Book tags
Patrix tagged me to come up with a list of my books. So, here goes.
Total books I own: I have less than 10 books (at least here in Kuala Lumpur. I do have a few at my parents’ place, but I’m not listing them, since it’s been ages I left that place). Yeah I know, looking at the book tagging guys, I’m totally outsmarted here as far as the numbers are concerned. I find some solace in not worrying about their safe keeping or carrying them around =). Funny, this question reminds me of a dialogue between Will Hunting and Sean McGuire in the film: Goodwillhunting.
Last book I bought: We the media, Dan Gillmor.
Last book I read: We the media, Dan Gillmor.
Books that mean a lot to me:
- We the media, Dan Gillmor—I’ve written much about this here and here.
- Lee Iacocca: An autobiography, Lee Iacocca—I’m a sucker for real life heroes, who do it inspite of odds. I found Lee Iacocca a very moving book, in terms of dedication, hard work, self respect and determination, of one man’s odyssey in motivating others and raising a corporation from shambles.
- Papillon, Henri Charriere—For him, survival was not enough, he had to be free. Another great inspiring book on strength, honor and the will to survive the worst.
- Designing with web standards, Jeffrey Zeldman—I’ve written about this book here and here.
- View from summit, Sir Edmund Hillary—I read this book a long time ago and saw the pain and joy of reaching the summit in the eyes of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing. This book is a lesson in friendship, ability to stretch limits, belief in yourself and all those crazy words.
- Most of Alistair Maclean’s books—When it comes to fiction, this man held my attention to exquisite detail. Except for the first one, HMS Ulysses, I’ve read all.
- Asterix, Goscinny and Uderzo; Tintin, Herge—for the child and the artist within me.
Tag five people and have them do this on their blogs: I prefer not to compel anyone to follow the chain. It’s not the end of the world. In case you do follow this tag, please do leave a comment on this post. Thanks.
Update: I thought I should mention that I own a lot of reference books and pocket books (a lot of Oreillys) related to the operating systems, the web and programming, that are not essentially read end to end. Hence, neither listed nor counted.
Ahh! Papillon by Charriere. I read that too and was totally struck by the integrity and self-discipline of the man. The second book Banco is not quite as good but you should read it for completion’s sake. The movie Papillon was a big dissapointment after the book — inspite of the fact that it stared Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. Thanks for reminding me of Papillon.
Jun 16, 05 at 06:58Michlt: You’re welcome =). I agree, the movie stopped much short on the story. As I remember that’s where the actual story begins.
Jun 16, 05 at 14:37