BEST BOOKS of 2013

July to December

If you have been following my blog for awhile now, you may recall that I've posted my Best Books of 2013, from January to June last July, with some doodles to go with it.  I thought to keep those, both the list and the doodles, of course.  So without any further ado, here are the next books that made it to my Best List for 2013:

• Tall Story by Candy Gourlay
• The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin
• Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
• Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
• Guardians of Tradition by Mae Astrid Tobias
• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
• Bulalo Soup for the Sole by Theresa Lariosa

For special mentions:

• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
• Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
• Noah's Rainy Day by Sandra Brannan
• A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff
• The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall
• 
  

Thank you, 2013, for being kind and letting me read such books.  I do hope that 2014 will be kinder. 

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THE RAW SHARK TEXTS by Steven Hall

A Mind-blowing Ride.

The Second Eric Sanderson woke up on the wet carpet of his bedroom floor, coughing and gasping for air.  The fact that he is alive and breathing meant he did not have to panic, except, everything else around him was unfamiliar. He can draw nothing from inside his head save a blank canvas.  A quick patting of his pockets revealed his driver’s license and name, nothing more.  Downstairs, at the front hall, he found a table containing a blue envelope bearing “THIS IS ADDRESSED TO YOU”, a telephone, car keys, and a Polaroid of an old yellow jeep. Soon, he'll found out that this is not the last letter he will receive from the First Eric Sanderson.

“I did not know who I was. I did not know where I was. That simple. That frightening.”

Steven Hall did not bother with any preamble; he went straight to the shocking news and how the story developed from there.  Any details and backgrounds were revealed during the progression in a flashback fashion.  There was no dilly-dallying, which pretty much worked for me.

Those letters sent by the First Eric Sanderson contained much of what the Second Eric Sanderson needed to understand and survive his current situation.  Foremost, his warnings contained details regarding a conceptual shark, the Ludovician, that is preying on him and eating away his memories. Secondly, he was given information about someone who might be able to help him.  So eventually, the Second Eric Sanderson went on a quest to find Trey Fidorous.  From here on, the plot went from weird to weirder, and -I will not hold back- weirdest.

Reading this book, I was plunged into a world of absolute strangeness and cockamamie ideas. I have to hang on to a ledge and pick things up coming my way. I have resolved into accepting and believing that everything was perfectly natural and rational, rather than oppose and assume that those ideas were from an unhinged subconscious. Be warned, though, that if you consider reading this, you have to accept the crazies, or else you will not get past page 60.

I enjoyed Hall’s writing. He knows how to describe the mood of the story. It was generally easy to follow every string of thought he meant to convey. Even though it required a suspension of disbelief, the story was readable. There were only a few characters, but developed firmly and substantial. The ending was ambiguous as any bucket of cold water, whether it was a happy ending or mere delusion was up to the reader to decide. There is no doubt that this book deserves the Borders Original Voices Award for Fiction (2007).

If you like adventures with an unusual setting, unconventional love story, and perplexing psychology, you might want to try reading THE RAW SHARK TEXTS. 

Book details:

Title:  The Raw Shark Texts

Author:  Steven Hall

Publisher:  Canongate

Published:  April 11, 2008

Rating:  ★★★★

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Book Review: HUNTED by Elizabeth Heiter

Terror stalks a small Virginia town. 

FBI rising star, criminal profiler Evelyn Baine, knows how to think like a serial killer. But she's never chased anyone like the Bakersville Burier, who hunts young women and displays them, half-buried, deep in the woods. As the body count climbs, Evelyn's relentless pursuit of the killer puts her career - and her life - at risk. And the evil lurking in the Burier's mind may be more than even she can unravel.

Terror is closer than she thinks. 

The Bakersville Burier knows he's got an FBI profiler on his trail. He knows who she is and where to find her. And he's biding his time because he's planned a special punishment for Evelyn. She may have tracked other killers, but he vows to make this her last chase. This time it's her turn to be hunted!

HUNTED was narrated in a very straight forward manner. A serial killer is preying on women. The gruesome display of his prey meant he is highly organized and intelligent. The local police are stretched to its limits in trying to catch him, and FBI assistance is badly needed. 

Our protagonist is Special Agent Evelyn Baine, a profiler assigned in the Behavioral Analysis Unit in Virginia.  She has always dreamt of getting this job.   When she was a young girl, her best friend Cassie was abducted and was never found ever again. This experience and her repressed emotions after having an unsuccessful relationship drove her to be the best she wanted to be, unfeeling, and determined.

This book suffers from the usual debut dilemma; authors sometimes gear their debut enthusiasm in the not so engaging direction.  (1) I've always believed that for a mystery/ thriller series to succeed the protagonist must have a good relationship with the reader.  The reader should have a good latch on the hero, going through with him/her in every challenge, rooting for him/her to thrive. However, Evelyn Baine was fleshed out oddly in this story.  Voicing out the notion that she is the best in her field was so redundant, I no longer felt any empathy for her. (2) The writing style was fussy in a way that diminishes the thrill, making the narrative more dramatic than it needs to be.  (3) Info dumping. The author doesn’t give the reader a chance to work on some of the information needed. Instead of interweaving particular information, she gets to explain them.

Even with my ruminations above, the story does have some really good points. (1) If you get through all the fuss, there is a very interesting plot.  Ms. Heiter was successful in keeping my interest and looking forward to how the much-awaited ending will be executed. (2) The enigma surrounding the antagonist was strong. I wish there were more from his POV.  (3) Given how I criticize the character of the protagonist, I like how Ms. Heiter built her secondary characters. Their diversity was interesting. I hope to see more of them in the next installment.

Yes, in spite of my lukewarm reception of the Hunted, I’ll be looking forward to the next book. So, Godspeed Ms. Elizabeth Heiter.

Book detail:

Title:  Hunted

Author:  Elizabeth Heiter

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

Publication date: December 31, 2013

Series: Book#1

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Rating: ★★★

*Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Filipino Friday (Bonus!): ReaderCon Excitement

Hello!  I think I got my wish.  There's one more Filipino Friday meme, a bonus!  So let's get onto it...

Filipino Friday (Bonus):

What are you most excited about for this year’s ReaderCon?

Looking at the schedules, I believe I am pretty much looking forward to everything.  But I am very excited to see the outcomes of this year's Filipino Readers' Choice Awards.  We have some pretty great choices and I would like to congratulate each of the nominees beforehand.  They are all winners, congratulations.

Eight more days to go and we'll see all the excitement. Remember it's The 3rd Filipino ReaderCon: What Do Readers Want? on December 7, 8:00am to 6:00pm, at the Rizal Library – Ateneo de Manila University. See you soon!!

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THE NATURALS by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

YA Criminal Minds 

I have to let the gushing out first… I totally love this book.  This here is my favorite YA mystery/ thriller/ crime story of the year.  Don't worry, that surprised me too.  As you know I love a good mystery thriller- after reading a lot in that genre, and watching plenty of CSI, The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, and Sherlock -I have to say that this just took me by surprise. 

The surprise wasn't just the twist at the end, it was the characters foremost.  I love how Cassie was characterized.  Cassie is a natural profiler.  She can look at a person- clothes, stance, facial expression, eye contact - and tell exactly what kind of a person he/she is.  She’s not the well rounded good girl or a heart-of-gold kind of character.  She’s a regular kid with troubles hanging on her shoulder, and plenty of attitudes going on.  She was brought up in a rather felonious environment.  Being a fake fortune teller, Cassie’s mother used her to profile people while they line up for fortune-telling.   Then one day, her mother was assumed dead; her blood was splattered around her dressing room, although her body was never found.

For some reason, the FBI knew about Cassie’s ability.  A quick turn of events landed her under an FBI program for gifted teens just like her.  All these teens are uniquely gifted with different profiling specializations.  I have to say that Barnes is pretty brave casting an ensemble like this, but I believe, too, that she knows the trick.  I like how their characters were developed to support the whole story, making it a whole mesh of interlocking contribution.  It just felt like omitting someone means leaving a hole in the story.

“And the one thing this so-called psychic won't see coming is you.”

I also love how the narration transports you into the mind of the killer, and in spite of that, the story kept me guessing until the end.  Nothing was squeamish too - crimes were laid out as any crimes should be.  The brutality of the crimes will pull in any reader. It was futile to look away.  And that’s one of the best characteristics of this book.

This is a really good start for a series –good plot, unique characters, and an unpredictable twist.  What worries me is the love triangle involved here; it seems to me that almost every YA series operates on that.  But then again, if Barnes can work that to her advantage, so be it. I just truly hope that she can keep the thrill and the pace intact in this series.  So, here I am crossing my fingers and wishing her Godspeed.

Book details: 

Title:  The Naturals
Series:  The Naturals #1

Author:  Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Published:  November 5, 2013

Genre:  YA, Mystery/ Thriller/ Crime

Source: Purchased

Rating:  ★★★★★

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THE ABSOLUTLY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie

Junior Never Gave Up.

Click here.

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THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET by Pseudonymous Bosch

Why bother?  Warnings will not stop you from reading this anyways.  

There is a perk when a book’s name is secret –we can name it however we like.  Besides, it was written by a person under a false name.  The catch is, since we’ve read it and named it, we also have to share in keeping its secrets. Or not, if we like treading on the edge and dipping a toe in the waters.

The author took his time giving an ample warning on whoever opened this book.  He said that it is for our own safety that we don’t read it at all.  And he never fails to interject this same warning throughout the story.  It was really very considerate of him, but there’s no stopping a curious reader.   Really.

“Generally speaking, books don't cause much harm. Except when you read them, that is. Then they cause all kinds of problems.”

Our two very unlikely protagonists are Cass and Max-Ernest, both are very peculiar, too. Cass believes herself as a survivalist; she carries a survival-equipped backpack every time and has a penchant in warning people of any probable (and improbable) danger around.  But for a survivalist, she is quite impulsive.  Meanwhile, Max-Earnest is a chatterbox.  He has a long-winded explanation of why his name is Max-Ernest; and why his parents live apart in the same house, apparently driving him crazy with their parenting rivalry, which earned him sessions with different shrinks.  And in spite of his poor attempts in humor, he is really smart.  Bosch sure knows how to make his characters extra special.

Their collaboration was born of curiosity and an affinity for having no other peers.  Their adventure started with a mysterious box called The Symphony of Smells which was part of the artifacts found in a late magician’s house. Curiosity led them investigating the said house and bumped into our villains, Dr. L, and Mrs. Mauvais.  Whatever they are looking for, Cass and Max-Ernest got away with it.  That's not the end of it though, sooner than they expected, these two villains struck again and abducted a boy from their school; Cass then set out for a rescue mission.

I really love the tone of this book, the friendly narration, while being mysterious enough to keep the reader’s attention.  The characters are charming and humorous.  The plot is nothing new, but it still offers something unique and interesting.  I thought that the family sets featured here were great and something we can learn from.  I  recommend this book (and its series) to those of you who like adventures, heroic characters, and solving mysteries.  And even if you are only a third of that, I’m sure you’re curious enough to read this.

“For the magician's story, you must have all your wits about you. No wandering minds allowed.”

Book Details:

Title:  The Name of this Book is Secret

Series:  The Secret Series (#1)

Author:  Pseudonymous Bosch

Publisher:  Little and Brown

Genre:  Children’s Books

Awards:  Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award 2011

Rating:  ★★★★

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NAVIGATING EARLY by Clare Vanderpool

A Trail, A Bear, and A Soldier

To start off, this book is about grief, getting lost, then finding the right path back to life.  In other words, it is hopeful.  Like I said before, this book will stitch your heart back the right way.  I think this is the right kind of inspiration that my countrymen and I badly needed in these catastrophic times.

“…the team captains had yet to learn: life can’t be held in a cup, and nothing lasts forever.”

The setting is set at the end of World War II, a time when the world needed much healing.  Our narrator is 13-year old Jack Baker from Kansas, who lost his mom from a brain aneurysm.  Since his dad is in the Navy, he was sent to a boarding school in Maine.  Jack had some difficulty adjusting to his new environment.  He felt that he was groping through everyday challenges. Until he met Early Auden, another orphan himself.

“For me, they are blue and purple and sand and
ocean and rough and smooth and loud and whispering,
all at the same time.”

Navigating through Early is difficult.  He’s nothing like Jack has encountered before.  If I have to make a guess, Early has Synesthesia (or to be more accurate ideasthesia).  It may be easy to assume that he has autism because he has demonstrated prodigious abilities and he’s hyper-systemized.  But he has no problem utilizing his great memory. He is synesthetes, although it is very rare for a person to possess synesthesia involving 3 or more senses.  He has graphene, he sees numbers in colors.  He has spatial sequence synesthesia; he has a great memory, he can gather facts in detail and make use of them exactly when it is needed again.  He has ordinal linguistic personification; every day of the week is represented by a different musician -Louis Armstrong on Mondays, Frank Sinatra on Wednesday, and Billy Holiday on a rainy day.

“Early needed the numbers to continue,
the story to continue,
and he needed Pi to stay alive.”

The most special thing about Early is that he has Number Form Synesthesia, a mental map of numbers. In Early’s head, Pi (π, 3.14159) has a story –a quest he and Jack have to follow.  Finding Pi means finding their way back to life as well.  Each step they take, they meet some memorable people who coincidentally reflect Pi’s quest. The profoundness of these people’s lives is vital in finding what the boys are looking for.  In the end, completing the quest is not only their success but for others as well.

“It’s the same up there as it is down here, Jackie. 
You have to look for the things that connect us all. 
Find the ways our paths cross, our lives intersect, and our hearts collide.”

I believe Ms. Vanderpool pulled the blurring of the narratives very well.  She made those coincidental turn into something justifiable. The details were carefully and gradually revealed, patiently building the story into a whole.  She’s a seamless storyteller, who begins her weaving in creating endearing characters. 

“I got lost.”

“I know, but you found your way back. 
Finding your way doesn’t mean you always know where you’re going. 
It’s knowing how to find your way back home that’s important.”

On the whole, NAVIGATING EARLY is a very rewarding read –lovely and inspiring.  I highly recommend it.

Book details:

Title:  Navigating Early

Author:  Clare Vanderpool

Publisher:  Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published:  January 8, 2013

Genre:  Children’s Books, Historical Fiction
Source:  Purchased

Rating : ★★★★★

F2F, January 2015
Photo courtesy of Maria Ella Bestos

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A TANGLE OF KNOTS by Lisa Graff

Fate's Puzzle.

   

In this whimsical story, Lisa Graff created an alternative reality wherein people are recognized through the Talent endowed on them, from baking, planting, knitting, even matching people together. Those who are talentless are called Fair, which isn't really a bad thing.

A Talent is only rewarding if you wield it well.

Before our main story begins, Mason Burgess (supposedly an heir to a fortune) was waiting at a bus station when he was engaged by a salesman who got a talent for tying knots.  Before parting ways, the salesman warned Mason not to lose his suitcase.  Well, Mason intended not too, since his future depended on it.

Well, that’s the thing about knots,isn't? …If you don’t know the trick, it’s a muddled predicament.  But in fact each loop of every knot is carefully placed, one twisting right into the other in a way you might not have expected.

It seems the salesman’s talent for tying knots is not limited on ropes, but on life and fate as well.  Fifty-three years later after the bus station encounter, the story picked up at an all-girls’ orphanage.  Eleven-year-old Cady, who has a marvelous talent for baking, is an orphan at Ms. Mallory’s Home for Lost Girls for as far as she could remember.  She’d been through several trial families, and none of them worked so far.  It is her greatest wish to have her own Adoption Day party and bake her own perfect cake.  

Meanwhile, on the other side of the town, Marigold is struggling to learn her talent.  It’s a bit disappointing for her since her two siblings discovered they are early enough.  A certain mishap eventually brought Cady and this ragtag of siblings together in the Lost Luggage Emporium.  From here on, the story will untangle knots, one after the other.   As we very well know, knots are made of twists; and on this story, those twists are certainly engaging and delightful.

It’s the way we deal with what Fate hands us that defines who we are.

A TANGLE OF KNOTS was able to punch the right set of buttons for me. It has a certain amount of mystery, fantasy, and charm that appealed to my taste buds. And I also meant that literally. The book is dotted by Cady’s cake recipes that are worthy of trying. This story is perfect for those who want a fast-paced, heartwarming tale of coincidences…Or were they?

Book details:
Title:  A Tangle of Knots
Author:  Lisa Graff
Publication:  February 5, 2013; Philomel
Genre: Children, Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction
Rating : ★★★★★

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Filipino Friday (5): What Do Readers Want?

Hello, guys!  Yes, our Filipino Readers' Conference is rescheduled on December 7, due to Typhoon Yolanda.  As planned, this is our last Filipino Friday meme, but after the recent events, I kinda hope the organizers might want to extend it.   While we are keeping that hope in mind, let us answer this Friday's questions.

 

Filipino Friday (5)  

"What do readers want? What’s your favorite genre/reading material? Who is your favorite author (local or foreign)? What kinds of books would you like to see more of from local authors or publishers? What is your favorite book from a Filipino author?"

Like I told you before, I am a Free-range reader (sounds like I'll be sprouting some feathers after admitting that). I do my best in trying different genres, but there will always be favorites: Historical Fiction and Mystery & Thrillers.

Historical Fiction could be a variation of everything- historical mystery, historical romance, historical adventure- suits just fine. The language and setting mostly did it for me. It's how authors weave fiction into historical facts, in a voice that blends with the time, that fascinates me the most. Some good examples would be Caleb Carr's Dr. Laszlo Kreizler books, C. S. Harris's Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series, and books by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.

Mystery & Thrillers should have a strong reliable protagonist. Someone I need to root for until the end, even in death. It should be fast-paced and unrelenting. I don't mind gruesome and blood-spill. I follow both of James Patterson's Alex Cross series and Women's Murder Club, and Robert Ludlum's Covert-One series.

I have tons of favorite authors. Aside from those, I mentioned above, Neil Gaiman being on top of that list, I also love Markus Zusak, Amanda Stevens, DJ MacHale, Donita K. Paul, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, and Robert Fulghum. Lately, I've come to like China Miéville, John Green, George RR Martin, and Matthew Quick.

It has always been my regret that I read less Filipino-authored books. When I was young, I used to read a lot of Filipino fables and myths. A lot of local comics too. How I used to adore Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang and Pokwang then. My interest waned maybe because none (or, at least, almost none) of them cater to what I like to read now. I try to read as much as I could from here and there. I can't say I am disappointed with what our local writers have come up with. I'm pretty proud of how far they have gone, and local publishers are recognizing and promoting these talents. Maybe I'm looking for something like our old fairy tales, with great grand adventures and lessons to learn in the end. Aside from the paranormal, humorous, and romance, why can't we have something like the Bourne series? Why can't we have a plot set in a different country with different cultures, other than our own? If Kazuo Ishiguro had the guts to explore the life of an English butler in the Remains of the Day or Arthur Golden's profound Memoirs of a Geisha, why can't we explore the life of a Marseille fisherman and learn his life lessons? Why can't we write a novel that doesn't have to drive any political awareness into it, but states instead simple facts of life, like The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes?

That wasn't a rant, simply sharing ideas if there are takers. I still keep high hopes for our local writers, though. I know that sooner or later more would be encouraged to write, put their ideas on print, and surprise us all.

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Book Review | CLAUS: Legend of the Fat Man by Tony Bertauski

   

An elven known as The Cold One has divided his people. He’s tired of their seclusion and wants to conquer the world. Only one elven stands between The Cold One and total chaos. He’s white-bearded and red-coated. The Santa family will help him stop The Cold One. They will come to the aid of a legendary elven known as...Claus.

I'll bet it's safe to assume that almost everyone in the world knows this guy.  You know the guy who has been keeping tabs if we have been naughty or nice?  Well, we don’t really have to wait for Christmas to get reacquainted with the guy.  Tony Bertauski has given us a chance to know the Fat Man behind the red suit. No, dear, not Superman.  We are talking about Santa Claus here. →

The setting was in the late 1800s.  Nicholas Santa, with his wife (Jennifer) and son (Jon), decided to jump ship and explore the North Pole.  I can't rightly say if it’s unfortunate that they discovered the top of the world inhabited.  The fact is, the place had been occupied for 40,000 years in contentment, until the Fracture. The Santas found themselves caught in the middle of a Nordic elven revolution. Apparently, the new hierarchy hates all warmbloods (humans); and wishes to stop them from polluting the planet, through eradicating every single one. Meanwhile, the separatist believes in peaceful coexistence.   They want humans to know that elves exist in the North Pole.  Those round and bouncy, pink-cheeked and jolly kind of elves.  Ever since the fracture, they have been on the run (or rather, on the jump) for 150 years.

Let us run through your probable questions:  

• Have you ever wondered why we prefer building a snowman in front of our houses?  
• How can Santa Claus travel the world in just a single night? Can reindeers really fly?  
• How can elves survive in the North Pole?  
• Where do they get their food?  
• With all that fat, how can Santa Claus fit in the chimney, and still like to eat cookies?  

Now, I have to tell you that this author, Tony Bertauski, is a genius.  Who would ever imagine a Sci-fi Santa Claus story?  This book is a fusion of historical fantasy and modern science.  He successfully let his imagination and creativity carry me through this book.  Magic is not the operative word in this story; it is science and advanced technology.  Mr. Bertauski provided answers to all probable questions and may shock you with more besides.  Discover why Santa Claus is much more than presents.

I do recommend CLAUS.  It is a story of family, love, acceptance, and redemption; without sacrificing humor and smarts.  It is quite difficult to go on with this without outright spoiling anything.  But I have the need to tell you that no one was forgotten in this tale, not even Frosty.

Go get your copy soon and share what you think.

Book details:

Title: Claus: Legend of the Fat Man

Author: TonyBertauski

Genre: Sci-fi and Fantasy, YA

Publisher:  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 

Publication: June 19, 2012

Rating : ★★★★

 The sequel,

Jack: The Tale of Frost

 is now available on Amazon.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.  The same review is available on Goodreads.

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Required Reading: November 2013

And just like that October is over.  I'm pretty sure November can be equally fast and exciting since it is Philippine Book Development Month.  This month is dotted with some exciting events, including the 3rd Filipino Reader Conference, on November 9, to be held at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Let us recap the books I've read last month:

• People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks - 4/5 stars - An interesting take on the history of the Sarajevo Haggadah.
• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman - 4/5 stars - If you have not read this unique adventure yet, then rush out and grab a copy from the nearest bookstore.
• Guardians of Tradition by Mae Astrid Tobias - 4/5 stars - Preserving our traditional folk arts is something we all Filipino should endeavor.
• A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin -5/5 stars - So far, this is the best installment in the series, hands down.  The feelings I had with this one were beyond words.  So again, I hate you GRRM!
• Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay - 4/5 stars - TFG- F2F book for October.  I had a slow start, but the last 150 pages were absolutely an adrenaline rush.
• A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff -5/5 stars - Oh, this one is love. I totally should write a proper review for this one.
• The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch -4/5 stars - How to describe this when I'm not supposed to talk about it? LOL
• Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool - 5/5 stars - This one will stitch your heart together in the right way. Promise!

It didn't take me long to decide which books I should read this month.  I just went with what feels right.  I hope to finish them, then review The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster for the November F2F.

• His First, Her Last by Jonathan Sturak
• The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall
• Claus: Legend of the Fat Man by Tony Bertauski

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Filipino Friday (4): Going Digital

Hello!  Oh my, we are on our 4th Filipino Friday meme.  And soon, we'll meet at the 3rd Filipino Reader Conference...

Filipino Friday (4):  "Going Digital. Do you try other formats of books beside the print ones? What has been your experience with different book formats?"

Foremost, I always believe that there is nothing compared with the printed word.  Thumbing through pages adds pleasure to reading.  And the sight and smell of old books will always be something worth-treasuring.  I could spend hours just looking at my shelves, it's therapeutic. LOL

Like what I've mentioned during FF#1, I do like the convenience of reading ebooks.  I can always download and read anywhere, anytime, especially during travels, without much space or weight.  Audiobooks are no exception either; I enjoy them most when walking.  

I've come to love certain books because of a good audiobook narrator.  Few among them are Emily Gray who narrated Thursday Next Novels by Jasper Fforde; Andre Braugher who narrated Alex Cross Novels by James Patterson; Lenny Henry who marvelously narrated Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman; and Neil Gaiman himself who narrated some of his children's books.

I don't think it's disloyalty to enjoy other formats, as long as you give proper due where it belongs to.  I suggest that you look at your shelves, touch those book spines, smell them (if you must), then remember the first time you held your favorite book.  I don't think you'll ever forget.  We, readers, stay loyal to reading, and that is all that matters. 

***

Don't forget, the 3rd Filipino Reader Con: What Do Readers Want? is on November 9, 2013, at Rizal Library in ADMU.

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PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks

A Story of Survival

Its being on my shelf for years is not the motivation that drove me to finally read this book.  In my preparation for writing a series of Sunday School lessons based on the book of Nehemiah, I came across an anonymous commentary entitled A People of the Book.  The writer pointed out that reading the Words of God empowered the people. I quote, 

“The people are moved to praise God, to weep over their sins, to change their behavior, and to make renewed promises to God.”

THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks did not deal with the Word of God, but it definitely dealt with His people. The inspiration for this book, the Sarajevo Haggadah is the pride and glory of the Bosnian museum collection.  Its history was so unique - it was spared during the Spanish Inquisition, and the Nazi’s book burning in World War II.  It was spirited out of the library and hidden in a bank vault when the Serbs started bombing the libraries and museums of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War (1992-1995).  It was written and illustrated in Spain during the mid 14^th century. Carried and ferried by people whose main motive was the survival of a culture.

“Of course, a book is more than the sum of its materials. It is an artifact of the human mind and hand. The gold beaters, the stone grinders, the scribes, the binders, those are the people I feel most comfortable with. Sometimes in the quiet, these people speak to me. They let me see what their intentions were, and it helps me to do my work.”

Let’s get on with the hard parts first.  Geraldine Brooks was a journalist, and her penchant for the vast historical background was very evident here.  There were mysteries involved and some really interesting twists and turns.  But wherein a historical fiction should have a smooth buttery beginning so it can sink in more easily, the first 100 pages (or so) was actually a trial for me.  The prose was readable but lacks the drive to move the reader emotionally.

The characterization was supposedly a vital part of the story.  Unfortunately, there was no space for humor, no play of language, or color of emotions for me.   I believe that for a historical novel to survive within its pages, the reader must have a chance to attach him/herself to the characters.  There must be a psychological or emotional impact that may manipulate individuality to bring the past into life. 

What then made me read on?  There were three.  (1) What it lacked in prose and character, its rich history made up for it.  Ms. Brooks undeniably knows her history.   Curiosity kept it alive for me; there was a need for me to simply follow it.  Each clue that Hannah Heath found, takes us further and further in time.  It was like walking backward until the present time finally caught up.  Such astounding revelations. 

(2) Art was the other thing.  The book explored how people all throughout history used the creation of objects and paintings to record events, express their beliefs, and show how they respond to them.  It gave credence to the religious communities that had been recording their history with passion.  In the latter part of the book, it tackled the research and preservation of Aboriginal rock art as a record of a unique ancient culture in Australia.

(3) There were issues about survival all throughout the novel.  It tackled the survival of the people and the Haggadah in the state of armed conflict, in the presence of religious persecution, and deceit.

“...the haggadah came to Sarajevo for a reason. It was here to test us, to see if there were people who could see that what united us was more than what divided us. That to be a human being matters more than to be a Jew or a Muslim, Catholic or Orthodox."

In the fewest possible words, The People of the Book is about history, art, and survival that empowered and renewed the people.  Ms. Brooks's fictional history of the Sarajevo Haggadah is curiously inspiring indeed.

Book details:

Title:  The People of the Book

Author:  Geraldine Brooks

Publisher:  Viking Penguin

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Format:  Hardbound

Source:  Purchased copy

Rating:  ★★★★

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