Poetic Isolation

Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts

Another year is about to close and another one is about to unfold. Honestly, new years make me feel sad and happy at the same time. I like the idea of knowing that I have accomplished a lot of things in a year and spent some of my days as memorable as I can in so many places. I'm also in love with reminiscing the best lessons that I have. However, the closing of a year saddens or shall I say it frightens me as I have to face another 365 days of change. Though the idea of change has always been in my head, I couldn't help beat myself into thinking that I might be somewhere uncomfortable. Despite that, I am trying my best to keep my heart open to new possibilities. After all, growth dwells not in anybody's comfort zone. It's not an easy feat to welcome hard-cold truth in consciously knowing what I have failed to achieve, but I always keep a silver lining in my heart to recognize what I have achieved, albeit small.

The year 2018, like all other years, isn't sheer sugar, but I have to say that it has been fairly kind. Some days I've spent under constant cold rain, while there are also some that I have spent under the glory of the sun - such days I am beyond thankful especially when I spent them with a book in hand. Give me a book and a cup of coffee and I know, just know, that my day would be fine.

Books are always a joy for me to have and reading a really good book is absolute heaven. That being said, I'd like to share with you the best books that I have read this year. (Of course, I do not include the academic books that I've read. This post only features fiction because who doesn't love a little bit of drama? lol) I'll be scribbling down my thoughts about each book and please do let me know which ones you have already read and if you have some recommendations for the upcoming year.

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan

I adore books that entertain and at the same time, give me something worthwhile to think about. I read the first book of Kevin Kwan's trilogy last year and I couldn't just stop myself from getting my hands and reading the next two. My life is far from the elites in Mainland China, but what I understood from reading the book is that even the richest have burdens to carry. China Rich Girlfriend is chic, funny, and witty. This is a great read if you want something light-hearted and yes while enjoying a cup of tea or milk tea, which is which? 😊

Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It

A little over a year ago, my hands were blessed with a copy of Eat Pray Love. Though I have never eaten in Italy, prayed in India, and fell in love in Bali, the book taught me so much about living. Hence, it became one of my favorites. Last month I read EatPrayLove Made Me Do It which is a collection of life journeys inspired by the bestseller memoir. My heart couldn't contain its bliss! The stories inside the book are testaments that one man's journey could be a spark to thousands of souls. It goes without saying that in so many ways we could imagine, we are all connected though we go through different journey. 🙏 Thank you for this book Ms.Charen of A Simple Tourist of the Mundane, always grateful to have read it!

Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan

Another book that I've finished reading this year is Kevin Kwan's Rich People Problems which is the last book of Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians trilogy. I never thought that I'd finish reading all three books by Kevin Kwan, but as they all say, you can't just let go of a good story. The film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asian was beyond beautiful and fun in so many ways. It's actually more than just a mere book to film adaptation. Being Asian and watching a culturally diverse film that casts Asian actors is revolutionary. I hope to see more films with Asian actors. Tokenism and other similar cases must stop. Now waiting when will Warner Bros release the adaptation of the other two. I hope you've watched the film already, and if you haven't, I recommend that you do. 😛😊💞 My favorite from the three was the 2nd one which is China Rich Girlfriend. 😂💓

Like Water for Chocolate (Como Aqua para Chocolate) by Laura Esquivel

This is the first Mexican novel that I have ever read - Like Water for Chocolate (Como Agua para Chocolate) and it is beyond beautiful. This book made me crave for Mexican foods, adventure, and lasting love! lol 💖😄 This made me want to travel to Mexico and dive into their mole and vibrant salsas. If you are in love with food and life, this is a book for you! The story was set centuries ago in Mexico, but I could empathize well with the protagonist Tita though I do not face similar struggles as her, it's more of because I am a woman. We are now in a much modern and advanced world yet I must say that there's still so much that we have to work on. No, I'm not being a triggered feminist here if that makes sense at all, but whether we admit it or not some issues regarding females and femininity have to be addressed and resolved. More than anything else, such as knowing some cultural similarities between Mexico and my dear Philippines, the book blossomed an idea on my mind to be passionate on what sets my heart on fire. Be it in love, life, food, and everything else.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Once again, Elizabeth Gilbert hooked me up with her charming words and wisdom. This book unlocked to me so much wonder about life and living beyond my fears, and to always choose love over suffering. Always. I have stopped myself from doing so many things that I love doing because I have been engulfed with pessimistic musings. This is a perfect book not just for artists, but also to those who want to explore life as one big magical world. May we all grasp that "Big Magic" we are all looking for. ✨💖 It's no easy feat at all and even thinking about going for it could be at times scary. A new year is about to unfold and yes, it does scare me big time. While it certainly does, I'm also quite certain that hope exists. I just have to find the courage to bring forth the treasure within me.

Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

There's just something special in reading Chuck Palahniuk. Always. His works are gritty, straight to the core, yet relevant. ✨💖 Reading this made me feel like watching a sci-fi film. There's so much unexpectedness in this work. The best thing about his works is how he fleshes out his characters to be as human as possible as you and me. Which Chuck Palahniuk book should I read next?

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

Inspired by George Orwell's 1984, Japanese literary giant Haruki Murakami crafted a dystopian literary masterpiece. Since the novel is a good mix of different genres encompassing various contemporary literary techniques, it is a challenge to finish this book. I started reading the book last May and just finished reading it today. This is by far, the thickest and lengthiest novel I owned and finished. This is unlike any novel I have read before. Honestly, I find it difficult to scribe what I think about when I think about the book itself. Ever watched the film Inception starring Leonardo di Caprio? Well, that's exactly what reading the book feels like. Prior to reading the book, I've read some of Murakami's short stories which I would say, like the book, is very Japanese. By that what I meant is it just let what makes Japan - Japan flow. This, I would say is a good book, but I wouldn't recommend this one if you get caught by the waves of boredom so easily. Some parts of the book could feel really dragging and in my own opinion, unnecessary for the plot to move forward. If there's something that I could keep from the book, it's how strong love, real love can be that it could go beyond time and two worlds apart no matter how many moons that this world could have.

I still have a few other books piling up on my bedside waiting for me to devour them. I have yet to read Anne of Green Gables, The Good Earth, The Metamorphosis, and Slaughterhouse Five. The list is endless, but a recommendation is always welcome. If you got some, don't hesitate to let me know on the comments section. What's the best book/s you've read this year? I'd love to hear what you've read!

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year beautiful creature!

love lots,

Tin

Before social media and binge-watching anime series, I have books as my full-time companions when I was in high school. I remember reading Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew books before indulging myself with classic novels. Back then, I couldn't afford to buy books that I'd love to read so I used to borrow from my friends. If my friends don't have them, I visit the library where I often stay during lunch breaks. It stayed the same even when I went through college where I used to binge-read Agatha Christie's books while waiting for my next classes.

Reading for me eventually became more than just an act of learning and entertaining. It became sort of a therapy. Up until this moment, books, for me, are more than just mere physical objects. They are my friends, my family, and therapists that I never had. I love how reading transports me to somewhere I've never been, and that place doesn't need to be perfect or grand. It's a place of refuge and personal solace.

I'm trying to lessen my use of social media as I find some parts of it toxic and unnecessary to my whole well-being. That explains why I haven't blog regularly last month. I won't dwell so much on it. Here are some of my literary pals that are very dear to me and I'd like you to meet them.

1. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez 💐
“and both of them remained floating in an empty universe where the only everyday & eternal reality was love...”

Set in a fictional town of Macondo, this book has the power to take you to heighten your senses. The book revolves around the family of Buendía. This makes me feel that we belong to the same neighborhood and that I knew the family well. I feel so much about this book. The story is beyond beautiful, I couldn't even think straight of the proper words to scribe about the book. This is definitely my favorite book, and even though I may not place myself in a similar context with Senyor Marquez, I'd like to believe that my heart was able to translate the beauty that his book tries to embody. It tells a brilliant tale of triumph, pain, and love even in its most peculiar state. Without a doubt, this masterpiece by Marquez must be read.

2. Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon 💐
“Being poor is only romantic in books.”

This is the very first novel that I've ever read. I first got my hand on this book when I was in 9th grade. Back then, I wasn't really into reading. I thought reading is just one hell of a time-consuming activity, and I wouldn't gain much from doing it. This book changed the way how I looked at reading. Right after I finished the book in three days, I started craving for more books and it didn't stop there. That's when I realized how wholesome reading can be and how it helps heal a mental and an emotional wound. I must credit this book for making me an avid reader and a lover of literature.

Trivia:

I didn't own the book that I read at that time. It was owned by my brother and he didn't really own it either. My brother found the book somewhere while he was in Siquijor island. We never know who originally owns it as it didn't have any written details about its owner. We no longer have the book in hand right now. I lost it when a classmate in high school borrowed and never return it.

Not knowing where the book is now, I hope it's in good hands and that somewhere, someone's reading it. Perhaps the book meant not to stay, but to visit different readers.

3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger 💐

“Make sure you marry someone who laughs at the same things you do.”

This tale takes me back to my teenage years wherein life isn't entirely bad, but it ain't entirely good either. Salinger gives a good story of an American teen in the shape of Holden Caulfield. The book is a testament that young adults also have a very powerful voice, just as they have, and will always have, a great place in this world. If you haven't read this book yet, well, it wouldn't be so bad to recall your teenage years as you flip through the pages of this book.

4.Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H Bacatan 💐
“My life can't just be interesting. It has to be meaningful.”

I've read a number of Filipino literature, but most of them are poetry and short fiction. Shame on me because this book by F.H Bacatan is the sole novel written by a Filipino that I've ever finished as of this moment. Of course, I do know about the great works of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, but I've only known about them by reading their summaries. ( I love Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Though, I find the latter much closer to my heart.)

I just found out that this novel by Bacatan was published a DECADE ago, and that blew my mind. Before I had the knowledge about its publication details, I really thought that the book was made recently. I was guessing two or three years ago because the book tackles an issue that is still very much relevant and timely for our nation these days. That was the best thing about the book with its plot as the second. That also made me really sad because it just proves that our country is still facing similar problems ten years ago. I hope we'll solve the issues that imprison us as a nation, sooner than the next decade to come. As Father Gus would say, "Dear God I hope so". The fact that this is the first Filipino crime novel makes it a must-read for every Filipino.

5. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery 💐
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

This book brings out the child in me and makes me feel much braver as an adult. This is one of the books that give me faith to keep going and that the world is a beautiful place. Monsieur de Saint Exupery's novella reminds me of what makes life essential and worth living - friendship, love, and the beauty of solitude.

6. Women, Work and the Art of Savoir Faire by Mireille Guiliano 💐
"I believe women are better than men at the use of "we" rather than "I". Being humble is a characteristic of a good leader."

I'm not into self-help books. I haven't read one until I've picked Mireille Guillano's Women, Work, and the Art of Savoire Faire. I remember just letting the time pass in an indie bookstore and after reading a couple of pages from the book, I knew by then that I have to purchase the book. I am always glad that I did. Guillano's book taught me so much about acing life by drawing interesting and insightful stories from her personal experience. This book is practical, helpful, and fun to read. Savoir Faire, defined as the knowledge of the right course of action: knowing what to do and say and when and how to do so, which was emphasized by Guillano tells me so many tips on how to succeed in work and in life. It talks about putting a balance between life and work, the art of coping, and job interview tips! With just 12 chapters, the learning inside the book is beyond worth it, making it a must-read for every woman.

7. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert 💐

“It's still two human beings trying to get along, so it's going to be complicated. And love is always complicated. But humans must try to love each other, darling. We must get our hearts broken sometimes. This is a good sign, having a broken heart. It means we have tried for something.”

Among her other widely-acclaimed books, this novel by Elizabeth Gilbert has the power to soothe emotional wounds. Eat Pray Love is a fascinating novel with an interesting main character who is as real as any of us. Her healing journey takes to three of the most beautiful destinations in the world- Indonesia, India, and Italy. I would say that reading the book is very much similar to eating your favorite comfort food. The book will make you feel mentally full and emotionally great.

8. Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk💐
“The one you love and the one who loves you are never, ever the same person.”

I just finished another book by Mr. Palahniuk and all I can say is that his individual body of work is always surprising. It is not something for the faint-hearted. His books are for the non-conformist and hard-core pursuant to a great adventure. Invisible Monsters is wild, gritty, raw, and breathtakingly crazy. I love how it captures what most of the human species would love to share only in silence. This book is that one friend that would slap you the truth but at the same time give you a heart attack for laughing.

9. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 💐
“Some things are more precious because they don't last long.”

I've always thought that the book version is always better than its film version. I often agree with such notion, but I left it when I watched the film version of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray with Ben Barnes as its leading cast. Back then, I didn't know that it was based on an 18th-century novel. Reading more about the book prompted me to look for it. I had a really strong desire to read it, but at that time, I didn't have the cash to buy a copy of the book because I was still studying. Perhaps with the power of the universe, such desire turned into reality. One day while I was checking into a secondhand bookshop in the metro, I was just window shopping. I didn't plan to buy any book because I didn't have so much cash with me. The book is the only thing I have in mind while running my fingers through books before me. After a few minutes, voila, I found an original and unabridged copy of the book. The best thing is that is so affordable it cost way less than a dollar. At that moment, I feel like the book was really for me. I don't know why but there's some unknown magic in it that is also in the provocative and controversial work of Mr. Wilde.

P.S I'm waiting for another magical moment right now.

10. The Spy by Paulo Coelho 💐
“Love is an act of faith & its face should always be covered in mystery. Every moment should be lived with feeling & emotion because if we try to decipher it & understand it, the magic disappears.”

I had and finished reading this book last year. The book was given to me as a gift by some of my valued students in the school publication that I am managing. I have heard and read of Mr. Coelho's work several years before, and I have to admit, I was never fascinated by his previous works. I'm not saying that they're not good. It's just a matter of personal preference. The Spy, however, is a very special book for me. The book follows the life of Mata Hari and her story made me very proud of myself as a woman. It inspires me a lot especially in going beyond my limitations and get to my heart's desires.

Special Mention: 💐

One of the few books that I have recently read is Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend. Both are part of a trilogy but I haven't got my hands on the last of its installment which is Rich People Problems. (I need to get rich asap to be able to buy it because it costs much more than the other two.)

Even though I don't consider the books as favorites, I love the fun and fresh tale that Mr. Kwan showcased in his trilogy. It did make me laugh a lot as its drama and tea are very entertaining.

The books also gave me a glimpse of the lives of the richest Asians and if there's one thing that I've realized after reading the books, it's that even if you're the richest person in the world, you still have to have problems as long as you're human. Lol

Currently Reading: 💐

It's summer in the Philippines right now so I got to enjoy a short break. A lovely time to learn something new, enjoy the beach, and read good books. I just finished reading Chuck Palahniuk's Rant last week and decided to submit myself to a challenge - to finally finish Haruki Murakami's IQ84. I had the book on my shelf for a couple of years already and hmmmm I haven't finished reading it yet. I know, shame on me. So now I gotta go pick up the pages where I left it and continue my literary quest! I really hope I'll get to finish reading the whole book this summer. Wish me luck!

Have you read any of my favorite books above? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section and share to me your favorite book. I might as well put it on my reading list.

love lots,

Tin

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