Book cover....

Does it really matters at the end of the day?

For me, the cover's significance(s) is quite dependant on a few factors. I will consider the signature design of the publishing company,maturity of book contents, frequency of usage and tradition involved. Of course, the price must be reasonable as well. Surely some might have differing opinions and among one, might say that, it is the contents that matters, why bother with the cover?

This topic randomly came after a few things accumulated. I never really thought book covers to be an issue until recently when I saw Enid Blyton book covers were revamped to much more sharper contrast of colours, stronger characters design and layout changes. My heart sank instantly cause it looks too Americanized. Or maybe it was just because I am too attached to the covers that I came to adore when I was young.

Naturally, I began to remember incidents relating to book covers. Like on once occassion, I accompanied two friends to KLCC because one of them wanted to buy book. He even got a specific publisher for the books. So, off we go to find the books. Kinokuniya system is quite good, I must say. Anyway, I teamed up with my other friend, a girl and we did found the same title. But the publisher was different. Coincidentally, the guy friend manage to find the right publisher for the book. So, being me, I asked, what's the difference, aside from the obvious fact of the covers and publishers, and imagined my surprised that the difference in price was vast (about Rm20 to Rm30). I mean the difference is almost enough to buy another book.

Then, allow me to further elaborate about book covers with a well-known book title, The Da Vinci Code. I bought the US-edition first actually. The one with a partial picture of Mona Lisa and dark brown cover. Well, I was really absorbed by the writing style of Dan Brown, so I began to buy his other books. And the other books were in UK-edition. So, I began to wonder, why are the books design is so different in term of 'character'? The US-edition was obviously much more solid and more in-your-face whereas the UK-edition has a more classy and soft feel. The price were not greatly apart though.

Another issue which made me think back of book covers happened in my Literature in English times. That time, I bought my books quite hastily and wanted to make sure I had all the materials before starting class. Well, the teacher didn't use the books as soon as I expected but I was glad to buy the books much earlier. This is because when my friends bought the books much later, the covers were revamped to appeal better to the younger readers but personally, I wouldn not have traded my books for their covers at all. I will be able to prove this point better if I can you show you the books now. And let you experience the difference yourself. But seriously, I think I will be less motivated to read the book again and again if the cover was not up to my expectation.

Ok, so, there goes my random topic on book covers. I really hope that book covers will turn out for the better whenever they go for revamping. And accordance to all those that I mentioned above. XD

Adieu and goodbye

Yeah, this post is dedicated to Audrey Chong (Wei Kuan) who left for United Kingdoms on the night of 16th September 2010. She is a dear friend. One that I know for 9 years and counting. Superbly smart and my Mandarin tuition-mate.

We known each other since Standard 5 and her smartness was already apparent although she just joined the school. Heck, and I wonder how I got to know her so well that she actually asked me if I want to take up Mandarin classes with her (her then-current mate was going overseas, so I am sort of like, fill up the person's shoes). Well, why not? Its a win-win situation anyway. Thus, my command of Mandarin, if any, is thanks to her!!!

Then, the simple and enjoyable discussion about shows and movies among us also. Whenever we talk about those, it gives us a slight shine in our eyes cause we are able to awake ourselved with laughters. Ahaha, those were the times.

Man, I will always miss how her presence, always simple yet still felt by others.

Well, may your time in Manchester be among the best that you have and be a great pharmacist!!

Selamat Hari Raya~~~~

Yeah folks.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA. MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN.

And I don't know what else to say anymore. Perhaps I should mention about the two outings I had with my form 5 classmates. Sort of like a Prelude to this joyous occasion.

On Thursday (9.9.10), had half a day off from work (whoopee!!!) and a farewell for few of my form 5 classmates who are leaving for UK (first-timers namely Audrey Chong, Gun Lesan, Chai Hui Jian and Edward while repeats are Haow Bin and Yau Mun). Will be missing you guys!!! Well, farewell was at Rakuzen. The food, by the look and smell of it, were fairly decent. Though I will have to say, I would be able to give a more accurate judgement if I did eat.

On Friday (10.9.10), went to watch Step-Up in 3D. Despite not being an avid fan of dancing except a one-year stint in ballroom dances and a short-lived interest in tap dance(actually I still like it but not that passionate anymore), I quite enjoyed the movie. The storyline is kind of..normal. But the dance moves and the sound tracks were awesome! Kudos to the choreographer(s) and music director(s)!!!

So, there goes my prelude. I have yet to visit any open house for the Raya though. Invite me in for any open house if you are having one. XD