2015 Reading Challenge | December

So, here we are. December finally caught up with us. Days are already filled with listing, planning, shopping, and gift wrapping. I'm still hoping to include reading on that list.

Here's what I read last November:

• Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen - 5/5 stars - I love the tone of the narration, and I simply breezed through this.
• The Undoing by Averil Dean - 3.5/5 stars - Surprised by how good this book was. I just wished for a better intro. Book release on the 29th this month.
• Alternative Alamat  edited by Paolo Chikiamco - 3/5 stars - TFG's book for November, which we happened to discuss last FilReaderCon. This is an average rating. I should probably write a comprehensive review on which stories I liked best and which I don't. 
• The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury - 4/5 stars - I was granted to take a sneak preview, and I am looking forward to its release on February 2016.

And that concludes my Reading Challenge for 2015 of 70 books. Although, I was not able to read Winter People like I planned last month; and I've put both The Invention of Wings (64%) and The Golem and the Jinni (68%) on hold. I'm still thinking of finding ways to finish them within the year.

Before I go, allow me to be the first to greet you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead!

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FILIPINO FRIDAYS 2015 #1: Five Ways Reading Has Changed My Life

Hi, there. The Philippine literary world is gearing up towards the 5th Filipino Reader's Conference, happening on November 28, 2015, Saturday, 8am-6pm at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University. And this year's theme is "Toward a Reading Revolution", which sounds pretty exciting as it is. To read more about it click here.

And with the FilReaderCon, comes to the weekly meme called Filipino Fridays, wherein Filipino book bloggers around the world are encouraged to take part.  In fact, most of us who joined before are looking forward to this. It's not only fun, but we also get to connect with our fellow readers out there, and, more than once, surprised by our similarities. 

This meme is sporting a new look, too. 

This Friday's prompt is:

#1: Five Ways Reading Has Changed My Life.
How do you think reading has changed your life? Please share with us at most five significant ways that will show how reading has influenced your life. These could be in terms of personality, career, studies, and other parts of your life this influence has taken place. :D

These come in no particular order:

1. Reading is my anti-stress. Some people take a break by eating out, drinking out, watching a movie, or all of the above at the same time. I do all of those things, too. But to really unknot myself, I have to find and read myself a good book. Last summer, I remember reading more before I deliver a commencement or moving-up speech. Reading took away the anxiety of waiting for my turn and the possibility of making a fool of myself on the podium. 
2. Reading made me understand people more.  We've all heard before that "fiction isn't real", but sometimes fiction can be more truthful than the real world. Reading made me realize that to truly understand people, I must accept what I don't understand and deconstruct my opinion about them. It made me listen more, taught me what not to say or do, and believe that others are a lot smarter than I am, so I have to keep my mouth shut.
3. Reading gained me more friends.  Reading has led me to my bookish family, TFG. Having books as a common denominator amongst groups of people abate preferences and prejudice. 
4. Reading made me adventurous. Others may not look at this the same way I do. Reading didn't prompt me to go hiking in the woods or sky jump, but it made me confident and braver. Whenever challenges occur, I try channeling a book character that never backs out from a life test. It made me try unconventional ways to overcome them, too.
5. Reading keeps me young.  Or, young at heart. Reading keeps me connected with young people. It makes building a bridge towards them a lot easier for me, makes me more relatable. 

If you feel like joining the Filipino Fridays, read the instructions here. 

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Required Reading: December 2014

November had come and gone. And December is here carrying all the Christmas cheers we may enjoy. For a bookish person that means more books –receiving, listing, buying, shelving, and reshelving.  But let us not forget Thanksgiving, feasting, family, and fellowship on our list, my dears.

Here are the books and short stories I finished last November:

• Flury: The Journey of A Snowman by Tony Bertauski – 5/5 stars – Wonderful story about love, family and sacrifice. If you haven’t started with this series yet, may I suggest you get your copies now? Because this is the best read for the season.
• Dwellers by Eliza Victoria – 4/5 stars – TFG’s book for November turned to be a very interesting read and prompted a really good discussion last FilReaderCon.
• The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell – 5/5 stars – It took me a while to finish this, but it has nothing to do with the writer’s storytelling. Three quarters through, I got heartbroken and I found it difficult to turn another page.  I did muster my courage, eventually, and let the tears fall where it should.
• The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell – 4/5 stars – This one is a journey in time and characters. It was not exactly a sad story, but I ended my reading with a constricted sigh. Sorry, I have to explain myself at length some other time.
• The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera – 3/5 stars – This is my last Dare You To Read challenge. Yay! Kundera is a very good poet, no doubt about that.
• Doll Bones by Holly Black – 3/5 stars – A brave adventure and a test of friendship. A very nice “coming-of-age” story.
• Roselily by Alice Walker, and The Swimmer by John Cheever – 5/5 stars – Short stories of the month via The Short Story Station.

For my last Reading Requirement of the year, I've chosen only one book. The one that matters the most…

•     Fall Like Rain by Ana Tejano – There is no secret why I know I will love this. I love the person who wrote it, and I know she had put plenty of love and effort into making this book.

I believe that I will not be able to finish all my 70-book challenge this year, but I don’t feel too bad about that. I did try my best to fight off the giant called “Reading Slump.” It was a good fight, because I was able to bounce back, somehow. I do know it will be back and try to overcome me again. That is the reality of every reading life; we just keep doing what we love.

A Christ-filled season to everyone and a prosperous bookish year ahead of us!

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Filipino Friday (3): The Pinoy Book Drop

Hey, guys!  This is the 3rd week for our Filipino Friday meme.  

Filipino Friday (3):"Did you participate in the Pinoy Book Drop? If yes:- First, kindly detail all the books that you have dropped, and where and when you dropped them.– Next: tell us all about your experience. How did you feel before and after you dropped the books? How did you choose the places where you dropped them? Did you check back and see if the books were still there? Do you have any idea who might have found them?"

• Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris, dropped at Intramuros, Manila, October 23;
• Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler, dropped at Star Mall Annex, Las Pinas, October 24.

I have to say that these past few days were pretty exciting. Dropping the book was one thing, but taking a photo was something else entirely. It involved a lot of cunning and subtlety.  I chose random places, just someplace I have to be on that day, but I have to make sure it's a spot with most human traffic.  The Intramuros Wall is a lover's lane, while the latter is conveniently near a fast-food restaurant and a grocery on the other side.  I did check later.  The books were gone, but, sadly, I have no clue as to who got them.

Check the books I dropped last month.  Color me excited, I want to see your book drop photos too!

BTW, you had better pre-register, because the 3rd Filipino ReaderCon: What Do Readers Want? is fast approaching.

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Filipino Fridays (2): Kids and Books

Hi, readers! Just three weeks more before the Filipino Reader Conference.  To contain our fiery excitement while waiting, let us answer topic #2 for the Filipino Friday meme.

Filipino Friday (2):  
"What were your favorite books as a kid or while you were growing up? Do you still read children’s books? If you could give your younger self a book to read, what would it be?"

When I was very young, there was one particular book I truly treasure.  Katy-No-Pocket was written by Emmy Payne, with illustrations by H.A. Rey, first published by Houghton Mifflin in 1944.  The book is an endearing story about a mommy kangaroo named Katy, who had the misfortune to be created without a pouch of her own to carry her joey in.   Heartbreaking, right?  Before she completely wallows in despair, Katy received a random act of kindness from a certain good-hearted handyman.  It's the kind of story that a child will carry until his/her old age because we all know that helping others can never grow old and should be nurtured. 

I will probably never get tired of reading children's books.  This was how my daughter started her reading interest, so did mine, and the same with my mother too.  It is something wonderful to pass on. ❤

"I hope we can give our children a world in which they will read, and be read to, and imagine, and understand." ~Neil Gaiman

If there's another book I can give to my younger self, it would be Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go!  A very encouraging book.  Basically, this is about taking charge of your own life -having choices, making mistakes, facing difficulties- with your head high and standing up to the challenges written in lyrical prose that children will easily appreciate.

"It's opener there

in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen

and frequently do

to people as brainy

and footsy as you.

And then things start to happen,

don't worry. Don't stew.

Just go right along.

You'll start happening too."

-Dr. Seuss

Oh, my!  This Filipino Friday meme can be very revealing.  I scantily dodged from blurting out my age here.  Now it's your turn, visit The Filipino Reader Con site and share.

Oh, and remember that the 3rd Filipino Reader Con: What Do Readers Want? is happening on November 9, 2013, at Rizal Library in ADMU. So, see you there!

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Filipino Fridays (1): Hello, Reader!

Hello! It’s time to be excited once more. The 3rd Filipino Reader Conference is taking place at the Rizal Library of the Ateneo de Manila University, on November 9, 2013.  And in anticipation comes our favorite weekly meme, Filipino Friday!

Filipino Friday (1):
"Hello, Reader! Let’s get to know you, and more importantly, what kind of reader are you? Laura E. Kelly released an infographic about Reader species — under what Domain/Class/Family/Genus/Species do you fall under? Give examples, and feel free to talk about why you belong to that species. Who knows, you may find readers in your own genus. ;)"

Visit Laura-e-Kelly.com for more about books, reading, and authors.

Looking at the graph, it seemed easy enough, but when I actually thought about it, I’m pretty diverse.  Details, details!  Besides, those terms seemed to tag, hahaha.

Book Lovers> Compulsive>

• The Chronological Reader:  Yes, I do feel compelled to read every book in the series I started.

• The Multitasker:   Guilty as charged!  There’s always a different book, from what I read the whole day, that goes to bed with me.    

Book Lovers> Situational>

• The Kindle Convert:  It’s very convenient for me to have my e-reader app anywhere, anytime, and without the inconvenience of weight or space.

• The Travelling Reader:  not that this is a favorite, but I lapse into reading whenever I feel restless during travels. 

• The Audiobook Listener:  I am no marathon runner, but I walk around the park listening to an audiobook whenever time permits.  Also, I found out that reading along the audiobook can turn a long-winded book engrossing.

Book Lovers> Social>

• The Sharer Screamer:  I just did something like this last month, and this one reminded me to post something about it soon. We all have the need to share the love for reading, right?

• The Book Clubber:  I am a proud member of Goodreads-TFG!

Book Lovers> Free-Range>

• The “It’s Complicated” Reader:  Oh, dear!  This one describes me best, I believe.  I’m sure a mix of something and everything, so I disagree to be confined with a label.

Other Readers> Conflicted>

• Delayed Onset Reader:  You haven’t seen my Mt. TBR yet? It’s HUGE! LOL

So, there you go.  It felt like a confession of sorts. Glad that it’s out there though.

How about you? What kind of reader are you? (> . *)  ❤

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