November's Book Recap
My effort to read more books this month is made easier by several new releases from my favourite authors. Though I'm actually far off from my goal (10 books/month), I'm actually quite satisfied with my accomplishment so far. So instead of making individual reviews, I'll compile all the books I've read in one post because I'm just that lazy. This includes all the books I read in October-November, and all I'm still reading.
1. Origins - Dan Brown
It's another adventure of Robert Langdon, the Symbology professor from Harvard. This time, he has to find the answer to the question humans have yet to answer: Where are we from, and where do we go from here? Together with a beautiful (yes, another female sidekick) museum director Ambra Vidal and the help of an out-of-this-world artificial intelligence, Langdon travels to Spain and some other secret places to unravel and release the breakthrough his murdered friend tried to announce to the world. Will he succeed before the murderer gets to him? Spoiler alert: of course he succeeds. and still in just under 24 hours.
I'm a Dan Brown fan. In that sense, Origin is still entertaining. It's face paced, wrapped with mysteries and a few unpredictable twists and plots, and manage to raise questions that piqued my interest. For people who read all Dan Brown's books, they will notice similar patterns and can even guess where the story is heading. Halfway through the book, I could picture the ending and even pinpoint the mastermind behind the murder of Edmond Kirsch, a 40-year-old billionaire and futurist. Dan Brown has certain formula for his books --Langdon is chased by some psychotic murderers who are often related to some religious organizations, accompanied by a gorgeous lady, challenging religions and customs, escaping for his dear life, to finally discover the treasure and the real perpetrator behind the fiasco-- and I believe it is both his strength and weakness. His formula works for readers who want thrills, excitement, and suspense but falls short for those who wish for some mind-boggling and extraordinary plots. Even the answer to the big question he imposes on us only raises another question that sadly will be left unanswered until some real scientists make some real breakthrough. At the end of the day, nothing really surprises me anymore and I am left with a slight bitterness with the story. The idea of human's origin and future still tickles me and gets me thinking, though.
As long as you don't put your expectations too high and don't demand to be inspired, Origin is a delectable book for all thrill-seekers out there.
2. Turtles All The Way Down - John Green
I had never seen myself as a nerd fighter - the term for Green brothers (John & Hank) supporters - until I subscribed to vlogbrothers and watched every single video John and Hank uploaded. As much as I love The Fault in Our Stars, not many of John's books stay as my favorite. Nevertheless, as I grew fonder of John Green as a person, I became more excited for his latest book, Turtles All The Way Down.
First thing first: unlike the title, there is no actual turtle on the cover (slightly disappointing) or the story, only figurative ones. Instead, we've got a tuatara that inherits a billionaire's capitals.
Turtles all the way down centers around a sixteen-year-old Aza who is struggling with OCD. One day, an attempt to find a fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett and secure a thousand-dollar reward -- a seemingly crazy idea suggested by her best friend Daisy-- brings her back to her childhood friend, Davis Pickett.
If you think this is some kind of a detective story with some dramatic chase scenes befitting a Sherlock episode, you are so wrong. This is the story of a girl trying to control her own mind she describes as a tightening spiral that drives her almost insane and sometimes takes control over her own life. Aza's therapy sessions don't seem to help, and her rekindled love(?) for Davis only worsens her anxiety. She tries her hardest to escape from her own mind, or at least get to the bottom of the spiral, but often times she goes into battles only to come out more battered and helpless than before. Can she finally come out alive and find out what's waiting at the end of the endless dark tunnel that is her head while at the same time not driving her family, friends and boyfriend away? Don't worry. Everything will be answered at the end, and we'll also get a closure for the fugitive that starts this story. There are also some turtles involved. *wink *wink
I can confidently say this book is my favorite out of everything else I've read this month. I love how John Green successfully brings me inside Holmesy's (Daisy's nickname for Aza) head, and gives me a better understanding of how dangerous a mental illness can be. I'm also satisfied enough by the ending, though -wait for it. spoiler alert- the couple doesn't end up together, or at least not yet as John leaves their relationship quite open for future love possibilities. At least we know that it's not about finding the turtle at the bottom of the pile because there is no bottom. It's turtles all the way down. :)
For people struggling with mental illness, or just want to take a glimpse of it, this book is a good start. If you want a light but serious read, the kind of read that can still teach you something new and offer you a new perspective in life, this is also that kind of book.
3. Solo - Kwame Alexander
John Green recommended this book in one of his videos, so I picked it up. That simple. It's the first poetic verse book I read, and I quite enjoy it.
It's about the life of Blade Morrison, a son of a scandalous rockstar, trying to fill the hole in his heart and go on a journey to leave the shadow of his family behind, to find his mother, his real identity, and most importantly, to find himself. A true coming-of-age story, Solo is beautiful and delicate, and is just filled with beautiful lyrics chained into a story. However, I also feel that the conflicts presented in the story aren't fully explored, and sometimes the unfolding of events makes Blade more of a whiner than a lost boy. Anyhow, it's worth picking up, and a good start for me to maybe try reading another Kwame Alexander's books.
4. Counting Descent - Clint Smith
It's another book that is highly praised by John Green, and it made me curious enough to order it online when I clearly had bought more than enough books for a month. The wait was all paid off when I read the poetry page by page and was mesmerized by each.
I know nothing about poetry, but I know that Clint Smith's style is distinctive. Different, somehow, from other poems I read. He doesn't adhere to certain rules in poetry, his poems don't always rhyme, don't have certain number of lines, and feel more like a narrative. Each poem tells a story of a life of a black boy growing up in a society where racism prevails despite people's denials. It's also a celebration of life and humanity. His writing is powerful and personal, the one that leaves a deep impact even after you're done reading.
5. Paulo Coelho's books: The Zahir, The Pilgrimage, The Valkyries, By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
This month is also the month of my rediscovering my love for Paulo Coelho's masterpieces. I read his older books, some for the second time, others, like The Valkyries and The Pilgrimage, for the first time. It's fun to re-read old materials and find how my opinions toward these books have changed. In this case, my feelings are still pretty much the same: positive, and enlightened. As I have matured a bit since the first time I read his book (I guess it was when I was 17), I'm able to form a new appreciation of his way of life and his concept of God, love, and spirituality.
By re-reading his books, I also notice how different he presents spirituality and love in his newer books, and it might also reflect a change in his life. People grow, and people change. I guess Paulo has in some ways changed, too.
6. Comics For A Strange World - Reza Farazmand
I adore comic strips, especially if they're hilarious and adorable at the same time. Comics For A Strange World is Reza's second book after Poorly Drawn Lines. His comic is witty, and his sense of humor is great. He makes an irony out of everyday skits, and his drawings are simple yet adorable. Every time I need a laugh, I always pick up this book and it surely brings a smile to my face.
Follow Reza's work on instagram: @poorlydrawnlines
7. Rhett & Link's Book Of Mythicality - A Field Guide to Curiosity, Creativity, and Tomfoolery
Have I told you I'm a mythical beast? Probably not.
Rhett and Link are best friends, business partners, comedians, sometimes musicians, actors, directors, producers, and the hosts of the most popular Youtube show Good Mythical Morning. And they finally published a book. The final initiation step for all famous Youtubers. It feels like a Youtuber is considered successful when he/she writes a book. or makes his/her own brand. or both.
Anyway, Book of Mythicality isn't like other normal biography. Instead, it is a guide book divided into chapters/ lessons on how to be mythical, accompanied with so many funny illustrations, graphs, infographics, photos, and drawings. Rhett and Link are hilarious, and their distinctive personalities shine throughout the book. Reading this book feels like having a field trip inside the mind of two internetainers (that's how they call themselves), and see how their creativity leads them to build and grow Mythical Entertainment.
Book of Mythicality is a perfect gift for all mythical beasts out there. I think it will be hard for people who don't know the dynamic duo to appreciate this book as much as fans, but it can still serve as an entertaining tool. After all, the spirit of mythicality knows no boundaries.
8. Big Bear and Bird's Journal of Gratitude
The last book I wanna talk about is this graphic book illustrated by a local artist called Sarah Amijoo who goes under the name of Big Bear & Bird for her artwork & goods. It's a compilation of things she feels grateful for, which are mostly simple things in life like food, good friends, family, lovers, and even mistakes. What's special about this book is the heartwarming illustrations. I love her paint brush styles, and all her anthropomorphic animal characters.
This compact book is the perfect stocking stuffer this Thanksgiving and Christmas for your friends, families, and children of all ages.
On Progress:
1. All The Crooked Saints - Maggie Stiefvater
Maggie Stiefvater wrote my favorite YA fantasy books, The wolves of Mercy Falls series: Shiver, Linger, and Forever. Her latest book, unfortunately, is hard to finish. I haven't been attracted to any of the characters in the book so far although I'm halfway through. The premise of saints and miracles is promising, but there is something not quite right about the delivery. Everything seems out of place and weak. The pace is slow, and the writing is too descriptive for my liking. But I'm willing to continue and maybe have a different, better opinion about this story.
2. The Fifth Mountain - Paulo Coelho
What can I say, the fifth mountain is on the top 5 of my favorite Coelho's books. Re-reading it again feels nostalgic. The fifth mountain, in my view, has the strongest narrative, and is still the easiest to read and comprehend among his work.
3. The Sun and Her Flowers - Rupi Kaur
I read her popular Milk & Honey, and quite like it, so I naturally want to read this one too. Rupi Kaur still doesn't stray away from love, heartbreak, and woman's sexuality. Her poems aren't that relatable to me, and most of the time I don't understand the pain she expresses in her poems - yes, I'm that oblivious - but I understand why people fall in love with her writing. She has a way to capture people's attention with her words.
To be read:
1. The Raven Cycle - Maggie Stiefvater
2. The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas
3. Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng
4. Piecing Me Together - Renee Watson
5. The Inexplicable Logic of My Life - Benjamin Alire Saenz
For people struggling with mental illness, or just want to take a glimpse of it, this book is a good start. If you want a light but serious read, the kind of read that can still teach you something new and offer you a new perspective in life, this is also that kind of book.
3. Solo - Kwame Alexander
John Green recommended this book in one of his videos, so I picked it up. That simple. It's the first poetic verse book I read, and I quite enjoy it.
It's about the life of Blade Morrison, a son of a scandalous rockstar, trying to fill the hole in his heart and go on a journey to leave the shadow of his family behind, to find his mother, his real identity, and most importantly, to find himself. A true coming-of-age story, Solo is beautiful and delicate, and is just filled with beautiful lyrics chained into a story. However, I also feel that the conflicts presented in the story aren't fully explored, and sometimes the unfolding of events makes Blade more of a whiner than a lost boy. Anyhow, it's worth picking up, and a good start for me to maybe try reading another Kwame Alexander's books.
4. Counting Descent - Clint Smith
It's another book that is highly praised by John Green, and it made me curious enough to order it online when I clearly had bought more than enough books for a month. The wait was all paid off when I read the poetry page by page and was mesmerized by each.
I know nothing about poetry, but I know that Clint Smith's style is distinctive. Different, somehow, from other poems I read. He doesn't adhere to certain rules in poetry, his poems don't always rhyme, don't have certain number of lines, and feel more like a narrative. Each poem tells a story of a life of a black boy growing up in a society where racism prevails despite people's denials. It's also a celebration of life and humanity. His writing is powerful and personal, the one that leaves a deep impact even after you're done reading.
" I don't remember the last time policesirens didn't feel like gasping for air.I don't remember what it means notto be considered something meantto flounder, to flap againstthe surface while others watch youuntil the flailing stops."
5. Paulo Coelho's books: The Zahir, The Pilgrimage, The Valkyries, By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
This month is also the month of my rediscovering my love for Paulo Coelho's masterpieces. I read his older books, some for the second time, others, like The Valkyries and The Pilgrimage, for the first time. It's fun to re-read old materials and find how my opinions toward these books have changed. In this case, my feelings are still pretty much the same: positive, and enlightened. As I have matured a bit since the first time I read his book (I guess it was when I was 17), I'm able to form a new appreciation of his way of life and his concept of God, love, and spirituality.
By re-reading his books, I also notice how different he presents spirituality and love in his newer books, and it might also reflect a change in his life. People grow, and people change. I guess Paulo has in some ways changed, too.
6. Comics For A Strange World - Reza Farazmand
I adore comic strips, especially if they're hilarious and adorable at the same time. Comics For A Strange World is Reza's second book after Poorly Drawn Lines. His comic is witty, and his sense of humor is great. He makes an irony out of everyday skits, and his drawings are simple yet adorable. Every time I need a laugh, I always pick up this book and it surely brings a smile to my face.
Follow Reza's work on instagram: @poorlydrawnlines
7. Rhett & Link's Book Of Mythicality - A Field Guide to Curiosity, Creativity, and Tomfoolery
Have I told you I'm a mythical beast? Probably not.
Rhett and Link are best friends, business partners, comedians, sometimes musicians, actors, directors, producers, and the hosts of the most popular Youtube show Good Mythical Morning. And they finally published a book. The final initiation step for all famous Youtubers. It feels like a Youtuber is considered successful when he/she writes a book. or makes his/her own brand. or both.
Anyway, Book of Mythicality isn't like other normal biography. Instead, it is a guide book divided into chapters/ lessons on how to be mythical, accompanied with so many funny illustrations, graphs, infographics, photos, and drawings. Rhett and Link are hilarious, and their distinctive personalities shine throughout the book. Reading this book feels like having a field trip inside the mind of two internetainers (that's how they call themselves), and see how their creativity leads them to build and grow Mythical Entertainment.
Book of Mythicality is a perfect gift for all mythical beasts out there. I think it will be hard for people who don't know the dynamic duo to appreciate this book as much as fans, but it can still serve as an entertaining tool. After all, the spirit of mythicality knows no boundaries.
8. Big Bear and Bird's Journal of Gratitude
The last book I wanna talk about is this graphic book illustrated by a local artist called Sarah Amijoo who goes under the name of Big Bear & Bird for her artwork & goods. It's a compilation of things she feels grateful for, which are mostly simple things in life like food, good friends, family, lovers, and even mistakes. What's special about this book is the heartwarming illustrations. I love her paint brush styles, and all her anthropomorphic animal characters.
This compact book is the perfect stocking stuffer this Thanksgiving and Christmas for your friends, families, and children of all ages.
On Progress:
1. All The Crooked Saints - Maggie Stiefvater
Maggie Stiefvater wrote my favorite YA fantasy books, The wolves of Mercy Falls series: Shiver, Linger, and Forever. Her latest book, unfortunately, is hard to finish. I haven't been attracted to any of the characters in the book so far although I'm halfway through. The premise of saints and miracles is promising, but there is something not quite right about the delivery. Everything seems out of place and weak. The pace is slow, and the writing is too descriptive for my liking. But I'm willing to continue and maybe have a different, better opinion about this story.
2. The Fifth Mountain - Paulo Coelho
What can I say, the fifth mountain is on the top 5 of my favorite Coelho's books. Re-reading it again feels nostalgic. The fifth mountain, in my view, has the strongest narrative, and is still the easiest to read and comprehend among his work.
3. The Sun and Her Flowers - Rupi Kaur
I read her popular Milk & Honey, and quite like it, so I naturally want to read this one too. Rupi Kaur still doesn't stray away from love, heartbreak, and woman's sexuality. Her poems aren't that relatable to me, and most of the time I don't understand the pain she expresses in her poems - yes, I'm that oblivious - but I understand why people fall in love with her writing. She has a way to capture people's attention with her words.
To be read:
1. The Raven Cycle - Maggie Stiefvater
2. The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas
3. Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng
4. Piecing Me Together - Renee Watson
5. The Inexplicable Logic of My Life - Benjamin Alire Saenz
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