“The Fifth Child” by Doris Lessing: A Silent Collapse of Family and Identity
At the heart of the story is Harriet, whose dream of a perfect family collapses with the birth of her fifth child, Ben. Lessing’s portrayal of Harriet’s internal struggle is vivid—particularly in scenes around the kitchen table in their “dream” home. These moments of family closeness gradually deteriorate as tension builds.
“Mabuhay” by Zachary Sterling: A Heartwarming Graphic Tribute to Filipino Culture
Mabuhay quickly demonstrated that it was much more than just a way to add to my reading tally—it turned out to be a genuinely captivating read. The central themes of family and staying true to oneself were not only presented beautifully but also resonated with me on a personal level.
Empathy Meets Efficiency: Lessons from Working Well
Working Well: Creating Workplaces for Happy Employees tackles these challenges head-on. It explores what employees truly need, how to support their personal growth, and how to handle various factors that shape the work environment. The book is packed with practical tips on creating workplaces where people feel supported and engaged, which is key for a positive work atmosphere.
Translating Culture and Fantasy in ‘Tabi Po: Bloodlust’
Reading this story brought me a deep sense of satisfaction. There’s a certain pride in seeing Filipino culture, mythology, and folklore vividly woven into a fantasy narrative.
The Enduring Magic of Anne of Green Gables: A Journey Through Imagination
It's easy to see oneself in Anne—young, full of dreams, and wonderfully imaginative. In Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Anne’s perspective on the world and everything in it is captivating, making her adventures feel personal and relatable, especially for someone like me who loves reading and visualising scenarios. The combination of Anne’s childlike wonder coupled with her strong moral compass is truly endearing.
Modern Take on Timeless Habits: A Review of 'Holistically Fit'
I started this book with high hopes, eager for it to be the catalyst that finally transforms me from an occasional yogi to a full-time fitness influencer. Unfortunately, this did not happen, but I learnt along the way that this was okay. One of the concepts I took from this was that practice and patience are the true takeaways.
A Modest Apocalypse: Exploring the Father-Son Dynamic in The Road
Although I don’t usually pay much attention to reviews, I skimmed a few because of the book’s popularity and a recommendation from someone I know. From what I gathered, it seemed to promise an apocalyptic tale—one I expected to be quite dark. To my surprise, it wasn’t as grim as I anticipated. Instead, it’s a story centered around a father and son navigating a world where personal survival is the sole priority.
Unraveling the Mystery of Poetry: A Review of Matthew Zapruder's "Why Poetry?”
Poetry often feels like a contradiction to me. On one hand, it’s tedious and complex, like a puzzle with too many pieces. On the other hand, that very complexity sparks a curiosity that pushes me to delve deeper, to find simplicity, or perhaps accessibility, and beauty in what might otherwise seem confusing.
The Enigmatic "Slaughterhouse-Five": A Profound Exploration of War and Humanity
Poems to Live Your Life By, collated by Chris Riddell, is a wonderfully curated collection of poems paired with illustrations by Riddell himself. The collection is divided into themes that Riddell considers integral to human experiences, ranging from the wonders of love and the sorrow of loss to profound themes such as war. At the heart of it all is the experience of growing, not solely through age but also through personal development and life lessons.