May unconsciously became a Young Adult-themed reading month. I swear it was unintentional but circumstances and whims made me choose young adult novels to read next. I have no regrets! Last month allowed me to read lighter books (except for that one), just letting me enjoy other things. I also got too busy with “life” (e.g. TV dramas, summer outings, e.t.c.) so reading wasn’t on top of my list.
I intended to reread Harry Potter last month but I always end up picking something else. I guess my stack of unread books is way too high to be ignored. But I did read one HP and I will probably skip to the last book this June.
1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
I’m not going to lie. Chamber of Secrets is my least favorite book in the series. A lot of my most disliked characters are introduced in this book: Ginny Weasly, Gilderoy Lockhary, Malfoy on a broomstick (git!), and Colin Creevey. I eventually changed my mind about Colin but I still do not like Ginny and Gilderoy. But of course a lot of good things are introduced, too! Any chapter in the entire series devoted to Harry’s time in the Burrow is my favorite. The Weasleys is my favorite fictional family and I don’t think anyone will ever beat them.
After reading this book so many times, I somehow think my opinion of it improved a little. I now laugh at parts I used to not find funny simply because my comprehension of the English language the first time I read t was still not that good. But I find questionable details that I’d really rather not focus on. Once I finished Chamber, I was tempted to read Prisoner of Azkaban (my favorite!) next but I opted not to. This is the first time I will read the series without reading everything. But I will try not to think too much about it or I will get depressed.
P.S. I also realized how lame Malfoy is. I mean, he is a good wizard but he really talks too much nonsense.
2. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
The timing of this book cannot be more perfect. I was having my own troubles with my faith when I read this book so this somehow has a sentimental value to me. This is a pretty easy read. In fact, I read it in one sitting right before I went to sleep. I was so touched and teary-eyed after reading this but I’m not exactly sure if it’s because of the book alone.
It’s about a girl, Margaret, who is raised to have no religion. Her mother is a Christian while his father is a Jew. Due to religious conflicts between their family, her parents decided to not side with any religion. They decided that Margaret will be the one to decide for herself whether she wants to believe in God, and which religion she wants to join. I was deeply amused at how Margaret communicates with her own God, how she goes to different churches to experience how other people practice their faith. It somehow seemed like a journey I could have taken on my own, too.
But the book isn’t just about Margaret’s faith. It’s also about her coming-of-age story, how she dealt with friends, boys, and everything that has to do with puberty. It’s a really nice read. I somehow wished that I read it when I was in high school. I probably would have dealt with my childish problems with a lot more ease. I really look forward to read this again. I don’t care if I’m already 21, and this book can pass off as a children’s book.
3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
It took me forever to read this book! I rarely read classics so I’m not exactly sure why I decided to read this. The story is about a group of private school boys who got stuck in an island after their plane crashed. Their thirst for power drives them to do things no normal twelve-year olds would do. It sounds so Battle Royale that I just had to read it. But it was no Battle Royale. I wasn’t that disappointed, though.
I admit there were a lot of instances that I fell asleep reading. But when the story takes a turn to the exciting part, when the reality of being stuck in an island with little hope of rescue finally hits them in the face, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s not a story that I would gladly reread anytime. I find it tedious, to tell you the truth. But Golding cleverly writes in a way that makes you forget that they’re only boys, only kids. Most part of the book isn’t that interesting for me, but the ending is just perfect. It’s just so powerful for me. It reminded me that though these boys may have done things that my 12-year-old self wouldn’t even dream or be capable of doing, but they are still children. They can be weak, too. I don’t know why the ending chilled me but it was just that good. I’m not even sure if I’m even making any sense here.
4. Holes by Louis Sachar
Don’t judge a book by it’s movie. That’s the line that pushed me to read this book, and I’m glad I listened. I haven’t watched the movie but Ayessa did and she said it was boring. But I still read it because it’s supposedly good! I trust Newberry. All Newberry awardees I have read really delivered a wonderful story.
The story’s pretty unconventional and is leaning towards the weird side. But it was good and fully lived up to my expectations. The main character, Stanley, is an entertaining one. Though he may seem dull for others, he’s a good storyteller. He just sounds so normal and so real. Though the storyline isn’t plausible in any way, the author still made it work. I love how he creatively mixed Stanley’s present situation to the history of Stanley’s ancestors. It was cleverly put together. The book left me with this really light feeling, as if I’m floating. It’s weird because the book’s not entirely that happy, either! But it poses such a positive view of life. Here’s a boy who always encounters misfortunes but he seems to not know how to harbor bitterness in his heart. That’s the kind of hero I want to meet in every story.
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On other news, I just bought 12 books (yes, TWELVE) this week. I’m not sorry! It just so happens that when I decided to buy a birthday gift for myself at National Bookstore, I saw a book sale on the way! I managed to buy 9 books from the book sale, P29 each! HELL YEAH. I was pretty much shaking in excitement while looking for books I really, really want. I had to let some books go because I have no more money. Now, I’m just simply overwhelmed by the number of books I bought. I have no idea when to read it all.
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