Boey’s Childhood Stories, a perfect traveling companion

If books are in your travel essentials packing list, then I am sure that you’ll understand my sentiments.

Even though my bag was packed to the brim, I would still find space for books. I rather that I pack less clothes, less of this and that. By hook or by crook, I’ll still squeeze in one, or perhaps two books, into my bag.

Finding that perfect book to bring along was never easy. I am not talking about the size of the book. It’s a no brainer to avoid hardcover; paperback is the best.

There are some books that got your eyes glued to it, finishing it in few blinks of eyes. So, congrats, you picked the right book … NOT!! It’s not good, as you’ll be out of reading material way too soon. But if the book makes you fall asleep, it is also a no-no. The horror of packing the wrong book for holiday, gasp!

And whether you like it or not, you are also being judged by the book you read .. come on, I am sure many people do that. Ironically, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” doesn’t apply when the subject is the book itself.

Chick flicks? Must be a bimbo.

Biography? Must be a bored.

Business? Yawn …

Self-help books? Geee … this person needs helps!

Psst .. you can also use your book to give others silent treatment. “Can’t talk, I am reading, sorry.” Best weapon for solo traveler.

 Few days ago, my sis ‘forced’ some books on me, knowing that I am out of books to read. I was reluctant at first, seeing the childish book cover. I silently said “I ain’t gonna read my nieces’ books”, which I suspected she could hear my inner voice. She said, “It is childhood stories, from our time and the author is a Malaysian.”

Ok lah, I do miss reading, and that was exactly what I have been doing these past few days, and I savored every single page of the books.

 Boey, pronounced as Bo-ey, like David Bowie, got it?

The thing about Boey’s “When I Was A Kid” series, it is entertaining and chucklelicious. It is bite-size; you can just pick up from where you left, without having to re-read the pages before to ‘get back into’ the story.

And it is also a great conversation starter with new friends on the road. It is brilliant for those that are always stuck when making conversation with strangers. You know, those awkward silent moments … of course, you can always talk about weather (duh!), but really I think this book has many awesome childhood stories, which can be used as conversation starter.

Who want to talk about politics (especially with our current shameful political situation) and weather (duh!), when you can talk and compare childhood lives between different countries? Sometimes, it’s amazing  that we are more alike than we thought. A kid is a kid, wherever we are.

I devoured the three (tree?) books in no time. Now, anyone has any good books for me?

 And Bo-ey, if you are reading this, thank you for putting Malaysia on the world map. Can’t wait for your next masterpiece.