Filipino Fridays (1): Surprise, Reader!

Filipino Friday is a tradition for us Pinoy book bloggers. Since 2012, we look forward to this meme, marking the countdown to the much-awaited Filipino Reader Conference. So, even though it's already Saturday, there is no way I am going to skip this.

Surprise, Reader! Hello, it’s the first week of Filipino Fridays 2014! Whether it’s your first time to participate or not, tell us a bit about yourself. More specifically, tell us about your favorite book discoveries for this year. Any author you started reading this year that you can’t get enough of? A book you didn’t think you’d like, but you ended up liking/loving? Any book series that you just have to get your hands on? Have you discovered anything new from Filipino authors this year?

I am Louize, and I love hoarding books. I have no problem reading both printed copies and digital formats. I read anywhere, even in grocery and bank queues. And yes, I prefer reading while eating, too. 

More specifically, tell us about your favorite book discoveries for this year.

• There's this one book that came to mind, The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. I was dared to read this from I Dare You to Read 2014, a TFG challenge.  I very rarely read war stories, and I have never heard of the author before this. So, I was surprisingly seized by O'Brien's narration; I read the book in less than five hours.

Any author you started reading this year that you can’t get enough of?

• Last April, I had a great time reading White Teeth by Zadie Smith with buddy reader Monique. It was such a wonderful experience that prompted me to acquire Smith’s other books.

A book you didn’t think you’d like, but you ended up liking/loving?

• To the Lighthouse was my first encounter with author Virginia Woolf. I didn't like it at first, but the prose and its ability to tap the reader's mental impression was so powerful. Exemplary, indeed!

Any book series that you just have to get your hands on?

• I am excited about The Visitor (The Graveyard Queen, #4) by Amanda Stevens -I do hope editing will conclude soon. 
• I am also looking forward to Who Buries the Dead (Sebastian St. Cyr, #10) by C.S. Harris -I am so into this series, I love the protagonist so much. 
• And, Killer Instinct (The Naturals, #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes -It is coming out this November; and the 1st book happens to be my favorite YA mystery from 2013. 
• Lastly, I want to get my hands on The Winds of Winter (A Song of Ice and Fire, #6) by George R.R. Martin –I have no idea when this is due, but the wenches and I will keep an earnest watch.

Have you discovered anything new from Filipino authors this year?

• Yes, I have. Thanks to Lynai, I was introduced to Eliza Victoria. And after reading her Project 17, I purchased the rest of her books last MIBF. Plus, I have to Whispersync Fall Like Rain by Ana Tejano very soon!

For more information and updates about the 4th Filipino Reader Conference, please feel free to visit the site.