Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is one of those instances wherein I wanted to read the books after watching the movie. The first book of the Caster Chronicles was surprisingly funny. It's a teenage love story but the plot did not make me want to puke and that's a good thing. There are more to the characters and more to the story than what the movie showed. Although there were slow-paced moments, the ending of "Beautiful Creatures" still kept me interested in knowing what happens in the succeeding books. I hope the ending won't be a disappointment.

View all my reviews

Me Before You

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Live boldly. Push yourself. Don't settle."

There are books that affect my life and my outlook in life after I read them. There are books that will stay in my thoughts days or months or even years after I read them. This is one of those books.

My sister recommended this book and I know from the beginning that it will make me cry. I like books that make me emotional. I have anticipated it, but that didn't mean I was prepared for it.

Jojo Moyes created a story of love, life and friendship revolving in one of the most difficult and even controversial topics to discuss-- the decision to end one's life. The author tackled the topic with unforced humor and sensitivity that made me admire her style of writing. This is not my typical love story and the way it was written offered a fresh, albeit heartbreaking, plot.

This is a story of two people, not unlike many stories out there. Their lives intertwined for six months under unconventional circumstances. Their story made me laugh and cry. Their story broke my heart and made me want to fall in love again. Their story reminded me to live well.

Just live.

View all my reviews

The Truth About Forever

This Lullaby/The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If my forever ends tomorrow, what will I do today? Am I happy with whatever I'm doing now?

The past few months have reminded me that life is fleeting. In the story, Macy, the protagonist, adjusts to life and changes after her father passed away. I think I can relate to that when it comes to having my beliefs and foundation shake. Life slapped me in the face and told me I cannot control everything. It will never be the same, but we have to move on. People have different ways of reacting to and coping with grief.

This book made me realize a lot of things. It's easy to get lost in the everyday routine. Once in a while, something happens that would make me realize that everything is temporary.

View all my reviews

The Time Keeper

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had a hard time getting hooked to this story during the first half of it. Maybe because it has something to do with my current personal experiences. Maybe simply because I was not in the mood to read this kind of story. I found it slow-paced and a bit boring during the beginning. I was not as touched as "Tuesdays With Morrie" or not even "For One More Day". The last part, somehow, redeems the novel. Like most, if not all, Mitch Albom books I've read, it boasts of life lessons-- the importance of family and the value of time.

View all my reviews

Papa

It was the first Sunday of March and the promise of summer was broken by an early morning downpour. The sky was crying. It would be the last day that I would see my father's body. Did he like rain? I am not sure. I know he loved nature. He always made sure the birds that visit our house get their small parcels of bread. There are many aspects of my father that I didn't know. Some of them were revealed through the words and memories of his friends, relatives, people he loved and people who love him.

Consistent to his personality, the sun shone while a group of people went to the crematorium, where we would eventually get his ashes. He never wanted to make other people suffer for his benefit. He was a kind-hearted man, probably the kindest I've ever known.

A week before that, I remember watching one of his favorite television shows with him. I was lying on the sofa and he was stroking my hair. I will miss those moments. Those simple, yet treasured memories that will fill my heart with longing. Our home is not complete without him. I woke up earlier and felt like everything that happened was a blur. I could write a book describing the kind of life he lived. That is just from my perspective. I know that there are others who also grieve because we lost a man who touched a lot of lives. These people also have their own fond memories of my father.

He will always be loved. He will always be remembered. He is already missed. Papa, wherever you are, I know you are happy. Thank you for teaching me more lessons... Life is fleeting. Life should always be treasured, no matter how deep I get in my daily routine. Do not always worry about the little things because life has its way of taking care of itself. Relationships should be treasured. It always pays to be kind to others. Thank you for the life you lived. I am grateful for having a father like you. I wish I could have told you all of these when you can still hear me, but I am sure you still know how I feel. I know you will always guide us. Have fun on your next adventure, Papa! I love you very much!