Twenties Girl

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Year Published: 2009
Publisher: The Dial Press
Main Characters: Lara Lington - a twenty-something lady who just started with her business; frustrated over her break up with her boyfriend; and got visited by the ghost of her great-aunt
Sadie - great-aunt of Lara who seeks help in finding her necklace



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Summary


Lara has been undergoing the gloomy days in her life. Everything has been going beyond her control from her relationship with her boyfriend to her newly-launched head-hunting business. So she thought that because of these stress, she has been starting to see things like a ghost. But, she's wrong. Sadie, her great-aunt has come to seek her help. They have to find a necklace who has been in Sadie's posession for more than seventy-five years. Sadie said that she couldn't rest without it. And so, the hunting and haunting began. As they go into the journey in finding the necklace, they started to discover things about love, about each other and most important, about their family.



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Ever tried laughing over a ghost story? Well, now you would with Twenties Girl.


Unlike any other ghost stories, this one is filled with humor and amusing scenes from two girls who came from two different timelines. One of them alive and one is a ghost.


At first, one would have the impression that this is just another boring novel about a ghost who wants to play some more nasty stuff before he rests. But, as you go on with the book, you'll definitely be hanging onto it until the necklace has been found.


This novel is really a breakthrough for Sophie Kinsella. Not only did she make a good ghost story but she was also able to add humor to it.



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Memorable Lines from the Book


“People break up. It’s just the way things are.And you can’t dwell on what might have been. You have to look at what is." - Lara Lington


“Life is like an escalator... It carries you on regardless." - Lara Lington


“The worst thing a girl can do is trail after a boy when a love affair is dead.” - Sadie Lancaster

The Lost Symbol

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction

Author: Dan Brown

Year Published: 2009

Publisher: Doubleday

Main Characters: Robert Langdon - a Harvard professor and symbologist

Peter Solomon - head of the Smithsonian Institution; a wealthy man who is a dear friend and mentor to Robert Langdon; a Freemason with the highest degree

Zachary Solomon - Peter Solomon's rebellious son

Katherine Solomon - a Noetic scientist; sister of Peter Solomon

Mal'akh - the villain who has his body covered with tattoos of diferent symbols

Warren Bellamy - friend of Peter who is also the architect of the Capitol

________________________

Summary

Robert Langdon, the famous Harvard symbologist has received an invitation from his friend Peter Solomon to deliver a lecture in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Since Peter is his friend and mentor, he went to Washington D.C. without any idea that his trip is not just an ordinary visit. When he arrived, he was more than shocked by what greeted him. There were no audience at all for the lecture and the severed right hand of Peter is there at the place, tattooed and transformed as the Hand of Mysteries. From there, a series of events took place and a lot of puzzles surfaced. Will Robert Langdon be able to solve the mysteries and save his friend? And who is this tattooed man who kidnapped Peter?

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After years of waiting, at last, here's another Robert Langdon novel created by Dan Brown. And just like the other two previous Langdon stories, this one is again filled with mind-boggling mysteries and astonishing facts.

Yep, prepare to be hooked as you read this novel. Because once you start reading it, you won't notice that you're almost done with it. The mysteries will have you glued to your seats and the book.

This novel brings us interesting facts on history, arts and sciences. It gives us access to some undiscovered facts on Washington D.C. and masonry. And, readers will surely try solve the puzzles in this book by themselves too. Well, that's certainly expected.

Yet, apart from the trivias and puzzles, what makes this novel captivating is that it tells a story about family, faith and friendship. The tragedy of the Solomons teaches us the values that every family and person should have. What are they? Now that's for you to find out and realize as you read the book.

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Memorable Lines from the Book

"In the correct hands, fire can provide illumination . . . but in the wrong hands, fire can be highly destructive" - Robert Langdon

"Wide acceptance of an idea is not proof of its validity." - Robert Langdon

"Wealth is commonplace, but wisdom is rare" - Peter Solomon

"Transformation requires sacrifice." - Mal'akh

"God is plural because the minds of man are plural" - Katherine Solomon

I Have Fallen In Love With The Same Woman Three Times

Poet: former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy Aquino Jr.
Trivia: written for his wife former Pres. Corazon Aquino; turned into a song by Jose Mari Chan

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I Have Fallen in Love with the Same Woman Three Times


I have fallen in love
With the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
Of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.
She was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;
When first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain,
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day,
till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she's our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope,
on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade.

Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid.
She is calm and composed,
she is God's lovely maid.

___________________________

Rest in peace our beloved former President Corazon Aquino... You shall remain always in our hearts. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

Remember

Poet: Christina Rossetti

Source: "Goblin Market and Other Poems"

Year Published: 1862

__________________________

Remember

Remember me when I am gone away.

Gone far away into the silent land;

When you can no more hold me by the hand,

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day

You tell me of our future that you plann'd:

Only remember me; you understand

It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while

And afterwards remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave

A vestige of the thoughts that I once had,

Better by far you should forget and smile

Than that you should remember and be sad.

__________________________

This poem is about a woman who is dying and is requesting her lover to remember her. In the first five lines, you would notice the coming separation of the couple. The persona here requests that she be remembered when time comes that she no longer exists here on earth. When she can longer be held.

In the following lines, the persona further stresses that their time together is really getting shorter. Then there comes the tension.

There are lines where you would notice that the persona realizes that the lover will somehow forget her. And if that happens she is also certain that the lover will be sad. So at the end, she tells the lover that its better for him to smile and forget her than remember her and be sad.

This poem not only tackles parting but it also reflects the poet's way of handling her own dilemmas in life. We see here how her Christian devotion affects her decisions. Truly, this poem deserves all the fame it has till now.

The Lady or The Tiger?

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction

Author: Frank Stockton

Year Published: 1882

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Summary

In a faraway land, there was a semi-barbaric king who has unusual means of administering justice to offenders in his kingdom. You will choose from two doors and whatever decision you'll make will surely change your life. One day, he found out that his daughter, the princess, is in love with a commoner. Because of this, he had the lover arrested and thrown into prison. He set up a date for the trial in the arena. Before the trial, the lover consulted the princess on which door to choose. The princess knows which door contains the tiger and which door contains the lady that will be married to the lover. The question is, which door did the princess chose for the lover?

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I'm sure many have read the story already but still it is amusing to go back and read it again from time to time. It makes you think and analyze what door will the lover choose. What kind of ending will happen.

I'd like to think that this story is the mother of the stories with choose-your-own-ending out there. This kind of stories gives the readers an opportunity to let their imagination soar and transport them to different time and place.

So, if you're the princess, which door will you give the lover?

To read the story, download here.

You Tell Me

Poet: Marra PL. Lanot
Source: "One Hundred Love Poems"
Year Created: 1984
Year Published: 2004
Publisher: The University of the Philippines Press

You Tell Me


You tell me if you had a wife
You wouldn't mind her falling
In love with another, especially
If you left her crying in the night.

You ask me if I want you
To think of no one but me
For you say you'd gladly spend
Your life unraveling a mystery;
Thinking of me, you say,
Is like deciphering a distant star.

And you wouldn't mind
Being used in a poem,
For art you can't refuse.
To err is human
But "human" is no excuse.
To love is natural, the heart
Has its reason, but
The heart is unreasonable
And I am left confused.

So I'd rather cry over him
Than be happy with you;
I'd rather end up
Dreaming and remain a star
You'll always seek and remember
Than sink down and regret
You're like other men
Who make their women cry.


__________________________

Here's a poem of a woman talking to her suitor. As you can see in the first stanza, the suitor tells the persona that it is fine for a wife to fall in love with another man if the husband doesn't make the wife happy anymore. From here, we start to have a glimpse of the character of the suitor.

In the second stanza, the suitor continues to court the persona, offering her more flattery. He compares her to a star, something far and always remains a mystery.

The third stanza tells us of how the woman feels about the man. Certain sayings like "To err is human" and "The heart has its reason" has been used too.

On the last stanza, the woman finally makes a choice. She tells the man that she'd rather cry over someone she loved and lost than spend time with this man who has a sweet tongue. After all, she realized that she might even regret if she would give him a chance because he might be just like other men.

Truly, this poem is a nice composition suitable for ladies who want to get rid of annoying suitors. Perhaps, it's the same reason why Lanot wrote this poem.

The Wedding

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Year Published: 2003

Publisher: Warner Books

Main Characters: Wilson Lewis - a successful estate lawyer married for almost 30 yrs. but finds it hard to be romantic and expressive when it comes to matters of the heart.

Jane - Noah Calhoun's eldest child; an outgoing woman married to Wilson for almost 30 yrs.

Noah Calhoun - Jane's father and protagonist in "The Notebook". He sets a good example when it comes to love to his kids and children-in-law

________________________

Summary

Despite being married for almost thirty years, Wilson Lewis had just realized that he is starting to lose his wife, Jane. As a successful estate lawyer, he was always busy with work and finds little time for his family. And, when his children started to move out and he is left with Jane alone in the house, it dawned on him that they are starting to fall apart. Determined to save their relationship, he struggles to win back her heart. Yet, he's been faced with wonders whether the woman he loves still have the same feelings towards him. One thing's for certain though - he never loved anyone but Jane in his entire life and his feelings for her has grown even deeper through the years. Inspired by the great 50-year love story and affair of his in-laws Noah Calhoun (from The Notebook) and Allie, Wilson is more than ready to transform himself to the husband he should have been and make his wife fall in love with him all over again.

______________________________

After being touched with Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook," prepare your handkerchieves again as this sequel novel "The Wedding" takes you into another tearjerking story of love, faith and renewal.

Like Sparks' earlier novels, this one is also filled with romantic scenes and lines that would surely bring out your "high school girl" attitude again whenever you see your crush. However, I must say that there is improvement in this piece because the lines are not too mushy compared to the author's other works.

The first chapters of the novel will already get you hooked to it till you finish the entire book in just one seating. The element of mystery was sustained enough up to the right chapter. And if you try to guess the whole plot, you might suceed but I'll bet that in certain chapters, you'll definitely doubt if your guess is right.

Other than that, the symbolisms in the novel were crafted well too. The story of the swan, teaches us about faith. While the five concentric hearts in rose blooms tells us of love's labors.

***

Memorable lines from the book

"Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day." - Wilson Lewis

"Marriage is about compromise; it’s about doing something for the other person, even when you don’t want to." - Jane

"The more special something is, the more people seem to take it for granted. It’s like they think it won’t ever change..." -Pastor Harvey Wellington

Sonnet 14

Poet: Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Type: Poetry
Source: "Sonnets from the Portuguese"
Year Published: 1850

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Sonnet 14

If thou must love me, let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only.
Do not say 'I love her for her smile—her look—her way
Of speaking gently,—for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day'—
For these things in themselves, Beloved, may
Be changed, or change for thee,—and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry,—
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!
But love me for love's sake, that evermore
Thou mayst love on, through love's eternity.

______________________________

A classic and one of the commonly used poems in schools. Elizabeth here shows in her verses what true love is really all about.

In the first few lines, the poet tells her beloved to love her not because of her smile or other things that could easily be changed, or might even fade. She even said that those kind of things could be changed to suit the beloved's likeness. Which is why if you understand clearly, it suggests that the beloved, with these reasons, could fall for another girl who could make her smile or look likeable to the beloved.

The next verses, she says that she wishes to be loved for love's reason. That it is great if you love someone because that's how you feel and not because of reasons that could easily be changed. For if this so, then an eternal love is definitely possible.

The Last Leaf

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: O. Henry
Main Characters: Joanna "Johnsy"- the girl who is sick with pneumonia and said that she will die once the last leaf on the ivy vine near her window falls
Sue - Joanna's roommate and also co-painter
Old Behrman - Sue and Joanna's neighbor who lives in the ground floor beneath them; also a painter but earns his living through modeling

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Summary

In the old Greenwich village at Washington, artists live together in apartments. It was November and cold when pneumonia hit the place. Among those who fell victim to the illness is Joanna, a young painter from Maine. Her room mate, Sue, a painter from California, took good care of her and brought her a doctor. However, Joanna pronounced that once the last leaf on the ivy vine outside near her window falls, she too will die. Sue became upset because it seems that Joanna has given up on her life. She doesn't even want to eat anymore. When their neighbor Old Behrman, who was posing as a model for Sue, heard about this, he thought it's insane. Until, Joanna said that it seems the leaf will fall the next morning. But it didn't happen.

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Another one of O. Henry's masterpieces, "The Last Leaf" is a brilliant story written with a clever twist. Imagine, how could a leaf survive the cold November wind. But then, it did in a very witty way.

This story me when some people depend their life's decision on signs. Like Joanna, they seem to be afraid of the future and just give up. Then depend on something and let everything be. A "que sera sera" (whatever will be, will be) attitude.

But, what happened to Joanna and the leaf teaches us life's value. That sometimes we take things for granted and only notice them when it's already too late... When one has already took a huge sacrifice. Thus, we should be appreciative. Be grateful on what we have. Always count the blessings that surround us and look at the sunny side of things.

To have a copy of the story, DOWNLOAD HERE.

An Ex to Grind

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction (Chic Lit.)

Author: Jane Heller

Year Published: 2005

Main Characters: Melanie Banks -financial planner, ex-wife of Dan Swain

Dan Swain - pro football player, ex-husband of Melanie Banks

Evan - attractive painter; neighbor of Melanie

Leah - veterinarian; Dan's girlfriend

Desiree - matchmaker

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Summary

Manhattan financial planner Melanie Banks is pissed off. She has gotten divorced from his pro football player ex-husband Dan "Traffic" Swain but still trapped with him. She needs to share custody of their pet dog Buster. Plus, the alimony that she has to give him every month. It has been so stressing to her especially since her ex-husband doesn't even bother to look for a job and even spends her money recklessly. Because of that, she devised a plot to get rid of the alimony. The loophole in the arrangement which is the cohabitation clause that her husband needs to live with a woman for 90days. She then hired a matchmaker to set up her husband with another woman who happens to be Leah. Dan fell into the plan. In fact, he and Leah fell in love. Leah was able to motivate Dan and bring out good changes in him. Melanie noticed it and started to get caught in her own trap. She is falling in love again with Dan. Now she doesn't know how to clean the mess she just did. Will she pursue the plan or will she go after Dan?

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This novel is very witty and hilarious. You could easily relate to it since the setting is very much taken from the present time.

Jane Heller was successful in showing how a woman could be responsible for the success and downfall of her man. How a woman could do things that man could also do. Yet, she also showed that a woman is still a human being capable of being weak and getting hurt.

I can say that this novel is a perfect after-break-up read to all women out there. the story teaches us about moving on. letting go and taking chances.

***

Memorable lines from the book


"You can’t have a marriage between strangers.” - Melanie Banks


"It isn’t possible to love two women. Not in the same way at the same time." - Evan


"What makes ordinary people heroic is when they give up the thing they want most." - Evan

Angels and Demons

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: Dan Brown
Year Published: 2000
Main Characters: Robert Langdon - a Harvard professor of symbology
Leonardo Vetra - a scientist and priest who works at CERN and
invented antimatter
Vittoria Vetra - a scientist and adopted daughter of Leonardo
Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca - the Papal chamberlain who was
in command when the Pope died
Cardinal Saverio Mortati - eldest cardinal in the conclave
Maximilian Kohler - director of CERN

___________________

Summary

Due to the death of Leonardo Vetra, Robert Langdon was called by CERN's Maximilian Kohler to verify the symbol in the victim's chest. With enough knowledge on symbols, Langdon was surprised to see that the one on the victim's chest is authentic. But, he is still confused as to whether the suspected secret society is really the one responsible for it. After the revelation of some evidence and discovery that the antimatter was missing, it was then that Langdon confirmed that the ancient brotherhood Illuminati must have done the crime. With that, Langdon together with Vittoria was taken to Vatican City where they find themselves helping the Church in stopping the explosion of antimatter and finding the four missing cardinals (Preferiti). As their search continue, a lot of new information on the brotherhood and its symbols are unveiled. And, so many shocking secrets and stories start to unfold too.

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Probably one of the greatest and most controversial books of the century. Dan Brown was more than successful in getting everyone's attention through his novel. The existence of the locations in the story along with some facts captured the readers' interest and made them get hooked to the book. In fact, you'll get so engrossed in reading it that you won't even notice that you have almost reached the end.

The plot is not like those of any other mystery novels. There is a twist in every chapter. And I bet you would never be able to predict the ending unless of course, it's your second time to read the book already.

It is impressive how Brown was able to come up with such fiction. How he was inspired to create a story on the famous places of Vatican. He must really have a very 'illuminated' mind to be able to produce a very bold imagination for the future of the Church, and Science.

***

Memorable lines from the book


“Religion is like language or dress. We gravitate toward the practices with which we were raised. In the end, though, we are all proclaiming the samething. That life has meaning. That we are grateful for the power that created us.” -Vittoria Vetra

"Faith is universal. Our specific methods for understanding it are arbitrary. Some of us pray to Jesus, some of us go to Mecca, some of us study subatomic particles. In the end we are all just searchingfor truth, that which is greater than ourselves." -Vittoria Vetra

“Science tells me God must exist. My mind tells me I will never understand God. And my heart tells me I am not meant to.” -Vittoria Vetra

"You are misguided. A church is more than mortar and stone. You cannot simply erase two thousand years of faith . . . any faith. You cannot crush faith simply by removingits earthly manifestations" - Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca

“Science can heal, or science can kill. It depends on the soul of the man using the science. It is the soul that interests me.” -Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca

Angkan ni Eba

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction

Author: Nonon Villaluz Carandang

Publisher: UST Publishing House

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(review also published in The Varsitarian Vol. LXXVII, No. 6, October 28, 2005 )

WALANG bukod tanging salitang makapaglalarawan sa lahat ng kababaihan. Bagaman madalas ikabit ang mga katagang mayumi, mahinhin, maarte at maganda sa mga ka-baro ni Eba, hindi pa rin sapat ang mga ito upang lubusang ipakilala ang tunay na katuhan ng mga babae.

Sa “Angkan ni Eba,” isang lipon ng mga maiikling kwentong isinulat ni Ernesto Villaluz Carandang II na nagtapos ng Literature sa Unibersidad, masasalamin ang pagiging misteryoso ng mga babae. Umiikot ang tema ng mga kwento sa mga aspeto ng buhay kung saan nagiging kapantay ng mga babae ang mga lalaki. Inihahain ng bawat bida ang mga saloobin ng mga kababaihan sa iba’t ibang sitwasyon, lugar at panahon. Taglay ng bawat kuwento ang iba’t ibang kababaihang may angkin na mga kahanga-hangang pagkatao.

Sa nobeletang “Las Ingratas” matutunghayan ang kuwento ni Clara, isang kakaibang dalagang punung-puno ng hiwaga ang pagkatao. Malalim mag-isip si Clara at lagi rin siyang nag-iisa. Ika nga ni Clara sa isang bahagi ng nobeleta, “Ako ang bahaging nagsusumbong sa kalikasan. Ang nagwawaksi sa kagandahan ng mundo dahil sa aking kapalarang mabuhay nang mag-isa. Nais kong maging butil na muling uusbong sa pagsisimula nang panibagong buhay.”

Subalit nagbago ang lahat nang nanilbihan siya kina Don Miguel at Doña Benilda. Doon sa hacienda ng mag-asawa natagpuan ni Clara ang pag-ibig. Ipinapamalas din ng nobeleta na laging biktima ng mapang-aping lipunan ang kababaihan. Hindi nagbabago ang tingin sa kanila bilang mga taga-aliw, mga pag-aari at mga laruan. Gayunpaman, nagawa pa ring itaas ni Carandang ang imahe ng mga babae sa pamamagitan ng katauhan ng kanyang bidang si Clara.

Binabalanse ni Clara ang kahinaan at katatagan na makikita sa mga tauhang babae sa kwento. Sa unang basa, mapagkakamalang isang karaniwang babae rin lamang si Clara subalit habang patuloy sa pag-usad ang mga pangyayari, unti-unti ring nalalantad ang kanyang pagkatao.

Simula pa lamang, nababalot na ng misteryo ang nobeleta. Laman ng bawat kabanata ang mga pira-pirasong pangyayari sa nakaraan na muling binabalikan ng bida. Masasabing kahanga-hanga ang kakaibang balangkas ng kwento lalo pa at ito ang unang aklat na nailimbag ng may-akda. Binibigyang katarungan ng balangkas ang hindi maipaliwanag na takbo ng utak ng mga kababaihan.

Ipinapakita rin sa ilang bahagi ng nobeleta na sadyang makapangyarihan ang mga babae.

Kakaiba at mahirap basahin ang kanilang pag-iisip kung kaya’t ito ang nagsisilbi nilang sandata laban sa mga tusong kalalakihan. Ang talas ng pag-iisip at lakas ni Clara ang kanyang ginamit upang pabagsakin ang malaking hadlang sa katuparan ng kanyang minimithi.

Katulad din ni Clara ang bida sa maikling kwentong “Soledad”. Isang ordinaryong may-bahay si Soledad na walang ibang ninais kundi ang tratuhin nang maayos ng kanyang asawang itinuturing niyang isang anghel. Pinagbibigyan niya ang lahat ng gusto nito kahit pa nagpapalit anyo bilang halimaw ang anghel na kanyang tinitingala.

Aniya, “Mahal ko ang anghel. Galit ako sa halimaw sa tuwing magbabago ang tingin ng anghel sa akin. Ilang ulit kong iminungkahi sa kanyang hindi ko kaya ang palagiang pagbabago niya sa anyong halimaw. Pero ganoon pa rin, hindi siya lumulubay.”

Hindi nawalan ng pag-asa si Soledad na magbabago pa ang kanyang asawa hanggang sa dumating ang puntong hindi na niya kinaya pa ang kalupitan nito. Nakapagpasya siyang putulin ang sungay ng halimaw na lumalamon sa pagkatao ng kanyang anghel.

Isang gabi nang umuwi ang kanyang asawa, ginawa ni Soledad ang lahat ng gusto nito. Pinagbigyan niya ang kalupitan at sakit na idinudulot ng lalaki. Gayunpaman, nahulog sa bitag ang kanyang asawa. Nalinlang niya ang halimaw at nagawa niyang makatakas matapos tuldukan ang kasamaan nito.

Kapansin-pansin na nagawa pa ring natural at babaeng-babae ang dating ng mga tauhan kahit lalaki ang may-akda ng mga kwento. Nagsisilbing malaking tulong ang detalyadong paglalarawan sa mga kilos at ugali ng mga tauhan.

Sa kabuuan, kahit makikitang mahina ang mga babae sa ilang mga bagay at aspeto ng buhay, nananatili pa rin silang matatag at lumalaban. Hindi dahilan ang pagiging babae ng isang tao upang manatili na lamang itong nakasiksik sa isang tabi. Ang “Angkan ni Eba” ang isang magandang halimbawa ng larawan ng kababaihang bumabangon matapos nitong bumagsak.

The Consolation Prize

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: Ethel M. Dell
Source: The Odds and Other Stories
Year Published: 1922
Main Characters: Earl Wyverton - a rich
man who pursued Phyllis to be his
wife
Phyllis - eldest girl of a clergyman;
works as a private secretary
Molly - younger sister of Phyllis

________________________

Summary

Phyllis was surprised one day when the rich Earl Wyverton asked her hand in marriage. Although she has no feelings for him, she cannot resist his offer due to the living condition of her family. When she told her sister Molly about her engagement to Wyverton, Molly can't help but pity her sister. Molly knows that Phyllis is in love with someone else and that she is only marrying the man for the welfare of the family. She then devised a way to release her sister from Wyverton. She went to the rich man and offered herself in replacement of Phyllis. Molly is far prettier than her sister but Wyverton knows that the girl does not have feelings for her. But instead of turning down the girl, Wyverton took her word and will only take her after six months. When Wyverton returns, he is already a broken man. Will Molly still take him as a husband?

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This story reminds us of how women before were forced to marry rich men just to save the family's finances. This plot is the same. However, the protagonist here, Molly (yes dear, it's Molly), showed great courage by offering herself to marriage. It was very unusual for a woman that time to do such an action. Thus, feminine empowerment is very much visible in this composition. We could notice that female characters here are busy at work to earn for the family.

Anyway, the turning point here is when Molly learned that Wyverton is already broke. Readers then will start speculating whether she will still marry the man since he is no longer wealthy.

I must say that the title was really well fitted to the story. And I liked the way it started and ended. The narration is great especially during the last parts.

If you want to read this story too, click the link below for a copy.

DOWNLOAD The Consolation Prize

Enjoy reading!

l(a

Poet: e.e. cummings
Type: Poetry
Year Published: 1958


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l(a


l(a


le
af


fa
ll
s)

one
l
iness

__________________

There are no rhymes in this poem but as you could see, the form justifies the entire composition. "l(a" talks about being one and alone. The image of a leaf has always used by writers to suggest loneliness and you could very well see it also in this peace. The division of letters or characters also highlights parting.

The Missing Piece

Author: Shel Silverstein
Genre: Children's Books
Type: Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Summary

There was this character, something like a pie that is missing a piece. It set off in a journey to find the piece that would fit him. He traveled far and met different kind of pieces until finally he found his match.

***

"I am not your missing piece. I am nobody's piece. I am my own piece. and even if I was somebody's missing piece, I don't think I'd be yours!"

With those lines above, who would have thought that they actually came from a children's book?

Well, yup they truly are. Shel Silverstein's "The Missing Piece" was created for the young readers. In fact, you could already tell since the book is well illustrated. However, though it was really intended for the young ones, it is still able to convey a message to readers of all ages.

Although classified as a Children's Book, this is one creation perfect not only for kids, kids at heart, but actually for everyone. The illustrations are deceiving but if you read carefully your heart, you'll realize, "Hey, this book is cool. I think I'll keep it coz I'm also looking for a missing piece of me"
Some people who have read this book already said that the story is all about love and finding your match in this world. It's true. But not 100 percent true.

Why? Because it's not just really about finding your one true love.

The Missing Piece here is not just any character like those in fairy tales. Actually it pertains to something else. It maybe "The Right Man", "Perfect Career" or "Happy Family". it could just be anything at all.

So, "The Missing Piece" is generally a symbol of one's dreams and passion. When one finds its missing piece, it will only be the time when he feel contented and fulfilled. But of course, just like in the story, it's a long journey. There will be a lot to meet in the way.

In fact, that's why the book has a sequel. Because the journey doesn't end when you already found happiness. There's a whole lot more.

But I'm not gonna tell you yet. No spoilers for "The Missing Piece Meets the Big O".

Hehehe... Till next review.

Stainless Longganisa

Type: Prose

Genre: Non-fiction

Author: Bob Ong

Year Published: 2005

NARANASAN mo na bang makipagkwentuhan sa libro?

Kung dati-rati ay iniiwasan ng mga mag-aaral ang pagbabasa ng libro, ngayon, mayroon nang mga libro na tila mga kaibigang handang makipagsabayan sa lahat ng 'trip' mo sa buhay, gaya na lang ng Stainless Longganisa.

Panlima sa nailathalang aklat ni Bob Ong, naglalaman ang Stainless Longganisa ng mga kwento, anekdota, at sanaysay na may kaugnayan sa mga napapanahong isyu at mga suliranin sa paligid. ‘Di gaya ng mga ibang lokal na aklat, taliwas sa tradisyunal na pagsusulat ang istilo ng pagkukuwento sa Stainless Longganisa. May halo itong pagpapatawa na para bang nakikipag-usap lang ang mga mambabasa sa isang tambay sa kanto.

Hindi nakapagtataka kung makabago ang aklat na Stainless Longganisa sapagkat kakaiba rin ang mismong sumulat nito. Nakagawian na ni Ong na hindi magbigay ng mga pangunahing detalye tungkol sa kanya at ipinaliwanag niya sa kanyang libro na parte ito ng kanyang pagkatao bilang manunulat.

Nahahati ang aklat sa mga kabanata na kada simula mayroong natatanging pahayag mula sa iba’t ibang maimpluwensiyang tao, libro, at pagtatanghal. Kapansin-pansin na hindi rin ubod nang lalim ang mga salita at hindi rin pormal na wika ang ginamit. Gayunpaman, kapag binasa mo na ito, malamang na hahagalpak ka sa katatawa sa mga salaysay ng may-akda tungkol sa kanyang mga karanasan at mga ideya.

Umiikot ang Stainless Longganisa sa mga usapin hinggil sa pagbabasa, pagsusulat, at pagiging manunulat. Sa mga konseptong iyon, naipahayag ni Ong na bagaman kakaibang trabaho ang pagiging manunulat, iba naman ang karangalang dulot nito sa sariling pagkatao. Tila ba nasa pedestal ang mga manunulat kahit na minamaliit sila ng mga tao.

Sa isang bahagi ng Stainless Longganisa, inilarawan ni Ong ang damdaming nararanasan ng isang manunulat habang ginagawa ang kanyang trabaho. “Hari ka ng mundo habang nagsusulat. Pakiramdam mo may mga nagtitiyagang nakikinig sa mga sinasabi mo. Akala mo nakasalalay sa mga isinusulat mo ang ikot ng mga planeta. Kaya buong ingat mo ring binubuo ang bawat salita.”
Tinalakay din ni Ong ang mga pakikipagsapalaran ng mga manunulat. Isinalaysay ni Ong ang hirap na kanyang dinanas bago nailathala ang kanyang unang aklat.

Aniya, hindi madaling magsulat lalo na kung baguhan ka. Dumarating ang mga panahon na gusto mo nang umatras at talikuran ang iyong nasimulang trabaho subalit hindi mo naman magawa dahil manghihinayang ka rin sa pagod at oras na pinuhunan mo.

Sa huling bahagi ng libro, nagbigay si Ong ng ilang nakakatuwa ngunit kapaki-pakinabang na mga payo para sa mga nangangarap maging manunulat. Binigyang-diin niya ang pagsusumikap upang matupad ang mga pangarap.

“Nangangarap ang tao dahil binigyan s’ya ng Diyos ng kakayanang mangarap at tumupad nito. Tungkulin n’yang pagbutihin ang pagkatao n’ya at mag-ambag ng tulong sa mundo.”Sa kabila ng katatawanang hatid ng “Stainless Longganisa,” nagawa nitong ipahatid ang malinaw na mensaheng may buhay sa pagsusulat. Gayundin, hindi dapat maging tamad at mawalan ng loob ang kabataang nagnanais matupad ang kanilang mga pangarap.

(Also published in The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas -Vol. LXXVII, No. 10; March 15, 2006 )

hi-density

Poet: Lourd de Veyra

Source: "One Hundred Love Poems"

Year Created: 2003

Year Published: 2004

Publisher: The University of the Philippines Press

hi-density

baby tonight I'm trying to watch television and outside the moon

seems to have stopped breathing - a pool of flat radiance and the

only image in my mind is that of the black and white siamese kitty

cat tattooed on the small of your back because I hardly understood

the true nature of cats until you silently tiptoed into my life and I

entered you with the smoothness of hot knife through butter and

smoldering like the tip of a syringe and because the memory of your

skin still haunts me burning more savagely than this moon so boring

the television appears to hum with more life and baby I am sorry I

had met with apathy the concern for your real true siamese kitty cat

because I am in a state of consciousness that receives neither the

eleven o' clock news nor the lunar manifestation of truth and love

and whatever strange music it is hanging outside these unreal windows

and baby I hope you are not thinking it is the cat you keep between

your legs I think about all the time with an egyptian's impious

devotion to bast and baby I hope you are still alive and you too are

watching television this very moment with only the real virtue of

understanding beaming on your ghostly face more beautiful than

moonlight more beautiful than death and imagining what might have

happened had you come over to let that feline tattoo curl up cozily

on my bed tonight baby now I begin to understand the true nature

of absence and hunger in the sudden keening of a cat

_________________

From the famous Lourd de Veyra of Radioactive Sago Project, "hi-density" is a poem that tackles a man's longing for a dead lover. It is almost midnight and despite the hour, he still feels so awake because of his strong imagination working to almost resurrect his beloved.

In the last lines of the poem you will observe that he becomes sensual. Perhaps he is thinking of intimate moments with the woman. And it is confirmed when he wished for the woman to be there watching television too.

Well, I tried hard to retain the form of the poem here but failed (GRRR Blogger!). The form is important because sometimes it also expresses the persona's mood. Now, you should start checking the form of this one. Very continuous and with a slight opening or space in the last line. If you ask me, the poem as a whole, sure does look something else. And, I think it only justifies the poem's sensuality.

For One More Day

Type: Novel
Genre: Non-Fiction
Author: Mitch Albom
Main Characters: Charley "Chick" Benetto (protagonist)
Pauline "Posey" Benetto (Chick's mother)
Leonard "Len" Benetto (Chick's father)
Catherine Benetto (Chick's wife)
Maria Benetto-Lang (Chick's daughter)
Year Published: 2006

_____________________


Summary:


Charley "Chick" Benetto was a baseball player who decided to commit suicide realizing that his life has become a trash. His mother died when he was out fullfilling a baseball endeavor for his father. His daughter disregarded him and didn't invite him to her wedding. His marriage is going nowhere. His work has become his own pandemonium. Fortunately, despite his attempt to kill himself through a 'car accident', he was still alive. However, the next events that occurred were inexplicable. He gained consciousness but saw his dead mother. Not only that, he gets to spend another day with her too. Thus, this day also makes him understand some events in his life.


______________________

"If you had the chance, just one chance, to go back and fix what you did wrong in life, would you take it?"

This was the teaser at the back cover of Mitch Albom's "For One More Day". A book about second chances and definitely, life's value.

Like the author's previous novels, this one also has the power to touch your hearts and make you cry. Why not? A mother's unconditional love for her son. The son's regrets over his life. A person getting tired on his life. All can relate, for it's everyone's story too.

Unlike the usual plots for a novel, the book was divided into four main chapters (excluding the Introduction and Epilogue). Midnight. Morning. Noon, and Night. Perfect division since they truly suit and justify the title of the book. Also, there are pages that fall under two divisons: "Times I Did Not Stand Up for My Mother" and "Times My Mother Stood Up for Me", which contain the protagonist's memories of his Mom.

Chick's experiences and his mom's struggle on life will move you despite yourself. if you have been tired of your life, this book will give you hesitations now in case you are planning on suicide too. Though if you are not, still "For One More Day" is a good aid for your weariness. It will help you start looking at life on a different angle.

What does this book have? Well, from the very start of the story, you'll already wonder where the narrator will lead you. Is it a ghost story? Or, will it end as a dream? Truly, you will get hooked to it until you don't notice that you've already read almost the entire book. The charm of the author's words and heart-smashing autobiographical experiences will lure you to finish the story in one sitting.

***

Memorable Lines from the book:


* "Kids chase the love that eludes them" (Chick Benetto)

* "An education is how you'll make something of yourself" (Posey Benetto)

* "All divorce does is divert you, taking you away from everything you thought you knew and everything you thought you wanted..." (Chick Benetto)

* "When someone is in your heart, they're never truly gone. They can come back to you even at unlikely times. " (Posey Benetto)

* "Sticking with your family is what makes it a family" (Posey Benetto)

Tonight I Can Write

Genre: Poetry
Author: Pablo Neruda
Translator: C.S. Merwin
Source: "Veinte poemas de amor y una cancion desesperada" (Twenty Poems and a Song of Despair)
Year Published: 1924

Tonight I Can write

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.

Write, for example,'The night is shattered
and the blue stars shiver in the distance.'

The night wind revolves in the sky and sings.

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.

Through nights like this one I held her in my arms
I kissed her again and again under the endless sky.

She loved me sometimes, and I loved her too.
How could one not have loved her great still eyes.

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
To think that I do not have her. To feel that I have lost her.

To hear the immense night, still more immense without her.
And the verse falls to the soul like dew to the pasture.

What does it matter that my love could not keep her.
The night is shattered and she is not with me.

This is all. In the distance someone is singing. In the distance.
My soul is not satisfied that it has lost her.

My sight searches for her as though to go to her.
My heart looks for her, and she is not with me.

The same night whitening the same trees.
We, of that time, are no longer the same.

I no longer love her, that's certain, but how I loved her.
My voice tried to find the wind to touch her hearing.

Another's. She will be another's. Like my kisses before.
Her voice. Her bright body. Her inifinite eyes.

I no longer love her, that's certain, but maybe I love her.
Love is so short, forgetting is so long.

Because through nights like this one I held her in my arms
my soul is not satisfied that it has lost her.

Though this be the last pain that she makes me suffer
and these the last verses that I write for her.
____________________________________________________

This is a very sad poem of a man for his beloved. The poet here expresses his sorrow now that woman he loves will be getting married. Look at the 12th and 14th stanzas. They give us a hint there that the woman will now be leading a new life. A life without him.

The line "Love is so short, forgetting is so long" suggests that the persona doesn't seem to be satisfied with the time they had with one another. And that even if love between them has finally vanished, the memories of their moments together shall continue haunting him. Reminding him of a precious love he lost.

At the end, the persona then decides that the poem will be the last one dedicated to his beloved. And also, it shall be the last time he'll hurt because of her.

Thus, this makes the poem a highly recommended piece for those who are "emo" and those who still suffer the loss of a loved one but want to go on already.

An Appointment with Love

Genre: Short Story
Source: "Heart to Heart Stories of Love"
Main Characters: Lieutenant Blandford
Hollis Meynell


Written by S.I. Kishor, "An Appointment with Love" is a short story that measures one's sincerity when it comes to loving a person. It shows us that love is truly beyond what the eyes can see.

The narrative centers on a World War II soldier who is about to finally meet the woman who captured his heart. He knows her name but he doesn't know her face. It was just a love that blossomed from an exchange of letters for thirteen months. Now that he's finally going to meet her, will he still be able to profess his love? No matter how she looks?

Well, this short story is truly a keeper. Although the style of courtship here between the lovers is quite outdated already, I think those who have textmates or chatmates could still relate to this one.



You can find this story in a book titled "Heart to Heart Stories of Love". There are lots of short stories there compiled and edited by Joe Wheeler.

Anyway, in case you want to read the story, I also have a copy here. Just click the link.

DOWNLOAD An Appointment with Love

Have a great read!

The Shelf

Hello Blogosphere!

It's me. Her Maldita-ness.

Welcome to my new blog. I hope you enjoy this one as much as you enjoy my other blog.

Well, this blog is mostly about literature and movies. But don't get me wrong. This won't be as boring as what you assume. Why?

One reason is that, this could be a lot of help to students out there who are making papers. And also a guide to those who want to read a certain book or watch a certain film.

Another reason is that, I am giving away some freebies every month too.

Now that's something to look forward to, right?

So spread the word. Her Maldita-ness' Shelf is now ONLINE.

See you on the next post :)