Filipino Friday: Books and Friends

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This week's question:
Books and Friends. We will have book discussions hosted by several book clubs during the ReaderCon, so to prepare us for that, let’s talk about books and friendships and book clubs. Are you a part of a book club? If yes, what made you join one? What’s your favorite activity that you have with them? If you’re not a part of one, will you consider joining one? Why or why not?

My answer:
I joined an online book club, The Filipino Group, in Goodreads a couple years ago.  I was fairly new to the book blogosphere community and stumbled into Goodreads.  There I sought out book club and found the Filipino group.  I was thrilled and immediately made connections with some of the members.  I was thrilled to find a group that shared a love for books and one that links me back to my native home.  I especially like that the members make great efforts to get to know each other, whether by polls, stimulating threads, or face-to-face meet-ups.  In the beginning I was able to participate in few key threads but later I got too busy with "life" and my participation became limited. However, this is the book group that is most dear to me so I will always poke my nose in there from time-to-time.  I have made life long friends there.  I know that if I visit the islands that I will have a place to stay and the same goes for them should they come my way.

I'm interested in putting culture in my reading so I joined The Classics Club this year.  They've got a wonderful program going on because it's flexible ..set your own goal and pace.  Perfect fit for me!

I do not choose to join any more book clubs right now because I know that I would not be able to commit to the time it takes to fully participate. 

By the way, my continued prayers go out for relief and safety to my countrymen in Manila and other places struck by the monsoon rains.  May the strength and resilience that you have shown thus far continue to shine!  I love you.  Be safe.

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

Thank you I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Reading Teen for hosting.

Welcome to my stop in this hop.  I'm trying something new to me.  I'll be giving away an ebook, Kindle edition, so those who has a Kindle/Kindle App may enter.  I will be using Amazon.com's "Give as a Gift" purchasing method so please have a valid email.

The following books are up for grabs.  Winner chooses one.  Must be at least 13 years old, a follower of this blog, and fill out the Rafflecopter to enter.  That's it!  Good luck.

(Click on image for Goodreads' blurb)

Enclave (Razorland, #1) byAnn Aguirre

Scarlet byA.C. Gaughen

Storm (Elemental, #1) byBrigid Kemmerer

Torn byStephanie Guerra

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thank you for entering. Now head on over to the list below for your chance to win some fabulous YA books!

"Breaking the Devil's Heart"

Logic of Demons #2, by H.A. Goodman, AF, 2012, 352p, rating=3.5
Source:  provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Find Book:  Amazon | Barnes and Noble

When Stewart and Layla recruit a demon to spy on the Devil, their decision takes them on whirlwind ride through the afterlife. Journey alongside this young couple in H. A. Goodman’s new novel, Breaking the Devil’s Heart, and join forces with a teenage Angel outcast to bankrupt Satan's underground Company and save Heaven from civil war. H. A. Goodman's Breaking the Devil’s Heart is a roller coaster afterlife experience that tests a young couple's love, their grasp on reality, and the essence of human nature. What happens when Stewart and Layla tour Hell’s Marketing Department and Stock Exchange? What happens when their relationship is tested by Satan? This book is unlike anything you’ve ever read, or ever thought the afterlife might be like. Breaking the Devil’s Heart is an enlightening look into an alternate world, a new afterlife, and a profound journey inside the human conscience.(Goodreads)

First thing that comes to mind about this book is telling of the author and that is that Mr. Goodman cannot be accused of lacking imagination!  This story was genuinely creative.  The characters were engaging and the plot simply extraordinary.  You're going to need your cerebrum for this book because it can get confusing ..the good kind.  The kind that will challenge you to think.  We could use that from time-to-time and this book will absolutely do that.  At least it did for me!

I'm a give-me-a-book-that-touches-the-heart kind of girl so the bits that mentioned historical good and evil deeds were what stood out for me.  Mr. Goodman didn't sugarcoat the evil ones therefore those parts were difficult to read but enhanced the point to be made.  The good ones of course were comfort acknowledgments of the deserving worth of a human soul and that is always heartwarming to me.  Overall, there was a message of hope for defeating our inner demons if we but learn from history and it took a metaphorical-satire type of venue (see blurb) to get me there.  Pretty clever, Mr. Goodman!  It was a bizarre read but quite thought provoking.

Just because I'm lost for eloquency, I will throw in some words that came to mind about what was dealt in this book:  human pscyhe, philosophies, love, cruelty, humor, surprising twists, fanciful metaphor, putting oneself in another's shoes/mind, true nature, instincts, betrayal, loyalty, etc. ..oh yeah, logic. ;)

This book is currently 99 cents for the Kindle and Nook editions.  What a steal!  It is well worth the price and if the blurb or my review intrigued you then go for it! :)

Filipino Friday: Weeks #2 & #3

(Go HERE for details but go to homepage to link)

My time lately have been very tight and I just haven't been able to put as much as I would like into reading and blogging so I've got some catching up to do! 

Last week's question:
School of Reading. We all started reading somewhere, and more often than not, we were influenced by someone. Who got you into reading? Your parents? A friend? A librarian? One teacher who always lends out his/her books? How helpful was your school in helping your reading habit / fueling your book addiction?

My answer:
I think the reading bug is a divine gift to many.  I was given it but it took a long while for me to recognize and accept it.  I do recall a spark for reading during elementary years in response to a school reading challenge program but it pretty much ended when the challenge was completed (or so I thought).  Unfortunately, my parents weren't book readers (Dad read newspapers) so I had very little reading influence at home.  However, in retrospect, I found no burden in reading required readings during all my school years, including college, and I did read for pleasure every so often.  It wasn't until a couple years ago that it just clicked for me and I finally started to refine the gift.  I had had it all along, I just needed to polish it. So happy I finally got to this point. :)

This week's question:
Reading Habits and Book Formats.  Where and how do you read? Can you read anywhere and everywhere, or do you need a certain place/mood/state of mind to get reading? Do you read more in the morning or at night or any minute that you can? Where and how do you usually read? Are you exclusively for print, or do you go for ebooks more than print? Have you ever tried audiobooks?

My answer: 
I read whenever and wherever I can squeeze it into my day/night.  Sometimes when I'm on that reading zeal I put some things aside, like house chores, and read instead ..sometimes overnight.  It catches up on me sooner or later and I find myself on a major reading rut!  So generally, my reading habit can be quite a roller coaster.  I'm still figuring out a balance.

I mainly read printed books.  It's the format I prefer.  However, I've discovered a love for Playaway digital audio books for the ease of use and convenience.  I am able to "read" while on the go and it's fabulous!  However, I'm limited to what my library has because they're too expensive for me to actually purchase to own.  Furthermore, a few months ago, I finally experienced the world of ebooks and I like it more than I thought I would.  Problem with that is that my TBR list have doubled because Amazon makes it easy for me to place books in my Kindle!

Book Loot Giddy

I haven't had the time to post much lately so this is a couple weeks worth of giddiness.  Yay, I got books in the mail!  Thanks Adam and Annette!!

Won:

3 Catherine Ryan Hyde books from Adam @Roof Beam Reader (still waiting on Pay it Forward DVD)

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer and surprise bookmark from Annette @Annette's Book Spot

Kindle ebook freebie purchases (unless otherwise noted):

title After the Birthday Party

author Miranda, Angus

title Angel

author Kingsley, Mary E.

title Forget Me Not

author Uchtdorf, Dieter F.

title Masquerade (Creepy Hollow, #4) (99 cents ..out today!!)

author Morgan, Rachel

title The Not So Secret Emails Of Coco Pinchard

author Bryndza, Robert

title Your Happily Ever After

author Uchtdorf, Dieter F.

More Kindle freebies but Goodreads did not have them in their system:

How about you? How book loot giddy have you been lately?

You're Invited ...

I'm participating in a blog tour for Julie Ford's Whitney nominated novel, Count Down to Love, due to begin on August 13th.  No official schedule of participants at the moment but when I get the information I will inform you so that you can check out what bloggers think about the book and perhaps enter for a chance to win a copy.  I do know that my stop will be on the 22nd so be sure to check out my review then.

In the meantime, Ms Ford is extending a special invitation to all blog readers to join her and 11 other authors in an amazing book event being held on August 1st. Check out the following invitation for all the details.  ~I apologize for the short notice.

Utah Author Event

Meet the authors and support a library!

Come to the Pleasant Grove City Library at 30 E. Center Street in Pleasant Grove, Utah, at 7 pm on Wednesday, August 1st for a great book event featuring Whitney-nominated author, Julie Ford. Julie will be joined by some other amazing authors including:

• Julie Coulter Bellon
• Nichole Giles
• Angie Lofthouse
• Monique Bucheger
• H. B. Moore
• Rachelle Christensen
• Andrea Pearson
• Heather Justesen
• Loralee Evans
• Suze Reese
• L. L. Muir

Come meet these authors and check out their books! There will be prizes there on silent auction, books to be purchased, cookies to be eaten - and proceeds will go to the library. That's right - this is a book launch/fund-raiser/rockin' party!

Bring your family! Bring your friends! Come prepared to have a great time, support your local authors, and contribute to the library!

Pleasant Grove Library

30 E. Center, Pleasant Grove

Wednesday, August 1st

7 - 9 PM

Bummer that I'll be missing it.  I've got family plans for the day already plus it's far away from me anyways. :(

Vacations Reads Giveaway WINNER!

Rafflecopter has spoken.  Congratulations Karen K.!  You are my Vacation Reads Giveaway winner.  Please contact me and let me know which prize you would like.  You will have 72hrs to reply to the email I sent you.

Thank you to those who entered and for the follows.  I truly appreciate the support. 

Until the next time, take care good care and be happy!!