katonthejellicoe's reviews
168 reviews

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

This is definitely one of the most compelling, thought-provoking, and immersive books I've read in a while. The writing was simple and the message was clear (some would say it's pretty heavy-handed, but I digress) and I found myself loving Elizabeth Zott as the story went by.

A new favorite. An author I'd probably read more of in the future.

Note: I don't do numerical ratings on non-Filipino books.
Here's my tier ranking instead - A (HIGH), FAVORITE

Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors by Gail D. Villanueva

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

Sadly, this book didn’t work for me. While the plot and world-building were great, I had several issues with the characters, particularly Lulu herself. I’ll probably discuss this in another post. However, if you think this book interests you, please do pick it up and give it a read, especially if you enjoyed Marikit and the Ocean of Stars or Lalani of the Distant Sea. 

(Ano) by Zero A. D.

dark informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

"Bílang pinuno, ang dapat mong ibigay sa kanila ay trabaho, kabuhayan, edukasyon, at pag-asa, pag-asang maiaangat nila ang sarili nilang mga búhay at hindi na kailangan pang gumawa ng masama para lamang punan ang kalam ng sikmura. Huwag takot. Walang kaunlaran sa bayang pinaghaharian ng takot." — Zero A.D., ; (Ano)

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung paano ko isusulat ang aking review sa librong ito. Ang alam ko lang, dapat itong mabasa ng maraming tao, kaya't heto, susubukan ko.

Ang "; (Ano) ay maaaring nobela o koleksyon ng maiiksing kwento na pinagtagni-tagni ng awtor sa malikhaing paraan. Ito ay isang salaysay mula sa isang tauhang walang pangalan habang sinusundan niya ang kapalaran ng bansa sa ilalim ng pamamahala ni Pangulong Carrion. Kwento ito kung paano ang taong isinugo diumano ng alien upang iligtas ang Pilipinas ay siya ring dahilan ng pagkasira nito.

Mahirap maintindihan ang balangkas ng librong ito dahil sa ilang mga dahilan, tulad ng hindi kronolohikal na istruktura ng kwento at ang pagkakaroon ng mga tauhang hindi mapagkakatiwalaan. Gayunpaman, madaling maunawaan ang layunin ng aklat — ipinapakita nito na hindi karahasan at takot ang solusyon para mailigtas ang ating bayan. Mahusay na isinalarawan ng awtor na hindi isang pinuno na may kamay na bakal at walang paggalang sa hustisya at batas ang kailangan ng bansa. At nakakatakot mang aminin, maraming sitwasyon sa librong ito ang sumasalamin sa reyalidad ng ating lipunan.

Sa kabuuan, ito'y nakakatawa, nakakagalit, nakakalungkot, at nakakatakot, pero naniniwala ako na dapat itong basahin ng Pilipinong mambabasa — lalo na kung die-hard fan ka ng kung sinumang politiko. 

The Love of a Certain Age by Charlie Samuya Veric

emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

2.5

This is a poetry collection about a man's expression of love towards a younger lover he met online. It was melancholic and it dove deeply into multitude of things surrounding their encounter (i.e. metaphors of using Grindr, the app).

However, unfortunately, this was one of those books that wasn't meant for me. Though I found the prose beautiful, I don't think I've grasped its true purpose within its lines & there could be a lot of reasons why would that be. Nevertheless, if you feel like the premise speaks to you, I encourage you to pick it up. This wasn't for me, but maybe it is for you.

A Stitch in Time by Lee Su Ann

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

This was definitely a book for a single sitting, perfect for when you're in a reading slump. The story will pique your curiosity; you might love Clare, get frustrated with Gavin, but one thing's for sure — you won’t notice the time flying by (pun intended).

As mentioned previously, this book took me back to the days when I used to watch local fantasy series about mysterious mishaps and adventures. It was whimsical, light-hearted, and family-oriented. I liked it!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from Penguin Books South East Asia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own and have not been influenced by the author or publisher.

Note: I don't do numerical ratings on non-Filipino books.
Here's my tier ranking instead - B (MID)

The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

My experience while reading this book was very similar to what I felt when I read AGGTM. It was the perfect recipe for my preferred YA thriller: fast-paced, gripping, dark, mysterious, and unreliable. Bonus points for having complex character arcs that you either love or hate (I loved them!) and a twisted plotline that you could never guess.

Note: I don't do numerical ratings on non-Filipino books.
Here's my tier ranking instead - A (HIGH)

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

"It's like there's this idea that you have to earn your label through suffering. And then you have to prove it with who you date, how you dress, how other people perceive you." — Becky Albertalli, Imogen, Obviously

Out of all the books I’ve read about bisexuality, this one takes the cake as the most relatable and closest to home—it actually fucking hurts. I remember reading this during a 12-hour bus ride to Bangkok, and my tears just kept rolling. I cried so hard that I worried the bus attendant might come over. Thank goodness she didn’t, or she would have seen what a mess I was!

Anyway, Imogen, Obviously is a young adult contemporary fiction that follows a teenager named Imogen, who identifies as heterosexual and prides herself on being the world's greatest ally. She and her best friend Gretchen (who is bisexual) are convinced that Imogen is straight—until she visits her other best friend Lili's college (Lili is pansexual) and meets Tessa (a lesbian). Suddenly, Imogen is not so sure anymore.

At first glance, this might seem like a simple plot about discovering one’s identity and sexuality. I thought it wouldn’t be so different from others I’ve read before, but girl, was I wrong.

Imogen’s story offers nuanced and realistic perspectives on questioning your sexuality after being raised with the belief that you were heterosexual your entire life. Her feelings for a girl shook her (and me, as a reader) to the core. Additionally, set in the present day, the overwhelming media discourse about queerness, appropriation, and authenticity adds to the book’s overall confusing tone. In my opinion, the author genuinely captures the gender-awakening experience that many of us, including myself, have likely gone through.

In conclusion, this is definitely a book I wish I had read when I was a teenager—when I was convincing myself that I was straight and that my feelings for a girl were just a phase. Nevertheless, I’m glad it’s here for questioning young adults who might need help and for queer adults like myself who never knew they needed healing.

Thank you, Becky Albertalli.

Note: I don't do numerical ratings on non-Filipino books.
Here's my tier ranking instead - A (HIGH), FAVORITE

Tingle: Anthology of Pinay Lesbian Writing by Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz

emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

"Yet, the significance and necessity of books about lesbian experience cannot be discounted forever. Our writing and courage have done something significant by giving voice and shape to what had previously been muted and invisible. We have made ourselves visible to those who want and need to see us." — Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz, Tingle: Anthology of Pinay Lesbian Writing

To say that I was merely tingled by this book would be an understatement. I wasn’t just slightly excited; I was bewildered and deeply moved by the diverse stories, essays, and poems compiled within 262 pages.

I’ll be honest: I read this book over nine days (probably my slowest pace this year) and carried it through different cities and countries. But that was intentional. I wanted to savor each page and become a better ally to the lesbian community. In the end, I believe it was worth it.

This collection of forty-nine literary pieces is perfectly curated into seven themes, ranging from coming-out stories and complex familial relationships to sapphic love, sex, and lust. It made me think, empathize, and, at times, feel seen and validated. Of course, not every piece resonated with me, which is common with anthologies. It’s neither the reader’s nor the writer’s fault. Nonetheless, this book contains some of my favorite short stories and poems that I’ve read in a while.

In conclusion, regardless of whether every story resonated with me, I believe this book is meant to be read by everyone. Whether you’re lesbian, queer, or cis, I’m sure you’ll find a piece or two that resonates with you, as it did with me.

Favorite pieces:
- Rebirth
- The Venus Flytrap
- Command: Stay (I was mind-blown!) 

D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

This fake dating sapphic story featuring a counselor and an Instagram influencer is the perfect balance of romance for me — with funny banter, a little bit of spice, and heartwarming characters. It’s a feel-good, light-hearted, and fast-paced queer romance that’s a great addition to your TBR!

Note: I don't do numerical ratings on non-Filipino books.
Here's my tier ranking instead - B (MID)

Mother of Strangers by Suad Amiry

dark emotional informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

"Gone was his city, which had once been called the 'mother of strangers'. For she herself had become the stranger." — Suad Amiry, Mother of Strangers

Honestly, I’ve been trying to organize my thoughts and write a review for this book over the past few days, but I feel that no matter what I say, it won’t be enough to express how deeply it impacted me. It’s not because it is the best book I’ve read or has the greatest writing I’ve seen, but because it serves as a testament to how cruel the world can be.

Instead of detailing my thoughts and emotions, I’ll let these excerpts speak for themselves, hoping they will encourage you to read this book, recommend it to everyone you know, and amplify Palestinian voices. Let’s remind everyone that no one is free until we are all free. 

An overview:
'Mother of Strangers' is a historical novel set in Jaffa from 1947-1951. It is based on a true story of two Jaffan teenagers, Subhi and Shams, who were greatly affected by the destruction and occupation of their city—and the rest of Palestine—in April 1948.

Note: I don't do numerical ratings on non-Filipino books.
Here's my tier ranking instead - A (HIGH)