<![CDATA[Our Favorite Books]]>How about a topic on books that we read that leave a lasting impression on us?


Let me start off with My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult...which I read back in 2005 and recently watched the movie with my girl.

Story's about a girl who was conceived to save her elder sis dying from leukemia. Since birth, Anna has been donating cord blood, bone marrow and blood to elder sis, Kate..At 13, she decided to hire a lawyer to fight for medical emancipation from her parents..to be able to decide whether she wants to continue being a donor..If you use one of your children to save the life of another, are you being a good mother… or a very bad one?

Eloquent phrases:
The human capacity for burden is like bamboo - far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance

It's impolite to unsheath your claws at the dinner table.

...no matter how long I stood there, none of the people funneling around me had anything to say.

...When Julia started going out with Campbell who had dumped her 15 years ago..\"I thought lightning isn't supposed to strike in the same place twice.\"...\"Sure it does. But only if you're too dumb to move\"

What's love?..When you care more if someone else lives than you do about yourself. You don't love someone because they're perfect. You love them in spite of the fact that they're not.

Some touching dialogue:
When it looked like Kate's not gonna make it..Mum said, \"Do you remember the summer we signed you up for camp?...you'd changed your mind and wanted to stay home? I told you to get a seat on the left side of the bus, so that when it pulled away, you'd be able to see me there, waiting for you....You get that same seat in Heaven. One where you can watch me, watching you\" ==> This never fails to bring a lump to my throat. It's simply so touching.

Dad was crying in the kitchen after taking many photos of Kate b4 she leaves on her first prom..he said, \"I didn't think I'd get to have this memory\"

When his sister's at death's door...I kiss her on the forehead, letting my lips stay an extra second. How is it that mothers can read fever that way? I can only read imminent loss?

I've read most of Picoult's books; she writes about family, love and relationships while exploring ethical issues.

Any other Picoult fans here?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/8127/our-favorite-booksRSS for NodeMon, 20 Apr 2026 06:37:15 GMTSat, 09 Jan 2010 16:39:03 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:31:30 GMT]]>I used to be an avid reader in my much younger days.


Here's some books that I love-

1) Anne of green gables.

A total of 8 books in this series.
Ebooks are available though real books are more dear to read (and less radiation from the device).

Highly recommended for Secondary One onwards. Though of course if a P5 could understand this book and enjoy it, then it would be really awesome. 🙂

There's the simple version for p2-p4 to read.
And another version for those who are not ready to read the original version but is at a more advanced stage than p4 level.



2) Books by the author, David Shannon.

His books are very suitable and fun for k1 to p2 levels. But many adults likes reading his books for pure enjoyment too.


3) Tim and the Hidden People books by Sheila K.
McCullugh

It's a series of books, that consist of characters such as \"hidden people\", \"witches\" etc.
Unfortunately, these books are out of print.
They also seem to be unavailable in NLB. 😞

timandthehiddenpeople.net/


4) Harry potter series.


5) Enid Blyton series especially \"The enchanted wood\" series and \"The naughtiest girl\" series.

These are suitable for primary 2 to primary 4 children (depending on their reading age).


6) The Narnia series

and other assorted titles which didn't come to my mind yet. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/932611https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/932611Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:31:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:33:14 GMT]]>Just finished Kite Runner while travelling in a tour bus. Can’t help tearing especially at the last part when the boy attempted suicide. Felt the book touched my inner self (good books do that to us don’t they) since I’m a dad with similar paternal expectation like ‘Baba’.


The phrase that shook me, "In Afghanistan, there are many children but no childhood."

After finishing the book, felt so fortunate to be born in S’pore. Can’t wait to get my hands on A Thousand Splendid Suns next. Hopefully it’s not as heart wrenching.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/924207https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/924207Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:33:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 09:25:51 GMT]]>I got The Carrot Seed for my daughter when she turned 2 YO. Very simple to read yet meaningful. Talks about the little boy who perservered and eventually managed to grow carrot seeds when everyone told him that "it won’t come up".

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/885023https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/885023Sat, 27 Oct 2012 09:25:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Thu, 10 May 2012 07:20:52 GMT]]>Harry Potter…?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/759905https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/759905Thu, 10 May 2012 07:20:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 06:27:42 GMT]]>which Enid blyton books are suitable for K1, K2 kids to read ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/406591https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/406591Sun, 24 Apr 2011 06:27:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:36:45 GMT]]>

hermes173:

1. 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

2. Mr Norrell and Jonathan Strange by Suzanne Clark
Thanks for the recommendation, hermes173. The one by Clark sounds interesting. Will chk it out. 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/265593https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/265593Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:36:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:35:20 GMT]]>

duriz:

Incidentally, Friday is our (DH, DD & I) dinner out, after which we go reading at Borders.
YAYY for your recommendation :hugs:
Nice :love:

Enjoy yourselves tonite! 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/265590https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/265590Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:35:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:14:12 GMT]]>

schweppes:
:peekaboo: calling Autumnbronze, Duriz and all Lit lovers


I just finished reading this book, \"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand\", which I borrowed from the library. The whole time I was reading the book, I kept thinking how you would enjoy reading this book too.

It's a charming and delightful book set in a picturesque English village, filled with quirky characters. The protagonist is a cantankerous old man rediscovering a new life and love whilst trying to preserve honour, duty and traditions.

You can read the review on

http://www.amazon.com/Major-Pettigrews-Last-Stand-Novel/dp/1400068932/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285158489&sr=8-1

A refreshing change from mystery, thrillers, vampires and chick lit type books.

Love this book and its wonderful storyline. 😉
Thank you for your lovely message schweppes.
I cannot wait to check it out.
Incidentally, Friday is our (DH, DD & I) dinner out, after which we go reading at Borders.
YAYY for your recommendation :hugs:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/265253https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/265253Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:14:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:46:39 GMT]]>Hi fellow parents,


For many years, reading was my favourite and main hobby. Now I’m too caught up with work and family and so this hobby has taken a backseat recently.

I would like to share some of the best books that I’ve read. (Don’t have one favourite; very hard to decide. Different books affect me in different ways; it would be like comparing apples with oranges with bananas.)

1. 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

In condensed form, it is about the rise and fall of the family of the Buendia family. Set in Columbia (think so but not sure), the story is gripping and what makes it even more fascinating for me is the use of surreal realism in the story.


2. Mr Norrell and Jonathan Strange by Suzanne Clark

One of the most under-rated books to hit the market in recent years. This story is about the relationship and growth of two magicians in an alternative-universe Britain. Clark paints such a vivid and moving tale that as I was reading the book, I thought that one of the central characters, the Raven King, was based on an existing figure (mythical or otherwise). Went to google it only to realise that the Raven King was truly a figment of Clark’s imagination. Despite the length of the story, I was truly sorry when it ended. It’s one of those great books that I wish would never end.

3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I’m sure this one needs no introduction, it being one of the O-level texts in Singapore. What can I say? Humour, tick. The poignancy of growing up, tick. The deeper societal issue of racism and justice. Tick. The universal truth of fairness and humanity. Tick. This little book packs a great wallop. What is most impressive for me though is how Harper Lee managed to ‘capture’ the voice of a nine-year-old girl just right.

My summaries really don’t do justice to these books. You have to read them personally to experience the magic that I did.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/264814https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/264814Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:46:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:23:58 GMT]]>

schweppes:
:peekaboo: calling Autumnbronze, Duriz and all Lit lovers


I just finished reading this book, \"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand\", which I borrowed from the library. The whole time I was reading the book, I kept thinking how you would enjoy reading this book too.

It's a charming and delightful book set in a picturesque English village, filled with quirky characters. The protagonist is a cantankerous old man rediscovering a new life and love whilst trying to preserve honour, duty and traditions.

You can read the review on

http://www.amazon.com/Major-Pettigrews-Last-Stand-Novel/dp/1400068932/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285158489&sr=8-1

A refreshing change from mystery, thrillers, vampires and chick lit type books.

Love this book and its wonderful storyline. 😉
Sounds real interesting Schweppes. Thanks for the recommendation :love:

Going to Bishan Library next few days, will most def check it out :celebrate:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/264318https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/264318Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:23:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:04:31 GMT]]>

Blobbi:
These days, I can't read fiction. Best books I've read:


Blood & Oil, Manucher and Roxane Farmanfarman.
Manucher Farmanfarman (family name means Prince of Princes) comes from a line of royalty in Iran. he was instrumental to, I can't remember his exact words, the rape of his country's oil reserves by the British in the early 20th century. The narrative is personal - this guy is an old world charmer who's opening line talks of attending a meeting for ambassadors (that's what he was) and meeting with wives (not his), with hungry eyes. Anyway, I felt so enraged with the treatment that the Brits meted out to their \"sovereign\" properties.

The Orientalist, Tom Reiss
A semi-biography of a mysterious writer of a book Tom Reiss came across while in Soviet Central Asia. As it unfolds, it's clear the man, Kurbin Said, was a Jew trying to run away from his own identity when being Jewish was a mark of death. It paints a picture of how Central Asian Jews, Muslims, Christians lived together before revolution tore them apart.

Now reading Uranium Wars by Amir Aczel. About how Uranium was discovered, how nuclear fission was discovered. Are we at the forefront of mass renewable energy? Very exciting!
Wah Blobbi, why the books u read so cheem one?! :salute: :udawoman:

😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/264245https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/264245Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:04:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:37:37 GMT]]>:peekaboo: calling Autumnbronze, Duriz and all Lit lovers


I just finished reading this book, \"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand\", which I borrowed from the library. The whole time I was reading the book, I kept thinking how you would enjoy reading this book too.

It's a charming and delightful book set in a picturesque English village, filled with quirky characters. The protagonist is a cantankerous old man rediscovering a new life and love whilst trying to preserve honour, duty and traditions.

You can read the review on

http://www.amazon.com/Major-Pettigrews-Last-Stand-Novel/dp/1400068932/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285158489&sr=8-1

A refreshing change from mystery, thrillers, vampires and chick lit type books.

Love this book and its wonderful storyline. 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/264240https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/264240Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:37:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:35:50 GMT]]>d…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/199338https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/199338Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:35:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:35:24 GMT]]>

HyperKiasu:
all the books you recommended must be great books. although i haven't read all of them, i will either borrow or buy for my kids to read. adults can also read and learn along the way... i will follow ur blog faithfully.... :udawoman:


one quick question: do u apply some strategy of \"from Reading to Writing\" for ur DD?
my DS (P1) loves reading too but writing is a bit raw for him...
Since I teach both phonics and sight words at the same time, when my kids are reading very well, they naturally know how to write their own stories. I did not have to teach them how to write. All I have done is to have lots of pencils and papers around, so when they feel bored (because we have no PSPs at home), they start to daydream, and when they have some inspiration they will write the stories down.

A child who knows phonics very well will be very confident in spelling words. Reading lots of good story books will inspire the child to think of her own stories to write 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/199312https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/199312Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:35:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:20:08 GMT]]>all the books you recommended must be great books. although i haven't read all of them, i will either borrow or buy for my kids to read. adults can also read and learn along the way... i will follow ur blog faithfully.... :udawoman:


one quick question: do u apply some strategy of \"from Reading to Writing\" for ur DD?
my DS (P1) loves reading too but writing is a bit raw for him...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/199085https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/199085Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:20:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:52:47 GMT]]>

HyperKiasu:
Hi Tamarind,


I love your blog. and already save it as favourite... :celebrate:

I am glad that you enjoy my blog 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198904https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198904Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:52:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:00:23 GMT]]>Hi Tamarind,


I love your blog. and already save it as favourite... :celebrate:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198884https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198884Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:00:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:39:47 GMT]]>To my kids, the best book is Lafcadio The Lion who shot back by Shel Silverstein ! They think that this book is much better than the giving tree.


Read about the book in my blog :
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2010/03/picture-books-from-my-home-library.html

My girl laughs non-stop when she reads the book, it is absolutely brilliant !

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198636https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198636Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:39:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:29:19 GMT]]>Shel Silverstein is a genius indeed…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198632https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198632Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:29:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Mon, 31 May 2010 15:38:48 GMT]]>

kids_r_innocent:
HyperKiasu:

[quote=\"kids_r_innocent\"]Gee... thks!! will try to borrow this book from NLB first. 😉


apart from Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein's \"the missing piece\" and \"the missing piece meets the big O\" are also good

[/quote]Shel Silverstein has excellent poems too! \"Where the sidewalk ends\" and \"a light in the attic\" have many short and quirky poems! Really love his sketchy pictures!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198559https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/198559Mon, 31 May 2010 15:38:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Fri, 28 May 2010 06:59:15 GMT]]>

HyperKiasu:
kids_r_innocent:

Gee... thks!! will try to borrow this book from NLB first. 😉


apart from Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein's \"the missing piece\" and \"the missing piece meets the big O\" are also good

Noted!! Will try my luck at NLB.

Thanks, and have a great wkend...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/197453https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/197453Fri, 28 May 2010 06:59:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Fri, 28 May 2010 00:55:12 GMT]]>

kids_r_innocent:
Gee... thks!! will try to borrow this book from NLB first. 😉

apart from Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein's \"the missing piece\" and \"the missing piece meets the big O\" are also good

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/197376https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/197376Fri, 28 May 2010 00:55:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Thu, 27 May 2010 15:07:04 GMT]]>

HyperKiasu:
Hi, kids_r_innocent,


the above two books are available in library. Actually, my DS borrowed The Giving Tree from his school library.
It is about the relationship between a tree and a boy. the tree loves the boy so much that it is willing to let the boy cut down its trunk and make a boat to sail away...
there is a controversy on whether the tree's unconditional love can make the boy happy....
personally feel the simple story depict complexity of life and relationships....

suitable for both boys and girls ? definitely, super simple story, can be finished within 10 mins...
suitalbe for adults as well: mind-provoking.....

a book worth re-reading and purchase...
Gee... thks!! will try to borrow this book from NLB first. 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/197120https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/197120Thu, 27 May 2010 15:07:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Our Favorite Books on Wed, 26 May 2010 07:46:07 GMT]]>

mathsparks:
How about a topic on books that we read that leave a lasting impression on us?


Let me start off with My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult...which I read back in 2005 and recently watched the movie with my girl.

....

I've read most of Picoult's books; she writes about family, love and relationships while exploring ethical issues.

Any other Picoult fans here?
hi mathsparks

Have u read \"Change of Heart\"? I've just started on it, my first book of hers. Happened to stumble upon the book and read the synopsis and thot it to be interesting to see how it pans out. About a woman whose little girl is sick and needs a heart transplant. Turns out the next ready donor is actually the murderer of her older child and husband.

What would one do if one is in her shoes? A life and death question literally and I wonder if I might be better off not even having such an option in the first place...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/195994https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/195994Wed, 26 May 2010 07:46:07 GMT