A Key Grip's Adventurous Life

I'm currently reading this book by Dustin Beall Smith which I cheaply purchased from Book Sale.  It is an interesting memoir of a key grip that will give you a ride to his roller coaster life of family and career drama. Film buffs would surely love to read this for it tackles politics in the film industry based on the author's point of view as well as the traps involved while working within it. Honest and brave, the book does tell us about the writer's struggle to stay in his competitive job as he tries to fight his addictions. 

Book Review: The Abundance of Katherines by John Greene

John Greene has found a new fan in me. Out of sheer curiosity, I purchased his book entitled The Abundance of Katherines because I fancied its simple but chic cover and was interested with the novel's overview at the back. I just wanted a light read to pull me out of stress once in a while and fortunately, this book was what I was looking for exactly. It is humorous, witty, and romantic. It has different characters that are imbued of unique attributes that apparently show their strengths and weaknesses. Also, the scenes and settings were cool to imagine.

In terms of style, the writer used modern and slang language which was a great advantage since most readers nowadays prefer words that aren't highfalutin and which they can easily relate to. Aside from this, the attributes of the characters can clearly be recognized through their way of speaking, providing each their own voice. Colin, the main focus of the novel, was narrated colorfully and comically that you get to empathize and connect with him emotionally.

A page-turner, the book taught me that while their is a scientific explanation behind almost every phenomenon on Earth, in love, there's none. Colin, who was raised from being a child protege to an awkward, hopeless romantic teenager, worked hard on his mathematical equations that would predict how a relationship would end between couples. He formulated this through his past 17 relationships with girls who happened to have the same name - Katherine. However, to his dismay, his prediction of a failed relationship with his new and current girlfriend, Lindsey, didn't transpire, justifying that his formula was erroneous and unsuccessful.

In the middle of the story, I could perceive the rising of action probably because  I already felt the tension between the engaging characters. The book simply put to test how these fictional beings interact and communicate with one another despite their contrasting behaviors. Take for example Colin and Hassan. these two best of friends are sometimes like belligerent cats and dogs. Hassan, a happy-go-luck, the-hell-I-care kind of guy, used to pick on Colin, a definitely serious lad when it comes to every aspect in his life. Due to this opposing attitudes, Colin  would get irritated and impatient towards Hassan's jokes that the former finds foolish. There was this unforgettable moment wherein Colin, thinking he had enough of Hassan's silliness, blurted out his anger towards his bestfriend. Taken aback, Hassan replied with utmost honesty - an unexpected persona which was unimaginable of him. This was the time the happy-go-lucky dude took a backseat as he unearthed his straightforward perception about Colin's view of life.

We can obviously observe in the novel that the characters, despite their strengths, have hidden insecurities that disguise who they sincerely are. Just like Lindsey, a lady who was  unpopular and a victim of bullying back in her highschool, altered her image after finishing such academic level. She became a one attractive woman any guy can easily fall into. That is why she took this opportunity to be attached to "another Colin", a once popular school jock in her highschool days. Being with "another Colin", who incidentally has a similar name with our main protagonist, makes Lindsey feel beautiful and important.

I guess this awesome and fun read reflects society in such a way that people tend to change who they really are just to fit in the community where they belong. They begin to fabricate their entire facade, either psychologically or physically, just to put the missing pieces back of their person-hood back into whole. Unfortunately though, some don't change for the better. Rather, they let their past hurts, angst, and regrets mold their future, engaging them to pernicious situations such as an unfruitful relationship with others and a destructive involvement towards their environment.

Nevertheless, the understanding and love we receive from those who truly care and appreciate us makes us feel vital once more, realizing that at times, we are also the first ones who judge ourselves negatively. That said, we must accept and embrace our real identity plus the scars time has procured us. Maybe this is the first step for us to be more open to others and not get easily affected by those who belittle us.

Book Review: Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus

In today's competitive era, some people would try to purposely step on someone else's foot to be on top. They don't care if they have already crossed boundaries, degrading others' self-worth and dignity. They do not realize that crab mentality isn't the key to success but rather, it is through truly knowing one's self and reaching goals without hurting others are what it take to be the best that you can be.

This is what I've learned from the book , "Hope for the Flowers" by Trina Paulus. The book is so simple that even a gradeschooler can easily grasp it. Truth is, it really looks like a children's book but no, it is for people from all ages and walks of life.

The book, actually a tale, has characters composed of a male and a female worm. The two were curious to know what's hidden up in the clouds since many other worms outdo each other just to get there. The one that will excite you in the story was how the female worm found herself transform into a beautiful butterfly.

The story is an easy read, and a creative one at that, since each page is actually composed of a short narration and simple yet witty conversations of the characters. At times, you'll pause for a moment and ponder on a character's line that has a significant connection with real life.

It is a book that spells hope, peace, and love. I totally like the flavor of love incorporated in the story especially as shown between the male and female worm.

With this very relaxing book, one can really read this on bed before entering dreamland. You'll sleep with hope, peace, and love in your heart.

Book Review: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

Junot Diaz’s novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, contains the historical accounts of Dominican Republic’s political scene under Trujillo’s regime and how it affected the lives of the main characters in present time.  We, the readers, are exposed into the evolving personalities not only of Oscar himself but also of his family.       

We basically follow the roller coaster experiences of Oscar Wao, a nerdy boy turned teacher and aspiring writer, and how he transitioned from adolescence to adulthood while struggling to come to terms with his own inner conflicts such as connecting with girls despite his unattractive attributes. We see how he adjusted in a family environment composed of a rebellious older sister, strict sickly mother, and an overprotective aunt. As we leaf through the pages, an Oscar who has a brand new perspective in life is unleashed.  We notice how he turned out to be a hopeless romantic who would do anything for love’s sake even if it means his death.    

Then we explore this question: Was the fuku (thought to be a curse passed on from one generation to another) incurred by Oscar’s family true? The author intricately discussed our main protagonist’s roots from his grandfather, a well-respected doctor who was viciously treated and died pathetically, to his mother who grew under an abusive foster parents before she found refuge in her caring aunt.     

Diaz narrated the story in various point of views which made the book fun and exciting to discover. In one chapter, we read through the mind and heart of Oscar and in another, we hear about personal sentiments straight from the voice of his college dorm mate whom he became close with. Other pages were written in third person and the author would sometimes insert his own comments and reactions towards certain scenes which appeared to me as strange yet amusing. 

I admire how Junot Diaz incorporated historical events in the lives of his characters, making them more realistic and easy to empathize with. I loved how he kept the fire burning throughout the story’s progression that putting the book off would be impossible.      

I learned how corruption in the government can dangerously affect the fundamental unit of society, the family. And when a family is broken, how can its members efficiently serve its community? Nowadays, monkey business is still rampant. With the officials’ dishonesty, rights of people from all walks of life are being violated and trampled.        

It’s up to us to believe if “fuku” really did exist. Maybe shit happens because we allow the bad to conquer and subdue us, leading us amidst an unfortunate turn of events. Or maybe because it is caused by selfish and contemptuous individuals who want others’ lives to become miserable. Nevertheless, It’s up to us on how we should carve our own destiny. The important thing is, we don’t easily give up when problems hit us.

Book Review: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

The book of Aravind Adiga entitled, The White Tiger, is  packed with eye-opening information on the positive and negative issues India has been facing  both in the past and present . Through the narration of Balram Halwai, the main character in the novel, I am as if brought to India and experience in the pages its culture, society, and religion.

Balram tackles so many serious topics such as how pitiful the plight of a servant’s life is in  his country, the widespread corruption taking place in the government, and poverty that leads a family to risk even their health, relationships, and security. Despite this,  the author writes the  plot, scenes, and the conversations in a quirky and comical way that will tickle you but at the same time drive you to feel deeply with the characters in the story.

The author brings out the mood, actuations, and behavior of Balram sufficiently and effectively. The turn over of events will surprise and entertain you so the book is definitely not a bore to read. Very truthful and tangible.

The writer presents how Balram, once a poor man, became a rich and successful entrepreneur. The social reality in his place is unleashed as you go along the story.  Injustices from home to politics are discussed through the impelling voice of Balram. You’ll notice how desperate Balram’s family  in finding solutions on how to combat poverty . The degrading effects of corruption such as the increasing gap between the powerful and the powerless are talked about.

Nevertheless, the writer also mentions how some parts of India are becoming progressive due to the new buildings being constructed as well as the rise of some  booming industries.

It always comes to a point that no matter how educated our leaders are or how successful businesses are in a country, those living in slums and sidewalks will have a low chance of a better future if the government steals the money of the masses.  This truth isn’t only seen in India but in other countries as well.

     

Balram is an epitome of a person who is deprived of his rights, dreams, and dignity. Due to the overwhelming degrading circumstances he and his family had experienced under the  oppressive officials of their community, he was able to think of the unthinkable – of something dangerous and grueling. His master, Ashok, to whom he drove for is a person who couldn’t fully stand up for his own convictions despite his good intentions. The plot leads us to the two being brainwashed by the darkness that encompasses them. They have allowed external dilemma to change what is clean and honest within their hearts.

     

The White Tiger isn’t confusing. It tells the story without going around the bush. As the whole novel is some kind of a letter to a famous leader in China, Premier Jiabao, it’s as if it is directed to you, the reader, as you leaf its pages. Each character is also unique and can deliver on its own. Each represents a certain group or caste to fluidly elaborate social entities in India.

     

The book is just worth contemplating on. It opens your mind to how one should fight for his beliefs if he certainly and conscientiously knows the right from bad, if he knows that his values cannot harm the lives of his fellowmen but rather, contribute to the wellness of his community. And yes, some people may climb the ladder by kicking others down but success is sweeter when you know that on your way up, you haven’t stepped on someone else’s foot.

By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho

          Kung nais mo ng libro na makapagdadala sa iyo sa lugar kung saan ang pananampalataya at ang mga personal na mga pangarap ay tila umuugnay, ang nobelang “By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept” ni Paulo Coelho ang masasabi kong swak na maaaring basahin.

          Lahat tayo ay may mga indibidwal na mga suliranin at minsan, ang kalaban natin ay hindi ang ibang tao kundi mismo ang mga sarili natin. Wala tayong lakas na loob na abutin ang ating mga pangarap dahil natatakot tayo sa maaaring mangyari sa atin na wala rin namang kasiguraduhan. At minsan, ang pananampalataya na lang natin sa Maykapal ang siyang tangi nating lakas upang ipagpatuloy ang tila ‘di maabot-abot na mga pangarap. Ito na siguro ang leksyon na nakuha ko sa napakatalinghagang librong ito - - na bawat tao ay ipinagkalooban ng Maykapal ng pangarap at ang pag-abot nito ay hindi ganoon kadali. Maaaring maraming balakid at hirap ang kanyang mararanasan bago makamit ito.

          Makabuluhan ang librong ito lalung-lalo na sa panahon ngayon kung saan tila ang pananampalataya na lamang natin ang ating pinanghahawakan kapag may unos na daraan. Naging angkop ang panahon noong binasa ko ang nobelang ito dahil pista yaon ng Our Lady of Concepcion. Sa libro, ang magsing-irog ay gumunita rin sa kapistahang ito kung saan sila ay lumahok sa isang kakaiba at katangi-tanging espiritwal na karanasan.

          Siguro, marami tayo ang tulad ni Pilar, ang pangunahing tauhan na babae na siya ring nagsasalaysay sa libro. Kagaya niya, may mga inaasam tayo sa buhay na matagal na nating ipinapanalangin ngunit hindi natin makuha-kuha dahil nakatali pa rin tayo sa kung ano ang sa tingin natin na rasonable, praktikal, at hindi katakot-takot. Nang matagpuan niya ang kanyang kababata sa Madrid matapos ang labing-isang taon, naibalik muli sa kanya ang kanyang paniniwala sa Itaas. Natutunan niya ang muling magmahal at mangarap. Nais niyang samahan ang binata sa mga kabanalang ginagawa nang huli gaya ng pagpapagaling ng may sakit.

          O maaari ring pareho tayo sa lalaking sinisinta ni Pilar. Naging kakampi at kaakibay niya ang kanyang pananampalataya sa paghanap ng totoong pinapangarap ng kanyang puso – at iyon ay ang makapiling habambuhay ang dalagang matagal nang tinitibok ng kanyang puso, si Pilar. Ibinalik ng lalaki sa Maykapal ang regalong ipinagkaloob sa kanya, at alam niyang naintindihan ito ng Birheng Maria.

          Sa kwentong ito ni Coelho, naimulat ako sa mundo ng dalawang nagmamahalan na sinikap maabot ang kanilang daing sa langit kahit pa ang pag-aasam nito ang siya ring makapagdudulot ng pagbabago sa kanilang pag-iibigan.

          Simple at direkta ang mga salitang ginamit ni Coelho ngunit sa likod ng kanyang payak na pagsasalaysay ay nakatago ang mga malalalim na mga kahulugan na magpapahinto sa iyo upang makapag-isip-isip. May mga kaganapan na hindi niya agarang ipinresenta upang iwanan ang mambabasa ng kaunting pagninilay-nilay sa maaari pang mangyari. Gayunpaman, tila naisama ka rin ng manunulat sa mga paglalakbay na ginawa ng magkasintahan sa istorya – mula sa mga siyudad sa Espanya papunta sa bundok na tumutungo sa Pranse.

          Sa huli, aking napagtanto na nararapat lamang na isuko ko ang aking mga daing, problema, at mga pangarap sa Diyos at alam ko hindi niya ako pababayaan. Siyempre, patuloy pa rin nating abutin ang ating mga mithiin basta’t alam nating marangal ito at nakapagbibigay ligaya sa atin at sa ibang tao.