Experimental Reads: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Hunger Games, A Wrinkle in Time, and (gasp!) Twilight

Music: "Maskara" by Eraserheads

To cap off the year, I’m planning to do a marathon of YA reads—one title per week for four weeks, starting December 1. And not just any YA title, but four of the most popular books written by female authors, just so I can compare them with each other.

(I have no idea why I'm posting this now.)

So yes, it goes without saying that I’m including the first book of the Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and (gasp!) Twilight series in the list. The Hunger Games I’ve already read (twice?), but I don’t mind reading it again because I enjoyed it very much. I only read the second book in the HP collection, waaaaaay back in college, and Ginny pissed me off so much I decided not to continue with the series anymore after that. But I’m willing to give it another shot, because a lot of people have told me that the second book is the worst volume in the series. And while my brief encounter with Eclipse (about three to five pages, where Jacob delivered his infamous “Let’s face it. I am hotter than you.” line) changed my perception of vampires and werewolves forever, I figured it would only be logical to include Twilight in the list, and see how many pages it will take before I throw the book against a wall. Literally.

Last but not the least in the list (what?) is A Wrinkle in Time, which is a little different from the first three titles, but famous in its own right. I can’t even remember when I first read the book—three years ago, maybe? But I do remember enjoying it a lot, so I really don’t mind reading it again.

Now I just need someone to lend me his or her copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Twilight. Because I don’t want to invest on an HP book until I’m sure I will finish the series, and I definitely do not want to waste money on a Stephanie Meyer title.

Books, books, books!

Music: "This is the Moment" from the Jekyll & Hyde OST

Last night, I found myself standing in front of my bookshelf for a whole two minutes, the pile of newly acquired books from the Manila International Book Fair in my arms, only to realize that I have barely any space left to put my newest babies.

I also realized I need to reorganize my shelf again . . . and soon. I have a feeling I'll discover books I've purchased a long time ago, hidden behind newer books, long forgotten. See those thick books in the third level and the not-so-thick books in the second? Yep, there are stacks of other books behind them. And I haven't even taken a picture of my other bookshelf yet (that one's way too disorganized for public viewing).

/coughs

Anyway, I think I overdid it with the children's books this year. Usually I buy three to six titles, most of them new releases from Adarna and OMF, but this year, I bought picture books from other publishers as well--Tahanan, Lampara, and, gasp!, yes, Vibal.

(And before anyone accuses me of being a traitor for not patronizing Anvil's books, let me just say that I do buy children's books from Anvil, but I usually buy them using my employee's discount because, err, well, it's bigger than the usual discount we offer during MIBF.)

And now, a show of titles. Cue in drum roll, please.

From Adarna House. 

A select few who know about my not-so-hidden obsession with a certain illustrator will notice that I bought one of his books again. Tee hee.

From Lampara. 

Yes, the he-who-must-not-be-named illustrator has a book here too.

From Vibal. 

I don't usually buy books from them, but there are three reasons for this purchase:

Lina Diaz de Rivera. Frances Alcaraz (a.k.a. favorite college teacher). Cats.

'nuff said.

From Hiyas.

Because I love Jason Moss books, and Tito Dok's titles are always fun to read.

(Speaking of which, a little shameless plugging on my part--Tito Dok recently, well, not so recently, released a picture book with us.

Props to Ray Sunga for the beautiful illustrations.

I really, really enjoyed working on this project, and no, I'm not just saying this in an attempt to encourage people to grab a copy, though of course I will shamelessly promote it to anyone who would care to listen.

But seriously, the story is heartwarming, the illustrations are lovely, and I promise it will be worth the money you spend on it. Scout's honor.)

I also bought a new series, without checking first what the story is about. (I rarely do this, but . . . what? It was on sale!) Here's hoping I'll have a new addiction soon (if I actually find time to read them in the near future).

One book from Ateneo Press (I was looking for Dean's Salamanca about two years back, but must have totally missed it when I passed the Ateneo booth both times), and one from UP Press (collection of YA short stories? sold!)

But my absolute favorite is the picture book I bought from Tahanan. Not only because I love Serj Bumatay's artwork (his illustrations for Anvil's Ang Prinsipeng Kuba still give me chills whenever I look at them), but because the story is so simple yet so engaging.

Plus, the kid's name is Botbot.

That is all I'm going to say about that.

So, yes, I think I overdid it with the children's books this year, but I don't really feel bad about it. Hey, if my dream of setting up a children's library is bound to come true, might as well start early with collecting materials for it, right?

And yes, I still need to figure out a way to make more room in my shelf. Or just buy a new one altogether.

Yosh.