'I like down-to-earth tales'

Comedian Butet Kartaredjasa never fails to amuse audiences, especially in his wickedly funny caricatures of former presidents Soeharto and Habibie.

All jokes aside, however, Butet's rubber face and comical mannerisms sometimes make it difficult for him to be taken seriously, even when he wants to be.

"Often when I'm angry with my children, they will think I'm acting and just leave me alone," Butet once told The Jakarta Post.

He put on his serious face to tell us about the books that catch, and keep, his attention.

What's on your bedside table?

Kompas (daily) 2004 short story collection. I often get free copies of new books but haven't the chance to read all of them.

I'm also reading this book about the miracle of plants. That's one of the themes I like to read .. about living creatures, aside from culture, social and politics. Well, I actually like to read anything.

Author, author...Who is most interesting to you?

The late Umar Kayam. He was always able to come up with interesting stuff. I like the way he narrated.. it's articulate and inspiring. The stories are down to earth, which I can totally relate to. They are often about the reconstruction of Indonesian family life.

Kid's choice?

Local comic books, like (superhero) Gundala the Son of Thunder, Si Doel and those from (comic writers) Teguh Santoso, Jan Mintaraga. I also liked the books published by Pustaka Jaya.

Magazine selections?

Many, from Tempo newsmagazine, which I subscribe, to teen magazine Kawanku.

Favorite places to pick up a good book?

Mostly in Gramedia, and also Galaxy.

-- Damar Harsanto