VAMPIRES

I admit, I'm not a fan of the Twilight Saga (or series, or whatever you wanna call it), but that does not give me any reason to despise it. In fact, I bought a copy of the first book and read it. It was just not my cup of tea. I read fantasy and romantic novels at times, but I just can't seem to fathom the mood or the aura it gives me. It's too romantic for me.

By the time the book and the movie franchise of the Twi series was being commercialized heavily through media, I was not one who immediately joined the bandwagon. I watched the movie first and found it promising, but not that interesting. It took me a few months before I actually got hold of the book. Unfortunately, I wasn't interested in reading the other books. I did watch the second movie, New Moon and that was it.

I am a huge Harry Potter series fan and I've read all the books a hundred times over I think. I've also watched the movies and has found the interest to check out Pottermore (but I still have to make time for that). Given that I know the books by heart, I have not let this to interfere with reality. I mean, I don't go around with a wand at hand and scream a jinx or a spell to random people, not even my friends. I've fantasized going to Hogwarts, but I never grew desperate of the idea. It was a fantasy, so as the books.

And that's why I could not imagine how someone would do this.

The arrest of an American man who broke into a woman's house and tried to suck her blood over the weekend has sparked discussion about the impact of vampire books and movies on youth culture.

Whether pop culture played a role in the attack remains to be seen, as 19-year-old Lyle Monroe Bensley awaits a psychiatric evaluation in jail on burglary charges in Galveston, Texas.

Found growling and hissing in a parking lot and wearing only boxer shorts, the pierced and tattooed Bensley claimed he was a 500-year-old vampire who needed to "feed," Galveston Police Capt. Jeff Heyse said.

 OK, maybe I'm being a bit too harsh on the whole "vampire" thing. I may not be a fan of Twilight, True Blood or the Vampire Diaries, even one of Anne Rice's vampire series, but there's one story on vampires that I appreciate, Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian.

I'm just clueless on how one person can be affected or infected with such notion of acting or being a vampire?

I guess they have to separate fiction from reality. These novels, movies and TV programs are all fragments of man's imagination, they are all fictitious accounts of these creatures. There's a reason why they're called fantasy novels, fiction stories and TV drama.

There's nothing wrong with patronizing vampire novels and the likes, but I just hope that we should know the difference between the truth from fantasy.

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA: Not your typical children's book

Andrei had a school project where they were to do a book review of any John Newberry book. I was the one who searched bookstores after bookstores just to look for these books, but I had a hard time. Luckily, a book assistant at the Powerbooks in Glorietta REALLY knows her books and told me that John Newberry was not an author, but an award-giving institution. It recognizes children's books by giving it a Gold or Silver medal.

So this lady showed me the books with the John Newberry stamp of approval. These are books that ranges from the mundane to the surreal. Since my brother was not much of a reader, I chose a book that would somehow interest him to read and so that I will not be forced to do the book review too. The book that I chose was the Bridge to Terabithia. I know that it has been adapted to a film before and if Andrei would really not want to read the book, we can just watch the movie.

But Andrei finished the book, and even did the review all by himself, though he asked for little grammar checks here and there. He said that it "caught his heart" and that "true love flows". So I got curious, what kept my not-so reader brother to actually attach himself emotionally to this story? So yes, I read the book.

At first, it was all about normal issues that kids go through. Peer pressure, family issues and dealing with the opposite sex who wants to be friends with you.

Jess was a simple boy who only dreams to be the fastest runner in their school. But all that vanished when a newbie beat all of the boys as the fastest kid in school. What makes it more annoying to him is that this kid was a girl, Leslie. But their differences was not much of an issue as they developed an unlikely friendship. A friendship that both helped them to conquer their fears and widen their imagination.

They built the kingdom of Terabithia and became rulers, king and queen. On Christmas day, Leslie gave Jess an art set with paints and brushes, as he dreams of becoming an artist someday. Jess on the other hand gave Leslie a dog they named Prince Terrien or PT for short. PT was honored as the guardian and court jester of Terabithia.

Together, Leslie and Jess conquered the enemies of Terabithia as they face their personal enemies at school. But one tragedy changed all there is between them. Leslie died when she was trying to reach Terabithia alone. Jess has been invited by their music teacher at an art gallery in Washington. It was hard for Jess to accept this reality but then he realized that Leslie taught him that fears are to be conquered and life must go on despite difficulties.

In his attempt to continue ruling Terabithia, he brought her sister May Belle and she became the new queen of his and Leslie's kingdom, thus passing on the legacy that Leslie gave him.

I have been wanting to read a book that will thug my heart just like what The Lovely Bones did to me. I never thought that I will get this from a children's book. I was on the verge of crying when Leslie died and my heart was crushed with Jess' reactions to it.

I am still lost for words on what to say about how this book affected me. I just hope that people, no matter what their age is, would continue to open their minds into a whole new world of fantasy.

There are a lot of things that are needed to cite from this book but I suggest that it is always better that you try to read it.

As for me, I am glad that my brother enjoyed READING A BOOK. I've always prodded them to read the Harry Potter series since they enjoyed the movies. To read a book is another experience from watching a movie. It lets your imagination run wild and play your own movie inside your head.

I'm a happy sister!

Growing up with Harry..

I was inside Tita Lani’s room when I saw three books scattered on her bed. I picked one of them and randomly opened a page. My eyes easily caught the name Professor McGonagall.

A few minutes later, I was walking on my way home tugging along the three books about a boy named Harry Potter.

I was in 6th grade when I first dared to read a whole book. It was the first of the seven book-series about a boy wizard, Harry Potter. It took me almost a month reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone because I wasn’t very interested about it at first.

I was about to read the second one when the movie of the first book was released. I was then a high school freshman. I remember how my high school classmates dislike Potter and joined the Lord of the Rings bandwagon instead. But I remained a Potterhead. I finished the other two books (Harry potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) right away and waited for tita’s copy of the fourth.

I was able to read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire not from a book, but through a printed copy of it acquired online (I guess through an ebook copy). As the middle book for the whole series, Goblet of Fire really delivered. I was so hyped while reading it. Later on, I was also able to get hold of the real book. It took almost a year before the fifth installment came out.

Tita Lani was working in Vietnam then, and she already bought a copy of the book. Since she was coming home for vacation, I waited months before finally getting hold of it. When Tita Lani got here, she immediately handed the book to me and I started reading it right then and there. Back in school, my other friend Lala is also a Potterhead. I would then give her hints on what happened on the book. We were mad-crazy about it.

The sixth book came I guess when I was already in college, a freshman I presume. This time, most of my classmates are also addicted to Harry. We would talk about Harry and gush on Daniel Radcliffe.

When the last book came out, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I pre-ordered a copy of it right away. Upon getting the book, I went straight home and flicked the pages hungrily. Not later that afternoon, I was already teary and sad that Harry Potter’s adventures are finally over.

The movie versions were good too. I have to say though that my favorite would probably be the third, which was directed by Alfonso Cuaron. It was wickedly funny and sarcastic, but it has really portrayed the maturity of the characters from the last two movies.

And now, the two-movie finale for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is almost on its way. These movies were the only remaining connection that I have to Harry Potter. After this, there will be no Potter mania anymore. But for me, Harry will always be in my heart. It feels like we grew up almost at the same time. From his first year in Hogwarts down to his coming of age.

I’m gonna miss Harry, but there will always be the books and movies to remind me of the boy who lived.

The Reader Digests

The year 2009 has driven me to pursue my love for books. It was in this year that I purchased books that are infamous. The past years, I was reading books of J.K. Rowling or Milan Kundera or Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, who are all famed writers. And this time, I decided to become more adventurous with my reading materials.

All in all I’ve read atleast 16 books in 2009; books that range from the unknown to the well-known. And now, I am going to list down the books that entertained and even bored me in 2009.

Eleanor Rigby – Douglas Coupland

I remembered buying this book in Powerbooks Greenbelt along with another book, Piece of my Heart. It was the time when I was doing my internship in Makati. It was on sale and I got it for 50 pesos. This book touched me. It started out a little boring, but it suddenly made sense to me when the lead character, Elizabeth, talked about her loneliness and loneliness in general. The twists of the story were heart-warming and relevant. I saw a part of myself in her. And that’s how a good book should be, something that creates a relation to yourself which eventually pushes you to see what the story is about beyond its given context. I’ve reread this book so many times, and it still doesn’t fail to make me sad on certain parts of the story. The emotion stays.

Piece of my Heart – Peter Robinson

I bought this book along with Eleanor Rigby. You see, I love watching CSI. I love detective works and everything else about it. When I read the synopsis of this book, I was thrilled to see that it is all about an inspector solving a crime that crosses to a crime from the past. The only thing is, this book is just a part of a collection of several books of the lead character, Inspector Allan Banks. That being said, some parts of the story refer to the previous books of the series and it got me lost. Still, it was good and got my criminal and detective cravings satisfied.

The Historian- Elizabeth Kostova

This book was referred to me by my good friend Mia. At first, I was hesitant to read it because I am not fond of “vampire” stories. Even on its first few pages, I was so bored because it was quite descriptive and “wordy”. But when the REAL story came up, it absolutely blew my socks off! (not that I’m wearing any) ok, when I was reading this book, I was also reading Eleanor Rigby. I read Rigby in broad daylight and this one at night. And that decision is so screwed up! When the story finally focused on the vampire Vlad the Impaler, I started getting paranoid of someone watching me at night. Haha! It was creepy and scary, and guess what, I decided finishing the book one late afternoon. I loved it! Nice one Mia!

Degrees of Guilt (trilogy)

In 2009, MV Doulos, a floating bookstore, reached the Philippine shores and splashed our hearts with glee. Being the bookworms that we were, my friends and I went to the ship to look for any good deals. It was a challenge looking for the perfect book to buy, but Noselyn and I split our money in this trilogy. Every book focuses on one major character and their views on the death of a teenage kid. Laced with moral values and life-changing situations, I think every teen should read this book.

Para kay B – Ricky Lee

I once attended a script writing seminar spearheaded by Mr. Ricky Lee. He is a genius and his previous works were really worth watching (he is a scriptwriter for TV and film). So this book, being his first in the publishing industry got me all excited and pumped up to read. With all due respects to Mr. Lee, I was quite disappointed on how this book was done. Sure it was casual and laidback, but it wasn’t my cup of tea. The concept was brilliant, but I just find some parts of it scandalous and irrelevant. (geez.) But nonetheless, I am still a fan of Mr. Ricky Lee. Maybe I will develop a liking on his next books. I’m looking forward to that.

Kapitan Sino – Bob Ong

Here is another Filipino writer that I admire. And another Filipino writer that disappointed me. Don’t get me wrong, the story was relevant, but it was way too relevant that it was quite boring and stiff. It makes a good indie film material though. Ok, I would say that I like this better than PkB, but I am still more of a fan of Bob Ong’s previous works.

Twilight – Stephenie Meyer

Yes, I too was driven into this twilight mania, but I am not the type who goes gaga over it. Before the film version of this book was even released, my friends are already fans of this saga. I am interested and I even went to the cinema with them to watch the film. The film, in my opinion was good, though I haven’t read the book, but my friends keep telling me that a lot of the real story wasn’t shown. Still, it took me quite a while to finally go to a bookstore and get myself a copy of it. It was a good story. I personally liked it, but I am not much of a romantic person. Romantic as in, super cheesy and emotional. That’s how I saw the story in the book. It was too romantic for me, but the storyline was really impressive. It’s a totally different read from the Harry Potter series (since people were comparing it). This book is aimed for teenagers and young adults, while HP is for kids and early teens (and those who feel that they are young). Romantic. Impressive. Not my cup of tea.

Becoming Madame Mao – Anchee Min

Another referral from my friend Mia. At this point, I just realized that she likes reading ancient relevant Asian history, especially from China. Luckily, I’m not. (haha!) Still, I was urged by her to go and read it. It was interesting. It’s all about the first lady of Mao Tse Tung. It narrated the sorrow, pain and pleasure of becoming and being Madame Mao. But, it probably took me two months to finish this book. Not because of its pages, but because I easily get bored with it. I read few pages from time to time so that I won’t get bored to finish the whole book, because I admit, it’s still about history. And history is interesting, but is sometimes boring. Despite my conclusions on history, the book is amazing and informative. Props to that!

Child 44 – Tom Rob Smith

This book is one of Mia’s favorites. This is an action-packed book from start to finish. The thrill and suspense it gave me was satisfying and I could probably say that this is written intellectually. It was smart and puzzling at the same time. But deep inside this thriller is a heartfelt story of brotherly love and being true to your commitment and priorities in life. (wait for the film adaptation of this book produced by Mia and me) Haha!

Zelda’s Cut – Philippa Gregory

Gregory is one of the famous book authors in the world. That’s why I was shocked to see a copy of her book on sale for 50 pesos. I was excited to read and indulge myself to a book that I supposed was a good one, but I was, for the third time disappointed by such a great writer. The story was too shallow and the ending was really, really disappointing. N-A-K-A-K-A-B-I-T-I-N. Haay.

Snuff – Chuck Palahniuck

I bumped into this book by accident. I just saw this online and got interested in it. It’s a soft porn book. Yes. It’s probably the shortest story that I’ve read. I was able to read the whole thing in one sitting (or lying). It is funny and sarcastic, but in the end, after all the “weird” stuff that’s been said, it all goes down to the concept of that one true and great love.

Of love and other demons – Gabriel Garcia Marquez

One of the books written by this phenomenal author of Love in the time of Cholera. This book is trivial. In its own right, it is also controversial. What got me interested to read this is that of the religious side and that of the ancient beliefs all mashed up in a sticky situation. The book could get boring, and I did a lot of scanning and jumping off some parts triggered by that. In the end, this book is a masterpiece.

Sputnik Sweetheart – Haruki Murakami

I love Haruki Murakami. His stories laced with poetry and feminism always attracts my attention. In this particular book, he depicted the relationship of two best friends of the opposite sex and the possibility of going beyond their limitations. The female, who discovered her desire for another woman was the scandal of the story. But in the end, the best friends still ended up with each other. It just goes to show that love is unpredictable and can take you to places and situations you’ve never expected in your life.

Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami

Another Murakami creation that got me all hooked up. This book is all about reminiscing with the past and trying to mash it up with the present time. Haruki Murakami, I noticed is also musical in his own right. This book refers to the familiarity of the lead, Toru, to a particular day through the Beatles song Norwegian Wood.

Don’t read this book if you’re stupid

I was able to read this book while I was in Vietnam. Tita Ana and I went to an international bazaar and got caught up with books from Australia. We bought four books and I was able to bring home two of them. This book is Tita Ana’s. She lend it to me because I got interested in it too. Well, this book is a collection of sarcastic stories from the mundane to the bizarre. It’s got a little bit of the Western humor, that’s why I did not like it too much, but it’s not bad at all.

Weird Sister – Kate Pullinger

This is one of the two books that I brought from Vietnam. Agnes Samuel is the lead of the story and Agnes Samuel changed my nights. She is the creepiest book character that I’ve encountered! Just by reading the synopsis, you can easily detect the flow of the story, but the chills that it gave me were really unforgettable. I was, then again afraid of sleeping with the lights off. Agnes Samuel is one creepy woman and she knows how to send me the chills. This book smartly combined the elements of eroticism, romance, Goth and thrill that knocked the wind out of me. Very impressive.

No time for Goodbye – Linwood Barclay

I was hesitant to read this book at first because Weird Sister really blew me away. But late one night, I got bored and decided to read it. This book is also full of suspense and has the kind of plot that would make you think. I just think that the characters of the story were quite older than I expected. This can also make a good movie material.

Those were the books that I was fortunate enough to explore in the past year. I hope that my cravings for good reading materials will still progress in the coming years. I am really a true believer that a good reader is a good thinker. (or maybe not, in my case..haha!)