Do Books Furnish a Room?

My daily perusal of Arts & Letters Daily led me to an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education called "Other People's Books" by Jay Parini, in which he explains how our book collections express "a way of being in the world." I asked students to skim the article and then respond to an impromptu four-question survey of my own.

Out of a group of 40 students about half of them commented. (It was a Friday afternoon, and I guess, an imposition.)
Here are the results:

What's the last book you read for pleasure?

Four people said: The Da Vinci Code
Other responses included:
History of BMW (English version)
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
"Los Diarios del Botox"
If Life is a Game, These are the Stories
Momo
"Una imagen en el espejo"
"El Perfume" by Patrick Süsskind
A french book called "The Accursed Kings" by Maurice Druon
Pandillas en jeans
Las batallas en el desierto
El Club Dumas
The last book I read is called "Don´t Tell God What He Has to Do: Albert Einstein´s biography.

What books are in your house?

History, Drama, Cars & Kids
Novels, poems, school books
We have different types of books. There are some encyclopedias, consulting books, law and constitutional books, but most are novels--some classics and some more recent.
There are lots of books of all kinds.
In my house there are a lot of interesting books, including History, (Mexico, Universal) also politics, fiction and micro-fiction Mexican stories. I've read some of them but I don't usually read unless I have insomnia.
I have a few books. The books that I have are about Business Management.
A lot of books, I don't know their names lol, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Principito, etc
You can find a lot of books, like dictionaries, encyclopedias, food books, a lot of books
Any kind of books, novels, dictionary, encyclopedia, drama, action, comedia, culture, etc..
In my home are a lot of book but the majority are about psychology and other things like this.
I have a lot of books, but the majority are novels and literature for kids
There are many types of books in my house: novels, encyclopedias, several dictionaries.
Encyclopedias, science books and text books
Encyclopedias, math and novels
In my house are encyclopedias, novels and dictionaries.
Adventure, fantasy, historical, horror, humor, mystery, romance, scholarly, science fiction... any kind.

Are there any titles you've heard about which you have not yet read, but are eager to? If so, please describe the topic and mention the title if you remember.

Two people said: No

Others responded with:
Some book called "La ciudad de las bestias" written by a Mexican author
"The House of Spirits", "Hysteria", "Sophia´s World", and others by Latin-Amercan writers. Most of the books I want to read are novels or philosophy-related, I love that kind of topic.
I want to read the book by Isabel Allende
I have heard about a micro-fiction novel, but I don't remember the name of the book, but I'll find it soon.
Harry Potter--it's about magic and phantasy
Rayuela
"The Da Vinci Code"...it is about the church's history; maybe it could change ideas that people have about religion!
I really do not like to read a lot, but the books that I like more are about fiction histories
Well, there are no titles I've heard about that I wanna read, but I read "The Alchemist" a few months ago and I liked it so I would like to read another book by Paulo Coelho.
Troya Horse by JJ Benitez-a trip to the epoch of crucifix in His last days.
"Inquieta compañia"--it's about a man who falls in love with a girl after spending hours watching her every day through a window.
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews. I don't know the topic but I found this online. Deeply controversial because of its themes of incest, child abuse, neglect, and other taboo subjects
No. There are, but I like to read science books and biographys
No. There are, but I like to read novels.

Finally, are there any books you have read more than once?

Eight people said: No.

Others responded with:
I'm not interested in reading.
I do not like to read a lot, but I have to do this because it is a good form to learn more.
I don't like to read.

And others mentioned titles:
mmm yes, about Jaime Sabines, some books from Gabriel García Márquez and from Dante Aligheri, "The Divine Comedy"
Yes, almost all because I have a terrible memory and I usually forget about the story, jaja. For example: "Veronika decide morir", "Como agua para chocolate" ...
"Las aventuras de Robinson Crusoe" about a sailor who gets lost on the sea
The Little Prince. I've read it in Spanish and in English several times. When I was learning English, it was so useful.
Yes I read "Ensayo sobre la ceguera" by José Saramago twice.
Carlos Cuauhtemoc Sanchez, La fuerza de Schmitt
Fish
Boule de suif by Guy de Maupassant.

I had hoped that putting my request as "an assignment" might prompt the recalcitrant students to at least respond with brief replies, but 20 out of 40 was about the best I should have expected.

I have to admit the results give this tired brain something to think about. The intellectual fire burning around me every day is somewhat hotter than I previously thought.

 

More later.

Books do furnish a room

Here's an interesting article about what our books say about us.

An intellectual disposition, a way of being in the world...

Please skim the article and then comment here.

What's the last book you read for pleasure?

What books are in your house?

Are there any titles you've heard about which you have not yet read, but are eager to? If so, please describe the topic and mention the title if you remember.

Finally, are there any books you have read more than once?

San Cristobal

Re: Positioning

Wish I'd continuously kept an online journal when I first came to Mexico a little over five years ago. It would be great fun to look back on the posts now to see how I or my surroundings have changed.

Working for a prestigious school here in southern Mexico has been a broadening (and sometimes exhausting) experience. It's not so much time in front of groups that is wearing. That's the fun part. It's all the planning and administrative work that tires me. I still, five years on, haven't taken the time to really explore all there is to do and see here. Although I have settled in to the daily routine of living here, my high-school Spanish has not greatly improved, but I can communicate and make my way around town, and must say the people who've befriended me have done so in a warm and gracious way. I don't feel like a stranger (much) but my intractibility has caused small difficulties from time to time. For instance, I served for a year and a half as the coordinator of English at the school, but was recently asked to pass on the position to a native Mexican because I wasn't much good at schmoozing with parents about their children's progress.

The many students I have worked with, of varying teenage years, have all been bright and there has never been a problem communicating with them. I often get them to write essays and fictional pieces and they mostly have shown high degrees of creativity.

Generally, however, there is a lack of interest in reading (even in their first language) for pleasure. Students will do required academic reading and almost all are computer literate and surf the Internet for pleasure. American and European music with English lyrics are widely appreciated and the themes are understood, and in fact, many students do read pop fiction, but when asked about it generally deny having recently read anything. I guess it's not cool to admit to that particular penchant. For instance, a large percentage were familiar with The Da Vinci Code before the movie came out, and all know what to expect in the next installment of the Harry Potter series, but nobody seems to want to discuss these things for fear of appearing too literate in front of their peers. Only adults occasionally discuss local writers of import such as Rosario Castellanos or Jaime Sabines.

American movies are very popular as are dubbed or subtitled television shows from the U.S. Sit-coms top that list, although, youth-oriented soap opera styled programs and crime melodramas also rank high. There is stiff competition in this area from the home-grown telenovelas that proliferate. A friend told me early in my stay here that Saturdays traditionally featured old black and white Pedro Infante movies, but the watching of these, too, is generally denied among the youthful crowd I deal with on a daily basis. MTV and TeleHit are thoroughly absorbed and though traditional fare is observed, it is hardly acknowledged. There are several cineplexes which seem to thrive, but I know of at least five smaller movie theaters that have closed during my residence.

Here in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the city museum was closed and in a state of disrepair when I arrived, and though it is open to the public once again, it is never crowded, nor, it seems, is the Casa de Artesenias much frequented.

In the bookstores, there is a dearth of historical reading matter. This city is filled with schools and the bookstores carry loads of technical and academic titles, but one is hardpressed to find a good picture book of local history.

Not too long ago, an extension was built onto one of the modern malls, the most modern, in fact, and a Sanborn's opened bringing with it the cosmopolitan flavor of Mexico City. It is the only place in town I know of where someone like me can find a small selection of books and periodicals in English, and though some English language magazines have generally been available for some time, it is nice not to have to go to San Cristobal for the occasional novel.

So that seems to be the general states of affairs. This is an area rich in cultural tradition, but most of it you have to learn by word of mouth. I have been here, as I say, for five years, and all things being equal, will probably remain for the foreseeable future. I think I will use some of my free time to explore and note what I find.

How Could You Do It?

Plagiarism is on the rise, and it’s not just about students’ term papers. Consider the sordid case of Ann Coulter... more» Check out this article and let’s have your comments on this topic. Is it fair for someone to do a lot of research and others to receive payment for articles based on that research? What is plagiarism to you? Would you consider using unresearched material? If yes, under what circumstances? Is it ever right to do so?

Address to the Class of 2015

Address to the Class of 2015

Never forget who you are and where you come from.

Now you're becoming an adult and all decisions you take will bring consequences so try to take the right ones.

Making mistakes is the best way to learn so don't worry about them.

In your life, there will be good and bad days, live each one with peace and a big smile.

Be ready for every situation in life; anything can occur in an instant.

Enjoy life; you don't know when it's going to be over, and don't worry about the little things.

Foster good relations with your teachers. If you see them later in your life, greet them warmly, even if it is difficult getting along for now. They will be thrilled that you remember them; they will surely remember you.

Think like your teacher.

Pay attention in class or at least do the homework yourself, so at the end of the year you won't be worrying like hell about failing.

Don't waste time. Time is your most valuable asset.

Party on the weekends; it's good for distraction.

Dream like you're going to live forever and live like you're going to die tomorrow.

 

Prepare yourself; education is a valuable treasure; learn as much as you can.

Don't worry during exams; life is the biggest exam.

Enjoy everything you do, whether it is easy or difficult, but especially when it's difficult.

Finish a career. It will be the best decision you ever take.

Then, Find a job and work hard, try to be the best at what you're doing.

Think before you act; never act without thinking.

Talk to your parents about whatever you want, and never stop talking to them.

Read.

 

Meet a lot of people and keep your real friends close. Let someone break your heart. Keep a secret.

Spend time with the people you love. You won't regret it. Love and be loved in return.

Don't wait too long but neither too short to find the right partner. Maybe ten years is good enough. Enjoy now, life is too short.

Make love at least once, but have a lot of sex. Use condoms.

However, do not mess with someone else's wife. It really makes them angry.

Smile.

 

Never say never, or gossip about some one, you don't know what you are going to do.

Do and say everything you want to no matter who may be against you.

If somebody wants to make you feel bad about yourself don't listen, that's only a proof of their insecurity.

Times are changing; now, men and women do have the same rights. Nobody is inferior or superior.

Don't be afraid of changes some of them will be good for you.

Try to take advantage of all opportunities that stand in front of you.

Work out. Chicks like it.

 

If you want something well done do it yourself.

Be willing to ask for help, but be able to take charge.

You need to stand down before you can stand up.

Expect nothing from anybody, nobody owes you anything, but help everybody that you can.

Diversify, you can't trust banks unless its yours.

Defeat all your fears; don't let them defeat you.

Smile when you have problems or when you do something ridiculous.

Sing, and if you are really bad at it then whistle.

 

Take care of the people you care the most about and don't disappoint them.

Take care of the water; don't eat too much, and don't have a lot of children.

Appreciate paper and the trees it is made from.

Don't contaminate. Take care of the environment, you will need it someday.

Drink but don't get drunk.

Travel but not on drugs.

Don't see "Water World".

If it stinks don't touch it.

Whatever you do, always be honest, and...

Keep smiling.

 

--from the students of Lengua Extranjera (2006), after listening to Baz Luhrman's Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen)

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