Smaller and Smaller Circles

Because of Typhoon Glenda (international name Rammasun), I was forced to again hold a book. The typhoon caused power outages in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. My laptop and phone's batteries were draining and there was really nothing much to do. I went to my mini bookshelf and picked one book, the first time I have done so in months (maybe even years).

I chose the novel 'Smaller and Smaller Circles.' It's a crime novel set in the Philippines and written by a Filipino. I bought that book about 10 years ago because I was looking for an English language Filipino novel. I read it, but forgot the story. And now with the tiny ray of light from the sun that entered my window into my dark room, I read the book again.

I'm not a fan of crime novels, but I like the book. One, it's written by a Filipino and set in Quezon City, where I live. So there's a 'homey' feeling. Second, it features Jesuits as the lead characters. I studied in a Jesuit university years ago.

It feels different if a movie or a book is set in an area you are familiar with. In a way, you feel attached somehow. And after reading so many books set in Europe or the U.S., reading a Philippine novel is very refreshing. And the book was written well, so no complaints on how the story developed and progressed. Though I just wish there were twists. You kinda know who the killer is in the middle of the story. But that's an author's prerogative.

Things I learned (or relearned) from the story: 1) The country has very poor investigation process/skills; 2) So many people have no access to proper health care; 3) Family will always be family no matter what; 4) Jesuits are really versatile; and for me as a journalist 5) There are always ways to get a story without joining the bandwagon.

As I said, I bought the book about a decade ago, not knowing who the author is or what awards the book won. Forward to 2013, the author became my office mate. Her name is F.H. Batacan or Ichi. I was shocked she suddenly joined ANC. And I'm sure she has no idea I read her book 10 years ago. Small world, or should I say, smaller and smaller circles indeed.

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From Books to E-Books

I love reading books. I started reading novels when I was in high school. I would read the novels my mom has in the shelf. From then on, I would buy my own books, and she would be the one borrowing from me. I would have a mini library already if I combine all the books I bought and the books my mom owns. But many of the books were borrowed and not returned, some got lost since we had to move houses, and some were stored in boxes for a long time that termites took the pages.

But nevertheless, the love for books never faded. Every time I buy a book, I would smell its pages (Yes, I'm weird in that way). And every time I read, I try not to open the book too wide and I always check the edges and the sides of the book. I would also write my name and the the purchase date in the title page inside the book to mark my territory.

Then e-books came. I was never really into the idea of reading books via a computer. For me, it takes away the pleasure and the essence of reading. Until I got a smartphone... with a big screen. I never read an e-book right away, but the opportunity came when somebody gave me a copy of an e-book. That was 'Fifty Shades of Grey.' Don't judge me, but that's the very first e-book I read in full. :-)

That was a few months ago, then I stopped reading an e-book, not because I don't like it, but because I'm not yet ready to buy one. For me, If I need to shell out some cash, I'd like to physically touch the fruits of my money. Then just this past 2 weeks, I downloaded free e-books and I have read 2 so far: 'Life of Pi' and 'The Hobbit'. I also happen to have the movie copy of the 2 novels. I also recently bought a tablet and I bought my first e-book. It was a trial, so I opted for the cheapest one I saw, which was 'The Skeleton Key' by James Rollins. It was only $.99c.

Will I stop buying books? Definitely not. But I'm now more open to the changes in technology in the literary world. I just hope e-books prices will decrease, after all, no paper is used.

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The Casual Vacancy

       J.K. Rowling's first book after the highly successful Harry Potter series will be out next week. The Casual Vacancy will be released on September 27, 2012 and it will feature no wizards or magic. In fact, the book is aimed for the adult block.

       There is no word yet when it will be distributed in the Philippines, but National Bookstore has already announced that fans can now pre-order the book and get 30% discount plus a book bag.

The publisher Little, Brown Book Group describes the plot on its website:
When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock. Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty facade is a town at war. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils… Pagford is not what it first seems. And the empty seat left by Barry on the town’s council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations? Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising.


Philippine price: P1,1422 (hardbound)
Discounted price P995

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End of an Era

Many have said that their childhood has ended with the finale of the Harry Potter series. As the promo ad of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" film-- It all ends. In a way, it also does for my childhood.

I have been reading Harry Potter since I was in second year high school (about a decade ago). I remember my classmates reading it and I was curious about it, so I asked my lolo to buy me the book. He bought me 2 hardbound books, to my pleasant surprise. When I read the first, I was already captivated by the magical world of Harry Potter. When the movies came, it was another magical journey.

I remember during my third year in high school, Harry Potter was the theme of our Christmas Party. It was such a fun and innocent time. Each one of us was a Harry Potter character. I was Albus Dumbledore (we didn't act or wear costume, we were just using the name). When I entered college, I kept on reading/watching it. Although, when I graduated college, I wasn't able to continue reading/watching it. Until the last Harry Potter movie came.

I already have a movie ticket for July 15. So I started watching on DVD all Harry Potter movies starting July 1. I bought Harry Potter Books 6 and 7 last July 10. I had to finish reading the 2 books in 5 days. I didn't succeed, but I finished reading until the part where Harry Potter 7.1 ended. So while watching Part 2, it was totally all surprises.

The finale movie was great! Effects wise, acting, everything was there. Although there were changes from the book, it still was worth it. It was an epic and great ending to a series so loved by the world. I will miss Harry Potter, cause I am not sure if there would be such a phenomenon again. I am happy that I was born at a time the Harry Potter books were published and came to life.

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