[iamfebruaryfour]

I LIIIIIIVE!!!

Okay so if it wasn't telling enough, I have been (and I think still am) in a book reading hiatus 🥹 I'm sorry!! But life just got... so busy. But recently, life has been, well, fairly interesting.

So okay before that, HELLO!! I haven't been on tumblr since FOREVER!! My last post was 4 years ago omg! I deleted the app, and stopped going on tumblr for a while, but I redownloaded it just now cause I have soooo much to talk about. Yes it's still about books, but there's another factor added: BTS.

Yes I am ARMY now 😂 I tell you soooooo much has happened!! But i'll fast forward.

Okay so it was about sometime after i've posted my last book summary that i felt a change in me. Suddenly I was too tired to read. My eyes would fail me everytime I open a book. 5 minutes in and I'm too sleepy. It doesn't matter what genre, what kind of book. I don't know then what happened but as I looked back, I concluded that it was because of my work. I had change jobs that time and suddenly work increased, and became more challenging that I didn't realize that it sucked all the energy out of me. Slowly i stopped altogether. Even my instagram and goodreads are all still in cobwebs.

The I met the men who would ✨literally✨ change my life. There were only 3 things that made me fangirl this hard and that was Harry Potter, Taylor Swift and ARASHI, and even these three didn't compare to how i've fangirled with BTS (though i still am a potterhead, a swiftie and an arashist at heart).

Skip to the point it's getting long!! --- So as all armys know these men are hella poetic in their lyrics, especially the rapline, especially namjoon, and I truly believe it's because they love to read. I believe that, cause when I was in my bookworm era, i'd use words I never thought i'd use, and I was more confident in using them, compared to now, I really felt that I'm always short of words to use that I more often black out when I speak in english.

Okay okay so BTS, they love to read. And they have ✨book recommendations✨!! And there's so many!!! I've kept the lists and wanted to go back to it when i'm ready to read. But still, I hadn't had the will to start. Until...

Hello, Beyond the Story: 10 Year Record of BTS.

So yes I am currently reading it now and savoring EVERYTHING. Though I still feel that tiredness I was talking about, but this time I have sheer will. The need to finish this book AND read the tagalog version (which I heard and saw was really really good) is very strong.

I plan to make a post about it after I finish them, but wait, this isn't even what this post is about!!

So remember the ✨book recommendations✨ list?

Book reco list 1 (twitter)

Book reco list 2 (goodreads)

There were some titles here that I knew I already had. Some I already read, but most of them just gathered dust in my shelves (don't worry I cleaned them!!)

What I found so far that I already have, plus The Alchemist aaaand Fahrenheit 451 -- two of which I've already read so it's not currently here on my shelf, but i'll have to look for it anyway. Ah I know I have Metamorphosis somewhere here too.

The I Decided to Live As Me I bought cause of them, and I just bought The Midnight Library but I don't have it now. I read parts of it via pdf but again I hadn't finished it!! I hope I finish it now, now that I have a physical copy. Am also planning to look for Almond, the Magic Shop book and the Omelas. After that i'll stop buying and finish everything 😅

I had Me Before You but i sold it!!! Why 😩

What's funny here is as I was laying these books down to take a photo, I realized that three of the books here have bookmarks 😂 it means that I was able to start it, but hadn'd finished it.

So what does this mean for me? Am I going to be back from hiatus? 😂 To be honest I really don't know 😂 But i'm really happy that i've found a new reason to pick up a book again after so many years. I wanted to read so much, I just feel like I can't, but now i'm reading again!! Even though it's because it's about or related to BTS (though don't get me wrong i'm happy it's about BTS!), it's still something! And by seeing these laid out books of mine, i just wanna read them now.

*just adding this gif cos i miss them hahah 🥹

[iamfebruaryfour]

Dark Matter Blake Crouch After so much delaying, i’ve finally finished it. Dark Matter. If you’re into science fiction and drama, this could be the book for you. Blake Crouch made a scientific topic have a dramatic twist to it, and gave us this thrilling journey. My heart was beating fast towards that final act, trying to guess what’s going to happen next and how it will all end. —— Spoilers —— To describe it, For me I thought the book had 3 acts: The first act: the intro up to where he as in jason2’s world The second act: when he was journeying with Amanda in the multiverse The third act: when he meets the other jasons I thought the first act had sewed itself with the second one, though after a while, one would think “where will this lead to?” I thought the way Amanda had left Jason was a bit forced, though maybe this was the only way it could went on. I mean, Amanda had a bit of development as a character, and then we learn of her departure, and no sign of her on the final act. It’s a bit disappointing to not have her on the final act and not having her help, and not even knowing what happened to her in the end. But then I can also understand why the author had made it this way. The third act was a twist I should have seen coming. Though I enjoyed how it went, I’m not a fan of how it ended. But what could have happened if it didn’t happen like that? I couldn’t think of any other ending. So maybe it’s the best ending this story could have. I wonder what would people who really study quantum mechanics and multiverses have to say about this book :) but for me, everything works. It’s a very interesting take and I enjoyed reading it very much! My Goodreads Rating: 4/5

[iamfebruaryfour]

I’m going to have to make my goals a little more realistic this year. Work has been so much, plus I’ve been travelling a lot and doing so much things lately that I wasn’t able to read more like I used to. So yeah. 20 books this year.

first one’s Dark Matter by Blake Crouch.

[iamfebruaryfour]

okay so I haven’t finished that...............

and i will. promise!!!

[iamfebruaryfour]

Almost Midnight Rainbow Rowell

It’s been months since i’ve picked up a book and read more than 5 pages now. I missed it, but at the same time there were a lot of things going on that i just couldn’t. A lot of things went on in my head, and around me. So when finally I found myself at my favorite bookstore, and I saw this, I couldn’t wait three days for the 20% sale and just bought it. 

I knew Rainbow Rowell had written these short stories, but I didn’t expect to see them that day. After i’ve finished it in only one night (there were after all, just short stories and quick to read) I realized how fascinating it is to read one, or two in this case. How you can put so much story in, how you can include so many details, but don’t because it’s supposed to be a short one. How you, the reader, is pushed to read between the lines, and imagine so many possibilities on how the story would progress, as when you have finished reading, you’ll realize that it’s just the beginning of their stories. I realize now that, i love these just as much as I love novels. 

Midnights

I have never read a story that i’ve related to, especially a short story one. I almost hadn’t gone through it without tearing up but it’s there. If’s a simple enough story, but because the story is very familiar, it went right through mg heart twice than it should have. I’d read it all over again. The illustrations didn’t help ease the feeling either. It’s stunning and refreshing to see portrayals of characters and literally relating to it. I never realized how much disconnection at least I have with past books with portraits until this. I love it. I love everything. 

Kindred spirits

It’s interesting to read this one as it’s almost set in the present time. It’s weird and fascinating to read a story set in a timeline which you could remember what happened to you in those times. The time when I was looking forward to see The Force Awakens, this was happening (sort of... fictionally speaking). The story is less relatable to me this time, but it’s real enough that it had almost the same impact as the first one. Also this hit home to me as my fam is also a star wars fanatic. 

Goodreads Rating: ★★★★★

[iamfebruaryfour]

I’m actually so impressed and happy to see a book review from Pewdiepie!! He’s down into two book review videos now, and this is his first one. 

[iamfebruaryfour]

I’m going to have to make my goals a little more realistic this year. Work has been so much, plus I’ve been travelling a lot and doing so much things lately that I wasn’t able to read more like I used to. So yeah. 20 books this year.

first one’s Dark Matter by Blake Crouch.

[iamfebruaryfour]

The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak By Brian Katcher

this is a late post and I actually finished this last year December =___= 

*some spoilers ahead*

After so many months I've finally finished it!! Work has been piling up and I just had the chance to finish it while waiting for my sister to get her license renewed. Anyway, it's nearly the end of the year and yes, I hadn't reached my Goodreads goal.

Anyway... The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak.

As a self-declared fan girl, the book has raised my curiosity as to how it would portray modern fandom and how the author, Brian Katcher, would apply these fandoms into his novel. And then aside from that, I was curious as to what would the plot be.

What more could I tell (without spoiling the story)? It reminds me of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Majority of the story happened in just one night. The book is slightly thick for a simple plot, but it won't have that Nick and Nora effect if it weren't and it would simply fail. It didn't have too much of the fandom references as it initially had around the start of it and only stuck to what it initially mentioned (Star Wars, Star Trek, Hunger Games, your zombies, and vampires). And I think I'd prefer it that way. Putting too much would separate itself from other curious readers since the book caters to a specific audience.

I like the fact that Ana and Zak were unintentionally exploring the con, as we as people get curious to know the reaction a person would have when he or she is put in a certain scenario, or in an event that interests you. Would they get the same reaction as you and be excited? Or are they just going to be bored? In Ana's case, what would be her reaction to the world she hasn't been into before? In Zak's case, how will he improve as a character since he's already the 'interesting character' of the two (in my opinion)?

Though the drug part I think was super off and I think the Viking dude could have been the better boss villain because he had a backstory with Zak. It's an attempt to have a climax that wasn't really necessary. I think keeping to that world would be interesting enough.

Maybe the side characters could have been an interesting side story, like when Zak told the story to Ana about Gypsy, how she was all over him and flirting with him during the con, but ignored him when he saw her at the movies. How these different people at the con could be different people in the real world. Another instance is when Warren revealed himself without a mask, and Zak didn't even recognize him instantly even though they've known each other for a long time now. How Strawberry shifts from talking cutesy to swearing. I think this is the main point of the story, that there is another story behind a story. How Zak is with his stepdad and his real dad, and how Ana and Clayton are with their parents. I realized while I was writing this that I hoped I have known the side characters more too because Zak made them interesting for me to know them too. What's their story? I don't know, maybe the book would be more serious though if it's like that, but... well I'm just laying out my thoughts.

Yeah, if you're into Nick and Norah but instead of music, you're into comic cons and fandoms, give it a try.

Goodreads Rating: 3.5/5

[iamfebruaryfour]

Dream House by Marzia Bisognin

Okay so first off I am a huge huge HUUUUGE fan of Marzia because of her blogs. Though i'm not a make-up or fashion enthusiast, I've always enjoyed watching her run through her hauls and fashion tips. I love her taste in aesthetic too, and how she see and does art. I love watching edgar and maya too. They’re so cute! and of course it’s always interesting to see a different side of Felix on Marzia’s vlogs. I wanted to buy her merch with her forest creatures but ordering online internationally is quite expensive so i'm still saving up. But there is one thing I have finally bought, and that was her book, Dream House.

Before I share my thoughts about the story, I just wanna comment that When I started, up to I think in the middle of it, I can't unhear her voice reading the book. This little voice in my head! It's actually kind of funny if you think about it.

[SLIGHT SPOILERS]

So yeah for my thoughts, I think this is a pretty good first book. It's a light read for me but because it's genre is horror, you can't help but shiver sometimes, but it's all fairly manageable. It's a bit of different read than what I'm used to, maybe because of how it was written. The use of words and phrases are delicate enough for you to picture what Marzia wanted you to see.

For the first parts, there were a couple of questions that popped out in my head, and a couple of points that I thought wasn't concrete of a reason enough for the main character to have. She wanted to thank the Blooms for her one night stay, so she didn't leave the house until they got back. I wasn't convinced at all. I think i need to be, but i wasn't. I think in real life this wouldn't happen at all. But thankfully it was all explained at the end.

There's a feel of adventure as well, like you're solving a crime. Discovering bit by bit on what actually happened before the story started. Sometimes it would feel like there was something missing, or there was something that wasn't explained properly, but yeah. I think it's supposed to feel that way because we are seeing the story in fist person, and Amethyst don't know what is happening either, and was just going with the flow on all of it.

A little thought about the history of the house: Yes, it answered the mystery of the tunnel and Avery, but i think even without that side story, you could still generate a different way on how Amethyst would discover the truth about him without that tunnel.

Though I liked the ending, I think it would be better if she had discovered it all by herself, so all her efforts would be more rewarding. But then I understand why the ending went that way: so everything would be connected.

Overall i feel positive about this book! It left me with much love and warmth, and I had a great time reading it! Sure it has its ups and downs but hey, it's a good start and the story has a good potential. Two thumbs up to Marzia, am a fan and I hope she writes more :)

Goodreads rating: ★★★☆☆

[iamfebruaryfour]

Generation One by Pittacus Lore

Seriously... what is this year?? I've only read a couple of books?? I'm so sorry about this!! I've lost a lot of time but it's not all wasted; I've been doing a lot of things aside from reading! But surely i'll make up for it!! I've just finished Generation One by Pittacus Lore and here are my thoughts!!

---

When news of another I Am Number Four came up, My excitement was over my head!! I was pumped for another action-packed series and still within the world of IANF! But the next minutes I felt the sudden gush of worry; worry that this might take a toll on the series. When is too much? I've been feeling like this on Harry Potter lately (and much to my heavy heart this had been giving me sadness 'cause HP was literally my childhood) and I don't want to feel like this on another series. I love them too much. I was happy how the Nicholas Flamel series has ended and I would very much like it to stay finished, though I have of coursed missed the characters. Now after seven main books and a couple more side stories, how much is enough for the IANF series?

I still can't tell it now though as I feel it's too early. Generation One has presented us with a whole new story line, with a couple of recurring characters, and a bunch of new ones with strong potentials of being the next main Gardes of the story. With new problems and a lot of questions hanging at the end, one cannot tell this early on if this next story is such a good idea. But I have this feeling that it is.

Generation One still has that thrill the first IANF books had, and I do hope the story line is as much as great as the first one too. With Setrakus Ra out of the picture, who will be the next main villain? I could imagine how this could lead to and focus on a more politically-inclined plot. But I really hope not, as having 'humans with Loric powers/aliens' should give the story much more options to go to. Aside from that, we have enough politics going on in real life already.

To summarize my review (or my thoughts rather), aside from the worried feeling this would ruin the series, I really really liked it so far! Really strong characters with big potential, a story line with wide possible paths, with all the action packed in a book! Go get a copy and read it now, it's not one to be missed!

My Goodreads Rating: ★★★★★

[iamfebruaryfour]

This Book Loves You - PewDiePie

I’ve had and read this for a while now, and I only had the chance to post this now.

This book deserves a solo ❤ i finally found you ❤ #thisbooklovesyou #pewdiepie #marziasbookisnext

A post shared by I Am February Four (@iamfebruaryfour) on May 1, 2017 at 2:32am PDT

I've been a fan of PewDiePie for a while now, and while not many people really likes his videos, I have. Especially since the commotion last February, plus his past videos, I’ve come to actually admire and respect him as an individual. So buying his merch was how I think I could support him (even though he already has all the support in the world with 56M+ YouTube subs!)

Anyway, his book was a different story altogether. It’s actually an art book, which, at least I think, is quite hard to love, but I was one of those who loved it. It showed more Felix but it had its PewDiePie parts too. I loved how there were some parts that I took a photo of so I could have it with me whenever I need to look at them.

If you’re into art appreciation and PewDiePie, then I think you’re gonna like this :)

My Goodreads Rating: ★★★★★

[iamfebruaryfour]

It's been a while since i've been a bro, but only now have I bought this. Have huge respect to the biggest YouTuber ❤ A coffee table-ish book filled with imperfect photo edits and quotes that won't want it to be quoted but will leave you posting one anyways just because it's too relatable, inspiring or not. My personal favorite, just because PIZZA: "Don't be yourself; be a pizza. Everyone loves pizza."

[iamfebruaryfour]

The BAGUIO Haul

So last Holy Week we planned a trip to Vigan and Baguio, allotting 3 days for each locations. I expected to bring home a lot of keychains for my collection (and I mean A LOT), but what It didn’t occurred to me was that there could be bookstores.

So I didn’t find any at Vigan, but at Baguio, oh my. If I could, I would go on an all-day bookstore hopping!!! 

I reckon if you live at Baguio you’d already know Mt. Cloud Bookshop. It’s home for all stuff LOCAL. YES. You’ll want to use that hashtag now #lovelocal

They have books from local authors, some you won’t even find at the Metro! And they even have INDIE ZINES!!!  I definitely needed to bring home some items from here!! 

This was the bookstore that made me wished I lived here. 

These were the stuff I got there:

Next bookshop we went to was Bookends! 

We didn’t actually intend to go there. We were actually going to the Night Market, but turned back to the hotel. Did not regret.

I thought I knew them. And then realized that I did. I have liked their page prior, and I knew them from the book groups I’m in. I was so happy I got to go there!! It’s like going to a place you only saw on pictures. 

The bookstore was a sea of books. Literally!! Tons and tons of books everywhere! There’s even another room for the on sale books!! 

Not only there were books, but there were also old antique things too! 

These were the stuff I got there:

So yeah! I believe there are loads more treasure at Baguio so I will remember that fact and research again when I get the chance to go there again!! and I can’t wait to read all of these!!!!

*update: I’ve already read Underground Kingdom on our way home! and I’ve decided to write the experiences I had while reading! Be warned that If you’ll read, there will be spoilers :)

[iamfebruaryfour]

The 2 Month Haul

So for the last 2 months (Feb-March) I did little to no reading, since I’m still in the middle of Rant (Chuck Palahniuk), but instead decided to hunt down some books! Would like to thank the people whom I bought the books from!

Librodega Pages and Spines Bookshop Camille Manzano Pamalla Gallego

the other books I got from NBS!

Hector and the Secrets of Love I’ve finished the Happiness one, and I was waiting for the time/moment/opportunity/whatever to buy the Love one, but I wanted to buy the cover similar to what I got. So when I saw it, I instantly messaged!!!

The People of Sparks And I never even had the first book!!! But I did saw the movie of the first book, and heard the hype it got. So before I read this, I have to wait for the first book (of course with the similar cover)

One Day I wasn’t sure If I had this (and I though I already had it) but I don’t know... I still bought it. Wasn’t even sure if I read it. what i’m sure of is I NEED TO READ IT.

Nerve Saw the movie the day before I bought it. 

Naomy and Ely’s No Kiss List Because i’ve got my eyes on this for a long time now, and it’s a Levithan.

The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak Because It reminds me of Sheldon and Amy <3 Love through Science. Or so i’m thinking. HAVEN’T READ IT no SPOILS PLS.

Replica The layout of the book is very VERY intriguing.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close One of the books that I’ve always got my eyes on. Finally bought it.

The Book Of Lost Things To complete the John Connoly books!!!!!!! Finally I can read them!!!

Emmy and Oliver I wanted to read this since it came out. Still wanted to read it.

The Sealed Letter Because I watched The Room (though already have the book, haven’t read it yet either so here’s my chance)

Agatha Books Because I love classic hardbound books like this and had one so no reason not to try and collect them!!! if you have one let me know PLS. :) --turns out I already have one of the books so I’ll add that to my ‘to sell’ books :D

Zhang Books Purchased this thinking that it’s Amy Zhang, but it’s not :) still I want to give the books a try. 

So that’s about it! Additional books to read this year!!! Here’s to me reaching that 35 books on Goodreads!!!

[iamfebruaryfour]

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

I took a long time reading this, as when 2017 started, work load had increased too. Fortunately, the book was formatted like a compilation of short stories, of Randy Pausch's experience, thoughts, and hopes and wishes. Every chapter is a different wisdom to ponder.

Aside from the obvious things like "it was very heartfelt", or "bittersweet" or  "downright sad", I loved the way how Mr. Pausch shares his wisdom. His whole composure during his illness, and how he thinks about the things he needed to prepare for his family. I kind of have this image of him as a person who do not usually express his feelings, but when he does, it's real. He knows how to appreciate people and how they affect his life. He doesn't forget them. He's full of passion and optimism that it was his main drive through it all. Not only he loves knowledge, but he seflessly wanted to spead it, even before he was diagnosed. Most especially, he knows the value of family. His mom, dad, and his wife and kids. You'd know the kind of person he is from this book. He had acomplished his dreams for himself, but he had learned a better wisdom during the journey: that along the way he'll want to share it with anyone. He won't take it for himself, and he will believe in you if you are truly worthy. He knows how to relate to people, and has rational answers to basic questions we usually ask but shrug off, just because we're maybe too selfish, or too scared, or just plain clueless.

Every chapter presents different wisdoms. But they all had something for us to think about. Have we done something like that? Can I do the same thing? I've done it but haven't achieved the same result, so what did i do wrong? Can I do what he did? And more questions that we'd ask ourselves that I think would have some kind of impact to the reader.

He included a point about clichès, how even though we'll think a clichè point is too used up, it's basically true, and sometimes we can't express it better than that. I loved how he made the last part of the book about his family. I don't know if it's a clichè but if i'm to write a book before I die, I know i'll leave the last part for my family. I cried on that last bit.

Big thanks to my co-worker Candice for letting me borrow the book. Like her, I would certainly recommend this to everyone, especially for those who needs some kind of internal mental emotional boost. It's got a big heart and you'll certainly feel it all the while. It touches you in a way that you'll feel refreshed afterwards. It's a book you're gonna want to read when you feel you're in a low point in life.

My Goodreads rating:  ★★★★★ 

[iamfebruaryfour]

Through the Woods Emily Carrol

I wasn't meant to read it this early in the year, but while I was waiting for a file to load I picked up the nearest book, and it was this. Plus points for reading it at the middle of the night.

Graphic novels had been surprising me lately. From Beauty to this, It just never occurred to me to maybe look for similar graphic novels. Thanks to my sister and my brother, I keep bumping to treasures like these.

I never had any expectations before I had encountered Through the Woods, and that made it more exciting and surprising! That's why I won't say anything about it, except that it's really really good and you'd gonna have to check it out :)

My Goodreads rating:

★★★★★

[iamfebruaryfour]

The Night We Met tho...

[iamfebruaryfour]

Underground Kingdom by Edward Packard

Since this is the kind of book that requires you to ‘make decisions’, and those decisions will lead to different endings, what I did was to record every time I reach the end. Expect some spoilers! Here it goes:

First try: Ended at only page 13. It was a short journey and didn't got anything from it. I'd be disappointed on myself and my team for quitting this early in the game. Second try: I got. Bit farther and had actually arrived at the underground kingdom, only to get myself eaten by a creature i didn't even get the chance to know what. I had most of my decisions right so i guess i have two options: go back from the start, or go back to where i was before i made that last decision. Third try: So i decided to just go back to where i was before i made that last decision, since i wasn't going to change my right decisions until i get to the end. Got to meet the little humanoid Rakas and discovered that dr. Nera was there but went to sail the Great River. Got myself drowned when we were about to go to war, which, i personally think, escalated quickly. Fourth try: So not much progress though the end i got is a bit on the positive side. I got back to greenland, and maybe i get to spread the word that there is an underground cave. It's quite a fitting ending, but i'm not giving up yet. Fifth try: I got myself imprisoned. Great. Sixth try: I got myself stuck in between the point where i will neither rise or fall. Great. Seventh try: Same ending as my fourth try. Eighth try: I got myself out of the kingdom through the great river. Ninth try: I got myself out without me going in the core but got my 2 team mates fall to it. Fast forward i meet another doctor and went back with him to the opening. We fall down using a spheric transportation. He went dead after landing and soon everything was familiar again and met a similar fate as to my second attempt. Tenth try: I got myself and the other doctor to outer space to die. Eleventh: I almost gave up and wandered around the pages, but not long enough to spoil everything. I got to a part i've been before and followed a different path that lead me to dr. Vivaldi! But got myself killed afterwards. Twelvth: Got myself and dr vivaldi killed. Thirteenth: Well whadaya know, we made it! :)) on the last page :)) we went to the hills of diamonds (something like that) and filled my pockets with diamonds :)) After exploring, i think the thirteenth try wasn't the best ending I got since technically they hadn't got back to greenland. There is however another ending wherein i got back to greenland with dr. Vivaldi, and hadn't made my 2 team mates come down to search for us, as the passage was closing up. It was the best ending out of all the endings, and i got it on the very last try (about nearly the 20th). These kinds of books are very fun to read especially if you're just looking for something to kill time. Picking it up, finishing one storyline and putting it down when you've reached the end and reading the other storyline on another day would i think be the best way to read this, but if you're like me who wanted to read everything in one day, it could spoil the magic, but could still surprise you every time. It's a great adventure every time i read and pick a different answer. My Goodreads Rating: ★★★★☆