Remarkable Part: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

 

This book is the second book that I have read which doesn't follow traditional narrative format. The first one is The Traveler of the Century (I have a blog post of it too here). Both made me reread sentences to fully understand the scene. But, that's not a flaw, rather it gave them unique identify and made a contributing step to enrich literature. Man, they set the bar high, specially the Cloud Atlas.

Although, the book is good as a whole, I only find remarkable lines at the latter part, and here are they:

I love that Cloud Atlas emphasize on what selfishness and vicious acts will lead humanity to. Extinction. Repetitive extinction. And not until we learn, we will always, always get the same result. 

I hope many people, especially leaders, read books like this. 

booXthatleaveamarkMIBF2024 Entry

The very reason why I find old preloved books so alluring and irresistible to buy is not just because they are way cheaper but rather, they surprise you in so many ways that you will feel good about yourself for spending so little yet you acquired treasure in return. One thing that buying pricey new books cannot give you, or at least for me. Not to mention that old books smell better. 😁

But, perhaps, one major factor that led me to prefer preloved books than buying new ones, is that I grew up reading incredible short stories for free. Where else? At school.

Reading heartwarming short stories at a very young age, inspired me to write my own too. "Perhaps, I can also make people feel emotion, particularly sadness, with the stories I write", I told myself during elementary days.

Sad stories make people realize more in life, or so I thought back then. Perhaps, because, most short stories featured in our reading books have sad endings and I was greatly influenced by them. Actually, I forgot their titles but I still know their sad endings and how it made me feel hurt and do better in life to avoid their endings.

Moving up to High School, oh my, the novels have much more depressing storylines 😅. From Ibong Adarna to Florante at Laura to Rizal's. Name it! How do you want to feel hurt? High School mandatory novels have different ways to do so. And then, there I was creating sad poems and short stories because they stir up something in the readers' heart. People make a move when they get hurt. Whatever it is I wanted to fuel the movement.

College came, I was more exposed to literature. The Iliad, Shakespeare's, and the Greek Myth were some of the storyline that amazed me (even until now). Well, because I was brought up to love sad stories anyway.

Yet still, I didn't spend a peso to read all of them.

And the first time I did. It was around P500 or P800 (I already forgot). It was because of the hype. And I thought I'm going to be reading a very good novel. I will not name the title and the author, but it was a famous filipino writer who conducts free script writing training/workshop. And I was dismayed. Well, maybe it was just me, because this writer is famous nationwide and he has existing fandom. I felt bad for the money I spent.

And then, I met stories of Bob Ong. Now this man (presumably) really moved me not just to write but to become a writer myself. And this is the first author that made me save money to buy his books. But I must admit, I have read most of his books by borrowing friends'.

Anyway, why do I tell all of this? (And I hope you're still reading this entry 😅) because I want to make a point that, we might not realize it, but every book and story we read plays a vital role into becoming or shaping who we are as time goes by. All of the books and stories we had read had left a mark on our soul. Some subtle, some are obvious, some you don't even realize but it's there, somewhere.

I love the touch of sunlight on my skin perhaps because of the stories of the Aetas I read on childhood who were bullied because of their skin color and made me realized that it's not nice to bully and having dark skin is not something to be ashamed of.

I chose and married the love of my life because I became wiser by reading tragic love stories and chose to learn from them. (But mostly because I am sure he is the one, so unless you're sure, don't.)

I am how I behave and think today because somehow, partly, it's because of Bob Ong's Macarthur. And perhaps, his writings had greatly influenced my own style in writing. Also he had me looking for other Filipino authors who have skills in writing stories that make people feel and move... and led me hoping to be one of them.

But this time, after reading all the books that left a mark on me in different ways, I don't want to write sad and depressing stories anymore. Rather, I want to make stories that aid people to write their own survival story or at least lead them into survival. Darkness is a scary place, I'd like to provide a torch. Just like how I found one when I needed it the most.

P. S. I still won't buy pricey new books, so joining this gives me a pass to enjoy them without spending a dime, presumably I got picked as one of the winners 😅

#booXthatleaveamarkMIBF2024 entry

(Two years later commentary: Olats 'tu. Pero nireread ko, ayos naman for posting dito sa blog site ko. Naguluhan siguro yung jury kung ano yung books that leave a mark. O malabo at puro kwento na ginawa ko.)

Remarkable Part: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Reading this book will open your eyes to the propaganda all around you. And will make you think twice or deep with how the society you are in works or how it programmed you to be a slave.

But, anyway, here's the remarkable part I found amusing:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Remarkable Part: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Reading this book made me ask myself to why only now did I read this masterpiece. It's like, I meant in most part, I was like the wholeness of Anne Frank, particularly in the latter part of the book, she is writing my thoughts and details about me. And that made me conclude that we are so much alike.

That's the thing about reading, it will somehow prove to you that you are not alone. That there is at least someone out there who thinks the same way like you do, not completely, but alike.

Anyway, here are the remarkable parts of the book: 

Remarkable Part | At Night We Are Dancers by RM Topacio-Aplaon

 I couldn't agree more.

This is a heavy novel and it's not for the fainthearted. Actually, most of his novels are, (stop reading, spoiler alert) but this one, just like Topograpiya ng Lumbay, will never give you an ending that your soul longs for for the protagonist.

You can order here: https://s.shopee.ph/8UvJAQI3zl

You're welcome.

Remarkable Part | Poemsia by Lang Leav

Halfway through the book, I was really questioning myself why am I still reading this. It's not that the writing is bad nor the story, but perhaps, I've grown as a person and this is not my genre anymore. It's like I'm watching a "teen flick". 

But I don't usually give up on a book and I try as hard as I can to finish the one I have chosen to read. And mostly, I thank myself for doing so, because most of the time the ending or plot twist is rewarding. Just like Poemsia, it gets better as you reach the final pages. Although, it still felt like watching a "teen flick".

This is the first book I have read written by Lang Leav who is an international best seller, yet I have read books from other authors who are not widely known but they write better stories. I am only comaparing Poemsia, perhaps her other books are better. Sorry for being a Penelope here, but I assure you this Penelope is not against pop genre rather simply stating facts based on experience.

And anyway, since I am writing this blog, here are the parts that have put a smile on my face, or perhaps a crackling laugh:

Para Kay Bob Ong at sa Masugid na Tiga Basa ng mga Sinauna Kong Blog

Kamusta ka na Bob Ong? Dekada na din ang lumipas mula nung mabalitaan kong may bago kang librong isinulat. Nagsusulat ka pa ba? Namimiss ba kita? Oo, naman. Ikaw kaya ang nagudyok sa akin na posible pa lang maging manunulat kahit hindi nakapaloob sa teyoryang itinuturo sa literatura. Magsulat ka kung paano ka magsalita, parang ganun. 'Di mo kailangan pekein ang personalidad ng paglalahad mo ng istorya, parang ganun. 

Anyway, hindi naman ako sumulat para lang kamustahin ka kasi malabo namang sumagot ka at malaman ko ang kalagayan mo. Pero, gusto ko lang malinawan at masiguro sa sarili ko na hindi naman siguro madumi ang isip ko no... Pero kasi, pareho ba tayu ng iniisip dito? 👇

Dahil ito ang pinakapaborito kong libro mo, binasa ko ulit. Ngunit ngayon, may mga detalyeng kagaya niyan, na ngayon ko lang naunawaan ang subtle meaning, kung meron man. Pero sinadya mo 'yan. Please,aminin mo. 😅 Marahil nga ay hinulma na ng panahong lumipas ang aking pag-iisip kaya kung ano-ano na ang napapansin. 😅

Hindi ko pa tinatanong ang iba kung anong palagay nila diyan sa talata na 'yan. Dumeretso ako sa'yo, sa may akda. Kahit alam kong 'di naman aabot ang liham na ito sa iyong lingid.

At sa'yo na masugid na humahalungkat ng aking mga panunulat. Ikaw naman ang pangalawa kong tatanungin... Anong naunawaan mo sa talatang iyan 😅? Nagpapasalamat na din ako dahil dahil sa'yo, nanunumbalik ang paghanga ko sa sarili ko sa mga nailalabas kong salita/talata/pag-iisip sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat. Parang pwede kong sabihin, "I was a good writer 10 years ago." Pero hindi ko 'yun alam 10 years ago. Ngayon ko lang naappreciate na talaga palang may potential ang mga sinusulat ko.  Tama lang palang inilathala ko ang mga iba kong panunulat dito sa world wide web.

At sa mga hindi naniniwala sa akin, pasensyahan tayo, patuloy akong magsusulat. 🤪 Magsusulat na lang ako ng magsusulat kesa maging decipherer. Kaso, bakit ganun, kahit ayokong magdecipher kusa itong inihahain sa aking harapan. Pero, hindi na nga ako magdedecipher, isinusuko ko na. 'Ba naman the last time I did, saan ba ko pinulot at nakarating? Tulad nitong, liham kong 2in1, kung san-san na nakarating.

O siya, iiwan ko na lang ang isa sa remarkable lines ng kwentong ito. Halos ang buong istorya naman ay remarkable. Kaya nga paborito ko ito, ngunit kung hihingi man ng remarkable line, isa ito 👇 (Hanggang sa muli, Shalom)

"Mga bata pa kayo. Pag pinaniwalaan...

Remarkable Part: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F%uck by Mark Manson

I was actually surprised I finished this book. I had given this book an ultimatum that if ever I encounter again a line that disrespect my philosophy as a human, I would stop reading it, thus becoming the very first book that I would not finish reading.

The first few pages, I know that the writer is trying to build up an image that his thoughts about life is maverick. So does with how he writes this book. Given that fact, I managed to understand why he writes that way. But upon encountering a passage where he ridiculed an old human, I started questioning his ways but still giving the benefit of the doubt, I continue reading. And then, here comes something about sexualizing Jennifer Aniston, that's when I knew the writer is not someone I would give my support as a reader. He's one the men I would choose to stay away from and not have even a chitchat talk. No. So that's where I gave an ultimatum.

But as I continue reading, I haven't encountered anything that I consider offensive even until I finish the book. Instead, I actually found an interesting passage that is worth quoting. Here it is:

So, there. I don't know if we have the same meter with these things I found offensive in this book. I wouldn't really encourage you reading this unless your love for life is so strong that no one can discourage you living it the way God intended you to.

Have a great read!

Remarkable Part: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

 

The moment I realized that every creature in this world has a precious life to respect, I started treating them that. Because, really, it's always the case. So yeah, I'm one of those people who doesn't kill a spider just because it shares my space; I don't kill ants walking across the table because they, too, has a life and why would I take it away just because I have the ability to do so? 

And reading this book, highlights that side of me and strengthens my thesis about life of other creatures. And made me realize that there are people who think the same way I do with this certain topic. 

I actually don't have much remarkable part to share with you except these lines from the start and repeated at the end. Because yeah, it's a fact. 

Here it is:

 

Remarkable Scene: Star Wars Series

For some reason, after watching the latest sequel (The Rise of Skywalker) of the latest Star Wars Trilogy, I decided that I'll make some time to watch the whole series. 

I have watched just one Star Wars movie before this, and I was pretty much young to remember the details or the story of it (Phantom Menace, Star Wars Ep 1). So I never quite understand pretty much most of it while watching the last sequel. 😅

And now, obviously, since I have made this blog, I got the chance to watch the whole series. If you are planning too, here's the chronological order of the whole series:

I must admit that Star Wars Series are pretty much amazing. And now that I get to understand the story, it is now officially included in my favorite movie series, together with The Lord of The Ring, and The Hobbit, Narnia, Pirates of the Caribbean.

One of the most remarkable scenes is on Ep. III, where Luke and his Father (Anakin) defeated Palpatine. I like how redemption and forgiveness were portrayed here. It's like reminding us that it's never too late to be a better person; to ask forgiveness from pur past mistakes and sins. And these lines, were so remarkable:

Luke: No, I'm not gonna leave you here. I got to save you. 

Anakin: You already have. 

But my most favorite among it's series is Ep. VIII. I literally clapped my hands upon learning the twist at the end--- making it my favorite scene and episode and thus, the very much remarkable scene for me. Not the lines, but the whole scene. 

Anyway, here are the quotable lines I find worthy noting down:

"Fear is the passage to the dark side

Fear leads to anger

Anger leads to hatred

Hatred leads to misery"

-Yoda, SWEP1

"That's how we win. Not fighting what we hate but saving what we love."

-Rose, SWEPVIII

And if you are looking for a Star Wars Collectibles, I am selling book series, trilogy and stand alone, and you can check them out here: Star Wars Book Set

Thank you and may the force be with you. 💕

Remarkable Part: Muling Nanghaharana ang Dapithapon ni RM Topacio-Aplaon

Ito na marahil ang pangalawang libro na akda ng Pilipino na nagkaroon ako ng interes basahin ng isang upuan lang. Hindi sa literal na natapos ko ito ng isang upuan, kundi 'yung mayroong pagnanais na ipagpatuloy mong basahin ang kwento hanggang sa matapos ito. 

Kung nasusubaybayan niyo ang mga book reviews o reaction ko, marahil ay alam ninyong umaabot ng ilang buwan, mayroon pa ngang taon kapag nagbabasa ako ng nobela. Well, to be honest, maiiksing nobela lang din naman 'yung natatapos ko ng agaran, kagaya nitong MULING NANGHAHARANA ANG DAPIT HAPON ni RM Topacio-Aplaon na overnight ko lang nabasa (natulog ako ha).

Bukod sa hinihimok ng nobelang ito ang mga manunulat na muling magsulat o huwag bumitaw sa sining, mayroong tatlong "remarkable" na nagustuhan ko sa istorya. Hindi ito mga linya o excerpt, katulad ng iba kong nagawa sa book reviews, kahit mayroon naman. Kundi yung para sa kabuuan ng pagbasa ko dito.

1. 'Yung may namagitan sa dalawang bida ngunit hindi kinakailangan may mamagitang halik o higit pa. Gusto ko 'yung nagkaroon ng respeto ang manunulat sa dalawang character na parehong may unresolved issues at hindi niya ipinilit magkaroon ng ganuong relasyon. 

2.  'Yung kahit maliliit na detalye maiimagine mo na parang nanunuod ka ng pelikula na mayroong extreme long shot, wide angle, extreme close up at iba pa. 

3.  Na naiisip ko yung fiance ko kapag dini-describe ni Rafael ang dagat dahil ganuong-ganuon din ituring ng fiance ko ang mahika nito sa kanya. 

Marami pa akong nais isulat patungkol dito ngunit masyado nang personal para sa mambabasa ko (katulad nung No. 3) at sa tingin ko ay hindi na healthy iyun dahil magiging puro patungkol ito sa akin at hindi na sa libro. Kaya kung ako sa inyo, basahin niyo na at nang maintindihan ninyo ang pinanggagalingan ko. 

Sa maiksing salita, isa sa magagandang nobelang nabasa ko. Gayunpaman, hindi ako sang ayon na hindi na maganda ang Manila Bay. Marahil ay nagsawa lamang titigan ng manunulat dahil sa araw-araw nitong nakikita ito sa biyahe, ngunit maganda pa din ito, lalo na kung sasapit ang dapithapon. Tanungin niyo 'yung taong unang beses itong nasilayan. Pustahan. 

Hanggang sa muli.

P.S. Oo, mabagal ang Globe. Lahat ng network mabagal.

Remarkable Part: The Reason, The Mystery, The Return by Lacey Sturm

If you have heard about Flyleaf, then most probably you know who is Lacey Sturm. Yes, she was the vocalist of the band, now she uses her voice through writing about her testimonies and relationship with God. She continues to encourage more young people through her books and speaks.

She has written, as far as I know, 3 books. Yes, the ones mentioned at the title.

Since, my brother bought her 3 books, I hod the chance to read them and was inspired by her story and her passionate walk with God.

And here are rhe remarkable parts of the books (I am not going to mention which book the posted remarkable part is. It's up to you to find out, so I encourage you to read them too) :

1. 

2. 

3.

Sometimes, our God just wants to be our friend, not seeking praises or repentance, He just wants to be there to comfort and have a talk just like a best friend. 

4.

5.

6.

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14.

15.

16.

Yes, I know. This one's very hard to apply.

17.

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19.

20.

"I had begun cold towards others. I doubted the ability to show the hope I had found to those who needed it. It was like the prodigal son. When he returned to his father after hitting bottom, he pleaded to him to be treated like one of his father's servant. That was his mentality. Just make me a servant. But his father would have none of that. He restored him to his status as a son and heir."

21.

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