Book Hunting for Christmas

CEBU, Philippines - Last month was extremely busy for me. I am not complaining, though. If I had my way, I’d go through one like it again, any time! 

Manila held its yearly International Book Fair for the 31st year! And as in all book fairs, there were hundreds and hundreds of books. 

I usually save up for this event, but, as usual, my budget never seems enough for all the books I want to bring home and read!  

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This year, I was able to buy a whole box of books. There was this one booth that sold damaged books from typhoon Ondoy; they were practically given away at super low prices. 

There was this other booth that had everything on sale for P99 (only during the book fair) and so I took the opportunity to buy those I could never afford otherwise.

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Aside from the joy of browsing all over 100 booths, and buying my choice reads, this book fair was also special for me because my publisher, OMF Literature, launched one of my children’s books, “Angel with One Foot.”

As in all launches, I was asked to sign my books at certain hours inside the publisher’s booth.  

There were so many children, accompanied by their mothers, who lined up for the book signing. It is always a joy and a privilege to chat with readers. They give you comments that are surprising and inspiring. 

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One of them was from a little boy aged six: “Hello, Grace D. Chong!” he said, hugging me. 

 “Oh, we don’t have to be so formal. Please call me Tita Grace,” I replied, hugging him back.

 “No, your name is not Tita Grace. Every one of my books says you are Grace D. Chong.”

“Oh, you’re right, of course,” I said, changing the topic.

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One of the adults bought a dozen of the same book. I said teasingly, “Do you have 12 children?”

“I have no children. I am buying these as Christmas gifts for my godchildren, nieces and nephews.” 

The other adult behind her added, “Instead of toys and clothes or any other item, I buy books for gifts. Children should be encouraged to read at an early age.”

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I nodded and nodded. I have always believed in giving books as gifts myself. That’s why I was delighted to hear people having exactly the same thought.

“I wonder how many shoppers in this book fair are buying books to give away as Christmas gifts?” I asked.

“You’ll be surpised. Book lovers always give books as gifts, not only on Christmas but on all other occasions as well,” she said.

*    *    *

I smiled. One third of the books in my boxincluding half a dozen Biblesare for friends and family. Now all I have to do is buy Christmas wrappers and I am ready with my presents.

How about you? What are you thinking to give your friends and family this Chirstmas? 

Think about giving a book. After they have read it, the gift will last in their hearts and mindforever.

Please email me your thoughts about reading: [email protected]  or visit my website: http://leavesofgrace.blogspot.com (THE FREEMAN)