kristina_ligaya's reviews
15 reviews
The Good Son by You-Jeong Jeong
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, Death, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, and Violence
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Normal People by Sally Rooney
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I re-read this book since my last time reading this was when I was still in 7th grade, which is very long time ago. I just would like to refresh my memory of Harry’s story. While reading this book, I still remember some bits of them.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This book made me cry because I felt bad for women who had to suffer unfair treatment from society— men in particular, in silence. The reality was too much for me to handle. However, I still went on and read it because I know I would learn something from this book.
What scares me the most is that I might have encountered unfair treatment in school and in my own household, it is just that I have never noticed it because it has been normalized.
As a woman who have read this book, I learned that:
- I should not feel pressured into marrying someone hastily
- I should not feel pressured into bearing and carrying a child I cannot put my full responsibility to. I want to bear a child when I am mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially ready because I am not solely doing this for myself, but also for my own child.
- I should be fairly treated by the people around. Society should not based their treatment on the gender.
What scares me the most is that I might have encountered unfair treatment in school and in my own household, it is just that I have never noticed it because it has been normalized.
As a woman who have read this book, I learned that:
- I should not feel pressured into marrying someone hastily
- I should not feel pressured into bearing and carrying a child I cannot put my full responsibility to. I want to bear a child when I am mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially ready because I am not solely doing this for myself, but also for my own child.
- I should be fairly treated by the people around. Society should not based their treatment on the gender.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-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
4.0
Not relatable, but will eventually relate to you
After reading this book, I thought that I'd be in love with their romance, but now writing this made me realize that I admire this book because of how they managed to go through their lives despite their devastating pasts. Both of them have their own stories to tell and struggles to live, both hideous and broken. We are like Cece in the book because we want to unravel their pasts, but our advantage to Cece is that we read them including Cece, and sadly, she is just guessing. Poor Cece.
Seven Days in June is the first book I finished written by a Black author, Ms. Tia Williams. My first statement above is what I felt while reading this book, that the characters and the story are not relatable (at least for me because I am of a different race), but they are not required to be relatable in order for me to love them or to love the book. I cannot articulate well much of my thoughts regarding this book.
Genevieve Mercier (Eva Mercy) is such a strong and brave woman. She went through a lot of trauma during her childhood days and even during her journey as an author and as a person living in this cruel world, such a remarkable woman indeed. I love you, sobra! You're such a splendid woman and an amazing mother that every child could ever have!
Shane Hall is as strong and brave as Eva. Such an inspiration for not forgetting where he came from. He has a purpose to help and guide those children, who are like him (who went through the same experience as them), to dream and not be trained in life to be nefarious humans. You can see his determination to help. As a man, I can't ask for more, such a great man!
Audre Mercier!! I love her character. She is much more cognizant about everything compared to me, who is older than her. I know she's fictional, but I just wish I could be like her.
This book did not make me bawl my eyes out, but it got me teary-eyed. I guess I am not emotional? Still, this book is such a beautiful read in June. I started and finished this book in June! Aside from the emotional feelings, I felt throughout this book, I laughed, smiled, and got exhilarated!
Perhaps, the downside (and can also be considered as an advantage) of this book is I could not relate to the cultural nuances of Black people, which encouraged me to learn about their culture. In addition to the downside is I cannot picture out the settings of the story, though they are already stated. I just use my imagination of what the settings look like. I am also tired of searching for places and what it looks like. I wish I was able to clearly imagine all the settings of the story.
After reading this book, I thought that I'd be in love with their romance, but now writing this made me realize that I admire this book because of how they managed to go through their lives despite their devastating pasts. Both of them have their own stories to tell and struggles to live, both hideous and broken. We are like Cece in the book because we want to unravel their pasts, but our advantage to Cece is that we read them including Cece, and sadly, she is just guessing. Poor Cece.
Seven Days in June is the first book I finished written by a Black author, Ms. Tia Williams. My first statement above is what I felt while reading this book, that the characters and the story are not relatable (at least for me because I am of a different race), but they are not required to be relatable in order for me to love them or to love the book. I cannot articulate well much of my thoughts regarding this book.
Genevieve Mercier (Eva Mercy) is such a strong and brave woman. She went through a lot of trauma during her childhood days and even during her journey as an author and as a person living in this cruel world, such a remarkable woman indeed. I love you, sobra! You're such a splendid woman and an amazing mother that every child could ever have!
Shane Hall is as strong and brave as Eva. Such an inspiration for not forgetting where he came from. He has a purpose to help and guide those children, who are like him (who went through the same experience as them), to dream and not be trained in life to be nefarious humans. You can see his determination to help. As a man, I can't ask for more, such a great man!
Audre Mercier!! I love her character. She is much more cognizant about everything compared to me, who is older than her. I know she's fictional, but I just wish I could be like her.
This book did not make me bawl my eyes out, but it got me teary-eyed. I guess I am not emotional? Still, this book is such a beautiful read in June. I started and finished this book in June! Aside from the emotional feelings, I felt throughout this book, I laughed, smiled, and got exhilarated!
Perhaps, the downside (and can also be considered as an advantage) of this book is I could not relate to the cultural nuances of Black people, which encouraged me to learn about their culture. In addition to the downside is I cannot picture out the settings of the story, though they are already stated. I just use my imagination of what the settings look like. I am also tired of searching for places and what it looks like. I wish I was able to clearly imagine all the settings of the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, and Mental illness
Minor: Car accident, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This book is a light read. What I admire the most about this book are the lessons about relationships with others, childhood, adulthood, etc. Reading this got me wishing not to be grown-ups who are too immersed in impermanent wealth, that I must build relationships with those people who are important to me and try to understand them.
I am 18 now and soon I'll attend university. I will always remember the lessons that this book brought me that while doing my studies, I should always remind myself of the reason why I am studying and why I am striving to be one of the best.
I am 18 now and soon I'll attend university. I will always remember the lessons that this book brought me that while doing my studies, I should always remind myself of the reason why I am studying and why I am striving to be one of the best.
It is only through your heart that you can see clearly. The eyes do not see that which is most important.
Para Kay B (o kung paano dinevastate ng pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa atin) by Ricky Lee
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This story is about five girls' own love stories. They are divided into 5 sections: Irene, Sandra, Erica, Ester, and Bessie. I borrowed this book from my teacher because I was curious about its plot since my teacher liked it, so I thought I would like it too. But, I did not appreciate it at first. Una, parang ambabaw lang ng stories and hindi ko gusto 'yung flow. May mga english words din na ginamit ang author (this is understandable kasi 'yung paggamit ng English words ay may kinalaman sa story) na noong una hindi ko nagustuhan. Hindi ako sanay sa paraan ng pagsusulat ng author pero kalaunan nasanay naman ako. It was hard for me to finish this book since nasanay ako sa English books na binabasa ko. Dagdag din, may mga parts na natawa ako.
These are my reviews sa bawat kwento:
1) Para Kay Irene, Unang Kwento
Irene - I hate for holding onto Jordan's empty promise, but I would not blame her for that. She was in love with this boy, who left her without any word. I hate her for giving her body to an undeserving man. I hate you for not contemplating the situation first.
Jordan - Such a jerk! No matter how much you hated San Ildefonso, you shouldn't have had promised Irene on marrying her someday when she grow up. I hate you for pretending that you didn't know her. I hate you for forgetting Irene. I hate you for changing.
I think whenever Jordan's thinking of Irene, she reminds him of the city, so I suppose it was the reason why he forgot about her after a long time.
BUT THEN, I still hate him sagad.
At first, I was confused by how the story ended. HAHAHAHAHA
2) Para Kay Sandra, Ikalawang Kwento
Nakakadiri, ngunit nakakalungkot na ang taong minahal mo kapatid mo pa. Kaiyak. Sana nagpills ka na lang Sandra para hindi ka na nabuntis pa. It's wrong that you fell in love with your brother and it is wrong that you had *** with him knowing na there would be some complications if you bear a child. You inflicted harm upon your child kahit hindi pa siya naluluwal. It is so selfish, in my opinion. But, Sandra loved her anak naman.
3) Para Kay Erica, Ikatlong Kwento
Interesting plot. I still do not get it why Erica rejected Jake at first kasi diba she was there solely to learn to love, but she rejected him. For what reason? I do not know. Pero ayun nga in a way tama naman 'yung ginawa ni Erica na she ran away from Jake kasi hindi naman niya mahal. Sa huli, ang pinakasalan niya 'yung nakikita niya 'yung personality ni Jake. So weird!
4) Para Kay Ester, Ikaapat na Kuweto
Siguro ito 'yung kwentong nagustuhan ko dahil it talked about relationship of two people who have the same gender. This was written in 2008 and I liked that this topic has already been opened by authors. Kahit man until now hindi pa rin completely natatanggap 'yung same-sex couple, may progress namang nangyayari which is good. Gusto ko rin na makatotohanan 'yung kwento. Ito 'yung kwentong may esensiya para sa akin.
5) Para Kay Bessie, Ikalimang Kwento
Most descriptive 'yung pagkakasulat dito dahil naramdaman ko talaga 'yung takot ni Bessie noong binubugbog ni Brigs si Lucas.
Ang pinakanagustuhan kong parte ng libro ay ang last section: Ang Totoong Kwento sa Totoong Kwento. Talagang pinag-isipan. Mas pinaganda pa. May character development ang mismong author sa libro.
These are my reviews sa bawat kwento:
1) Para Kay Irene, Unang Kwento
Irene - I hate for holding onto Jordan's empty promise, but I would not blame her for that. She was in love with this boy, who left her without any word. I hate her for giving her body to an undeserving man. I hate you for not contemplating the situation first.
Jordan - Such a jerk! No matter how much you hated San Ildefonso, you shouldn't have had promised Irene on marrying her someday when she grow up. I hate you for pretending that you didn't know her. I hate you for forgetting Irene. I hate you for changing.
I think whenever Jordan's thinking of Irene, she reminds him of the city, so I suppose it was the reason why he forgot about her after a long time.
BUT THEN, I still hate him sagad.
At first, I was confused by how the story ended. HAHAHAHAHA
2) Para Kay Sandra, Ikalawang Kwento
Nakakadiri, ngunit nakakalungkot na ang taong minahal mo kapatid mo pa. Kaiyak. Sana nagpills ka na lang Sandra para hindi ka na nabuntis pa. It's wrong that you fell in love with your brother and it is wrong that you had *** with him knowing na there would be some complications if you bear a child. You inflicted harm upon your child kahit hindi pa siya naluluwal. It is so selfish, in my opinion. But, Sandra loved her anak naman.
3) Para Kay Erica, Ikatlong Kwento
Interesting plot. I still do not get it why Erica rejected Jake at first kasi diba she was there solely to learn to love, but she rejected him. For what reason? I do not know. Pero ayun nga in a way tama naman 'yung ginawa ni Erica na she ran away from Jake kasi hindi naman niya mahal. Sa huli, ang pinakasalan niya 'yung nakikita niya 'yung personality ni Jake. So weird!
4) Para Kay Ester, Ikaapat na Kuweto
Siguro ito 'yung kwentong nagustuhan ko dahil it talked about relationship of two people who have the same gender. This was written in 2008 and I liked that this topic has already been opened by authors. Kahit man until now hindi pa rin completely natatanggap 'yung same-sex couple, may progress namang nangyayari which is good. Gusto ko rin na makatotohanan 'yung kwento. Ito 'yung kwentong may esensiya para sa akin.
5) Para Kay Bessie, Ikalimang Kwento
Most descriptive 'yung pagkakasulat dito dahil naramdaman ko talaga 'yung takot ni Bessie noong binubugbog ni Brigs si Lucas.
Ang pinakanagustuhan kong parte ng libro ay ang last section: Ang Totoong Kwento sa Totoong Kwento. Talagang pinag-isipan. Mas pinaganda pa. May character development ang mismong author sa libro.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Incest
Minor: Violence
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the first book. At first, I was "Oh. Here we go again. Percy will be leading the quest and he's gonna succeed". It was an easy read for me, but it was hard for me to get through this book at first because I thought it's gonna be the same as the lightning thief, but then I was wrong. It was not. It was so good! I can understand Percy's embarrassment of his half-brother Tyson, and what made me love this book again is that Percy turned to love Tyson, not because Tyson saved him multiple times, but rather because Percy already loved him before anything of that happened. He really cared for Tyson, but he just did not admit it to himself because he was too embarrassed. I love Tyson for being so pure, loving, and innocent.
This book is adventurous and I also loved it for that. It brought me to different places I had never heard of (well because I was knowledgeable about Greek mythology).
Funny moments in this book:
"Um, Dad?" I called. "How's it going?" This is what Percy said when he tried communicating with Poseidon.
and many others.
How Mr. Rick Riordan ends the book is phenomenal because it makes you want to read the next book, but I'm not gonna read the next book for now. I will read after I read a book of a different genre. I am so excited to witness what will happen next.
This book is adventurous and I also loved it for that. It brought me to different places I had never heard of (well because I was knowledgeable about Greek mythology).
Funny moments in this book:
"Um, Dad?" I called. "How's it going?" This is what Percy said when he tried communicating with Poseidon.
and many others.
How Mr. Rick Riordan ends the book is phenomenal because it makes you want to read the next book, but I'm not gonna read the next book for now. I will read after I read a book of a different genre. I am so excited to witness what will happen next.