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Books to Read: January 2013
Published on 2013-01-01 08:59:22
Happy New Year! New Happy Year! Either greeting works fine, don’t you think? When a new year unfolds, people have this habit of changing some things to align with the changing of the years. I usually have that going on, and my blogging is no ex
Books to Read: January 2013
Published on 2013-01-01 08:59:22
Happy New Year! New Happy Year! Either greeting works fine, don’t you think? When a new year unfolds, people have this habit of changing some things to align with the changing of the years. I usually have that going on, and my blogging is no ex
Possibly my last book haul for the year
Published on 2012-12-27 08:09:17
This is not exactly a book haul; it’s more of an accumulation of the little purchases that I made for this month. I decided not to include them in my stack of gifts from the previous post because those are gifts and these aren’t. I know,
Possibly my last book haul for the year
Published on 2012-12-27 08:09:17
This is not exactly a book haul; it’s more of an accumulation of the little purchases that I made for this month. I decided not to include them in my stack of gifts from the previous post because those are gifts and these aren’t. I know,
TFG’s Book of the Month for December: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Published on 2012-12-25 22:31:02
This year, our book club decided to hold monthly discussions of books selected through offline votes and online polls. At first, I was reluctant to give my “aye” to these because I didn’t like the idea of reading books that arenR
TFG’s Book of the Month for December: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Published on 2012-12-25 22:31:02
This year, our book club decided to hold monthly discussions of books selected through offline votes and online polls. At first, I was reluctant to give my “aye” to these because I didn’t like the idea of reading books that arenR
The Best Reads of 2012
Published on 2012-12-20 18:00:31
I’ll be doing this now since we only have ten days left before 2013 enters. My 2012 reading is pretty much done; I’m still in the middle of the book that I abandoned a few months back and it looks like it’s not going to make it to m
The Best Reads of 2012
Published on 2012-12-20 18:00:31
I’ll be doing this now since we only have ten days left before 2013 enters. My 2012 reading is pretty much done; I’m still in the middle of the book that I abandoned a few months back and it looks like it’s not going to make it to m
TFG’s Year in Posters
Published on 2012-12-16 21:08:26
2012 is nearly coming to its end. Our book club has even recently finished discussing this year’s last book of the month, which deserves an entirely different post. In the [...]
TFG’s Year in Posters
Published on 2012-12-16 21:08:26
2012 is nearly coming to its end. Our book club has even recently finished discussing this year’s last book of the month, which deserves an entirely different post. In the unlikely event that the Mayans got their calculations right, I would lik
TFG’s Book of the Month for November: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Published on 2012-12-14 08:57:09
I think this is my last chance to post something about last month’s book of the month because tomorrow, we’ll be holding our group’s last book discussion for this year. [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for November: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Published on 2012-12-14 08:57:09
I think this is my last chance to post something about last month’s book of the month because tomorrow, we’ll be holding our group’s last book discussion for this year. [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: December 2012
Published on 2012-12-10 18:48:18
It’s that time of the month again where I check out my meme schedule. I actually follow only one regular meme, and that’s the one hosted at The Classics Club. Here [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: December 2012
Published on 2012-12-10 18:48:18
It’s that time of the month again where I check out my meme schedule. I actually follow only one regular meme, and that’s the one hosted at The Classics Club. Here [...]
Quarterly Rhapsody: Film Adaptations
Published on 2012-12-09 07:28:17
Just this week, Cloud Atlas started showing here in the Philippines. When I first heard that the Wachowskis and Tykwer were filming this with a stellar cast, I dismissed it [...]
Quarterly Rhapsody: Film Adaptations
Published on 2012-12-09 07:28:17
Just this week, Cloud Atlas started showing here in the Philippines. When I first heard that the Wachowskis and Tykwer were filming this with a stellar cast, I dismissed it [...]
The Day She Caught the Train – Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Published on 2012-12-08 00:37:13
My unforgettable art appreciation professor mentioned Anna Karenina when he was discussing realism. I don’t exactly recall how it came about, but what I remember is that he told us [...]
The Day She Caught the Train – Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Published on 2012-12-08 00:37:13
My unforgettable art appreciation professor mentioned Anna Karenina when he was discussing realism. I don’t exactly recall how it came about, but what I remember is that he told us [...]
I claimed these prizes
Published on 2012-12-02 22:53:21
Yesterday, I went to this posh mall smacked in the heart of the ghetto to claim the prizes that I won at a raffle at this blog. I’ve never been [...]
I claimed these prizes
Published on 2012-12-02 22:53:21
Yesterday, I went to this posh mall smacked in the heart of the ghetto to claim the prizes that I won at a raffle at this blog. I’ve never been [...]
Books To Read: December 2012
Published on 2012-12-01 12:11:57
I’ll be doing this feature differently for this month because 1.) there isn’t much on this month’s pile and 2.) I will be changing the way I do my reading [...]
Books To Read: December 2012
Published on 2012-12-01 12:11:57
I’ll be doing this feature differently for this month because 1.) there isn’t much on this month’s pile and 2.) I will be changing the way I do my reading [...]
Where in the world is Dracula? – The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Published on 2012-11-26 05:23:46
Let me hazard a guess: this book is a cross between Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Wrong? If I am, I have no right to [...]
Where in the world is Dracula? – The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Published on 2012-11-26 05:23:46
Let me hazard a guess: this book is a cross between Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Wrong? If I am, I have no right to [...]
I hoarded just a bit before the Christmas shoppers go crazy
Published on 2012-11-25 06:22:39
I will try my best to make this pile (plus the secret pile that I bought for exchange gifts) to be my last book shopping for this year. For us [...]
I hoarded just a bit before the Christmas shoppers go crazy
Published on 2012-11-25 06:22:39
I will try my best to make this pile (plus the secret pile that I bought for exchange gifts) to be my last book shopping for this year. For us [...]
Something Borrowed
Published on 2012-11-18 00:11:00
Last year, my friends could not lend me a book because I just didn’t like borrowing books. Not that I could afford and find all the books that I want, [...]
Something Borrowed
Published on 2012-11-18 00:11:00
Last year, my friends could not lend me a book because I just didn’t like borrowing books. Not that I could afford and find all the books that I want, [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: November 2012
Published on 2012-11-15 07:29:56
It’s mid-November, but it’s never too late to participate in The Classics Club‘s monthly meme. Here’s the topic for this month: What classic piece of literature most intimidates you, and why? [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: November 2012
Published on 2012-11-15 07:29:56
It’s mid-November, but it’s never too late to participate in The Classics Club‘s monthly meme. Here’s the topic for this month: What classic piece of literature most intimidates you, and why? [...]
How to be an adult – The God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza
Published on 2012-11-13 20:28:55
I’m not a fan of plays. I am amazed myself why I was compelled to read a review of this and borrow it. It’s either the review is too convincing [...]
How to be an adult – The God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza
Published on 2012-11-13 20:28:55
I’m not a fan of plays. I am amazed myself why I was compelled to read a review of this and borrow it. It’s either the review is too convincing [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for September: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Published on 2012-11-11 08:17:29
I’m back to my old habit of delaying these book club posts as far as I could. Oh well, next weekend will be another book discussion, so it’s just high [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for September: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Published on 2012-11-11 08:17:29
I’m back to my old habit of delaying these book club posts as far as I could. Oh well, next weekend will be another book discussion, so it’s just high [...]
How long do first impressions last? – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Published on 2012-11-08 04:37:33
I always had this notion that I have to read at least three works of Jane Austen for me to achieve a sense of accomplishment. Why do I feel that? [...]
How long do first impressions last? – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Published on 2012-11-08 04:37:33
I always had this notion that I have to read at least three works of Jane Austen for me to achieve a sense of accomplishment. Why do I feel that? [...]
What happened to my 2012 reading plan?
Published on 2012-11-04 00:26:07
What happened to my 2012 reading plan?
Published on 2012-11-04 00:26:07
Books To Read: November 2012
Published on 2012-11-02 07:46:50
We still have two more months to go through before the year ends, so I’m giving some considerations for this month’s reading list. I’ll stray away from the usual pick [...]
Books To Read: November 2012
Published on 2012-11-02 07:46:50
We still have two more months to go through before the year ends, so I’m giving some considerations for this month’s reading list. I’ll stray away from the usual pick [...]
Absolution – Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Published on 2012-10-31 05:41:23
Brideshead Revisited is arguably the masterpiece of its author, Evelyn Waugh. It is claimed so as well by the writer, but after he reread it years after its first publication [...]
Absolution – Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Published on 2012-10-31 05:41:23
Brideshead Revisited is arguably the masterpiece of its author, Evelyn Waugh. It is claimed so as well by the writer, but after he reread it years after its first publication [...]
Oh dear, here I go again
Published on 2012-10-28 13:38:34
Okay, so what to say? I feel this sort of lassitude concerning my blogging and reading that I cannot concretely describe. Not that I’ve lost my love for blogging, but [...]
Oh dear, here I go again
Published on 2012-10-28 13:38:34
Okay, so what to say? I feel this sort of lassitude concerning my blogging and reading that I cannot concretely describe. Not that I’ve lost my love for blogging, but [...]
Defining Heartbreak – The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan
Published on 2012-10-24 01:04:43
Last year, my bookish friends and I went out of town. Being the bookish lot that we are, we brought books with us that we could read while on the [...]
Defining Heartbreak – The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan
Published on 2012-10-24 01:04:43
Last year, my bookish friends and I went out of town. Being the bookish lot that we are, we brought books with us that we could read while on the [...]
One Day in the Life of a Literature Professor – A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood
Published on 2012-10-22 00:05:56
A bookish friend has been raving about the beautiful film adaptation of this since time immemorial, and I couldn’t bring myself to watch it mainly because I do not respond [...]
One Day in the Life of a Literature Professor – A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood
Published on 2012-10-22 00:05:56
A bookish friend has been raving about the beautiful film adaptation of this since time immemorial, and I couldn’t bring myself to watch it mainly because I do not respond [...]
Oops, I forgot the title
Published on 2012-10-14 10:06:42
I have a lot of things inside my head so forgive me for the yakking that would ensue from this point. It has been weeks since I last went to [...]
Oops, I forgot the title
Published on 2012-10-14 10:06:42
I have a lot of things inside my head so forgive me for the yakking that would ensue from this point. It has been weeks since I last went to [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: October 2012
Published on 2012-10-09 22:36:54
The Classics Club selected a short and sweet topic for the month that celebrates The Sweetest Day: Why are you reading the classics? First, why not? I mean, I never [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: October 2012
Published on 2012-10-09 22:36:54
The Classics Club selected a short and sweet topic for the month that celebrates The Sweetest Day: Why are you reading the classics? First, why not? I mean, I never [...]
The Dutchman in Dejima – The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
Published on 2012-10-09 02:34:58
The book trailer shows us a ship sailing slowly over the specious seas of The Land of a Thousand Autumns. Seagulls fly over the sea foam eternally reaching for a [...]
The Dutchman in Dejima – The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
Published on 2012-10-09 02:34:58
The book trailer shows us a ship sailing slowly over the specious seas of The Land of a Thousand Autumns. Seagulls fly over the sea foam eternally reaching for a [...]
Blogging, fangirling, and moviegoing
Published on 2012-10-08 09:53:00
It’s already Monday and I don’t know if any time zone is still stuck on Sunday but please, let me tag this as a Sunday Salon post. I meant to [...]
Blogging, fangirling, and moviegoing
Published on 2012-10-08 09:53:00
It’s already Monday and I don’t know if any time zone is still stuck on Sunday but please, let me tag this as a Sunday Salon post. I meant to [...]
Books To Read: October 2012
Published on 2012-10-01 09:20:27
I sit down and wonder: does this monthly planning make sense when I can barely keep up with my reading and my life? Admittedly, there are times when I just [...]
Books To Read: October 2012
Published on 2012-10-01 09:20:27
I sit down and wonder: does this monthly planning make sense when I can barely keep up with my reading and my life? Admittedly, there are times when I just [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for September: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Published on 2012-09-30 06:18:11
After some shake-up in our book club, we were able to prove that we will carry on with our book discussions and activities regardless of major changes and the drama [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for September: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Published on 2012-09-30 06:18:11
After some shake-up in our book club, we were able to prove that we will carry on with our book discussions and activities regardless of major changes and the drama [...]
I found these over the weekend
Published on 2012-09-25 21:51:17
This is going to be real quick. Even the Dogs by Jon McGregor – this year’s winner of the IMPAC Award. Found it at Book Sale – Walter Mart Munoz. [...]
I found these over the weekend
Published on 2012-09-25 21:51:17
This is going to be real quick. Even the Dogs by Jon McGregor – this year’s winner of the IMPAC Award. Found it at Book Sale – Walter Mart Munoz. [...]
Suicide for Dummies – The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Published on 2012-09-24 20:42:08
I always get curious when a book is semi-autobiographical. Since it’s “semi,” I cannot help wondering which parts of the book are lifted from the life of the author. It [...]
Suicide for Dummies – The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Published on 2012-09-24 20:42:08
I always get curious when a book is semi-autobiographical. Since it’s “semi,” I cannot help wondering which parts of the book are lifted from the life of the author. It [...]
The 61 Postmodern Reading Project
Published on 2012-09-23 10:25:33
A handful of my friends will attempt to read the books included in the 61 essential postmodern reads compiled by LA Times. I jumped in despite my reading and blogging rut [...]
The 61 Postmodern Reading Project
Published on 2012-09-23 10:25:33
A handful of my friends will attempt to read the books included in the 61 essential postmodern reads compiled by LA Times. I jumped in despite my reading and blogging rut [...]
Going back to Gilead – Home by Marilynne Robinson
Published on 2012-09-19 10:24:34
One of my book club friends proclaimed me, with soft pats at my back, the Champion of Marilynne Robinson. Why not? I have read all three of her novels, each [...]
Going back to Gilead – Home by Marilynne Robinson
Published on 2012-09-19 10:24:34
One of my book club friends proclaimed me, with soft pats at my back, the Champion of Marilynne Robinson. Why not? I have read all three of her novels, each [...]
An Answered Prayer – In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Published on 2012-09-17 22:22:45
Philip Seymour Hoffman portrayed Capote in the biopic with the same title. It focuses on the years when the author was writing his book In Cold Blood. His acting got [...]
An Answered Prayer – In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Published on 2012-09-17 22:22:45
Philip Seymour Hoffman portrayed Capote in the biopic with the same title. It focuses on the years when the author was writing his book In Cold Blood. His acting got [...]
Three days at the MIBF
Published on 2012-09-16 09:06:17
The Manila International Book Fair held last September 12-16 is not merely an event for book sellers to do their business. It’s a celebration of our love for books. You [...]
Three days at the MIBF
Published on 2012-09-16 09:06:17
The Manila International Book Fair held last September 12-16 is not merely an event for book sellers to do their business. It’s a celebration of our love for books. You [...]
The Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Compiled Daily Blogging Topics
Published on 2012-09-13 20:53:41
This is going to be really long because I’m compiling my posts for the five daily topics. I just learned of BBAW 2012 last Wednesday, so please bear with me. [...]
The Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Compiled Daily Blogging Topics
Published on 2012-09-13 20:53:41
This is going to be really long because I’m compiling my posts for the five daily topics. I just learned of BBAW 2012 last Wednesday, so please bear with me. [...]
Four Augusts – Mother’s Milk by Edward St. Aubyn
Published on 2012-09-12 01:01:17
When someone attaches the word “vicious” to a novel, I instantly become intrigued. The adjective is too strong a description that I myself use it sparingly. There’s something acerbic about [...]
Four Augusts – Mother’s Milk by Edward St. Aubyn
Published on 2012-09-12 01:01:17
When someone attaches the word “vicious” to a novel, I instantly become intrigued. The adjective is too strong a description that I myself use it sparingly. There’s something acerbic about [...]
From rickshaws to SUVs – The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Published on 2012-09-10 21:41:34
As a kid, I thought of India as this country filled with majestic temples and marching elephants and women in sari dancing to that distinct Indian music. As a teenager, [...]
From rickshaws to SUVs – The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Published on 2012-09-10 21:41:34
As a kid, I thought of India as this country filled with majestic temples and marching elephants and women in sari dancing to that distinct Indian music. As a teenager, [...]
Google Reader, My Reading Journal, and the Reading Rut
Published on 2012-09-09 08:10:05
Just the other day, I unfollowed every blog that I’m following here at WordPress and moved them over to Google Reader. I know it’s weird, and if you have noticed [...]
Half-truths, Half-inventions – Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow
Published on 2012-09-07 03:17:17
I totally didn’t know what to expect from this. My edition has the Statue of Liberty on its cover, so it’s not without reason that I’d suspect this is an [...]
A Reconsideration – Stoner by John Williams
Published on 2012-09-05 09:21:00
I sit down, gently lay my fingers on the home keys, and stare at the monitor for several minutes. I do not know how to start writing about this novel. [...]
1896 Revisited – Noli Me Tángere by José Rizal
Published on 2012-09-03 23:15:27
Back in junior high school, I borrowed my cousin’s red textbook with Jose Rizal’s portrait on the front cover for my Filipino class. It is not his biography, but yes, [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for August: Noli Me Tángere by José Rizal
Published on 2012-09-03 10:56:35
Our country celebrates Buwan ng Wika (Language Month, literally) every August, so our book club made it a point that we nominate Filipino novels for the said month. Of course, [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: September 2012
Published on 2012-09-02 08:52:38
Hello! Wow, it seems like a long time since I said hello to my blog readers. There must be a handful, right?Anyway, it’s been quite a long Sunday, one of [...]
Books To Read: September 2012
Published on 2012-08-31 12:54:14
Goodness! I don’t know what’s wrong, and I think I am in trouble: I am stuck in this reading rut! Okay, so I’ve been busy with my life, what with [...]
Why do you hate the South? – Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
Published on 2012-08-30 23:46:24
It is not without trepidation that I returned to reading Faulkner just a couple of months back. I say trepidation because I know how mad and meandering and mentally debilitating [...]
Belt, window, nut, rope – The Land of Green Plums by Herta Müller
Published on 2012-08-28 21:55:15
Christmas Party 2011. I wished for this book. Bookish little buddy bought this book and will give it to me if the person who picked my name for the exchange [...]
Quarterly Rhapsody: Translated Books
Published on 2012-08-27 07:55:17
I almost forgot my quarterly feature, which is a post where I ramble about book-related stuff. Previous topics that I discussed in Quarterly Rhapsody, if you are interested, are: why [...]
Adopting books, again
Published on 2012-08-26 10:57:19
My only bookish friend outside our book club is moving back to the province. He has trouble transporting all his books so he asked me to take care some of [...]
Adopting books, again
Published on 2012-08-26 10:57:19
My only bookish friend outside our book club is moving back to the province. He has trouble transporting all his books so he asked me to take care some of [...]
Will the real murdering miniaturist please stand up? – My Name Is Red by Orhan Pamuk
Published on 2012-08-23 21:36:05
A surprise gift from my bookish little buddy last Christmas, My Name Is Red took me by surprise as much as it did when it landed on my hands. I [...]
Will the real murdering miniaturist please stand up? – My Name Is Red by Orhan Pamuk
Published on 2012-08-23 21:36:05
A surprise gift from my bookish little buddy last Christmas, My Name Is Red took me by surprise as much as it did when it landed on my hands. I [...]
A Transatlantic Friendship – 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Published on 2012-08-22 22:45:45
Had I not been forced to read this book, I might have never laid my hands on it. I am not too keen on taking up recommendations whether they are [...]
A Transatlantic Friendship – 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Published on 2012-08-22 22:45:45
Had I not been forced to read this book, I might have never laid my hands on it. I am not too keen on taking up recommendations whether they are [...]
One book to match all those shades of grey – The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek
Published on 2012-08-22 00:37:11
What really made me pick this book is the great divide between those who love it and those who hate it to bone. A couple of friends bashed it with [...]
One book to match all those shades of grey – The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek
Published on 2012-08-22 00:37:11
What really made me pick this book is the great divide between those who love it and those who hate it to bone. A couple of friends bashed it with [...]
A quick rave on the 2012 Filipino ReaderCon
Published on 2012-08-20 07:44:13
The Filipino Reader Conference took place last Saturday. But first, I will digress for a little background. Friday night, the night before the event, I was busy recording the video log that [...]
A quick rave on the 2012 Filipino ReaderCon
Published on 2012-08-20 07:44:13
The Filipino Reader Conference took place last Saturday. But first, I will digress for a little background. Friday night, the night before the event, I was busy recording the video log that [...]
My First Vlog
Published on 2012-08-19 10:45:26
Okay, so I’m not really into video blogging. In fact, I haven’t ever checked video logs, so why this post? A little background: I’m not comfortable recording myself. It’s like [...]
My First Vlog
Published on 2012-08-19 10:45:26
Okay, so I’m not really into video blogging. In fact, I haven’t ever checked video logs, so why this post? A little background: I’m not comfortable recording myself. It’s like [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 5: Celebrating the Best
Published on 2012-08-16 20:00:43
It’s going to be tomorrow, the Filipino Reader Conference! We are now down to the fifth and final installment of this meme. For this week: August 17 – Celebrating the Best. [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 5: Celebrating the Best
Published on 2012-08-16 20:00:43
It’s going to be tomorrow, the Filipino Reader Conference! We are now down to the fifth and final installment of this meme. For this week: August 17 – Celebrating the Best. [...]
Three Nobel Laureates and Three Musketeers
Published on 2012-08-15 22:52:52
Here are the books that I got after three days of book shopping: August 13, National Book Store – Greenbelt 1 and Powerbooks – Greenbelt 3 The Three Musketeers by [...]
Three Nobel Laureates and Three Musketeers
Published on 2012-08-15 22:52:52
Here are the books that I got after three days of book shopping: August 13, National Book Store – Greenbelt 1 and Powerbooks – Greenbelt 3 The Three Musketeers by [...]
Happiness in Hatred – Fatelessness by Imre Kertész
Published on 2012-08-14 23:19:06
Recently, some of my bookish friends did a group read of The Catcher in the Rye, that novel where we read about the 17-year-old Holden. Just then, I’m reminded of [...]
Happiness in Hatred – Fatelessness by Imre Kertész
Published on 2012-08-14 23:19:06
Recently, some of my bookish friends did a group read of The Catcher in the Rye, that novel where we read about the 17-year-old Holden. Just then, I’m reminded of [...]
An attempt to review a play – Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Published on 2012-08-14 01:00:59
I do not know what to make out of this, and yet, my goal to write something for every book that I read that would at least have one sensible [...]
An attempt to review a play – Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Published on 2012-08-14 01:00:59
I do not know what to make out of this, and yet, my goal to write something for every book that I read that would at least have one sensible [...]
The girls just want to live – The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
Published on 2012-08-12 20:00:48
I first got acquainted with the writer through his Pulitzer winner, Middlesex, so I am pretty much familiar with his terrain. It’s an understatement that I’m looking forward to reading [...]
The girls just want to live – The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
Published on 2012-08-12 20:00:48
I first got acquainted with the writer through his Pulitzer winner, Middlesex, so I am pretty much familiar with his terrain. It’s an understatement that I’m looking forward to reading [...]
My problem with the Internet
Published on 2012-08-12 05:33:09
This is my first legitimate post for The Sunday Salon since I used to post something every Monday. Allow me to say something about it. I didn’t have an Internet [...]
My problem with the Internet
Published on 2012-08-12 05:33:09
This is my first legitimate post for The Sunday Salon since I used to post something every Monday. Allow me to say something about it. I didn’t have an Internet [...]
Jelinek, a long novel, and short stories
Published on 2012-08-11 08:15:30
You know what they say, that when it rains, it pours? I’m not referring to the heavy rains that our country experienced this week, but I’m pointing at books. I saw [...]
Jelinek, a long novel, and short stories
Published on 2012-08-11 08:15:30
You know what they say, that when it rains, it pours? I’m not referring to the heavy rains that our country experienced this week, but I’m pointing at books. I saw [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 4: Books and Friends
Published on 2012-08-09 21:51:10
The Filipino Reader Conference is just 8 days away! And here’s the fourth Filipino Friday post. For this week: August 10 – Books and Friends. We will have book discussions hosted by [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 4: Books and Friends
Published on 2012-08-09 21:51:10
The Filipino Reader Conference is just 8 days away! And here’s the fourth Filipino Friday post. For this week: August 10 – Books and Friends. We will have book discussions hosted by [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for July: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Published on 2012-08-06 20:30:56
I decided not to delay this post as I am wont to do mainly because this is my show. Besides, I realize now that delayed posts are bereft of their [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for July: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Published on 2012-08-06 20:30:56
I decided not to delay this post as I am wont to do mainly because this is my show. Besides, I realize now that delayed posts are bereft of their [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: August 2012
Published on 2012-08-05 23:52:35
The Classics Club is taking a revolution! We recently launched our own blog (it was formerly sitting at A Room of One’s Own), or more like six members joined forces [...]
The Classics Club Monthly Meme: August 2012
Published on 2012-08-05 23:52:35
The Classics Club is taking a revolution! We recently launched our own blog (it was formerly sitting at A Room of One’s Own), or more like six members joined forces [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 3: Reading Habits and Book Formats
Published on 2012-08-02 05:03:51
Filipino Friday is a meme in celebration of the upcoming Filipino Reader Conference. Yes, I just copy-pasted that from last week’s post. And this week’s topic is: August 3 – Reading [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 3: Reading Habits and Book Formats
Published on 2012-08-02 05:03:51
Filipino Friday is a meme in celebration of the upcoming Filipino Reader Conference. Yes, I just copy-pasted that from last week’s post. And this week’s topic is: August 3 – Reading [...]
Books To Read: August 2012
Published on 2012-07-31 21:59:32
I was only able to read a measly number of books last month. I was only able to finish two books, and one of them was a reread. I will [...]
Books To Read: August 2012
Published on 2012-07-31 21:59:32
I was only able to read a measly number of books last month: 2, and one of them was a reread. I will no longer make any excuse about failing [...]
The First and the Recent
Published on 2012-07-30 21:37:49
My stripey collection is growing. I still need two more to complete my Kazuo Ishiguro striped set. And I wish Never Let Me Go will also have its own striped [...]
The First and the Recent
Published on 2012-07-30 21:37:49
My stripey collection is growing. I still need two more to complete my Kazuo Ishiguro striped set. And I wish Never Let Me Go will also have its own striped [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 2: School of Reading
Published on 2012-07-26 19:40:42
Filipino Friday is a meme in celebration of the upcoming Filipino Reader Conference. And here’s this week’s topic (no time for a lengthy introduction this time): July 27 – School of [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 2: School of Reading
Published on 2012-07-26 19:40:42
Filipino Friday is a meme in celebration of the upcoming Filipino Reader Conference. And here’s this week’s topic (no time for a lengthy introduction this time): July 27 – School of [...]
After the Bad Weather
Published on 2012-07-25 20:47:57
I resolved not to buy any books until I move out, but I just can’t help dropping by book stores for two weeks. It’s like having withdrawal symptoms from methamphetamines [...]
After the Bad Weather
Published on 2012-07-25 20:47:57
I resolved not to buy any books until I move out, but I just can’t help dropping by book stores for two weeks. It’s like having withdrawal symptoms from methamphetamines [...]
Beautiful, Beautiful Memories – After the Birthday Party
Published on 2012-07-24 22:52:43
This is a surprise. I didn’t consider adding our little book of memories here at Goodreads. Yes, I said “our” because this is not my work. I may be attributed [...]
Beautiful, Beautiful Memories – After the Birthday Party
Published on 2012-07-24 22:52:43
This is a surprise. I didn’t consider adding our little book of memories here at Goodreads. Yes, I said “our” because this is not my work. I may be attributed [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for June – The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
Published on 2012-07-23 19:35:38
This post, again, is way too late, but as I mentioned before, I don’t intend to make these posts on time. For what reason, you might ask. First, there’s the [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for June – The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
Published on 2012-07-23 19:35:38
This post, again, is way too late, but as I mentioned before, I don’t intend to make these posts on time. For what reason, you might ask. First, there’s the [...]
What I Did Not Read
Published on 2012-07-22 20:46:42
I’ve been on a sort of reading hiatus but it’s not something that I did consciously. I haven’t really read for a whole week, and now that I think of [...]
What I Did Not Read
Published on 2012-07-22 20:46:42
I’ve been on a sort of reading hiatus but it’s not something that I did consciously. I haven’t really read for a whole week, and now that I think of [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 1: Introductions
Published on 2012-07-19 20:29:20
Filipino Friday is back! This is a meme that surfaces every time the Filipino Reader Conference activities are commenced. Of course, I’m joining. I remember last year that I used [...]
The Filipino ReaderCon 2012 Filipino Friday 1: Introductions
Published on 2012-07-19 20:29:20
Filipino Friday is back! This is a meme that surfaces every time the Filipino Reader Conference activities are commenced. Of course, I’m joining. I remember last year that I used [...]
Of Greatness and Dignity – The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Published on 2012-07-18 19:30:06
March 2012. The attendees of our book club’s book discussion voted for the book that we’ll be discussing on July 2012. The nominees were The Color Purple by Alice Walker, [...]
Of Greatness and Dignity – The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Published on 2012-07-18 19:30:06
March 2012. The attendees of our book club’s book discussion voted for the book that we’ll be discussing on July 2012. The nominees were The Color Purple by Alice Walker, [...]
Cramming
Published on 2012-07-16 22:12:36
It’s already the middle of July and darn it, I’ve only been able to finish one book from my set of July books! This is a little alarming for me, [...]
Cramming
Published on 2012-07-16 22:12:36
It’s already the middle of July and darn it, I’ve only been able to finish one book from my set of July books! This is a little alarming for me, [...]
The Fame Monster – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Published on 2012-07-12 23:23:09
Blast the media for making me think all these years that Frankenstein is a horror story. True, it was intended by the author to be a ghost story, which materialized [...]
The Fame Monster – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Published on 2012-07-12 23:23:09
Blast the media for making me think all these years that Frankenstein is a horror story. True, it was intended by the author to be a ghost story, which materialized [...]
1984 Revisited – Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler
Published on 2012-07-11 20:19:38
A lot of my bookish friends consider me a serious reader, and I only shrug my shoulders at that. I don’t think David Mitchell, Kazuo Ishiguro, Marilynne Robinson, Jose Saramago, [...]
1984 Revisited – Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler
Published on 2012-07-11 20:19:38
A lot of my bookish friends consider me a serious reader, and I only shrug my shoulders at that. I don’t think David Mitchell, Kazuo Ishiguro, Marilynne Robinson, Jose Saramago, [...]
The Affairs of Jane Eyre – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Published on 2012-07-10 20:35:08
Jane Eyre is the first book that I read for The Classics Club, an online group where each member sets a significant number of classics that he or she intends [...]
The Affairs of Jane Eyre – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Published on 2012-07-10 20:35:08
Jane Eyre is the first book that I read for The Classics Club, an online group where each member sets a significant number of classics that he or she intends [...]
Remember your math teacher? – Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Published on 2012-07-09 21:12:19
Who is Olive Kitteridge? I imagined Olive as young woman when I first looked at my yellow edition. Call me weird, and I know I am, but there’s something youthful [...]
Remember your math teacher? – Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Published on 2012-07-09 21:12:19
Who is Olive Kitteridge? I imagined Olive as young woman when I first looked at my yellow edition. Call me weird, and I know I am, but there’s something youthful [...]
Reading, and then Rereading
Published on 2012-07-08 19:56:07
This is another slow week for me. I actually thought of ditching all the books that I have planned to read for this month. But don’t be alarmed; it was [...]
Reading, and then Rereading
Published on 2012-07-08 19:56:07
This is another slow week for me. I actually thought of ditching all the books that I have planned to read for this month. But don’t be alarmed; it was [...]
The Crane, the Locust, and the Bat – Ghostwritten by David Mitchell
Published on 2012-07-05 20:16:48
Well, what do we have here? It’s the début novel of my favorite living writer. And do I need to mention the name? I think it’s not necessary, but yes, [...]
The Crane, the Locust, and the Bat – Ghostwritten by David Mitchell
Published on 2012-07-05 20:16:48
Well, what do we have here? It’s the début novel of my favorite living writer. And do I need to mention the name? I think it’s not necessary, but yes, [...]
Completing another novelist, and then some random stuff
Published on 2012-07-04 21:18:34
June 28, 2012: Book Sale – SM Mall of Asia To the Ends of the Earth by William Golding (Php 75.00) – This is a trilogy, and although I do [...]
Completing another novelist, and then some random stuff
Published on 2012-07-04 21:18:34
June 28, 2012: Book Sale – SM Mall of Asia To the Ends of the Earth by William Golding (Php 75.00) – This is a trilogy, and although I do [...]
Books To Read: July 2012
Published on 2012-07-02 21:21:07
The month just started and it’s not promising me much in terms of comfort so what I did lessen the stress is to make whimsical choices for this month’s books. [...]
Books To Read: July 2012
Published on 2012-07-02 21:21:07
The month just started and it’s not promising me much in terms of comfort so what I did to lessen the stress is to make whimsical choices for this month’s [...]
Midyear Reading Report
Published on 2012-07-01 19:00:12
July 2 is the exact middle of the year. That is, for any nonleap year. But since 2012 has an extra day, there’s a little adjustment needed that includes an [...]
Midyear Reading Report
Published on 2012-07-01 19:00:12
July 2 is the exact middle of the year. That is, for any nonleap year. But since 2012 has an extra day, there’s a little adjustment needed that includes an [...]
If books were buildings, this would be a cathedral – Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
Published on 2012-06-28 20:00:25
I first encountered Willa Cather back in college with her most anthologized short story, Paul’s Case. It’s about a young man’s frustration for people’s failure to understand him. Aside from [...]
If books were buildings, this would be a cathedral – Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
Published on 2012-06-28 20:00:25
I first encountered Willa Cather back in college with her most anthologized short story, Paul’s Case. It’s about a young man’s frustration for people’s failure to understand him. Aside from [...]
Telling a lie can make a person alcoholic – Charming Billy by Alice McDermott
Published on 2012-06-26 23:42:41
It is hard to appreciate a book that you have set yourself not to like. This is what happened with this novel. Whenever my friend and I go book hoarding, [...]
Telling a lie can make a person alcoholic – Charming Billy by Alice McDermott
Published on 2012-06-26 23:42:41
It is hard to appreciate a book that you have set yourself not to like. This is what happened with this novel. Whenever my friend and I go book hoarding, [...]
Freebies, Super Cheap Deals, and Extra Copies
Published on 2012-06-25 20:22:19
Look here! It’s been a while since I had a moderate stack of books. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro – I was not supposed to buy a [...]
Freebies, Super Cheap Deals, and Extra Copies
Published on 2012-06-25 20:22:19
Look here! It’s been a while since I had a moderate stack of books. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro – I was not supposed to buy a [...]
Reading: Absalom, Absalom!; Last Orders; Ghostwritten
Published on 2012-06-24 19:55:38
I’m trying to catch up on my June books. There’s only a week left so what I did was to finish the Faulkner book that I started last week and [...]
Reading: Absalom, Absalom!; Last Orders; Ghostwritten
Published on 2012-06-24 19:55:38
I’m trying to catch up on my June books. There’s only a week left so what I did was to finish the Faulkner book that I started last week and [...]
The Jalopy of the Joads – The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Published on 2012-06-21 20:14:56
Let me tell you why this book is important to me. Let me tell you first how I came upon my copy. When I first attended the meetings of our [...]
The Jalopy of the Joads – The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Published on 2012-06-21 20:14:56
Let me tell you why this book is important to me. Let me tell you first how I came upon my copy. When I first attended the meetings of our [...]
A De-tec-tic Tale – Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem
Published on 2012-06-20 21:48:46
I am not a fan of detective novels. I am not a fan of a lot of things, if you have noticed through the constant reading of what I write. [...]
A De-tec-tic Tale – Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem
Published on 2012-06-20 21:48:46
I am not a fan of detective novels. I am not a fan of a lot of things, if you have noticed through the constant reading of what I write. [...]
An Unexpected Adventure – The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Published on 2012-06-19 19:57:39
Before I started this, I didn’t know how to read it. That sounds a little foolish for reading to us fortunate people is like breathing. What I mean is how [...]
An Unexpected Adventure – The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Published on 2012-06-19 19:57:39
Before I started this, I didn’t know how to read it. That sounds a little foolish for reading to us fortunate people is like breathing. What I mean is how [...]
A couple of rare encounters and repeated ones
Published on 2012-06-18 20:27:19
I mentioned that I’ve been buying books for my friends recently. I’m not that selfless, really, for I also bought books for myself. The past week was a great one [...]
A couple of rare encounters and repeated ones
Published on 2012-06-18 20:27:19
I mentioned that I’ve been buying books for my friends recently. I’m not that selfless, really, for I also bought books for myself. The past week was a great one [...]
Reading: Olive Kitteridge; Absalom, Absalom!
Published on 2012-06-17 18:53:43
I feel that this week has been a little slow. I’ve been distracted with tons of work and I am a little anxious with our book club’s discussion for July. [...]
Time Warping and Shape Shifting – A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Published on 2012-06-14 20:32:50
The sensation surrounding this novel forced me to buy it and the purchase was made sooner with the insistence of one of my bookish friends to read it along with [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for May – Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Published on 2012-06-13 20:00:11
Because I always post our book club discussions late, I decided to make it a habit. A lot has already been written about our Jellicoe Road discussion through my bookish [...]
My favorite place in the Middle Earth
Published on 2012-06-10 20:10:03
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien Date Started: June 4, 2012. 1:15 AM. Date Finished: June 11, 2012. 2:30 AM. Book #33 of 2012 It’s Lorien. [...]
My favorite place in the Middle Earth
Published on 2012-06-10 20:10:03
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien Date Started: June 4, 2012. 1:15 AM. Date Finished: June 11, 2012. 2:30 AM. Book #33 of 2012 It’s Lorien. [...]
Before Ulysses, there was a portrait – A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
Published on 2012-06-07 21:40:52
There was an occasion when one of my commenters pointed out that I haven’t finished Ulysses yet when I claimed to have finished all the books that I list on [...]
Before Ulysses, there was a portrait – A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
Published on 2012-06-07 21:40:52
There was an occasion when one of my commenters pointed out that I haven’t finished Ulysses yet when I claimed to have finished all the books that I list on [...]
Not quite a eulogy – The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
Published on 2012-06-06 22:09:46
I’ve been thinking lately about AIDS, so instead of just wallowing in musings, I decided to write something about this novel. I read it almost a year ago with one [...]
Not quite a eulogy – The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
Published on 2012-06-06 22:09:46
I’ve been thinking lately about AIDS, so instead of just wallowing in musings, I decided to write something about this novel. I read it almost a year ago with one [...]
I went book shopping twice
Published on 2012-06-05 21:17:07
It’s June, and it’s that time of the year when some students go book shopping and hunting required by some of their demanding courses. I say some because I was [...]
I went book shopping twice
Published on 2012-06-05 21:17:07
It’s June, and it’s that time of the year when some students go book shopping and hunting required by some of their demanding courses. I say some because I was [...]
Books To Read: June 2012
Published on 2012-06-04 22:56:55
Would you believe that I finished all my May books, plus the backlogs, before posting this monthly reading plan? It’s a first! This is an achievement, no? Although I did [...]
Books To Read: June 2012
Published on 2012-06-04 22:56:55
Would you believe that I finished all my May books, plus the backlogs, before posting this monthly reading plan? It’s a first! This is an achievement, no? Although I did [...]
Reading: Motherless Brooklyn, Charming Billy, The Fellowship of the Ring
Published on 2012-06-03 20:01:07
This is an interesting reading week for me since I have finished two books that won literary awards, one being my favorite and the other one being the award that [...]
Reading: Motherless Brooklyn, Charming Billy, The Fellowship of the Ring
Published on 2012-06-03 20:01:07
This is an interesting reading week for me since I have finished two books that won literary awards, one being my favorite and the other one being the award that [...]
The 23 Laws of Reading a Novel – How to Read Novels Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
Published on 2012-05-31 20:34:57
If one is too cool to mind spoilers, this book on literary criticism is a good accompaniment in reading our favorite form of literature. It can even serve as a [...]
The 23 Laws of Reading a Novel – How to Read Novels Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
Published on 2012-05-31 20:34:57
If one is too cool to mind spoilers, this book on literary criticism is a good accompaniment in reading our favorite form of literature. It can even serve as a [...]
Extra Copies and Recommendations
Published on 2012-05-29 22:31:30
May is not a good month for me as far as book shopping is concerned. Really, I haven’t been going around book stores recently for this a financially difficult month [...]
Extra Copies and Recommendations
Published on 2012-05-29 22:31:30
May is not a good month for me as far as book shopping is concerned. Really, I haven’t been going around book stores recently for this a financially difficult month [...]
eatmebookiebloggie! – Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem
Published on 2012-05-27 20:50:18
Who is Lionel (line-all) Essrog? Here’s his life story, up to some point: My life story to this point: The teacher looked at me like I was crazy. The social [...]
eatmebookiebloggie! – Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem
Published on 2012-05-27 20:50:18
Who is Lionel (line-all) Essrog? Here’s his life story, up to some point: My life story to this point: The teacher looked at me like I was crazy. The social [...]
A Transition – Black Swan Green by David Mitchell
Published on 2012-05-24 23:37:37
Let me first say that I did not love this just because David Mitchell wrote it. If you really want to know, I think this novel is a departure from [...]
A Transition – Black Swan Green by David Mitchell
Published on 2012-05-24 23:37:37
Let me first say that I did not love this just because David Mitchell wrote it. If you really want to know, I think this novel is a departure from [...]
A Preparation – The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Published on 2012-05-22 22:53:46
I didn’t expect to read this as soon as now. I have always been curious what is it with The Lord of the Rings but I never really got around [...]
Spoiler Alert! – How to Read Novels Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
Published on 2012-05-21 23:33:55
I’ve borrowed this book from a bookish friend more than a month ago and I’ve been reading a few chapters of it whenever I’ve already met the minimum reading quota … Continue reading →
The Importance of Having a Book Buddy – The Land of Green Plums by Herta Müller
Published on 2012-05-20 21:26:07
Okay, I’m already done with this so it doesn’t really fit in the category of “Reading”, right? I’m making an exception with this book since I’ve read this along with … Continue reading →
The Importance of Having a Book Buddy – The Land of Green Plums by Herta Müller
Published on 2012-05-20 21:26:07
Okay, I’m already done with this so it doesn’t really fit in the category of “Reading”, right? I’m making an exception with this book since I’ve read this along with … Continue reading →
A Bum’s Life – Ironweed by William Kennedy
Published on 2012-05-17 22:00:09
Before the title page of the novel is a description of the ironweed. What is it? It is a kind of plant that resembles a sunflower, blue-purple in color. What’s … Continue reading →
A Bum’s Life – Ironweed by William Kennedy
Published on 2012-05-17 22:00:09
Before the title page of the novel is a description of the ironweed. What is it? It is a kind of plant that resembles a sunflower, blue-purple in color. What’s … Continue reading →
TFG’s Book of the Month for April – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Published on 2012-05-14 22:52:11
I am always reminded of my planned write-ups regarding our book club’s discussions when the next one is just a few days in the offing. So yes, this is, again, … Continue reading →
TFG’s Book of the Month for April – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Published on 2012-05-14 22:52:11
I am always reminded of my planned write-ups regarding our book club’s discussions when the next one is just a few days in the offing. So yes, this is, again, … Continue reading →
The necessity of these books
Published on 2012-05-13 20:55:08
Dream Angus by Alexander McCall Smith – It is necessary to have this book because the Celtic god is my namesake. I’ve been longing to have a copy of this … Continue reading →
The necessity of these books
Published on 2012-05-13 20:55:08
Dream Angus by Alexander McCall Smith – It is necessary to have this book because the Celtic god is my namesake. I’ve been longing to have a copy of this … Continue reading →
The black slaves and their blacker master – The Known World by Edward P. Jones
Published on 2012-05-10 21:31:43
There is a tall stack of literature that deals with slavery. There’s Toni Morrison, there’s William Faulkner, there’s even Mark Twain. So when I was looking for something to read, … Continue reading →
The black slaves and their blacker master – The Known World by Edward P. Jones
Published on 2012-05-10 21:31:43
There is a tall stack of literature that deals with slavery. There’s Toni Morrison, there’s William Faulkner, there’s even Mark Twain. So when I was looking for something to read, … Continue reading →
How often do you visit the dentist? – White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Published on 2012-05-09 20:08:19
“But like all things, the business has two sides. Clean white teeth are not always wise, now are they? Par exemplum: when I was in the Congo, the only way … Continue reading →
How often do you visit the dentist? – White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Published on 2012-05-09 20:08:19
“But like all things, the business has two sides. Clean white teeth are not always wise, now are they? Par exemplum: when I was in the Congo, the only way … Continue reading →
I always knew I would be a foster parent
Published on 2012-05-08 21:09:05
Our bookish friend Aldrin recently asked people whether they’d be interested in his books. Knowing the type of books he hoards and getting one pile of them myself during his … Continue reading →
I always knew I would be a foster parent
Published on 2012-05-08 21:09:05
Our bookish friend Aldrin recently asked people whether they’d be interested in his books. Knowing the type of books he hoards and getting one pile of them myself during his … Continue reading →
Am I exploring young adult fiction too late? – Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Published on 2012-05-07 19:40:13
I just recently entered the late twenties and I find it strange to be reading young adult fiction. Just to clarify things, I have nothing against YA fiction or people … Continue reading →
Am I exploring young adult fiction too late? – Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Published on 2012-05-07 19:40:13
I just recently entered the late twenties and I find it strange to be reading young adult fiction. Just to clarify things, I have nothing against YA fiction or people … Continue reading →
Surely, a monster does not speak that eloquently? – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Published on 2012-05-06 18:51:32
I always thought of Frankenstein as a green-skinned monster with giant screws at his temples. This is what I gather from video games. So it baffles me why my edition … Continue reading →
Surely, a monster does not speak that eloquently? – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Published on 2012-05-06 18:51:32
I always thought of Frankenstein as a green-skinned monster with giant screws at his temples. This is what I gather from video games. So it baffles me why my edition … Continue reading →
An age I don’t want to live in – The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Published on 2012-05-03 22:12:41
I know I am incurring some form of literary sacrilege by failing to appreciate this novel. I remember reading this holding my breath at every stop of a conversation because … Continue reading →
An age I don’t want to live in – The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Published on 2012-05-03 22:12:41
I know I am incurring some form of literary sacrilege by failing to appreciate this novel. I remember reading this holding my breath at every stop of a conversation because … Continue reading →
Book Sale Tour
Published on 2012-05-02 20:56:43
I noticed last week that most Book Sale branches were displaying new books, so yes, I went through five cities visiting some of my favorite stores. Unfortunately, since I am … Continue reading →
Book Sale Tour
Published on 2012-05-02 20:56:43
I noticed last week that most Book Sale branches were displaying new books, so yes, I went through five cities visiting some of my favorite stores. Unfortunately, since I am … Continue reading →
There are places darker than a prison cell – Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler
Published on 2012-05-01 21:12:00
Reading the blurb reminds me so much of George Orwell’s 1984. Keywords like revolution, torture, Party, and totalitarian are enough, but this is not a dystopian novel. It’s a political … Continue reading →
There are places darker than a prison cell – Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler
Published on 2012-05-01 21:12:00
Reading the blurb reminds me so much of George Orwell’s 1984. Keywords like revolution, torture, Party, and totalitarian are enough, but this is not a dystopian novel. It’s a political … Continue reading →
Books To Read: May 2012
Published on 2012-04-30 20:30:02
Argh. When will I ever finish my monthly reading plan? I’m always behind, and this time, it’s worse. I’ve only finished two of my required readings last month, which is not really alarming because these two are quite thick. The other two I can finish easily, probably within a week? And what of Ulysses? I [...]
Books To Read: May 2012
Published on 2012-04-30 20:30:02
Argh. When will I ever finish my monthly reading plan? I’m always behind, and this time, it’s worse. I’ve only finished two of my required readings last month, which is … Continue reading →
So who’s the winner?
Published on 2012-04-29 20:38:19
Before we examine the entries and announce the winner, I’d like to say thanks to everyone who sent greetings through WordPress, Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, and SMS. Now, let’s proceed to business. We have four entries, three qualified and one not. As I mentioned, only WordPress followers as of April 24, 2012 or previous commenters may [...]
So who’s the winner?
Published on 2012-04-29 20:38:19
Before we examine the entries and announce the winner, I’d like to say thanks to everyone who sent greetings through WordPress, Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, and SMS. Now, let’s proceed to … Continue reading →
Malignant – Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
Published on 2012-04-26 20:47:23
I bought my copy of this from a sidewalk vendor who was asked by someone, probably a distant aunt, to sell a stack of books. There’s something cool and bohemian in buying such stuff, so yes, even if it was exorbitantly priced despite the major crease at the back, I bought it. I immediately attended [...]
Malignant – Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
Published on 2012-04-26 20:47:23
I bought my copy of this from a sidewalk vendor who was asked by someone, probably a distant aunt, to sell a stack of books. There’s something cool and bohemian … Continue reading →
I have six units in Art – My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk
Published on 2012-04-25 20:41:07
At the close and beginning of two seamless chapters in my so-called life, I find myself halfway through this book, which is, mostly, about art. Make that Art. I only have three units in Art back in college, and I feel like I have just enrolled in three more. I am exaggerating because this is [...]
I have six units in Art – My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk
Published on 2012-04-25 20:41:07
At the close and beginning of two seamless chapters in my so-called life, I find myself halfway through this book, which is, mostly, about art. Make that Art. I only … Continue reading →
And today is…
Published on 2012-04-24 20:30:32
My birthday! God’s nightgown! My age is now officially one notch higher than it was yesterday! Which isn’t so bad, so long as I don’t look like it. Please don’t react violently. Indulge me just even today. Anyway, instead of asking for gifts, I am going to give away freebies. Yes, all you need to [...]
And today is…
Published on 2012-04-24 20:30:32
My birthday! God’s nightgown! My age is now officially one notch higher than it was yesterday! Which isn’t so bad, so long as I don’t look like it. Please don’t … Continue reading →
April is the cruelest month
Published on 2012-04-23 20:45:29
It’s surprising that I haven’t bought any books for the past couple of weeks at sale bins because I couldn’t find any books that I like. Cruel, no? I feel like something’s not right when this happens, so I took advantage of the summer sale at National Book Store. It’s almost the end of April, [...]
April is the cruelest month
Published on 2012-04-23 20:45:29
It’s surprising that I haven’t bought any books for the past couple of weeks at sale bins because I couldn’t find any books that I like. Cruel, no? I feel … Continue reading →
What’s your relationship status? – A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood
Published on 2012-04-22 20:14:50
As always, I was never the one to be deterred to read the book from which a film is based. This time, it is A Single Man. One of my bookish friends has been forever raving about, asking me, rather forcing me, to watch it. Since I could not find a copy and since I [...]
So it goes and so on – Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Published on 2012-04-19 21:22:07
Listen! This is the story of Billy Pilgrim, a war veteran who survives the bombing of a German town and who is able to live a comfortable life after it. How did he do it? He hid at the storage room of a slaughterhouse where he was taken as a war prisoner when the sky [...]
In which disinterest called for a hiatus – Ulysses Diaries, I
Published on 2012-04-18 21:00:09
I am concurrently reading Ulysses with Jane Eyre, but since I got so absorbed with the story of the headstrong lady protagonist of the latter, I deprioritized the reading of the former. At least I got myself to episode 5, which is a measly 70 or so pages. I will definitely go back to this [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for March – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Published on 2012-04-17 21:05:38
This is super late, and I only remembered to write something about it had I not imagined seeing the group photos somewhere. I asked my bookish friends if they have seen these photos on social networks only to find out that these haven’t been uploaded yet. Is that strange or what? In addition to that, [...]
A Literary Symphony in B Major – Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Published on 2012-04-12 22:08:05
Literary Blog Hop for April
Published on 2012-04-11 21:51:19
The Literary Blog Hop is hosted at The Blue Bookcase. I’ve always been checking this one out, but this is my first time to participate. I’ll try my best to make this a regular thing. I remember telling one of my bookish friends that I’ll be joining this on my birthday month, and I think [...]
An affair last Good Friday – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Published on 2012-04-10 20:53:45
This book formally commences my five-year long engagement with The Classics Challenge of The Classics Club, hosted at A Room of One’s Own. Yes, it’s both a club and a challenge. We have a Goodreads group wherein participants get or receive an invitation once their list of classics is submitted as an announcement to take [...]
A neurotic support system – The Echo Maker by Richard Powers
Published on 2012-04-09 21:36:10
Hello, how’s everyone? I miss blogging, and I am kind of hoping at least someone missed me, hahaha! I did some serious reading during the holidays, and here’s one of them: The Echo Maker. I am No One but Tonight on North Line Road GOD led me to you so You could Live and bring [...]
A Pretty Good Book Hunting Week
Published on 2012-04-03 20:34:04
Here’s a summary of the books that I got for the last week of March. Just to let you know, I’ve been to around five second hand book stores. If you continue reading, you can conclude which one is my favorite branch. Book Sale – Makati Square March 26, 2012 Middlemarch by George Eliot (Php [...]
Quarterly Rhapsody: Signed Books
Published on 2012-04-02 20:23:55
Recently, I joined three of my bookish friends, Kwesi, Maria, and Rollie, for the book signing of a young adult author. The author’s name escapes me now. Lauren Oliver? I am sorry. Regular readers of this blog, which I am confident must be at around five or at most ten, must know that I am [...]
Books To Read: April 2012
Published on 2012-04-01 21:30:03
It’s April, and as usual, I have not finished the March reading plan. I am one book behind. It sucks, I know, so I am making a few adjustments to make this month’s reading plan achievable. No drastic changes though. I’ll still stick to five required books per month. I’ll just start including our book [...]
It’s not evil to describe a flaccid penis – The Gathering by Anne Enright
Published on 2012-03-29 20:25:39
The narrator is Veronica. She is middle-aged, married, with kids, and says penis a lot. I wouldn’t have noticed the last detail had I not been warned by a friend, asking me to count the word penis. Not that the narrator is sexually deranged, it just so happened that she watches her husband sleeping naked [...]
In the countercurrents of the Pacific – Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Published on 2012-03-28 21:28:43
I am currently reading this with two friends, LS and Maria. We are now halfway through it, at least I am, and I’ll just post my daily inputs for the first three days to make things easier for me. *** Day 1: Welcome to Zookeeping 101! The first 50 pages felt like nonfiction. It was [...]
The Font, the Font – The Sea, the Sea by Iris Murdoch
Published on 2012-03-26 21:34:35
Staring at the font size of my edition intimidates me. Sure, I’ve read the gigantic 2666 months ago, but somehow, I was more frightened at the prospect of reading this Booker winner. And reading the mini-bio of the author at one of the front pages further scares me: Murdoch is a philosopher. Most probably, philosophical [...]
Prozac Nation – Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Published on 2012-03-23 01:00:39
Not really Prozac, but Soma. Not exactly an anti-depressant, but a drug for instant gratification. This is a novel about a society peopled with drugged and genetically engineered citizens. A dystopian novel, yes, much like another version of 1984 where the future is speculated. What happens if the state manipulates the society using the advancements [...]
Don’t ask why – Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion
Published on 2012-03-20 21:01:28
People ask Maria, Mar-eye-ah, what makes Iago evil. She doesn’t know, because she never asks. That is sort of paraphrasing the first line of this novel. She then proceeds to tell us a little about herself. An actress, early thirties, married, divorced, one kid named Kate. And then a few more things that meander through [...]
The Undercover Women
Published on 2012-03-19 20:17:48
I can’t remember the last time I bought a book at a regular book store, not counting the time I bought books for the nonprofit organization and the exchange gift during our book club’s Christmas party. Look, I haven’t taken these splurges out of their plastic covers yet because I don’t know when I would [...]
I need a ride – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Published on 2012-03-18 19:03:06
I just don’t dig this. I don’t get where the craze is coming from. This book has a high average rating, but I think I am missing something. Or perhaps I am among the minority who doesn’t find this a tad enjoyable. Sure, there are funny moments, thanks to the sarcasm that I am inclined [...]
Pretty little literary liar – Atonement by Ian McEwan
Published on 2012-03-15 20:30:41
This is the first book of the month that I read back when I was still a newbie at our book group. I am not sure if I would have read this soon otherwise. It was April then, a hot month in our country, and, like the opening chapter of the novel, the first event [...]
Joining The Classics Club
Published on 2012-03-14 22:04:27
Most people think that I am a huge classics reader when in fact, I haven’t read a lot of hardcore classics. Sure, I’ve been reading literary fiction and contemporary classics, but classics in the lines of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, or Henry James: not yet. I even checked the number of classics that I finished, [...]
Where’s the smut in this? – The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek
Published on 2012-03-13 21:54:57
I’ve seen the film adaptation of this novel by accident. So why am I reading this? Of course, the book is always superior to the film adaptation, and the latter is just the director’s interpretation. I want to have my own interpretation of the novel. The disc is lying on the lone chair of the communal [...]
I don’t think I know what books to buy
Published on 2012-03-11 20:05:07
Here’s a round-up of my Book Sale tours for the first dozen days of March. March 6, 2012: Book Sale – Alphaland South Gate Mall Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich (Php 20.00) – I already have this, but this cheap trade paperback is welcome to replace my battered mass market. Which is, by the way, [...]
Jesus Christ is just another man – The Gospel According to Jesus Christ by José Saramago
Published on 2012-03-09 01:30:22
A retelling of Jesus Christ’s life not as the holiest man in the universe but as a man, an everyday man, who is reluctant to take on the duties imposed to him as mankind’s savior, this novel has to be read putting aside your religious biases. If you are a hardcore Catholic and cannot stomach [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for February – The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Published on 2012-03-07 22:37:40
It’s most probable that the attendees overthought and overanalyzed this short book. Yes, anybody can read The Little Prince in one sitting. In fact, it’s so short that it’s hard to write something more than 500 words about it if you decide to do that right after reading it. But writing about it right after [...]
An artist, an escape artist, a comic book artist – The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
Published on 2012-03-05 19:39:01
This is cool. This is sheer nerdiness. This is about comic books! Are you expecting the cynical me to diss this art form? Of course not, you! I was reared into comic books myself, not during the heydays of Superman, but that of the X-Men, their latter, waning years. I at least had a taste [...]
A bookish book – The Book Group Book by Ellen Slezak
Published on 2012-03-04 19:51:18
Several years ago I sat in a café with a friend. “The people I work with think Kierkegaard is a comic strip character,” she complained. “If I mention John Donne, they want to know what kind of rock music he plays.” Sarah, fifteen years younger than I, was experiencing the post-academic depression that often envelops [...]
There isn’t always a reason behind the things that we do – The Stranger by Albert Camus
Published on 2012-03-02 01:38:29
I seriously don’t know what to say about this book, so this is going to be one of those nonreviews where I babble incoherent stuff that appear to be sensible, solid stuff when, in fact, it lacks glue to hold everything together. I am even reluctant to write this because I fear of blaspheming Camus, [...]
Books To Read: March 2012
Published on 2012-02-29 21:39:39
March! The last month of the first quarter. And a new set of reading plan. Okay, now I really, really have to follow this reading plan. I know, I shouldn’t be too austere with reading; it takes away the joy of reading, yes? But I beg to disagree. I actually enjoy the imposition of rigorous [...]
number1stupendous number2cherishable number3gripping number4aaargggh – Number9Dream by David Mitchell
Published on 2012-02-27 19:56:58
So this is how I die, minutes after midnight on reclaimed land somewhere south of Tokyo bay. I sneeze, and the swelling in my right eye throbs and nearly ruptures. Sunday, 17th September. I cannot call my death unexpected. Not after the last twelve hours. Since Anju showed me what death was, I have glimpsed [...]
Let’s itty and viddy if we could translate some nadsat slovos – A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Published on 2012-02-26 19:42:28
For the benefit of those who didn’t get this post’s title, it directly translates to “Let’s go and see if we could translate some teenage words. Nadsat talk is the language employed by the teen gangsters of A Clockwork Orange. Reading its first chapter is disorienting, because one is not yet used to this strange [...]
Of sheep, lungworm, coffee, and poetry, and God, and a lot, lot more – Independent People by Halldór Laxness
Published on 2012-02-23 20:13:21
For some time now, I’ve been itching to write something about this wonderful, funny, lyrical, all-encompassing book. And now that I have a few moments to devote on it, I realize that I cannot put into words my love for this. The only thing that I can do is to keep shoving this to people [...]
What was the Little Prince doing on Earth? – The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Published on 2012-02-22 19:03:23
01. Getting a tan at the deserts of Sahara. 02. Moonlighting at the deserts of Sahara. 03. Contemplating bouquets of roses. 04. Contemplating bouquets of wild flowers. 05. Contemplating fox fur. 06. Doing some charitable construction work. 07. Reenacting Humpty-Dumpty, for a cause. 08. Distinguishing the stars from each other, particularly that star where his [...]
Oh please, excuse my French
Published on 2012-02-21 19:15:04
It’s a challenge to spell Houellebecq. It’s a challenge to pronounce it as well; the eleven letters only take up two syllables. And so is Gide. I always thought it sounds like “giddy,” but I recently found out that it has a silent e and the g is pronounced like a j. Sure, almost everyone [...]
More Tales of American Jews – Goodbye, Columbus by Philip Roth
Published on 2012-02-20 19:44:20
This is quite a break from my readings, but really, it’s not one that I would call a guilty pleasure. The only pleasure that I have from this book is that I can start anywhere. Not exactly anywhere; I mean I can choose any story to read without losing the essence of this collection of [...]
Of boats and, what? – Offshore by Penelope Fitzgerald
Published on 2012-02-16 19:33:06
After almost a year of reading this, I am still confused whether to like this or not. You have to somehow give the author credit for the sparseness of the text. The book is like a pamphlet; one could use it to swat a hardheaded fly. One could even finish this in a couple of [...]
I’m giving these books away
Published on 2012-02-15 21:01:06
Not to you, but to the teenagers of Virlanie foundation. I am giving away To Kill a Mockingbird bird for reasons that you could read about at the pilot post of The Spark Project. The three Jostein Gaarder books, I haven’t read them yet. But I trust Mr. Gaarder, my sole basis being Sophie’s World. [...]
Waiting For My Poet
Published on 2012-02-14 20:01:27
You can interpret that however you want, what with post-Valentine’s celebrations still going on. I treated yesterday as a normal day, but of course, it’s not as normal as I want it to be, given that the storekeeper across the street greeted me like the day was a legal holiday. Which is funny because nobody [...]
TFG’s Book of the Month for January – 1984 by George Orwell
Published on 2012-02-13 20:25:30
I figured I should write something about this. I figured that I should do this monthly feature because I have both the fortune and burden of being one of the moderators of an online-offline book club. I have mentioned this book club in passing in some of my past posts, so let’s do a little [...]