I came to the United States twenty-five years ago from the Philippines. I worked very hard to learn everything, from different cultures to speaking the English language. When I was going to school to learn the language I think English was the hardest to learn. Reading a lot of excellent novels was very helpful in the process of understanding English. My Patrick "Atepa" was responsible for my improvement and he was patient enough to encourage Dedeth "Atema" (me) to start reading books. I remember I was very upset with my Atepa telling him, "I cannot read this, I don't even understand a lot of the words in this novel. He said, "Have a dictionary handy while reading so if there are words that unfamiliar, just look it up. Read the whole paragraph and it will give you an understanding on what the sentence is about."
One thing Patrick said to me was, "Atema, you will appreciate your Atepa when I am gone." He was absolutely right, because of his persistence and patience with me I am able to read more challenging books.
These are just few books that I have read, but there are a lot of books out there that are excellent for reading depending on what a person loves to read.
LES MESIRABLES BY VICTOR HUGO
LONESOME DOVE BY LARRY McMURTRY
ANNA KARENINA BY LEO TOLSTOY
MOBY DICK BY MELVILLE
SHOGAN BY JAMES CLAVELLS
TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD BY HARPER LEE
ROOTS BY ALEX HALEY
WAR AND PEACE BY LEO TOLSTOY
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL BY BARONESS ORCZY
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE BY J.D. SALINGER AND A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES BY JOHN KENNEDY TOOLE were two books recommended by Bob Lind -- a writer, publisher of the novel EAST OF THE HOLLYLAND, and a screenplay writer. I have actually read his novel twice!
For his beautiful musical artistry visit: http://boblind.com/
Sincerely,
Dedeth
www.dedethford.com
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