2015 Reading Challenge: The Elite

It's been a while since I last posted a book (non) review. I've been busy with "production" and my handy dandy Kendall is not salvageable anymore so even in my downtime, I can't do any reading done. Well, sometimes I use my phone when I'm on the train but it's just not the same. Plus, the ereader app drains my phone's juice quickly. So anyway, for this I'm thankful for audiobooks :) I finished two audiobooks the past week HUZZAH! Now I'm only 13 books behind my goal.

I liked Kiera Cass's first book of The Selection series, The Selection and I thought well, I would definitely love the second book as well cos, love triangles. Haha. So I had my hopes up which I should have known better not to do.

The gist is from 35 "contestants," the number has been whittled down to six. Originally, America was only in it for the money and she also successfully formed an alliance with Prince Maxon being his "insider." Of course at that first meeting medyo gets ko na type ni Prince Maxon si America. She'd feed him information regarding the girls which made her sort of spend a lot of time with him which sort of made her eventually fall for the prince. America's now a member of The Elite.

To make things exciting, Aspen, America's boyfriend before the entered The Selection entered the army and is now stationed in the castle (castle nga ba?) and *surprise! surprise!* sometimes, outside America's room. How convenient.

So here's why I sort of didn't like The Elite as much as the first book. Everyone's so indecisive. America went into this thing all reluctant and just after a few months, she begins to fall for Maxon. Well that happens when you're cooped up inside a space without much interaction from anyone else- think PBB. When she's with Maxon, she feels she wants to spend the rest of her life with him; but, when she's with Aspen, she feels the exact same way with him. Anubeh.

The same goes with Aspen. He broke off with America so she'd enter The Selection, knowing fully well that means if ever America's wins the thing, they can never be together. So now here he is a member of the king's army, within the king's walls, near America, he decides to pursue her. Tapos ngayon magseselos- selos siya?

And Prince Maxon. Isa pang pabebe. Haha. I mean, if he likes America, why not choose her? He knows she also sort of likes her and while the poor prince doesn't know his rival is just around the corner (parang Christmas lang), he gets the upper hand in this situation. Why not decide, once and for all, to choose America so they can live happily ever after? It's so easy for Aspen to fade into the background once he chooses America. America only remembers Aspen when she's with him. Eh kung bakuran na ni Maxon, wala na yun.

So I'm frustrated. Lahat sila urong-sulong. Nevertheless, I still will read The One. Tingnan nga natin ano ba talagang pinaglalaban nila.

2015 Reading Challenge: The Exiled Queen

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It took me more than 60 days to finish reading this second book in the Seven Realms series. Don't get me wrong because I liked the book, the story and the characters... it's just that I'm swamped with more pressing stuff to do like, um, work. Plus the fact that I don't have a Kindle anymore (BAWL!). If before I can read anytime & anywhere, now I can only read my books in my laptop and I can't lug it around, can I? What. A. Bummer.

So back to Hanalea and stuff.

Finally, that thing I've been wanting to happen- Han and Raisa in a sort-of relationship ☺ Perdonamé if the highlight of the story, for me, is the relationship between the two. Remember, I live for kilig. Nyahaha. However, I feel they could've banked on the love triangle of Amon-Raisa-Han a bit longer before Micah took action.

Speaking of love triangles... I'm still a little conflicted between Han and Amon. Naks, feeling Raisa. I know there are rules on who the princess can marry and if we are going to follow the rules, Raisa can't be with Amon and can't be with Han Alister, as well. So I'm wondering how this will all pan out in the end.

As for our antagonists...Who is Crow? I'm dying to find out. And Fiona Bayar, I had a sliver of hope that she was going to side with Han but turns out she wanted him on her side so she could be queen of the Fells. Tsk.

Which makes me want to start Book 3 already but since I need to pick up the pace to catch up with my 2015 Reading Challenge goal, I need to read books less than 500++ pages. Ha.

2015 Reading Challenge: Kiss Me Again

Just a thought before I start with the book (non) review: I just watched Something Borrowed again and I just realized I wanted Rachel to end up with Ethan. I forget what happened in the book, if Ethan was really into Rachel or if that was just in the movie version. Ngayon ko lang nakita yung pinaka-ending, the scene after the rolling of the credits- Darcy was in London calling after Ethan and then to be continued... The thing is, they never really made a movie adaptation of Something Blue. Wala lang. Sayang.

So, now back to what I was here for, a (non) review on Rachel Vail's Kiss Me Again. From what I remember, I enjoyed this book's prequel, If We Kiss. Ngunit subalit datapwat... the circumstances following the marriage of Charlie's mom and Kevin's dad. SEE?!?!?! Even if they're technically not blood-related, it still feels incestuous and their parents' marriage made their landian more convenient for these teenagers. Kalurks.

Charlie and Kevin's flirtationship reminds me of Cher and Josh in Clueless, but everything happened after Cher's dad was already separated from Josh's mom and Josh was in college the duration of that relationship so there were no creepy feel to it. In Charlie and Kevin's case, they're living under one roof, with rooms just next to each other's.

I wonder if there's a third book in this series because that ending was pretty open-ended. Chaka. I was thinking that somewhere along the book, they'd be caught by their parents or even if they decide by themselves that they should stop whatever it is they have, there's still that creepy memory that they made out with each other once upon a time- ang awkward diba? But the book ended with there two teenagers playing everything by ear, seeing where things would lead them. Ay, afraid.

Waaah!! I am seven books behind my reading goal. Boo! And it looks like it'll be harder for me to meet my goal as we approach bazaar season. But I'm still going to try... and maybe lessen time spent playing Farm Heroes Saga and Candy Crush Soda.

2015 Reading Challenge: The Demon King

I've never been into fantasy and magic-themed books. I believe, after Harry Potter, there wasn't any book that I've read that belonged to the same genre. Maybe with the exception of Kasie West's Pivot Point and Split Second which dabbled in fantasy and the paranormal but still not as full-on fantasy. If it were just me, I honestly wouldn't choose this book but I wanted to give other books a chance (aside from my usual), so I picked a number from 1 to 100 which led me to The Demon King.

The Demon King is a sort of introduction to the Seven Realms series. The book introduced us to Han Alister and Princess Raisa who are the main characters in the series. They already met here in the first book but sparks haven't flew yet. Although I am a little conflicted because Amon Byrne seems to be a worthy contender for the princess' heart, but his duty being Princess Raisa's protector (and the position is also bound by magic), he cannot pursue the princess. Well, even if he didn't choose to be the princess' protector, I reckon he doesn't really have a chance to be betrothed to her which I think made him finally accept the position.

"What about my own choice? Amon thought. Raisa would never be his; he knew that. But if he took himself off to Oden's Ford, and after that to a posting at Chalk Cliffs, chances were the pain would fade in a decade or so. He was only seventeen. What would it be like to be with Raisa constantly for the rest of his life, as her captain and counselor, to see her married, always within reach, knowing he could never have her?'

Saksak puso, tulo ang dugo. Hahaha! Oh well, such is life, Amon.  And it's not as if Raisa doesn't like him back because she does! So Book 1 ends with Raisa and Amon on a journey to Oden's Ford but Raisa feeling that Amon is keeping his distance from her.

It was a tragic thing that happened to Han. My heart goes out to the boy who has lost his mother and dearest sister and who has also told the truth about his real identity. When it rains, it pours, ika nga. Pero in fair, now he has something to occupy himself. Before finding out who he truly is, he was sort of an in emo-mode with Dancer going off to Oden's Ford and Bird also training to become a Demonai warrior.

I'm really excited to see how Han and Raisa's relationship will evolve and how our dear Amon will take everything that's happening around him. Already started with Book 2: The Exiled Queen but I think I need a quick read so I can catch up with my 2015 Reading Challenge Goal of 50 books. I am currently five books behind schedule and that's without counting this month's four books. In total, I am nine books behind! Boo!

2015 Reading Challenge: Girl Online

Umm.. so I was expecting a lot from this book judging from what I read from its blurb.

In the beginning, the book has promise. I thought the premise was interesting- there's this girl, Penny, who has this blog that has a pretty big following, only she runs the blog anonymously. I also find her crush on Ollie and her "friendship" with Megan interesting.

I really thought there's more to Ollie than meets the eye. I honestly thought that Ollie and Penny had a chance so I was very disappointed when Ollie wasn't really part of the main story. After Penny's embarrassing moment was when everything turned from possible to incredible.

First, I highly doubt that there are people who would fly four people to another country, all-expenses paid just to style their wedding venue. Aaaaaand.... two of those people aren't really helping with the set-up. So maybe they're filthy rich but filthy rich people are actually very stingy, mind you. Or maybe they're actors or rappers, the ones you see in MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen. Ang saya naman nila masyado.

But wait, there's more! Not only does Penny go to the US without having to do anything but she meets this incredibly good-looking guy who turns out to be a popular musician. After just a day or so together, they fall in love.

I really, really hate these books (or movies) where a girl and a boy "fall in love" in a span of one day. I mean, seriously, you don't even know if he's a serial killer, 'no! And in this case, Penny doesn't even know Noah's last name. So hindi lang pala sa pelikula ni KC at Richard Gutierrez naiin-love sa loob ng isang araw at pagkatapos ay parang gumuho na ang mga mundo nila.

Anyway, after reading the book, I found out that the book's author, Zoe Sugg, is actually a YouTube celebrity. I now get where she got her idea of a famous blogger falling in love with a musician- it's basically her life- also, debunking my comment that plots like this one is incredible.

Hindi ko pa rin gusto. Bleh. 2 out of 5 stars.

Apparently, there's a sequel to this book. It definitely won't be in my To Read list.

2015 Reading Challenge: P.S. I Still Love You

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One of my most-awaited releases this year, Jenny Han's P.S. I Still Love You. I love love love To All The Boys I've Loved Before, like five-stars love, and with that super bitin ending, I've been always on the look out for the sequel and now here it is ☺ I think this book was the main reason I hurried up and finished reading The Girl On The Train.

I loved PS but not as much as To All The Boys. I initially gave it three stars on Goodreads but then I had a change of heart and have it four stars because three stars is what I give those books na okay lang, it was a nice story but I'm not so crazy about and PS deserved more than that, hence the upgrade.

Out of all Jenny Han books I've read, Lara Jean is my favorite. I can't remember if I have made the comparison between Belly and Lara Jean, but what I remember is Belly was annoying and there wasn't a time I got annoyed at Lara Jean, even if it seemed she was a little too sweet-sweetan. Actually, it seemed as if she was really sweet and it wasn't just an act. But then again, how Lara Jean talks and moves and how she thinks (at least, how I think I see her talk and move in my mind), it's as of she's only a year older than Kitty.

Speaking of sweet, is it just me or was there too much mention of cakes in this book? Haha. Pero seryoso, andami masyadong mention ng cakes and cookies. Naumay ako ng unti.

And so the big question is- Peter Kavinsky or John Ambrose?

[cue Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko music]

Umm, yes this was my favorite part of the book- the kilig parts ☺ Even if Johnny seemed to be the better man, of course I still rooted for Kavinsky. What was frustrating was that he wouldn't tell LJ what really was going in between him and Gen. If it would give LJ some peace of mind, then I think he should've told her. I believe Lara Jean wouldn't tell anyone, not even Chris if Peter would make her promise not to tell anyone. Well, maybe she'd tell Margot but who would she tell? She's over yonder in Scotland. So yeah, I'm still for Peter Kavinsky. Haay, we always go for the "bad boys," don't we? Plus, LJ didn't have that much chemistry with John, but we welcomed his character because we knew he'd make Peter jealous. Ahhh, yessss.

But I agree with what one book blogger said- that the ending was a little too hurried. John Ambrose gave up Lara Jean just like that? Parang mas madami pang pages dedicated to the cakes and cookies. Hahaha.

I was expecting that PS was just the second part of yet another trilogy but looks like this is where the story ends.

2015 Reading Challenge: The Girl On The Train

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Goodreads says I'm only three books behind but the real count is actually eight. EIGHT! I've been slacking off when it comes to my reading list but I'm proud to say that in real life, I'm pretty productive ;) While I wasn't reading books, I've been meeting up with friends, been to Palawan and Baguio with family and have been working on orders. But still the "perfectionist" in me is disappointed that I am waaaay behind my target.

The 17th book this year is Paula Hawkins' The Girl On The Train. Reminded me so much of Gone Girl, a book a found engaging enough albeit a little slow. However, I liked The Girl On The Train much better. I found a little slow, just like GG, but maybe the main character was more likable here. Nick and Amy of GG were both at fault; while Rachel, even if not without fault, was more pardonable, how she reacted to things was more understandable. Sure, she became an alcoholic but that was how she coped when she got frustrated.

You know, it scares me how I'm usually good at pinpointing who's the real killer in these thriller novels (and at those crime & investigation shows). I remember, some years ago, when one of my blockmates asked us a question that was supposed to determine who was psychotic tendencies, and guess what- an article about the exact, same question was appeared on my Facebook timeline- click here if you want to find out if you have the mind of a serial killer. So anyway, suffice to say- I kind of guessed who the killer was in the book. Of course, I still have had my doubts whether or not the killer was really the killer- most especially when Megan, in one of her recollections- didn't like the way the killer looked at her.

My favorite character still is Rachel, even she makes me want to hit her with her drinking but I guess that's what happens when one is addicted to something. My least favorite character is Anna. The nerve of that girl for not wanting Rachel to go near the house in Blenheim, for calling Tom. I guess what happened serves her right. And hooray for Rachel for getting to start her life over again. I was still sort of rooting for a Rachel- Scott ending, but alas, after Scott's outburst at Rachel- he was never to be read of again in the book.

Four stars ☺ Next book in my list is Jenny Han's P.S. I Still Love You. Exciiiiiited :-D

2015 Reading Challenge: Second Chance Summer

Be careful what you wish for cos you just might get it. I enjoyed Morgan Matson's Since You've Been Gone so much, I decided to read another one of her books, plus reviews said this one's going to give you (the reader) a good ugly-cry, which I reckon I needed right now. But you see, I was still a little skeptical. I didn't know I was going to get my wish. Kaya ayan... I am now nursing a headache from all the ugly-crying I did.

The story starts with Taylor not wanting to go with the family back to Poconos for the summer vacation. The last time she's been there was five years ago and how she left things there back then were a little unresolved. She was dreading going back not only because of the possibility of running into Henry and Lucy again, but also in facing the real reason why the family's going back there again.

It was a beautiful story of second chances, rekindling relationships with friends and also our family. In a world so fast-paced, it's easy to forget about the things that really matter. It was just unfortunate that for the Edwards, it had to be a situation like this to bring them all back together and be a family in the truest sense of the word.

My favorite part would have to be when Taylor begged his dad's nurse to bring his dad outside so he could see the meteor shower and she told him, 'I love you daddy,' to which he replied, 'I knew that. Always knew that.' I was already bawling at this point.

I was going to give it five stars but minus one star for giving me a terrible headache so, four stars.

"Sometimes my grandfather was awake, and would sit with me while I looked

up at the stars, needing to see something fixed and permanent while everything

else in my life seemed to be breaking apart."

2015 Reading Challenge: Since You've Been Gone

It took me a while to finish the book because of, you know, real world stuff. I've been busy with the NS relocation among other grown-up things that it took me two weeks to finish this- absolutely not an indication that the book sucked because it totally rocked my socks, dude!

...And we have Frank to thank for that. It's been a while since I've encountered swoonable fictional boyfriends and now here's one when I was totally not expecting him. He's every bit a gentleman- nice, proper and smart! But honestly, Frank had me at the mention of his 'abs.' Yuuuh, I'm an ahjumma like dut.

Plus, I also liked Emily. She's not as angsty like most of YA heroines and what she felt at the start when she found out her best friend, Sloane, just left town with no word of goodbye or whatsoever. And I understand how she felt lost without friend. They used to do everything together, they spent almost every waking hour together and just like that Sloane's gone. Ni ha, ni ho.

So the gist of the story is Sloane and her family left town and Emily's dumbfounded as to where her bestfriend could be and why she would leave without saying anything. Sloane just left without a word. She just left Emily a list of bucket-list-ish things to do. Emily does the things on the list, believing that they'd lead her to Sloane. Well, they did alright but also it led her to so much more.

Ahhhh basta loved the book and if you're into kilig reads, I highly recommend this.

2015 Reading Challenge: The Art of Lainey

Much better read than Transcendence. Thank God. Although hindi kasing-level ng favorite books ko and not worthy of a 4-star rating, I liked it nevertheless.

To cut the story short, popular high school soccer-star, Lainey Mitchell was dumped by equally hot and popular soccer-star boyfriend, Jason. Upon the suggestion of her best friend, Bianca, she uses Sun Tzu's The Art of War to win ze boyfriend back. They sought Micah's participation. While Micah wasn't exactly Lainey's type, we all kinda knew where this pretend stuff's leading to, yes? So yes, I enjoyed it. Thanks to Micah but not so much to Lainey. Why, you ask? Lainey comes off across as someone who's very self-assured bordering on narcissism, but to be fair to her she kind of calls herself on it towards the end.

The book's theme is somewhat appropriate to my situation now but alas, not in the "love" department. We're moving locations again and I'm considering this as a new business venture and The Art of War may also be used in the business setting and those little Sun Tzu snippets sort of reminded me that I am not prepared for the move. Guess I have to go read my copy and win the battle I'm fighting.

Soooo... my favorite character in the book is, obviously, Micah. Of course, mohawk boy has his own issues but deep down, he's a real softy.

Micah in my mind
{image credits}

O diba ang cute niya? But guys with mohawks, piercings and tattoos aren't really my type and even if one shouldn't judge books by its covers, we judge anyway. I judge them anyway. So, Micah I like and if he does look like that mohawk boy above, bongga si Lainey. Cos if Lainey looks like that girl on the cover of the book, lugi si Micah. Hahaha.

Anyhoo, just found out that this book actually has a prequel, Infinite Repeat, told from Micah's POV and I'm dying to read it. Micah said Lainey's totally not his type but I hope a little Lainey-crush is hiding somewhere there during his Amber days.

So three stars for the book. I hope to encounter more of these stories. Ang babaw ko talaga.

2015 Reading Challenge: Transcendence

What made me read this book in the first place was its blurb which can be read here. I thought it was interesting how love between a modern day human being and a primitive caveman would develop, or if it's even possible.

Actually, I think I was misled by the book cover which made me think that caveman could look like that- way better-looking than most fully-evolved men living in the 21st century. The author included a note which I'm glad I read (because I tend to not read those and jump right into the story) because it was where the author specifically said that Ehd, our story's caveman, would never, ever learn how to speak. Just reviews the author's note and she qualified Ehd's pagka-caveman. Turns out he's just like any other modern-day human male, intelligent  and capable of learning except how to speak and associate sounds with words, objects or actions (so sign language is out). Pero still I think he'll never be able to look like that man on the cover of the book.

So at first I was actually excited and hopeful of the 'promise of kilig' this story will bring into my kilig-obsessed system. I was okay with the first few chapters with Ehd and Beh (Elizabeth) slowly learning how to exist with one another. Of course I understand why Beh would be terrified of Ehd, being that he is a caveman (and will never look like that man on the cover, kung si Tarzan nga modern-day male hindi naman guapo, si Ehd pa kaya?). However, as they were the only Homo-sapien-somethings wherever they were, things were bound to happen and by 'thing,' I think you know to what I'm referring to. Which is actually to Ehd's benefit as he was must-put-a-baby-in-her at first sight with Beh. And when that was all what I was reading again and again, I started to get bored. Which made me skip a looooot of pages (and chapters).

I know how you feel, Alice

And also this is one of those books which I feel should've been told from two POVs. Para at least hindi paulit-ulit and will also give the readers better understanding how Beh finally decided to give Ehd a chance- like did she really fall in love with him or was it just plain tawag ng laman? In the end, light was shed into the situation but I find that out cos I'm the type who finishes her books, no matter how what.What if I'm the type who gives up when things are going WTF-proportions? Also what I can't understand was why Elizabeth chose to stay in the BC era when she could bring Ehd with her to the future instead? Siguro mas masaya sa kweba ☺ Hahaha!

Two stars.

2015 Reading Challenge: My Name is Memory

Book reco by my cousin who noticed my propensity for books with uber-frustrating storylines. I reckon I needed a break from my usual YA reads and though, technically, My Name Is Memory sort of also belongs to the YA section given the ages of our characters, it still was a different kind.

Did I like it? Hmm... I'd say not so much. At first I found it boring, slow. Got bored on Daniel's retelling of his and Lucy's past- how he was miserable for a kagillion years- and it just goes on and on from North Africa to Pergamum to the Belgian Congo and so on and so forth. I was like, 'Okay, I get it. You're miserable.' These parts reminded me of Before Ever After (which I didn't like very much). I suppose these retellings were necessary, but did it have to be sooooo tedious?

So I took a break and read Winger then got back on MNIM and thankfully, things were faster-paced this time. I think this was at 72%. Just imagine- 3/4 of the book was a snoozefest. The remaining 28% was interesting enough for me to finish it today but man, I wasn't a fan of that ending. With that kind of ending, I thought the author's definitely going to publish a sequel but after seeing that this was published five years ago, maybe not.

I just wished the author extended Marnie's brother's exposure here. Actually, I would have liked it better if he turned out to be present-day-Joaquim. That even without the ability to recognize souls, Lucy's and present-day-Joaquim's are still intertwined and eventually, Daniel will join the cast. Hindi yung bigla na lang susulpot si Joaquim. Felt that was too abrupt. The story also reminds me a little of a short story I made for our Phil Lit class in high school- masyadong mopey.

This wasn't a frustrating love story. It was annoying. All that eklavu and no ending? Irita. I just watched Love, Rosie last night and that my friend, is how you do frustrating. I am definitely going to read the book.

2015 Reading Challenge: Winger

Because I've been struggling with Ann Brashares' My Name is Memory which is taking me forever to finish- ang baaaaagaaaal kasi ng story. I thought I needed a light, mababaw story which led me to Winger.

Umm.. it was an okay read. I found it a little boring and super babaw naman. Well, whaddya expect from a life of a fourteen-year-old boy?

My favorite character is Joey and it was sad that he died, which I think was a last-ditch effort to shock the readers. It was a tragic turn from the book's earlier feel- which deals mostly with petty teenage stuff. The author should've let Joey live.

But this has a sequel so maybe Joey's death has a purpose. I don't know if I'd want to read it though.

2015 Reading Challenge: Me Before You

via Goodreads

Just a few hours away from Valentine's Day and I am here stuck at home silently crying from what I just read. Wow. That was one depressing yet beautiful story. It's been quite a while since I last read something like it.

Funny that I almost didn't read this book because I thought it was too dismal for me and my mood nowadays which is a little unstable, so to speak. Hah. But I reckon I needed a little deviation from my usual YA reads. (Yes, reckon talaga. In keeping with the book's English vibe). A love story still because it's the month of loooove after all ☺

I loved it. I loved the story. I loved all the characters- no exception. I loved Lou and even though I see her as somewhat a manic-pixie-dream-girl-ish type (characters I am not really very fond of), I have endeared myself to her. Even if life didn't offer her much, she didn't act the part of a victim. Well, she did stay in that teeny tiny space because her sister and nephew needed more space and I don't see that as Lou being a pushover. Just goes to show that she's very considerate. Will, on the other hand, was someone who, at first, wasn't very likable but maybe because he really was being a difficult person. Frustration can do that to a person; what more to Will who had access to everything and anything given his wealth and good looks (well, good looks can get you far in life).

All the time, while I was reading the book- I kept on waiting where the love story would kick in. It wasn't until almost the end of the book that it was spelled for us. At first I thought Will has just grown fond of Louisa because I think it is possible for a person to be fond of another without romantic feelings attached. Ditto in Lou's case. Just like Will and Nathan's relationship. But towards the end, we witness how their feelings have subtly evolved into something beautiful.

To cut the long story short, Will's this quadriplegic guy who wants to die via assisted suicide. He promised his parents six months. This is where Louisa steps in- she was hired by the family as Will's carer- they needed someone bubbly and optimistic, someone who could change Will's mind. I wanted Will to change his mind but at the same I was thinking that he wouldn't because that would be so predictable and too fairy tale-ish.

At the end, I wasn't exactly ugly crying- it was actually more subdued than when I was crying over Eleanor & Park- but man, that was some heavy stuff.

Kawawang Louisa. She just took the job because at that time she just wanted to have a job and this job paid lots of moolah but she ends up brokenhearted. I mean, how do you get over that? Now I understand why Mrs. Traynor always wears that pinched expression on her face. I mean, how can you let someone you love do that to himself. In the end, as Will said, it was still his decision to make.

There was nothing left for me to do. Do you know how hard it is to say nothing?
When every atom of you strains to do the opposite? 

I do think it was selfish of Will to subject his loved ones to such an ordeal. But then again it was also selfish of Mrs. Traynor, Louisa and the others to also impose on Will when he clearly doesn't want to go on. Tama si Louisa for being angry, for asking Will that if he really loves her, 'isn't she enough?' for him to want to keep on living?

And finally, my head pressed into the pillow, I cried, because my lifesuddenly seemed so much darker and more complicated than I could ever haveimagined, and I wished I could go back, back to when my biggest worry was whether Frank and I had ordered in enough Chelsea buns.

Eto ang book na talagang "all the feels." If ever they make this into a movie, I think I wouldn't want to watch it. Masakit sa puso. But man, that was beautiful. Five stars.

P.S. Wait lang. I need a pick-me-upper. Sinimulan to ng If I Die video ng mga shortlisted volunteers who want to go to Mars. Sinundan ng Gravity kanina. I feel sad. I need to watch The DUFF already!!!

2015 Reading Challenge: Isla and the Happily Ever After

sa right naman nang maiba
via Goodreads

The last book of the romance trilogy by Stephanie Perkins. I was expecting something more from this book because of the good reviews but I should've known better than to let my expectations spoil a good book. But don't get me wrong ha. I did enojy it and I actually like Isla (better than Lola). It's just I think things moved too fast. Yes, this is Lola Prude talking, ay, writing pala.

Okay. Given that Isla has liked Josh ever since their Freshman year so that makes it a total of four long years, I still think it's just too fast when everything happens within one month. And these, people, are seventeen-year-olds. Masyado pa silang baby, IMHO. And this actually reminds me not to let my future daughters read YA books- masyadong mapusok- and I don't want to give them any ideas. Haha.

Out of the series, my favorite still is Anna and the French Kiss and the most swoon-worthy boyfriend is still St. Clair. I think I liked Cricket pero pinakanakakakilig is Etienne. Well, I do think his character is really malandi. And out of all the female leads, my favorite is still Anna; the least, Lola. Isla, umm, Isla's okay. I think I liked her during the first half of the book when she was getting all giddy over Josh to which anyone who has had a crush can relate to.

Josh: So... you were serious? You wouldn't mind if I sketched you?
Isla: Yeah, I'd love that. I love youuuuuuuuu. What should I do?

Ang cute, no? But of course, sweet, "innocent" Isla isn't so innocent after all. Which was a little disappointing to Lola Prude aka me.

We've been only together for a month. How has it only been a month?

I also wonder about that, Isla. How has it only been a month yet in that span of time naisuko mo na sa kanya ang Bataan- sa España pa!

Literally

Three stars. And I thought the "rabbit rabbit" part was hilarious. Yes, I'm weird that way.

2015 Reading Challenge: Never Too Far

I take it all back. I mentioned here- Fallen Too Far post- na hindi masyado ma-issue si Blaire, but now I am taking it back. Sus etong babaeng ito ay isang example ng isang taong madaling kausap.

Anyway, I think everything happened TOO SOON. Personally, I feel they should've explored further her relationship with Cain before she went back to Rosemary Beach again. And I also think that she's not really serious about shutting Rush out of her life cos if she is, why on earth would she go back to where he is? Ang lola mo simpleng malandi din. But seriously, I really wish they prolonged the chase a little bit. I guess, patience is not one of today's kids's virtues. Sige na Blaire, ikaw na ang fertile.

Also one of my reactions while listening to the book- PUEDE BA YUN?!?!?!? As in. Naloka ako. Sa palagay ko hindi pa puedeng maging parents ang dalawang 'to.

Dear Blaire,

I am very disappointed in you.

And Rush. A lot are swooning over Rush Finlay and I don't know why. You see, I am not immune to bad-boy-charms as evidenced by my infatuation over Marcus Flutie but at least Marcus doesn't start every sentence with an expletive.

So umm... it was okay but I think I won't be picking up Book Three anytime soon.

2015 Reading Challenge: Dear Girls Above Me

Done with my fifth book for 2015- huzzah! I'm on a roll. I must reach my quota this year- 50 books in 52 weeks- at kailangan ko ng pondo cos I'm sure all reading activities will be on hold the fourth quarter of the year as you know I'll be busy with bazaars and orders.

So. Dear Girls Above Me, I can't even remember how exactly I knew of this book but definitely not on Goodreads. Either I stumbled upon it on of those book blogs or while I was killing time in National Book Store. Read the blurb, it caught my fancy et voila!

Funny story of Charlie's everyday life living with two noisy albeit entertaining girls. Charlie thinks he could hear these girls loud and clear due to some architectural design or flaw... whatever... but then again maybe these girls are just really loud. But then again they're entertaining in a bimbo-ish kind of way but still funny, right? And he wouldn't have the material he needed for his Twitter and his book, riiiight? The girls also seem nice. Yun lang, are they still friends with Charlie even after the publication of this book? I'd definitely take offense of this book if I were on of those girls because, HELLO! my bimbo-ness and whorish ways were sort of brought out into the open for the entire world to read. But then again the book's "inspired by a true story" so maybe Cathy and Claire weren't actual depiction of the girls who lived above his unit- or sana he could've just issued an all persons fictitious disclaimer. Haha!

3 of out 5 stars. Fun read but what I'm looking for right now is kilig. Ha.

2015 Reading Challenge: We Were Liars

Gaaaahd that was sad. I didn't see that one coming and usually I am spot on when I second guess book endings. But this one- oh Lord, I can't even.

Cadence, Johnny, Mirren and Gat. They called themselves the Liars. The Liars' friendship began Summer Eight when Gat first came with Aunt Carrie and Johnny in Beechwood. Before that, Cady, Johnny and Mirren were just cousins. Beechwood was just a summer thing. After the summer vacation, everyone goes back to as they were, back to their normal everyday lives. It was Summer Fifteen when everything changed. The Liars were old enough to understand what's going on around them and it ain't pretty. They decided to do something about it and the rest, as they say, is history.

History that Cadence has no memory of.

She comes back to Beechwood two years after her accident. Still she can't remember anything of the accident or what happened prior to that. As each day passes, bits and pieces, snippets of what happened that fateful night of Summer Fifteen comes back to her.

Now I know they were liars. Ang saklap.

Actually I find it already masaklap when the aunts were fighting over who gets what. The Sinclairs were trust-fund rich but what the daughters failed to realize was that money also runs out. Not one daughter became successful, everyone just rested on their laurels. Each one wants to get the lion share. And this thing happens in real life. You grow up with your siblings sharing everything but you all grow up, have your own families and everyone's priorities shift. Your loyalty now belongs to your new family- to your husband and to your children (if any). You want to provide the best for them. Now everyone wants to get the lion share. Things get ugly. Well I just hope that no one in my family is too greedy to want everything for herself.

Aaaaaaaand back to the book- it was a pretty interesting read although I only give it 3 stars out of 5 because I didn't LOOOOOVE it with passion as I did the other books I gave 5/5. I recommend this book to all you YA lovers- a little deviation from our usual lovey-dovey storylines.

2015 Reading Challenge: Fallen Too Far

via Goodreads

Thanks to audio books, I am now 1 book ahead of schedule. "Read" Fallen Too Far before I went to sleep last Sunday and I was done by lunchtime Monday. But it's just not the same. It's different when you really read a book and not just listen to it. Mas feel ang kilig ba. Haha.

Well, I kinda like it that Blaire isn't as angst-y like her contemporaries even if she has the life experiences to back it up. Her dad left her and her mom then her mom got sick and died. Kung issues lang, maraming baon si Blaire. But she was still optimistic about things, relatively-speaking. She didn't self-destruct. She didn't try to kill herself. And I think getting attracted to Rush was reasonable. Kahit na minsan parang it's weird and awkward cos they're stepbrother and stepsister but in times like these, I just think Clueless. If it's okay in Clueless, then it is acceptable.

Alam naman nating lahat where Blaire and Rush's relationship was headed for. I may like Blaire but with Rush, I am not emotionally-invested yet. Woods is still a viable candidate. I liked how Woods didn't put up a fight when he realized that Blaire and Rush were already an item. I mean, he technically has dating dibs over the girl since he asked her out first, but he let them be. And Cain, the best friend. May chance pero minus pogi points pa rin when he chose to break up with her just so he could hook up with other girls who would put out for him.

Seriously, these kids have way too much freedom. Although Rush isn't a kid anymore but still to my 32-year-old-manang-eyes, he is still a baby.

So anyway, post- Rush Blaire leaves Rosemary Beach an angsty teenager and for understandable reasons. I just hope she doesn't wallow in it so we could start Never Too Far on a not-so-sulky air.

2/5 hindi kasi masyado kinilig.

2015 Reading Challenge: This Song Will Save Your Life

via Goodreads

Elise was an outcast. In Hey! Arnold terms, back-of-the-bus material. The popular crowd loves to harass her and honestly, I think I know why.

Elise has always been unpopular in school. She tries to be one of them and by this I don't know if this means to be one of the popular kids or be "normal." And I think she's bait to these popular kids pranks because she's trying way too hard. I could be wrong but this is how I see her. She's trying too hard and she thinks highly of herself.

In what way, you ask me? Because it seems that Elise is insecure, so why you say do I think of her as someone who thinks highly of herself? Well, let's just say that she has longed to be noticed by the popular crowd and how she has felt superior to Sally and Chava. Why, before her suicide attempt, does she have no friends? Not even one? Because the friends she wanted were the popular ones and the likes of Sally and Chava who with their shallow interests are so beneath her as evidenced by: "You may wonder how I managed to make these friends. Well, I will tell you: making friends is actually not that hard when you drop every single one of your standards." Lakas. Ikaw na, Elise, ikaw na.

So that is why I don't like Elise Dembowski. She's so full of herself. She realizes that in the end- THANK GOD- but I think she still thinks highly of herself and now that she's Elise, DJ extraordinaire, her self-worth must have gone off the roof.

Oh, you think you're so great. You think you're so special.
You think you're so much better than everyone else.

And that's what's inside Elise's head. And that is why I give this book only two stars. Not because other people don't listen to The Smiths or Oasis or some other "cool" band, they're beneath you, Elise Dembowski.