I LOVE READING. Caps lock for intensity…
I have a longtime love affair with books.
My earliest memories of childhood always includes reading and books. I’m not choosy. Week old newspapers, bulky encyclopedias, nursery books (even during my teen years) and everything in between. As long as its printed, I’m happy.
Back then, I don’t have money to buy as much book as I want so I will re-read everything until I almost memorized them.
I read when I’m bored, I read when I’m happy, I read until wee hours of the night.
Then I came to Dubai to work. My salary was just enough to survive and buying books was a luxury. There’s a store in Satwa selling second-hand books and I became their regular client. I wonder if it’s still open. But still books are frustratingly expensive.
Soon, I became a mother. It’s not about money now but finding time to read even just a chapter. All moms can definitely relate to this. There is no such thing as ‘me-time’ anymore.
I miss my nerd self.
But now my kids have finally grown a little and they can survive without being attach to my hip 24/7. I can finish a book in one seating in peace. Hallelujah!
James Patterson is one of my fave authors but I read all genres – mystery, romance, young adult, biography, fiction and non-fiction. I also love reading series – Harry Potter, Twilight, Fifty Shades. Lately, as long as its easy read then I would be able to finish it in one go.
One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that I don’t anymore enjoy reading something I’ve already finished so I start buying books one after another.
My tall bookshelf is overflowing with my collection and I badly need a new shelf. Gibson starts to complain.
I understand him. Books are expensive. New releases cost around 100 dirhams on average. And I can finish one book in one day. If I don’t control myself, my husband and I will be the next Brangelina.
Why don’t I shift to ebooks you may ask. That is because I don’t enjoy reading them. I have online magazine subscriptions and that’s fine but books? I don’t know. It’s different when holding a book, smelling it and turning its pages. Old school and old soul maybe but there’s something therapeutic and nostalgic in reading a physical book.
So when I get invited to go and check Bookish.ae, I was ecstatic! Is this the solution to save our marriage? I have to try it myself.
Bookish.ae is Dubai’s book rental service that delivers adult and children’s bestsellers to your door. They’re the online library that delivers. Library=Cost-efficient. Online=Convenience. P-E-R-F-E-C-T!
I wonder why no one thought of this concept before? Just thinking that I can read as much book as I can makes me hyperventilate. I am so excited you can’t imagine.
The first thing I noticed when I went to their website is that the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child book is available for rent.
OMG! Done. I’m definitely subscribing. Since the released of this book, I never dare entered inside a bookstore because my EQ is low and it’s 100% guaranteed that I’ll buy this. I love my husband and I don’t want to lose him.
They also have wide selection of books for kids. I want to encourage my children to love reading. Cole has quite a number of books and have his own bookshelf. If he wants to purchase a book, most of the time I obliged. I try to justify that at least its better than toys. Although sometimes a book is more expensive than a Toy ‘R’ Us item.
For our family, I’m starting with Book Lover membership wherein we can rent unlimited books per month and 4 books at a time.
Some people would love to support feeding programs or health advocacies. Others may prefer to focus on livelihood. But my advocacy is education. Hubby and I are longtime sponsors of World Vision and we believe that children across the world (we’re sponsoring Filipino kids) should have a chance for a brighter future through education and healthy environment. Personally, I would love to have a roving library setup, visit slums and let underprivileged kids read as much book as they want while having a filling snack to go with it. I’ll work on that.
For now, happy reading! Remember, books are friends 🙂
