by Jun Asis

About three thousand bucks.

That’s the amount I’ve spent for books for the last three months. It’s roughly equal to my power and water bills.

That’s about 9 months’ worth of prepaid load. Or about 240 hours worth of online gaming (exclusive of chips and soda). Maybe 10 trips to the movies (including popcorn and drinks). Three-fourths the price of a pair Florsheim shoes on sale. 3 DVD titles (original).

And this old tightwad is not complaining.

The benefits I got from of reading include an increased vocabulary, enhanced creativity, and expanded knowledge to name a few. It is a clean form of entertainment which explores limitless possibilities that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere by anybody.

And my learning and development continues.

My love for books and reading started before I went to school. But it was in 1985 (I was 15 years old then) when I was gripped by Robert Ludlum’s Matarese Circle that Papa brought home. I just couldn’t wait to finish the novel that I lugged it everywhere I went.

Since my first Ludlum book, I’ve shifted from author to author, genre to genre. Science fiction, detective thrillers, mystery, fiction, comedy, documentary, the classics, literary, inspirational, real-life stories, self-help, motivational, business, marketing and a few others in between.

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series (Hunt for Red October, Clear and Present Danger) and Robert Ludlum’s Bourne novels (Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy, Bourne Ultimatum) thrilled me no end. I was fascinated with the power of government and influential people. The twists and tangles of their plots and sub plots, the seemingly innocent scenes, the rush and adrenalin… They make you feel as though you were there. But in more than these, the heroes taught me that it is determination, not power, nor brute force that matters for a man to overcome his adversities.

If guessing and mind benders are your type then read Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sidney Sheldon or John Grisham. Their logic is so uncanny but amazing at the same time. They keep you guessing who did it until the very end.

And then there is the inimitable JRR Tolkien with his Lord of the Rings. If you’ve seen the movie, read the book. If you’ve done both, read and watch again.

Among these greats is my favorite author, Isaac Asimov. It was he who has piqued my imagination no end. His Foundation series is a delight to read, combining humor, logic, and
science fiction without gore or explicit depiction of violence. His Robot books meanwhile deal with psychology and sociology of the future, having created the famous “Three Laws of
Robotics”. One of these books, I, Robot, was recently made into a movie starring Will Smith, though I doubt it even caught half of Asimov’s vision of thestory (- my opinionated view because I haven’t seen it). As a side note, he has to his credit several science books such as Brocka’s Brain which gives you a layman’s straightforward narrative about the brain and the nervous system adn The Neutrinos dealing with neutrinos (of course!). His story-telling prowess completely overshadows the typical impression we have of University professors. (He had a Ph D in Chemistry and has served in the academe for quite a while).

If you are a Star Wars fan, there is more to the galaxy far, far away than just the six movies. I dare say, read the other books, including the book versions of the movies. As Yoda would probably say, “If you do not read, not a real Star Wars fan you are.”

Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale, Leo Buscaglia, Og Mandino, Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie, John Eldredge and Spencer Johnson. From success, positive thinking, parenting, encouragement, healing, middle-age crisis, perseverance, time management, these names are trustworthy. If you want to improve just any aspect of your life, just google: [Author’s name] [topic]. Or send me an email for a suggestion if you wish.

If you want to change your perspective about your finances, read Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Then follow it up with Bo Sanchez’s, Simplify and Live the Good Life. And your view of money will forever be changed.

Speaking of Bo Sanchez a local (but reaches hearts globally) author-speaker-motivator-spiritual leder all rolled into one and then some, he also has books that makes spirituality reachable, talking about living life simply and living it for God in a really experiential way. And then there is Francisco Colayco (who by the way has just released his sequel, including a money workbook) is a good read for those who are thinking of putting their money matters in order. Larry Gamboa makes a strong case about real estate investing, if that is your cup of tea.

I’ve finished quite a number of books and have reaped the benefits reading. You can enjoy reading, too. And I have several more lined up and found in my bag, the car, my work table, the CR (ask a Filipino friend if you don’t know what this means), my office drawer. Not to mention my bookshelf. =)

Start reading. Continue reading. Invest in your mind. Cultivate this habit with your children. And you don’t have to spend a huge sum. You can borrow from friends or the library. Or buy from garage sales, second-hand shops or the internet. Grab a book now.

Bye for now. I’m craving for a good read.

PS: Check out Books for Less, Books for Sale for pre-owned books. You may also post a comment so I can give you a list from my friend Nancy who sells great books at great bargains. She even has a new Harry Potter and the Half-Blodd Prince at Php 900.