That Book I’ll Never Forget

I am a proud bookworm. I vaguely recall when it all started but I’ve been reading books for

as long as I can remember. I am just at awe by how books can open up a whole new world to

you. It takes you to places, lets you explore the unknown and allows you to just simply discover

things you would never even imagined in the first place. Such is the power the books wield.

Among all the books I’ve read, there is one book I considered my most favorite. It is a

classic novel of Dr. Jose P. Rizal entitled “Noli Me Tángere” which translates to “Touch me Not”

in English. It is a story of a man named Crisostomo Ibarra, who fought for his rights after being

provoked and ridiculed by Spanish friars and governor-generals. I can relate to the character of

Ibarra in the way that he keeps his silence unless it is necessary to talk. Very like me, who

choses to listen more than speak more. This book inspired me to be brave and to fight when

thing go south. To speak for what is right and use the power of education to uplift oneself and

other people.

Furthermore, I am also inspired by author of the book himself since Noli Me Tángere was a

revolutionary masterpiece that was written for the Filipinos. It aimed to expose the evil ploys of

Spaniards during their colonization in the Philippines. It showed the sufferings of the poor under

the rule of friars. Basically, it was an eye-opener book that sought freedom and independence.

Unfortunately, since the book was deemed disrespectful to the Spaniards and an insult to the

church, the author was sentenced to death for writing it.

I just can’t help but admire the fact that Noli Me Tangere was written out of deep and

selfless love. Love for the country, love for the country’s citizens and love for the future that is

yet to come. I commend how brave the author was for coming up with a book that cost him his

life. I am forever grateful of Dr. Rizal for writing the book despite the dangers because I learned

a lot of things out it. I learned how cunning people are and how they take advantage of the

weak. It taught me that it is never right to trample on other people and that life is a roller coaster

in general. Above all, the book has inspired me to do things at my best, to fight with a purpose

and to live life to the fullest.