The Brooding Lizard

This was a book which I anticipated and wanted to read very much. I bought a copy with Miep Gies‘ 100th Birthday afterword the moment I saw it at a bookstore. First edition! It was a part of history that I was glad to learn about.

Many of us have read Anne Frank – The diary of a young girl. Or you would have heard about her. The book was from Anne’s point of view. I had always wanted to know from the caregiver’s and protector’s perspective. I wanted to know the trials and hardship she faced from the wars (she survived both WW1 and WW2). I wanted to know who was this lady and how was she raised. I wanted to know the difficulties she faced in caring for them.

I have read many books but rarely have I read a book which radiates with such honesty and humility. Her pages emit a somber and yet sober gentle mood. When I read Miep’s prologue and the afterword of her 100th birthday, it brought tears to my eyes. With her being so renown and being the last survivor of the group which housed the Anne Frank and seven others, she still insists that she only did what anyone would’ve done. She didn’t ask for more when she could have. I photographed this page from the copy I own, so you can read for yourselves.

I was saddened to have heard that Miep Gies had passed away. She had a bad fall in her nursing home b4 Christmas of 2009 and never recovered properly. But I’m glad that she’s now in a better place and will be rejoined with her beloved husband and the rest who have passed on before her. Living history has been laid to rest but she will always be remembered.

Miep Gies, you have thought me much through your writings. I salute you. For all of you out there who are looking for a good book to read, do consider this one.

4 Comments | In: Lizzy's Readings | tags: anne frank, diary of a young girl, miep gies, netherlands, ww2. | #

I am almost through the book  ‘First they killed my father’ by Loung Ung and so far its been hard to put down. Loung Ung writes in such fashion that it is easy to visualise and empathise with the sufferings of her family and herself during the Khmer Rouge regime. She writes her story from a child-like perspective (she was then a 5 y-o child) with has a background of complexity.

The first half of the book is well written with much detail of their daily war-torn lives. The author spent a lot of time and effort on this. The ending, I felt could have been much better. I believe that because there is a sequel to this book, the author made the ending rather brief compared to her earlier chapters.

I just discovered this book not too long ago though it was published some years back. Generally bookstores in this country do not promote books like these. Some ppl who man bookstores say it is distressing to put out books like these for display. (This comes from a personal exp with certain cretins of the book industry) It is a hidden treasure of the book world. Do not dismiss it because of its cover – hence the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ – but immerse yourself in its content.

2 Comments | In: Lizzy's Readings | tags: cambodia, First they killed my father, khmer rouge, Loung Ung. | #

I just finished ‘Water for Elephants’ by Sara Gruen and find it an easy read. Its a simple story about a vet and the 2 loves he discovers when he ‘accidentally’ joins the circus. The author writes of the main character’s the 2 selves/eras – his former younger self and a more senior self in a nursing home. This novel is heart-warming and definitely worth a read. You’ll plough through it as I did and b4 U know it, its the end.

I know this was published sometime ago but just spare me the chides. Good books can never lose their great essence of content. Nor can they lose their entralling and entertaining value. 

2 Comments | In: Lizzy's Readings | tags: sara gruen, water for elephants. | #

Yup! He’s the same fella who wrote ’1421 – The year China discovered America’ and here he is with another book which will cause controversies amongst historians. In this book ’1434 – The year a magnificent Chinese fleet sailed to Italy and ignited the Renaissance’, you will be challenged to quench your curiosity about the Renaissance.

He reacquaints you with Columbus, Magellan and other Renaissance characters like Leonardo Da Vinci. He provides evidence, from logs and from other sources, that the Chinese fleet did have a part in starting the Renaissance. It is really interesting to read his discoveries and assertions as I whiz thru the pages. I am challenged to rethink what I learn and know about World, European and Renaissance history.

For example, Columbus and Magellan already had maps of their ‘destinations’. So Menzies asks ”How do you discover a place when it has already been discovered?”. Again, here I find the Chinese nature coming thru. Chinese are scattered all over the Earth, everywhere they go they just wanna have a peaceful place to seek their fortune and settle down to raise a family. Not so much for conquest. I am here speaking of the general Chinese not the warlords and emperors.

For those who love a good read, this book is another. Its not boring at all. I read 1421 and found it worthwhile. Of course like everything one reads and hears, just think for yourselves if its true or untrue (what Menzies writes). Menzies also encourages you to tell him what you think about the book when you have finished.

Sometimes its good to read something that is not mainstream. Something new, something different. That way, you’ll learn more and be able to see things differently. Here’s a link for a better description of the book than what I can provide here.

I haven’t finished the book to be honest but its been a while since my curiousity has peaked so much by a book. If you read this book, it’ll just be for your own knowledge. But all knowledge is worth having.

2 Comments | In: Lizzy's Readings | tags: 1434, chinese history, gavin menzies, renaissance. | #

I recently got this book in a sale. Been wanting to get it for a while but like all things I want I do the usual routine. Put in the mental K-I-V list and buy it when its cheaply or reasonably priced. Like many things, there are some I regret but some I do not. This book is one I do not regret one bit. I’m not done with it yet but I’m thru one part of the trilogy and can’t wait to continue plowing thru it.

WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:

This book is based on the author’s life. Rated as the 3rd worst child abuse case recorded in the US. He was abused terribly by his mother till he was rescued. The most unfortunate and sick thing is that he had other siblings but he was the only target of his mother’s craziness. Why that is… I’m not sure coz I haven’t finished the book. Remember?

How badly can someone be abused by his own mother? Let me give some examples he wrote. Being stabbed in the stomach and not sent to hospital for treatment. Starved for days and still expected to do the house chores. When fed, he was only fed table scraps or he had to rummage from the garbage bin. He was beaten, burnt and even fed chlorox and ammonia. That’s putting it in too simple a summary… Dave puts it in such detail that u actually wonder how can a child below 10 endure all that…

Anyway, he has made good of himself and is aiding ppl who are going thru wat he went thru. The book is easy reading so u’ll have no problems trying to stay interested and believe me, its worth it. Borrow it, buy it or steal it (I don’t reckon u should steal coz its BAD!)…

Happy reading, ppl!

8 Comments | In: Lizzy's Readings | tags: a child called it, a man called dave, child abuse, Dave pelzer, my story, the lost boy. | #