Wednesday, December 13, 2017

TBBTRAVELS: TOKYO, JAPAN 2017.


Helloooooooo, guys!! I haven't blogged in forever lol and it feels like I don't know how to do it anymore. I have been quite busy last month because my mom was hospitalized, I left my job (YESSSSS!!! GOODBYE FUCKING HELLHOLE!) and I traveled! It was my first out of the country trip and it was so surreal I still have hungover. It wasn't the best trip (oh God, don't get me started) but it was definitely one for the books!


We booked our flights (connecting) October of 2016 so we had a year to prep-up. The visa application wasn't hard at all (thank God) unlike what I heard from other people. Tokyo blew my mind away. It was everything and so much more! Though I wasn't able to go to places I really wanted to visit like Tokyo Library, Gundam Base and Gundam Cafe among others, the experience was still so fucking amazing I feel like I'm still floating!

Diver City, Odaiba
The streets are clean, air is script and scented, everywhere is safe, food is amazing and it was basically like the country I wanna migrate to! HAHA! Seriously, people are soooo disciplined that when I went back here I was always cursing because people are unbelievable annoying here! The shops are all organized and Japanese people are hands down kind! I WANNA TELEPORT BACK THERE NOWWWWW! What amazed me most is the train system and how people line up all the time, plus the fact that you won't have any other choice but to walk! I've never really loved walking that much but Japan made me look forward to doing it every single day.

The garden near Tokyo Tower.
Korakuen Gardens
The leaves are glowing!
My friends and I stayed in Book Tea Bed in Azabu-Juban and the capsule hotel has bookish interior so imagine me squealing when I saw it! Books are in Japanese mostly and the English ones are classics! It was a nice place to rest after a day of walking and sight-seeing! I was also able to visit a few book stores and would try to share in another post!


I have around 300 pics and 15 vids but I won't post them all here. I decided to make a 14-minute video though because I know I won't be able to do Japan justice! But you should go and visit Japan, it's absolutely one of the countries to tick off on your Bucket List!


Have you been to Japan? How was it?
 

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

POP FICTION BLOG TOUR REVIEW: THE CONSPIRATION OF THE UNIVERSE BY KENNETH OLANDAY.


Title: The Conspiration of the Universe
Author: Kenneth Olanday
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: 2017 by Cloak Pop Fiction (Summit Books)
Source: Finished copy provided by the publisher
Pages: 241
Genre: Romance, Magical Realism (?), Fantasy, Contemporary

Synopsis:
Luke believes in a quote by his favorite author -- that is you want something so bad, the universe will conspire to help you get it.

Luke must have wanted to find love so much that Eureka, the heroine of his favorite book, comes to life and falls in love with him.

There is just one catch: once Eureka reaches the end of her book's storylike in the real world, then her story with Luke will end, too.

Will the universe conspire to help the star-crossed lovers find true happiness with each other?

One thing is for sure, Luke will do everything he can to keep Eureka forever.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:
LOCAL BOOK STORES


I just finished reading my second Pop Fiction book. My first was Karmic Hearts that unfortunately, I didn't enjoy at all. Texts were confusing, typos were all over the book and it was honestly a hard one to read. Though reading The Conspiration of the Universe felt as if it was still a draft manuscript instead of the finished copy, I enjoyed it well enough to land three stars.

If you have read Literally by Lucy Keating (and loved it), this one's for you. Eureka is a character in Luke's favorite book. She appeared in Luke's life just right in the middle of his heartbreak. It's as if universe conspired for Luke to fall in love again. They were happy but you know how it goes, once the book ends, so as Eureka's story in real life.

A scene in TFIOS had a cameo, too. The part were Hazel and Augustus went to meet the author of the book and confronted him about the ending, the characters and a sequel. This made me deduct two stars from my rating because apart from being super similar to Literally, I wasn't expecting another kinda dupe scene to pop-up. I was enjoying it despite the similarities because I thought that the spin of the story would be somehow unique and I would see the author's print in it but I didn't. Would have been a superb one if the story was you know, owned. I am not saying that this book copied Literally (it might have been written prior to Literally) but the similarities are so uncanny and I didn't experience 'discovering' new things in this book. It felt flat at times and aside from the typos and cliches, it wasn't the book I could say gripping or mind-blowing or anything that would stick for a while.

Matt's short story made me absolutely giddy though. He's a side character that I would love to see more from and by the end of the book, I was given a few pages from his point of view. He's absurd at times but definitely a friend you would love to have.

The Conspiration of the Universe is a story I enjoyed. I may have had some issues with it but seeing Luke and Eureka happy made the reading journey worth it.

Thank you for the review copy and for having me, Summit Books!

"Every day we had to make a choice. Most of the time, the effect of our choices would be so small that we'd forget about it. But sometimes, it would be so big that you'd never forget it for the rest of your life."
"Isn't love like a ground wire?"

Check out the participating blogs for reviews:

Friday, October 27, 2017

DEWEY'S READATHON REVIEW: SONGS TO GET OVER YOU BY JAY E TRIA.


Title: Songs to Get Over You
Author: Jay E. Tria
Series: Playlist #2
Edition: Paperback
Publication: August 22nd 2015
Source: Bought from the author
Pages: 149
Genre: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
It's harder to get over someone who was never really yours.

They say rock stars get all the girls. But Miki knows that's not always true. He, for one, though the guitarist of popular indie band Trainman, just can't seem to get the girl. It's kind of his fault, really. No one told him to fall in love with Jill. No one told him to stand still and watch as she moved on from a terrible breakup into the arms of another guy—a Japanese celebrity with the face of an angel and the body of a god.

So when someone else comes along, someone who finds him cute, smart, and funny (sometimes in the haha sort of way), will Miki finally move on? Or will he continue to pine for Jill?


PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

I will just make this one quick, go read my review of Book 1 here. Now, you've basically heard of Miki the wallflower best friend, right? Well, this book is about HIM and how he handled... everything! I MEAN, I COULDN'T EVEN TELL YOU HOW MUCH FEELS THERE IS IN THIS BOOK. SO SO MUCH!! Yes, I am incoherent because I WAS ONCE *THAT* BEST FRIEND HUHUH SO FORGIVE ME IF THIS WON'T MAKE SENSE - BUT I AM TELLING YOU NOW, GET THIS BOOK!

I wish I read it sooner than later, it could have saved me from being lonely when I was in *THAT* best friend-ish situation. HAHAHAHUHUHU

TRIA IS JUST SO AMAZING IN WRITING ABOUT HOW LOVE CAN RUIN, BUILD, OR BLOOM A FRIENDSHIP. AND SONGS TO GET OVER YOU WILL PROVE THAT SOMETIMES, YOU JUST SHOULDN'T CROSS THAT FINE LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP ANYMORE. THAT SOMETIMES, IT'S BEST TO JUST BE A FRIEND. I DON'T KNOW, IT HURT HAHAHAHA

"Maybe it's the kind of love that you get used to, because it's there. Not the kind of love you need."

Thursday, October 26, 2017

DEWEY'S READATHON REVIEW: SONGS OF OUR BREAKUP BY JAY E TRIA.


Title: Songs of Our Breakup
Author: Jay E. Tria
Series: Playlist #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: August 22nd 2015
Source: Bought from the author
Pages: 145
Genre: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
Every breakup has its playlist.

How do you get over a seven-year relationship? 21-year-old Jill is trying to find out. But moving on is a harder job when Kim, her ex-boyfriend, is the lead guitarist of the band, and Jill is the vocalist. Every song they play together feels like slicing open a barely healed tattoo.

Jill’s best friend Miki says she will be out of this gloom soon. Breakups have a probation period, he says. Jill is on the last month of hers and Miki is patiently keeping her company.

But the real silver lining is Shinta. Having a hot Japanese actor friend in times like these is a welcome distraction. This gorgeous celebrity has been defying time zones and distance through the years to be there for Jill. Now he is here, physically present, and together he and Jill go through old lyrics, vivid memories, walks in the rain, and bottles of beer. Together they try to answer the question: what do you do when forever ends?

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

Songs of Our Breakup is an easy 5-star read. Its unique take on tropes, superb writing style, subtle love triangle, devastating heartbreak and amazing music are elements I loved tremendously. It also right away captured me because I have a thing for singing, I used to jam and mostly have guy friends. You can easily see yourself flipping through the pages with passion because the story is that amazing. Plus, Tria did mention Mobile Suit once so SOLD!

Can we also talk about the height of the characters in this story, please? Tria and I stand tall (5'8"-ish) and I AM SUPER THRILLED TO ENCOUNTER GROUP OF FRIENDS WHO ARE ALMOST THE SAME HEIGHT BECAUSE HELL YESSSSSS THAT IS ME IN THERE, ALRIGHT?! THANK YOU, TRIA, FOR REPRESENTING US TALL PEOPLE. IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME.

I was straight rooting for Shinta. Aside from his jaw dropping looks, I loved his values. He's thoughtful, respectful and he's the kind of guy worth waiting for. Not sure if my ship will sail but I hope it would (though I still have 2 books to read so I don't really know what's gonna happen). Miki on the other hand is the best friend you can always rely on. The love triangle was put in there in the subtlest way and to be honest, I didn't see it if it weren't for Nico and Son's convo. Yeah, I am that dense. Miki's like, a wallflower in Jill's life. He's so scared to come fight for Jill because he doesn't wanna gamble it -- he can't lose his best friend -- which is a thing I am all too familiar with. FAAAAAK!!! SO MUCH FEELSSSSS!

The breakup between Jill and Kim (seven years together!) was a nasty one. But Jill handled it professionally for the sake of their band. I WAS LIKE, GURRRRL, HOW DO YOU DO IT? When they talked and legit shook on it, it was the most painful part because how could you not hurt by officially saying goodbye to the person you literally grew up with? I wish they worked on their differences instead of separating but Kim is absolutely right at one thing, some things just don't work anymore. OUUUUUUCHHHHHH. Tria, get it together!!! You are breaking me apart!

Lastly, the songs reflect the character's emotions in such a hardcore level I cannot even explain. The depth just hits the heart. I wanna hear these songs and wallow in my misery. DAMN, SOMEONE PICK UP THE PIECES OF MY SHATTERED HEART, PLEASE.

A story of moving on and living life one day at time, Songs of Our Breakup gives another level of meaning to forever. YOU NEED THIS BOOK YESTERDAY!!!!!

"She had grown up with this boy, shared B-sides, long nights, test answers, pajamas, and shawarma with him, a collection of things and moments that changed them both...Jill still knew the face, but no longer the boy behind it."

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

DEWEY'S READATHON REVIEW: THE ART OF SHIFTING GEARS BY CHI YU RODRIGUEZ.


Title: The Art of Shifting Gears
Author: Chi Yu Rodriguez
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: April 2017 by Anvil Publishing
Source: Copy provided by the publisher
Pages: 120
Genre: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
Rae de los Santos was en route to a perfect adult life. She knew what to major in, she knew what career path she was going to pursue, and she knew who she was going to be with all the way to the realization of her dreams—until her seamless journey made a turn for the unimaginable and skidded to a stop.

All of a sudden she was facing every roadblock possible, and the people she held dear ended up running over her heart.

For a year, she distracted herself with hot lead and burnt rubber, using karting as a lifeline until she was strong enough to face the world that shunned her.

But during Rae’s junior year in college, she was again blindsided by signs that weren’t supposed to be there. Will Rae go full speed ahead? Or will the seduction of the past slow her down?

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

The Art of Shifting Gears is another #romanceclass book that I enjoyed! I think this is the first book in the history of MY ever that I met a racer/mechanic female protagonist! Though our Rae is set to become a teacher, her hobbies and abilities are not limited to it and that's a character arc I've tremendously loved.

I was just a little bit - for the lack of a better term - unsatisfied. The story happened within a year and it left so many questions unanswered. Not sure if it was intentional to keep the readers imagining. As a reader however, I would like to have an understanding of what have happened in the past in order to have better judgement. But I was left guessing the following:

a) What really happened to Tessa, Rae and Mike? (Like, I get the gist but shouldn't there be more to it)
b) When did the parents pass? Money started to become an issue? (From the looks of it, yes. But it also sounded that they're well-off in the beginning, so what happened?)
c) What Jason supposed to be an LI as well?
d) Where is the follow-up on the racing encounter with Mike?
e) How did Rae end up with Jason when there is really no chemistry? Wait, what? REALLY?
f) What's the podcast for, to be honest?

and more. The fluidity of the story wasn't as smooth as I expected, it really felt like half of the story is missing and tropes that were mixed up just didn't work well together. But what I loved most are family dynamics, diversity and the rawness of life struggles. I want more racing, I want more car scenes and I want more girl power.

The Art of Shifting Gears is 5% cars, 50% life problems and 45% boy drama. But banters are to look forward to. The story has so much potential but needs a little bit polishing in my opinion. Would have been a lot better if 'sub-scenes' (or back story) have follow-ups and if prose didn't just jump over one another.

Thank you, Anvil Publishing, for the review copy!

"When things left unsaid and emotions left unexpressed have been stewing for so long, they become dense. They weigh a person down, the grime of pain sticks to their skin, forms a permanent lump in their throats that keep them from breathing normally ever again."

Sunday, October 22, 2017

DEWEY'S READATHON REVIEW: THE SUN AND HER FLOWERS BY RUPI KAUR.


Title: The Sun and Her Flowers
Author: Rupi Kaur
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: October 3rd 2017 by Andrews McMeel Publishing
Source: Bought from National Bookstore
Pages: 249 pages
Genre: Poetry

Synopsis:

From Rupi Kaur, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of milk and honey, comes her long-awaited second collection of poetry. A vibrant and transcendent journey about growth and healing. Ancestry and honoring one’s roots. Expatriation and rising up to find a home within yourself.

Divided into five chapters and illustrated by Kaur, the sun and her flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. A celebration of love in all its forms.

this is the recipe of life
said my mother
as she held me in her arms as i wept
think of those flowers you plant
in the garden each year
they will teach you
that people too
must wilt
fall
root
rise
in order to bloom

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:


Trigger Warning - Rape

The Sun and Her Flowers is my first Rupi Kaur book, I must say that I enjoyed and connected to it the most part. The verses bring awareness to issues people would normally ignore and some had hit home. Most of my fave parts left me uttering what-the-fucks because of how real and strong they were.

However, it was a little bit of a let down. Maybe because of my high-expectations brought by the hype. A lot of the verses or topics confused me. What also weirded me out is that the book is chopped in to 5 chapters but some entries do not feel like they were in the correct chapter? Most of my feelings jumped between the previous chapters and the verse I was at. Also, a chunk of it bore me. To death. The illustration also wasn't my cup of tea.

The Sun and Her Flowers is an okay read. I loved the cover and I liked it enough to rate it 3 stars. I will definitely pick up Milk and Honey, there might be more feels in there.

"it isn't what we left behind
that breaks me
it's what we could've built
Had we stayed"

Saturday, October 21, 2017

DEWEY'S 24-HOUR READATHON 2017.


I am so thrilled to participate in the Dewey's 24-hour Readathon this year! I've always wanted to join but I have too many excuses in the past but today, I summoned all my courage and signed-up! This year is the first time I will join so I am a little bit ambitious, the books I decided to read are just around 150 pages each or less and these should be easy reads. That is if I could keep up with stay up all night. Here they are:



The stack above (except Kaur's) are all from Filipino Authors (so technically, all books are diverse). I have 7 books with a total of 1096 pages. I should be able to finish them all in one day but knowing how easily I could fall asleep, I dunno how much I could get done. So let's see how I go! Can't wait!!

Are you also participating in this year's readathon? What are you planning to read?

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

REVIEW: THE MAPS THAT CONTAIN US BY MARLA MINIANO.

Title: The Maps That Contain Us
Authors: Marla Miniano, Reese Lansangan
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: September 2017 by Summit Books
Source: Bought from National Bookstore
Pages: 99
Genre: Poetry

Synopsis:
What are the places that have transformed you? What are the cities you’ll never forget? What are the paths that will forever mark your soul?

In creating their new book of poetry and flash fiction, The Maps That Contain Us, bestselling author Marla Miniano and singer/songwriter Reese Lansangan write about the restless, unforgettable migrations of their spirits. From Ann Siang Road in Singapore to Matnog in Sorsogon, from Amsterdam to Tokyo to Hawaii, they explore love, loss, life, and loneliness in this collection, hoping to finally find their place in this world.

LOCATE THE BOOK HERE:
National Bookstore ▴ BookSale Store ▴ Fullybooked

"Guard your heart, the blues and the purples of it,
close it and lock it and slode the key under
the threadbare carpet for now. Don't worry,
you will find it when you need to. It can
wait. Close your heart, love, but open
your mouth to speak just before you leave--
not to say goodbye, but to tell him you're done
breaking. There are only pinks and golds
in your horizon, and even indelible ink
washes off in time, fades out the way voices
in the night do. And when he laughs
and tells you to save it for yourself, don't
allow yourself to shut down. Even when
he says it again and again: save it for yourself.
Save it for yourself. Run a hand over your face,
everything is in place, remember,
tear your eyes away from his mouth, still
moving, trace a path to the front door, and
save yourself. --MM"

The first time I heard of this book on Twitter, I knew I had to get it. I just knew. The gut-feeling that it's something I would enjoy was just there, flickering. You know that saying about trusting your gut? Damn son, my gut was right because I LOVED THIS!

As a frustrated artist, I admire prints that are done in watercolor. The Maps That Contain Us has these illustrations on the cover that are catchy and pretty much sold me the book. I cannot tell you how much I adore the cover alone! It showcases the talent of the illustrator and it gets you intrigued by just one look. Not only that, the illustrations inside are all gallery worthy I wanna frame them all and hang them on my wall so when I look at them, I will be reminded of how beautiful this book is.

Such a tiny book but is full-packed with the things that make your heart ache. The loss and longing in this book are all so deep I can't help contemplate about such sensitive topics in my life. That raw pain in there was just so strong I am at a loss for words. There's nothing more painful than knowing the story behind an art and this little book is surprisingly such a beautiful outlet of the said pain. The prose was alluring and it felt like - *snaps fingers* - a comfort and reassurance that every thing is going to be okay. You know when you also get that sentimental feeling that when you go to a certain place, you associate it with a memory? This book is THAT, exactly and it is beyond beautiful.

The Maps that Contain Us has impacted me in ways I didn't anticipate. It speaks to me. I loved the prose, writing style combinations, illustrations and cover. This book is written from the soul, a masterpiece that mirrors the heart, sorrow and all.

"I keep coming back
Not because I love you best
But I had you first -RL"
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