Friday, August 23, 2013

Bookspotting in Hawaii

I didn't keep official Bookspotting notes during our honeymoon on the island of Kauai, but there were plenty of people reading on the beach and by the hotel pool. I spotted titles by Sophie Kinsella, Tom Clancy, Nora Roberts, George R. R. Martin, and Gillian Flynn. I also saw a woman reading Shanghai Girls by Lisa See and a teen reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Non-fiction books of any kind were noticeably absent on the beach. Surprisingly, I only saw one person reading a Kindle (besides myself).

On our way back from a drive to Waimea Canyon, we stopped in a little town called Hanapepe for lunch. We found a great little bookstore, Talk Story, which is billed as the westernmost bookstore in the United States. It has a mixture of used and new (mostly local interest) books. The most interesting title I spotted was Da Jesus Book, a translation of the New Testament and Psalms in Hawaiian Pidgin. Here's part of the 23rd Psalm quoted from the book's website: 
Da Boss Above, he take care me,
  Jalike da sheep farma take care his sheeps.
  He goin give me everyting I need.

He let me lie down wea da sweet an soft grass stay.
  He lead me by da water wea I can rest.
He give me new kine life.

  He lead me in da road dat stay right,
  Cuz I his guy.


Have you spotted any interesting books lately? What kind of books do you like to read by the pool?



Tuesday, August 20, 2013

I'm wedded, honeymooned, and back in business!

Hello everyone! I'm back in Hong Kong, back at my day job, back to writing, and back to blogging. I'm also newly married and will very soon be moving out of the lovely little apartment that has been my home since I moved to Hong Kong three years ago. You've seen glimpses of it, but please indulge me for a moment...



Isn't it adorable?


I can't say I'll miss the tiny kitchen though.



Of course the best part is the view of the old Central Police Station (this picture was taken before it was covered is scaffolding for the renovation).

Incidentally, the landlord hasn't found a new tenant yet, so if you are looking for the perfect single's apartment, you should get in touch with Edwin the agent at 9010 2962. The good news is that my husband and I have found a terrific starter apartment to rent very close by. I'll be posting pictures of that as soon as we sign on the dotted line. By the way, if you are interested in wedding pictures, my husband would prefer not to appear on my blog, but here's one of me by Cardas Photography :). I may post more when I get the rest of them.


Although I've been caught up with non-writing and reading life lately, some of my work appeared this summer on the new Modern Love Long Distance website. As some of you know, my husband and I did not live in the same country for three and a half years of our nearly six-year relationship. Here's a Q&A about our relationship and an article I wrote about moving abroad for a partner. I will continue to write about the lessons I learned at MLLD over the next few months.

I have decided to take my husband's last name, but I plan to continue using Shannon Young as my writing, professional, and social media name. To that end, I've set up a new Facebook page as Shannon Young, the writer. If you are interested in my writing, feel free to like the page for updates. If you are only interested in the matters discussed on A Kindle in Hong Kong (bookspotting, reviews, Hong Kong, literary events) that Facebook page will remain active. In fact, I hope it will be a bit more active as I get back into the swing of things.

What's new with you? Any major life events to report? What have you been reading lately? I'm almost finished with Mad Ship by Robin Hobb.


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