Three new books for the reading corner that I'm planning to set up at home. Those who read together, thinks together. You get the idea 😊. More things to talk about when you read together right? I picked these thin and very easy to read books so that reading wouldn't be a chore. I hope my reading corner will be popular in the house. 

Mixed Feelings

There should have been more books written about in this blog. To what purpose, you might ask. For me, it is just so that I could remember what a book has made me felt or the lessons it gave me.

Someone very close to me, a few times said, you're reading useless books. Even a colleague once thrashed fiction as useless and not worth his time reading. I was a bit hurt at that time but I said nothing but just gave him a smile and a small 'I see'.

At times, I do doubt myself. I have been shying a way a bit from reading these past few years, as I suspect that I may have used it as a form of escape or a refuge from my problems. Don't worry, I haven't stopped reading but I read much less now. 

I am a bit embarrassed to say that even when reading much less, this week I have finished rereading 3 books. All fiction, two by American authors and another by a Spanish author. I consciously try not to get new books, as reading them would require much more concentration.

Perhaps it's weird that I would reread books but I think it's the same as watching our favourite movies again and again.

Back to escapism, it's true that reading a book is much easier than writing about them. A thoughtful entry in this blog would have taken much of my time and effort. I just prefer to breeze through them and let them take me on an adventure.

Sometimes I think those around me interpret this as I am not interested to mingle or communicate with them. The truth is, when I am engrossed in a book, I tend to forget my surroundings and everyone around me.

That someone close to me had even scoffed at reading in general and even writing, I suspect more as a reaction to me reading too much than a real dislike for reading. I caught them someone working really hard to edit someone's writing and read tons of reading material to help another person with their thesis. 

I am slightly disappointed that we could not read together, or at least talk about the things we read. It's quite sad to see someone pretending to dislike reading just to discourage me?

The lack of storage space have also forced me to buy more ebooks than physical ones. I still much prefer real books though. 

This sums up my reading habits, for now. Just felt the need to let it all out. Will write again soon if I am able to beat that procrastination monster in me.

Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

The Lincoln Lawyer

I got this book from a used book sale. I am a fan of John Grisham so it is not difficult to pick up this book.

The title is intriguing enough and very literal. It's because the main character owns several Lincoln cars, which is prestigious enough during the time the novel is set.

Mickey Haller is a very lovable character despite all his flaws. As his ex-wife put it, its an incredible feat of his, for him to be loved by all his two ex-wives and daughters.

He was a cynical defense attorney who have long abandoned the notion of an innocent client. He encountered a pure evil in the form of a new client whom he initially thought possibly innocent.

He is portrayed as very human with foibles and weaknesses but never shying from his responsibilities and his principles. Despite his weaknesses, he formed more than just working relationships with the people he worked with. 

He struggled to make sure a man he knows is guilty is punished and at the same time free an innocent man he persuaded to plead guilty. Through cunning and his resources as a successful  defense lawyer, justice is finally served, though at a very hefty price. 

A good read for a glimpse into the life of a criminal defense lawyer. 

Memory Man by David Baldacci

Sometimes I wished that my memory would never fail me. Amos Decker is a man with perfect memory.

I was drawn by that premise, how does a man with perfect memory track down the killers of his family? The perfect memory an acquired gift, he is a savant born in adulthood.

Turns out it wasn't easy. As we know, memories can have a funny way of tricking us into believing a distorted reality. Amos Decker could not escape this. Whatever we believe to be true is always viewed through our own tinted lense.

Amos was led through a goose chase with lots of red herrings. He did came out in top (relatively) but not unscathed. I could not guess who the real villain is so you're in for a treat if you love mystery and a lone wolf kind of hero.