Week 7: Maybe One Day

Zoe and her best friend, Olivia, have always had big plans for the future, none of which included Olivia getting sick. Still, Zoe is determined to put on a brave face and be positive for her friend.

Even when she isn't sure what to say.

Even when Olivia misses months of school.

Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.

The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing that Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.

In this incandescent page-turner, which follows in the tradition of The Fault in Our Stars, Melissa Kantor artfully explores the idea that the worst thing to happen to you might not be something that is actually happening to you. Raw, irreverent, and honest, Zoe's unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

Author: Melisa Kantor
Published: February 18, 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen 

Ratings:

Review: 

First and foremost, Happy New Year! And yes, this post is supposedly being posted before Monday but because of heavy naps and some distractions uhm… So anyway, I just took a photo of this book and read the story using epub bud (or pdf file) since I’ll be giving this as my Christmas present for my best friend!

Bianca and I chose this book because as what we've read at the back of the cover, it defines the story of two best friends; it talks about their life together. I bought it at National Book Store in Calamba and I really felt happy while paying for this because I know in some part I think the story of this book will also “be happening to us” or a certain memories of these girls already happened to us, though I know this is just a fiction story. 

The story comes along with their hobby, ballet. And as what I've observed, the phases and things that they did were usually the greatest idea of what best friends really “have” to remain. The tightness of connection between the two of you; getting along with your problems and your best friend’s problem; sticking together through rough and gentle times. I was touched to this story, since Zoe’s best friend, has leukemia but she certainly there for her best friend to accompany and care for Olivia.

It’s now becoming more realistic in a way that these different circumstances really happen in real life. This story is full of affecting situations about friendship that will really break your heart. I suggest this book for those who endure their closeness with their friends. 

Week 6: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan’s life. Having missed her flight, she’s stuck at JFK airport and late to her father’s second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley’s never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport’s cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he’s British, and he’s sitting in her row.

A long night on the plane passes in the blink of an eye, and Hadley and Oliver lose track of each in the airport chaos upon arrival. Can fate intervene to bring them together once more?

Set over a twenty-four-hour period, this is a cinematic novel about family connections, second chances, and first loves.

Author: Jennifer Smith

Published: January 2, 2012

Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown

Ratings:

Review:

There’s news about this book before; few months back, I read an article that they’re proposing to make this as a film. I’m really excited to watch it since this is kind of a delicate love story of two unexpected teens. And as you read the description it’s not just flow within the “love” story of the opposite sex but also a part of family relationship and second chances for everything.

“Just like you when you’re in love, a seven-hour plane ride can seem like a lifetime.” – Old woman

For me, it’s a one shot story (except it has chapters) because the concept of this story enclose for just two days; and indeed this book is a page-turner!!! However, there’s a piece of me saying, that “actually this will not really happen in real life“ feeling… but obviously this is a fiction novel what else can we suppose to.

Though the author randomly laid those flashback stories in some chapters; it’s confusing (hehe) but all in all the love story of Hadley and Oliver is somehow rare, that you’ll meet you’re “first love” at the airport and finally met him AGAIN in different place. But who knows? I know some people believe in fate. Also, there’s the exceptional feeling between the father-daughter moments at London when Hadley met his dad again with her step mom.

I suggest this book if you want a light-read yet fascinating one shot love story between his/her first love with some chapters about touching sequences with family and newly met friends.

“Did you know that people who meet at least three different times within a twenty-four hour period are ninety-eight percent more likely to meet again?”

For other information about the movie you can check the link below.
Adaptation of this Book
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight Movie Trailer

Week 5: Every Day #1

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day

Author: David Levithan

Published: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Knopf Books

Ratings:

Review:

“Every day a different body.

Every day a different life.

Every day in love with the same girl.”

This is one of my favourite books. I just really really love the way how David Levithan wrote this tangling imagination and put it in words. Every sentence convey deep thoughts on how A (the name of the character) narrate his or her life.

At the first part of the story, you’ll ever wonder how this story flows. He or she has to figure out who he/she is for that specific day. “Every day I am someone else. I am myself- I know I am myself- but I am also someone else. It has always been like this.” It is one of the quotes or line said by A and mainly his/her life beholds of being like this. In a way it’s kind of a gloomy life, thinking you don’t have exact body or exact life. But the thing is, for me, this is his/her life. A must be naturally born for this existence which you have to deal and be themselves (the body of other people) and prove that it’s just the same way.

But in the long run, he/she did not expect to be fall in love with this girl named Rhiannon. A really suspects or haunt Rhiannon’s track every single day with different bodies. Before I think A was really a man because he/she fall in love with Rhiannon but suddenly I realized the gender equality of our society; well it just give us an idea that we should really got trail in the second part of this book to know if he or she is a man or a woman.

I hope you’re getting my point in telling this sequence because sometimes I just really can’t explain my thoughts well. (Getting back to the story) There are times wherein A change the way on how the next body will do. He or she will just follow Rhiannon’s life; pretend to be someone else to meet her again and other several manners to keep her in different way. 

You can also check the book trailer below.

(ctto)

Week 4: Girl Meets World

"From the author of No Boyfriend Since Birth comes another modern-day romance that’s sure to tickle your funny bone—and touch your heart. Mia Tupas is your typical shy girl daunted by the idea of talking to strangers and content with a humdrum routine of shuttling between work and home. But right after a fortuneteller spies a man in her future, Mia meets Leo, and the two hit it off immediately. There’s just one problem: Leo lives in Bangkok, and Mia balks at the mere thought of getting on a plane—she’s never even been around the country!

Still, the possibility of romance is tantalizing, and Mia manages to keep in touch with Leo through e-mail. But when she finally works up the courage to fly to Bangkok and find out where she stands, she discovers that Leo has left for Bali on the very same day.

Will Mia get her much-awaited chance at love? Join her on this entertaining, cross-country quest through Bangkok, Bali, and Vietnam for the man who just might be The One."

Ratings:

Review:

This book was written by a Filipino author, that’s why you’ll unquestionably appreciate the setting of the story since we’re all familiar in Manila. Also, it was a light read since the author used few characters and less transition of the story.

 Mia Tupas is a 27 year old single woman who’s into her job. But Madame Jam, a fortune-teller, grabs her hand and asks her if she wants to know about her future (work, family or relationship). I was not surprised nor startle that Mia also wants to know her love life since she’s already 27 and that’s how I comprehend that this story will go around with this random man and Mia.

So, Madame Jam concludes that there was a man who’ll just a glance in her life for a short time. And she also added that Mia was afraid of her unknown fear. Then here it goes that Mia Tupas met this man named Leo by his friend, Alvik. He was working in Bangkok and just staying for one night to buy some goodies for his colleagues. Mia was hoping that this man is the one.

Okay, let me absorbed this… I’m confused that Mia was eager to meet “the one” and then the whole story goes with with travelling around three countries (Vietnam, Bali & Bangkok) just to meet Leo, *sighs* what makes her feel so desperate to search for it when you just can wait for the right time? Then she realizes that maybe it’s not Leo since at the last chapters she’ll meet new man named Nick.

 It was a test for her life to realize the things that she wants to carry out and that was answered, that her fear for herself was meeting “the one” since her character factually seeks for her uncertainties and reach for her life purpose. 

Week 3: Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell
Published: February 26, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

"Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try."

Ratings:

Review:

If you're into young romances type of books then you'll certainly love this book! But it's not an ordinary love cliche stories (for me) and I love how Rainbow Rowell put them in words.So there's this girl who named Eleanor and she's not the usual typical teenage girl who's into dresses, make ups or the girly stuff that normally a teenage girl do. She's more fond of wearing weird clothes and her red hair makes herself different from her schoolmates. In line with that, her school mates call her "Big Red" because she's big and also because of her hair. Then there's Park, the good-looking Asian boy who'll fall for this girl. 


They usually met at the bus because they're in the same school but at first they really feel awkward and uncomfortable at the same time. The two of them became friends when they realize that they have a lot in common like their favorite musics and comics. 

The story comes along with the two sides of the characters, they have their own POV and it comes along with the pages since you’ll certainly recognize their thoughts. There are so many accomplishments, happenings and discrete situations between the characters of this story. For example, the way Eleanor or Park reside in their families; and the life of being a high school student or the certainty of self experiences that he or she exceed.

It’s kind of endearing how Rainbow Rowell weaves the stories and put in words to construct this story. Basically for me Eleanor & Park will extend your second thoughts at the last page of the story. You’ll ever think of what will happen next? Is there a part two or sequel for this novel? Or this story is just about the way it is? 

Unofficial Movie Trailer of Eleanor and Park

(ctto)

Week 2: The Selection #1

Rating:

Author: Kiera Cass
Published: April 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen

"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined."

Review:

I bought this book last summer and I just randomly grabbed it since my father was in a hurry. I don’t have any idea with the plot or description of this book and surprisingly I’ve been a huge fan of this author and currently fangirling with her works!!!!

The Selection is the first book of the ongoing “The Selection Series” by Kiera Cass. It is “the chance of a lifetime” since there will be 35 girls who’ll compete to win Maxon’s heart (the prince) and be the next princess of Illea. But America Singer, the lead character for this story, doesn’t want to turn back for her first love, Aspen. But the plans for herself, Aspen and her family changed when she met the prince.

Words really can’t explain how I loved this book so much!!! I’m brilliantly stunned on how Kiera Cass tied all the supporting details for the story (settings, castes, war and royalty). You’ll really feel like you’re America Singer in the story (or it’s just me?) ha, anyway I really liked the part wherein the selected girls will show themselves up and it will be publicize for each places and assert themselves to bear out that they were really have to be part of the royal family. Also, the first meeting of America Singer and Maxon Shreave will always be the finest!

You can also watch the book trailer. (credits to the owner)

Assess yourself if you’re an avid fan of history, royal settings and action-romance story and this book will undeniably suits for you! You'll definitely feel the soul of being the royal blooded reader (ahhhh imagination strikes). However, if you are not into young-adult fancy love stories I suggest that you can also give this a try BUT don’t literally assume profound story.

You can also spill your view about this book. Share your comment below!

Week 1: The Present!

Author: Spencer Johnson
Published: September 23, 2003
Publisher: Doubleday

"For over two decades, Spencer Johnson has been inspiring readers with his simple yet profound stories of the challenges we face in these times of unprecedented change.

 
The Present is an engaging story of a young man’s journey to adulthood, and his tireless search for The Present, a mysterious and elusive gift he first hears about from a wise old man.  This Present, according to the old man, is the most valuable gift a person can receive.  Why? Because it is the one thing that doesn’t change in changing times. 
 
As the young boy becomes a man, he grows disillusioned with his work and his life.  So he returns to ask the old man to help him find The Present. The old man responds, “Only you have the power to find The Present for yourself.” Heeding the old man’s advice, the young man embarks on a worldwide search for this magical gift that remains unchanging in a changing world, and holds the secret to personal happiness and lifelong success.
 
It is only after the young man has searched high and low and all but given up his relentless pursuit that he discovers The Present—and all of the promises it offers."

Rating: 

Review:

I got this book from a friend five years ago and that was when I was in 2^nd year high school. I chose this book to review and to start my blog in a way of showing what’s the best present in our lives and also to share what are my insights regarding this book by Spencer Johnson.

First, you’ll ever wonder why this book is entitled “The Present”. It is a story about the wise old man and a young boy who will help him throughout his adulthood and search for the best wonderful present in life.Also, this is a delightful story to help the readers and encourage that The Present in life is the best present that we are living in. 

For me, the message of this whole story is to enjoy the given present of our lives in ability to be more prosperous and feel joyous of what’s in our hands. And then I remember one line that the old man said, “However, what we believe and do today, in The Present, creates an important part of what happens tomorrow”, it was just fascinating to know that what we believe in the present may change of our perspectives for the future and I believe that this book will definitely cheer those people who are losing hope and still searching for the best present of their lives.

Now, after re-reading this book it uplifts my mind and soul to pursuit every hearty part of my life. Think to live positively in The Present and you'll guess what will happen next in The Future.