ESL Blogs

 If you ask me what changed my life, I’ll tell you it is a book. I have so many special memories about it. There is a saying that:” A word is a teacher,  haft word is also a teacher”. So, I want to tell about it with the name “my teacher”.

 First, it is a second-hand book. I found it by chance. At that time, I was in grade 10. I was very keen on books but I didn’t have enough money to get new ones. Therefore, I usually came to charity bookshops to pick books with only 50% price. That time was really an unexpected occasion because that bookstore is not my familiar place. There weren’t any customers. There was an old man. He was reading books. After I chose a book named “How to succeed in studying and living”, he asked me “Do you think Uncle Ho was rich or poor?”. I rather surprised but I also answered that Uncle Ho was poor. The man protested “In terms of material, he was poor, but in terms of spirit, he is rich”. I immediately thought this man is an interesting person and continued listening to him. Then, he told me why Uncle Ho was rich and about his attempt to read books in difficult circumstances. Accidentally, I saw a book in front of him. Its title is “Dac nhan tam"(How to win friends and influence people). I was impressed by it because it is stained and nearly torn to pieces. You know, the most impressive thing is it was published in 1989 – the year I was born. Moreover, it was priced 40,000 dongs – a luxury price for a book in the 80s. When I picked it up, the man acclaimed that it was a true book and the book I chose before was a dump one. At last, I got it with only 8,000 dongs.

 Second, I read it. I practiced follow it. I read it again, not only twice or three times but also 5 times. I remember in detail what it was written.  At that time, I had more friend and influenced more people. I was happy with that. I kept that book carefully although it looked like a torn book. In 2009, this book was reprinted and became a phenomenon. There was a Dac nhan tam book fever in all bookstores and forums. I proudly told people that I have read it for 5 years and more specially, my book was published in the year I was born. I still kept it and didn’t buy any new version.

 Third, one time I came to visit my best friend. I brought it to read when having nothing to do. I returned my home very early, at 5 a.m. On the way, I was snatched my handbag. I didn’t regret my belongings or my money. I just regretted that book. Sometimes I wish they realize they don’t need it and give back to me. But it never happens.

 Last, I lost it over 2 years. I lost a friend and lost a teacher. I haven’t bought any new version ones because no books can replace it and I remembered all its content. Lately, I met a friend. He is also interested in books. He shared me that he like reading” Dac nhan tam”. This reminds me about my book. Although I don’t keep it now, I always follow its words – my forever teacher.