Latest news with #bookreading
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sarah Jessica Parker mercilessly mocked after baffling fans with wild claim about reading
Sarah Jessica Parker has ignited suspicion after making a bold claim about how many books she reads a day. In the lead up to this year's Booker Prize in November, in which she is serving as a judge, the 60-year-old Sex in the City actress shared shocking insight into her preparation. Speaking to Page Six at the PEN America Literary Gala, Sarah revealed that she is currently reading up to two books a day. 'It's intense to be reading [that number of books], the volume is kind of hard to convey, what it's like to have as many books we are given the opportunity to read in a month… it's quite something,' she told the outlet. She continued to the publication: 'I didn't do it last year because I knew I was shooting and doing the series [ And Just Like That ], and I knew this year I had a different kind of time available to me, to read morning till night. 'Any opportunity that exists to read, I'm reading.' Sarah's admission has sparked suspicion amongst dubious social media users, who have questioned the size of the books she is reading. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one said: 'They must be audiobooks or really short books cause how do you even have that much time?' Another simply asked: 'Do they have pictures and large text?' 'How is this possible to do whilst living life?' asked a third. Another said: 'Must be really short books or audiobooks because who can read THAT MUCH?' Others were blown away by Sarah's dedication and applauded her for her efforts. 'Wow, a true bookworm - SJP's got the Booker on lock!' said one. 'That's dedication!' another swooned. 'A true book lover and the perfect choice for a Booker Prize judge.' 'Damn, I wish I could be a celebrity to have enough time on my hands to be able to read two books a day,' continued a third. 'That's impressively dedicated!' added another. 'Reading two books a day isn't just commitment — it's literary athleticism. Sarah Jessica Parker treating Booker Prize judging like an Olympic sport is iconic.' Sarah's love of reading has long been documented - and is clear to see from just a quick glance at her Instagram page where she frequently uploads pictures of her favorite reads. It was announced in December that Sarah would be judging the prestigious British literary award, the Booker Prize. She will join authors Ayòbámi Adébáyò, Kiley Reid and Chris Power on the panel. Speaking to the New York Times at the time, Sarah said that she would be dedicating all of her time to reading. 'It's good timing because I'm not on a set, but I will carve out every moment I can,' she shared. 'My mother is the reason that me and my siblings are all readers. 'When I was little she would drive car pool, and she always had a book open on her lap underneath the steering wheel, and at the red light, she would look down and read and wait for the car behind her to honk to tell her to go again. 'So that was how I grew up. Any opportunity to read, even if it's for two minutes, I'll take it.'
Free Malaysia Today
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
DBKL ticked off for being unreasonable over Dataran Merdeka events
The National Youth Federation of Malaysia accused the city authorities of disrupting a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka last Sunday. PETALING JAYA : A requirement by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for all gatherings at Dataran Merdeka to A requirement by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for all gatherings at Dataran Merdeka to obtain official approval has been described as unreasonable and an example of selective enforcement. A human rights activist, lawyer P Rajsurian, said a recent peaceful book-reading and discussion session which was disrupted by enforcement officers could have qualified as a social activity permitted under the bylaw cited by city hall. He said DBKL's enforcement seemed selective as many other social activities were allowed to go on undisturbed. 'If you go to Dataran Merdeka, especially on weekends, you will see many people engaging in social events like picnicking without being disturbed,' he told FMT. 'Do those who picnic now need to obtain permits as well?' Rajsurian also said the disruption raises serious concerns about how the authorities interpret the constitutional rights on freedom of movement, speech, and assembly. On Tuesday, DBKL said that all events at Dataran Merdeka, regardless of nature, require the mayor's prior approval, citing a city by-law which prohibits speeches, demonstrations, campaigns, or political and social activities without a permit. Events involving public assemblies must also obtain police approval. DBKL's statement came after the National Youth Federation of Malaysia claimed that a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka was disrupted last Saturday. Nalini Elumalai, a senior programme officer with Article 19 Malaysia, said the latest incident showed a continuing intolerance toward freedom of expression. She called for open dialogue on the issue. 'The government should recognise and respect Dataran Merdeka as a legitimate venue for public gatherings and discussions, ensuring it is afforded the same level of access as any other public space in the country,' she said.
Free Malaysia Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Activities at Dataran Merdeka need mayor's approval, says DBKL
The National Youth Federation of Malaysia claimed a book-reading and discussion event it organised at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday was proceeding well until they were told to stop by the police and DBKL. (Instagram pic) PETALING JAYA : Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has reminded the public that all events held at Dataran Merdeka, regardless of their nature, must receive prior approval from the mayor. The city authority said by-law 8 of the Local Government (Dataran Merdeka) (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws 1992 explicitly states that no individual may use the historic square for any speech, demonstration, campaign, political or social activity without a permit from the mayor. 'This requirement is not intended to restrict the organisation of beneficial programmes or activities, but rather to ensure all events comply with existing rules, particularly those concerning cleanliness, safety, and public order,' it said in a statement today. DBKL also said that events involving public assemblies must also secure approval from the police under Section 63 of the Local Government Act 1976. The clarification comes after the National Youth Federation of Malaysia alleged that authorities disrupted a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday. The event, called Diskusi dan Buku Jalanan, was reportedly proceeding calmly when the group was approached by about eight to 10 officers – three in DBKL uniform and the rest in plain clothes. According to the group, an officer from the Dang Wangi police station questioned whether they had submitted a notification letter to the police. DBKL also said that early applications would prevent misunderstandings and confusion during routine monitoring on the ground, which was what occurred last Saturday. 'This is especially important as Dataran Merdeka is an iconic tourist destination often used for official and historical events,' it added. Having said that, DBKL said it welcomed youth and community-led events that promoted knowledge, reading and the arts. 'However, organisers are advised to liaise with DBKL to obtain appropriate guidance or approval to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the smooth running of their programmes.'
Free Malaysia Today
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Group claims cops, DBKL disrupted book-reading event at Dataran Merdeka
The National Youth Federation of Malaysia claimed a book-reading and discussion event it organised at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday was proceeding calmly before they were told to stop by the police and DBKL. (Instagram pic) PETALING JAYA : The National Youth Federation of Malaysia has alleged that the police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) disrupted a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday. The event, called Diskusi dan Buku Jalanan, was reportedly proceeding calmly before being approached by about eight to 10 officers – three in DBKL uniform and the rest in plain clothes. According to the group, an officer from the Dang Wangi police station questioned whether they had submitted a notification letter to the district police chief. 'Must we now submit formal requests just to use public spaces for peaceful reading and discussion?' it asked. The group said it was told to disperse but was not given any reason. It described the officers' behaviour as intimidating and unfriendly, creating an unsafe environment for public learning and intellectual engagement. The group said such gatherings should not be treated as criminal acts, and urged the authorities to rethink their approach to public engagement. It also said the incident highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of the role of the authorities in protecting civil society and preserving public spaces as platforms for dialogue. Despite the disruption, the group pledged to continue promoting open and accessible intellectual discourse, especially among youths. It emphasised that public spaces must remain safe and free for community learning without fear of interference. FMT has contacted the police and DBKL for comment.
