Bookworm boys

Balla – Juno pick their favourite reads

By Aryssa P. Supangkasen
Photos courtesy of Universal Music Thailand

With their unique and friendly characters, the duo Chawanun Srinual (Balla), 27, and Jatupith Prasongdee (Juno), 22, made their mark at The Voice Thailand Season 3. After the show, they released their debut single, "Mai Sod Koh Jeeb Dai (Not Single, but Available),” and have been busy promoting it.

The duo met at Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Art, where Balla majored in French and Juno majored in English. Surrounded by foreign language books, they have both been interested in reading since then.

“Reading is important. It helps people to develop language skills, either in English or Thai,” Balla said.

Juno agrees and adds, “Reading allows us to learn grammar, vocabulary and life lessons which we can adapt into our lives.”

Before telling us about their favourite English books, they told us how to develop reading skills. Juno and Balla agreed that a reader should start from a basic level and with short stories.

“When you have enough vocabulary, challenge yourself with harder and longer books,” Balla said. “You should choose a story that you already know from the Thai edition, such as Frankenstein, so you know the background. Then it’s easier to understand.”

Student Weekly asked Bella and Juno to tell us about some of their favourite books.

---

Title: Tuck Everlasting

Author: Natalie Babbitt
Publisher: Square Fish

This book is about an ordinary family called Tuck. But one day, they drink water from a magic spring which gives them eternal life. To keep their secret, the Tuck family has to move around from one village to another.

“I’m interested in the supernatural. The plot makes me think about eternal life. The book is fun and gave me some interesting ideas,” Balla said.

---

Title: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Author: John Boyne
Publisher: David Fickling Books

Set during World War II, in the Auschwitz concentration camp of Nazi Germany, the novel blends the innocence of a child with cold-blooded historical events. It’s very dramatic and sad but the importance of friendship is the heart of the story. Balla was very touched by this book.

“It left a strong impression on me. The book provides more details than in the movie, which moved me and gave me goosebumps,” Balla said.

---

Title: Selected Fairy Tales

Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Publisher: Collins Classics

Fairy tales are Balla’s favorite genre. His favourite story from this compilation is The Little Mermaid. The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor’s New Clothes are some of the other famous stories included in this classic selection.

“I like this original Little Mermaid story more than the happy ending of Disney’s version, because the mermaid dedicates her life to love. Though the plot is like a fantasy, I think she’s cool,” Balla said.

---

Title: Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson

Author: Mitch Albom
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group

Based on a true story, the book is about the relationship between the author and his professor, Mr Morrie, who is dying from a disease. Mitch visits Mr Morrie every Tuesday for lessons about life.

“Mr Morrie looks at life from a different perspective. He doesn’t fear death. He’s living in the present and believes that nothing is permanent. His wise words taught me a lot of life lessons,” Juno said.

---

Title: Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

The novel is about a boy called August Pullman, who was born with a deformed face. He gets bullied by his classmates, but has a very special way of looking at his own life. This is the book Juno personally relates to most.

“I’m gay, and I was bullied when I was young. I like August because he has unique ways to look at his life, helping him to survive in a judgmental society.” Juno said.

Juno also likes 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts, written by the same author, which is a collection of inspiring words.

---

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

During his third year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter learns that Sirius Black has escaped from prison and is bent on murdering him. Juno is not a big fan of Harry Potter, but he read the book because it was a requirement at university. However, he enjoys J.K. Rowling’s writing style.

“J.K. Rowling’s writing is beautiful and interesting. I have learned lots of vocabulary, both formal and informal language, from the book.”

comments powered by Disqus