PDF copies are FREE! If you have trouble looking for a copy, feel free to contact me!
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Don’t miss the *free* romantic holiday story that connects ALIENATED and INVADED!
Cara and Aelyx only have one day to spend together before he returns to earth and she travels to Aelyx’s home planet, L’eihr. Homesick and worried about the upcoming year apart, Cara is desperate to make these final hours count. Worst of all, Cara is missing Christmas, stuck on board an alien spaceship. When Aelyx learns that Cara is forgoing her favorite holiday, he tries to recreate Christmas in space by researching traditional earth customs…but a few things get lost in translation.
Coming December 23rd, this FREE short story will include multi-chapter excerpts of both ALIENATED and the sequel, INVADED.
Excerpt:
What Cara had finally realized was that tonight wasn’t the time to make memories. They would have plenty of opportunities for that in the years to come. By trying to cram a week’s worth of together- ness into one day, she’d shown a lack of faith, doubting that they’d be reunited on the colony. These final hours until Aelyx’s departure were no more or less important than the millions of other hours they would share over a lifetime.
Faith.
That was her Christmas gift to him—to both of them, really.
This blog tour is organized by the Bookish Diaries Book Tours managed by Amanda of Fandomly Bookish and Jothee of The Bookwhore Diaries!
An epub material was provided for free by the author, Christine Brae, for review purposes in helping her promote her book, The Light in the Wound, here in the Philippines. Christine Brae is set to visit the country on September 2015 along with two other authors, Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher.
The Light in the Wound (#1) by Christine Brae: Book Review
***Warning: Spoilers ahead***
*No. of pages: 372
*Average Rating on Goodreads: 3.9/5
*My Rating on Goodreads: 4/5
SYNOPSIS via Goodreads:
Affected by her parents’ highly publicized divorce, Isabel grows up isolated and alone, with a resolve to never fall in love and repeat their mistakes.
When Jesse Cain enters her life, she falls hopelessly in love with him, and every sadness she’s ever felt is washed away by his intensity and passion. But people change as they grow up. Things can never stay the same forever.
Jesse and Isabel fight to stay together, determined to hold on to what they once had. Isabel wonders if a second love can ever be enough to make her forget her first.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christine Brae is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. She is currently working on her third book which she hopes to release in June, 2014.
When not listening to the voices in her head or spending late nights at the office, Christine can be seen shopping for shoes and purses, running a half marathon or spending time with her husband and three children in Chicago
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Review:
The Light in the Wound started off with an interesting beginning, the readers are aware of whose point of view it is but the other character that is in the prologue is a mystery. With a very short prologue that is set ten years ago, Christine Brae managed to spike the curiosity of the readers on how the course of the story would be. We would come to know that the protagonist, Isabel, is about to get married—but she just spent the night with another guy. By the last page of the prologue, Isabel left this poor guy and broke his heart to be wed to another man. Then came the first chapter that is set on the present, giving the readers the details on what happened—Isabel got married and already has a child. But the interest spikes up even more because the author did not provide a name on who Isabella ended up with. Is it with the guy she left ten years ago or with the guy she was really about to get married to? There are a lot of questions, making you read even more, giving you the need to turn the page on and on to get the answers you seek as we, readers, are taken back years away from the present.
Isabel was still young when she learned how complicated and painful life could be; she saw it through her parents’ divorce and through her separation with her sisters. Isabel would make you feel something—she’ll make you feel sympathetic and understanding, it is as if she’s reaching out to you without even trying; she’ll make you understand her situation and a lot of people could even relate to her situation of having a broken family. The first few parts focuses on where Isabel came from, the story of her family and how she became who she is before the arrival of her first love.
As the story progresses, we meet Jesse Cain, Isabel’s first love and to whom she gives all that she’s got. It was a puppy love at first, with all the butterflies and knees turning into Jell-O, but of course, reality strikes again and normal issues consumed their relationship. Jesse Cain, being the young man who is so ambitious, took advantage of Isabel’s love for him as they graduate from high school and goes into the real world in their college life. Insecurities devoured Isabel, long had gone the girl who has great self-esteem and strong confidence; replaced by a girl too vulnerable, alone, and dominated by a boyfriend that’s more of a dictator. What I love about this story is that Christine Brae does not sugarcoat anything; she shows what’s real, what’s really happening, and how one gets so drunk in love that they forget to love themselves, because that’s how it really works most of the time. Jesse just wants to be the right man for Isabel, she is rich and everything is handed down to her on a silver platter, while he works hard to get even the smallest things that he wants. In doing all that he can to prove to Isabel’s family that he is right for her, he lost control of all his priorities and ended up neglecting the reason why he is really working hard—Isabel. That’s why it is not really a huge shock when another hot guy has finally been noticed by Isabel, a guy who loved her way back in high school, Alex.
The phase of the story, however, is slow phased. But the way a lot of unexpected things are occurring chapter per chapter makes you grip your copy of the book or the arm of the chair you’re seating on as you read! And since you already got a glimpse on how things would progress, you come up with tons of hypothesis on how the story would lead to that course and yet again, something would happen just right on the next chapter that would make you think otherwise!
Isabel is not really your ideal protagonist—she makes a lot of mistakes and you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to strangle her because of her decisions and the way her mind works. Yet, you’ll feel for her. Even if you go against everything that she stands for, you’ll understand where she’s coming from. Isabel becomes so real because her actions makes her seem true, thus proving that Christine Brae’s writing is very effective because it will capture the hearts of the readers. Brae manages to make you indecisive yourself, for example you are rooting for Team Alex instead of Team Jesse but at some point in the book, you’ll find your heart breaking for Jesse (geez Christine, you’re driving me crazy!). Take note that this story does not contain the typical love triangle dilemma!
This story does focus on romance, but it also has a lot of aspects that teaches the readers a lot. It teaches you how to become independent, how to see your self-value, how to take risks, and how to discover who you really are and what you should do with it. The Light in the Wound is a story about love, family, friendship, discovery, character development, choices, and independence. However, I don’t recommend this book to people who could not handle such painful stories because like I said, this is not only a love story, it is about a lot of things. If a chill read is what you are looking for, then you should let this pass. Also, for those who are too young to read this novel (not commendable for readers below 16 years old), I suggest that you ask your parents or guardians first before losing yourself in the pages of this book for it indeed has a lot of intimate and sexual scenes that may not be appropriate for young readers. But overall, at the end of the first book, along the journey of Isabel, Jesse, Alex, and everyone else, you’ll come to realize that you yourself have learned a lot.
This book is a story about life—how it molds and shapes you, how it consumes and devours you, and how it brings you joy and sorrow. This book is a story about society—how you lose yourself in it, how one is forced to conforme to its desires, and how it still gifts us of new possibilities and discoveries.
Go ahead, pick the book up and find yourself learning a lot about life from The Light in the Wound and at the same time, adore Christine Brae’s astounding debut novel.
After you read it, go and proceed on reading the second novel entitled, His Wounded Light.
GIVEAWAY!!!
There are 3 signed copies of The Light in the Wound up for grabs for Filipino readers! Just go and click the link below to find out how to get entries! Hurry!
“I’ve always been honest with you about how difficult it has been to let go of the past. But you are my present and my future. From the first time we were together, you saved my life. You saved my soul. You made me want to make you proud. You made me realize that I deserved better. You made me unafraid to love you. My wounds are healed because of you.”
He lifted me up, placed me on top of his lap and held me close as I leaned my head on his chest. He stroked my hair lightly as he spoke.
“Baby, I’m so sorry I left you that night. More than being filled with jealousy, I was afraid that you might have never really loved me. I know I told you long ago that it was okay if you didn’t love me just yet, that I had enough love for the both of us. I should have understood then that you never lied to me about your true feelings for him. You were always honest with me. And even now, at this very moment, I’d rather have a part of your heart than none of it all.”
Stay tuned for my review of Christine Brae’s second book, the sequel to The Light in the Wound, entitled His Wounded Light.
Organized by the Bookish Diaries Book Tours managed by Amanda of Fandomly Bookish and Jothee of The Bookwhore Diaries!
To honor and promote Christine Brae’s work entitled, The Light in the Wound, I have participated in this blog tour and I couldn’t be any more excited to post my review of her book!
This tour begun yesterday, December 15, and would last until the 19th. Please do take the time to read my post and of course, posts of my fellow bloggers as we share our thoughts about the book through reviews and/or excerpts.
I’m set to post my review + excerpt of The Light in the Wound on December 18, so please stay tuned as we encourage you to read Christine Brae’s work!
Christine Brae is set to visit the Philippines on September 2015 along with Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher.
August to December 2014 Book Signing Events in the Philippines made possible by National Bookstore.
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Alex London’s Book Signing Event
August 30, 2014- SM Aura, Metro Manila
About the author via Goodreads:
Alex London writes books for adults (One Day The Soldiers Came: Voices of Children in War), children (Dog Tags series; An Accidental Adventure series) and teens (Proxy). At one time a journalist reporting from conflict zones and refugee camps, he is now a full time novelist living in Brooklyn, NY, where he can be found wandering the streets talking to his dog, who is the real brains of the operation.
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As some of you may know, I was not able to attend Alex London’s book signing event due to my Saturday classes. Believe me fellow Bibliophiles, I really wish that I had the utmost honor of meeting him. Since I really wasn’t able to attend, I just had my copy of Proxy signed instead, a very special mention to my friend, Godwin, for bring my copy!
I talked to some few people about their meeting with Alex London and it was fun to hear from people about their experience at the event. It’ll be a pleasure to share it with you.
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TOMI CHUA
-Arrived at 10:30am and was number 65.
-Third time on a book signing event
-“I’ve read the first four chapters (Proxy). I liked the way the novel started and well… It’s had a fresh new take on the dystopian genre that I really, really loved.”
-Tomi went to the event with two of his Pinoy Book Freaks United or PBFU friends. Also, “I met with an old friend and made new ones. Overall, it was fun. It’s always a happy moment when in a book signing.”
-Tomi to Alex London:
“Best part is that he won’t stop talking… Kidding. But honestly, I loved how he was able to inspire people especially war refugees just by writing novels.”
“He was very friendly… As in super and he really loves talking and meeting with fans… Oh his favorite color is green. The signing was very different compared to the other one. One thing I liked was there was no rush for him. You could actually stay and chat with him. I wasn’t able to do that with the other signings.”
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ETHAN LEE
-Arrived at around 12nn and was number 132.
-“I have read Proxy and Guardian and loved the way he had characters of different ethnicity and sexuality.”
-First time on a book signing event
-“I met up with a friend there but made two more and later was invited to join a book signing group.” The group is named the Peculiar Family.
-Ethan to Alex London:
“When he was asked about the possibility of a movie he asked for us to stay tuned for the next two weeks. When I finally met him (after 3 hours) he said I looked nervous which I was, and I said it was because I REALLY liked him and his books. Then I don’t remember exactly what he said but I remember him saying I had Knox’s hair (!!!!) which was probably the best moment of my life, then I got a picture and said bye.”
-Ethan shares that, “I plan to cosplay as Knox (after his comment) I did some art I planned to give him but it wasn’t done on time :(( and I did meet some fandom members and they were all fun people.”
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ROMMEL REDUCTO
-Arrived at 11am and was number 85.
-“I already read his books (Proxy and Guardian). I am really a fan of dystopian and apocalyptic novels, which is the books’ genre. I have many reasons why I really love these novels. First off, Syd’s character has a strong personality regardless of him being a gay. How he change peoples’ lives, even his Patron’s life. I like the way he show his courage. Secondly, the ways Alex London write the novel. It is awesome, as if I’m the characters themselves.. Lastly, I JUST LOVE Alex London. He is so kind, awesome.
-First time on a book signing event
-Rommel went to the event alone but luckily, like Tomi, he’s a member of PBFU. “I found out that some members also went there, we met, and I gained them as new friends. Shoutouts to Camille, John Cedie, Jerneel, Mary Joy and his boyfriend, Joshua and Mia!”
-Rommel to Alex London:
“The best part was when Alex talked about his life as a journalist. In a refugee camp where he once worked, he met a kid who loves reading books. One day the kid asked him if he could give him a book. Then Alex gave the kid his copy of The Prince. Alex found out that the kid, who is now a teenager, built the biggest library in the refugee camp. I had goose bumps when Alex was telling this story. It is inspiring.”
“I readied myself before my turn since I was in the fifth batch. I practiced what I’m going to say to him, keeping my mind and body relaxed because I am nervous during that time. Then my turn came. I was standing in front of him and I said hello. He keeps on talking to me even though I didn’t respond to him. So here is the exact conversation that I had with him:
Me: Hello.
Alex: Hi.
Me: ….
Alex: How is your day going?
Me: (I’m just staring with him)
Alex: Thank you for supporting me and reading my books.
Me: (I just keep on staring with him)
Alex: You’re speechless.
Me: Just really don’t know what to say. I’ve been waiting since June. And here I am standing in front of you and can’t even talk because… I really don’t know. Thank you, Alex. Can I hug you?
Alex: Sure!
And he hugs me, twice! Yay!
I was starstrucked. Speechless. I can’t handle my feelings. My throat dried, my voice hardly came out. As if the world around me stopped for a while. The short time talking with one of my favorite authors is amazing. He inspires me through his works, that is why I love him.”
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JANISSE
-Arrived between 11:45-12-15nn and was number 100
-“I have read Proxy, but I haven’t read Guardian yet. I love everything about Proxy! I love the action, explosions, and the fictional futuristic world. I love the fact that the characters have different races, sexuality, beliefs and perspectives. I enjoyed the peaceful moments in the book where Syd, Knox and Marie just joked around. I LOVE KNOX!!
I think I’m one of the few people who love the ending. Yes, I was shattered by Knox’s death (I love him!) and it was difficult for me to accept what happened to him, but just as Alex said, the world he created is a very dangerous one and awful things will inevitably happen. I really like that Alex made it clear throughout the book that there was nothing romantic between Syd and Knox. I love romance as much as the next girl, but Syd and Knox’s relationship is all about friendship and loyalty (and debts!). Knox did not choose to die because he loves Syd in a romantic way. Knox wanted to give Syd the life that he [Knox] owes him [Syd]. Besides, the world of the story changes after Proxy and I don’t want that world to change Knox. I want Knox to always be Knox (clever, charming, flirty and defiant) and because he died, he won’t change and he’ll be cemented as KNOX.”
-Second time on a book signing event
-Janisse went alone but met two new friends.
-Janisse to Alex London:
“I got to talk Alex for a few minutes. I told him that I really love Proxy and I’m so thankful that he wrote it (My voice kind of sounded like I was about to cry… I really wasn’t about to cry.) He asked me if there was a particular part of the book that I liked and I told him that I love the ending (and I stated my reasons). Then, our picture was taken. At the end of our conversation, I asked for a hug and he gave me one! I didn’t want to let go. He told me that it was so nice to meet me and I said the same.”
-Janisse shares thatm “National Book Store gave free Proxy bookmarks to everyone who was at the book signing event (as if you needed more reason to be envious… Lol)! Alex was really cool during picture taking. He was game with whatever crazy pose/s his fans wanted to do.
I am so busy with college stuff (I’m 17 and a sophomore) that I didn’t get to make signs or anything.”
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MIA GARCIA
-Arrived at around 12nn and was number 109.
-“I haven’t read the book because unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of time. But I really, really wanted to finish it before the book signing but my schedule didn’t allow me to. I’ve read the synopsis of Alex’s books though. I’ve also read reviews as well as quotations from the book from Goodreads.
-Not her first time on a book signing event
-Mia went to the event with her boyfriend who also got his books signed and was actually his first book signing event to attend on. Mia met some of her book friends online too.
-For Mia, the unforgettable part of the event was, “When Alex London shared his experience at a refugee camp. I tried so hard to prevent, myself from crying since his story was so moving. You could feel the emotion he felt when he spoke. He was so inspiring and that made me admire and look up to him so much.”
-Mia to Alex London:
“Honestly, I couldn’t explain. I was still having an instense hangover from his story about the refugee camp so when it was my turn to meet him… It was so surreal. I was so starstruck and I’m not the type of person who gets starstruck.”
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JERNEEL MALONZO
-Arrived at 8am and was number 35.
-I was reading Proxy at that time. I like that Syd (The Proxy and main character) is gay because I am gay myself. It’s nice to have a gay main character in a mainstream YA book.
-First time on a book signing event
-Jerneel came with his friend and met with other PBFU members.
-Like the others, Jerneel’s unforgettable moment during the event was when, “It was when he told us this story about a boy in a refugee camp. I literally had goose bumps.”
-Jerneel to Alex London:
“I was not a fan (because I was not yet done with his book, at that time, okay?) so meeting him is something I would describe as a pleasant experience. Hearing him talk about his work and being goofy, perky and all made me like him a lot. I guess, I like him as a person. That’s what I can say at this time. As an author, let us say, he made me interested. I will definitely read and buy (legit copies) Guardian and will let you know if I love him as an author (because it takes time, okay?).
Some of the Pinoy Book Freaks Untied members at Alex London’s Book Signing Event
The Peculiar Family at Alex London’s Book Signing Event
The Peculiar Family’s group photo with Alex London!
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Jennifer Smith and Lissa Price’s Book Signing Event
September 20, 2014- SM Aura, Metro Manila
About the authors via Goodreads:
Jennifer E. Smith is the author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, The Storm Makers, You Are Here, and The Comeback Season. She earned her master’s degree in creative writing from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and currently works as an editor in New York City. Her writing has been translated into 28 languages.
Lissa Price’s debut novel STARTERS is an award-winning, international bestseller published in over thirty countries. Dean Koontz called this YA futuristic thriller “a smart, swift, inventive, altogether gripping story.” The LA Times said it is “Dystopian science-fiction at its best,” and “Readers who have been waiting for a worthy successor to ‘The Hunger Games’ will find it here.”
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Jennifer and Lissa’s arrival at Manila from Cebu was welcomed by the aftermath of a heavy storm the night before. This resulted into a lot of readers who was supposed to attend the event to back out due to the effects of the storm. Still, the event must go on and despite the unfavorable weather, a lot of fans was still able to attend the event at SM Aura. Both authors were very grateful for the effort that their Filipino fans have exerted, showing their utmost love and support.
I, on the other hand, was not supposed to be able to attend the event but because of the cancellation of classes that said day, I was able to meet the two authors. They were both really nice and sweet. They took their time chatting one-on-one with the readers who came to get their books signed and of course, had photos with them. The authors even thrilled everyone with the new of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight being optioned as movie and Starters being optioned as TV show. The authors even gave away freebies like bookmarks to tons of early birds.
It is very unfortunate that a lot of people were not able to attend but luckily, the day after, National Bookstore had extended the slots of the signing at the Manila International Book Fair from the original 200 slots became 300 slots in consideration to those who were affected by the storm.
Some of the members of the Pinoy Book Freaks United at Smith and Price’s Book Signing Event
Bibliophiles at the book signing event
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Claudia Gray and Madeleine Roux’ Book Signing Event
October 18, 2014- Glorietta 1, Metro Manila
About the authors via Goodreads:
Claudia Gray is not my real name. I didn’t choose a pseudonym because my real name is unpleasant (it isn’t), because I’d always dreamed of calling myself this (I haven’t) or even because I’m hiding from the remnants of that international diamond-smuggling cartel I smashed in 2003 (Interpol has taken care of them). In short, I took a pseudonym for no real reason whatsoever. Sometimes this is actually the best reason to do thing
MADELEINE ROUX received her BA in Creative Writing and Acting from Beloit College in 2008. In the spring of 2009, Madeleine completed an Honors Term at Beloit College, proposing, writing and presenting a full-length historical fiction novel. Shortly after, she began the experimental fiction blog Allison Hewitt Is Trapped. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped quickly spread throughout the blogosphere, bringing a unique serial fiction experience to readers.
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Gray and Roux was very fun to meet for they have very colorful personalities—they are sweet, enthusiastic and very hyped all throughout the event. And I must say that I was truly honestly stunned with their beauty, not to mention, Madeleine Roux’ amazing hairdo! Claudia Gray shared to us the story behind her pseudonym name, which was nothing but just her dream to have her own for it really does seem cool. While Madeleine Roux’ first thought when asked what she loves most about being a writer was because she can look anyway she wants—she can wear pajamas while working and can have a badass hairstyle.
I arrived at Glorietta between 4-5 in the morning and was number 6 at the event, my closest number to #1 yet. For the first time, I had no friend to accompany me for the event so my interaction with other fellow readers was closer now than it is. Like I’ve suggested, always do your best to meet tons of people during such events for this is your opportunity to meet people who shares the same interest as yours.
Here are tons of photos from Gray and Roux’ first ever book signing here in the Philippines:
Bibliophiles at the event!
Pinoy Book Freaks United members at Gray and Roux’ Book Signing Event
Roux’ selfie with the fans!
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Marie Lu’s Book Signing Event
November 23, 2014- Glorietta 1, Metro Manila
About the author via Goodreads:
I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. 🙂 I graduated from the University of Southern California in ’06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.
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The happenings on Marie Lu’s book signing event lived up to my expectations.
Remember Stephanie Perkin’s book signing event wherein eleven (including me) people, the Team Eleven, already lined up outside the mall the night before? Well, I have anticipated that the same thing would happen with the Dystopian Queen, Marie Lu’s book signing event. So my best friend and I decided to camp-out the day before, which was on November 22, 2014. Since she has classes, we can’t go to the mall earlier than two in the afternoon. And upon our arrival, as expected, there were already few people lined up for the event. We were already number 10 and number 11, wow! Our friend, who’s a member of Team Eleven from Stephanie Perkin’s book signing event was the first one to arrive at 9:30am (Hello Cerise!). As time passes, more and more arrives and before the mall closes, we helped the National Bookstore staff on arranging the seats for the event. At midnight, about 60 people are already lined up for the book signing even! Tons of fandom groups were present, and I, myself, had the privilege of helping the admins of the Facebook group called Legend PH with the freebies they are giving away to early birds—bookmarks and paper clip rings. This is the very first event where everyone exerted so much effort; from banners, to signs, to amazingly illustrated poster, even gifts! Just wow!
Upon the start of event, about 800 people have registered already. Everyone was tired and all, but when Marie Lu has finally arrived, people were cheering and screaming, their joy from seeing our Elector couldn’t be lessened by exhaustion.
One thing that really awed the hearts of Marie Lu’s Filipino fans is the fact that she’s married to a Filipino! Couldn’t she be any closer to our hearts?
Marie Lu’s book signing event was a total success. And we definitely have National Bookstore to thank for, for bringing here to us such a kind and well-loved author.
I had such a great time at the event, not only because I met Marie Lu, but because I got to spend great time with my book friends from different groups—Team Eleven, Legend PH, Pinoy Book Freaks United, Peculiar Family, and so much more fellow bibliophiles. They make every book signing 10x the fun and the waiting less exasperating!
From the admins of Legend PH
Number eleven!
Some of the Pinoy Book Freaks United members at Marie Lu’s Book Signing Event
Team Eleven of Stephanie Perkin’s event. Two were not able to attend Marie Lu’s event.
See you on the next book signing event!
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Lang Leav’s Book Signing Event
December 6, 2014- Shangri-La Plaza, Metro Manila
About the author via Goodreads:
The enchanting work of contemporary author and artist Lang Leav swings between the whimsical and woeful, expressing a complexity beneath its child-like facade. Her imagination stretches across a variety of disciplines encompassing art, poetry and books. In 2013, Lang launched her latest book Love & Misadventure, published in the US by Andrews McMeel. The Amazon #1 Bestseller is now available from major bookstores worldwide including Barnes & Noble, Kinokuniya, Fully Booked, Waterstones, Periplus and Chapters/Indigo.
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For the second time, Philippines once again welcomes the well-loved contemporary author and artist Lang Leav! Lang was supposed to visit Cebu City first before setting off to her two book signing events here in Manila, unfortunately, due to the safety concerns brought by the threat of the typhoon Ruby, the Cebu leg of the scheduled book signing has to be cancelled. But of course, the two signing events here in Manila were pushed through!
Some of my Pinoy Book Freaks United friends and I decided to line up for the registration at around 11:30, evening of December 5, the night before the first day of the book signing here in Manila held at East Atrium, Shangri-La Plaza. We, of course, had a lot of fun—we were so sleepy, yes, but there was never a dull moment with these friends of mine!
The event started out with Lang Leav saying a prayer for the safety of everyone for the coming typhoon Ruby. Filipino fans loved her even more with her show of love, support, and care for the Philippines and she made everyone loved her even more and more when she begun reading some of her poems from Lullabies—Second Chances, All There Was, and Broken Hearts. If you wish to see my video of Lang reading these, here’s the link:
Poetry reading
To those who have read Lang Leav’s Love and Misadventure and/or Lullabies, you should know how with only her words, she can make her readers feel all kinds of emotions all at the same time. And for those who have not read it yet, I’m sure you have at least saw a poem or any line of hers and she has already managed to spike your emotions. Now, imagine Lang Leav’s ability with words to not just only be used through poems—but through a novel! Yes, a novel! One of the best parts of Lang Leav’s book signing event besides her poetry reading is this amazing news of an upcoming novel that I’m pretty sure would break our hearts and could make us drown with our own tears!
Warm, sweet, loving, and caring—Lang Leav does not only reaches through the hearts of her readers using her words, but because she is our Lang Leav.
“She expresses through her words what we cannot express on our own!” –Me. ❤
Her second time to visit the Philippines, Lang promises that she’ll find her way back (hopefully with Michael Faudet *winks*) to our country to meet more of her Filipino readers.
PBFU members who are the first nine at the event
Early birds!
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Thank you so much National Bookstore and Powerbooks for giving us the chance to meet such great, inspiring, and awesome authors! We all look forward to other book signing events that you will be hosting this 2015!!!
Mariz Korinne Dela Cruz from Pampanga won a signed paperback copy of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer Smith + a Charles Dicken’s magnet-bookmark quote from Smith herself!
Patricia Supapo from Quezon City won a signed paperback copy of Starters by Lissa Price + an Enders pin, an Enders sticker, and a back-to-back Starters and Enders bookmark from Price herself!
A very huge congratulations again, Mariz and Patricia!
Thank you to all of those who participated in my first book giveaway, until the next!
OKAY… I do know that this is late but my summer actually ended only a month ago! Now that I really could feel the very stressing college vibes, here’s my Top Summer Reads for the year 2014 that’s divided into two sections: Stand Alone Books and Trilogy/Series. Take note that this is in no particular order. I am also not proclaiming that the books in this list are the “best” books or the greatest literary works I’ve read during the summer. They are in my list because these are the ones that have given me intense feels and are not easily forgotten!
Top Stand Alone Books:
Royally Lost by Angie Stanton
Date Finished: May 17, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 62/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.
Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he’s crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn’t have…is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.
When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca’s family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?
The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
Date Finished: May 20, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 01/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 4/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning…. Welcome to forever.
BRIE’S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn’t love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.
But now that she’s D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there’s Patrick, Brie’s mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.
With Patrick’s help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she’s ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Date Finished: May 8, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 86/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who has lived, in his mind, an uninspired life. His job is fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, a tragic accident kills him as he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a destination, but an answer.
In heaven, five people explain your life to you. Some you knew, others may have been strangers. One by one, from childhood to soldier to old age, Eddie’s five people revisit their connections to him on earth, illuminating the mysteries of his “meaningless” life, and revealing the haunting secret behind the eternal question: “Why was I here?”
The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom
Date Finished: May 2, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 73/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out. An allegory about the power of belief–and a page-turner that will touch your soul–Albom’s masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected.
Readers of The Five People You Meet in Heaven will recognize the warmth and emotion so redolent of Albom’s writing, and those who haven’t yet enjoyed the power of his storytelling, will thrill at the discovery of one of the best-loved writers of our time.
Paper Towns by John Green
Date Finished: April 22, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: 07/5
My Rating on Goodreads: 4/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life — dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge — he follows.
After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues — and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.
Top Trilogy or Series:
Mara Dyer Trilogy by Michelle Hodkin
Date Finished: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (#1)- May 15, 2014
The Evolution of Mara Dyer (#2)- May 16, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: Mara Dyer (#1)- 4.13/5
Mara Dyer (#2)- 4.43/5
My Rating on Goodreads: Mara Dyer (#1)- 5/5
Mara Dyer (#2)-4/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (#1)
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.
The Evolution of Mara Dyer (#2)
Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.
She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.
She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.
In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?
The Retribution of Mara Dyer (#3):
The conclusion is out on October 2014
Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.
She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.
She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.
In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Date Finished: The Maze Runner (#1)- April 15, 2014
The Scorch Trials (#2)- April 18, 2014
The Death Cure (#3)- April 19, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: The Maze Runner (#1)- 4.01/5
The Scorch Trials (#2)- 3.99/5
The Death Cure (#3)- 3.81/5
My Rating on Goodreads: The Maze Runner (#1)- 5/5
The Scorch Trials (#2)- 5/5
The Death Cure (#3)- 3/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
The Maze Runner (#1)
“If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.”
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers–boys whose memories are also gone.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out–and no one’s ever made it through alive.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
The Scorch Trials (#2)
Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end.
Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.
There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.
The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.
Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.
There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive.
The Death Cure (#3)
Thomas knows that Wicked can’t be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they’ve collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It’s up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn’t know is that something’s happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can’t believe a word of what Wicked says. The time for lies is over.
But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Will anyone survive the Death Cure?
The Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout
Date Finished: Obsidian (#1)- April 23, 2014
Onyx (#2)- April 24, 2014
Opal (#3)- April 25, 2014
Origin (#4)- April 26, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: Obsidian (#1)- 4.28/5
Onyx (#2)- 4.40/5
Opal (#3)- 4.41/5
Origin (#4)- 4.50/5
Opposition (#5)- 4.56/5
My Rating on Goodreads: Obsidian (#1)- 5/5
Onyx (#2)- 5/5
Opal (#3)- 5/5
Origin (#4)- 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Obsidian (#1)
Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don’t kill him first, that is.
Onyx (#2)
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
Something worse than the Arum has come to town…
The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.
But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…
Opal (#3)
After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.
Together we’re stronger… and they know it.
Origin (#4)
Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.
After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.
All Katy can do is survive.
Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?
Together, they can face anything.
But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?
And will they even be together?
Opposition (#5)
The conclusion to the Lux Series has been released only this month and I still haven’t gotten the chance to read it yet.
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.
She can’t believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.
Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.
They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.
War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.
Slammed Trilogy by Colleen Hoover
Date Finished: Slammed (#1)- May 11, 2014
Point of Retreat (#2)- May 12, 2014
This Girl (#3)- May 13, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: Slammed (#1)- 4.33/5
Point of Retreat (#2)- 4.35/5
This Girl (#3)- 4.26/5
My Rating on Goodreads: Slammed (#1)- 5/5
Point of Retreat (#2)- 5/5
This Girl (#3)- 5/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Slammed (#1)
Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she’s losing hope.
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.
Point of Retreat (#2)
Hardships and heartache brought them together… now it will tear them apart.
Layken and Will have proved their love can get them through anything; until someone from Will’s past re-emerges, leaving Layken questioning the very foundation on which their relationship was built. Will is forced to face the ultimate challenge…how to prove his love for a girl who refuses to stop ‘carving pumpkins.’
This Girl (#3)
There are two sides to every love story. Now hear Will’s.
Colleen Hoover’s New York Times bestselling Slammed series has brought countless readers to their knees with a whirlwind of love, passion, and heartache.
Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.
In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.
If I Stay Series by Gayle Forman
Date Finished: If I Stay (#1)- April 28, 2014
Where She Went (#2)- April 30, 2014
Rating on Goodreads: If I Stay (#1)- 3.99/5
Where She Went (#2)- 4.27/5
My Rating on Goodreads: If I Stay (#1)- 4/5
Where She Went (#2)-4/5
Synopsis via Goodreads:
If I Stay (#1)
Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.
I open my eyes wide now.
I sit up as much as I can.
And I listen.
Stay, he says.
Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?
Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it’s the only one that matters.
If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.
Where She Went (#2)
It’s been three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life.
And three years he’s spent wondering why.
When their paths cross again in New York City, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.
Adam finally has the opportunity to ask Mia the questions that have been haunting him. But will a few hours in this magical city be enough to lay their past to rest, for
Hello fellow bookstore bugs! Wondering what book signing events are in store for you this month and the next month? Well, here are the ones that are very much official! *Drum roll*
ALEX LONDON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, the author of Proxy and Guardians is coming your way this month! Isn’t it awesome? Please do come if you are a fan of Alex London and his books, or come even if you haven’t read it yet! Let us come together and show our love and support to Alex’ first visit here in the Philippines! I, on the other hand, wouldn’t be able to come to this event because I have classes every Saturday and I am really not supposed to skip classes, and guys, it sucks big time! I will ask help from my fellow book friends to get my books signed though; I really wish they could help me!
Next month, not just one, but two authors would be visiting their Filipino fans!!!
JENNIFER E. SMITH & LISSA PRICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know, I know! It’s so cool to have two authors in one event right? So prepare your books to be signed by Jennifer E. Smith, the author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, This Is What Happy Looks Like and The Geography of You and Me. Don’t forget to bring the books of Lissa Price as well, Starters and Enders! Since with the sad reality that I won’t be able to come to Alex London’s Book Signing Event, I could definitely come to this! I would be able to come to the last one, which is on September 21! So if you’d be there and you see me, come say hi!
Here are the details for Alex London’s Book Signing Event:
When: August 30, 2014 (Saturday)
Where: National Bookstore, SM Aura, Metro Manila
RegistrationTime: Starts at 10am
EventTime: Starts at 2pm
Here are the details for Jennifer Smith and Lissa Prices’ Book Signing Event:
Day 1- Cebu
When: September 19, 2014 (Friday)
Where: The Northwing Atrium, SM Cebu
RegistrationTime: No announced time yet
EventTime: Starts at 6pm
Day 2- Metro Manila
When: September 20, 2014 (Saturday)
Where: Level 3 Atrium, SM Aura
RegistrationTime: No announced time yet; most probably starts at 10am
EventTime: Starts at 2pm
Day 3- Metro Manila
When: September 21, 2014 (Sunday)
Where: Manila International Book Fair, SMX Convention Center
RegistrationTime: No announced time yet; most probably starts at 10am
EventTime: 2pm-4pm
Important Notice: Only 200 slots!!! Be ready, this is Manila International Book Fair and rest assured, a lot of people are expected to arrive. Bring extra cash too! You might find a book you want to buy, and it’s on sale so be prepared!
For all events:
Books should’ve been brought from National Bookstore, Powerbooks or Bestsellers. Books without any price tag or receipt of purchase would not be entertained; it doesn’t matter when you purchased the book for as long as it was brought from the said bookstores.
There is usually a limit to how many books can be signed but in cases like Alex London’s book signing event, there is a high possibility that you can get any number of books signed as long as it’s from National Bookstore, Powerbooks or Bestsellers. Authors who have 4 or more books usually has limits, but it can also be based on how many people would arrive on the event. With the case of Jennifer Smith and Lissa Prices’ event, I really am not sure. Most probably there isn’t any limit yet it would still depend on the number of people at the event, especially with the one on September 21.
Yes, you can definitely take a picture with the author! Selfies are not allowed though, but there are circumstances that it slips. Although I suggest you not to force it, it is the event’s rule after all. You wouldn’t get anything else signed besides your books, but there are also times in which the organizers are not that strict and would let you get some of your other stuffs signed.
Bookstore Bug Tips:
You don’t need to come to the event at 10am but I suggest you to do so, maybe even earlier than 10am. It is a “first come, first served” system so being early is much better especially when bookworms can be so crazy that sometimes they arrive so early! Haha yes, I’ve done that… Guilty!
Bring someone with you to the event! Whether they are a fan or not, ask them to accompany you, you’ll be waiting for a few hours after all so you’ll need some company!
Make some friends! Don’t be afraid to say hi to some few peeps! Remember, you automatically have something in common so that is a great start! Fangirl/fanboy together for a few minutes and I assure you, you’ll instantly become friends! Never hesitate to approach anyone. Meeting the author is fun but getting to know your fellow bookworms in the event is also an amazing experience.
Dress up as one of the book characters! It’ll touch the heart of the author, believe me!
Create some signs or posters! Show some fan love!
Write a letter or give anything to the author. I assure you, it’ll be very much appreciated.
Lastly, have fun! Interact with people and the author itself. Your meet and greet may be short but it is up to you on how you can make it worthwhile!
Thanks for reading! I hope this helps! 🙂 If you have any more questions or anything, feel free to comment here or contact me!
An Important Note: These reactions are shared by real people–and as a talk show would put it: The views and opinions of these people do not necessarily state or reflect my own.
How would you define book discrimination?
When choosing not to read a book for the reason of judging it before you even give it a chance. This always occurs when the person doesn’t like the book cover, clearly goes against the saying “Don’t judge the book by its cover”. Another reason that I have noticed is when the author is not famous or doesn’t have the title of “#1 New York Times Bestselling Book/Author”, some people just really trust that no matter how inaccurate it may be. Some people tend to discriminate a book when it’s either too short or too long, if they don’t know or don’t like the publisher or if it’s the author’s first book…
National Bookstore, together with Powerbooks, has been hosting a lot of book signing events of amazing authors. Just last June 21, Jenny Han came to the Philippines for a book signing held in Manila and Cebu. Then the American author of Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door, Stephanie Perkins,visited Cebu yesterday (July 5)! And here I am, writing my experience right after I left her book signing here in Manila!
So let me share my epic experience! Since I’m an incoming college student and my first day starts tomorrow, I really wanted to make this book signing event extra special for myself. All thanks to my dad, we asked some friends to fall in line last night at around 10pm even if the registration for the book signing event wouldn’t even start in 12 hours. The reason? My best friend, Kiana, and I really wanted to get the Advance Reader’s Copy of Isla and the Happily Ever After, which is not for sale until August 14; and the only way to get that is to be the first in line. Unfortunately, when we arrived at National Bookstore at 10pm to help our friends settle down, nine freaking bookworms were already there! Obviously, we wouldn’t be able to get an ARC anymore… and believe me when I say I felt my heart break. The first person to arrive had set foot in National Bookstore at 1pm, unbelievable! Despite being devastated, Kiana and I bonded with them for a while and we really had a great time with them. At around 10:30 though, we head back to the hotel we were checked in for the freaking book signing, yes, we were crazy enough to book a hotel besides the Glorietta Mall (all thanks to my dad by the way). Then when it was thirty minutes before midnight, we couldn’t help the strong urge to go back to National Bookstore and bond with the fellow crazy readers. So we did, and we were having a really good time by just getting to know each other and talking about books. When all of a sudden, something amazing happened…
We were there outside the mall, sitting down on the side of the street like crazies when this really gorgeous and sexy lady came walking towards us with her husband beside her…
Yes! It was Stephanie Perkins!!!
We all stood up in excitement even though we couldn’t believe our eyes! She surprised us by visiting us in the middle of the night because she saw all of our tweets to her about us already lined up for her event! Stephanie was really amazing guys. There we were, eleven plus two of our friends lining up for us, shrieking and jumping and telling her how much we love her as we overwhelm her with our hugs. Stephanie and her husband, Jarrod, took loads of selfies and group pictures with us. They even signed anything we wanted them to sign except for the books of course. And since I don’t have anything with me except my phone, I took out my The Fault In Our Stars slash Ansel Elgort casing and made her sign the interior part! She was amazing guys, Stephanie and Jarrod probably stayed with us for twenty minutes or probably more. I can’t put into words the rush of exhilarating bliss we were all feeling and by the time it was time for them to leave, we were left there jumping and shrieking and hugging each other. It was a wonderful moment that I could never ever forget. Only Stephanie Perkins has done something like that to her Filipino fans and I couldn’t thank her enough for being so kind and wonderful. And at that moment, ARC was left forgotten for a while because seriously, who gets to experience being surprised by the author?! Thank goodness Kiana and I had that strong urge to go out of the hotel and join the ones lined up outside National Bookstore for a while! Eventually, Kiana and I went back to our hotel rooms. We went back to National Bookstore the next morning at around 9am. And wow! The line was so, so long already by then! I was dumfounded!
We got our books registered on time; we proceeded on settling on our seats and yes, took tons of pictures together. I was having a pretty good time meeting new people who I share interest with.
The next amazing part of this book signing event has no relation with Stephanie Perkins but I really needed to share it with you guys. Anyway, I always write a letter for the author while waiting for the event to beging… I had to go to the second floor of National Bookstore to buy a card; since the line was really long, it went all the way up to that floor! I was on the cashier when this girl suddenly called me, as far as I could remember; this was how our conversation went:
Girl: Feather Casilan?
(I gave her a confused look because I didn’t know her)
Girl: I’m Charmyan Galo, I’m a fan of your blog.
Me: Really? Oh… Omg… Th-thank you so much!
Girl: I’m a friend of— (I have no idea what she said next, and I smiled uncontrollably)
Me: Thank you, thank you so much!
(The line started to move and I have to turn my attention back to the cashier…)
Okay so I know that’s not really much for some of you but it was such a big deal for me because she was the first ever to approach me because of my book blog, and I only started last June 23. So a shout out to Charmyan… You added up to my awesome day, thank you!
So going back to the event… Like I said, I met a lot of great new people but the “First 11” are the ones that I won’t forget because they were the ones I were able to really bond with! So, guys, I hope I’ll get to meet you again! I love you tons!
When Stephanie and Jarrod arrive at National Bookstore, the crowd went seriously wild! Stephanie was just so touched with all of the signs, the ones who put so much effort by wearing costumes, and with just the mere presence of everyone. I’m telling you, the place was such a beautiful sight! Stephanie went on telling how Anna, Lola and Isla somehow reflected her and how everything beautiful about St. Clair, Cricket and Joshua are found in her husband! But when asked on whom among those three guys really represents Jarrod, her answer was Cricket Bell from Lola and the Boy Next Door. Plus, Stephanie Perkins loves our mangoes so much that she says it’s like tasting heaven itself!!! She’s so adorable! She loves Philippines so much that she said she’d do her best to make her author friends come and visit us! I’m crossing my fingers on that!
So the painful part was when National Bookstore gave the Advance Reader’s Copy of Isla and the Happily Ever After to the first seven who arrived! And I’m number 10… Ugh… Oh anyhow, even I’m devastated over that, I’m happy for my new friends for being able to snag an ARC! Plus, nothing can compare to the epic experience I’ve had.
The time for the book signing itself eventually arrived and Stephanie Perkins was adorable as ever. We had a great chat and she was so so so so sweet guys! Meeting her was so amaze-balls and I wish all the best for her and her cute hubby who also signed some books and took loads of selfies with the fans! So yeah… It’s pretty obvious how happy I am. Thanks to my dad, Kiana, and all of my newfound friends for giving me the best book signing experience so far. I love you all!
Oh and for those who were asking me… This is only the fourth book signing I have attended. Here are the authors I’ve met, in order:
Becca Fitzpatrick: March 29, 2014.
Tahereh Mafi, Ransom Riggs & Veronica Rossi: April 26, 2014.
Jenny Han: June 21, 2014.
Stephanie Perkins: July 6, 2014.
Here are the other photos I’ve got from Stephanie Perkins’ book signing event:
Were you at the event? Or do you simply love Stephanie Perkins and her books? Then please comment below, it would mean a lot! Thanks guys!
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I know, I know! It’s so cool to have two authors in one event right? So prepare your books to be signed by Jennifer E. Smith, the author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, This Is What Happy Looks Like and The Geography of You and Me. Don’t forget to bring the books of Lissa Price as well, Starters and Enders! Since with the sad reality that I won’t be able to come to Alex London’s Book Signing Event, I could definitely come to this! I would be able to come to the last one, which is on September 21! So if you’d be there and you see me, come say hi!
Bibliophile Feather: Your bookstore bug! 
