Thursday, December 18, 2008

Dreams from My Father

During my last visit to the library (which was two days ago), I finally found John McCain’s Faith from my fathers. Ha…I’m so glad! In fact, when I found the book, I almost shout, and the pakcik reading a book around the Lincoln Corner section stared at me. I bet he’s thinking what’s this girl so happy about being in the library? But I am happy! I mean, if I can’t afford to buy what I want to read, finding them in a library which its book shelves are almost half-empty would be good innit? Seriously, this state library needs so many books to fill in those shelves!

Now this might be weird because I never were interested in biographies, but since I now am practically jobless, I decided to give Obama’s a go. I’m never interested in politics; somehow, I find it satisfying to read a book written by a person who could make so many changes to the world.

Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama

I first heard of this book from Johan Jaaffar, an NST columnist who wrote about the two US presidential candidates – John McCain and Barack Obama. Since I have a lot of free time, I decided to pick it up. I first found Obama’s and after a month (because I go to the library once a month), I found McCain’s.

Anyways, this is one of those “cant-put-down” types of books, where each page will lead you to another with much anticipation and curiosity. What will he do next? Where is he heading with this? What happened to that person? It’s a very interesting insight into this Us-President-to-be Obama’s mind. For me, it explains where his extreme determination of leading a country comes from. There’s always a conflict inside him, being a black man in a white-dominated country. But that doesn’t stop him from reaching out to people. It is the case of self-discovery for Barack, much as what most of us really need sometimes.

Seems like he’s always in a dilemma of his origin, his present doings and what the future holds for him. One of the most meaningful things that he said which I quote here is:-

“I can see that my choices were never truly alone – and that that is how it should be, that to assert otherwise is to chase after a sorry sort of freedom”.

Which is exactly what I feel right now. To choose my own path would mean to disobey my mother. However, if I were to insist to do what I want to do, it will only mean that I take one step ahead that will make me fall two steps back. I would always go back to where I come from. So why make it such difficult thing for that person who raises me up? I decided to let things happen naturally. To be ready with whatever result will come out of my action – to stay in hometown.

Okay now…I’m going to start on McCain soon. Hopefully this one won’t let me down. Meanwhile, guys, enjoy the green green grass in front of your house while you still can!

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