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.

 

Happy New Year!

What makes you buy a certain book?

Do you buy a book because of the hype it created? Do you buy a book because it is one of the bestsellers? Do you buy a book based on recommendations from people you know? or Do you buy a book just because of the attractive book cover? Is it important for a book to be popular for you to buy it? or are you "adventurous" enough to try a book that is almost never heard of?

Some people buy books because they are fans of the author. Some people buy books without knowing what they bought at all. As for me, I have a multiple personality regarding book buying. I used to buy books that has created hype among friends, then books started to attract my attention in the bookstore so I end up picking a title or two after reading the blurbs at the back cover. I still do both types of book buying but since book prices have become higher over time, I started to slow down and be more careful when buying books. I actually have a guideline when buying books. My price limit for mass paperbacks is Php300 but of course, I sometimes give exemptions which will not exceed Php400. I seldom buy trade paperbacks but if I have been drooling for it for a good while already, I also buy some as long as the price tag never reach Php600. And I also have exception in this trade paperback category; which is for historical fiction and non-fictions, my ceiling price is Php700. But one thing is for sure, I have never bought a book that bears a 4-digit price tag.

One lesson I have also learned in buying books is that some "great" books are just overhyped. That if you feel like you are not going to enjoy it by reading the blurbs, maybe it's better to wait it out. Haruki Murakami has created so much hype over his work Norwegian Wood. I did everything to like it but I just.. well.. it was not for me. So another thing that I learned is to read book reviews. There are so many book reviews out there from magazines to book bloggers, just be sure to read not only one review so that you can take glimpses from different angles. 

Happy reading everybody!

I have read 32 books last 2011. I am looking forward to be reading at least 35 books this year. I hope I achieve this goal.