9.6/10 (A+) Trevor Noah is a master of comic narrative. He skillfully turned some of the darkest parts of his South African experiences into a sublime exciting story of hope.
My Top 10 Reads of 2018
Here, I have compiled my top reads and gave a short remark about the book.
AQUAMAN: A Vivid Spectacle (Film Review)
Aquaman is a vivid spectacle of color and action of a popular reluctant hero trope that has put DC back on track.
Book Review: “What If It’s Us” by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
7.1/10 (B-) ⭐⭐⭐½ It's a cutesy and sweet summer romance book yet regrettably disappointing.
Book Review: “Autoboyography” by Christina Lauren
9.2/10 (A+) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The novel becomes not only a cute budding romance between two boys but also an exploration of identity, faith, homophobia, acceptance, authorship, and community.
Book Review: “Smaller and Smaller Circles” by F.H. Batacan
Rating: 8.2/10 (A-) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is considered to be the first Filipino crime novel. It did a great job in telling a gripping, suspenseful who-done-it? narrative.
Stop “Being Yourself”
One of the worst advice for success I have been given: "be yourself." And you might be given this advice or have given it to someone else. Why is it bad? First of all, what does it mean to be yourself?
Arc of the Scythe: Why Death is Necessary for Life to Have Meaning (Book Review)
Scythe: 8.9/10 (A) ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Thunderhead: 9.4/10 (A+) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Both Scythe and Thunderhead have given intense philosophical, theological, and sociological questions we can reflect on when it comes to our mortality and morality.
Investing in a Bike: the Best Way to Escape Manila Traffic
Two years ago, I bought a mountain bike. It's the best investment I made for transportation.
Flowers for Algernon: Ignorance is Bliss, Knowledge is Curse (Book Review)
9.8/10 (A+) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you are looking for a moving reading experience with a vast range of emotions, I recommend this beautifully written book. The story also dives deep in the exploration of psychological issues that are relevant today, even when it was written back in 1966. It gives us one concluding question about our lives, "Will we sacrifice our own happiness to satisfy our own pride?" Read the book to answer that question yourself.
D.G. Briones 