10 books FB challenge

I wasn't tagged. Huhuhu.. :(  Serves me right though for not being an avid Facebooker (?).

Anyway, the rules are simple, post 10 books that have stayed with you through the years and/or have affected you in some way. You shouldn't think about it too long and the list of books doesn't have to be "right" or great works of literature. Then you get to tag other people to do the same. I'm doing mine in blogger so I can't really tag anyone.

Anyhoo, here's my list and the reasons why.


1. A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

Accounts of a boy abused by his mother. I read it when I was 6 or 7 months pregnant with Tuka which was a horrible horrible idea. I was bored one night, saw the book lying in the living room, picked it up and started reading. I finished it in one sitting. I cried the whole time. THE WHOLE TIME. No exaggeration. The hormones didn't help. Hehehe..


2.  The Client by John Grisham

1st novel I've ever read. I was in 3rd grade and it took me a month to finish it. I had to regularly check words in the dictionary and had to talk to some grown-ups about law in order to fully understand the book. I remember feeling that it was a huge accomplishment that I was able to finish and understand the book. :)


3. Laro sa Baga by Edgardo Reyes

1st Filipino novel I've ever read. I was in 6th grade. Not a good choice looking back at it now. It was hard for me to understand and harder still to appreciate. I was too young. I haven't been in love, no sexual experience, no interest at all with the opposite sex. But it was an eye opener. It introduced me to Filipino literature (aside from those discussed in school) and introduced me to a world I had no idea or knowledge about. It was a learning experience.

Note: If any readers want to try reading Filipino lit, try the works of Lualhati Bautista, Prof. Jose Maria Sison and Jose F. Lacaba. Better than the one mentioned above. Haha!  :)


4. Nancy Drew Series

Of course! I was young once. I was addicted to this series. I read every single one from IBAM (International Books and Magazines Club). I used to blow my school money on Nancy Drew. It was light, it was enjoyable, Nancy was kick ass awesome and it's a perfect way to relax after a hellish day from school.


5. The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

This book is connected to a confession made by a family member. And that's all I'm willing to say.


6. The Young Idiana Jones Chronicles

My mom bought me these. It made me want to travel. Made me want to see the world and have adventures. Made me interested in archaeology. I wanted to dig up really really old people and study them. Nyahahaha!


7. The Stories of Eva Luna by Isabel Allende

A compilation of short stories told by Eva Luna. Beautifully written. I remember thinking that the words Allende used to make these stories were perfect. Like the words belonged there. It was meant to be there. I didn't even feel that way while reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez.


8. Philippine Society and Revolution - Amado Guerrero 

It felt like a light bulb was turned on. Suddenly, many things made sense. I understood what must be done and why it must be done. Cheka! But true.


9. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The way it was written was different and it was a first for me. It was empowering and the book had a happy ending. I'm a sucker for those.


10. Colours by Jan Pienkowski

Tuka's 1st ever favorite book. This was the book that made Tuka interested in 'reading'. He would take this book from our shelf  (lowest shelf is for Tuka) and give it to me so we could read it. Every single day for about 2 months. I owe Pienkowski big time.

Note: Unfortunately, Tuka has already moved on. His current fave is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.


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So there you have it. Most of them can't really be considered great works but these are the ones that have sentimental value for me. A personal connection.

Political books are important but I have to be honest these books are also hard to grasp. You have to study them, sometimes over and over again until you get a headache. Sometimes it would take years to fully understand a particular book. So only one got included in my list. Thumbs up for Joma. Haha!

Anyhoo, whatchathink? xx