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Win a Moleskine Notebook!
Listen up bookworms, doodlers, chronic note takers, to-do-list addicts and everyone else in between. Avalon.ph (your quick stop for Moleskines, Used Books and Rare Collectible Signed Books) has an ongoing Moleskine bloghop contest (officially called the Avalon.ph Blog Hopping Moleskine Giveaways) and this week, it's the KE readers turn to win a Moleskine Notebook! Read on for the contest details.
To win a Moleskine Large Ruled Reporter Notebook from Avalon.ph, simply list down your three favorite books in the comments section AND share why they are your favorites. The contest is only open for Philippine residents and will end on midnight of Saturday (November 8), the winner will be announced on November 10. Good luck everyone!
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@Tess - am a lotr aaddict too. in fact am a member of a science fictioon club and lots of lotr addicts. have you read the silMARILLON? thats the starrt of it all. i know that you'll enjoy it too and will know how all the evils of middle earth started.
1)Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli- Stargirl was home-schooled, wears vintage clothes, and serenades birthday celebrants with her ukelele. She was everything students at Mica High were not, and the last girl Leo Borlock would fall in love with. But it happened anyway. Stargirl is my favorite book and one that I often recommend to friends because it it celebrates uniqueness and quirkiness at a most crucial point in our lives: high school. If only this book is made mandatory reading material in schools, then perhaps teens won't be afraid to explore and be different, without being branded with a certain streotype. If teens are taught early on not to be hindered by society's conventions, imagine the things that they can do as adults, as adults who are confident of their unique identity.
2) Odder than Ever by Bruce Coville- This is a collection of short stories by the author of the A Magic Shop series. This is one of my favorite books because the stories have a touch of fantasy and also imparts important lessons. One particular story taught me about equality among men. "I, Earthling" tells of an Earth child whose father was made ambassador to another planet. Typically, he felt out of place in his new home until one night, an alien told him to see things in a bigger picture: we are citizens of the universe and therefore no different from each other.
3)The World of Richard Stine by Richard Stine- this is actually a compilation book of Richard Stine's artworks which combines unique drawings with insightful words. I love this book because like the previous two, it is different from typical art books. My favorite artwork is composed of a series of drawings showing a man in different stages of movement and a text that reads:
Why crawl when you can walk?
Why walk when you can run?
Why run when you can fly?
I love a lot of books and these 3 stand out the most:
1. I Hear Adventure Calling by Emilie Loring - it's actually a romance novel. I chanced upon this book in my mom's bookshelf. It was a hardcover albeit a slightly battered copy. It was this book that started me into reading pocketbooks. Back in elementary, I learned how fun it was to read other books aside from schoolbooks and from there, I began reading English pocketbooks. This book started it all - my passion for reading and collecting books.
2. The Nancy Drew series - Oh, I love reading these kiddie-spy tales. It was my 1st time to visit our (high school) library when I saw one of the first books in the series. I borrowed it and read at home. I was so hooked that I was able to finish the series before the school semester ended. Because of these books, too, I became our school's constant visitor and borrower. These books had nurtured in me a great liking for libraries from different places.
3. The Art Of War by Sun Tzu - I read this back in college and I would say that this book was amazingly written. This book had also made me reflect a few times about concepts relating to our daily life and all of its aspects. Life is a constant battle and that I should fight and survive without stepping into other people's toes.
My favorite books:
1. "The End of Eternity" by Isaac Asimov
- It gives readers a realistic view of the intricacies and pitfalls of time travel, the time paradox, and human decisions. This became my standard by which other time travel stories are judged by. The plot is wonderfully complex but logical, the characters human and imperfect.
2. "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff
- It explains Taoism through Winnie-The-Pooh and Winnie-The-Pooh through Taoism. It was through this book that I learned a very important secret: Life Is Fun.
3. "Star Wars Rogue Squadron: The Bacta War" by Michael Stackpole
- "Star Wars" is one of my favorite playgrounds of all time, especially with the Expanded Universe novels that expanded George Lucas' vision into a full-fledged galaxy populated with a great variety of characters. Among those closest to my heart are the pilots of Rogue Squadron. "The Bacta War" details their struggle to defeat Ysanne Isard despite the odds. This book fleshes out characters that only had minutes of screen time into real heroes.
Tao of Pooh & Teh of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff - I love its simple philosophy through the eyes of Winnie the Pooh characters. Its the kind of book that makes you reflect about yourself and how you deal with other people.
Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder - Intriguing & exciting. It's the first book I ever bought in Powerbooks when I was still in high school. A book on the history of philisophy taught to a young girl through a series of lessons of a mysterious teacher.
Chocolat by Joanne Harris - This book takes you back to a small sleepy town in France and how it is awakened Vianne & her chocolates.
1) "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki
The subtitle reads: "What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money-- that the Poor and Middle Class Do Not". The author presented the obvious (according so-called experts) in such a clear, simple manner that woke me up and got me started in entrepreneurship.
2) "Pour Your Heart Into It" by Howard Schultz
The story of Starbuck's humble beginnings, phenomenal growth, and eventual dominance. I rarely buy anything from Starbucks, but after finishing the book, I appreciated the establishment so much that I hopped over to the nearest branch and bought myself a cup of coffee (note: I don't even like coffee).
3) "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
Brilliant character and story development. Excluding all required readings in school, this is the only fiction novel I read from cover to cover. What's amazing is that I read it in one sitting! It's rather noteworthy if you consider the fact that I don't like reading fiction, I get bored easily, and I'm a terribly slow reader.
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1. A Grief Observed by CS Lewis - this book is from the personal musings of intellectual giant CS Lewis whose greatest grief in life is the loss of his wife to cancer. CS Lewis makes wonderful essays and clear cases for Christ and Christianity in his other works but in here he is in his most broken where emotions are raw and real and the questions keep on coming. For those who have experienced loss and grief, this book is wont answer your questions but it will give you comfort to know that you are not alone.
2. Vita Brevis by Jostein Gaarder - a fictional text supposedly written by St. Augustines concubine, Flora Aemilia as a response to his Confessions. It is the book written by a woman scorned and I found myself relating to the feelings of both love and contempt.
3. Till We Have Faces by CS Lewis - a different take on the story of Cupid and Psyche and this time from the perspective of Orual, the more homely embittered older sister of Psyche. Its a beautiful journey of self examination and what drives Orual and her posessiveness over her sister Psyche.
Here's my entry:
1. Stardust (Neil Gaiman) - Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy.
2. Kafka on the Shore (Haruki Murakami) - I love subtle storytelling.
3. The Kite Runner (Kahled Husseini) - The first I ever cried uncontrollably on a book.
The Little Prince - Though there are a million other great books, it takes a book as simple and in a sense 'child-ish' as The Little Prince to explain and show the beauty of life's complexities. Whenever I read the book, I feel as though the text were speaking to me and I was one with them in their little world.
my favorite books are:
1.urgent 2nd class - nick bantock ,an art collage book with many nice examples using old documents, stamps, maps, pictures...
2. noble house - james clavell, a modern day sequel or continuation of the asian saga (started with shogun) based in hong kong.
3. it - stephen king, a very very thick book! took me almost 6 months to read it all. best novel of king for me because it captured the nostalgia that we have for our younger years.
My three favorite books are:
1. Stargirl and Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (Stargirl series) - I have been a reader since I was in second grade (I am now in my mid-20s) and my interests are quite broad (ranging from biographies, poems, novels, sci-fi, children's storybooks, even non-fiction) but this is the first and only book that opened my eyes to the mystery and joy that lies in life and love. It's a book for young adults, hence the very simple and quirky manner by which it was written, but the life lessons encompasses age. Plus, who wouldn't love a 16-year old girl who changed her name from Susan to Stargirl just for the heck of it? :) I'm planning to give this book as a gift to all my friends and I recommend it to everyone. :)
2. Army of Roses: Inside the World of Palestinian Women Suicide Bombers by Barbara Victor - A book that discusses the life stories of female suicide bombers. It was a very interesting read for me because, as narrated in the book, women are nurturers and their essence lies in giving life to this world which is totally contradictory to taking the lives of many others as well as one's own. It took me six months to finish reading the book because it was honestly a heavy and emotional piece to read but it also became one of my favorite books because it opened my eyes to reality and the deep-rooted culture of societies. I am (and still) against any kind of terrorism but after reading this book, a part of me now understands why people go to such extent - and the reason is faith.
3. Swimmy by Leo Lionni - I am a HUGE fan of Leo Lionni and one of my all-time favorite stories for children is his book, Swimmy. It's a story about accepting/loving oneself and sharing the self with others. The book won the award for Subtlest-Book-About-Diversity in 1963. If I could recommend any book for parents to read to their children, Swimmy would definitely be one of them.
fermat's last theorem by simon singh
story about the life of andrew wiles and how he was able to solve the most difficult challenge in the field of mathematics - fermat's last theorem
burglar who thought he was bogart by lawrence block
typical mystery yarn about a very likable thief. good story telling by block who is more known for the darker side of crime novels
salem's lot by stephen king
vampire yarn in the usual small town setting very typical in king's novels. this is vintage king before he became obsessed with apocalyptic scenerio - i.e. the stand, gunslinger, etc...
My top 3 favorite books are:
1. The Alchemist - It's a light read but very inspirational. That's a matter of believing on having fatih. I agree, the universe will really conspire for you to meet your 'the one'. It happened to me.
2. Shopaholic series - Being a self-confessed shopaholic, I can so relate to the character of Becky. Being an impulsive buyer, a woman trying hard to be frugal but with no success, kepping shopping bags from her husband, tons of credit card bills, etc. Now that I'm a mom, I can still relate to her. Lolz. A must read for shopaholics and kikays.
3. The Bridges of Madison County - Talk about a mad, passionate love and this is the book to read. When I reas this book, it's as if Barry Manilow is singing..."We hade the right love at the wrong time..." So sad. I couldn't help my tears from falling. This book gave me a good cry.
I love biography books..It helps me know who and what a person really is.
1. Untold story of Imelda Marcos by Carmen Pedrosa - i love this book because it tells detailed facts of Imelda as a simple lass to a crowned first lady . In this book,complete and detailed facts which have been painstakingly hidden from the public by the administration’s image-makers were unveiled.
2.Alfonso Policarpio’s Ninoy: The Willing Martyr-
This book tells that although his death made him a martyr, his life made him a hero. His heroism was a process that took a lifetime. I love it!
3. Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler- It's very interesting. Adolf Hitler is the man who changed the face of the 20th century.In this book,Hitler talks about his beginnings and how he started the National Socialist German Party (the Nazis).
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling’s - in every series there is something you have to look forward
Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien - exciting story which you will look forward wathching the movie
The Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis - interesting story which is your imagination works
I love books that take me away from reality, books that surprise me, and books that allow me to play with my imagination. I like thinking that these books/stories could be real and I just have no idea of their existence. =)
My fave books are:
(1) The Time Traveler's Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
(2) Harry Potter Series (JK Rowling)
(3) The Sandman series (Neil Gaiman)
#1: Instant Karma (Barbara Ann Kipfer) - It simply lists hundreds of little actions to increase your good karma points. It makes an interesting bible to live by.
#2: Eating Fire Drinking Water (Arlene Chai) - I've always loved history-based fiction, and this book is a fascinating take on the Marcos era. But why I really remember this book is that I learned that one can scoop your eyeballs out with a spoon. I will never forget that creepy fact.
#3: The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald) - A tale of how one can own everything but really have nothing. Whenever I read it and get to the end when almost nobody came to mourn at Gatsby's funeral, I mourn for him because I mourn for the possibility of me being like him.
1) Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: This collaboration of two of today's best fantasy writers became my favorite because of a grabbing storyline that literally comes to an end with the end of the world, putting the whole apocalypse thing into a more comedic perspective.
2) Eleven Minutes by Paolo Coelho: This book from one of my favorite authors gives a soulful view of sex skillfully avoiding forcing religion onto its readers while still being a spiritual read.
3) 50 Philosophy Ideas you really need to know by Ben Dupre: A great unbiased approach to philosophical ideas. The author attacks and defends ideas from common philosophical fields like:
Does God exist? or Does the end justify the means? making the readers question their own perceptions of reality
Siddharta by Herman Hesse: It contains lots of maxims, but even just the storyline itself is very intriguing, not to mention inspirational. Hesse is easy to read, it's like reading Nietzsche minus the nosebleed.
*******************
Defying Hitler by Sebastian Haffner: It contains the memoirs of a former SS Soldier. You'll never believe the irony behind the motivation that led Hitler's army to execute his plans, or rather, the idea that led these people to tolerate and execute Hitler's plans. Here's an excerpt from the book: "Today the political struggle is expressed by the choice of what a person eats and drinks, who he loves, what he does in his spare time, whose company he seeks, whether he smiles or frowns, what he reads, what pictures he hangs on his walls. It is here that the battles of the next world war are being decided in advance. They may sound grotesque, but it is the truth."
What I think is the best thing about this book is how Haffner describes how trivial the reasons are behind WWI, the holocaust and how shallow the mentality is that led to these events. I think this is the book to read if you're someone who doesn't want history to repeat itself.
*******************
Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper: This guy totally rocks my world. I like how he manages to be so transparent even on print: "The only thing I really knew is that I was hurting and needed to go someplace where the pain outside matched the pain I was feeling inside."
This is exactly how I wanna write someday, this is the kind of prose writer I'd like to be.
a. salem's lot - stephen king, thought it was about witches in salem but it was about vampires!
b. the hobbit - jrr tolkien, i think the best novel in the series.
c. a is for alibi - sue grafton, the 1st in the so called alphabet series. light reading on nothing to do days.
1. the devil's alternative by Frederick Forsyth - the very first novel that I actually read from cover to cover. Read it when I was around 11 years old. Took me more than 1 year to finish it! kept re-reading earlier pages because I would forget the names & plots. There are a lot of names in this book!
2. the end of eternity by Isaac Asimov - nice time travel/romance story with a different twist at the end. Borrowed from a friend in high school but was not able to finish it then. No copies were available in bookstores then (Marcos era - very few fiction books available in national bookstore & alemar's). Finally found a copy when I was in France during a business travel. Quite expensive but I had to buy it just to finish it. Finished reading it at the airport on the way home.
3. the da vinci code by Dan Brown - I know what you are thinking...but to be honest it was one of the few books that I could not put down. Finished reading it in 2 days flat. Started on a friday and read most of the next 2 nights!
1) Weaveworld by Clive Barker, because it introduced me to good, visceral fantasy that's not set in some medieval-type place.
2)Damaged People: Tales of the Gothic-Punk by Karl R. De Mesa, because it's good to know the author and witness how different it is to hear his words and then to read them.
3) Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice to All Creation by Olivia Judson, because it's fun to learn about mating habits in the animal kingdom by humanizing various critters.
1) Blindness by Jose Saramago - Imagine suddenly losing your eyesight and seeing the whole world as an ocean of white. Imagine that this blindness is contagious and pretty soon, everyone else around you is blind. This novel explores that frightening scenario of an epidemic of blindness and shows how it can bring out the evil in people.
2) The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - A portrayal of a dystopia where women are property. Not necessarily the best of Atwood, but this is the first of her works that I've read and I'm glad I discovered this great author.
3) The Bible - Underrated for its entertainment value. It has action, drama, romance, sex, greed, intrigue, comedy. It refreshes the heart and gives light to the eyes. It cuts through bone and marrow and soul and spirit. A great, enlightening read.
1. Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson
- The plot isn't anything extraordinary, but what makes me love this book is how it was executed. It has the kind of passages you read out loud because of how the sentences are structured. The words just roll off your tongue and it's intense and poetic and I never get tired of reading this book, especially with lines like these:
"The lining of your mouth I know through tongue and spit. Its ridges, valleys, the corrugated roof, the fortress of teeth. The glossy smoothness of the inside of your upper lip is interrupted by a rough swirl where you were hurt once. The tissues of the mouth and anus heal faster than any others but they leave signs for those who care to look. I care to look. There's a story trapped inside your mouth."
2. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
- Because it goes against the usual kind mother stereotype in feel-good mother daughter stories. The mother here is someone you can't help but be fascinated with despite her actions. I like how the daughter thinks of her mother as everything and then she eventually establishes her own identity.
3. Silk by Alessandro Baricco
- Because of the precise way he is able to capture such an intense moment in very few words. Again, the way it is structured (some parts look as if they were part of a poem) enables the reader to get a clearer view of what is happening. Here's a passage that I liked:
Suddenly,
without moving at all,
That girl
opened her eyes.
Sorry mahaba it's just that whenever I come across books like these it makes me glad that I'm an avid reader.
1) The Solitaire Mystery - I have always been a fan of Jostein Gaarder's philosophical books (starting from Sophie's World) and her way of telling stories within a story. But this is the best among her works. Playing with the idea that the deck of cards is related to our lives and the joker as the devil's advocate is really smart. After reading the book, all you can say is, "Wow.. it makes sense."
2) Twilight Series - I know it has become a fad, but I have loved the book even before the whole Twilight madness came. I love the way the author describes in full detail.. the way she projects Bella as the feeble one and Edward as the most romantic superhero ever. It's almost like the classic Romeo and Juliet with a modern and sci-fi twist.
3) The Catcher In The Rye - this is one of the best books I've ever read. Loved it since highschool. Holden sees the world just like any other adolescent--that everything seems to be a phony. His adventures as a 16-year old is the perfect blend of "engaging and entertaining."
1. The curious incident of the dog in the night time- I love how the author was able to show how an autistic child views the world.The story is light, funny, innocent and unique.
2. The Lovely bones by Alice Seabold
- This book is uniquely and elegantly written.The story is told by Susie who is already in heaven. It may seem unrealistic but the tragedy that put her in that situation is definitely realistic. I love how the book is not overly dramatic, but for some reason you can't help but cry while reading.
3. Harry Potter series - I didn't jump in the Harry Potter hype until the release of the third book, but once I read the 1st book I got hooked. JK Rowling is a genius.
The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gaarder
- I love the "story within a story" concept of the novel, plus the author's ingenious way of using a deck of cards to denote time. It's also a nice "discovery" book about family and adventure, with a dash of philosophy thrown in.
Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts
- What I like most about Nora Roberts is that she writes romances, but it's the type of story that everyone can read, not just women. I love Blue Smoke mostly because of the dynamics between its protagonists, but also because of how the author describes the heroine's family life. Not to mention how yummy she describes the hero, which is a major selling point hehe. The story is a gripping suspense thriller that isn't very common with your typical romance novel.
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
- I love a good fantasy story, and this one pretty much has it all. Humor, a bit of drama and a lot of whimsy thrown in makes it a good read. It's quite different from the anime version, but holds a charm of its own. I love how silly Howl can be, and how Sophie balances him out. The characters are all endearing and you realize that despite them being so many, they all tie up the story nicely at the end.
My 3 favorite books are:
1. Bridges of Madison County
--It really stirred lots of emotions in me!
2. The Notebook
--The story gives everybody the message that true love does exist!
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
--It enocurages readers of all ages to exercise their imagination!
1. silence of the lambs - i loved the movie, but loved the book more. there's the story line, then there's the forensic information/trivia that you pick up while reading, and then there's the insights on human nature. i especially love the part where hannibal comments of clarice's expensive bag and cheap shoes. validation for all shoe lovers everywhere! (i also love the two other books in the series, red dragon and hannibal)
2. eye of the world (book 1, wheel of time) by robert jordan - i'm not really into fantasy books except that i stumbled upon this while sick with allergies in the dorm. left with nothing to read, i picked up my roommate's book and was hooked since. funny cause after that, i found out that there were other similarly hooked people - a co-faculty, a close friend, a roommate while in law school. the succeeding books came at significant periods in my life too: an ex gave me book ten as a month-sary gift, book 11 i read in the midst of the bar examinations, the prequel i found on sale (35 bucks i think, and it's brand new!) at a really low point in my life. unfortunately, robert jordan passed away before the series ended. i wonder now how it's all going to end.
3. the funny little woman/ ang unang baboy sa langit/ kamatis ni peles - all children's books, a tribute to my past life as a pre-school teacher. i loved collecting these books in the past and loved preparing lesson plans around them even more. should i discover one day that i'm not meant to be a lawyer, i'd go back to my roots and teach at UP elem. their filipino/english lit program at their K-2 level is the best! (hmmm... which reminds me of fabulous teacher dina who taught me more in one sem than i learned my entire college life and teacher babette who had the greatest illustrations!)
The Holy Bible: simply because, everytime i read the bible, I hear God speaking to me.He gave me strength & hope.
bakit baliktad magbasa ng libro ang mga pilipino? by bob ong : because at first i was intrigued by the title. and i like it because it is really funny!
Rich Dad, Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki) - because he taught me other way to gain financial independence.
Here are my 3 favorite books:
1) Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman. Having a short-attention span on reading, this collection of short stories made it easy for me to read and stop and read again. All the short stories are amazing, especially Murder Mysteries, Snow Glass Apples, and my ultimate fave, Babycakes ("Baby flesh is tender and succulent").
2) Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. I was skeptical of this at first, but since reading Book 1, I couldn't put it down. Got hooked until the 7th. The spells, the hidden meaning of their names, the significance of their wands -- everything was simply magical.
3) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A beautifully crafted story on finding oneself. One of my faves because I read it during a time I was pretty much in the "soul-searching" stage. One of the most inspiring books I've read.
Like what I've always written in slumbooks way back in the days, my favorite books are too many to mention! But must I choose only three, I would choose these because these are the most life changing for me: 1) Who Moved my Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson 2) The Ant and the Elephant by Vince Poscente and 3) Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus. The titles might sound light, but hey, life isn't supposed to be that serious! :D
1. Luncheon of the Boating Party (Susan Vreeland)- I chanced upon this book in a rare itch to expose myself to unknown pages again--as in books about which I have absolutely no idea. I tried this once with "I Come Undone" and had been ungrateful for Oprah's Book Club ever since. This one, though, is jackpot. Auguste Renoir's fictional account of how this landmark painting was produced. It's such a lighthearted narrative describing Paris life as many of us would imagine. Renoir is an escapist, and though some readers may be drawn to edgier stuff, in this book, we see the merit of focusing more on the joys of interacting with different people and the beautiful things it generates rather than opening a discussion for social issues. The book is a refreshing read, almost a Stresstab in printout. :)
2. Pride & Prejudice (Jane Austen) - 'coz I agree with the book that we all have a shot at great love.
3. Joy Luck Club *also* (Amy Tan) - it gets more beautiful the more times you read it. Joy Luck Club is one of those books better appreciated with age.
My Three Favorite Reads:
The Joyluck Club by Amy Tan –. My father is Chinese and we had countless of disputes because I cannot understand his ways. The first time I read this book I was moved to know more about him, his family, and his struggles. He passed away last year and that was the first time that I heard stories of his life apart from the few that he shared with us. This book made me appreciate the traditions and the intricate web that goes around a Chinese family.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl – A childhood favorite. I’ve read the book even before watching the 1971 Gene Wilder movie. What child would not want to have a field trip inside a chocolate factory? This book simply feeds the imagination - what with those chocolate rivers, edible grasses & trees and an everlasting candy. It’s disturbing though how the naughty kids were punished (fell into the chocolate river, turned into a giant blueberry ball, thrown into the trash compartment, and shrank to fit a tv screen) but that’s the point, be good and you’ll get yourself an entire chocolate factory. Whimsical!
The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger – This is the bittersweet love story of Henry and Clare. Henry has a genetic disorder that makes him travel through time. He met Clare as a child and Clare in the future. Eventually they got married. They struggled to live normal lives while keeping the love that they have for each other despite the unconventional circumstance. Their story made me cry, swoon, and cry some more. I love the book cover, moreso after reading the book.
1) the kite runner by Khaled Housseini - It is simply the most touching and interesting book that I've ever read.
2) To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee - One of the most moving books I remember reading as a child. It taught me so many things that kids of this day and age don't learn otherwise.
3) Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling - Tackles almost everything important in life. Love, Family, Friendship, Loyalty, Courage, Trust, and many many more!
The Twilight Series - I've always been a hopeless romantic, so reading these was such a delight! It made me giddy flipping through the pages and delving into the world of Bella and Edward.
A Painted House - this was the first john Grisham book that I've ever read and from then on, I immediately said to myself that I would read all of his works! His writing style is great and gripping that it makes you want to flip the pages more and more until you finish it! Although I haven't read all of his books yet, I plan to! :)
The Rainmaker - From all the John Grisham books I have read so far (which is not too many, unfortunately) this is my favorite. I dream of becoming a lawyer and having read this, I got more inspired and dedicated of wanting to be one. Someday, I wish to be a rainmaker too! Hahaha!
My 3 fave books are:
1. Kokology - very interesting pshycology/game book, perfect for night-outs, outings or pyjama parties. I lke this book because it's a perfect tool for bonding time, not only with your barkada but with your families as well :)
2. And Then There Were None - the perfect mystery book for me. It's a classic whodunnit masterpiece for me because of the suspense, excitement and twists incorporated by Agatha Christie. It makes you want to finish reading it asap.
3. The Secret - very inspiring book. It changes the way you look at life and to correct your mindset.
Gosh, there are so many, but the books that I keep on re-reading are the following:
1. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader from The Chronicles of Narnia - This book made me excited about going to new places and meeting new people. It's a great, adventure-filled book with lots of lessons and a good exploration of the many aspects of human nature. I love how Lucy sort of experiences the 'real' world and grows up in her own way in this book. This is the last book wherein Lucy appears in Narnia before the final judgment.
2. Pride and Prejudice - This is a classic romance which showcases a good balance of the male and female characters with their individual quirks. It never fails to move me and make me wish for that man who can sweep me off my feet. Jane Austen teaches us that love can blossom, even in the most unexpected circumstances. It's very funny how absurd the other characters are placed next to Lizzie and Mr. Darcy.
3. The Metamorphosis - This is a short tale by Franz Kafka and it's a must read. This might seem like a strange tale as it goes on about a man who turns into a bug. The Metamorphosis is not only about the physical transformation but also about spiritual renewal, and how humility can transform hearts and minds. In the end, this book shows that there are greater things at work and that we should prioritize our loved ones over material possessions.
My favorite books:
1. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe by Fannie Flagg - I love this book because it deals with a lot of issues such as homosexuality, racism, internal migration, abuse in the family and yet you feel light hearted while readin it. The story is rather endearing, not just because of the characters but because of southern charm that Whistlestop, Alabama exudes. While reading it, I feel like I'm Mrs. Evelyn Crouch listening to Ninny Threadgoode.
2. Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Ash - This is a very inspiring book written by a very remarkable women - Mary Kay Ash of Mary Kay Direct Selling. Even in her 50s, she found an opportunity to create opportunities for women, while feeling and looking good at the same time. It makes me think that it's not too late to dream, and that miracles do happen.
3. The Little Prince - I always come back to this book whenever I feel like I'm chasing for the wrong things in life or when I want to remember what it feels like to be a kid again. It also brings back a lot of high school memories when we would refer to our English teach as the Fox.
After reading the Lord of the Ring trilogy in College, I developed a manic appetite for novel-series:
1. C.S. Lewis' The Narnia Chronicles - swashbuckling series with Christian undertones.
2. J. K. Rowling's 7-volume Harry Potter tomes - spellbinding spells, otherworldly other worlds, characters who are "characters"
3. Stephen King's Dark Tower series - eerie to the 7th degree.
1. A Cup of Comfort for Mothers & Daughters by Colleen Sell - I could relate very well to the stories written by mothers or daughters about that special bond that exists between them and their mother or daughters.
2. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks - The story may be unconventional yet it is very inspiring. I admire the faith and hope of the young female protagonist, Jamie Sullivan, in the story.
3. Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom - It talks about our interconnction with other people and how your actions indirectly or directly affect others.
1. Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett
This book is a mixture of philosophy and humor. the book is a story about time. I really like that he makes "anthropomorphic" personifications of time, death, war... and so on. it's nice how he reflects human nature in it's raw form.
2. Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett does it again with this book. His unique writing style, he disguises questions of religion and faith behind a lot of humor. belief is a powerful thing in the Discworld. In this book, he shows how Om, a powerful god, looses his power when people who follow his religion misdirect their faith in him towards more physical things like statues and amulets. Here, Brother Brutha, a meek young novice, helps him regain this lost power. The thing I like about this is that while it discusses important issues, it is a lot of fun to read.
3. God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
This story presents a simple but forbidden love story. It brings a sense of stuggle ans sorrow to the mix. It is written non-chronologically. What like about this is that, even if the chronological end of the story was revealed earlier, you are left with a feeling of hope at the end of the book. Naaley.
Narrowing the choices down to three was extremely hard, as I always feel rather connected/ affected by all the books I read, but here it goes:
1. The Hungry Tide, Amitav Ghosh - bought this at a book sale, and had no idea that I'd love it to bits. Beautiful and lyrical, the story intertwines a lot of issues: political, environmental, historical, etc. But what moved me was that underneath all this, the book simply explores the endurance of the heart. And Ghosh keeps on quoting Rilke...how can you not love it?
2. Childhood's End, Arthur Clarke - the first science fiction book I ever read. If The Hungry Tide explores the endurance of the heart, this story explores the endurance of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.
3. The Satanic Verses, Salman Rushdie - it's controversial, but I loved it because it compelled me to ask questions, to be skeptical, but not jaded. Question anything, question everything.
My top 3 books are:
1. "Your Child's Self Esteem" (Dorothy Corkille Briggs)- published in the 1970s but it is still relevant today. Gives specific situations and is very simple to understand.
2. "Under Pressure" (Carl Honore) - talks about how we are raising our kids today. Honore is an advocate of letting children be children, letting them enjoy childhood and play. In this book, he travels to different parts of the world to see how each country treats education. And we all realize in the end that, really, everyone's only a child once and we owe it to our children to let them experience a wonderful childhood!
3. "A Special Education (Dana Buchman) - a designer in the US with a type A personality has a child who has learning differences. This is a great book! It made me realize that having a learning difference is not the end of the world. It's a matter of trying to helping the child cope with the differences he/she has. Eye opening.
I like:
1. The Mists of Avalon - Arthurian legend from the point of view of Morgaine, not an evil witch, but a priestess, a worshipper of Mother Earth. No single character is "evil", just very human people making very human choices.
2. Chronicle of a Death Foretold - it's incredible how the death/climax is known to the reader right off, yet the book will hold your interest by revealing the story slowly, form different points of view.
3. The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes - includes 4 long stories and all the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I never get tired of the great detective, how he looks at ordinary objects and reads their whole history and the character of the owner from them.
1. Harry Potter series - it reinvented our notion of children's book and spawned a host of other books in the same genre. Great storyline with equally great and memorable characters.
2. Lord of the Rings series - everything about this book is GREAT. The work of a true literary genius. What else can I say?
3. If Tomorrow Comes by Sidney Sheldon - my favorite Sidney Sheldon book. Great plot with a witty intelligent heroine. I loved how each and every escapade was done and how the protagonists outwitted every government agency in the world. It's got everything in it, suspense, drama, action, and love story.
First one is THE SECRET. After reading the book, it gave me a whole new outlook in life. Before I was a pessimist, but now I usually see the positive side of things. It’s not enough that you read the book for you to experience the wonders of THE SECRET. In the beginning, I had a hard time applying it to myself. There was always a conscious effort to “use†THE SECRET but now, I’m proud and happy to say that it comes out naturally! And the book helped me A LOT! :)
Second one is THE JOY LUCK CLUB. Loved the book more than the movie. I love how the Chinese culture’s depicted in the book. But more than that, I love all the characters (especially the crazy ones! :p).
The third one is actually a series so I can’t pinpoint which one. It’s the SWEET VALLEY (Kids, Twins, High and University) Series. :) I love them simply because I grew up with them. I had good memories with the twins and for some time in my life, I wished I had sun-streaked blonde silky hair and blue-green eyes. :)
The contest rules say "simply list down your three favorite books in the comments section AND share why they are your favorites", right? It doesn't specify that the books have to be novels, isn't that so? Anyways, here are my three (in no particular order):
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin (Cause I love how Martin manages to make me like and care for usually unlikeable characters.)
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (My favorite classical novel that I never tire of reading - and watching adaptations of - however how many times I've done so.)
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 10th Edition by Gerard J. Tortora and Sandra Reynolds Grabowski (because it made my learning of the parts and function of the human body so easy!)
My three favorite books
1. Norwegian Wood -Haruki Murakami
A simple love story but with unforgettable characters.
2. Battle Royale -Koushun Takami
Teen angst tested to its limits by outrageous government set up.
3. Carrie -Stepehn King
A misunderstood and misguided Carrie as she tries to survive the travails of adolescent tribulations.
The three books shows how growing up can be beautiful, difficult and life changing. Teens shouldn't be taken for granted.
Anne of Green Gables series - The innocence and cheerfulness of Anne is what won me over. Lucy M. Montgomery painted such a pretty picture that I simply fell in love with Prince Edward Island. Her use of such vivid poetry-like description is splendid and simply the best that i have ever encountered. I likened myself to this young Anne-girl. I even scouted for the live-action movies of this and I'm quite delighted over it!
Life of Pi - I love weird things and unique notions so I immediately grabbed this book after reading the summary that it was about a boy and his adventures in the middle of the ocean with only a BENGAL TIGER and AN ORANGUTAN for company. I mean how would he survive. This tells the tale and the finding of one's soul over the most unlikely places. And come on, Pi, that is a nice name :P
Harry Potter series - I hated the cover of the Harry potter series because frankly.. i thought Harry was ugly on it. lolz! How shallow am I right? But my mom forced me to read this book and it changed my life. I was already reading before, you know Goosebumps and a bit Nancy Drew here and there but when my little 10 year old self got a hold of the first 3 harry potter series, I found a THIRST of reading books. I never knew that reading could be so much fun! I became schoolmates with Harry. I dueled with Harry and all that. J.K. Rowling depicted a world so vivid I wanted it to be real. I loved the adventures of Hogwarts, of the wizardry world. It was fun growing up with Harry. I mean I started reading it at almost the same age as him. hehe. Harry potter led me to the reading and I thank him for that.
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