BOOKS: Grace Lee

My New Year’s resolution is to read at least one book a week. Now, I am reading “Cleopatra: A Life” by Stacy Schiff, a Pulitzer-winning author. It’s interesting and intriguing. I think it’s the best biography written on the Egyptian queen. It doesn’t just rely on theories; it is based on historical facts. I feel that Cleopatra has been too glamorized by Hollywood. I am slowly discovering so many things about her—that she spoke various languages and was educated at a time when only men were given access to knowledge. She is one of the greatest female political figures in history. No one else made as big a difference in the world as she did during her time. Bayani San Diego Jr./Photo by Bayani San Diego Jr.

Mara Yokohama

My dad’s friend, psychology professor Raineer Chu, introduced me to JRR Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy: “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” “The Return of the King” Plus “The Hobbit.” I’m actually not done with the series, but I love it so far. It’s great that both kids and adults can enjoy the books. There is a lot to discover, while reading each installment. As a Christian, there is so much to learn from Tolkien’s works, too.  Bayani San Diego Jr./Photo by Alanah Torralba