The Floating Book Fair

image shot by Rouelle Umali

I was so excited when I read in a broadsheet that there will be a floating book fair here in Manila. I have never been into one and I got more excited when I read about the incredulously cheap-priced books. It was after further reading news and bits about the floating book fair that I found out that they have been conducting this for a few years already. But they have changed the vessel from MV Duolos to a bigger MV Logos Hope. They changed into a bigger vessel because they want to accommodate more people. So, off I went and joined our crew who covered the opening ceremony of the floating book fair.

The opening ceremony is fun. They have I think 400 to 500 crews of about 50 nationalities aboard Logos Hope. Some of them were introduced on stage wearing their national costume, including our very own representatives, wearing barong tagalog, and baro't saya. Then, I think the most fun part (beside the books, of course), is the production number of their African Choir. They sung and danced, accompanied by their own live band, and although they sang it in their language, the song was lively and the blending was good.

Then, after a few speeches, came the moment I have been waiting for. The books! I was like a child when I finally saw the books. My eyes kept on dashing here and there. One thing that I appreciate the most is that they have put labels on the shelves, so even from afar, you know what books are on those shelves. It is pretty helpful because when its as crowded as it was that day, I know which shelves I can skip, and which shelves I should risk my life for in order to get there.

image shot by Rouelle Umali

It was also good to see that they have dedicated half of the area for children's books. So I think, they really are sincere in their advocacy in "bringing knowledge, health, and hope". Overall, I got only three books as it is quite difficult to navigate around because of the crowd, and time pressure. So, I plan to go back before they leave on the 13th of March, and buy more books. You will also find a section there for some souvenir items and I find their souvenir items useful and beautiful too.

 

A Thousand Splendid Suns

I was breathless, and exhausted after reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. I felt like I was physically with Laila throughout her journey from Pakistan, to Herat, and finally to Kabul.

Of all the “No.1 New York Times bestseller” novels that I have ever read (although only a few), this one is one of those that is really deserving of the rank. We all have read, heard, and watched articles, interviews, and news, about Afghanistan especially after the 9/11 attack; but who had known Afghanistan prior 9/11? Who had known, whether consciously or unconsciously about Afghanistan and their own wars? How about the wars against Afghans, women, children, husbands, fathers, wives, sisters? This is our chance. Khaled has told the finest story about his country, full of varying emotions. I am amazed that his story expanded into a vast range of stories.

I also cannot help but be very appreciative of Khaled who acknowledges through this novel that women, if provoked, can stand up for themselves. Mariam and Laila fought and freed themselves together from Rasheed. They did not let him win over them. They did so for their love for each other, and for their love for their children; and even if they started as contenders.

I was also touched by Jalil’s story. It really is true that one can only realize how much a person means to him when the person is already gone. How I wish that Jalil had formed a backbone way back when Mariam had just lost Nana. How I wish yet again that Mariam read the letter Jalil left for her at the door. And yet, all of those are part of reality of life. 

In this story you will find parental love, romantic love, brotherly love, and sisterly love. You will also be amazed to know that even in this kind of mess, when seeing goodness is quite unattainable, you will find a story of strangers helping each other even as strange as entrusting an inmate not to endanger you, as what Sayeed has done.