by Gene Brewer

This book was brimming of information - from psychology to reality. It was a masterpiece brought by Gene Brewer. The story moved me to inspiration and it gave me a better look at the world.

The plot revolved around 'prot' - a patient of Manhattan Psychiatric Institute who claims that he was an extra-terrestrial being from the planet he calls K-PAX. He was found in a bus terminal in New York and thus confined to MPI because of this belief.

I watched the movie first before the book so it gave me a very clear idea of what I would be reading now. When I started flipping the pages of K-PAX, I was pretty amazed that the plot went goes smoothly and almost everything were interconnected. The book focused more on the psychological aspect because Dr. Gene Brewer, one of the protagonist, aimed to find out and reveal prot's true identity and prove to him that he was merely but a human.

I loved prot's character. He was such a fascinating man (otherwise, if he isn't then he's a K-PAXian) because of his intelligence regarding astronomy. He presents his perception of the reality that humans don't realize. I liked the fact when he said that: (not really his exact words) "Crazy people are not really insane. They are just simply different from the majority. And if they were the majority, we would be the crazy people in their perspective."

The book was really satisfying and moving. It triggered some of my doubts as a human. prot was such interesting that you'd love to have a character like him in a book. This is the kind of book that I don't want to put down. When I finished K-PAX though, I was really disappointed and at the same time, elated to have ended it. The ending solved just some of the questions but the majority of the conflicts presented will leave you hanging till the end.

Rating: 5 stars

by Judy Blume

Rachel Robinson is a straight-A student and is often referred to by other people especially her friends as 'genius' or 'perfect'. But ever since her brother Charles came back from his school because he was expelled, she's now referred to by him as 'the child prodigy'.

Rachel knows that Charles would mean trouble at home and that he would be a big obstacle to her. When he finally comes home, things at the Robinson's residence swerved to a change: Mom and Dad is having a hard time with Charles, Jess is struggling to battle Charles' insults regarding her severe cystic acne and Rachel - well she's more than irritated as Jess is.

But at the least good thing, her brother brought some benefits: he's having a tutor come by at the Robinsons who becomes Rachel's new crush, and having ninth grader Jeremy Dragon around.

When things start to change, surprises pop up: Jess got a job in Mrs. Hirsch's travel agency whose daughter was Steph, one of Rachel's best friends. She's hired to work despite the fact that most companies won't hire her due to her physical appearance. Not only does the story revolve around Rachel, but also with the people around her. Then there's Tarren, Rachel's cousin, who happens to be a single mother with her child Roddy. And having her around brings something to Rachel which she didn't expect.

There are funny points in this story. I loved and hated its concept. There was a scene where Charles wanted to change his last name back to its origin. It was hilarious when he recited a poem in the Ellis Island (a place where the Robinson's ancestors landed from Poland) and people were starting to stare at him like some balderdash moron.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars - I admired Rachel's straight-A personality. Since I am an obedient student like her I know how it feels, although she's an almost perfect student while I'm a desperate-math-moron. I also saw myself in her shoes when it comes to dealing with family problems. Although this book wasn't focused on the three girls unlike in Just As Long As We're Together, this was a good story you cannot pass up.

When I have read this book it made me think of the true value of family. Charles' character struck me the most because it was his who made a big impact on me. We were alike in some ways that I am being considered as a pain in the neck of the family (okay, so much for the drama). I could truly say I fell in love with this book and it was wonderful! Judy Blume has made it very comfortable for me to read and by the end of the book, I craved for more of it. I recommend this book to you if you're wondering how life turns around with someone almost as perfect as Rachel.

by Gena Showalter

Love the story of this book - it revolves around individuality of a person. Jade is the eccentric Goth girl who finds herself struggling to stand out from the crowd. Her school rival Mercedes, is getting on her nerves and she has to find a way to stop her from spreading her evil scheme. They are very opposite: Jade loves black and gothic things while Mercedes loves girlie stuffs. They are both put into shock when they learned that the principal decides that they must go to a special field trip.

In the real world, everyone seemed to be Barbie clones. Well that's the opposite of the virtual game: now every single person is goth and they're trying to be Jade's friends. In this world, she is famous and well-appreciated. She's in total center attraction while Mercedes is looked down on and is disregarded. Jade thinks she can't handle any more of these pretensions and as much as possible get away from it all plus her only true friends don't want to talk to her. What would you do if you sought for people's acceptance and it is granted but your true friends won't talk to you?

Now, their excursion turned out to be a virtual game that'll teach them a lot about their lives. The two find themselves clinging to each other and helping out to escape this nightmarish punishment.

I could see myself relating to Jade because at one point in my life I decided to have my individuality. But as I read this book, it made me felt like I was in the game. The plot was good and I enjoyed the story but I got myself hanging in the end. I wish I could read more from this book. :)

Rating: 4 stars - This story made me laugh and envy at how things turn out to be good in the end. I love the way Jade thinks about the new boy Clarik and the ending put me to the edge of my seat.

by Sara Ryan

Nicola Lancaster is spending the summer at the Siegel Institute Summer Program for Gifted Youth where people of different talents and skills come together, living like college students for eight weeks.

Nic's had friends from theater and orchestra but never friends, like friends for keeps whom she can hang out with. She never had a relationship but she soon learns the complexity of it when she met Katrina the Manic Computer Chick who surprisingly also smokes but never does drugs, Isaac the Nice-Guy-Despite-Himself, Kevin the Inarticulate Composer... and Battle.

She's this girl whom Nic meets on the first day and refers to her as Beautiful Hair Girl and is somehow the opposite of Nic. They became friends, and as days pass spending their time together they become startlingly more than friends.

"What do you do when you think you're attracted to guys, and then you meet a girl who steals your heart?"

I loved this story that it almost turned me out into a lesbian. Kidding aside, I loved Nic's character because of her constant sweetness to Battle, whom she refers to her as Empress of the World because for Nic she stands out from the rest. Nic tries to talk to Battle but there are just some points when she can't understand her. Battle's character represents the adorable and irresistable girl you'd commonly meet along the hallway, she's more of the 'action speaks louder than words' type and has really nice hair so I don't wonder much why Nic fell in love with her.

Rating: 4 stars - I just finished this today, covering 2 days. The plot of the story was great. I never read anything like this before and to be honest, I liked it much although I just don't understand Battle's reason why she hooked up with another after knowing that Nic has a present for her. There are also some points where there are gentle vulgarity involved that will really make you think it's some kind of a true story. Ryan did great on this book narrating Nic's point of view and presenting the complexities of loving the same sex. I say, this is an inspirational book and a gift from Sara Ryan that should be read by teens.

by Liza Palmer

Olivia and Maggie had been best friends ever since, but after Olivia's gastric bypass surgery everything has suddenly changed and she's not whom Maggie had known long before. Olivia changes her childhood history, hangs out with uber-fashionista socialites and gets to marry Dr. Farell who doesn't know she was formerly obese.

The two girls battle it out for their friendship: Maggie, wanting to save their genuine bond and be the best friend Olivia had all along versus Olivia, wishing to be a permanent sexy icon for her fiancé and for her new friends, although at the end of the day she's running back to her childhood best friend.

Rating: 3 stars - I liked the story but it just had too many 'F' word, but I guess it's part of the reality scenario the author tries to imply. I'm not a fat girl; I'm the opposite of it coz' I am slim but I could relate to Maggie having this struggle against life and friendship. Maggie's character seems to be pathetic but that's the cherry of the story - she has a lot of flaws making her human. You'd be seeing yourself relating to Maggie hoping to find true love and friendship.

by John Steinbeck

The story revolves around two unlikely men: George, who is a short and stubby man and knows what to do, and Lennie, the tall man who has a brain of a child. Together, they embark on a journey to have their own piece of land.

They came across a job in a ranch in the Salinas Valley and it seems that their plans are within their grasp. But a shocking event came to their view: Lennie accidentally kills a woman due to his undying obedience to George and because of too much promises and goals George and him have in mind.

The story is a bit of a confusing read, but the plot is simple. You will actually like the character of Lennie because of his childish ways, and George who has this straightforward and frank attitude. This is the first time I've read a classic work of literature, and you will not be disappointed with how the story goes. It will make you hope for George and Lennie's hopes and will make you regret that they shouldn't have dreamt of it all the while.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars - This piece of Steinbeck's work is my first time to read such classic works. The story at first is hazy in sight and most of their dialogs are in a cowboy accent that it became hard for me to decipher what they were saying. But you'll get used to it if you continue reading the book. The last chapters were coming to a closure and by there, you'd get the idea of the story although you might not expect what'll happen in the end. :)

by Meg Cabot

Mia Thermopolis is the common type, or so she thinks. She's a flat-chested five-foot-nine freshman who happens to be flunking in Algebra - she really hates the subject.

But a big surprise comes her way when she learns that her mom is dating her Algebra teacher, and the shocker does not only stop on that. Her dad also comes to New York to announce that she'll be the new heir to the Genovian throne. Plus, her Grandmére is coming too! And she's about to give Mia some lecturing sessions on 'how to be a princess'. But Mia doesn't want to be a princess, except for the privileges this would give. She just wants to be the same Mia, only better. But what can she do? She has no choice but to face the fact that she would be the princess of Genovia.

This book is awesome, like reading a diary from your best friend. I could relate to Mia since we both dislike Math and/or Algebra. It's kind of funny that she writes her homework in her diary. I really felt comfortable reading this one. Also, I was laughing at the fact that her best friend Lilly Moscovitz has a stalker who likes to see Lilly's feet on TV!

I recommend this book to anyone who basically dislike Algebra or generally the Math subject, has a crush inside the campus, has a best friend (but if it's okay if you don't have one), and a little feeling of inferiority that somehow makes you wish you were someone as cool as Lana Weinberger.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars - I liked the fact that this book was in a diary type and it was funny that the author used multiple punctuations! This book is fit for teens and pre-teens, it will make you happy and sad. It will make you dream and even be envious that Mia has such privileges. But the book also teaches the value of loving who you truly are and the people who stay true to you. You need not be beautiful to be appreciated because what matters most is that you love yourself.

by Mitch Albom

It's a true story 'bout a man of great virtue and influence. Morrie Schwartz was a former college teacher who didn't know what life was about until he suffered ALS, a sickness that eats away his life day by day. Mitch (the author) is touched by Morrie's undying perception that life doesn't end when you reach your death. The framework of the story revolves around Mitch and Morrie's sessions during Tuesdays, on which Morrie shares his wisdom about life, love, marriage, friends, family, and death.

Although Morrie can hardly speak, he tries to talk to Mitch as often as he could to make him realize that he should value his life now more than ever before it's too late to turn back and do so. They always meet on Tuesdays at Morrie's house and are determined to finish their last thesis together - life. Sadly, Morrie died. But he died with a great life full of hopes and dreams.

Before I end this review, let me share you one of my favorite Morrie Schwartz' quotes:

"When you learn how to die, you learn how to live."

Rating: 5 stars - My rating for this book is 5 stars! I love the book as well as the story. It has a simple cover that shows humility and the simplicity of the story as well as the life of the person featured - Morrie Schwartz. I could say Mitch Albom has done it so well to retell the story of Morrie's Tuesday sessions.

I suggest you to read this book if you think that your life has become boring and stagnant. :)

by Judy Blume

I liked how the story made me feel like I was really there. Judy Blume did a very good job especially when it comes to the conversations of the girls. It's like they were speaking for themselves! The way they talk (how Blume has written it) was truly convincing that the characters were teens. I kind of feel depressed for Stephanie and Alison because Rachel seems to be the perfect girl. I just didn't like how Rachel treated Stephanie just because she made friends with Alison (who claims her dog could talk). Rachel pinpointed the two as baby-ish people who can't learn to grow up. Then that's where conflict starts.

It's a must read for teens my age. You'll love the story and how it flows and eventually ends. Judy Blume has made me convince that she should be my favorite author next to Mitch Albom. That is in my opinion. :)

Rating: 4 1/2 stars - The plot interested me to read and move on through the chapters of the book. The characters were coming out of my page and I could picture them just as the author wanted them to be. I enjoyed this book very much that's why I requested the sequel of this from Bookmooch.com

by Mitch Albom

Have you ever had a moment to wish to relive a day with your mother? Chick Benetto, a fallen baseball star, who lost his life trying to commit suicide. He lost his life thinking he had been a failure, and that he had wasted it focusing on his baseball career.

The story involves certain apparitions, flashbacks and the ghost of his mother. Actually, when I read the book, I also considered Chick as a ghost because after that moment when he tried to kill himself, he saw his dead mother in bones and flesh. Chick is still skeptical whether the scene he sees is true or not, and whether his dead mother has really come to life.

I read the story in my longest reading period. Since I have busy schedules in school, I can't continue reading it in a breeze. I started this one in June and just finished it in early August. I loved the way how Albom describes things the way they were. He really touched my sentiments here when he presented the ghost of Chick's mother.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars - for its good plot and interesting story. It wasn't as great as the Tuesdays with Morrie, but it touched and inspired me somehow, and how suicide could ruin everything you've ever worked for. The last pages of the book moved me to tears but, again, not as tear-jerker as Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

This one is for the wishful beings who thought they never had everything in life. It's meant for those who have conflict with their families, especially with their mothers. It's a good read but Mitch Albom had just been good with this one. I suggest he should not get overwhelmed by the bestselling phenomenon brought by his first book. Though, all in all... For One More Day has made it to my favorite books list.

by Mitch Albom

I loved how Mitch Albom made this story. Tuesdays with Morrie was better, but this was another addition to Albom's brilliance. If you like made-up places and heartwarming stories, this book is definitely for you.

The story revolves around Eddie, a repairman in Ruby Pier amusement park. He dies in an untimely accident and was faced with questions of uncertainty with regards to his death. He sees his life as a senseless timeline of dull moments and never saw it as a precious entity given to him. As Eddie sets foot to journey in the heaven (or just an imagined piece of it), he is welcomed by a person to whom he was entrusted. Each person has a story to tell, a relation to Eddie and a lesson to unfold. They come after another when they sense that Eddie has learned a valuable lesson about his life and that his life is intertwined with other people's lives.

The beginning was entitled 'The End' because according to Albom, "All ends are beginnings, we just don't know it yet." And with this line he started his story - actually it's not his story because it was Eddie's story. Albom made another touching story here because he really hit the part where I was vulnerable. Almost all ages could relate to Albom; his stories come in handy paperbacks but you would be much surprised of what's in store.

I recommend this story to anyone who wonders what heaven would look like or what heaven is made up of. The story implies a strong message that will be engraved in our hearts. It may not be a tearjerker like Tuesdays with Morrie which made me cry over for a couple of days and still got the hangover of it till now, The Five People You Meet in Heaven would surely give you a proper lesson on the values of life and will make you realize that your life does not only revolve on you, but is also connected with others' lives.

Rating: 4 stars - The plot revealed interesting twists like how the Blue Man came to be connected to Eddie and why Eddie was working on the Ruby Pier. The story also featured my country but to keep my review from being biased, even if Albom didn't make the setting in Philippines, I would still give this book 4 stars because the plot really revealed some interesting points in Eddie's life. But I didn't like the idea of jumping from one story to another and the dialogue was kind of slow and then fast. There were some points where the conversation lasted like it wasn't supposed to be read but instead, to be spoken.