Annual Reading Challenge

Since I joined Goodreads last 2010, I've been an active participant to their reading challenge. All these years, however, I've only completed the 2013 challenge just because I set fewer targets. Nonetheless, it's not really about completing the challenge but of how the books entertained, affect and taught you lessons and how you apply it to your life.

This year, as I set another reading challenge through Goodreads, I want to spice it up by adopting PopSugar's Ultimate Reading Challenge. 

I know, the image is too small to read but you can visit PopSugar's site I linked above for the downloadable and printable file. 

So, I will use this guide to select a book to read and there comes the real challenge - to finish a book which is set before you and not the one you like to read. It will expand your selection, versatility, universe and wisdom in the long run. 

Happy reading!!

Book of Poems

Few years ago, I was on my way home from a job inteview when I cross upon a mobile book store. The old man sell no more than 50 books of super cheap prices. I remember, I bought my Rainmaker book for only Php 50.00. I tried to pass that route again but unluckily I never saw him again. 

Recently, this store pops up in my mind out of nowhere, and persistently reminding and bugging me for not purchasing this compilation of poems by Shakespeare. It's unusual because I am not a big fan of poems. 

Finally deciding to buy that book, I hunt down every bookstore availabe at my location but found none. So I settle for any book of poems and found this treasure:

Love and Misadventure of Lang Leav

Content and packaging wise, this book is perfect!

I'm so happy with this book, I'm not even thinking about its tag price!

XoXo

Mao

Scholastic Book Sale

It's not about being selfish but I forgot to blog this necessity for those book lovers out there.

People living, living around or have access to Pasig was touched by an angel. Why? Because Scholastic Book Sale is just around the corner! Though, yeah, this time around the sale has ended. But never worry, I asked the cashier if there will be another book sale and her answer was "Yes, Maam. Maybe around Christmas season. We're on sale twice a year." 

Hooray! We still got a chance to grab a brand new yet affordable copies of our beloved books!

Before I tell you the location, let me first tease you with how much I spent and how many books I've bought. (lol sorry, I can't help but brag about it)

Twelve books for only Php 2,000.00! And I'm not even guilty about it!

The warehouse sale offers different promo:

1. 20 books for 499

2. 49 and 99 price tags

4. 60% off

I really do hope Christmas will be here soon!

Location of Scholastic Warehouse Sale:

#70 C. Raymundo Ave. Rosario, Pasig City

I will update this blog when a message of their next schedule was sent to me. 

UPDATE: They extended the sale until April 30, 2014

Yay! See you there!

XoXo

Mao

Review: Rizal Without the Overcoat

Rizal Without the Overcoat by Ambeth R. Ocampo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A good way to pass time. Has motivational effects from Rizal thru Ambeth's way of delivering history. I wish I have this book back in college. Imagine, I had a crush on Rizal with just lame books and module what more if I have this book! I'm even encouraged to learn a little Spanish. :)

Un libro muy recomendable!



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Review: The Murder of King Tut

The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Tut's story and his probable murderer was a giveaway. Carter's however, is full of anxiety. Entertaining, though. The theme is undeniably amusing. Egyptian culture and history, Greek and Norse mythology are the topics that illicit curiosity to every reader. But coming from Patterson, I think this is not good enough. It is written in a very amateur way.



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Review: Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin

Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin by Bob Ong

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Bob Ong's satirical contents are as sharp as ever. Pointing fact by fact the reality that our society is in deep shit; shouting the truth about mass media and its idealism to make its viewers more stupid and gullible. Though I think it lacks the comedy, or I daresay the humor is forced.



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Bookmark DIY

I'm fond of reading novels in paperbacks because I can carry it wherever I go. Before, I only use cut folders as bookmarks but when I saw my friend's cute kitty bookmark, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I've hunted every bookstore for a cheap price but I could only find Php75.00 as the cheapest. So, I made my own.

Monster Bookmark

Materials:

1. Fuzzy wires

2. Cords

3. Glue

Step 1

Bend the fuzzy wire in half. Bend again both side towards the midpoint. This will be the arm.

Twist another wire to the arm's midpoint. It will be the tail or spine.

Take another wire and make it a ball for the head. Then attach it to the arm and spine just by twisting the wire.

Step 2

Cut two small white cord then coil. Glue it to the head and paint dark color to make it look like the eyes. 

Take another cord or ribbon to accentuate the neck.

Gem Bookmark

Materials:

1. Braided straw

2. Gem brads 

Step 1

Fold the straw to your desired length.

Step 2

Insert gem brads at the tail end as the stopper.

You can adjust the gems depending on the length of your book

Finished products :)

 XX

.Mao

Daenerys Targaryen

This post is a year late but I still want to share my feelings. :)

Tamzim Merchant

Emilia Clarke

Thank God Emilia Clarke got to play Daenerys of Game of Thrones on HBO!!


Because.......

XX


Mao

Game of Thrones Season 2 Teaser

I heard about this since last year but ignore it 'cause we don't have cable channels. So previous week, I had a chance to watch the full season 1 and man! I can't believe I succumbed to its greatness!

Here is season 2's second teaser.

OMG Jon f-ing Snow!

April 1st please hurry!!

XX

Mao

Review: Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



The story is your usual perfect girl plus bad boy blah blah blah. First 5 chapter and I couldn't resist comparing it to Twilight. I almost give up on this one! I don't know in what part it happens, but suddenly it became perfect. I didnt sleep purposely to finish this book. I couldn't get my hands off of it. Like a magnet, I was drawn to the characters and to the story especially to suspense it offers. I love it to bits aside from the observations I have written above. Though, I felt Carmen has to have her ruining moment to the couple as she presents also threat to Brittany. However, I still love this piece.



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XX
Mao

Cheap Books

Much to my kakuriputan I don't own a book worth more than 100 pesos. Most of my books were given to me as gifts and some were bought in a book sale. Earlier while I was at National Bookstore and looking for something cheap and nice, I found a copy of Dr. Jekyll and Frankenstein with the same amount -  Php99.00. Of course, if I buy both of it I'll probably end up shitting myself 'cause I spent Php200 already. And I really really want to have either Jekyll or Franky but couldn't decide who'll I choose! Gah. My sister advised me to buy both since it's already a good deal. I know. I know. But yeah. I'll buy both! I should've purchased it earlier. Regrets.

**********
EDITED:

I bought 2 books, Stoker's Dracula and Gulliver's Travels! :)


*grin
Mao

Thrill Lucia

Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I think it's witty of Trigiani to give an insight of what has happened to Lucia by presenting first the old Lucia. I like flashback styles and I'm fascinated by old people telling their stories. That made me like this book more. Besides from I can't put it down since I want to know what will happen and what happened. It just gets a little boring at some chapters. I still love it. And I approve at the ending. Bittersweet!



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Mao

Review: Nory Ryan's Song

Nory Ryan's Song by Patricia Reilly Giff

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Can't get over with the sadness of its story. Their hunger, weakness, people bone-dried. Yet alone, be inspired with Nory's dependability and courage. I got tears early as Chapter 2! You'd better have a copy of this and that Maggie's Door. You'll want to read that after finishing this book.



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Mao

Review: The Anatomist

The Anatomist by Federico Andahazi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I must say it is a good read. The line separating the facts and his fictions is somehow blurry. Making you think which is which. Good plot and good ending. His descriptiveness made me felt walking on 16th century roads in Italy. It also helped that I understand anatomy if so, I wouldn't bother finishing the book out of lassitude understanding it.



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Mao

Review: The Strawberry Picker

The Strawberry Picker by Monika Feth

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Slow moving story. I can't believe that nothing spectacular came up at the storyline. Maybe the synopsis should have not revealed more. In addition, Feth didn't elaborate on details why there's a 7 stab and hair cut short. She also constantly changes the point of view that I need to breathe longer to set my mind for another angle. I think it's better to change point of views with only 2 views per chapter. Imke Thalheim's character was well too built than Jenna or Merle. I almost felt that she's the ultimate main character. But all is well. I'm not engrossed but I did not dislike.



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Mao