is a part of life and how we all have to learn to accept it and through this suffering we can grow. And when we learn to accept it, we can truly appreciate joy.

Love. It is essentially a love story between two youngsters. How romantic love at that stage of life can be reckless yet sweet. But there is also the love from parents, family and friends. The extent to which one is willing to sacrifice for a loved one, be it a friend, a child or a partner, can be extraordinary. Hazel described herself as a grenade because she was loved despite her terminal illness. From this, I am reminded to always cherish our loved ones while we still can.

Fate. Insensitivity of the universe. The reality is we do not always get what we want; we often do not see our wishes and dreams come true. And it is not that the world is against us, it is just the way life is. We are all in fact very insignificant compared to the universe and have no control over what happens to us. But one thing i learnt is that we certainly can decide how we want to respond and that responding positively and kindly will always be the right choice. even when the world refuses to grant us our most desired wishes.

So, this is the book I last read. It certainly will not be the last book I ever read. As I said at the beginning i am really glad i picked it up and am pleasantly surprised by it. I want to encourage all of you to pick up reading. It can be this book, can be the nearest book near you, or a book that catches your eye in the newest library of Singapore but read. There are much treasures within one. Leaving you with one last quote from the book, hoping that you will get to feel that way some time.

Thank you!

To own a book..

Just visited The Little Prince Cafe right here in Singapore...

There are so many different versions of the book within the small shop itself and was reminded that i still do not own a copy of one of my favourite books..

But already i do not like buying books, especially if i already read them... and although i do want to own a copy of it, i realise i am somehow waiting to chance upon a perfect/right copy... (like choosing The One huh)

Well... i have decided... and this post is a reminder to self. I will only buy The Little Prince book if it:

• comes in both Chinese and English within the same book or set
• has coloured pictures
• contains beautiful drawings (which will probably mean not those drawn by St Exupery himself)
• printed in appealing font
• published in gorgeous finishing (preferably in a case?!)

i am so setting myself up for failure.....

can't be the rose

omg... i let a month passed without posting at all... and there was no lack of materials... but somehow nothing is ever that important enough for me to sit down and pen all that flurry of thoughts into meaningful words... 

no more urgent urges... 
not my new sleek and gorgeous tablet/laptop hybrid (which i named sammi), 
not the boston marathon incident (senseless and hurtful which i can never understand), 
not taking MC for the first time this year (which was serious enough to be off work for 2 days - woohoo!), 
not the subtle but perhaps enormous difference between "not meant to be" and "meant not to be" (i celebrate amazing writers!!), 
finally not even the one change that usually would have turned my life upside down.... 
guess i will do right to stick with devoting my posts to TDSSD..

but before that... a piece i written for school... and given the numerous positive feedback i received, i say the near heart attack i had while presenting it over the PA system is quite worth it!

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The Little Prince is one of my favourite books. It is written in such simple language yet the lessons within are so profound. The love story between the prince and his rose helped me understand that a relationship is not always tender and delightful but often involves pain and hurt as well. I felt the prince’s love for his rose and once thought it would be a blessing to be his rose. It was a very real love story of two human beings. I had wondered what kind of woman the rose had been for the prince to feel so much for yet choose to leave behind.

However, I am not here to review The Little Prince today. The book I like to recommend is titled “The Tale of The Rose”. That’s right. It was written by The Little Prince’s beloved rose, wife of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This is her account, her version of their extraordinary marriage which had spanned 13 long years. Like The Little Prince, it was translated from French. His wife was a writer too and she wrote well. At least, she managed to bring me on an emotional roller-coaster ride from her first meeting with Antoine in Buenos Aires, through war times in France to the time she heard of his final disappearance from the skies while living in New York.

It is a very insightful book to me though the main reason I am recommending this book is how it validates the idiom “there are always two sides to a story”. Indeed, now i see the same relationship from two different perspectives. I really could never look at The Little Prince the same way again. I may have wished I was his unique rose once, after knowing the other side of the story, the modern woman in me is wishing he never return, or if he did, would never stay in such a broken relationship with him.

To say the truth, I am not sure if I would recommend it to those who love The Little Prince, just because The Tale of The Rose will irreversibly change your opinion of him. But everyone deserves to know the full story because only then can you make a more informed choice or form a more rational opinion. And this applies to all aspects of life – whether you are choosing subjects, a course or a school, or you are wondering if your parents or teachers are being fair to you – you need to first know the full story. This book truly reinforced this concept for me.

5. Dylan needs to read.

the original statement goes "they need to read. fast. and remember."

reading is one of my hobbies but i only become an avid reader quite late when i was about 15 years old. i am a slow reader and i savor the process of reading and the ah-ha moments while reading more than to memorize the contents of the book. so i am not so sure about the necessity of "fast" and "remember"? (unless he intends to be a lawyer?!)

but dylan does need to read. and develop a love for reading. not only is it enjoyable but it opens doors and widens horizons and most importantly enhances knowledge. and i am a firm believer in having a passion for learning so i do hope he starts bugging me to buy books for him soon!