Author: Mina Deocareza
‘Rich People Problems’ By Kevin Kwan [Book Review]
I was so excited to read this book since I really enjoyed “Crazy Rich Asians” and “China Rich Girlfriend.” And while I can say that this one’s still a fun read, I have to be honest that I also have some issues with it. I think these issues begin with my observation that the plot
‘Freedom’ By Jonathan Franzen [Book]
Rigid characters are boring. I personally believe that even saints can be bad in the same way that villains can possess redeeming and even likable traits. This is, perhaps, why I have always been fascinated with literary works with realistically flawed characters. And yes, Jonathan Franzen’s “Freedom” is one of them. The novel revolves around
‘Sputnik Sweetheart’ By Haruki Murakami [Book Review]
A friend of mine just told me how pissed she was upon reaching the end of this novel. Another friend, on the other hand, said that she appreciated how realistic it was. She thought it was the most logical thing to happen, given the circumstances of the characters. And here I am, still left with
‘Everything I Never Told You’ By Celeste Ng [Book Review]
It all begins with Lydia’s death. One morning, her family members just realize she’s gone. They call the police, and before they know it, the search for her begins. Yet, to their surprise, Lydia’s body is found at the bottom of the lake near their house. Someone’s behind her death, her mom is convinced. Even
‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in Night-Time’ by Mark Haddon [Book Review]
This is not your ordinary detective novel. The story begins when a dog called Wellington gets killed one night. Christopher, the protagonist, is about to say hi to his neighbor’s pet but to his surprise, the dog’s already dead. Someone has just stabbed him with a garden fork. Then, his adventure begins. After the incident,
‘The Fault In Our Stars’ by John Green [Book Review]
I agree with Hazel Lancaster when she said: The world is not a wish-granting factory. In many stories, cancer patients are depicted as weak individuals who just depend on other people’s pity. I am aware, too, that in many stories, cancer patients experience miracles no matter what, no matter how improbable it is in their
‘Kafka On The Shore’ By Haruki Murakami [Book Review]
If you are the kind of person who wants to know everything—as in every little detail of all the things—this book may not be for you. In this novel, there is more to knowing facts and being familiar with every aspect of them. Here, there are some things that are better left unsaid. Yet, that
‘No One Belongs Here More Than You’ By Miranda July [Book Review]
I have always known that it’s wrong to judge a book by its cover. I myself almost committed the same mistake with this book, though. I did not even check it out when I first saw a copy of it at Fully Booked, thinking its cover was so boring and that it would probably be
‘The Financial Lives Of The Poets’ By Jess Walter [Book Review]
Written by Jess Walter, “The Financial Lives of the Poets” tells the story of Matthew, who quit his job as a reporter so he can pursue his long-time dream — to write verses about money matters. Things don’t go well for him, unfortunately, and he is suddenly faced with debts. He is also about to
‘Room’ By Emma Donoghue [Book Review]
“Room” tells the story of Ma and Jack. At first, things seem normal. They stay in a room, so what? Yet, subtle details imply, little by little, that there’s actually something wrong with the whole setup. Why let Jack sleep inside the wardrobe, in the first place? Also, isn’t it strange that Old Nick, another