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!

Newbery Medal for 2009: The Graveyard Book

I was browsing through the discussions in one of my Shelfari groups when I came across this news: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman won the Newbery Medal for 2009.

My reaction: yahoooooooooooooooooo!!!!

I consider this one of the best books I've read for 2008 (aside from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling).

Congratulations to Neil Gaiman!


http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2009/01/insert-amazed-and-delighted-swearing.html

Para Kay B (Ricky Lee): Power Book Club Discussion for January 2009

The first book club discussion of Powerbooks for this year featured Para Kay B by Ricky Lee. It was held at Powerbooks, TriNoma last Saturday, January 24, 2009. It was a very interesting day because aside from discussing the book, Mr. Lee was there to answer our questions and to sign our books.


During the discussion:

Mr. Ricky Lee signing my book:

The Power Book Club with Mr. Ricky Lee:

The Power Book Club, Mr. Ricky Lee, and his entourage:

My signed book:


All I could say about the discussion is that I really enjoyed it. :)

Para Kay B (Ricky Lee)

* Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa Atin)

Alam mo ba ang ibig sabihin ng "CONJURE"? Isa ka bang Capital S?

Me quota ang pag-ibig. Sa bawat limang umiibig ay isa lang ang magiging maligaya. Kasama ka ba sa quota?


Interesting description. Me quota ang pag-ibig. I have to find out if there really is a quota on love and if I belong to it (right, haha..). So I did not hesitate in buying the book even if I'm on a tight budget. The hell with that budget.

The novel is short with only 6 chapters and 244 pages. I was able to read it in one sitting. It is an easy read. I'm sure anyone who would read it would find it the same. Just like what Mr. Ricky Lee said, this book is written for everyone: nakasakay sa MRT, nagbabantay sa ospital, nagpapatulog ng anak. So whether you have been in love or not, this book is for you.

I was really entertained while reading the book. I felt different kinds of emotions. There are times when I feel like I'm the one being described in the book. It is about love so anyone who has been in love could easily relate to the stories.

There are 6 major characters in the novel: Irene, Sandra, Erica, Ester, Bessie, and Lucas. Each has a story to tell. But I wouldn't tell you their stories. You have to buy the book to find out. I assure you, it is not a total waste.

So do I belong in the quota? No, because I believe there is no quota in love. :D

Rating: 4/5

The Tales Of Beedle The Bard (J.K. Rowling)

* The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers' attention in the book known as HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger's new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," "The Fountain of Fair Fortune," "The Warlock's Hairy Heart," "Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump," and of course, "The Tale of the Three Brothers." But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.

I finally got one-third of my book must-haves for this year. Of course, I would never let this pass since I am still a big Harry Potter fan. It's really great that J.K. Rowling released a Harry Potter-related book even if the series has already ended.

The book is just short. It has 111 pages which includes the message of the Co-Chair of Children's High Level Group, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne. It took me less than an hour to read the book. It somehow felt weird to finish reading this for less than an hour since it took me hours to finish the HP books. The experience, however, was the same: magical.

There are 5 stories in the book:

- The Wizard and the Hopping Pot
- The Fountain of Fair Fortune
- The Warlock's Hairy Heart
- Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump
- The Tale of the Three Brothers

The stories are great. I enjoyed reading them. Some stories may be gruesome and dark, but they still entertained me. Just like the Muggles' fables, they offer life lessons. I also like Dumbledore's comments at the end of each story. They are funny and informative.

The only thing that I didn't like about this book is that it's too short. I want more!

This is definitely a book every Harry Potter fan should have in their collection.

Rating: 4/5

Book Shopping 15

During one of my visits to National Book Store, SM Fairview a few days ago, I saw a book that I've been wanting to buy. It was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The hardbound version costs less than the paperback version. But I didn't buy it. I decided to leave and go back some other time. And if I go back and the book is still there, then I would buy it.

I went there this afternoon after work. The book was still there. So I bought it. I also bought some other children's books that were on sale.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (hardbound, P200.00)
- paperback version costs P395.00!

The reason why the hardbound costs less than the paperback is because the hardbound has a remainder mark. Just click on the link if you have no idea about remainder marks.

Care Bears: The Day Nobody Shared (P30.00)

Care Bears: How Does Your Garden Grow? (P50.00)

How To Write Stories by Celia Warren (P52.00)

There goes another day of my life. Book shopping.

Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion (Mark Cotta Vaz)

* Explore the making of the film Twilight, the story that has entranced millions of readers, with this ultimate visual companion. This beautiful book captures the onscreen creation of Meyer's breathtaking world, brought to life in film by award-winning director Catherine Hardwicke and her creative team. With never-before-seen images, exclusive interviews, and personal stories, renowned author Mark Cotta Vaz takes you behind the scenes with the director, producers, and set designers to intimately experience the creation of the film. Inside you'll discover details like the Cullen family crest, secrets behind some of the film's most dramatic scenes, and learn just how a vampire sparkles in the sun.

This book is a must-have for every Twilight fan out there. I am not exactly a book-turned-into-movie fan but I love Twilight (the first book). So I'm definitely looking forward to the film. Besides, Robert Pattinson is hot. :D

There's nothing much I could say about the book. I guess I focused more on the pictures than on the text. Hahaha. But seriously, the book shared a lot of information on the hard work and experiences of the film crew. Filming Twilight was really difficult. They experienced different kinds of weather conditions. Their worst experiences in making the movie were all because of the weather. But they did their best to make the fans happy.

Catherine said she tried to stay faithful to the book as much as possible. Hopefully they did because just thinking about the film's upcoming release makes me hyperventilate with excitement (if there's such a thing). Anyway, here are some of the pictures from the book.

Sigh...

Where they first met

Stephenie Meyer's cameo

The fight scene

Sparkling Edward

The Cullen Family

The Cullen Family Crest

The Cullen Children

Bella and Jacob at La Push

The Prom

Rob really knows how to play the piano

A really romantic scene

I'm so dazzled.

Rating: 4/5

Fully Booked Twilight Saga Trivia Raffle Contest

There's an ongoing trivia raffle contest in Fully Booked. Here's the link on how to join.

I already have five online raffle entries since I answered all questions correctly. I also have one in-store raffle entry because of the Twilight Movie Companion which I bought from their store. I'm not expecting to win since I already have the Twilight books. But I'd still join just for fun.

Book Shopping 14

My latest book shopping is one of the best book shopping I had so far. This is because I finally bought 2 of my three must-have books before this year ends. They are The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz. The only book left is The Tales of the Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling which will be available next month. But before buying those books, there were some obstacles on the way. Read on to find out.

I wasn't really planning on buying these books this month. But when I received a text message from Fully Booked, The Block last Saturday (Nov. 8) that my reserved copy of the Twilight Movie Companion is already available, I got really excited. According to them, reservation is good for only 3 days so I really need to buy that book ASAP. Stocks run out easily so if I lose my reservation, there's a small chance for me of having that book. Since I was very busy last weekend (Sat. - IPTC in school; Sun. - Erin's 1st birthday party in the afternoon, Jo's send-off party in the evening), I didn't have time to drop by in Fully Booked so I had to schedule my trip yesterday after work. So I went. But I went home empty-handed. Here's why.

I arrived in Fully Booked at around 4:30 PM. I saw the table of Twilight books with around less than 20 copies of the Twilight Movie Companion. Instead of getting my reserved copy, I decided to just get one from the table so that I could choose my own copy. I'm a bit OC when it comes to new books so I prefer copies in excellent condition (i.e., no dog ears, no wrinkled spines, no stains, etc.). I didn't pay for it immediately but went straight to children's and young adult section.

When I arrived there, I saw a lone copy of The Graveyard Book on the bestseller's shelf. I checked out the other shelves if there are other copies available and found only one. Of course, I chose the book with the better condition. I wandered around again and checked out other books in that area. A few minutes later, the other copy of The Graveyard Book is no longer there. I believe that those two copies I saw were the only ones they have in the store. So I was really lucky to have one of those two copies. I didn't let go of that book anymore.

As I was checking out the children's books, I saw one book that I'm sure my students would love. It's an adventure of Thomas and Friends. Thomas (the blue train) is the favorite character of some of my students. The story would definitely go with the unit study in school now because the topic is all about transportations. I got the book and went to the cashier to pay for the books.

When I was at the cashier, I felt really excited. I decided to pay using my credit card. I gave the books, my credit card, and Fully Booked discount card to the person in charge. She entered my purchases in the cash register and computed for the discounts. She deducted 5% from the Twilight Movie Companion but deducted 10% from the other books. She must have thought that I'll pay using cash. But my credit card is with her already so maybe there were changes with the rules in giving discounts. She told me the total price and asked for my payment. I was right. She really though I'd pay using cash. I told her that my card is with her. Then she said that they don't accept BPI Express Credit in their store. Dang! Big trouble. I don't have extra cash with me so there's no way I could pay for those books. I asked the lady if it's okay if I'll buy the books the next day since I didn't bring extra cash with me. She said it's okay and asked for my name so that the books would be reserved for me. I gave it to her then left.

I was sort-of disappointed that I wasn't able to buy the books. But my excitement of my return the next day was the superior feeling so even if I went home empty handed, I was still happy.

After work this afternoon, I went back to Fully Booked, The Block even though it was raining hard. As soon as I arrived, I immediately went to the cashier and paid for my books. I left without browsing in the store since I was just there the day before. I just stopped by at Watson's to buy some personal stuff then I went home.

Now, even though I'm officially broke, I feel very, very happy. Wishes really do come true. :)

Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz (P664.05)

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (P449.10)

Thomas & Friends: May the Best Engine Win! (P108.00)