Reading Challenge Day 6: Winston M. Estes' Another Part of the House

As Day 6 of the 30 Day Reading Challenge, I am to choose "the book that makes you sad." However, I prefer reading books that are funny and lighthearted and I avoid those melodramatic(and I have genuine hate for those that purposely makes stories sad rather than hopeful). But, if I were to place "makes you sad" into something that is emotionally driven rather than simply "sad",  I remember being devastated reading Winston M. Estes' Another Part of the House.

Narrated in a 10 year old's point of view, Another Part of the House tells a simple, straightforward story of a family living during the Depression. Larry Morrison reflects on the uncertainty the Depression brings to his simple family, his mom, dad and his brother, along with threats brought by his uncle. Though with apprehensions, he is positive that they will pass through it. Until one unexpected tragedy strikes and their unity and strength are tested.

Simply writing about it without giving away too much gives me the chills. Told in a little boy's point of view adds to the innocence and sincerity that Estes would like to convey. The prose is relatable and one can't help it but feel the emotions running though the entire family.

Saying nothing more, if you want to relate to the feels this book gave me, I would highly recommend that you read it.

Runner ups:

• Bob Ong's MACARTHUR - Ong surprised me with this funny, yet emotional depiction of the lives of friends in the slums.
• Erich Segal's Love Story - Love's a hoe and death a big bastard hoarder.
• Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book - growing up is a trap.

Reading Challenge Day 5: Bob Ong's ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!

Day 5 of the 30 Day Reading Challenge is to talk about the book that makes you happy. However, I find it difficult to limit myself, as I enjoyed reading a lot of books and they had made me very satisfied. But as to be more streamlined (and knowing that I still have to discuss 25 more books, I'll probably pick the one least likely, though still being great, to pop out later), I decided to choose one of the books I greatly enjoyed. Bob Ong's ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!

ABNKKBSNPLAKo?! details a Filipino's experiences in education starting from day he still poops at school until he graduates and unwittingly experiences teaching.

Bob Ong is one of the most famous Pinoy writer of this generation, he writes this mock autobiography with such wit and humor that you'll find yourself laughing out loud. The book may be a little preachy at the end, but Ong invests much writing about relatable facts and experiences that the reader would suddenly find agreeing with the narrator's philosophies and beliefs. And though its a prose, Ong's brilliance luminates all throughout the small book.

The demographic of the book are those that are already professionals and had studied in public schools. If you are among the demo, you will surely relate to the narrator and enjoy the situations he's in.  I am not sure if those in private schools can "get" the humor and I would NEVER suggest the book to be read by students (though the young can still enjoy it, its nostalgia that makes the book special for me).

If you haven't read about it, go grab a copy. I promise you, you will greatly enjoy this.

Reading Challenge Day 4: Brother Odd of The Odd Thomas Series

Day 4 of the 30 Day Reading Challenge is supposed to be about the "favorite book of your favorite series" and my favorite from The Odd Thomas series is the first entry. However, I plan to reserve that book for my Day 30 (which is still way too far!). So I chose my second favorite book, the third entry in the series, Brother Odd.

Brother Odd follows Odd Thomas trying to take a break from his hectic life as a mediator of the dead by withdrawing into a convent (and orphanage) at the top of the mountains. He, as he puts it, does not run away from it but simply tries to simplify his complicated life for a while. Everything seems at peace, not until a dead loved one communicate to his through a traumatized orphan. Then everything spirals into darkness and Odd must face an evil as old as time itself.

The premise give much promise after a shaky (and very disturbing and dark) second novel. Here, author Dean Koontz writes with simplicity and lightness, and along with Odd's signature wry humor, that despite the dangers present, one feels hope through the pages. Religion is also a topic here, God's existence in particular. While some writers may dread the idea of tackling the subject, Koontz breezes his way through it.

The sequel also introduces a lot of new colorful and sharply written characters. The monks and the sisters are witty and relatable. Though the villain in this volume can be guessed easily, the danger he presents is very imminent and gives you chills all throughout.

Yes, to be able to appreciate this book, you need to read the first two entries. But I can promise you this, it'll be very very worth it.

Reading Challenge Day 3: The Odd Thomas Series

I enjoy reading books that are with the intentions to have sequels. (Though this is limited to only with definite sequels; Women's Murder Club series, anyone?) You can invest with the characters, learn more about them and develop and mature along with them. With that, I have read a lot of series of books. But for Day 3 of the 30-Day Reading Challenge - "your favorite series", I choose Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series.

The Odd Thomas series is planned to have seven books (six are already published) and it's about the titular character who can see dead people. By God, Odd tries his best to use his gift to help the lingering move on, however, the world is full of ambitions and many evils that, no matter how he keeps his life simple, Odd is simply pulled into the darkness of humanity.

Yep, it's more of a traditional good vs. evil stories but what makes Odd Thomas special for me is his wry humor, making the best out of dangerous situations he is in. And I guess it helps that he and I has the same philosophies in life (e.g. In one instance, Odd believed that God is optimistic about humanity no matter how evil many had become. Because, if He wasn't, He could have wiped us all up and started all over again. Whatta dude!).

Every book is also filled with colorful characters. Though secondary only to Odd, Koontz's invests many pages for each character that they are drawn full of life and personality. Which pays off greatly.

There is a movie coming out based on the first book, Odd Thomas, and needless to say, I am very very excited. (A shame they are going through some disputes with marketing.) Koontz is very pleased with results and the trailer below looks very promising. Please please be good!




Runner ups:

• Percy Jackson and The Olympians - Percy's sarcasms greatly help
• Hannibal Lecter - Start with Red Dragon and you won't stop reading
• The Hunger Games trilogy - this defined the standards of YA novels, nuff said

Reading Challenge Day 2: Books Read More Than 3 Times

For The Reading Challenge Day 2 - a book that you've read more than 3 times, I chose not to limit myself with only one. I have read many good books, and many deserves a second reading, or a third. Sometimes, to simply relax, I would reread my favorite books. So here they are (in no particular order):

• The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series - yep, I read all 5 books more than three times. Rick Riordan always crack me up with Percy's sarcasm and wry humor. (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian)
• The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins really know where how to place cliffhangers every chapter, that with the goal to read only a portion of her book, you end up reading them entirely again. (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay)
• First 3 books of the Odd Thomas series - Yep, I'm a Dean Koontz fan and I hail Odd Thomas. He is the best fictional character IMO. (Odd Thomas, Forever Odd, Brother Odd)
• Neil Gaiman's Stardust and The Graveyard Book
• Erich Segal's Love Story - yep, a love story yet the first full length novel I read and still enjoy reading.
• The Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney is good and Greg just funny. nuff said. (The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Rodrick Rules, The Last Straw, Dog Days, The Ugly Truth, Cabin Fever)
• Robert Fulghum's All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
• Sylvia Engdahl's Enchantress from the Stars - why this ain't popular is a mystery to me. Great style of story telling with 3 narratives, one fairy tale like, another sci-fi style. A must read, if you see a copy(I don't have one, but I still do my best to find one).

For the Philippine publications:

• Bob Ong's books - (ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!, Bakit Baliktad Magbasa and mga Pilipino, Ang Paboritong Libro ni Judas, Stainless Longganisa, MACARTHUR)
• Trese Series - comics do count, right? Well I have read Budjette Tan's more than 3 times. (Murder on Balete Drive, Unreported Murders, Mass Murders, Last Seen After Midnight, Midnight Tribunal)

If you haven't read them yet, these are recommended. :)

Star Trek Into Darkness and Beyond - Movie Review

Star Trek boldly goes to where the first movie from the reboot didn't, straight to greatness.

When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. (via IMDB.com)

Although I liked many his shows and few of his movies, I was never a fan of JJ Abrams. The first Star Trek was enjoyable but very restrained, perhaps with the notion that if the said reboot failed, it will unleash the wrath of thousands of fans. But he does perform here with the sequel, taking bold risks. Fair enough, these risks off.

The rapport between the actors and actresses displays on the screen. It shows how much they love working with the others and they approve of the good material. The lines are delivered well and always on cue, making them funny and emotional at the right moment while being genuinely realistic.

The writing is smart yet takes note of those that are new to the franchise, while making references to those who had been fans for decades. A nod to Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof. Yes, there are many plot holes, but who cares about them if the movie is this fun!

The cinematography is UHHmazing. The way Abrams and Dan Mindel (DOP) spins the camera to give us the frantic feeling when The Enterprise simply floats stranded in space or when its tragically falling from the sky.

There are many movies that try to cash in more money by releasing in 3D and many are disappointments. Infact, I almost always discourage people from seeing movies with the added dimension. But Star Trek Into Darkness, I strongly suggest that you see it in digital 3D. If IMAX is available see it in that format. You may shed some extra cash, but trust me, it's all worth it. **** 1/2 out of 5.

Reading Challenge Day 1: Carl Hiaasen's Skinny Dip

As Day 1 of the infamous 30-Day Reading Challenge, I have chosen Carl Hiaasen's Skinny Dip as the "Best Book You Read This Year."

I had been very busy for a couple of months and reading had few opportunities to take my attention, but I could never abandon my love for books. So if I had time to spare, I would grab a book and read away. Unfortunately, I had little thus I had read few books for the past five months (too few in my opinion). And the best among them is Skinny Dip.

Marine Biologist Chaz Perrone forgot that his wife, Joey, was a star swimming athlete when he threw her off a cruise liner. Now the estranged wife seeks revenge, with the help of an ex-cop Mick Stranahan. But in Chaz's world, separating lies from truth and stupidity from brilliance wouldn't be easy, and it doesn't help that Chaz is just plain terrible at being caught.

The plot is formulaic but Hiaasen's words are so smooth that the humor simply breezes through you like fresh air. You will have plenty of laughs from this revenge novel. But if you were to dig deeper, Hiaasen is simply mocking us by going through subjects of ambition, greed, disappointments and vanity. And through beautiful and sharp writing, he lectures while being at his funniest and most entertaining.