Books from Amazon India!

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We’re into the generation of everything digital. Do you like to read your books in its digital version, on your phone or on a reader like Kindle? E-books are awesome as they can be read practically anywhere, and oh how easy it is to have your library at hand for whenever there’s some waiting to do.

Plus, there’s always this privacy of not having people peek into what you’re reading. (I read 50 Shades of Grey on iBooks…)

But I have a confession: As much as I like reading digital version of books, my love for real, paperback or hard cover  have not surpassed reading a book in an electronic device. What about you? I see so many people on my commute to work reading stories on Wattpad or books on iBooks and while I do read digital versions of some books, I am (still) a total paper book lover.

(Actually, whatever you prefer to read on, it doesn’t really matter, as long as you get to read, that’s a win.)

I do buy books once in a while but this habit can get too costly. Books here in Dubai are expensive so I’ve (almost) given up on buying from the bookstores for a while now. 

…and then I learned recently about Amazon India! I know it must have been there for some time but dang, my light bulb moment just came to me last week.

How does Amazon INDIA matter to me? I am not in India, I am in Dubai. But here’s the great catch – 90% + of my work colleagues are Indians and I have many Indian friends outside of work! So, there’s always someone going back to their hometown every month or so! *insert very wide smile*

So far, I am just so elated to know that most of the books I wished for are at least 50% cheaper at Amazon India than in the local bookstores here in Dubai. The first of the two books I bought via a work colleague’s friend (THANK YOU!) has arrived. I am so happy!!

I have a list of books, for myself and for the kids. Now to find out who goes to India next month…

Goodbye, Dr. Covey

The world lost another one of the greatest human beings. Yesterday, Dr. Stephen Covey, world famous author with 20 million books sold in 38 languages passed away at age 79.

Right after I read Dr. Covey’s bestselling book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I never really considered that I have “finished” it, or am done with it. I still open it from time to time when I “lose track” of the goings on in my life.

And it never fails to inspire and empower. Here are my favorite quotes  from the famous author/mentor:

1. I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.

2. Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.

3.  It’s not what happens to us, but our response to what happens to us that hurts us.

4. Be sure that, as you scramble up the ladder of success, it is leaning against the right building.

and lastly, a bit long but probably my favorite of all. Taken from the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This is the 2nd Habit: Begin with the end in mind.

5. To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.

BONUS QUOTE:

Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It’s not what they’re not doing or should be doing that’s the issue. The issue is your own chosen response to the situation and what you should be doing. If you start to think the problem is “out there,” stop yourself. That thought is the problem.

If you have not read the book, I highly recommend it. Seldom you’ll find a book that is life altering. Dr. Covey’s book is one of them. Rest in peace, Dr. Stephen Covey. Thank you for helping millions of  people achieve their best.

UPDATE: Bloggy giveaway winner

Today will be the last drawing date of most of the bloggy giveaways ran at Rocks in my Dryer for one week last week. What a massive carnival it was with more than 800 bloggers participating and giving away stuffs! I have entered in the contests here and there, however, very limited because majority of the contest post says, “for US addresses only”.

I got an overwhelming response to my own little giveaway with more than 500 comments. Thanks to everyone who participated and left a message mentioning their favorite books. I have added some of it in my Amazon wishlist.

Popular authors:

  • Jane Austen
  • Jodi Picoult
  • J.K. Rowling
  • James Patterson
  • Karen Kingsbury

 Popular titles:

  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Pride and Prejudice
  • Little Women
  • The Bible!
  • Gone with the Wind

I already chose the winner with the help of random.org and have contacted her. I’ll post the name here once I get the reply and confirm that she’s still interested with the prize! (For security reasons, I did not include the gift certificate code in my email to her and will only do that once I get a response.)

Congratulations to Beth who said she loves anything by Jane Austen. I hope the certificate will help you purchase a good Jane Austen book, Beth!

It was a great carnival and it was a fun way to discover new blogs to add to my feed reader. I sure will be participating again in the future.