Reading, reading, reading

surreptitious and warrick

I'm finally reading Augusten Burroughs. I have been trying to read at least one chapter/story a day while scarfing down breakfast. I died laughing with Vanderbilt Genes. "Mr. Bubble was for common people. I should bathe in condiments and seasonings." and "I am smiling behind a large Ming vase, thinking about dashing outside and scratching the ears of my pet camel."

What?! Wow, this guy is great. You evil people giving me a new author to read. Shame on you.

I'm going to try and read a couple stories during my lunch break.


wickedsin

I finally finished reading The Alchemist. I did see some similarities with The Little Prince, but I think it was mostly that both protagonists take long journeys during which they learn life lessons. Their lessons, though, seem very different.

The Alchemist deffinately has that gut-wrenching "I need to get out of my thankless job in order to realize my dream" message. That's a given. What I really enjoyed most about it is the idea that dreams aren't made into a reality instaneously, and it is possible for dreams to get put on hold, but hopefully not lost. It is when they are lost that you really lose.

The book for me was another reminder of why I refuse to give up on school, despite 12 years worth of various setbacks. Setbacks are only setbacks in how they affect your journey toward your Personal Legend (as referenced in the book), but they are not setbacks in life. They are simply part of the journey. I am who I am because of my journey.

This was the less obvious lesson that I took away from The Alchemist.

Even better, was the underlying theme of understanding other cultures during you travels. Much was mentioned in that respect. Very few authors ever even touch on the subject.