Filipino Fridays (3): What do you think of fanfiction?

Hi!  We have to clock this before midnight. Not because the dead will come walking. And not because it's Halloween. But because on this part of the globe, Friday is already bidding us Good Night. So, we'll sort of do a Cinderella trick on this post.

What do you think of Fanfiction?: Fanfiction is pretty popular, no doubt about it, but it has been received with mixed feelings by many authors and writers. Some don’t mind it, and even welcome readers who give their own spin on their work. Some writers don’t like it at all, to the point that they contact fanfiction authors to take their work down. Others use it as a jump-off point for their own writing.

How about you? What is your take on fanfiction? Do you read fanfiction, and if you do, what kind of fanfiction do you read? Do you write fanfiction, and why? Or are you against fanfiction? Enlighten us.

What is your take on fanfiction?  Or are you against fanfiction? 

• To be honest, before this question, I don't have any concrete opinion about Fanfiction. I can't be against it since I've read some of them. And I do think it's a good start for aspiring writers. On the other hand, original authors have the right to react against them. We are talking about their life's work here. But wasn't it also said, "imitation is the highest form of flattery"?

Do you read fanfiction, and if you do, what kind of fanfiction do you read? 

• Yes, I do. One of the best ones I've read so far is G. Norman Lippert's adaptation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

For more information and updates about the 4th Filipino Reader Conference, please feel free to visit the site. 

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Say It With A Book #6 | 100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith

With Guest Book Reviewer | Roo James

     

I really wanted to love this book... I really really did! I wanted to think that my putting down Grasshopper Jungle a quarter way through was only because it was the wrong time for me to read it; or because there were too many external stresses keeping me from enjoying it or what have you. But nope... Turns out I don't appreciate Andrew Smith's writing style nor do I think he's a very good storyteller. Yes I know there's Winger, and it was a fantastic read. It really was! But I am now convinced that was just a fluke. 

I also can’t help but notice Smith is churning out novels faster than ever before since the success of Winger. And why wouldn't he? It's an easy paycheque. And good pay at that. Ever since the aforementioned book's success, hordes of readers, including myself, have either marked their calendars, made mental notes, or pre-ordered his new releases. I ain't even mad at that kinda success though. You keep doing you, Drew.

Anyway, I should get to the actual review at some point I guess. This "story" is about an epileptic boy named Finn who has an odd scar on his back that he's horribly embarrassed about, but still insists on being shirtless whenever possible, practical or not. He also has two different colored eyes. Because there is a character in his father's bestselling novel also named Finn who shares similar physical characteristics, our hero struggles with whether or not his life is his own, or if he is just some character stuck in his father's book. Really? That's the best you could do Smith? 

Anyway, that's about it for the "story". Everything else is completely incidental. The way he got his scar, his 4 or 5 seizures, his girlfriend, his relationship with his best friend, all of that and more in no way moves the plot forward. Oh, and there was also no real plot.

If I considered this a 3-star book, this is the part where I'd move on to the positives rather than the negatives. But alas, it is not, and I wouldn't encourage this book to my friends, so I won't. 

With all that said, I seem to be the minority in my opinions on this book. If you loved Winger (which is likely how you know about this book in the first place) then you may just want to give this one a go. 

I also wasn't a fan of the narrator's voice. The way he measures time in the distance is silly and not believable. The way he says "Look:" before every few paragraphs become redundant and mildly irksome.

Book details:

Title:  100 Sideways Miles

Author:  Andrew Smith

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster

Publication:  September 2, 2014

Genre:  Fiction

Rating: 2 stars

About Roo James:

   

Hello! I always believe that the best part about the ‘reading world’ is gaining new friends who share the same love and passion for books. Roo is one of those friends and I admire his impartial opinions on what he reads. 

TPW:   What is your favorite genre?  

Roo:  I have been in a Young Adult phase for about a year and a half, and I don't think I will be kicking the habit soon. There are so many amazing YA series and authors out there and the more YA I read, the more YA I add to my list.   I also really enjoy self improvement books as well. Every once in a while I'll read a great book for spiritual, emotional, and professional growth.

TPW:  How would you define yourself as a reader?

Roo: My reading depends on my mood. I love contemporary novels to fantasy stories to horror books and more. I keep my shelves well stocked with many different genres that way I can pick up a great book whatever my mood is. 

TPW:  Roo, thank you very much for accommodating my request. I truly appreciate it. ♥

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Filipino Fridays (2): Have you ever wanted to write a book?

And, we are on our second round... Already?

Have you ever wanted to write a book?  As a reader, have you ever thought about writing a book? What kind of books/stories do you want to write? Or are you now a published author, and what compelled you to go fulfill this dream? How was your journey from reader to writer? How did you go about getting your book out there?

As a reader, have you ever thought about writing a book?

• Once, a very long time ago, I did imagine myself writing. I grew up with a neighbor who was a retired journalist from a local broadsheet. Part of his retirement agenda was to gather all the neighborhood kids and teach them the basics of writing. There were about 8-10 of us at different ages. We were asked to read any of our written produce anytime we come together, and then, our volunteer teacher would make some comments and encouragements. He even drilled us on spelling and vocabulary then. Eventually, there were 3 of us who joined a journalism class by our intermediate years and wrote for the school paper until secondary school.

What kind of books/stories do you want to write?

• I've entertained the idea of writing an adventure. I guess that's where my love for reading good adventures came from. Carol Shields once said, “Write the book you want to read, the one you cannot find.” But I am blessed with finding the books I want to read. So why bother writing them, when I can easily just read them. LOL! Although I've fully realized what I really wanted to pursue in life, I will always treasure my experience writing for a school circulation.

Hey, jump on the wagon! Visit the Filipino ReaderCon site and post your answers for the Filipino Friday meme. We love to read them!

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FLUDD by Hilary Mantel

Buried Saints

This is my first reading experience with Hilary Mantel. I can’t honestly say that I started with this book because I’m hesitant with her many famous books. I guess I wanted to feel her first -get acquainted- before I fully dig in. You did that once (or twice) too, right?

I’m happy to let you know that I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I enjoyed this book a lot. The story was peculiar and twisted, but also amusing even in its most piercing narration.

The story revolves around Fludd, an unusual priest newly arrived at Fetherhoughton. From the moment he entered the rectory doors, a change was felt. The church community had no trouble accepting him into their fold; they seemed oblivious to his enigmatic features and strange behaviors. But one thing is for sure, his actions are contagious and the ripple will not miss an arc.

Deep within her, behind her cardigan and her blouse and her petticoat trimmed with scratchy nylon lace, behind her interlock vest and freckled skin, Miss Dempsey sensed a slow movement, a tiny spiral shift of matter, as if, at the very moment the curate spoke, a change had occurred: a change so minute as to baffle description, but rippling out, in its effect, to infinity.

As I understand it, this book does not criticize Catholicism. In fact, having a good comprehension of religion makes the story and the questions presented here more relevant. Mantel brought the reader in a world spellbinding even in its dullness, drowning from its catastrophic foolishness, and yet vindicated for their faith.

Not all forms of love are comprehensible, and some forms of love destroy what they touch.

The story is a knot of ignorant parishioners, an unrepentant tobacconist, a high-handed bishop, an atheist priest, and vicious nuns. Humorous and symbolic. I believe I am ready for another Hilary Mantel novel.

Book details:

Title:  Fludd

Author:  Hilary Mantel

Publisher: Holt Paperbacks

Publication: June 2000

Genre:  Fiction

Rating:  ★★★★

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Filipino Fridays (1): Surprise, Reader!

Filipino Friday is a tradition for us Pinoy book bloggers. Since 2012, we look forward to this meme, marking the countdown to the much-awaited Filipino Reader Conference. So, even though it's already Saturday, there is no way I am going to skip this.

Surprise, Reader! Hello, it’s the first week of Filipino Fridays 2014! Whether it’s your first time to participate or not, tell us a bit about yourself. More specifically, tell us about your favorite book discoveries for this year. Any author you started reading this year that you can’t get enough of? A book you didn’t think you’d like, but you ended up liking/loving? Any book series that you just have to get your hands on? Have you discovered anything new from Filipino authors this year?

I am Louize, and I love hoarding books. I have no problem reading both printed copies and digital formats. I read anywhere, even in grocery and bank queues. And yes, I prefer reading while eating, too. 

More specifically, tell us about your favorite book discoveries for this year.

• There's this one book that came to mind, The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. I was dared to read this from I Dare You to Read 2014, a TFG challenge.  I very rarely read war stories, and I have never heard of the author before this. So, I was surprisingly seized by O'Brien's narration; I read the book in less than five hours.

Any author you started reading this year that you can’t get enough of?

• Last April, I had a great time reading White Teeth by Zadie Smith with buddy reader Monique. It was such a wonderful experience that prompted me to acquire Smith’s other books.

A book you didn’t think you’d like, but you ended up liking/loving?

• To the Lighthouse was my first encounter with author Virginia Woolf. I didn't like it at first, but the prose and its ability to tap the reader's mental impression was so powerful. Exemplary, indeed!

Any book series that you just have to get your hands on?

• I am excited about The Visitor (The Graveyard Queen, #4) by Amanda Stevens -I do hope editing will conclude soon. 
• I am also looking forward to Who Buries the Dead (Sebastian St. Cyr, #10) by C.S. Harris -I am so into this series, I love the protagonist so much. 
• And, Killer Instinct (The Naturals, #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes -It is coming out this November; and the 1st book happens to be my favorite YA mystery from 2013. 
• Lastly, I want to get my hands on The Winds of Winter (A Song of Ice and Fire, #6) by George R.R. Martin –I have no idea when this is due, but the wenches and I will keep an earnest watch.

Have you discovered anything new from Filipino authors this year?

• Yes, I have. Thanks to Lynai, I was introduced to Eliza Victoria. And after reading her Project 17, I purchased the rest of her books last MIBF. Plus, I have to Whispersync Fall Like Rain by Ana Tejano very soon!

For more information and updates about the 4th Filipino Reader Conference, please feel free to visit the site. 

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Book Review | THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING by T.H. White

The Forever King

This is the penultimate of my I Dare You to Read 2014 Challenge. Seeing this was already in my TBR pile, Ronnie recommended me to read this as part of the challenge, providing me with the audiobook (too), which was wonderfully narrated by Neville Jason.

Book 1: The Sword in the Stone is a well-told story of The Wart, his childhood, and education under the tutelage of Merlyn, a sorcerer living backward in time. It was a joy reading the boy's adventures and challenges leading to his phenomenal unsheathing of Excalibur from the stone.

Book 2: The Queen of Air and Darkness (The Witch of the Wood) introduced us to the remaining descendants of Igraine and the Earl of Cornwall. Within it is the story behind the tragic future of King Arthur, of how sin took roost and extracts its due. Also, included is Arthur’s conception of the Round Table and his ideas.

Book 3: The Ill-Made Knight spoke of Lancelot, his knighthood, his quests, his betrayal of Arthur, and his illicit affair with Guenever. Although this book was long and arduous, it included Arthur’s struggles as a king of the New Order and the quest for the Holy Grail. The narrative from here grew somber and apprehensive.

Book 4: The Candle in the Wind came with great sorrow. Arthur’s dream of a New Order is crumbling. He struggles to hold his kingdom together in the face of betrayal and war. His imminent demise swiftly unfolds.

T.H. White dressed these legendary stories amusingly and unpredictably. Even his narrator, a present-day scholar, has a rather peculiar way of addressing the reader. His linking of the fictional past and present is curiously clever, even though these books were already told and retold for years. The tone begins playfully and sweet, and then gets philosophical and darker as the plot moves along. It slowly moves from a wonderful fantasy to a tragic ending we all saw but unable to avoid.

Life is too bitter already, without territories and wars and noble feuds.

Like many others before me, I love King Arthur and will never get tired of reading his story being told from different perspectives. I root for him not only for his adventures but also for his noble ideals. An incredible illustration of how a great man can fail despite honorable intentions. The night before his death, Arthur instructed his page, Tom of Newbold Revell, to run back home away from the war, and to take heart the King’s dream of using one’s force in behalf of justice for others and not for his own account. I strongly believe that stories are called epic because they leave behind sagacious lessons such as this.



Book details:
Title: The Once and Future King
Author: T.H. White
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Corp.
Publication: January 15, 1981
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ★★★★

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Required Reading: October 2014

September slipped through my fingers. Or was it just my inability to get hold of things that needed to be done? I was really expecting to have time and finish the rest of my David Mitchell list. In any case, October is here, and I should keep in mind that real life has its own bagful of plot twists too. I did not mean to focus on finishing short stories last month, but I need to resort to some immediate and stunning distraction most of the time and I figured that short stories are the best way to go.

1. The Ink Readers of Doi Saket by Thomas Olde Heuvelt -3/5 stars - An original short story from Tor.com.
2. Boys and Girls by Alice Munro - 3/5 stars -Published as the 9th story from Dance of the Happy Shades. 
3. The Man by Abraham Lopez - 4/5 stars - A well-written short crime story.
4. Ghostwritten by David Mitchell - 4/5 stars - A great example of how lives touch one another. 
5. Jon by George Saunders - 4/5 stars - The writer's challenging views on consumerism.
6. The Egg by Andy Weir -5/5 stars - A succinct reflection on our ethical obligations as beings.

This month leaves me with 300 more pages of The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell and 100 more pages of Fludd by Hilary Mantel. Remaining to be optimistic, I am adding:

1.  Jack: The Tale of Frost by Tony Bertauski - Book 2 of the Claus series. Because I can't wait anymore. 
2. Flury: Journey of a Snowman by Tony Bertauski - Book 3 of the Claus series.
3. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for A Hat by Oliver Sacks - TFG's book for the month.
4. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell - I am finally going to read this, as soon as I get to finish the whole lot above.

There! I am not biting into the apple anymore. I am swallowing it whole. LOL! 

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