Friendship from the pages of books

I met Hung on a train back home after the university entrance exam in 2009. At that time, university entrance exams were concentrated in clusters. I remember that day there were quite a few passengers in the carriage, but there was only one person about my age who was sitting engrossed in reading a book, even though the train was running quite loudly and shaking. I came over to chat. We chatted quite happily about the book she was reading, about the recent exam… When the train arrived at the station, we said goodbye and no one thought we would see each other again. At that time we didn’t have phones to communicate, so when we talked on the train we only asked briefly about each other’s hometowns.

Life has unexpected things. I went to college, and a few months later I went to a friend’s room to stay and met Hung again. At first we were hesitant, but when we talked about reading books on the train that day, we recognized each other. Hung studied at the same school but had a different major than me. From then on, we often met. Our friendship also started from there.

Hung is a book enthusiast. Even though student life is always difficult, Hung still keeps the habit of buying a new book every month. There was a scholarship at the end of the semester, so Hung bought a few books and didn’t forget to give me one as a gift. My love of books and reading habits are largely thanks to Hung.

We went through 4 years of college together with many memories associated with books. I remember on empty afternoons, Hung would come and take me to the library. I remember on weekends, we would go “hunting” for books at used bookstores, sidewalk bookstores, and even junkyards. The book cafes I know are all led by Hung. And remembering the green summers, we followed students to donate books and school supplies to children in the highlands. The joys that books bring us are hard to describe…

Every time he gets a good book, the first person Hung wants to share it with is me. As for me, when writing a book introduction, the first person I want to read and give comments is Hung. I know many young people who like to read books. But I have never seen anyone who loves books as passionately as Hung. Every book he buys, Hung tries to read it, even if he has to stay up late. Wherever he goes, Hung always has a few books in his backpack, and whenever he has free time, he brings books out to read. Books purchased by Hung are cleaned of dust and carefully wrapped. Every two or three months, Hung spends a day cleaning and checking the bookcases. Every book Hung gives me is carefully written with loving wishes…

We graduated from school, each in our own place, only seeing each other a few times a year. But every time we meet again, Hung always gives me precious books. Hung is quite a connoisseur of books, so every time I need to find a book, I think of Hung first. Hung will buy it and send it to me by post. Perhaps the person who understands my reading taste the most is Hung. Occasionally in his messages, Hung would talk about a new book, as if he wanted to bring me the joy of reading.

Now, every time I sit down to read the books Hung gave me, turn the cover to read Hung’s affectionate wishes, I feel happy to have Hung as a friend in my life. Secretly grateful for the pages of books that carry so much love and give wings to my friendship with Hung.