Years after living in Bangkok, Kris Gomeze, publisher of Bicycles United Magazine, had always been working as an international media specialist in marketing industry. The media specialist-turned-publisher had no interest in cycling until two years ago. The Hong Kong native became interested in the alternative mode of transport when she had to do a marketing research for Bicycles United Magazine, a free bi-lingual publication about lifestyle cycling launched last month. With her responsibility at the magazine, Gomeze has to update herself with the cycling culture around the world through books and e-books. Since then, her bookshelf has been filled with bicycle-related books and magazines. However, her choice of reading still covers diverse topics, from novels to coffee table books.
_ Sirinya Wattanasukchai
What are you reading?
I am currently reading Pedalling Around the Peninsula by Sandra Loh. It's about Sandra's cycling with her friend around west Malaysia. This was her first touring trip. It caught my eye at Changi International Airport. I find it inspiring when people go on their first cycling touring trip as this is something I have on my bucket list of things to do.
What is the book you've always wanted to read but still haven't?
Would you believe it is the Catholic Bible? It's the book I have been looking to buy and read for a very long time. I can't find the right one yet.
Is there a book you've never managed to finish?
Yes, Lord of the Rings, for some reason I just cannot finish the first book or even finish watching the movie.
Did you ever buy a book because everybody was talking about it, but when you actually read it you didn't like it at all?
Hmm no, I always like to buy a book based on my own liking. I read the first Harry Potter book long long before it became famous.
Roughly, at home how many books have you bought that you haven't started reading?
I think about three, it is still sitting on my desk at home. Now that I am working on Bicycles United Magazine, I guess those 3 books will be sitting there for a long time. I can't even remember the names so that shows how long it has been.
Do you have a book or books that you've bought because you judged it by its cover?
Never. I always check the content. I guess being in the media business for so long I tend to evaluate everything before I buy which includes the cover, design, paper and contents before I buy it. I love good books.
Which book has impressed you the most?
There is a hard cover book published by the Post Publishing on HM The King almost 20 years ago. The book cover photo visual was a sketch of HM The King It was borrowed from me to be key visual of the cover design so I am more than impressed and immensely proud. The framed sketch has been hanging in my living room for over 22 years.
What did you do with the books you don't like after reading (not necessarily finishing) them?
I usually take them back home in Hong Kong when I visit my family or give to someone who has wants to read them, and there are some that I still want to keep. When the right time comes I will give them away.
