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bookishpatricia's reviews
54 reviews
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
3.0
"You're dumb when you're fifteen and hopped up on hormones. Heck, I'm twenty-five and still make bad decisions based on those same dumb hormones."
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much, but I'm glad I did! It was really a last-minute purchase. I originally wanted to read Blackmail and Bibingka before I learned that it's a series. Oops! Hehe.
The Filipino representation was on point on this one. Rarely do we see Filipinos being represented in media properly, so this was a "proud" moment for me. Even better, even Booktuber favorites are starting to pick up on Mia's works. (!!!!)
It was a cozy mystery with funny moments, some of which really captured Filipino mannerisms, behavior, and approach to life. To top it off, the choice of font is relaxing to the eyes, so it was easy to read.
Mia effectively gave life to each character that I could imagine how they looked, moved, and sounded based on their descriptions. They felt like real people (your nosy aunt, that quiet neighbor, that jovial guy bestie) and not just fictional characters. They're in our community, in our offices, in our schools, in the groceries. Regardless of where you are, if you're Filipino, IYKYK.
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much, but I'm glad I did! It was really a last-minute purchase. I originally wanted to read Blackmail and Bibingka before I learned that it's a series. Oops! Hehe.
The Filipino representation was on point on this one. Rarely do we see Filipinos being represented in media properly, so this was a "proud" moment for me. Even better, even Booktuber favorites are starting to pick up on Mia's works. (!!!!)
It was a cozy mystery with funny moments, some of which really captured Filipino mannerisms, behavior, and approach to life. To top it off, the choice of font is relaxing to the eyes, so it was easy to read.
Mia effectively gave life to each character that I could imagine how they looked, moved, and sounded based on their descriptions. They felt like real people (your nosy aunt, that quiet neighbor, that jovial guy bestie) and not just fictional characters. They're in our community, in our offices, in our schools, in the groceries. Regardless of where you are, if you're Filipino, IYKYK.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
5.0
"I will never leave him. It will be this, always, for as long as he will let me."
I didn't think I'd love this book as much as I did. I love Madeline's writing style here (I can't say the same about Circe though). I love the slow-burn romance. I'm here for the mild spice with sugar sprinkles here and there. I'm very picky with my 5-star reads, but this was a no-brainer. I did hear that this book is a tear-jerker, but once again, no tears were shed on my end.
I don't have any "smarter" review beyond what others have already done, so I'll just share my reading experience.
At first, I struggled with the first few chapters. Listening to the audiobook gave me the nudge I needed. It was also how I "read" about 50% of the book. It was such a game-changer. I listened to the audiobook on 1.2x speed while working and I would only annotate if something caught my attention. That's how I ended up finishing half of the book in one day.
I didn't think I'd love this book as much as I did. I love Madeline's writing style here (I can't say the same about Circe though). I love the slow-burn romance. I'm here for the mild spice with sugar sprinkles here and there. I'm very picky with my 5-star reads, but this was a no-brainer. I did hear that this book is a tear-jerker, but once again, no tears were shed on my end.
I don't have any "smarter" review beyond what others have already done, so I'll just share my reading experience.
At first, I struggled with the first few chapters. Listening to the audiobook gave me the nudge I needed. It was also how I "read" about 50% of the book. It was such a game-changer. I listened to the audiobook on 1.2x speed while working and I would only annotate if something caught my attention. That's how I ended up finishing half of the book in one day.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
4.0
I had to wait until 70% into the book to finally connect with the story. The plot twist was worth it - the whole story just didn't stick with me as much as the other books.
I may have different feedback from the majority that gave it a glowing 5 stars, but I'd recommend it anyway to default Abby Jimenez fans, hence the 4 stars.
I may have different feedback from the majority that gave it a glowing 5 stars, but I'd recommend it anyway to default Abby Jimenez fans, hence the 4 stars.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
3.0
It was a difficult decision to make but I had to be honest with myself and DNF this. It was good. I appreciated it for what it was — it just wasn’t for me.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
5.0
“Love follows you. It goes where you go.”
Don’t let the cute cover deceive you — this novel is packed with a plethora of personal and social issues worth discussing. I’m stingy with my 5 stars, but after much debate with myself, I decided it earned the spot. This novel felt deeply personal to me. May contain spoilers - please read at your own discretion!
I loved the earnestness in most of the characters, especially between Daniel and Alexis. The dialogues felt authentic, considering I’ve felt and thought some of them, while others were personally said to me. They just roll off your tongue, you know?
Jimenez also didn’t fail at her trademark wit and humor and had me laughing out loud at some scenes. Like with her other novels (I’m assuming), “Part of Your World” started at a good pace, the characters were introduced, the mood was set, the “love story” unfolded early on, and the first half of the novel was sweet - a bit tangy - until the second half when it was just pure emotional chaos. There were points I literally had headaches catching up while consoling myself at the same time.
All the kilig aside, some parts were difficult for me to read. There were moments I wanted to DNF this as it was starting to affect me personally, but I had to know if everyone was going to be safe in the end. I had to see it through, and I’m glad I did.
So what made it difficult for me? Well, I was Alexis, minus the wealth. In some ways, I still am. Once upon a time, I was with a Neil and it was the worst time of my life. Having been the recipient of emotional and mental abuse (mind games, push-and-pull, carrot baiting, stonewalling, shaming, judging — all done in private and public — you name it), it was so easy for me to resonate with Ali, and so it was also easy to understand why she hesitates at signs of gentleness and why it’s easier for her to have doubts than simply trust when someone shows her affection, love, generosity, warmth, etc.
Her subtle signs weren’t subtle to me. I saw them. I saw her. In a way, those moments pulled me back to memories I thought I’d have already forgotten. As they say, the axe forgets, but the tree remembers.
And I’m beyond glad Daniel was there to hold her hand every step of the way. He was the perfect golden retriever to warm her up and show her, “Hey, life can still be beautiful. You can still be in control and make your own choices.” And do so in a loving way that doesn’t rush or judge. It’s considerate. It’s careful. It’s love.
It deeply resonates with my current state of life. Fortunately, I’m in a much better place now as far as romance is involved.
It’s so beautiful how Daniel speaks highly of Alexis and speaks her name in a room full of opportunities. There’s also nothing sexier than a man who is secure in himself, grateful, considerate, attentive, and non-judgmental. He’s so wholesome and gentle and sincere that I just cannot!
Don’t let the cute cover deceive you — this novel is packed with a plethora of personal and social issues worth discussing. I’m stingy with my 5 stars, but after much debate with myself, I decided it earned the spot. This novel felt deeply personal to me. May contain spoilers - please read at your own discretion!
I loved the earnestness in most of the characters, especially between Daniel and Alexis. The dialogues felt authentic, considering I’ve felt and thought some of them, while others were personally said to me. They just roll off your tongue, you know?
Jimenez also didn’t fail at her trademark wit and humor and had me laughing out loud at some scenes. Like with her other novels (I’m assuming), “Part of Your World” started at a good pace, the characters were introduced, the mood was set, the “love story” unfolded early on, and the first half of the novel was sweet - a bit tangy - until the second half when it was just pure emotional chaos. There were points I literally had headaches catching up while consoling myself at the same time.
All the kilig aside, some parts were difficult for me to read. There were moments I wanted to DNF this as it was starting to affect me personally, but I had to know if everyone was going to be safe in the end. I had to see it through, and I’m glad I did.
So what made it difficult for me? Well, I was Alexis, minus the wealth. In some ways, I still am. Once upon a time, I was with a Neil and it was the worst time of my life. Having been the recipient of emotional and mental abuse (mind games, push-and-pull, carrot baiting, stonewalling, shaming, judging — all done in private and public — you name it), it was so easy for me to resonate with Ali, and so it was also easy to understand why she hesitates at signs of gentleness and why it’s easier for her to have doubts than simply trust when someone shows her affection, love, generosity, warmth, etc.
Her subtle signs weren’t subtle to me. I saw them. I saw her. In a way, those moments pulled me back to memories I thought I’d have already forgotten. As they say, the axe forgets, but the tree remembers.
And I’m beyond glad Daniel was there to hold her hand every step of the way. He was the perfect golden retriever to warm her up and show her, “Hey, life can still be beautiful. You can still be in control and make your own choices.” And do so in a loving way that doesn’t rush or judge. It’s considerate. It’s careful. It’s love.
It deeply resonates with my current state of life. Fortunately, I’m in a much better place now as far as romance is involved.
It’s so beautiful how Daniel speaks highly of Alexis and speaks her name in a room full of opportunities. There’s also nothing sexier than a man who is secure in himself, grateful, considerate, attentive, and non-judgmental. He’s so wholesome and gentle and sincere that I just cannot!
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 1 by Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe
5.0
I’ve never finished a book in one sitting - ever in my life. Although I understand a manga is not so much a “words” book, I take it as the same banana - just a different variation.
On a ~romantic~ level, I found it to be a happy medium for boyfran and I’s individual interests. He was the one who recommended Frieren to me, and he got me vol. 1 as a gift as well. I’m happy that the animation is on Netflix. It would be nice seeing the story in color.
It took me by nice surprise how such a “light” story can evoke so many emotions. Although it’s not new, I believe we can all enjoy different material on our own timelines. As a brief review, Frieren is packed with life lessons and it epitomizes “romanticising life.”
Here are lessons I learned so far:
— Respect people’s time
— The best way to honor someone is by paying the good things they’ve done forward
— Conserve your energy for more important matters; not every obstacle in life is monumental
— There’s always a chance to change for the better
— Tell people good things while they’re still alive, not when they’re no longer around to hear it
— Community is necessary
On a ~romantic~ level, I found it to be a happy medium for boyfran and I’s individual interests. He was the one who recommended Frieren to me, and he got me vol. 1 as a gift as well. I’m happy that the animation is on Netflix. It would be nice seeing the story in color.
It took me by nice surprise how such a “light” story can evoke so many emotions. Although it’s not new, I believe we can all enjoy different material on our own timelines. As a brief review, Frieren is packed with life lessons and it epitomizes “romanticising life.”
Here are lessons I learned so far:
— Respect people’s time
— The best way to honor someone is by paying the good things they’ve done forward
— Conserve your energy for more important matters; not every obstacle in life is monumental
— There’s always a chance to change for the better
— Tell people good things while they’re still alive, not when they’re no longer around to hear it
— Community is necessary
Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major
5.0
Maybe Next Time is an emotional, moving, heartwarming, and reflective novel. Emma and Dan’s marriage/relationship is a rare one. Seldom you would see a love so pure and genuine that, despite their differences and life’s challenges, they would continue to choose each other over and over again.
Over Dan’s multiple deaths, Emma underwent all stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance - and they were all called for. Putting myself in Emma’s shoes, I wouldn’t also know how to keep going on with my Mondays either knowing my husband will die that very evening - and that I would have to go through it again and again, indefinitely.
I can understand Emma’s drive to be constantly preoccupied - I suffer from that, too. So in between listening to the audiobook, I would ask myself, am I being present enough? Am I making conscious effort to take care of myself? To cover tasks for the benefit of long-term goals? Or am I just driven by temporary and short-lived wins, to say that I’m productive or have achieved something while neglecting bigger and more important things?
Objectively, I believe Emma’s character is not likable but she’s not despicable either - she simply does her best be it for work or for her family. However, once she accepted her tentative fate and embraced the “curse” of repeating her days as a “gift,” I appreciated how she worked on improving things little by little, even when she had to do it again the next day. And she would always come up with ways to see things at a better light. She couldn’t control the days, but she could control how to spend them.
Emma's husband Dan is a side character in the story, but he made a huge impact through the letters he wrote to Emma yearly on their date-versary. And surprisingly, his is the biggest plot twist in the novel.
The ending was a bit confounding (and a small part of me hated Dan for it). It was also a massive cliffhanger, but I LOVED it.
Had I not been in the dining area, I would have bawled listening to Dan’s last letter to Emma. It was exactly what I needed to hear at the moment. I knew right then and there I found another well-deserving 5-star read and a hidden gem.
Personal relevance/takeaway:
Just like Emma, I tend to preoccupy myself with tasks, even with non-urgent ones, just so I could fill up my time and pretend to be productive. A lot of times, it doesn’t go well for me. When I push myself too much, I end up burnt out, disoriented, high-strung, and in need of rest - STAT.
But in life, it’s better to have a life you don’t need a break from. To give yourself breaks regularly enough so you don’t get filled to the brim and burst over the most trivial things.
Over Dan’s multiple deaths, Emma underwent all stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance - and they were all called for. Putting myself in Emma’s shoes, I wouldn’t also know how to keep going on with my Mondays either knowing my husband will die that very evening - and that I would have to go through it again and again, indefinitely.
I can understand Emma’s drive to be constantly preoccupied - I suffer from that, too. So in between listening to the audiobook, I would ask myself, am I being present enough? Am I making conscious effort to take care of myself? To cover tasks for the benefit of long-term goals? Or am I just driven by temporary and short-lived wins, to say that I’m productive or have achieved something while neglecting bigger and more important things?
Objectively, I believe Emma’s character is not likable but she’s not despicable either - she simply does her best be it for work or for her family. However, once she accepted her tentative fate and embraced the “curse” of repeating her days as a “gift,” I appreciated how she worked on improving things little by little, even when she had to do it again the next day. And she would always come up with ways to see things at a better light. She couldn’t control the days, but she could control how to spend them.
Emma's husband Dan is a side character in the story, but he made a huge impact through the letters he wrote to Emma yearly on their date-versary. And surprisingly, his is the biggest plot twist in the novel.
The ending was a bit confounding (and a small part of me hated Dan for it). It was also a massive cliffhanger, but I LOVED it.
Had I not been in the dining area, I would have bawled listening to Dan’s last letter to Emma. It was exactly what I needed to hear at the moment. I knew right then and there I found another well-deserving 5-star read and a hidden gem.
Personal relevance/takeaway:
Just like Emma, I tend to preoccupy myself with tasks, even with non-urgent ones, just so I could fill up my time and pretend to be productive. A lot of times, it doesn’t go well for me. When I push myself too much, I end up burnt out, disoriented, high-strung, and in need of rest - STAT.
But in life, it’s better to have a life you don’t need a break from. To give yourself breaks regularly enough so you don’t get filled to the brim and burst over the most trivial things.
Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck
5.0
From the first chapter, I could already tell it will be one of those novels I’ll cherish in my soul and will live rent-free in my head.
I could relate with Wren in a way that we’re both analytical and systematic. We don’t prefer doing things outside our routines and we like predictability.
With Lewis’s mutation posing a challenge to their marriage, I often stopped and pondered what I would have done had I been in Wren’s position.
Would I bargain as much?
Go out of my way to help my husband?
Considering their love story, Wren’s decisions seem appropriate. Just imagine having a difficult life, finally meeting the love of your life and getting married, but the next year around he’s fully mutated into a great white shark. I’m not sure that’s an easy pill to swallow.
As with the structure and production, the poetic writing is so enticing. The narration is top quality. I enjoyed hearing the multiple POV’s and how the characters are unrelated yet intertwined.
This is the first magical realism novel I’ve “read” and finished, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is also the first novel I read by Emily Habeck and I could almost be sure that I’ll enjoy her other works.
I could relate with Wren in a way that we’re both analytical and systematic. We don’t prefer doing things outside our routines and we like predictability.
With Lewis’s mutation posing a challenge to their marriage, I often stopped and pondered what I would have done had I been in Wren’s position.
Would I bargain as much?
Go out of my way to help my husband?
Considering their love story, Wren’s decisions seem appropriate. Just imagine having a difficult life, finally meeting the love of your life and getting married, but the next year around he’s fully mutated into a great white shark. I’m not sure that’s an easy pill to swallow.
As with the structure and production, the poetic writing is so enticing. The narration is top quality. I enjoyed hearing the multiple POV’s and how the characters are unrelated yet intertwined.
This is the first magical realism novel I’ve “read” and finished, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is also the first novel I read by Emily Habeck and I could almost be sure that I’ll enjoy her other works.