Ten Books
Because I cannot think of an experience I had for the past few days that is worth sharing to everyone who visits my blog, I decided to write another blog post about books. This time, I’ll write ten short reviews (and in some cases, with an accompanying synopsis) for ten books.
The Weirdest Book
For me, the weirdest book I had read is “The Dogs of Babel” by Carolyn Parkhurst. It’s the weirdest because in the story, the main character tries to teach his dog how to speak like a human being. Yes, you read that right. Paul Iverson, a linguist, decided to teach his dog how to speak because he wanted to know the real reason why his wife died. At first, I didn’t like it much, but on second thought, I realized that it’s really a good book. The ending of the book was nicely written. Actually, it was one of the New York Times Notable Fiction & Poetry books of 2003. You can read my full review of the book here.
The Most Intriguing Book
Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” will surely stir your faith especially if your faith’s foundation is very weak. The story revolves around the secrets of the Holy Grail. Robert Langdon, the protagonist in the book, with Sophie Neveu tries to decipher the chain of clues while they try to get away from the cops. The author is good in intertwining facts and fiction. The reader should be careful in separating the facts from the creations of the author’s imagination. In my case, even though I enjoyed reading the book, it still remains as a fiction. Period.
The Funniest Book
I guess, everyone who had read Bob Ong’s “ABNKKBSNPLAko?!” will agree with me that it’s the best book out in the market if you’re looking for a way to relieve your stress. Since I’ve read this way back during my sophomore year in high school and my copy is missing I had already forgot most of the details of the book. What I can only remember is that it is a story of the misadventures of a pupil who goes to a public school. Though the book is really filled with humor — actually, I cannot remember not laughing every after reading a few paragraphs — the reader can still learn something from the book.
The Saddest Book
Chinese Cinderella is the autobiography of Adeline Yen Mah, an unwanted daughter. Practically, the story revolves around Ms. Mah who was always maltreated by her step-mother, father, and even her siblings. And wouldn’t it hurt you if your own father forgot your name? That’s how unimportant Adeline was to his parents. But no matter how many hurdles in life Adeline had encountered, she was able to prove to herself that she can do something. As a matter of fact, she is currently a doctor. A full review written by me is available in Choice.
The Much Awaited Book
Among the books that I had read, it’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” by JK Rowling that I really waited for. I read the first installment of Harry Potter way back in 2001 and it was only six years later later that the final book in the series was published. I was lucky enough to get the book on the day it was released. In the last installment, Harry, Ron and Hermione try to find a way how to vanquish You-Know-Who. Rowling ended her famous tale impressively. The only bad thing is that there were only few pages left after the climax. But of course, I won’t tell you who died and survived.
The Most Entertaining Book
“Youngblood3” edited by Jorge V. Artura and Ruel S. de Vera is an anthology of articles that were published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer under the column Youngblood. The essays were written by twenty-something and below that’s why I was able to relate with their stories. The book was entertaining because the essays didn’t just focus on one topic. There was an essay about solitude, a student who fell in love with her teacher, a battered wife, and many more that really glued my eyes on the book.
The Most Disappointing Book
Christopher Priest’s “The Prestige” really disappointed me. It was adapted into a movie back in 2006 and I had seen the trailer of it (just the trailer, not the movie) and I was impressed with it. So the first time I saw a copy of it in a local bookstore, I didn’t hesitate to buy it. But after reading it, I find the book neither good nor interesting. Actually, the ending gave me the creeps. Okay, I need to shut up, I hate talking about this book.
The Most Interesting Book whose Theme is Death
I had read a number of books that has something to do with death. Three of them are by Mitch Albom, and I can say that his “The Five People you Meet iin Heaven” is the most interesting book that I had read whose theme is death. In the story, Eddie dies because of an accident in Ruby Pier, the amusement park where he works. In heaven, and as what the title suggests, he meets five people who has in one way or another had a connection with his life. My full review.
The Book that Left me Devastated for Days
Nicholas Sparks’ “A Walk to Remember” left me out of my mind for days because of the very tragic ending of the love story of Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan. Actually, because this book left me devastated, I even posted an entry entitled “A Walk to Forget“But of course, I’m pleased that I read such good novel. Indeed, it’s a very tragic story. For those who want to read a tragic tale, you should read this, I’m sure you’ll be thinking of ending your life after reading it because the resolution of the book was really depressing. Okay, I’m exaggerating.
The Best Book
Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” is the best book I had read so far. It’s about two Afghan boys — Hassan and Amir — as close as brothers whose friendship was destroyed because of a very tragic event that happened during their teenage years. Years later, it’s in Amir’s hands if he want to be good again. This book really captivated me. I learned that friends are really precious things here on earth and we had to take care of them. If you are looking for something to read, this is the book that you should try! I have no regrets on asking my Uncle to buy this book for me.
Oh, yes, those books on the photo (you can click on it to see a larger version, Lightbox supported) are all mine. XD As much as possible I don’t call them as my collection because I buy books not to collect and put them on display but to read them, leisure myself, and learn something from them. Reading has been my hobby for years and I guess, it would be very hard for me to remove it from my system. Though others say that reading is boring especially if the book is only pure text (no illustrations), I find it fun and enjoyable… as long as the text is interesting enough.
February 24, 2008 @ 1:25 am
Hmm… I like Bob Ong’s books. Their funny and interesting.
The Most Interesting Book whose Theme is Death - the typical type of book I read, I guess. For some reason, I find them interesting the same way I am fascinated with dead things.
February 24, 2008 @ 3:20 am
Pareho tayo sa much awaited book. Yan na yata yung pinakana-obsess akong mabasa agad hehehe… Yung sa theme is death, yes, The Five People is the best by far. I was so touched by that book. And it made you look at yourself in a different light di ba? Makes you feel less insignificant.
Yung book that left you devastated… naku do you read Danielle Steel? When I was in HS, a friend of mine gave me a book by her. She said that it is one of the best books she has read. So I read it agad. Naku, 1 month yatang kapag naiisip ko yung kwento bumibigat ang kalooban ko. No kidding. It is Kaleidoscope. Read it and you will know what I mean.
Happy weekend, Christian!
February 24, 2008 @ 6:35 am
oh man. i loved the prestige movie. it’s okay, maybe better than the book. lol.
i love reading too! i used to read a lot more back in HS but ever since i started college, i had fewer leisure time for reading. im reading “the oracles” right now by pati navalta poblete. kinda cool. i didn’t read the last HP book yet but i have it i my book shelf. haha. i might read it during spring break or something.
February 24, 2008 @ 9:38 am
Bob Ong’s books are probably the best Tagalog books I have read in my entire life! But when it comes to humour, at least for me, I do not think there’s anything better than reading Holden Caulfield’s growth to self-knowledge in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye.
Err. As for my best novel. Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Do not laugh and think of me as someone too old-fashioned but I will and will always prefer 19th century novels (or later) over contemporary ones. The stylistic features of writing that Victorian writers used are very much of my taste. But I also love the writing style of contemporary, magic realist writer Angela Carter. (Right. Sorry for the repetition of ‘writing’.)
The Most Disappointing Novel: Surprise, surprise! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and the ‘19 Years Later’ epilogue that killed it all. That chapter alone was enough to disappoint me. The gap that needed to be filled in was so gigantic that it often caused witty banters among some of my peers. I rest my case.
The Book that left me devastated for days: Ian McEwan’s Atonement. I just cannot say more.
I’m afraid that I would have to end my comment here. As I now see your flaring red eyes and its intent to kill me after labeling HP as my most disappointing novel. Only joking. Sarcasm aside. If I continued rambling here in your comment box, I would have to immerse myself into listing down every single text that I have read - be it poetry or drama or Shakespearean play!
P.S. But I envy you for being able to buy so many books. Books here in UK are quite expensive; I have to resort into borrowing from the library.
P.P.S. Apologies. I have wild tendencies to leave long comments when a certain entry is about literary texts.
February 24, 2008 @ 9:43 am
If you like a range of reading, could I suggest a title to you? “Outcasts of Skagaray” is a new release from a new author. It would be interesting to hear your reaction to it. Check the website for a synopsis and details.
February 24, 2008 @ 9:54 am
Wow! You are a bookworm !
Good choice! I read 5 books of the 10… and I agre with you.
February 24, 2008 @ 10:43 am
The Kite Runner is now a movie. It’s going to be shown soon.
February 24, 2008 @ 11:41 am
Yeah, I’ve heard about that back in December. I can’t wait any longer! Lol. I just hope the movie is not disappointing.
February 24, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
until now, the thought of A Walk To Remember still haunts me. Indeed, it was a very tragic novel.
February 24, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
I love the author Mitch Albom. His stories always touch the heart.
I’ve read so much about “The Kite Runner” but haven’t had the privilege of reading it yet. Thanks for sharing all these book reviews.
I have an award waiting for you on my blog.
February 24, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
Wow you’re really a bookworm! hehehe Haven’t read nor heard almost all the books you said. im clueless. :-s But I wanna read Bob Ong’s books ehehehe
February 24, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
Yung 5 People You Meet In Heaven pa lang ang nabasa ko sa list ng books na nabanggit mo… Hindi naman kasi ako talaga mahilig magbasa, naisipan ko lang basahin yung 5 People dahil maliit lang yung book at manipis
Pero sobrang ganda talaga nung kwento, naiyak pa nga ako habang binabasa siya 
Pati pinalabas din yung movie nya sa Hallmark Channel at naiyak pa rin ako. Oo nga pala, palabas yung Kite Runner sa cinemas soon dba? Parang interesting yung story, antayin ko na lang yung movie kesa basahin yung book kasi tamad talaga ako magbasa 
February 25, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
hmmm i love the story of A Walk to Remember. I even watched the movie and read the book a lot of times and every time i always find myself crying. Its one of my favorite tragic/sad stories aside from Message in a Bottle. As for Bob Ong’s books, they’re the best tagalog books ever. So funny and true.
February 25, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
A Walk To Remember. Haha, everytime I read that I start bawling.
Well not much anymore, but I do get a little teary-eyed. If you liked A Walk To Remember, try reading Nights in Rodanthe. It’s by Nicholas Sparks as well, and I think the movie (starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere) is going to be released sometime soon.
February 25, 2008 @ 9:01 pm
I can TOTALLY relate with this post.
Anyway. I’ve read A Walk To Remember when I was in second year, and SERIOUSLY - it was such a great (albeit depressing) book. But I think the movie seems better than the book..
I should’ve picked The Kite Runner than that Constant Gardener! GRR.
Sad to say, I’m not really into Bob Ong’s books. David Sedaris, for me, made me laugh all throughout the pages of Me Talk Pretty One Day.
The best book for me is none other than Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye!!
February 25, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
i love reading books. and you have nice books. di ka ata basta basta bumibili ng books… you carefully pick your books.
teka bat di mo tinapos ang deception point?
February 28, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I do love reading books but lately I never had the time to sit and read one. Anyway I will check out these books you featured here
February 29, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
“The Da Vinci Code” - Intriguing. Yes. But the movie wasn’t that great.
“ABNKKBSNPLAko?!” - Funniest. Maybe. I only read “Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas”. It was good.
“The Prestige” - Disappointing. Dunno. Haven’t read it and neither have watched the movie adaptation (I wanted though).
“The Kite Runner” - This has a movie too, right?
The Book that Left me Devastated for Days -Lol. What a word.
February 29, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
i miss harry potter so much. it still makes me sad pag naiisip kong tapos na. the hell, it was the first book i ever read! haha. di ko na tinigilan ang harry potter ever since 1st grade. minsan nga i wish wala siyang ending. LOL. oh well.
Chinese Cinderella was really depressing for me. To the point na I wanted to stop reading it because maski maganda, nalungkot talaga ako.
but i finished it anyway, and maganda ung ending. naging successful pa siya. but i can’t imagine living her life. 
February 29, 2008 @ 8:45 pm
BTW, “A Walk To Remember” really is a good movie, I would say. When I watched it, I didn’t take it seriously, not until Mandy Moore’s song started to play in the end.
July 6, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
wow! i love reading books too! i should say HP series were the best! hp was even my inspiration to read more more books..
and i think bob ong’s were the best filipino books ever printed..wahehehehe..