Power Book Club Discussion for February 2009

For this month, the Power Book Club discussed two books: The Giver by Lois Lowry and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It was a very interesting book discussion because The Book Thief is one of my favorite books. I just wish we had more time discussing them. Nonetheless, the book discussion was fun.

Citizen Girl (Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus)

* SEEKING *

Qualified applicants looking to build their careers on sand. Requirements: a bachelor's degree worth a fraction of the debt you incurred. One to two years of clerical experience working for a deranged harridan who has sucked your very life force. Fluency in at least two major jargons. Must be resourceful, flexible, action-oriented, stress tolerant, enthusiastic, and desperate. Primary responsibilities include: figuring out just what we've hired you to do; working closely with no one for clients we'll never identify, and a practice we'll never commit to. All interested email your integrity to www.mycompany.com.

Working in a world where a college degree qualifies her to make photocopies and color-coordinate file folders, twenty-four-year-old Girl is struggling to keep up with the essential trinity of food, shelter, and student loans. So when she finally lands the job of her dreams she ignores her misgivings and concentrates on getting the job done... whatever that may be.

Sharply observed and devastatingly funny, Citizen Girl captures with biting accuracy what it means to be young and female in the new economy. A personal glimpse into an impersonal world, Citizen Girl is edgy and heartfelt, an entertaining read that is startlingly relevant.

Two words that came to my mind after reading this: It sucks.

Seriously, what a deranged book.

The characters, the plot, and the way it was written all suck. The major characters' names are all ridiculous: Girl (the protagonist), Guy (her boss), and Buster (her boyfriend). Even the minor characters who appeared in a few pages: Romy and Remus, Lyle and Lynn, and Manley (who's a female). What's up with those names?

This is a chick lit. I usually get entertained when I read chick lits. But I wasn't entertained with this one. It is boring. Girl's personality is so bland. The plot is even worse. It does not progress well.

It is a miracle I was able to finish this. I just wanted to read something light after reading a thought-provoking one (The Giver by Lois Lowry). However, it's not light because I got lost on what the writers wanted to convey. I don't even want to re-read and try to find out.

I started reading this late last year and was able to finish it only last night. Good thing I bought this at a very cheap price (P50.00) at Booksale. It would have been a total waste of money if I bought this book at a regular price.

So if you see this in the bookstore, don't bother picking it up. It's totally not worth it.

Rating: 1/5

Still Angry Little Girls (Lela Lee)

* This sequel to the best-selling ANGRY LITTLE GIRLS is filled with Lela Lee's hip, edgy, yet sweet humor and features the hilarious return of her beloved cast of characters: Kim, the angry little Asian girl; Deborah, the disenchanted princess; Maria, the crazy little Latina; Wanda, the fresh soul sistah; and Xyla, the gloomy girl. From annoying boyfriends to nagging mothers, anxiety attacks to bad hair days, this collection proves that there's an angry little girl inside of everyone.


The title of this book caught my attention while I was browsing through the book sale shelves in TriNoma this afternoon. Still Angry Little Girls. Hmm... Why are the girls angry? I opened the book and was greeted with simple illustrations of these girls. It looks like an interesting read so I didn't think twice on buying it. It only costs P80.00 anyway.

I immediately read it while I was in line at the FX terminal. I couldn't help but laugh. The girls remind me of myself and other people I know. I agree that there really is an angry little girl inside of everyone. Not only that, but we are also at times disenchanted, crazy, fresh, and gloomy.

Here are some of the comic strips:

Deborah: Why are you digging through the trash?
Kim: I'm looking for your reputation.

Deborah: What's it like to be Asian?
Kim: What's it like to be Jewish?
Deborah: I'm not really a practicing Jew. I sometimes eat pork.
Kim: I'm not really a practicing Asian. I sometimes use a fork.
Deborah: I guess we're not good at following rules.
Kim: Yeah, I hate rules.

Kim's Boyfriend: I love you.
Kim: Did you know those are the first words psychopaths say to girls?

Xyla: I give up. I'm never going to find myself.
Maria: Maybe you will.
Xyla: What do you mean "maybe"?
Maria: Maybe you will and maybe you won't. But trying to is what life is all about.
Xyla: I'm doomed!

Kim's Cat: How do you like being a rich girl's status symbol?
Deborah's Dog: How do you like being a single girl's substitute for a boyfriend?
Kim's Cat: Bitch!

This book definitely did not make me angry but laugh. Never mind the stereotypes. I don't really get affected with it.

Rating: 4/5

"Love/Obsession" (A Poetry Night)

POWERBOOKS and the POWER BOOK CLUB cordially invite you to

"Love/Obsession" (A Poetry Night) February 13, 2009 (Friday) 5pm at the Powerbooks Live! Greenbelt, Makati.

It is a yearly event where the best and the brightest poets and artists from various groups (e.g. Romancing Venus, LGBT community, budding poets, rapper, etc.) converge to celebrate love. Every year, they all perform pro bono for love. And every year the roster of performers grows and becomes more diverse and exciting.

This year we are privileged to have multi-awarded screen playwright and novelist, Ricky Lee, as our Guest of Honor. We are also excited to have with us Filipino soprano Ms. Nenen Espina to perform some Filipino classical songs. We are thrilled to have master storyteller and comedienne Ms. Vivien Mangalindan who will definitely tickle your fancy. Of course, you shouldn't miss our other notable and accomplished readers and poets, who join us every year, like popular published poet Teo Antonio, professor, activist and well-known author of books Danton Remoto, poetess Kooky Tuason and political rapper Syke. Meet and greet all of them on this special night together with other artists and performers.

It's an event to remember and we hope you come and celebrate it with us. Let's celebrate love (and obsession). Let's celebrate poetry and the arts. Let's celebrate culture and artists. Let's celebrate life!

Thank you very much. God and the Angels bless us all.

Love and light,

(Sgd) Christopher George (Tobbie) Cadhit
Moderator, Power Book Club

*HELP US SPREAD THE WORD. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS EMAIL AND POSTER TO YOUR FRIENDS, OFFICEMATES, LOVERS, RELATIVES, NEIGHBORS, CLASSMATES, ETC. CELEBRATE AN EARLY VALENTINE WITH US!