Book Review: The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

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Rating: ★★★★★
Read: November 2016

It’s been a while since I last finished a novel. Being an “adult” feels like life is being sucked out of me these past couple of months. It’s been a struggle to drag my ass out of bed each morning, waking up with no motivation to do anything and the worst part is that I don’t even know why I feel like this. Good thing comic books have been keeping me going. It’s the easiest source of entertainment and the fastest ones to read. But finally, I decided to pick up the last book in the Mara Dyer series and it’s been really…. intense.

So this book… I am lost for words. I can’t explain how creepily fantastic and amazing this book has been. I’ll probably start off with the fact that this book has a ton of twists and turns. There are a lot of moments when I literally gasped in both excitement and frustration. This book has given me a lot of feelings at once and I’m saying that in a good way. Michelle Hodkin wrapped it up surprisingly well.

Honestly, this book made me feel like I was losing my mind, too. There were so many mind-fuck moments that just made me think about how all this will end, and, well, all my predictions and assumptions about the ending didn’t play out and that’s a good thing. I can’t summarize this book for y’all without spoiling you, so I’ll just end this review by saying, if you haven’t read this series, what are you even doing with your life?! Go on, pick it up!

And a quote:

“It has been said that there must be a villain for every hero, a demon for every angel, a monster for every god. Despite what we are, I do not believe this. I have seen the villainous act heroic, and men called heroes act villainous. It is our choices that define us, not our abilities.”

 

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Hi, it’s almost 8:00 p.m. and the weather’s matching with my mood and I’m writing just to release everything that’s bottled up inside my head. This is the only thing I can go to and the only thing I know that would help me think properly, somehow… My fingers can’t stop typing and my tears keep rolling down my cheek. I hate it when I’m like this.

I’ve been feeling a little bit lost lately, and life has been quite dragging. I know, I know, I keep on complaining but the level of tiredness I feel right now is just way over the average amount. Don’t get me wrong, 2016 has been one of the greatest years, so far, but sometimes, there are days or moments that the universe just likes to fuck things up. Sometimes, I feel like I’m always being tested and that it’s already way beyond what I can deal with.

I hate that I have so little people in my life whom I can talk with about these things. My best friend’s so far away and I know that she’s dealing with a lot of things right now, too, and I’m the only one who can listen to her and comfort her during these times. I feel so sad and most of the time it frustrates me because I don’t even know why I feel the way I feel. I try to be happy during the day, but when I get home, or when I’m alone, I just can’t get rid of it. Well, I don’t know what to do and this post is just a random rant and I have nothing else to say.

I just wanna feel okay again.

Source: dustypromises

#MIBF2016

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Went to the 37th Manila International Book Fair last Sunday with my cousin! After so many years of planning to go, I finally got the chance to! Finally, you guys! It was crazy inside because there are so many people since it’s the last day of the event, but it was an awesome experience nevertheless.

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We only spent an hour or so inside. The lines were so long (so so so so long!!! and I’m not even overreacting) that it took us 30 minutes before we were able to pay for our books inside the Fullybooked booth! After paying, we tried roaming around just so we could see other booths and bookish events happening at the time. We also grabbed a copy of the MIBF map since my cousin wanted a remembrance from the event.

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I personally loved this booth with all those hugot lines hanging above the place.

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There are actually A LOT of people inside and it’s really hard to walk or overtake from anyone. My brother actually came inside with us, but we lost him somewhere, so he decided to go and just wait for us outside.

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The only selfie we got from inside and I just realized that there aren’t any sight of books in the background from where we took the picture. *sad*

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Here’s my very small MIBF book haul!

I can’t wait to start reading them but at the moment, I’m currently reading The Could Searchers (Amulet, #3) by Kazu Kibuishi! It’s a graphic novel and I’m so happy that I’m finally catching up with all the graphic novel series I’ve started reading last year. Yas. *hearts everywhere*

A Breather From Stress

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We all need some time to unwind and a long weekend is the perfect time to do it. My family decided to spend it in Tagaytay wherein it’s quiet and peaceful. Since the internet has been really toxic and the city, work and everything else has been stressing me out lately, I know that I needed this “time out” from the rest of the world.

While the others went to the grocery to buy enough food and stuff we needed for our three-day stay, I, on the other hand, just stayed in and read all my pending comic book reads and I also started reading a new novel during our first day. Life has been really getting in the way recently and I’ve been in the longest reading slump, ever. I hope I get to finish what I’m reading right now.

On the second day, we ate lunch out. We tried this new Japanese resto. The food was actually very delicious. My brother and I have always been a sucker for Jap food. Japanese food is the best food. Always. The two of us also dropped by Serenitea and their place there was just ozumsauce. It’s all too cute for my life.

On Monday morning, my aunt and her husband woke us up to jog with them. My brother mostly just hunted for Pokemons around the place while I tried running a few laps until I eventually gave up and just took photos of random stuff around the area using my phone. I’m still learning my way through ~*photography*~ so bear with me.

Well, there goes my weekend. I’m still not through with The Manifesto On How To Be Interesting by Holly Bourne and I’m barely halfway through the book, but I’ll get the hang of it. I promise.

#notetoself

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Sometimes, you lose sight of what was once so clear, not because you don’t want it anymore, but because there are some things about it that have become way out of control.

No matter how beautiful something is, life just keeps hitting you straight in the face just to point out that you just can’t have it smoothly, but that should never hinder you from believing in your capacity to work things out.

I hope I can.

You Are My Moon, My Sun and All of My Stars

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You are my entire galaxy – everything about you is scattered all over my mind when we’re apart and I can’t seem to shake them off, and I don’t want to. I do not know when it all started, all I know is that I can never get you out of my system. Every time we’re apart, all I wanna do is be right next to you.

Time has flown so quickly. I lost count of how many times I’ve told you how thankful I am to have you and I don’t care. I will tell you everyday if I have to, I just want you to know that you are honestly one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me this year, and in my whole life. I’ve waited so long for someone to love me so genuinely, not knowing that I’ve already crossed paths with him long ago.

You are a touch of heaven on earth and I will love and love and love you and as long as you’re staying, I will never let you go. 

13 days, 136 deaths

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Remember when I swore that I will be watching, I will be attentive and I will speak my mind out no matter what? So, well, here goes. 

It’s only been a few days and there have already been numerous deaths and some of the people killed weren’t even drug dealers nor users. I just hate the idea that seeing dead bodies on the streets is the new norm. I can’t decipher how some people can even say, “Dapat lang yan sakanila.” All of you just aren’t concerned nor affected by these rampant killings until it happens or involves a friend, a relative or someone you care about. That’s what’s bringing this country down, not the leaders. And another thing that also frustrates me is that we forgot all about due process and the right of people to defend themselves from something they are accused of in exchange to what we now call “Du process.” 

Let’s be real, I know that there are other things in his platform that make actual sense and that some of his projects are for the betterment of the country, but these killings, these deaths, I very much disagree to it. Yes, I am one of those people who strongly despise snatchers, hold-uppers, rapists, illegal drug dealers and users, but do we really need to kill in order to lessen the crime? 

Is this really the kind of justice we seek?

The Last of Gilas Pilipinas 4.0

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Photo reference:
http://tv5.com.ph

Gilas Pilipinas’ journey to compete in the Rio Olympics ended with a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand, 89-80.

It only seemed like it was yesterday when we were all busy updating ourselves with how the practices were going, feeding ourselves with video clips we see online, watching Kuwentong Gilas, reading articles, etc. We were all very excited for the Qualifiers and we were all hopeful that they will make it to the semis.

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Seeing both games firsthand was heartbreaking. I saw how devastated and disappointed they are of the outcomes. It was honestly those behind the camera moments that tears my heart. The first night was saddening, the players all went out of the Arena with bowed heads. I can feel their pain, but there was still an ounce of hope left. I remember Coach Compton stopping in front of the crowd saying, “May pag-asa pa tayo. Laban lang.” It was honestly very encouraging and it gave people hope.

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The second night, we all went there with high hopes and full of positivity. From the moment the game started, New Zealand already made it clear that they will fight hard for the win. Gilas Pilipinas were already struggling. When they lowered the lead to two, everyone was screaming and cheering, but again, New Zealand had a different plan. When the buzzer rang and it was clear that the game was over, our players went to the middle of the court. Some of the people already left, but others, those who are truly supporting the team stayed and applauded the team despite the fall. Some were still shouting “Laban Pilipinas! PUSO!” And it made my heart melt. It was really what the players needed at the time.

Most of the fans waited outside to greet and see the players. All Gilas Pilipinas wanted was some time alone, but their fans just can’t seem to let them go. We all know how painful and hard it was for them to accept the loss, it was painful for us and it sure as hell hurt more for them.

I remember Jeff Chan, Marc Pingris, and Ranidel de Ocampo constantly apologizing to the people for falling short and it breaks my heart to see and hear them so sad about it. They all did their best, all we need is more practice and more international experience. I don’t know where the haters are coming from but I am still so proud of this team, no matter what.

Gabe Norwood didn’t get off the bus while his teammates did. He just sat there, head bowed down. I remember my friend and I calling him, he looked at us as we gestured that it was okay and “PUSO,” he just half-smiled and bowed his head as he wiped his tears away. It hurt. It broke our hearts.

To the Gilas Pilipinas, please know that you don’t have to apologize, your true supporters know that you all did your best. There will be other opportunities, but for now, all I can say is, I am still so proud of all of you. Laban lang ng laban! Pagsubok lang to, Pilipino tayo.

Gilas Pilipinas 4.0

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Tonight, the Gilas Pilipinas Final 12 has been announced. It’s been one crazy roller coaster ride for these boys since training started last November. A lot of people have been and are still doubting the team, and it just saddens me that instead of supporting them, people are too busy  criticizing the choices of the coaches.

I am, honestly, really sad that Calvin Abueva didn’t make it to the final 12, I’d rather choose him over some of the players that were chosen, yes, but still, I know Coach Tab has a reason for choosing these men and if he trust them enough, why would I not? No matter what happens, I will always support whoever is in the team. One country, one scream, Laban Pilipinas! Puso!

I am so excited to see you all! Practice well, whatever happens, I’ll be here, cheering and supporting all of you until the end.

Photo reference:
http://twitter.com/sports5PH