kgraham10's review against another edition
2.0
I think there was an interesting story but it was buried under the verbal gymnastics (think weak version of Salman Rushdie's puns and glibness).
joef3l's review
5.0
Bibliolepsy is a raw, stirring, fragile and it has a whirlwind romance that glitches everything in between. This book is full of references, surprises, metaphor, and all of them we’re effective and amusing to read. I knew I would love this because of my obsession with books.
In this 200 pages, Gina Apostol creates this atmosphere that the book doesn’t need to be lengthy nor to be short. This book takes you into a sad, sexy, truth, ambiguities world of books and how our life unified to it. The addiction, the obsession that comes from a reading to craving stories that will fuel our passion and curiosities, this book speaks all of it and most of them we’re really relatable. This is a Filipino classic novel that is first time available in the US but still the approach was engagingly timely.
Aside from its smart storytelling, there were so many funny lines and common basis in Filipino culture, such as the name Viernes and Sabado (Friday and Saturday). It was also mentioned about the advertisement of products labeled as Brand X, which is still a common and big thing in the current Pinoy ads.
Bibliolepsy, a vital work of art that truly belongs to every reader, wherever they are.
In this 200 pages, Gina Apostol creates this atmosphere that the book doesn’t need to be lengthy nor to be short. This book takes you into a sad, sexy, truth, ambiguities world of books and how our life unified to it. The addiction, the obsession that comes from a reading to craving stories that will fuel our passion and curiosities, this book speaks all of it and most of them we’re really relatable. This is a Filipino classic novel that is first time available in the US but still the approach was engagingly timely.
Aside from its smart storytelling, there were so many funny lines and common basis in Filipino culture, such as the name Viernes and Sabado (Friday and Saturday). It was also mentioned about the advertisement of products labeled as Brand X, which is still a common and big thing in the current Pinoy ads.
Bibliolepsy, a vital work of art that truly belongs to every reader, wherever they are.
juniperbranches's review
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
mtomchek's review
3.25
"I read therefore I am. That was enough for one human being."
"Readers are an optimistic lot. There is always the next time, and the possibility of deeper, undivided attention - the book that's worth your while. But what is it we seek?"
An interesting read, indeed. Written in 1997, by Gina Apostol during the downfall of the brutal Marcos regime in the Philippines, taking place during his reign in the 80s from the perspective of a girl named Primi. Her early childhood, rebellious teenage years, and passion-driven young adulthood reveal the power books and words have had on her.
It was intriguing to learn about the culture and history of the Philippines. We, as readers, endured the journey of the rebellion with Primi through her attempts to understand the world through words and poets. In the midst of political turmoil, she is reading, deep in books, unaware of what is actually happening around her. Still asking myself 'what is a bibliolept?' I feel as though I am one and can relate with Primi and her obsession with books and authors.
"Readers are an optimistic lot. There is always the next time, and the possibility of deeper, undivided attention - the book that's worth your while. But what is it we seek?"
An interesting read, indeed. Written in 1997, by Gina Apostol during the downfall of the brutal Marcos regime in the Philippines, taking place during his reign in the 80s from the perspective of a girl named Primi. Her early childhood, rebellious teenage years, and passion-driven young adulthood reveal the power books and words have had on her.
It was intriguing to learn about the culture and history of the Philippines. We, as readers, endured the journey of the rebellion with Primi through her attempts to understand the world through words and poets. In the midst of political turmoil, she is reading, deep in books, unaware of what is actually happening around her. Still asking myself 'what is a bibliolept?' I feel as though I am one and can relate with Primi and her obsession with books and authors.
grise's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
mymyfrog's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
greatlibraryofalexandra's review against another edition
5.0
Written in 1997, about a young woman in the 1980s living during the downfall of the brutal Marcos regime in the Philippines, Apostol’ as book first became available in the US in 2020.
And we are both HONORED & BLESSED.
This novella is a 200 page masterpiece homage to books and the women who love them. It follows Primi as she escapes the chaos of her country into literature, and as she collects sexual exploits with male writers along the day. It’s a love letter to the bookish, library obsessed best of us, vindicating the literary love we have, awash in prose both powerful and vindictive.
Obsessed with the magic of these pages. It’s like being defined by someone who understands your soul despite being from a completely different culture lack ground and social upbringing - all because BOOKS have the power to make that link.
Bibliolept is a made up word, but it’s the most relatable one I’ve ever found, and now it’s engraved on my soul.
“A bibliolept is burdened by all the stories she reads, by other people’s poems in her head. Dead people’s words are in her like blood and bile.” (pg. 99).
This book is raw, fanciful, gorgeous, emotionally violent, and soothing all at once. It’s also a glimpse into the tumult of revolution when experienced by a citizen desiring only to live in the peace in privilege afforded to colonial oppressors.
That’s a LOT for 200 pages.
“My bookshelf is filled with evidence of my sudden fancies and the stupid eclectic objects of my lust.” (pg. 137).
Have I convinced you to read this little gem yet, fellow bibliolepts? 5 stars, in case there was any confusion.
READ THIS - for fans of Vladimir and Gilmore Girls and Inkheart and and media that centers literature - it transcends boundaries, I promise. “Bibliolepsy” is THE hot girl book.
And we are both HONORED & BLESSED.
This novella is a 200 page masterpiece homage to books and the women who love them. It follows Primi as she escapes the chaos of her country into literature, and as she collects sexual exploits with male writers along the day. It’s a love letter to the bookish, library obsessed best of us, vindicating the literary love we have, awash in prose both powerful and vindictive.
Obsessed with the magic of these pages. It’s like being defined by someone who understands your soul despite being from a completely different culture lack ground and social upbringing - all because BOOKS have the power to make that link.
Bibliolept is a made up word, but it’s the most relatable one I’ve ever found, and now it’s engraved on my soul.
“A bibliolept is burdened by all the stories she reads, by other people’s poems in her head. Dead people’s words are in her like blood and bile.” (pg. 99).
This book is raw, fanciful, gorgeous, emotionally violent, and soothing all at once. It’s also a glimpse into the tumult of revolution when experienced by a citizen desiring only to live in the peace in privilege afforded to colonial oppressors.
That’s a LOT for 200 pages.
“My bookshelf is filled with evidence of my sudden fancies and the stupid eclectic objects of my lust.” (pg. 137).
Have I convinced you to read this little gem yet, fellow bibliolepts? 5 stars, in case there was any confusion.
READ THIS - for fans of Vladimir and Gilmore Girls and Inkheart and and media that centers literature - it transcends boundaries, I promise. “Bibliolepsy” is THE hot girl book.
hanaspages's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
mayasophia's review
2.0
There were times when the writing really hit its stride and I enjoyed certain observations that were made about books and readers, but overall, I felt like the writing was convoluted and could have used some editing. I am aware that this was originally published in 1997 and I do think there are parts that did not age well at all. There's a scene where the protagonist is talking about having sex with a fat man and it is... fatphobic and offensive to say the very least. There are some interesting things to be learned about Filipino history in here, but if you're looking for a book that specifically appreciates books and readers, there are plenty of others that are better written and have a more likable protagonist.