BEST BOOKS of 2014

July to December

Hello. We are well into our January now, but I need you to know that I didn't forget about posting this. 

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SOUP REVIEWS | 4

Short Stories.

For days, I have been contemplating how to post these short stories I've read recently. Then, I remember that I have this feature. It had been idle for such a long time, more than a year in fact. So for Nochebuena, we will have some soup... Soup Reviews, that is.

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The Writer & the Witch by Robin Sloan

   There was this bridge, many tales have crossed it. A curse, a house, a library, a father, and a sacrifice were among them.

He had carved out a strange little kingdom,
there where the river met the road, just beyond the bridge.

When I was young, I enjoyed listening to my mom’s old aboriginal tales. When the night is due she would stop and I would ask, “What happened next?” She would reply, “That’s for tomorrow night.” And so it was.

This short story is something like that; a tale weaved intricately, best told before bedtime, or over a campfire. The storyteller will wait for the question, “What happened next?” before she/he will go on. The story deserves to be heard in full, in all its astonishing points, in its saddest moment, and in its fortitude.

Rating: ★★★★

The Door to Lost Pages by Claude Lalumière

   This is a collection of short stories loosely weaved together with one common factor, a bookshop named Lost Pages. Stepping through is like walking into a nightmare, and I meant that both in a good way and a bad way.

Clearly, this book is a spin-off of Paul Di Filippo’s Lost Pages, who also wrote the foreword. I enjoyed Lalumière’s prose and plot. He was able to create an atmosphere fully charged with phantasmagoria, but left enough room to squeeze in some tenderness in the midst of it. I was touched by Aydee’s plight

When the weather was like this, she felt the world reflected hers sense of place in life: neither this nor that; neither here nor there; perpetually on the brink of transformation; unwilling to settle for just one potentiality.

My biggest issue, I guess, is the sex scenes. I never mind sexual content for as long as they are exquisitely done. I've read American Gods by Neil Gaiman; I was never bothered by the Queen of Sheba’s man-eating vulva. But Lalumière’s sex scenes were tasteless, in my opinion. I know that it is unfair to make comparisons, and the scenes were necessary for the story to move forward, yes, but I cannot shake off the feeling that it was forcibly written in that manner for the sake of adding some spice.

Rating: ★★★½

The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami

   Fushigina Toshokan is the original title for this short story, first printed in 2005. As the title implies, the story is very strange indeed. Told in a dream-like fashion, the protagonist was able to relate his experiences from the bowels of an unidentified city library.

As far as the story goes, a boy had the most terrifying misadventure while borrowing books from a library. There is nothing far special other than how the strangeness was won by the boy with some help from newly earned friends. But like any Murakami books, nothing is as it would seem in his theme of surrealism and loneliness. The full impact of this strange tale comes at the ending. 

The tricky thing about mazes is that you don't know if you've chosen the right path until the very end.

All of us, young and adults alike, have different ways of coping with loss. The process is sometimes nightmarish. And our boy protagonist is teaching us that no matter how deep and labyrinthine the bowels of loss is, with a bit of hope and bravery, there’s always a way to survive.

Rating: ★★★½

A Faraway Smell of Lemon by Rachel Joyce

   This is a short Christmas story and not a cheery read for the season, but in Joyce’s few words it conveyed a profound understanding of life’s ups and downs.

Everyone around Binny is on the rush, doing their best to finish their last Christmas shopping. Meanwhile, Binny’s feelings are debating whether to succumb to heartbreak or keep a strong front and celebrate Christmas with her children.

No matter how much she rails, there are some things that are gone forever… It is enough to have tiptoed to that space beyond the skin, beyond our nerve endings, and to have glimpsed things that beforehand we only half knew.

What started as an unpremeditated meeting with a shop girl, tending a small store for household products, turned out to be a compassionate encounter. As much as good things happen, we cannot simply shoo away the bad ones. Such is life. It is never easy, but sometimes it is the small menial things that may help us pull through by reminding us how something worn and dirty can still be revived. 

Rating: ★★★★★

The Museum of Literary Souls by John Connolly

   If only all book lovers may be granted such an opportunity, it is more than awesome.

Mr. Berger was leading a quiet life when he witnessed a woman commit suicide by the train tracks, in the small town of Glossom. No one believed him, especially the police. But a few days later, he saw the same woman again by the train tracks. This time, he was able to stop her and follow her back home… to the library.

It's a natural consequence of the capacity of a bookstore or library to contain entire worlds, whole universes, and all contained between the covers of books. In that sense, every library or bookstore is practically infinite.

John Connolly magically stretched the mystery of bookshelves into doors and rooms of unimagined possibilities. His words are like a web of spells, spinning a tale I don’t want to end. The story was so beautiful and fulfilling, a true delight for a book lover like myself.

Rating: ★★★★★

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DWELLERS by Eliza Victoria

Family Secrets.

The story started with these two cousins who can inhabit another person’s body. Their present hosts are brothers Louis and Jonah, bachelors living in an affluent village, both IT professionals.

These dwellers' abilities go back in history. They came from a well-off clan, very private, but were never reluctant to amassing their wealth and holdings. But in spite of their power, it was strictly prohibited among them to exercise their abilities without justification and always as a last resort. They set rules that they need to follow carefully.

This is Eliza Victoria’s latest book, and I am really glad to find it very easy to read and engaging. The pacing and the direction of the story are really good, driving the reader to make second guesses as to what’s ahead. It was really fun making “what if scenarios” as I read. And that, for me, is a good mystery. 

Victoria was careful not to focus on the whole magical system, but elements were divulged to make the background story of the clan enticing enough –incantations, symbols, rape, and incest. It took her less than 200 pages to make a very interesting read.

And to make this story more delicious, the mystery is not about the clan’s magical powers. It’s about the dead body the boys found in the basement.

Book details:

Title:  Dwellers

Author:  Eliza Victoria

Publisher:  Visprint, Inc.

Publication:  June 2014

Genre:  Fiction

Rating:   ★★★★

...

F2F35 @Filipino Reader Conference,
Bayanihan Center.
Photo courtesy of Monique.

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Book Review| Flury: Journey of a Snowman by Tony Bertauski

Life hasn't been kind to Oliver Toye.

As if juvenile diabetes isn't enough, he’s forced to live with his tyrannical grandmother in a snow-bound house. He spends his days doing chores and the nights listening to the forest rumble.

But when he discovers the first leather-bound journal, the family secrets begin to surface. The mystery of his great-grandfather’s voyage to the North Pole is revealed. That’s when the snowman appears.

Magical and mysterious, the snowman will save Oliver more than once. But when the time comes for Oliver to discover the truth, will he have the courage? When Flury needs him, will he have the strength? When believing  isn't  enough, will he save the snowman from melting away?

Because sometimes even magic needs a little help.

(10% of the profits is annually donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.)

I am sure you've all heard the song “Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?”  Well, the elven did build snowmen, waaayyy before they even heard the song. And they sure didn't use a carrot for a nose.

Wow! I have to say, Tony Bertauski outdid himself with this sequel. The sense of humor, mystery, and the love moving along the pages are simply wonderful. It was thoroughly absorbing; I didn't let go until I am done. The story, like the two books before it, can turn a reader into a believer of the impossible. I mean, I am not a huge fan of Scifi Fantasy, but I am totally astounded by this one.

If you’re still wondering why people build snowmen in front of their houses…           

…read this book!

Book details:

Title:  Flury: Journey of a Snowman

Author:  Tony Bertauski

Publisher:  DeadPixel Publishing

Publication:  November15, 2014

Genre:   Children's Books, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Rating:  ★★★★★

*Thank you for indulging me with a copy, Tony.

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Filipino Friday (4): Let’s talk about Diverse Books

Look at that, we are now on our fourth Filipino Friday!

Let’s talk about Diverse Books:  (1) Do you think we have enough diversity in the books that we read? Are our choices enough to satisfy our different tastes? Are our writers able to present the variety of people, culture, lifestyle, interests and so on?  (2)How diverse are your reading interests, and are you able to find enough books to satisfy your reading needs? Do you think we need more diverse books?

My reply would have to be a resounding "NO", I'm afraid. That is not out of disappointment or despair. If we scour Filipino Literature, we will discover books of different genres. True. But is there enough choices, vast enough, that choice would be a tad difficult? No, definitely. But I believe in the Filipino writing ability, our spirit to rise up to the challenge, and the inspiration to drive it forward. So, I do encourage our local writers to write more, create more. We may not be there yet, but we are swiftly and surely will achieve that soon. Maybe even sooner than we dreamed.

I do have a pretty diverse collection of books. What I can't find here, I googled, shipped, and bought internationally. Procurement is no longer a problem nowadays.

Diversity is essential in life, even in reading. The choices on how to mix and balance the books may depend on how each reader will take them. Parang Centrum lang 'yan, from A to Zinc, para complete! *corny

Happy weekend, everyone. Ciao!

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Required Reading: November 2014

When November comes, things start to move faster than usual. It takes a lot of work to stay on top of the schedule. But, it's also the time of the year when most excitements start pouring in.

This month, I really, truly want to finish my David Mitchell challenge. Jacob de Zoet is breaking my heart, and I can't seem to move on from what I last read. Yes, fiction can do that to me. 

To that, I am adding:

• Dwellers by Eliza Victoria -TFG's book for the month. 
• The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera -the last book in my I Dare You To Read challenge. 

Before I go, here are the books  I read last October:

• Fludd by Hilary Mantel -4/5 stars -Humorous and symbolic. 
• The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Dr. Oliver Sacks -3/5 stars -It challenged misconceptions and case isolation.
• Jesus' Son by Denis Johnson -5/5 stars -It was both sad and beautiful -it was perfect.
• Jack: The Tale of Frost -4/5 stars -Grinch has to make a huge step backward from this one. 

Have a great November!

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Filipino Fridays (3): What do you think of fanfiction?

Hi!  We have to clock this before midnight. Not because the dead will come walking. And not because it's Halloween. But because on this part of the globe, Friday is already bidding us Good Night. So, we'll sort of do a Cinderella trick on this post.

What do you think of Fanfiction?: Fanfiction is pretty popular, no doubt about it, but it has been received with mixed feelings by many authors and writers. Some don’t mind it, and even welcome readers who give their own spin on their work. Some writers don’t like it at all, to the point that they contact fanfiction authors to take their work down. Others use it as a jump-off point for their own writing.

How about you? What is your take on fanfiction? Do you read fanfiction, and if you do, what kind of fanfiction do you read? Do you write fanfiction, and why? Or are you against fanfiction? Enlighten us.

What is your take on fanfiction?  Or are you against fanfiction? 

• To be honest, before this question, I don't have any concrete opinion about Fanfiction. I can't be against it since I've read some of them. And I do think it's a good start for aspiring writers. On the other hand, original authors have the right to react against them. We are talking about their life's work here. But wasn't it also said, "imitation is the highest form of flattery"?

Do you read fanfiction, and if you do, what kind of fanfiction do you read? 

• Yes, I do. One of the best ones I've read so far is G. Norman Lippert's adaptation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

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

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Say It With A Book #6 | 100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith

With Guest Book Reviewer | Roo James

     

I really wanted to love this book... I really really did! I wanted to think that my putting down Grasshopper Jungle a quarter way through was only because it was the wrong time for me to read it; or because there were too many external stresses keeping me from enjoying it or what have you. But nope... Turns out I don't appreciate Andrew Smith's writing style nor do I think he's a very good storyteller. Yes I know there's Winger, and it was a fantastic read. It really was! But I am now convinced that was just a fluke. 

I also can’t help but notice Smith is churning out novels faster than ever before since the success of Winger. And why wouldn't he? It's an easy paycheque. And good pay at that. Ever since the aforementioned book's success, hordes of readers, including myself, have either marked their calendars, made mental notes, or pre-ordered his new releases. I ain't even mad at that kinda success though. You keep doing you, Drew.

Anyway, I should get to the actual review at some point I guess. This "story" is about an epileptic boy named Finn who has an odd scar on his back that he's horribly embarrassed about, but still insists on being shirtless whenever possible, practical or not. He also has two different colored eyes. Because there is a character in his father's bestselling novel also named Finn who shares similar physical characteristics, our hero struggles with whether or not his life is his own, or if he is just some character stuck in his father's book. Really? That's the best you could do Smith? 

Anyway, that's about it for the "story". Everything else is completely incidental. The way he got his scar, his 4 or 5 seizures, his girlfriend, his relationship with his best friend, all of that and more in no way moves the plot forward. Oh, and there was also no real plot.

If I considered this a 3-star book, this is the part where I'd move on to the positives rather than the negatives. But alas, it is not, and I wouldn't encourage this book to my friends, so I won't. 

With all that said, I seem to be the minority in my opinions on this book. If you loved Winger (which is likely how you know about this book in the first place) then you may just want to give this one a go. 

I also wasn't a fan of the narrator's voice. The way he measures time in the distance is silly and not believable. The way he says "Look:" before every few paragraphs become redundant and mildly irksome.

Book details:

Title:  100 Sideways Miles

Author:  Andrew Smith

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster

Publication:  September 2, 2014

Genre:  Fiction

Rating: 2 stars

About Roo James:

   

Hello! I always believe that the best part about the ‘reading world’ is gaining new friends who share the same love and passion for books. Roo is one of those friends and I admire his impartial opinions on what he reads. 

TPW:   What is your favorite genre?  

Roo:  I have been in a Young Adult phase for about a year and a half, and I don't think I will be kicking the habit soon. There are so many amazing YA series and authors out there and the more YA I read, the more YA I add to my list.   I also really enjoy self improvement books as well. Every once in a while I'll read a great book for spiritual, emotional, and professional growth.

TPW:  How would you define yourself as a reader?

Roo: My reading depends on my mood. I love contemporary novels to fantasy stories to horror books and more. I keep my shelves well stocked with many different genres that way I can pick up a great book whatever my mood is. 

TPW:  Roo, thank you very much for accommodating my request. I truly appreciate it. ♥

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Filipino Fridays (2): Have you ever wanted to write a book?

And, we are on our second round... Already?

Have you ever wanted to write a book?  As a reader, have you ever thought about writing a book? What kind of books/stories do you want to write? Or are you now a published author, and what compelled you to go fulfill this dream? How was your journey from reader to writer? How did you go about getting your book out there?

As a reader, have you ever thought about writing a book?

• Once, a very long time ago, I did imagine myself writing. I grew up with a neighbor who was a retired journalist from a local broadsheet. Part of his retirement agenda was to gather all the neighborhood kids and teach them the basics of writing. There were about 8-10 of us at different ages. We were asked to read any of our written produce anytime we come together, and then, our volunteer teacher would make some comments and encouragements. He even drilled us on spelling and vocabulary then. Eventually, there were 3 of us who joined a journalism class by our intermediate years and wrote for the school paper until secondary school.

What kind of books/stories do you want to write?

• I've entertained the idea of writing an adventure. I guess that's where my love for reading good adventures came from. Carol Shields once said, “Write the book you want to read, the one you cannot find.” But I am blessed with finding the books I want to read. So why bother writing them, when I can easily just read them. LOL! Although I've fully realized what I really wanted to pursue in life, I will always treasure my experience writing for a school circulation.

Hey, jump on the wagon! Visit the Filipino ReaderCon site and post your answers for the Filipino Friday meme. We love to read them!

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FLUDD by Hilary Mantel

Buried Saints

This is my first reading experience with Hilary Mantel. I can’t honestly say that I started with this book because I’m hesitant with her many famous books. I guess I wanted to feel her first -get acquainted- before I fully dig in. You did that once (or twice) too, right?

I’m happy to let you know that I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I enjoyed this book a lot. The story was peculiar and twisted, but also amusing even in its most piercing narration.

The story revolves around Fludd, an unusual priest newly arrived at Fetherhoughton. From the moment he entered the rectory doors, a change was felt. The church community had no trouble accepting him into their fold; they seemed oblivious to his enigmatic features and strange behaviors. But one thing is for sure, his actions are contagious and the ripple will not miss an arc.

Deep within her, behind her cardigan and her blouse and her petticoat trimmed with scratchy nylon lace, behind her interlock vest and freckled skin, Miss Dempsey sensed a slow movement, a tiny spiral shift of matter, as if, at the very moment the curate spoke, a change had occurred: a change so minute as to baffle description, but rippling out, in its effect, to infinity.

As I understand it, this book does not criticize Catholicism. In fact, having a good comprehension of religion makes the story and the questions presented here more relevant. Mantel brought the reader in a world spellbinding even in its dullness, drowning from its catastrophic foolishness, and yet vindicated for their faith.

Not all forms of love are comprehensible, and some forms of love destroy what they touch.

The story is a knot of ignorant parishioners, an unrepentant tobacconist, a high-handed bishop, an atheist priest, and vicious nuns. Humorous and symbolic. I believe I am ready for another Hilary Mantel novel.

Book details:

Title:  Fludd

Author:  Hilary Mantel

Publisher: Holt Paperbacks

Publication: June 2000

Genre:  Fiction

Rating:  ★★★★

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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. 

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The Once and Future King by T.H. White

The Forever King

   

This is the penultimate of my  I Dare You to Read 2014. Seeing this was already in my TBR pile, Ronnie recommended me to read this as part of the challenge, providing me with the audiobook (too), which was wonderfully narrated by Neville Jason.

Book 1: The Sword in the Stone is a well-told story of The Wart, his childhood, and education under the tutelage of Merlyn, a sorcerer living backward in time. It was a joy reading the boy's adventures and challenges leading to his phenomenal unsheathing of Excalibur from the stone.  

Book 2: The Queen of Air and Darkness (The Witch of the Wood) introduced us to the remaining descendants of Igraine and the Earl of Cornwall. Within it is the story behind the tragic future of King Arthur, of how sin took roost and extracts its due.  Also, included is Arthur’s conception of the Round Table and his ideas.

Book 3: The Ill-Made Knight spoke of Lancelot, his knighthood, his quests, his betrayal of Arthur, and his illicit affair with Guenever. Although this book was long and arduous, it included Arthur’s struggles as a king of the New Order and the quest for the Holy Grail. The narrative from here grew somber and apprehensive.

Book 4: The Candle in the Wind came with great sorrow. Arthur’s dream of a New Order is crumbling. He struggles to hold his kingdom together in the face of betrayal and war. His imminent demise swiftly unfolds.

T.H. White dressed these legendary stories amusingly and unpredictably. Even his narrator, a present-day scholar, has a rather peculiar way of addressing the reader. His linking of the fictional past and present is curiously clever, even though these books were already told and retold for years. The tone begins playfully and sweet, and then gets philosophical and darker as the plot moves along. It slowly moves from a wonderful fantasy to a tragic ending we all saw but unable to avoid.

Life is too bitter already, without territories and wars and noble feuds.

Like many others before me, I love King Arthur and will never get tired of reading his story being told from different perspectives. I root for him not only for his adventures but also for his noble ideals. An incredible illustration of how a great man can fail despite honorable intentions. The night before his death, Arthur instructed his page, Tom of Newbold Revell, to run back home away from the war, and to take heart the King’s dream of using one’s force in behalf of justice for others and not for his own account. I strongly believe that stories are called epic because they leave behind sagacious lessons such as this.

Book details:

Title: The Once and Future King

Author: T.H. White

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Corp.

Publication: January 15, 1981

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: ★★★★

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Say It With A Book #5 | READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline

Guest Book Reviewer | Grace Dela Rosa

   

I know it should've been rounded up but it's just not a 5-star read for me. But not a 4-star either, thus the half star on my actual rating.

This was like reading an anime with an all-important game and the imperfect and ordinary (who's really not so ordinary) hero who wins the game. It reminded me of Flame of Recca's Ura Buto Satsujin, Naruto's Chunin exam, Yakitate Japan's bread battles, and all those other animes that made me hooked up on an all-consuming competition. So despite being perpetually confused and lost on all the '80s and videogame references, I really enjoyed it. Even being a non-gamer, I appreciated the intense competition the whole plot was centered on. Aside from this, I also enjoyed the riddle solving and trivia bombs dropped all throughout the story. I enjoyed this so much I slept at 6am just to finish this. :)

My only complaint was the almost clinical and sterile interactions between humans when they were not in the OASIS world. They were more human-like in OASIS and this disturbed me a bit. I know they were socially inept young adults but the conversations amongst them all when they finally met were stilted at best. One instance is when Wade and Aech met. Despite Wade saying that they were already comfortable with each other after the initial tension, I still did not feel the camaraderie that best friends have. I guess the best parts of the book were when Wade was operating on his own.

I have a gamer friend who really enjoyed this so I guess I would definitely recommend this book to all gamers out there. This is a real gem for you. :)

P.S. I'm so excited for the movie. Hihi.

Book details:

Title:  Ready Player One

Author:  Ernest Cline

Publisher:  Crown

Publication:  August 16, 2011

Genre:  Fiction

Rating: 4.5 stars

About Grace:

Hello there! I'd like you to meet a girl who shares my birth month, and one of those people I know with a big bright smile... Grace, better known as Gwaxa. 

TPW:  What is your favorite genre?  

Grace: Favorite genres are YA and romance. I also dabble in mystery and some(times) fiction. I rarely venture in other genres because I'm a slave of the familiar.

TPW:  How would you define yourself as a reader?

Grace:  I'm a very moody reader. I do not have any reading plan because I can't read a book if I'm not in the mood for it. You can also say that I'm an unadventurous reader because, as I said in my answer for the previous question, I'm a slave of the familiar. This also shows in my rereading habit. I have trusted books which I reread when I'm in a reading slump. My reading resolutions for this year include lessening my rereads (so I have to search for other ways to get out of my reading slump) and exploring other genres (classics and Filipiniana are among them). Good luck to me. :D

TPW:  Thank you for taking the time to do this, Grace. I am grateful! ♥

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