Mai Cojuangco-Zini and her daughter Demi are in town from Florence for Christmas. Husband Andrea Zini is en route to Manila to join them. We had coffee with her and her little three-year-old Demi, who is a ball of energy and keeps her mom trim and fit. The day we met, Mai was sharing with me the play dates Demi has while in town. Her play dates involve learning some Tagalog.
At the moment Demi speaks English, Italian, a little Spanish and her mom wants to add Tagalog. I took the opportunity to ask Mai to share some of her favorite books which now include the children’s books she loves to read to Demi.
Mai’s favorite books:
1. The Odd Egg (Emily Gravett). “I love the illustrations of this book plus what it conveys. It’s okay and even rewarding to be different!”
2. The Sartorialist/The Sartorialist Closer (Scott Schuman). “Not sure if this qualifies as a proper book, but nevertheless I do enjoy it. Creative expression through dressing, and fashion without trying too hard. Great, natural photographs of people from everywhere.”
3. Wilhelm Brasse: Photographer. 3444. Auschwitz. 1940-1945 (Wilhelm Brasse). “Simply because it is such a powerful book that portrays a part and moment in history that has touched me in a particular way.”
4. The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale (Steven Guarnaccia). “A new and original interpretation of the classic, ‘The Little Pigs.’ I’m able to narrate the story to Demi and at the same time introduce some great names in design and architecture. I love the colors and the way the author smoothly integrates these objects of design and architecture with such a simple and basic storyline for children.”
5. The Rape of Nanking (Iris Chang). “Apart from my interest in history, it must also be the psychologist in me that is drawn to these kinds of books. How do these things happen and why? How can one perform such cruel acts? In what historical contexts do these terrible atrocities happen and how are these crimes so easily committed? It’s all part of my interest in understanding the human condition. I was undecided about inserting this book or something lighter like The Snowman by Jo Nesbo which I enjoyed very much and couldn’t put down. I also very much enjoy crime novels and have to say that this is one of the few that was written quite well.”
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The Reading Club recommends Not On Our Watch edited by Jo-Ann Maglipon. Available in all National Books Stores and Powerbooks branches.
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You may e-mail me your comments and suggestions at gr.rodis@yahoo.com.