
The Stories

Unraveling and Rebuilding: The Quiet Power of ‘Lion’ by Sonya Walger
I wanted to believe her family would find its way back to itself. If not, I hoped—prayed—that something good would happen to the little girl caught in the center of this mess of love, loss, and disillusionment.

Finding Connection in Gather Me by Glory Edim: A Journey Through Words and Life
Every reader’s journey into books begins differently. Some, like me, might start with those simple 10-peso books sold near schools or at the market, which doubled as coloring books and storybooks. Others, like Glory Edim, may have been captivated by stories read to them by a parent, finding themselves drawn into the magic of words from an early age.

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.

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.

The Charm and Constraints of Short-Form Poetry in 'Jasmines in Her Hair'
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.

Finding Comfort and Disappointment in Ryan and Avery
Ryan and Avery was an interesting read, showcasing Levithan’s accessible and comforting writing style without compromising on lyricism, which makes it welcoming for new readers—a notable achievement that Levithan is well-versed in.