And Audrey Was Her Name: Bookish Loves

I am slowly getting back to hoarding books again. Books should always be a good thing but not when you buy one just to get a new one with zero regard to storyline or costs. In my case, I keep buying books on sale only to be disappointed later on. There's a reason that some books cost less. I also refuse to buy hyped books because it's not fair to well-written books that are not recommended on social media often enough.

I have also wanted to get a new Kindle. The one that was handed down to me was lost somewhere. Trust Shopee, an online shopping platform, to lure you into buying things that you don't actually really need but is a great platform for all the wants in the world. I decided to get the Kindle 2022 e-Reader 11th Edition because of its price tag. It was also sold by a reputable online store and I was also able to score some discount. The Kindle is so tiny! It is the size of a pocketbook! Good thing you can adjust the text size of the ebook. Book recommendation anyone? Comment below.

I am also trying to get back to writing book reviews. I also want to be able to write about books well like how it was taught in schools. To be honest, there was little chance to write book reviews in Highschool although the task was to read passages and write about them. But, not about books. Books are such a luxury!

I want to learn, write, and be able to:

the prose fiction analysis
analyze how the author uses literary elements and techniques to develop a complex characterization
the literary argument question
select a work of fiction in which a character responds to a hierarchy in a significant way
analyze the character’s response to the hierarchy and how that response contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole, and
write a well-written response based on that analysis
understanding of the literary elements and techniques associated with prose fiction
to demonstrate choice, comprehension, and ability to develop and support a claim

..and more importantly, to NOT just write about the summary of the story!

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Advanced Placement, or AP, courses are courses offered in US and Canadian high schools that allow them to study subjects at a college level and in turn, will enable them to earn college advance credits.

One of the AP subjects offered in high school is AP Literature and Composition. In this course, you read fiction, poetry, and dramatic plays. You will learn to evaluate and analyze and write essays on your analysis. By the end of the course, you will discover close reading, interpret the meaning of the text, learn the author's techniques and the effects, and then write an essay on your interpretation and analysis.

Here are common books that are frequently cited in AP Literature exams from 1970 to 2014, PDF link here. The source is not mine and was generated online from one of the US public schools offering the course. The books listed are not complete and some schools also recommend books that are not on the list. Student bloggers who have undergone the study of AP Literature have recommended reading as much literature as you can. Before the end of the school year, the students will be tested and the most common part of the test is the free open-ended question, a prompt, where you will write in paragraphs to present your ideas.

In the Philippines, we don't have AP courses. In fact, throughout high school, the reading of foreign literature was never part of the curriculum. The only books we tackle are the books written by Filipino authors and there aren't that many Filipino classic writers. The only books we've ever read in high school are Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, and Florante at Laura. Books are still considered a luxury to be had in the Philippines.

So, I've tried through the list presented by one US school and found out how many of the books there I have, started reading, heard about it, and want to read them.

Read books:

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

Books started but did not finish:

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Books I'm tempted to get started:

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevski
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

There are movie adaptations of some of the books that are on my list. But, never miss out on reading the original piece if you ever have the chance.

Watch these bloggers and I hope it will inspire you to read classic literature.

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If there's a mall nearby, my first thought would be if there is a National Bookstore inside. I can spend hours in this store. I don't just go to NBS for books but also for school supplies like pens, notebooks, notepads, highlighters and office supplies. I have claimed multiple e-purse points since owning a Laking National card. If you love books and is a reader, I recommend getting the Laking National loyalty card from National Bookstore.

BE A LAKING NATIONAL CARD MEMBER IN 3 EASY STEPS!

Pay the One Hundred Pesos (P100.00) membership fee at any counter. Students may join for a discounted fee of Sixty Pesos (P60.00) with valid school ID. Membership fee will be waived upon presentation of single or accumulated receipts worth P5,000 from National Book Store within the past 12-months (not applicable for renewal).
Fill out the Membership Application Form and submit to the Customer Service Counter.
Once the card is received, kindly affix your signature at the back of the card. You can start collecting points and receive special offers immediately.

*Not valid for online application.

Track your usage here: https://www.nationalbookstore.com/lakingnational/

EARNING OF POINTS

The Laking National Card (Card) must be presented upon payment to earn points. No Card, no points.
Purchases earn one (1) point for every one peso (P1.00) spent at National Bookstore (NBS).
The following purchases are not eligible to earn points: (1) items on discount (Cut Price, sale, markdown, coupons, employee, using Courtesy Card, etc.) (2) whole sale discount, (3) purchases from Ticket World, (4) mobile phone load, (5) purchases of NBS gift certificates, (6) purchases using ePurse, and (7) other items or services that NBS at its sole discretion, may exclude from earning points.
Purchases using NBS and Sodexho Gift Certificates will earn points.
Without prior notice, NBS reserves the right to (1) adjust the points earned per one peso (P1.00) purchase, (2) deduct appropriate number of points arising from corresponding transactions including but not limited to returned products.

*Not valid for online purchases.

POINTS REDEMPTION

The Laking National Card (Card) must be presented upon payment to earn points. No Card, no points.
Purchases earn one (1) point for every one peso (P1.00) spent at National Bookstore (NBS).
The following purchases are not eligible to earn points: (1) items on discount (Cut Price, sale, markdown, coupons, employee, using Courtesy Card, etc.) (2) whole sale discount, (3) purchases from Ticket World, (4) mobile phone load, (5) purchases of NBS gift certificates, (6) purchases using ePurse, and (7) other items or services that NBS at its sole discretion, may exclude from earning points.
Purchases using NBS and Sodexho Gift Certificates will earn points.
Without prior notice, NBS reserves the right to (1) adjust the points earned per one peso (P1.00) purchase, (2) deduct appropriate number of points arising from corresponding transactions including but not limited to returned products.

*Not valid for online purchases.

EXPIRY AND RENEWAL

The Card is valid for three (3) years from the date of application/renewal, remains the property of NBS and is non-transferable.
A renewal fee of One Hundred Pesos (P100.00) will be charged for Card renewal. Receipt for the renewal fee is valid for thirty days (30) from the date of payment and can only be used in the same branch where the payment was made. NBS reserves the right to change the renewal fee without prior notice.
The old Card should be surrendered upon renewal at the Customer Service Counter. If the old card is not surrendered, the application will be considered as lost Card application and loss of points will be applied.
All points and ePurse in the Card will be forfeited without prior notice thirty (30) days after the Card's expiry date.

Tweet me a photo of your NBS Laking National loyalty card at @Read Recently.

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Reference: WHSmith UK

I know Zoe is in her mid-20s but her social media followers are mostly young adults. Naturally, in her book club, she chose books that are in the YA genre. Here are 3 of Zoella's book club choices that I am compelled to read.

Buy & Read: All the Bright Places

By Jennifer Niven

A compelling and beautiful story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who wants to die. 'If you're looking for the next The Fault in Our Stars, this is it' - Guardian A New York Times bestseller. Soon to be a major film starring Elle Fanning. Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him. Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister's recent death. When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it's unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the 'natural wonders' of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It's only with Violet that Finch can be himself - a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who's not such a freak after all. And it's only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet's world grows, Finch's begins to shrink. How far will Violet go to save the boy she has come to love?

This book is soon to be a motion picture. Book to movies!

Buy & Read: We Were Liars

By E. Lockhart

We are the Liars. We are beautiful, privileged and live a life of carefree luxury.We are cracked and broken. A story of love and romance.A tale of tragedy. Which are lies? Which is truth?

Buy & Read: Fangirl

By Rainbow Rowell

Cath and Wren are identical twins, and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one-half of a pair anymore - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She's horribly shy and has always buried herself in the fan fiction she writes, where she always knows exactly what to say and can write a romance far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life. Without Wren Cath is completely on her own and totally outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly room mate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words ...And she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone. Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences, and she's realizing that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible ...

Read my book review on the Fangirl, here.

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It’s a series of spooky books.

Miss Peregrine’s by Ransom Riggs

Home for Peculiar Children

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

Hollow City

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was the surprise best seller of 2011—an unprecedented mix of YA fantasy and vintage photography that enthralled readers and critics alike. Its sequel, Hollow City, begins in 1940, immediately after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other unexpected surprises.

Library of Souls

Time is running out for the Peculiar Children. With a dangerous madman on the loose and their beloved Miss Peregrine still in danger, Jacob Portman and Emma Bloom are forced to stage the most daring of rescue missions. They’ll travel through a war-torn landscape, meet new allies, and face greater dangers than ever... Will Jacob come into his own as the hero his fellow Peculiars know him to be? This action-packed adventure features more than 50 all-new peculiar photographs.

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NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month happens every month of November. National Book Month, Book Festivals , National Poetry Month and/or National Literature Month happens in different times depending on the country where you live.

“..international literary celebrations like the International Children’s Book Day, International Day of the Book or World Book Day, and World Intellectual Property Rights Day are held in April of every year;..”

In the Philippines, President Ninoy Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 968, s. 2015 for April to be the National Literature Month.

Promoting and preserving literature is the same as promoting and preserving culture. Filipinos should never forget the stories of the past that helped shape the country of what it is today. The only notable work by a Filipino, recognised all over the world is that of Jose Rizal’s novels: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

Jose Rizal’s works are the only books translated and made it as a Penguin Classics book. It’s not just part of the Philippine’s school curriculum but in other Spanish speaking countries, too.

I would love for a Filipino writer to write an adaptation of Filipino’s myths and folklore to make it relevant to this day’s reader.

FILIPINO LITERATURE AND THE WORLD

There was once a famous European book blogger. The topic was about reading diversely and she chose 6 books to read from six continents excluding Antartica.

I think her list wasn’t based on “Greats” books that was ever published in each continent, nor considered by Author from that said continent. Her Asian book choice is: “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell.” This book was published in 2010 by an English author who has lived in Japan. It’s a historical novel set during the Dutch East India Company trading, a love story between a Dutch merchant and a Japanese midwife. The blogger was originally from Netherlands, a Dutch, so you would understand why this is her choice. Not even Haruki Murakami or Amy Tan made it in her list. Props to her for making me aware of David Mitchell's book though.

I was in the understanding that this girl works for a publishing company. Which one? She didn’t really say for privacy’s sake. I also understand that there are tons of great books, those considered a Penguin Classic and wanting her to talk about Jose Rizal is just for my ego’s sake.

Another blogger I had to call out and I asked her if she is aware of Jose Rizal’s books. She said yes, that she plans to read translated books, never really gotten around reading JR’s books but it’s in her TBR list. I get that Jose Rizal’s novels are too intense for pleasure reading. It’s the type of novels students read just because it’s a school requirement. Both books were indeed part of my High School and I do plan to reread them and, hopefully, read the translated version.

I have never read a fiction novel based around important events happening in the country. Historical movies were made but no published books. How about a fantasy novel based on our famous landmarks like: Chocolate Hills, The Hundred Islands, Banaue Rice Terraces, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park? Historical fiction novels based on each 7,107 islands history that never really made it in our academic History books? That’s 7,107 new Filipino authors already! Or a YA novel that's set in regional Philippines, themes like family or the environment, the typhoon disaster that we frequently experience? Or, a crime and mystery novel that is set around big events in the country like massacre of journalists, an elite team of army. Or, write about a fictional activist who is gunned down because we hear so many of those happening. Or, be the John Grisham who writes satires of our justice system in the country?

The books, writing and publishing industry has never been this exciting. With the bibliophiles all over the world fighting for diverse books, would’t it be great to be a widely read Filipino author?

Ironically, in honor of April being National Literature month, I am reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. The book was not part of any of my English class reading curriculum. So, whoopsies!

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ABOUT THE BOOK

A year after her husband’s sudden death, ceramic artist Tilda Fordwells finally moves into the secluded Welsh cottage that was to be their new home. She hopes that the tranquil surroundings will help ease her grief, and lessen her disturbing visions of Mat’s death. Instead, the lake in the valley below her cottage seems to spark something dormant in her – a sensitivity, and a power of some sort. Animals are drawn to her, electricity shorts out when she’s near, and strangest of all, she sees a new vision; a boat full of ancient people approaching her across the water.

On this same lake in Celtic times lived Seren, a witch and shaman. She was respected but feared, kept separate from the community for her strange looks. When a vision came to her of the Prince amid a nest of vipers she warned of betrayal from one of his own. Prince Brynach both loved and revered her, but could not believe someone close to him wished him harm, even as the danger grew.

In her own time, Tilda’s grief begins to fade beside her newfound powers and a fresh love. When she explores the lake’s ancient magic and her own she discovers Seren, the woman in her vision of the boat. Their two lives strangely mirror each other’s, suggesting a strong connection between the women. As Tilda comes under threat from a dark power, one reminiscent of Seren’s prophecy, she must rely on Seren and ancient magic if death and disaster is not to shatter her life once more.

The Silver Witch
Paula Brackston
Hardcover: 320 Pages
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
ISBN-13: 978-1250028792
First Edition: April 21, 2015
Rating: ♣♣♣

BOOK REVIEW

I’ve read “The Witch’s Daughter” by Paula Brackston and I was excited to receive an ARC on her new book “The Silver Witch”.

It’s something that I expect only in the movies to happen. Or maybe, I haven’t been reading that many books. LOL!

I’ve been reading multiple books at the same time but every time I pick up a different book, my thoughts are always on The Silver Witch.

A storyline about two different women both living in different times but somehow connects them together. Tilda is from the modern times and Seren’s story is from a time that dates back in 900’s AD. What’s going to happen next? What connects both women together? It really made me want to finish the book right away!

Truly unique plot and setting! Gripping story!

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FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART

CLASSICS

FOR THE TWEENS

The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman
ISBN 13: 9780060530921
HarperCollins Publishers
336 Pages
Rating: ♣♣♣♣♣

FILIPINO LITERATURE AND THE WORLD

About Me

Let's Connect

Blog Archive

Sponsor Me

BLOGS I READ

Vlogs I Watch

FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART

CLASSICS

FOR THE TWEENS

The Graveyard BookNeil GaimanISBN 13: 9780060530921HarperCollins Publishers336 PagesRating: ♣♣♣♣♣

FILIPINO LITERATURE AND THE WORLD

About Me

Let's Connect

Blog Archive

Sponsor Me

BLOGS I READ

Vlogs I Watch

The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman
ISBN 13: 9780060530921
HarperCollins Publishers
336 Pages
Rating: ♣♣♣♣♣