Memoirs of a Geisha | Book Review

I've watched a lot of Korean series and some of them made me associate Kisaeng as a high class prostitute. I'm not aware of their real function since most of the series are love stories. In movies, it's not explained, you just watched it and form your own conclusion (that's why sometimes I look for book counterpart to understand more). I was a fan of Hwang Jini way back high school but then her first love, Jang Geun Suk, died early for me to finish the whole series. The pretty cover of this book is hard to ignore and initially I thought it's about Kisaeng but soon I realized that Geisha is the Japanese counterpart.

This book portrays Geisha as a woman you could admire. It was quite tricky because in the end I still think of them the same way. Let's understand though that it's part of their culture and they don't have that much choice. It's actually an advantage to become one of them, at least in this book. It's either you become a slave (maid) or become a geisha. It's good to know that despite the poor upbringing, they can still have a wealthy life. It doesn't mean that it's easy because they need to master the art of entertaining, dancing, singing, etc. It means you will study all your life and endure different hardships to become one.

by: Arthur Golden

Vampire Diaries: The Fury Book Review

I've watched 1 season of Vampire Diaries and it's nice and very addicting. I assumed that the suspense part of this book will lead to the father of Klaus, the vampire who made Katherine a vampire. If you don't know Katherine, she is the original girl in the love triangle. She made Stefan and Damon a vampire. The female protagonist here is Elena though. Katherine is long dead and the two guys fell in love at Elena whose appearance resembles Katherine.

In the TV show, Katherine is alive. But in this book, her appearance is quite lame and isn't surprising. If I didn't know the video counterpart of this, maybe I can still get shocked. Her rage is not relatable, it's actually stupid. Everything is her fault. That doesn't justify her to throw fit and kill people. She's not horrifying enough to be the cause of the great dread.

The Fury by L.J. Smith

It's quite annoying that the suspense is presented in a dramatic way and then the threat is just empty. The only way to beat the evil power is when all of them unite and if there's a sacrifice. All of the protagonist are safe and none of their friends is dead. For me, a sacrifice is like a life taken away. The only dead character is their enemy. That doesn't count as a sacrifice. There was also a part where Bonnie mentioned that her mother uses a melted lead for predicting the future. Isn't that explosive when combined with water?

How To Be a Bridesmaid Book Review

Price: 100php

I don’t know what an “abay” truly is even after being a bridesmaid for around three times. My first bridesmaid experience will always be the most unforgettable and special of them. It’s not because of the pretty dress or for simply being asked for but because of the unexpected short bond I have with my cousin, who is the groom, and the other pampering and luxury that followed.

7 years of relationship + dream wedding. It’s such a wonderful wedding. I admire it. It’s not like the other bridesmaid experience where they’ll just take the body measurement, let you fit the dress and then only see each other on the day of the wedding. Since the groom shouldn’t see the bride yet, I accompanied my cousin in the hotel and slept there. Sayang kasi yung hotel, it’s a room for 3. It may be unintentional bonding but I’m glad it happened. It was my first time in a high-class hotel. I also appreciate that my cousin and I were able to eat breakfast together. It’s a rare opportunity to not only be invited but also be a part of a wedding typical for wealthy people. A once in a lifetime kind of experience way back early teenage years.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (Book 1) Review

I'm glad to have read this book without spoilers. So far, it's nice and I enjoyed it. Some twists are shocking even if the other reviewers say it's not original. This book made me miss HP (Harry Potter) books but nothing can beat the magical world that HP created.

The world they've made around City of Bones is just simple. My late reaction after finishing the book is it's not satisfying. I want a world that is really complex and would amaze me. I also want to jump on action part right away. Waiting for the mystery to unwrap is agonizing but not so horrifying when revealed. I will still say that this book is okay. I just hope that the next books of Mortal Instrument series is worth reading.

I hardly put the book down. It only happens when I need to sleep. It's quite addicting. It took me 2 days to fully read the book or not even an entire day if it's weekend. Our protagonist, Clary Fray, has some past memories she can't remember because it was intentionally removed from her. She may have learned her real identity but those past memories are not yet revealed in this book and the author didn't hinted if there's more to look forward. The author didn't put much cliffhanger that will make you desperate over the next book.

This book is about shadowhunters, they are Nephilim but they are far from the true Nephilim of the Bible which is half human and half angel. The main teenager characters are descendants of both shadowhunter parents, not of a human and angel. There's a lot of questions I have in mind like the shadowhunter that was bitten by a werewolf. How come that he survived knowing that he became a mixture of 3 breeds now? The author should have added some disadvantages. It's a loophole that can be easily abused.

PS I still Love You (Book Review)

“To All the Boys I've Loved Before” is way more beautiful than the sequel “P.S. I still Love You”. I am not instantly disappointed when I finished reading it yet I am not completely satisfied too. Her other books, the Summer series, is way better than this duology. Maybe because when I’ve read the Summer series, all books is available for nonstop reading. While this duology, I have to wait a year for the publishing of the 2nd book.

The first few pages were very reminiscent of the first book and gave me high hopes. It didn't really make me go gaga though. Reading this is still fast paced but there's a boring part that made me stop once. I wish she didn’t rush into making this 2nd book. 3 years of waiting can be okay as long as it's worth it.

Part of it is quite predictable. The character did a lot of things that made me question this “Why are they even acting like that?” Why give a precious jewelry to your love one then return it again? Why does Peter still choose her ex over her girlfriend? The reason is not even that grave.

2nd book in the duology

It isn’t just right to ignore Josh after the years of friendship. He is, after all, the original character in the love triangle in Book 1. The arrival of new guy in Book 2, John Ambrose, doesn’t match the tension that came from the original Josh. John Ambrose just popped out in this book. There was no huge anticipation in his arrival and his character was not developed well in book 1. No wonder it’s not easy to root for him.

Angelfall (Book Review)

Angelfall is my favourite book back when I still don’t read that much. So imagine the effect it has on me then. I like this better than Hunger Games and Twilight because their love story feels right and wholesome yet still surprisingly striking. This book also has a lot of potential as a movie as long as it will be beautifully made with the right actors and actresses. Talk about charm and good cinematography.

Back in those days, this book was very close in my heart as it reminded me of a special friend whose character I truly admire. Sometimes you have so much respect to a person that their being just a role model in your life is enough. Being exclusive is not mandatory. And if they’ll like you back, you want it to come naturally and not forced.

It’s kind of predictable in this book that when two people are living together, they will certainly have an attachment and a room for attraction. It happens in real life. That’s why it’s just normal to assume that when two people are always together, especially opposite sex, there’s usually something between them.

Nonetheless, Penryn is not the kind who’s desperate of love. The possibility of love is minor even if they’ve exchange a lot of bantering during their journey. Part of this book is action and survival until they were able to achieve each of their personal objective and mission. She is determined and courageous which reminds me of Arya from Hunger Games. She’s not a damsel in distress and is better than Katnis and Bella for me.

The Marriage Bargain | Book Review

I read tagalong pocketbooks before since it was easily available than other kinds of books. I initially didn’t like reading pure text because I prefer comics but reading is really dominant in my genes. I don’t like to read PB now, that’s how some habits end. You’ve had had enough of them one day and you’ll look for something different and better.

It’s only just recently that I’m officially reading books (bestseller or the talk and raves) with my blog as the motivator. Some books feel harsh and really dark with their POVs making it worse that I don’t know if I should be relieved not having them before. For example, taking drugs at a young age is nothing but normal with most of the YA books. Then I got used to it eventually.

This book is not so different with tagalog romances, only it is written in English and more detailed. I’ve reread it for this review and also because I like this once and will recommend. The synopsis is stereotype. It’s good I didn’t bother to read it before, sometimes that’s the case with ebooks. I wish some books don’t have blurb at all.

The Book in General

The guy is rich and needs a wife to claim his inheritance and the girl needs money. Even if the author used this as the base of the story, the progress is an enjoyable read. It’s a reminder of a love life when you have none. It’s always nice to read a love story that can make the reader laugh. It’s not a full comedy but it will pass as humorous. It’s not drama and will not cause you tears but there are two scenes that quite stirred my emotion.

World After | Book Review

I want angel stories because I don’t know much about them yet. Their stories in Bible is what I have longed to know back when I was young. The perfect way they look only adds up in my fascination. Some movies have a different say though. Even my sister agrees that they’re not really that all good.

Angelfall is my favourite book before the “To All the Boys I Loved Before”. As of now, I don’t have a favourite. Just like crushes, some feelings fades with time. Still, I want to have a copy of Book 1 but not the complete set. But if it’s free, why not?

Content of the story:

Raffe didn’t appear quickly but that’s just okay. It leaves a question of “How will the story go?” and that made me afraid of getting impatient as I flip the page. I didn’t stop reading the book and soon I was hooked. Raffe is still a part of the story in a resourceful way even if he appeared late in the book. If Book 1 is the start of romance, this sequel is a different story that has an inspirational punch. It’s more of character’s growth and love of family (more on sisterly love).

Penryn and Raffe | Their love story

The budding love is forbidden. He’s not only a handsome angel but an archangel, the wrath of God but doesn’t seem the wrath at all. Penryn is only 17 years old and that I believe is still young for love life. Will they end together? Impossible and hopeless, but that’s one of the mysteries the readers will look forward. But if the author has a genius yet believable twist or excuse in mind, let's find out in Book 3.

To all the Boys I've Loved Before (Book Review)

This is where it all started. It’s the first book of Jenny Han that I’ve read and the best so far. The feeling of wanting more made me want to read her other books. The final part of the book was “Whaat? That’s all?” That will make most of the reader feel hanging. I’m relieved it’s a duology, meaning there’s a sequel that will soon be released this year. This includes to the few books I would like to have a real physical copy. It’s the book 2 I’m looking forward to buy. Hopefully, Jenny Han would create an equally charming and adorable sequel.

What’s in the story?

The cuteness of the story will bring smile to readers. (kilig moments). It’s almost like a romantic comedy but a mixture of different issues and realities in life that is idealistic at the same time. To have an old crush in your sister’s boyfriend is very awkward, let alone the guy discovers it and chases after you. This will never happen if only the old letters Lara Jean made for herself was not sent to each of the boys that she secretly loved before. But how about the other guys who received the letters? Who sent it anyway? Sure it’s a dilemma but Lara Jean will find a way out.

Shug by Jenny Han | Book Review

My last 2 weeks was like: overtime in work + getting sick from stress + blue days. The only leisure time was when I was in a different world through reading books. I have read most of Jenny Han’s books. They’re like a time machine that brings back childhood memories. Besides from being light and easy to read, the book has a nice aura. Reading this is like being in that time of the day where you relax under a shade of tree while the wind blows and the leaves sways.

The title “Shug” doesn’t initially appeal to me. And also, learning that it was a story of a young girl, she’s too young for a real relationship. So how will this create excitement? Hmm.

But then, this book made me cry (for just a few tears). If you were a sentimental kid that likes stationeries etc. and that friendship meant a lot to you then, you will understand this. The concept is quite similar to “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” but this is way milder and girly.

It’s not a typical story that has a matching solution in the end. It’s not drama either. It’s just a glimpse of the protagonist’s normal daily life while she went to a transition phase. It doesn’t have a lasting impact to me yet it’s good to know that there is this kind of books I can recommend to my little sister or future kids when it’s time for them to grow too. I wish I was able to read this during my early teenage years.

“A twelve-year-old girl learns about friendship, first loves and self-worth in a small town in the South.”

Book Review | While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark

I still have 2 other books to read. One of them is still a book of Marry Higgins Clark. I've already made a review of the first book of her that I've read which is the “We'll Meet Again”. It's a better read than this book but it seems that the previous review I made fall a bit short in showing my appreciation.

This book has a label “#1 New York Times Bestselling Author” instead of “The #1 New York Times Bestseller” which gave me the impression that it's not that best compared to “We'll Meet Again”. The last book I will read doesn't have a label at all but hopefully I can bear it. After getting done with this book, it seems that suspense will now have a space in my heart (especially if it's a book written by a female author). I like her books. They're easy to read and good for beginners. It has a woman touch and I prefer that over too boring and serious approach.

It consists of 318 pages yet the last 75 pages are the real page turners. It took me a lot of days to finish the first 2/3 of it. Those parts were mostly introductions and didn't hook me. The last 1/3 is the best part and where the real action starts.

Book Review | We'll Meet Again by Mary Higgins Clark

My college niece let me borrow this. She said it was one of her favorite including the other 2 of Mary Higgins Clark's book she gave.

I'm not really into suspense books but I'm open for possibility of liking other things. I have read similar books before just because a friend or an Aunt handed it me. And I really like some of them. I came to realize that there are good books and there are also poorly written books. I just hope that I wont often encounter the latter as it can turn me off from reading books.

I like how this book started compared to he book The Lost Symbol of Dan Brown. It's simple and begins without paligoy ligoy. It's quite thick but the end twist seems like a rush one. It is not too horrifying compared to the past suspense books I've read. Despite that, I will still recommend this for kids as it is engaging and very easy to read. It only requires little help from dictionary.

It took me short breaks when reading this but I finished it in a span of 1 whole day and 1 night.

The #1 New York Times Bestseller

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Book Review)

This book has been mentioned in different reading materials I encountered before. Finally I decided to read it and gave it the attention I withhold before. Why not when I consider myself as a wallflower in the past and it was even my friendster name. It was a codename that a few who cared knew.

This book is different from what I have in mind before. Instead of a female character, it was actually like a diary of a guy in a letter form. I initially thought it was a collection of advantages of being single. It shows that Charlie, the main character, is not the worst kind of wallflower at all. He’s actually lucky and has plenty of people who love him yet he feels lonely in some way.

It’s very easy to relate with especially that the time frame was during his freshman year. Being a first year student is such an unforgettable moment. It’s the first step towards a lot of changes and exposures while we leave the memories of our childhood years behind. It makes me remember the song of Taylor Swift, the “Fifteen”.

Dear Alex Break na kami Paano? (Book Review)

This book is mostly for those who are in a bad relationship (even though you don’t realize it) and those who are planning to move out. It’s good for NBS (No Boyfriend Since Birth), for those single in status yet haven’t learned the wisdom of breaking up and for those who are in need ideas to cope up from a failed relationship.

Book Title: Dear Alex, Break na kami. Paano?! Love, Catherine
Author: Alex Gonzaga

If you're already giving the guy the privileges of a boyfriend minus the commitment, why would he even commit to you eh nakukuha na n'ya ang lahat, 'di ba? - #AlexAdvice

I was quite fond of Alex when she was not yet a Kapamilya actress. With that and her quote above, it sparked my interest. A celebrity writer? That’s something new.

She's Dating a Gangster Book Review

I doubt that this will make me cry. I'm always this skeptical when something gains popularity. There are times kasi that the talk is not so true and only makes trend because of the mystery and curiosity of the mass. Who want to be hoaxed anyway? If time permits, I challenge truthfulness and form my firsthand opinion and judgment.

Main Book Observations:

1. Quite a bad example for youth. We should understand that it's only a fiction and just adapting the ways of modern teenagers. Readers would get an idea that it's just okay to excessively trash talk and die. Smoking and drinking is just normal in the book and the conservative ways of Filipino are just taken for granted. This is the most alarming indirect part of the story.

2. White Lies. This can also be connected on my first observation. There is an excessive white lies that might influence my belief of “being open in a relationship is a must and lying is one of the most forbidden acts”. Does white lies acceptable? I wonder what Papa Jack would say.

Lovestruck Love Mo Siya, Sure Ka ba? by Ronald Molmisa (Book Review)

I was asking for a book as pasalubong and Geez... He gave me none.. >_< So I bugged my friend to borrow his book even though he is not done reading.

About the Book

“Love mo siya, Sure ka ba?” is another book of the Lovestruck series. It has a white cover design compared to the darker covering of the “Sexy Edition”. The latter has more impact and is entertaining while this one has a milder approach and serves as an introductory and a beginner guide for Filipino youth especially in the phase where a child starts to consider entering a relationship. “Should I wait a little longer?”

Lovestruck Sexy Edition by Ronald Molmisa, Book Review

Sex Education has never been successful. It’s more of a matter of debate than really educating the youth. Does telling about the reproductive parts of both male and female enough to orient the kids in the school or each need a comprehensive counseling? Or the insufficiencies belong to the old education system?

It’s mostly the awkwardness than the conservative manner of Filipinos that hinders the awareness of children at home. Our parents are not typically trained especially in this part. Being a good guardian/parent is not a part of academe, so we usually devise our own way, mimic others or impart what was taught to us by our own parents. As of now, can you picture yourself teaching sex education to your kids? Do you know how or are you properly equipped?

The Vampire Diaries – Book 1

Just my “First” impression.

I bought a second hand book of vampire diaries because it’s available and cheap. I’m also curious about this one since it’s a bit familiar and I’m trying to make myself acquainted to it. I have this questions in mind like, “what’s with this?” Yeah, I’m kinda late updating myself and I believe that I already heard this Damon and Stefan way back high school.

During my college days, I was able to borrow all the books of Twilight Saga. I admit I was caught with the book, thanks to the movie first. Without the movie, I wonder if I would be interested to read such books because back then I am not yet a very eager reader especially if it’s not available just within reach.

Reading the first chapters, I am a pretty bored. It’s not reaching my expectations but I have to remind myself that it’s too early to make judgements. The flow of the story has slight similarities with the book twilight but twilight was more exciting to read. I like the way that Bella is just an ordinary girl, not like Elena who’s famous and a beauty figure. Not everyone is born like a celebrity right? And in Bella’s case it’s much nicer to think that from just being simple, there is a potential for adventure. Maybe this will appeal to person’s average like us.

It’s childish to cry from guy’s rejection. It just shows a very big desire for attention. Maybe writing is really an art to play with words and make it attract sympathy from the audience.  Sometimes, if the writer is good, he/she will be able to inflict emotions to readers. That’s what Twilight did to me.

It’s corny with its high school kind of love affair where everyone dreams of getting attention. Ang landi kasi. For the meantime, I’ll just give in with the idea that that’s really a typical thing “to them”.  So far, she’s a villain, conceited main character for me.

Maybe I have to reread the first chapters of the book to get a new perspective. Anyway, I’m still halfway in finishing the first book. Para siyang paligoy-ligoy and wala naman talagang gaanong nangyari sa book, pinahaba lang. Well, let’s see if this impression will change after I’m done with the first book.

Similarities:

Damon and Edward is both mysterious

Avoiding Elena and Bella but in the end was not able to restrain themselves.

I’m still wondering if they both can read minds.

Quotes from Vampire Diaries

“An aristocrat should dress as befits his position. If he does not, he is showing contempt for others.”

“Healthy body goes with a healthy mind”

“Evil will never find peace. It may triumph, but it will never find peace”

Watched the first episodes of Season 3 Vampire Diaries

The movie is more interesting, and the book acts only as a complement to the movie. I’m starting to get hooked up with the movie but then it’s unfortunate that I have to start with Season 3. I don’t have copies of Season 1 and Season 2. I find Elena beautiful and I like her young face. I didn’t expect to like her appearance until I saw the movie because she does not stand out in the book cover.

A vampire can dream.

Manipulation of people.

Game of popularity to maintain social position.

A second hand book of Vampire Diaries

Someone decided to sell their books, and I bought some. I don’t know why I did; it’s just a waste of money after. It’s second hand and maybe because it is cheap that I bought it. And now I have:

Eat, Pray and Love (55php),

2 Vampire Diaries (200php);

and

Tuesdays with Morie (50php)

Total of 305php

And there are this other two books of Vampire Diaries that I didn’t take. “The Fury” which cost around 50php but I can’t find and the other one vampire diaries which I forgot the title already. The latter costs 155php so I became hesitant to buy it. Besides, I’m not sure whether that one is worth reading since I know nothing about the story and I do feel disappointed after reading some books. It’s just a matter of choosing between 305php with 460php. I might as well just watch the series.

I need to remind myself that I have a tablet and I can download ebook anytime I like. And I should only buy something that has value and can generate money. The only exception is when it comes to educational books.

I also took some supposedly donated books for free from the seller. Their title I didn’t cared to memorize but I’m done with one book titled “The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes”. I will review those books after. The book “The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes” was a classic one, it happened that I watched the same movie early this year. I encountered the book name in the biography of Jose Rizal and I wonder what’s with that book the made Rizal liked it. Then I realized it was a detective themed book after I finished reading it.

I’m just a recent self recruited reader of some of these books (amateur bookworm), though I really have this love of books since I’m a child. It’s just that no one encouraged me to read since my family and relatives don’t have this interest with books. Though I never had the chance to witness it, there’s unfounded information that Lolo also is fond of reading. A least I’m not an alien. I even become addicted to it when I get hooked up in story, I will come to a point where I will not rest until I’ll get to finish it. There’s a bit of lightness in feeling and a bizarre fulfillment when I see that I have the books I like.

Logos Hope in La Union

Probinsiyana’s experience during the anchorage of the floating bookstore in La Union.

Floating bookstore. Something in my imagination back then was a huge ship that carries millions of book worldwide. Enthusiasm flooded me as I picture a countless unique and interesting books that for the first time will find its way in this land. And and, I might find a puzzlemania book and Ilokano dictionary I am very keen of .

But I made the wrong impression, a little bit shame on me. It is far from a commercial business I was thinking of but more likely a charitable organization.

For those who will enter this place, I just want to remind you that this place deserves a huge respect.  And if you happen to visit here too, I hope you give consideration for the effort and devotion of the volunteers that make this mission possible.

PICTURES TAKEN DURING THE TRIP:

The view outside the Logos Hope. Can you see the rainbow there?

First Time:

It was a Saturday morning of that day; the weather is at odds as the sun was shining intensely. I wished it was the other way around, a bit of cloudy. It was 9:30am when we arrived. Two shades were set up for the waiting visitors. Arriving early means we have to stand and wait, and this time was not the early bird catches the worm cliché. We we’re standing there for 40-50 minutes, excitement flushed away. However, when they finally opened the gate for us, we didn’t have to pay the entrance fee.

                Entrance Fee: P20.00

                Opening time: 10:00am

                Closing time: 9:00pm

It is my first time to see a clear and close view of a shipping sail or it might be the first time that I paid attention. I wanted to feel the sea sickness, the waves of the sea, and I am daydreaming again.

My friend and her niece

This should have been a cancelled visit, yet when I discovered the strong desire of that little young girl in the picture to see the floating bookstore, I can’t help but to be a temporary Genie granting her little wish.

We are actually heading home the time I took this picture. Just an overview for you guys how it looks like outside.

Here you will see a brief history of the ship and their older ship in their mission to give help, hope and knowlege. Take a look and be inspired through looking at those pictures of the ship’s journey. Pay considerable attention not just for the sake of taking pictures, but with the sacredness of this place. I couldn’t be more inspired to learn different nationalities all over the world who where united because of the sublime desire to kindle hope, knowledge and help in different places in this world.

People swarming inside the Logos Hope

Please guys, let's return the things we took in its appropriate place and avoid disarranging the books.

 

The only decent picture i have. Yes I am really a camera shy person as what others call it.

Preview of the canteen. There's a lot of people out there

An ice cream treat.

  

The book I really wanted to have. Having a Collins mini dictionary gave me hesitation in purchasing another one. I originally wanted this one but national bookstore doesn’t have this when I went there some time ago. 

Most of the picture I have here are photos I got on the second time I went in Logos Hope. The first time I went there, I was with my little sister and my Tita. But uh-oh. I learned my lesson and that was checking the battery of my camera. Before the event, I already had the mixed feeling of hesitation and confidence that it might last. Unfortunately, I believed in the latter >_<. Next time, I will charge my battery ahead of time.


I am looking forward for the return of this ship… someday.