Required Reading: August 2013

Goodbye July, Hello August! 

Yes, time does fly.  Failing to hold it back is an inevitable sad, sad business.  But we make good with what we have without regrets and welcome the time ahead of us.  Here I am again, starting my sentence with a “but”. For three reasons actually: (1) July was spotted with seminars I cannot not go to; (2) thus, prompting me to miss the last F2F; (3) I did not get to finish my reading list for July.  Boohoo. Like I said, no regrets.  I am sure there are more significant reasons to rant, like world hunger, traffic, pollution…

Let’s go on with what I've read before I sound like a Greenpeace ad (I do support them, btw).

1. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman – such a lovely read.  Perfect with coffee on a rainy day.  5/5 stars
2. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez – My first impression was wrong. I really thought the book was going to wrench my heart out. 3/5 stars
3. Small Memories by José Saramago – Since LITTOC did not make me cry, I decided to read a Saramago to rescue me. I hope I made sense to you, reader. 3.5/5 stars
4. Bulalo Soup for the Sole by Theresa R. Lariosa – such a treasure find. This made my July bearable. 5/5 stars.
5. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein –I thought, maybe, I should read this first before I read her next book coming out this September, but my ARC request was turned down by Disney.  I am going to read her next book anyway because I believe Wein is a good writer.  4/5 stars

I am currently reading:

1. A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin – 27 chapters more and I am done. It’s taking its sweet time but I am doing good progress with the buddy-reading.
2. The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler – I am halfway through. It’s an interesting debut novel. 

For August, I’ve decided to add two (2) books from Mina V. Esguerra, aside from TFG’s book of the month, since I have some leftovers.

1. Tall Story by Candy Gourlay – TFG-F2F book for August;
2. Love Your Frenemies by Mina V. Esguerra – a gift;
3. That Kind Of Guy by Mina V. Esguerra – a gift.

I foresee August to be a busy month again, but still hoping for the best, and the same goes to you all.