In her debut novel, Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens, an American author and zoologist, lays open the influence of abandonment and prejudice on a girl who strived to survive in a North Carolinian marsh, the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”, the only place she knew as home after her family left her all alone. Kya grew into a strong-willed, perceptive, and intelligent woman who was shunned by most people in town for her wild, rugged life. Two men fell in love with her but their love was not enough to save her from loneliness. 

The murder accusation threatened her to be away from the only thing she had, the marsh; it was her mother; it was her only family. The marsh can keep secrets but could it save her?

After topping the New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2019 and The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2020, Where the Crawdads Sing continues to stay in Amazon Charts, the New York Times Best Sellers, and Indie Bestseller Lists. Eleven million copies are already sold around the world. 

***

Kya fended for herself when her family left her in their shack when she was six years old. The truant officers tried to put her in school where she could have decent food and learn reading but she slipped away from their hands. Kya grew up living on grits and selling mussels, and eventually smoked fish, to Jumpin’, the owner of the gas dock and bait shop located between Barkley Cove and Kya’s place. 

As years went by, she grew into a beautiful young woman that captured the heart of Tate, the young man whom Kya met in the marsh when she got lost when she was seven years old. The eleven-year-old Tate accompanied her to her shack. At 18, he made the first move to get close with Kya. When he found out that Kya couldn’t read, he brought her discarded textbooks including advanced biology books that sparked the beginning of her love for studying the living organisms in the marsh. In the end, they fell in love but their romance was cut short when Tate left for college, leaving Kya devastated. 

She found herself in the arms of another man, Chase Andrew, the famous football player in their town. With the promise of marriage, Kya gave in to Chase’s desire to deflower her. Feeling loved, Kya was ready to break out of her cocoon, meet his family and friends, and blend in the society. However, the promise of marriage and the idea of having a life with Chase were all fantasy when she saw his arm around the shoulders of another girl in a store. She also read in the newspaper the news about Chase’s upcoming wedding. Her heart was shattered again, resigning to the truth that she was meant to live alone. 

Then, on October 30, 1969, Chase’s body was found by two boys passing by the Fire Tower with their bikes. An investigation was made and the early statements pointed to Kya as the suspect. In the trial, some witnesses pinned Kya down and others swore they saw her go out of town for two days. After everything was considered, the jury found Kya not guilty. 

Fast forward to Kya at sixty-four years old. She had lived a happy, fulfilling life with Tate, her husband, and two children. She had also devoted her life to biology and writing. One evening, when she failed to return home after collecting samples in the marsh, Tate found her on a boat in a lagoon, lifeless. After the funeral, Tate went to the shack to get her will and birth certificate but she found none. Instead, he found two things: one that surprised him, the other that did not. 

Thoughts…Thoughts…Thoughts…

Now I understand why Where the Crawdads Sing got 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 131,998 ratings. Delia Owens impressively embroidered the events together into a tapestry of surprise that left me stricken with different emotions of shock and disbelief. Kya grew on me as I turned every page, feeling sorry for what she went through from the day her mother left her to the day she was on trial for murder. However, the ending put me in a place where I had to make a decision whether to continue to be on her side or not.  

One of the themes touched by this novel is the lack of motherly love which, I believe, to be very crucial to a person’s growth. A little girl waiting for her mother to walk down on the lane by their shack pinched my heart. Having this image in my mind made me say how could a mother leave her children all by themselves in the hands of her drunk, ill-tempered husband. It was later explained why but still her reason was not enough to just abandon her children. 

Furthermore, some people find it hard to believe that a six-year-old girl can survive by herself. As far as I’m concerned, this is actually possible. Children who are born in poverty are forced to act like adults to take care of themselves and their siblings. A child needs to be brave, observant of what adults do, and smart in order to survive and Kya had those characteristics. 

Where the Crawdads Sing is highly recommended for those who love mystery. It’s a page-turner that would leave you gaping in the end. 

Discussion Questions

1.What do you think about the title? 

2.Describe the dynamics in Kya’s family. 

3. Is it plausible for a six-year-old child to survive in the shack in the middle of a marsh?

4. What are the other parts of the story that you find unrealistic?

5. Was the author able to stall the mystery until the end of the novel? In what way?

Further Information

Title: Where the Crawdads Sing

Author: Delia Owens

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (August 14, 2018)

Publication Date: August 14, 2018

Print length: 379 pages

ASIN: B078GD3DRG

Quotes

First Line: 

“The morning burned so August-hot, the marsh’s moist breath hung the oaks and pines with fog.”

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Everyone has the right to be seen and flourish, regardless of background and abilities. But, because of other people’s unique characteristics, they can be shunned and judged by society. 

In his book, The House in the Cerulean Sea, Klune illustrates the significance of acknowledging the differences among people, especially children and giving them a chance to live and attain their optimal potential. In one mysterious orphanage, children with exceptional abilities were isolated as they were feared by the nearby community. Because of this, the authorities were concerned about what they could do to the people around them and the whole world. Do they deserve to continue living in the orphanage or not? 

TJ Klune guides the reader in navigating through the thoughts and experiences of the characters while touching on social issues that need to be considered before it’s too late for us to change and uphold the true essence of being humans. 

The House in the Cerulean Sea is an award-winning book written by TJ Klune. This New York Times bestseller won the Alex Award and Mythopoeic Scholarship Award for Adult Literature in 2021. However, despite these accolades, the book received criticisms because, to some degree, it’s based on the Sixties Coop, wherein the Canadian government took indigenous children from their families and communities and put them up for adoption. This caused generational and historical trauma in indigenous kids.

BOOK DESCRIPTION 

(from Goodreads)

“A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn. 

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place―and realizing that family is yours.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

1. What do you think about the title of the book?
2. What is the main message of the book?
3. How does the plot of the story deliver its message?
4. Is the story an allegory? Why or why not?
5. What is your favorite part of the book?
6. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the main character?
7. Can you identify with the main character? In what ways?
8. Who is your favorite character and why?
9. What questions would you ask the author?
10. Would you recommend this book? Why or why not?

QUOTES

WHAT I LOVED 

• The story is magical but the author didn’t hesitate to touch on different social issues. It is a cautionary tale of not acknowledging and accepting the uniqueness of every person. It could lead to discrimination, child abuse, and neglect which are pretty common nowadays. 
• For me, Mr. Baker is the representative of the reader in the story. When he was assigned to do the challenging task, he was full of anxiety and hesitation. He is like a scaredy cat. However, despite that, he opened his mind and heart to the children. Sometimes you have to suspend your judgment on people who are unique and different. 
• The hero’s journey is impressively well-written. The author was able to clearly paint the initial thoughts and feelings of the main character that are leaning to the negative side, and the hero’s massive transformation towards the end of the story. 

WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE

• I love the characters in the story but their dialogue sometimes can be dragging and didactic.  There are parts where the character seems to give a sermon on moral issues.
• The love story was not convincing for me. I was just surprised that two of the characters fell in love in the end. It was not well-developed for me.
• The vibe of the story could be clearer for me. It’s like a mix of a cartoon TV show, an anime, and an episode of a fantasy anthology TV series. I imagine it is like The Willoughbys movie by Netflix. It’s weird because it’s like a children’s story but also a story for grownups.
• The story is not plot-driven so there were slow parts that I wanted to skip. Honestly, they made me want to DNF the book but I didn’t because I wanted to finish it.

SUMMING-UP

“ When you live in a cookie-cutter world, being different is a sin.” 

This is one of the lines of the song “Weird” by the Hansons. I loved listening to and singing this song when I was young because it expressed what I felt inside. I was very shy back then and I noticed that I had different interests compared to my siblings and friends. I was a lonely child who loved to be alone and study, do my homework, and read books. Being different can bring avoidance and isolation.  

However, a psychologist from Yale University said that it is natural for us to have different characteristics. It is not a bad thing. It is important to recognize and understand the diverse and dissimilar traits of people because there are no two people who have an exact set of characteristics. That’s the way it is. That’s what being human means. 

TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea tells the story of orphans who are treated as strange and dangerous because of their unique personalities and abilities. Despite the confusing vibe and the serious social issues incorporated in the story, readers can still enjoy the relatable characters, especially the magical ones, and leave you pondering about thought-provoking insights related to love, self-acceptance, and respect for others. 

TJ Klune is exceptional at creating interesting characters. The main character, Mr. Baker is relatable in a way that he mirrors our reactions to being chosen to do a backbreaking assignment, going on to an unexpected visit to a mysterious orphanage on an island, and meeting children rumored to be dangerous. His journey is well-written as his transformations are clearly depicted. Mr. Baker is memorable.

Aside from the characters, it is also impressive that Klune was able to incorporate different social issues, which could be trigger warnings so the reader’s discretion is advised, to a magical story. Some of the crucial issues included child abuse, discrimination, and body shaming. Also, on his website, Klune wanted to add “ accurate and positive queer representations in stories,” which he did in The House in the Cerulean Sea. 

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and following their journey but there were parts that I didn’t love. Sometimes, dialogues can be dragging and didactic as if the character was giving a sermon on moral issues. The love story was not also well-developed for me. I was just surprised that two of the characters fell in love in the end. The vibe of the story was confusing, too. It felt like a funny cartoon mixed with a magical anime and a little bit of a serious grown-up show. It reminds me of the movie called “The Willoughbys” on Netflix. It’s just a unique book for me because it’s a heartwarming, entertaining story for kids, but it’s also about sensitive social issues. The book is both interesting and confusing, which made my reading experience very unique. 

The House in the Cerulean Sea gives me mixed feelings. I enjoyed the characters so much because they are interesting and relatable, but the dialogue and plot have lackluster parts. However, all in all, the book left me with a unique reading experience that will not make this book forgettable. 

References:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TJ_Klune 

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixties_Scoop 

 https://booktriggerwarnings.com/The_House_in_the_Cerulean_Sea_by_T.J._Klune 

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/cravings/201802/science-says-being-different-doesn-t-mean-you-re-weird 

Melissa Ambrosini, a bestselling author of Mastering Your Mean Girl and Open Wide, PurposeFULL,  a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and self-love teacher, regards toxic comparison as an illness in her book, Comparisonitis. 

“Comparisonitis is when the act of comparing becomes unhealthy, toxic, and destructive.”

The book is divided into three parts:

The first part defines comparisonitis, enumerates its signs and symptoms, provides a self-assessment tool to measure one’s level of comparisonitis, and explains what the experts say about it. 

The second part is about the ways to treat toxic comparison — nipping it in the bud, improving one’s mindset, living in a high vibration, and prioritizing the important things in life.

The last part explores the four areas where comparisonitis is prevalent — our bodies, friendships, social media, and parenting.

Thoughts…Thoughts…Thoughts…

Comparisonitis is surprisingly good! The author balanced her own narrative with research studies, practical tips,  and applicable exercises that encourage self-reflection and self-transformation. Also, readers can download a separate, free workbook on her website, but proof of purchase is required. Unfortunately, I only received the Advance Reader Copy so I don’t have a receipt to submit to get the workbook. But then, the exercises in the book are still doable.

As for the book-length, it is just right. The friendly tone makes it easier to read.  Ambrosini is sincere, honest, and courageous in sharing her own fight against comparisonitis as a friend, writer, model, influencer, and, mother.

What struck me the most are the two views in life: the pie perspective and the candle consciousness. 

From a pie perspective, opportunities are like slices of pie. When one slice is taken, there’s less pie left for you. In life, when other people do something grand, you feel like there’s less or nothing left for you. This mindset comes from having scarcity thinking. 

Contrarily, the candle consciousness takes the abundance and infinite mindset. Every one of us holds a lighted candle in a dark room with equal brightness. Blowing the light out of another person’s candle does not make your candle shine brighter. When one candle is not burning, you can light it again using your flame. In this perspective, all of us are shining, all of us are winning. 

Comparisonitis is a must-read for parents, students, young professionals, influencers, or anyone who is already fed up with the destructive habit of unhealthy comparison.

Thank you, Melissa Ambrosini, BenBella Books, and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy for the chance to review this book. I understand that I would give Comparisonitis an honest review.

Discussion Questions

1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “compare”?

2. What do you think about the expert’s explanation on comparison?

3. In what ways people suffer from comparisonitis?

4. What do you think about the exercises in the book? Were they helpful?

5. Explain your idea of comparison before and after reading the book. 

Further Information

Title: Comparisonitis: How to Stop Comparing Yourself To Others and Be Genuinely Happy

Author:  Melissa Ambrosini

Genre: Self-help

Publisher: BenBella Books (May 11, 2021)

Publication Date: May 11, 2021

Print length: 200 pages 

ASIN: B08JQKNKN1

Quotes

“I hadn’t seen Marielle in the seven years since we’d left high school, so when she phoned me out of the blue saying she was in town for the weekend, I jumped at the chance to catch up.”

What is a story?

Is it the character or the plot?

Is it the achievement of the character’s goals or the feelings of the readers about the character and the story?

Lisa Cron dives deeper into describing what a story is about in her book, Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence. A story is not just about the characters, events, and the setting but it’s a brain simulation that prepares us to handle situations like those the character faces. Since the brain’s purpose is to keep us safe, it learns from stories the different ways of dealing with real-life circumstances. 

Cron explains the importance of brain science in telling a story by citing studies and insights from prominent neuroscientists such as Antonio Damasio, Marco Iacoboni, and Richard Restak. According to neuroscience, the brain follows certain rules when understanding the actions, thoughts, and motivations of the characters, the nuances of the story events, and the relevance of every story information. Writers need to understand these rules and use them to their advantage to hook and satisfy the readers. 

Cron is also the author of Story Genius, another book that tackles brain science to help writers create engaging stories. Aside from writing, she also worked at W.W. Norton and Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency, as a story consultant for Warner Brothers and William Morris Agency, and teaches at UCLA Extension Writers’ Program since 2006. She helps writers, nonprofits, and organizations use storytelling effectively to inspire action and real-world change. 

Imagine knowing what the brain craves from every tale it encounters, what fuels the success of any great story, and what keeps readers transfixed. Wired for Story reveals these cognitive secrets–and it’s a game-changer for anyone who has ever set pen to paper. The vast majority of writing advice focuses on writing well as if it were the same as telling a great story. This is exactly where many aspiring writers fail–they strive for beautiful metaphors, authentic dialogue, and interesting characters, losing sight of the one thing that every engaging story must do: ignite the brain’s hardwired desire to learn what happens next. When writers tap into the evolutionary purpose of story and electrify our curiosity, it triggers a delicious dopamine rush that tells us to pay attention. Without it, even the most perfect prose won’t hold anyone’s interest. Backed by recent breakthroughs in neuroscience as well as examples from novels, screenplays, and short stories, Wired for Story offers a revolutionary look at story as the brain experiences it. Each chapter zeroes in on an aspect of the brain, its corresponding revelation about story, and the way to apply it to your storytelling right now.

Source:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13126099-wired-for-story 

1. What is a story?
2. What is the role of the story in the evolution of human beings?
3. What are the myths of storywriting?
4. What are the 12 cognitive secrets? 
5. What are the 12 story secrets?
6. What is the main goal of the brain?
7. What did a brain imaging study reveal when a reader is immersed in a story?
8. What is the difference between writing well and writing a story?
9. What do you think about incorporating neuroscience in writing a story?
10. List 5 brain rules that sustain the reader’s attention. 

Quotes

1. Every information in the story is on a “need-to-know basis.”
2. Sublots are cognitive breathers that give a reader a break from the main story but keep the latter engaged. 
3. Emotions are the major drivers in fictional and real-life stories but are guided by logic. 
4. Writing doesn’t end with the first draft. It takes rewriting to make the story effective. 
5. Writers should seek feedback that is free from personal bias. 

• I was surprised that the book is not boring even though it talks about the technical side of writing a story — characterization, plot structure, and pacing, among others. Lisa Cron added the insights of several neuroscientists on the brain processes that help readers get hooked on the story. She masterfully blended detailed explanations of neuroscience with demonstrations of the writing techniques using specific examples and her own experiences. The book’s tone is also inviting and the language is easy to digest, making the book a page-turner. 
• I am not a writer but as a serious reader, I could still glean important insights into how stories work on a deeper level, engaging the brain’s neural networks that are programmed to respond to good stories. Cron revealed questions to be asked when you are reading a story. I will keep those in mind and see how these questions will help me improve my book-reviewing skills. 
• One of the things that I appreciate is Cron’s candor, especially in the last chapter. She doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of writing a great story. The writer should be willing to rewrite many times until the story is fully polished. Getting feedback from impartial reviewers is also necessary to ensure that the story captivates the attention and emotions of the readers. This increases my respect for the writers. 

• The writing techniques in the book are supported by neuroscience, however, there is no detailed information about the structure of the parts of the brain that are involved in reading stories. The neuroscience aspect is surface-level.  

Writing a story is not easy. Literally, it takes blood, and sweat. I saw one author who shared her writing journey on YouTube and went on a roller-coaster ride of emotions and challenges as she wrote her novel. It was then I realized writing is not for the faint of heart. It could take months, if not years, to write a good story. And, finishing a book is not the end of it all. The reaction of the readers determines if the story was a success. People may love or hate the story, and this can affect the writers’ confidence. 

To help writers satisfy their readers, Lisa Cron wrote Wired for Story. In this book, she shares cognitive tenets that writers can use in engaging the neural networks in the reader’s brain until the very end. Not only that, she also dispelled writing myths that impede great storytelling. At the end of every chapter, Cron provides tips on how to avoid writing faux pax and guide questions in improving the story. 

I read this book as a reader, not a writer. Cron’s use of simple language surprised me as it made the book so easy to read. She does know how to hook the readers even though the book is about the technical side of story writing. In addition to popular books, movies, and characters, she incorporates her own experiences in her examples, making the book more relatable and engaging. As a reader, I learned the things to look for when reading fiction. For example, every object in the story should have a purpose. If a gun is seen hanging on the wall at the beginning of the story, it should be fired by the end. Writers should not include unnecessary information that confuses the readers. I am excited to read my next fiction so I can apply what I learned from this book. 

Because of Wired for Story, I appreciate writers more. They have to create believable and connectable characters, place them in a setting that is relevant to the story, and push them to the limits until they grow and change. Writers have to be mindful, as well, of every aspect of the character, plot, and setting in order not to get lost along the way, or else, the readers will also get lost in the confusion, too. The complexity of the writing process is already difficult for the writers but what comes after is even more difficult. They have to face criticism not only from the readers but also from their peers and editors. But Cron couldn’t stress enough the importance of getting impartial feedback from neutral readers. It’s the writer’s duty to find the best and most fitting version of the story. It’s not about them, it’s about the story itself. 

Even though the book uses brain science to make writing stories more effective, Cron doesn’t complicate it by adding jargon, technical terms for brain parts,  loads of statistics, facts, and experiments to support her claims. She focuses more on the application of brain science to writing stories. The neuroscience in this book is on the surface level. 

If you are a writer who wants to hook readers from the first page to the last page of your book or a reader who wants to understand the anatomy of a great story to better appreciate fiction, this book is for you. 

Wired for Story by Lisa Cron

Published on July 10, 2012, by Ten Speed Press

274 pages (eBook)

Books can be many things. 

They can be a source of information, entertainment, or education. 

But one of the things I appreciate about books is they are a provider of comfort in times when we are less motivated or sad. 

When I feel down, these are my go-to books to feel better. 

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which is written by J.K. Rowling,  is about Harry Potter, an orphaned boy who learns that he’s a wizard, attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and confronts Lord Voldemort. 

Harry Potter brings us to the magical world of wizards and witches, making us escape from the cares of being ordinary muggles. The story brings us comfort, warmth, and fun. When we feel down, Harry Potter reminds us that we can overcome difficult things. 

2. The Giver

Lois Lowry’s The Giver tells the story of Jonas, an 11-year-old boy living in a perfect world, who is chosen to become the Receiver of Memory. This position grants him access to all emotions and experiences that have been suppressed by his community. 

The Giver is a beautifully written story that tugs the heart as it shows the importance of love, courage, and freedom. The plot is full of surprises that makes the book exciting to read. The characters are relatable; it feels like they are talking to you while reading the book. 

3. The Alchemist

Paolo Coelho wrote one of the most popular books in the world, The Alchemist, a story that revolves around a young shepherd boy who follows his dreams and travels to Egypt to find treasure. He learns valuable life lessons along the way. 

The Alchemist spellbinds the readers with its beautiful prose that is filled with symbols and profound themes such as courage and faith. Its message gives hope and inspiration. 

4. The Little Prince

The Little Prince is a popular classic written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It is about a little prince who met a pilot stranded in the desert. The young boy teaches the pilot the importance of love, imagination, and the simple things in life. 

For me, this book reminds us what matters most in life. Although we experience failures and other challenges, it brings us to a place where we could feel love and the magical side of life. 

5. The Power of Now

The Power of Now is a guide to living in the present moment and overcoming the suffering that comes from dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. It is written by Eckhart Tolle. 

When we dwell on the past, we are reliving pain and regret. When we worry about the future, we are creating anxiety and fear. By living in the present moment, we can free ourselves from the suffering that comes from these beliefs. 

Life has many ups and downs but books are our best companions to get through them. 

What are your comfort books and why?

Heads up! Just a friendly reminder that my Daily Reads may contain spoilers, so proceed with caution. 

Hi, fellow bookworm! 

Thank you so much for dropping by.

I am going to share with you my daily reading experiences as I read Nicola Tyche’s novel, North Queen. 

I’ve been meaning to share my reactions and reflections about the book I am currently reading, hoping that this could help you get to know the book and give it a read.

As I’ve said, this time, I am reading North Queen which I found on Netgalley.  I was so thrilled that I was able to get an ARC. I love fantasy novels the most. After reading contemporary novels and non-fiction books for the past months, I needed to have a break by going to a fantasy world and experience the magical story of interesting characters.

North Queen is the first book of the Crowns series. I’m 18 chapters into the book, out of 57 chapters, 551 pages all in all. It’s about Norah, a princess who went missing for three years and who held the key in saving the kingdom of Mercia. Not only that, she also lost her memories. This is one thing that hooks me the most. I can’t wait to read the part where everything about Norah is revealed. 

So far, I’m having a great time. So many intriguing twists that shocked me. The characters are likable and memorable. Tension escalated as I went deeper into the story. My interest is still up which means no desire to rush my reading or DNF the book. I’m taking my sweet time to read every line on the page. 

The key events that hooked me more to the story:

• I could feel it the pain in the heart of Alexander, Norah’s childhood friend whom I supposed her lover as well. His Norah had no idea who he was but her feelings of comfort gives a clue as to the nature of their relationship. Just imagine the one you love forgets you and the moments you spent together. The heartbreak of Alexander is palpable. 
• Norah had amnesia. She couldn’t remember anyone and anything from her past. Despite this, she had to accept the greatest responsibility of all, save the kingdom from evil. Forced to carry out her duties, she was fighting to disperse the smoke of her secret that could put her and her kingdom in danger once it’s out. But how long could she hold up? What would happen if the people knew she didn’t remember anything? I’m so excited to know the answers to these questions. 
• The most memorable part so far was when Norah accidentally ran into the Wild, the forest that all people feared the most. The event that transpired in the forest was shocking to me. 

There you have it. The first glimpse of North Queen. 

Do you like fantasy books? What is your favorite fantasy novel? 😄

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

    Many books have already been written about suffering. Suffering comes in different forms: emotional, psychological, and physical suffering, but the one thing that I am most interested in is psychological or mental suffering. After reading Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now which explains why we suffer and how to alleviate the pain of suffering, I got hooked on this type of book. When I saw You Were Not Born to Suffer,  I was caught by its title that bespeaks a truth about me. However,  I found most of the contents nothing new, but still, it was a good read for me.

    The book starts with an explanation of why we are no different from butterflies. The cocoon that the caterpillar makes symbolizes our struggles. In other words, we need to struggle to become the best version of ourselves like the beautiful butterfly that emerges from its cocoon, free and flourishing. This image will remind me of this book always.

   Reading further, the author talks about suffering, love, authenticity, healing the inner child, ego, life purpose, breathing, forgiveness, fear, and feeling alive and well. 

One of the things I appreciate is the list of things that come with our purpose in life. Some of  them are:

1. Enjoying each day as much as possible in healthy ways, rather than self-destructive ones.

2. You also have to purge or heal all the emotions stored in your body from the past; like guilt, insecurity, fear, shame, anger, hurt, and sadness.

3. To create whatever you feel like from the love, truth, and inspiration you feel, whether this is art, a home, a business, a family, cooking or events. Here there is no right or wrong. No good or bad. No better than or less than. It’s simply what you want and what makes you come alive.

    I finally found the words that will guide me each day to align with my true self. When my past hurt or pain visits my body, I let it be and read the list to remind me of the things that are more important. It’s like being guided by a lighthouse to a safe harbor on a dark, stormy night. 

    What is more, the questions and affirmations at the end of every chapter added value to the time I spent reading the book. These parts of the book helped me internalize the things I’ve learned.

    I recommend this book to those who have just started to read about suffering and awakening.

Discussion Questions

1. What came to your mind when you read the title of the book?
2. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from this book?
3. What do your struggles in life mean to you?
4. Did this book change the way you look at suffering? How?
5. Describe an authentic life.
6. How helpful are the reflective questions and affirmations?
7. What are the things that you need to work on in your life right now? Has the book given ways on how to deal with them?

Book Information

Title: You Were Not Born To Suffer

ASIN: B01M17O80G

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Watkins Publishing; Updated, Revised edition (March 21, 2017)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 21, 2017

Print length ‏ : ‎ 294 pages

To Read Or Not To Read

Is an award a guarantee that a book is a great read? An award such as the Nobel Prize or Booker Prize that’s given to a novel leaves an impression that the story is exceptional, and this seal of recognition can affect the decision of the readers whether to read it or not. With Piranesi, I decided to give it a read.

I Was Meant To Do This 

I first learned about Piranesi when a book reviewer shared a photo of it on Instagram in September 2021. This fantasy novel is written by the English author, Susanna Clarke, and it won the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction and 2020 Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year. Several bookstagrammers gushed about it and a famous booktuber gave it a 5/5. Having the need to know more, I checked Amazon Kindle and my eyes widened. It was on sale, a sign that I was meant to read it! Without thinking twice, I grabbed my own copy.  

But It Won An Award!?

My excitement to read Piranesi was suspended for almost a year because of my long To-Be-Read list. Finally, in August 2022, it’s Piranesi’s turn to be in the currently reading spot. I started reading it with great eagerness but after reading the first two chapters,  the excitement dwindled. I was floating in confusion as the author described the house, its halls, statues, vestibules, and other things that were unfamiliar to me. I had to go to Google to check what the parts of the house looked like in the real world for I couldn’t fully imagine them. Rubbing my forehead, I put aside my e-book and tried to grasp what I was reading.  Was it a mistake to spend my time on this book? But it won an award and received great reviews! In hopes that  it would get better in the pages ahead, I continued reading. 

Hooked In The Middle

Towards the middle of the story, the atmosphere changed from being outlandish to being mysterious.  The exposure of one of the main character’s duplicitous face piqued my interest to go on; this moment was my most favorite part of the book as it let out a sense of curiosity in me. Down the line, secrets were unraveled, motives were revealed, and crimes were uncovered. The revelations and events in the end satisfied my curiosity that made me appreciate Piranesi’s story even more. 

Was It Worth It?

Was Piranesi worth it? It was and I’m glad I didn’t give up on it early on. Despite the complexities of the setting that threw me off balance, making me struggle to see the world through my eyes, I appreciated the story more in the end.  Also, my mind was stretched by imagining the author’s descriptions of places and events. It’s a great practice to strengthen my imagination muscle. 

I now understand why Piranesi won awards. It’s story is so different from the books I read before.  Sometimes you just have to give a chance to a book that is out of your comfort zone without knowing what to expect but ended up enjoying it.  Piranesi  captivated me this way.

Have you read Piranesi? What do you think about this book?

Quotes

“The enormity of this task sometimes makes me feel a little dizzy, but as a scientist and an explorer I have a duty to bear witness to the Splendours of the World.”

— Piranesi

“Writing inculcates habits of precision and carefulness.”

— Piranesi 

“I became angry at Myself, disgusted at my own timidity. This was no way to think!”

— Piranesi

“Do the Statues exist because they embody the Ideas and Knowledge that flowed out of the other World into this one?”

— Piranesi

“It is my belief that the World (or, if you will, the House, since the two are for all practical purposes identical) wishes an Inhabitant for Itself to be a witness to its Beauty and the recipient of its Mercies.”

— Piranesi

Book Information:

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Published on September 15,2022, by Bloomsbury Publishing

246 pages (eBook)

Find it here:

                                           

       Being a mother to a high school student made me wonder how I can help my child in becoming successful in school. Tons of readings, lessons, homework, and project can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, learning how to learn is not taught in the school, and students are left to their own devices.

       I wonder if it’s possible for a student, to accomplish all schoolwork with great success and without too much stress. I read Limitless hoping that I could find answers. 

       It is written by Jim Kwik, a famous brain coach who improved his mental performance using the strategies he created. He suffered from a brain injury when he was a young child making him difficult to learn in school. How he conquered his learning difficulties showed that it’s possible to improve how our brain functions.

       What stops us from advancing to a higher level higher than where we are now are the labels that we put on someone or something. I’m not smart. It’s difficult. It’s too late. Kwik said that learning how to learn unleashes our superpower to change the way we see these things.

       In Part I, Kwik talks about the brain and how it works. Our brain has superpowers but we are knocked out by 4 big villains of advanced technology, which are digital deluge, digital distraction, digital dementia, and digital deduction. There’s just too much information and notifications that distract us from doing what matters. In remembering things, we rely too much on applications to remind us of birthdays, things to do, and other events that weaken our muscle memory. Aside from that, we also rely on the opinions of others that we couldn’t make our own. Social media also gives rise to a comparison culture that causes depression in some people.

       Amid these challenges, change is possible throughout our lives, and so our brain is not fixed. Although our brain can be influenced by our genes and our environment, we can choose to change the way how it functions. 

         Another important point raised in the book is the importance of our digestive system which is the second brain of our body as it has nerve cells in its walls.  Our mood, health, and thinking are affected by our digestion. That’s why we need to eat well by choosing the right kinds of foods to consume. Kwik included foods and recipes that are good for the brain.

        In the last three parts of the book, Kwik talks about the three-part limitless model (mindset, motivation, and methods) that can help us rewire our brain to become limitless.

       Our mindset is our mental attitudes and tendencies that influence our responses to whatever happens to us.  One way of changing our mindset is to challenge our beliefs by naming them, getting the facts, and creating new ones.

        Motivation is the second element in the limitless model that includes purpose, energy, small simple steps, and flow. Our purpose makes us understand the reason for our goals. Paired with energy and small steps and habits, our purpose propels us to move forward despite the challenges along the way until we reach the finish line.

       One important thing that increases our motivation is to reach the flow state. Flow happens when you are comfortable and feeling rewarded as you concentrate on your tasks that are not too challenging or too easy. Time flies so fast or slow as actions unfold naturally and effortlessly. This is one way of getting things done. 

      The methods are the last element of the limitless model. Kwik talks about the science of accelerated learning and meta-learning that increase your focus, how to study better, how to memorize effectively, and how to read fast. 

     All in all, this book contains tips that are easy to understand but somehow difficult to do. For example, to read fast takes a lot of practice and I wonder when do we develop this skill? Does it take days, months, or even years? But then, if a student starts doing it not, after a few years, becoming a fast reader is not far from reality. On the other hand, I like the memorization tips. One example is making a story out of the information to make it easier to memorize. We applied this technique in remembering the different scientific attitudes. 

       It was fun creating Zombie the Scientist, the details in the drawing and their meanings:

1. halo – angel =honest
2. open skull=open-minded
3. critical situation = critical-minded
4. rashes= rational
5. big muscles = work hard
6. magnifying glass = curious
7. sound block [we should’ve drawn a gavel on it] = suspend judgment
8. innovative car = innovative
9. paints = creative

       With the right understanding of our mind, motivation, and methods, anyone, not just students,  can accomplish a lot of things without too much stress and frustration. It’s just a matter of getting a hang of it and this book, Limitless,  teaches you how. 

Title: As A Man Thinketh

Author: James Allen

Genre: Self-help book

Publisher: Kindle

Release Date: May 12, 2012

ASIN: B0082VKK5Y

Price: Free on Amazon [Public Domain Book]

           Our mind seems to have a “mind” of its own, I sometimes think.  There was a point I wondered if it was I who made those thoughts or it was my mind that continuously produces those thoughts of its own volition. 

          On average, a person has six thousand two hundred thoughts in a day according to a study done by researchers in  Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience. Just imagine how our body is bombarded with thousands of triggers every day!

          Curious about thinking and its impact on us, I went ahead and read James Allen’s  As A Man Thinketh, which he presented the dichotomy of thoughts, good vs. bad. Basically, what he’s emphasizing is good thoughts produce positive results and bad thoughts produce negative results. 

          Here are the things I learned:

1.  We cannot choose our circumstances directly but we can still do something to change it indirectly by choosing the right thoughts as good thoughts produce good circumstances.

1. Good thoughts help improve our health and well-being.

1. We are the thoughts we choose to act on. I can have angry thoughts and feel angry with one person but the thoughts of forgiveness and being calm can be also present. It’s up to me to choose the thoughts that affect my behavior and decisions.  I  am the maker of the events of my life by choosing actions based on my thoughts.

1. Our achievements and failures are the direct results of our own thoughts. Achievements that are laced with malicious intentions will make our way up with “animality, indolence, impurity, corruption, and confusion”. Conversely, achievements with good intentions move us up  with “self-control, purity, resolution, and righteousness.”

1. Serenity is the ultimate success. We are calm when we understand ourselves and other people.  With the right understanding, we see why another person is doing things the way he does. When we are truly calm, we stop “fussing, fuming, worrying, and grieving”.  Nevertheless,  we do not deny negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, and so on. We just know how to deal with them. 

           All in all, I enjoyed reading this book; however, for a person who speaks English as a second language, one of the things I found challenging in reading this book was the form and structure of the written language which is totally different from modern writing. Even though it’s challenging to understand the language, as long as you are eager to learn and dig deeper, the ideas will make more sense.