The Lord of the Flies - William Golding

Category: Books
Genre: Fiction
Year Published: 1954

The present society with which we live in is marred by the undying clamor for the breach in the terms stated in the mandate in connection with the freedom of expression as well as the bill of rights of the citizen. Democracy has turned into fascism, as many other people would say. And this is true all over the world for people ruled under the democratic principles of governance.

However, while reading Golding's highly appraised novel, I came to realize that sometimes, it is necessary for a national leader to hold his people tighter if he wants his subjects to be more inclined at what they should be doing, that is, working towards progress.

Evilness and savagery is innate in the blood and veins of humans for we still are animals in any way you look. From the moment we were born, we all possess those qualities but because we are being tamed and honed by an authority of rules and laws, we tend to become more civilized in the process of growth and development. This is the core of Golding's novel.

But no matter how you look on it and no matter how very truthful, or rather, revealing the ideas that the author presented, the whole narrative itself is enveloped by wickedness and darkness. The use of a bunch of school boys may be impressive for many others which truthfully paved the way to a faster transmission of the things the author tried to tell his readers, it's quite far off that the death of some companions should serve as the consequence for the battle of power and superiority.

True, people who do not have other choice than to kill opponents, like those politicians who are very much engrossed at wielding power for their own interests are the very persons who could do that, but a good writer knows how to convey his message in a lighter way which if analyzed, would be more striking than what the senses could naturally perceive.

The Lord of the Flies is a novel about a group of school boys who was stuck in an island after the airplane which they boarded failed to reach its destination due to a storm. At first, everything was in order after they chose a leader and after they decided on their respective tasks to survive and be rescued from the dreadful island. Envy and greed in power caused a rift between the boys which cut loose the string that tied them together.

Little by little, the popularly-selected authority lost control and savagery took over the once civilized boys. They feared of a beast somewhere up in the mountain, but they are unaware that the beast is actually within themselves. Death of two of their companions followed before they were eventually rescued by a passing navy ship and only then did they realize the offenses they did.

Without reference to my previous assertions, I laud Golding for being so bold and for expressing the ills of the society in a creative yet striking manner.

If you want a novel that reveals the prevailing social conditions, then this definitely is for you. But be sure that you're not faint-hearted.

a day when several thousands were spent

this is a very memorable sunday for me. the title already revealed why. several thousands were spent. several thousands of what? of course, nothing else, but money. I have never felt so filthy rich for a day ever since when. (i couldn't really tell when that day ever happened.)

well, of course, the money came from my mom, which I won't reveal the details. let's just say that finally, we have paid our debts from our family's close kins and friends. Bless them!


gaining weight requires a good price



for some of you who is familiar with me, better yet, who have seen me, you would strongly, violently and bloodily (hyperbole ok?) oppose that i'm the type of guy who is macho, who has great abs and a man who have been gifted with a model-like and worth-being-a-magazine-cover physique. No, i'm sure not. I know you'll bet your life if you'd agree to that. (meanies!)

anyway, last year, i've heard, or rather, i've read, or is it seen? Seen would be better. So I've seen this product on a daily which back then seemed to be the answer to my unending call for God's mercy of making my body fit to being a body of my age. I guess He was exhausted already with my clamors, that's why.. hehe..

And so, back to this product. It's branded as APPETON WEIGHT GAIN. But all my hopes turned to a dreadful misery after inquiring about its price as well as its availability. It was out of stock in my place (out of stock meant they don't really bother to order for the product, i guess).

I don't blame them for making it "out of stock" when all the advertisements point out that it's already available nationwide on that particular drug store (save the name, i don't like to be sued). (Since when did our place, a city down south Manila, been erased on the map of the Philippines?)

You wanna know the price? It's a whooping Php 1300 (for 900ml) and Php 750 (for 450ml). Expensive? Yes, for people like us who's parents' monthly earnings are not enough to satisfy our luxuries, only the needs. Back then, I accepted already the sad fact that my tounge wont ever taste even a drop of that milk drink.

But just this morning, I was truly elated to see that my father thought about buying me one. (the 450 ml only, actually, but, thankfully, he wanted to be "economical" so he bought the bigger one, twice the content of the "little appeton"). Well, I guess, he's afraid that I might end up being teased by my future students as unworthy of the profession all because of my "physical deficiency". my "slimmnes".



Honestly, that was already planned because I don't pretty much have anything good to do this summer vacation but to sleep, eat, do my hobbies, sleep, eat, and do my hobbies again. Nothing more, nothing less. I won't be needing to sleep at 7AM and eventually wake up at 8AM of the same day to catch up with a trip to my university. Thank God, a two-month rest from school was mandated. Or else, I'm a dead meat, or better, bone if not! Whoo!

So after finally holding it, as if it's a priced possessions; as if it's a chest brimming with jewelry and greenbacks, I fondly imagined myself turning into a well-built man from a stick. I hope my "greatest dream" would come true. So help me God. (Dad's actually forcing me to sleep right now because he reasoned that I won't feel the benefits of the milk drink if I always sleep at 3AM. Sorry dad, but I have to finish this. I'm quite thrilled to write, see.)


And so, after finally releasing the milk drink from it's tight lid, I then noticed this: PRODUCT OF FRANCE. So, that answers why it's worth a gold bar! It crossed-over the continents just to fall in my hands. But, I do hope that it would keep the promise of improving my weight. I hope I did not waste not only several hundreds of pesos as well as this blog entry cum promotional ad just for some fraud. I have high hopes on you!!


belting down that slim waist

i've got loads of problems when it comes to my weight. At a tender age of 19, I have already suffered too much! Too much, I say! (sigh...)

when I pay a visit to the malls, I always receive frustrated eyes of sales ladies after finally giving up all the chances of dressing me up, after several tries, ESPECIALLY that of my lower part of the body. No good pants really fitted me. That's why, I always end up with the not-so-stylish ones. Although back then, when I still have some of those withered fats, I have bought merchandise next to good ones.

therefore, all of my good ones have considerably grown larger to my recent self. so, I have to use good belts to help my body carry the weight of the jeans. Bust sadly, last year, my one and only "good belt" which really fits into my unique waistline bid me goodbye. It surrendered already with so much work I give him. so, I ended up using the "not-so-good ones" until now.

to tell you the truth, it's really hard to use belts which are manufactured for people whose waistline range from 40 cm - 50 cm. I felt like i'm being tied into a rope and never breath to death afterwards. I curse that belt!

well, luckily again, my father agreed to buy me a new one (probably out of pity). One with stylish colors on it, though simple in a glance. I like simple things.

i'm not really particular on the things that I wear, whether they are fake or original. As long as I could use them, and as long as it makes me good on the eyes of other, then I'm satisfied. But after buying that belt on a mall near our place, I resented on how much it costed us.

it's Php 299.75, just for a belt! That's truly absurd! But sadly, I only thought about it when I was already walking away from the counter while the sales ladies wave me goodbye for joy that they once again fooled another helpless being. I pitied myself.

i could have bought something more reasonable that just a belt with that money. Oh, why should the grudge always appear after the event. Silly life!


opening a new window

since i'm always being haunted by my daily practice during schooldays (sleeping early in the morning), I always had difficulty sleeping. And so, as always, I kept myself busy with a book to lull me to sleep, at the same time, give me enjoyment and satisfaction that I have fulfilled something each day.

i don't want wasting my time over things which won't give me something new to learn or experience. I am hungry of knowledge, insights and experiences. I'm that kind of person. Honest!

i want to tell the world that I have done something good this summer vacation. Well, I just have finished reading The Lord of the Flies by William Golding, The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewiss and recently, or rather, yesterday morning, at about 3:30AM, I finished The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. My reviews on them will follow shortly if I found time and eagerness to write.

because I was left speechless in the utter goodness of the story, I was determined to grab a copy of its supposed sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which I luckily bought this day. After writing this very long blog entry (mind you, I started at 12:30 AM and it's already 1:40AM, 5/5/08!) i'll be leafing through its pages. I can't wait to see what happens next! (mouth drooling)


a new member of the family

my mom has always wanted to have her own cell phone. But she couldn't buy one because her salary is just enough for our needs here. so with this chance, we bought her a brand new phone, an imitation of Nokia 6300 (don't tell this to other ok? this is a secret between the two of us!). Although it's not truly the same with the original, the good thing is, it's price is fair enough, Php 3, 300.00 and it's features are just right for my mom's needs.

We are to send this phone to her to China (funny, it's a China phone, but it was bought in the Philippines only to be brought back and used in China) through my youngest sister since she was invited by my mom's employer to tour in Zhu Hai, China, a city just a ferry away from Hong Kong.

She's lucky, yes. I do hope I could also see the place one day. But it's good for her since she was forced to stop attending school because my parents can't afford to send us to college at the same time. So, in exchange, she'll be with my mom the whole time. (jealous...)



So, back to the phone. Although some say that a China phone is not a better choice for wise buyers, I must disagree because I could testify that the one that I've bought just last January looks as new as ever. so no need to worry too much about the great deal of money spent. It just depends on the user. That's true. If you take care of your things, naturally, they'll be at their best when you'll need them.

but this is a secret between the two of us, okay, whoever you are. Because my mom has no idea about this. I don't know whether she will be happy that we spent that much for her phone or be delighted that we at least have thought about her after doing so much to secure the money she owe to her boss. Dad already said she might get angry. You see, she's not the type of person who considers her welfare and interests first among the rest. She's someone who thinks first of our welfare before herself. And that's why I could call my mother a true noble person.

'till the next time...

Harry Potter and The Epic Journey to Fame - A Scrutiny of the Greatest Bildungsroman Ever Told

This is a published review on our college paper. Hope you'd enjoy it... If there's anything offensive here, just let me know. If you want to cite something, here's how you can do it:

Guinto, Nicanor L. "Harry Potter and the Epic Journey to Fame - A Scrutiny of the Greatest Bildungsroman Ever Told." The Footprints. Vol. 13, No. 1. June - December, 2007. pp. 18-19.

I really worked so hard to write this. I hope you could appreciate it.

Harry Potter and the Epic Journey to Fame
A Scrutiny of the Greatest Bildungsroman ever told

For seventeen years, we have seen how a fictional character by the name of Harry James Potter grow up in the hands of a newbie in the literary scene. We have sympathized with Harry’s plight as an orphan, tasted triumphs and defeats in his wealth of adventures, delivered peace and battled adversities in light for goodness, deciphered clues and uncovered truths enroute out of trouble and savored glory coupled with bliss for every trek well-passed. We have also seen the lighter side of Harry as he learned to love, reach out for love and fall out of love. Indeed, nothing is comparable with the vividness and subtlety of Harry’s character in the sea of fictional outgrowth – a character who lives not merely as a personality in a book but a living person in the hearts and minds of Potter enthusiasts and who in one way or another had been a companion, a comrade and a friend.

Every bits and pieces of Harry now provides the living proof of Joanne Kathlene Rowling’s magical wisdom and impeccable ingenuity. Her extraordinary jumpstart came to redefine the prodigious history of fiction writing, as she was hailed today as the author who rekindled the beauty of writing as well as the burning desire of readers in hope for a good story.

But there is more to Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling, which in itself a story of some kind. And here, I highlight some vital points which ushered this bildungsroman to an epic journey to fame.

Harry Potter and the Magical Writer

Imagine yourself as a plain language teacher with no other goals than to give your daughter a brighter future singlehandedly because your husband felt that you do not deserve him. Then after a couple of years, while sitting on a train station as a nobody, you became very very excited on something – a peculiar tale that keeps on urging you to put it into writing though you know that there’s not a single drop of a writer’s blood that flows in your body. But then, you finally decided to let it overcome you and in an instant you became the face of every magazine and the words of every newspaper print.

In Rowling’s case, it’s not a mere imagination, though. It’s a reality which is worth the buzz since if she never let loose such an overwhelming thought, she would never have been richer than Queen Elizabeth herself and as highly acclaimed as the man who was crucified to death.

“There is a J.K. Rowling who lives in the hearts and minds of children everywhere,” writes Lev Grossman in TIME’s July 23, 2005 issue. The kids and adults alike who share the same interest with the literary feat will forever remember the picturesque world of witchcraft and wizardry nor will they forget the times they took part to a history in the making as they stood to wait in a seamlessly endless line of devouts to the cashier in every book release.

Interestingly, as Grossman reveals in his interview with the author, this woman who invaded bookstores worldwide by storm through her spellbinding tale does not even like fantasy novels. She did not even finish reading Lord of the Rings nor did she lift her fingertips on a Narnia book – two early 50’s novels to which her books are being compared a lot. She tells that it was only when she finished writing the Philosopher’s Stone (Sorcerer’s Stone in the US) back in 1997, that she realized she had produced a 309-paged one.

The fiction writer, however, stood to her decision, until the release of the last installment last July 21, that she may never again write a Harry-Ron-Hermione sentence in her future books. But, nevertheless, fans are still hopeful that one day, Rowling would eventually give in and write another Harry.

Harry Potter and the Monumental Climb

The Harry Potter series by far has bent substantially all the records a book could ever have. Primarily, The Deathly Hallows soared as the fastest selling book of all time, having been sold with eleven million copies in the first 24 hours of its release worldwide. That’s roughly 127 copies per minute! Accordingly, the series became the primary cause why The New York Times introduced a Children’s Book Bestsellers back in 2000 because Harry Potter never left the number one spot.

Would you believe that before the bestselling series trailed its way to success, the author has been turned down by a number of publishers claiming that the theme and the universe of the story is so obsolete and fictionally clichéd? It was Bloomsbury which first saw the potential of Rowling. By now, the British publisher enjoys several billions of dollars and innumerable submissions from other prolific writers. It’s the same with the American publisher, Scholastic through Arthur A Levine, which holds majority of outside UK publications.

Rowling remembers that when her first book finally flew right onto her hands, ambivalence, instead of uncanny euphoria took over her. Would you blame her for such a shrill emotion when your little piece of ingenuity will fall under the conservative eyes of literature pundits?

But no negative comments made this phenomenal book break the sturdy wall that for so long have separated the young from the old. After months of the quiet launch, an unprecedented number of people in various ages and nationalities have learned their faithful ways to every book shop selling the novel and have embraced the thought that there will be a more enticing world in the perspective of a newbie in the fiction scene which they’ll be following all through its very end.

It reached its peak when it finally entered the United States. Early raves in Britain brought about unparalleled curiosity to each and every sons of Uncle Sam. What was then a silenced book launch became a tumultuous line of mid-night party releases from different parts of the globe in the book launches that followed.

And now, the image of that small, skinny, bespectacled boy will forever remain in the hearts and minds of people, most of which are adults, which will always remind them that once they’ve felthow to be a child again. By the way, “… old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young,” right?

Harry Potter and the Ingredients of Greatness

Professor Albus Dumbledore is probably the wisest of the wise in the literary picture today (though recently revealed to be a homosexual by the author herself). His wisdom echoes that of the author’s character. No wonder, her brilliance in concocting the best personality traits of her characters and painting a picture of a more enthralling world through balanced yet exuberant narratives are perhaps the most likely ingredients that paved the way to a “modern classic,” as critics put it, which “will last for a century, and a century after that, and another century after that,’ until mankind dissolves from existence.

Ruel S. De Vera, in his review with the Deathly Hallows (Phil. Daily Inquirer, July 23, 2007, p. C1) wrote “After 10 years…Rowling’s world-changing series about a young wizard growing up at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry reaches its conclusion as the most anticipated novel in history.” Indeed there’s no point of argument over such assertion as perceived from the statistical records earned by the books over the years.

What makes it great then? Not the title, not the cover, not even the never-ending praise and criticisms nor the unkind fate of Harry, his gang and even that of Voldemort’s, but the thought and feeling that there is a possibility of a thoroughly established world where magic really does exist just lingering somewhere around our planet.

They have a bank run by goblins, a form of currency in exchange of products and services, a marketplace – the Leaky Cauldron, a school – Hogwarts - which trains potential children, a concrete law, a variety of means for transportation and communication, a well-reserved history, a treasure trove of culture, traditions, practices and beliefs and of course, a government agency, the Ministry of Magic, which acts as mediator and overseer of the wizarding community. An extraordinary world as such, as Ms. Rowling puts it, is hidden under the International Confederation of Wizard’s Statute of Secrecy - a brilliant scheme to introduce a world that neither exists in the eyes of muggles (non-magical people) nor is acceptable in the olden days.

The author even made a strong relation to that of our written history because several centuries back, witches have been dispersed and worse burned to death by old Europe which may have caused them to go into hiding from the public’s eyes, given that the tale is true. Hence, the Potter books may be regarded as another living proof that if history and fiction connives, any imaginary piece will shine a brighter glow in a multitude of colors of prominence. Talk about The Da Vinci Code.

Harry Potter and the Sinister Attacks

J. D. Salinger, with his forceful novel The Catcher in the Rye have been in the prime light for scrutiny over the years due to its exposition of explicit and unacceptable language in his narratives and expressly including in improper teenage pretentions and angst. But then, it’s ironical that the novel now fulfills its greatness in various academic curriculums, including that of the Philippines’.

The same with the Potter books, the Order of the Phoenix became the talk of conservatives and fundamentalists regarding the outward expression of love and lust of the character towards one another and the “below-the-belt” violence spiced even more by death as its main theme. For an instance, Harry and Ron caught Ginny and Dean kissing with one another in a very conspicuous place and time but the latter dismissed the idea of doing their thing somewhere private. For those reasons, it now appears at the list of the Most Challenged Book of the century in close rank with that of Salinger’s.

Again, ironically, California State University, and now a number of other academic institutions, have introduced a course “The World of Harry Potter” in their curriculums. Some initiated various other activities related to the series which are geared towards promoting a thorough study of the novel.

Meanwhile other religious analysts argue that the book is highly heretical because it not only neglected God as the supreme being, it also promoted the vindictive deeds of witches which in the medieval ages have been condemned and kept into oblivion till now by none other than the church which dominated Europe back then. They say that a children’s book must inculcate the idea of a God as what its predecessors had done - The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia - which were mainly based on Christian teachings.

However, as I see it in a perspective of a devout, there are certain points in the novel which may have implicitly promoted a religion – Christianity to be exact. Didn’t Harry receive gifts from persons he loves when it is Christmas Day? and didn’t they have the so-called Easter Holidays?

In addition, isn’t Rowling’s stance of not defining a specific religion on her novels a brilliant scheme? If she never did so, no Muslim, nor Hindu nor Jew nor Bhuddist would have leafed through the pages of her book only to find out that a religion that is foreign to them or maybe which they probably condemn is highly appraised on the fictional work. If she did so, it wouldn’t be a worldwide craze as it is now.

Furthermore, Rowling was outwardly criticized for treating her story non-sentimentally. But Grossman in his article in TIME - J.K. Rowling, Hogwarts and All - gave the most appropriate notion as to why the Potter books now lies in the pinnacle amidst a sea of negative reactions. “It’s precisely Rowling’s lack of sentimentality,” Grossman writes, “her earthy, salty realness, her refusal to buy into the basic clichés of fantasy, that make her such a great fantasy writer.” And for that, she became a one of a kind trend-setter. Look at how James Patterson’s Maximum Ride Series, Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart Series and many others sprouted so fast in the bookshelves. Truly, the aforementioned answers the reader’s hunger for more plots similar to that of the Potter books while they stand waiting for the next volume to be released.

Copyright lawsuits were also thrown upon the author and her books. Even the-not-so-famous The Legend of Rah and the Muggles and Larry Potter and His Best Friend Lilly, a novel by Nancy Stouffer in 1984 partake in the Potter craze. Stouffer claims that she is the rightful owner of several concepts in Rowling’s work and that she (Rowling) plagiarized her work. But later on, the case was “dismissed with prejudice” and she was fined $50,000 for her "pattern of intentional bad faith conduct." However, in another interview with TIME, Rowling revealed how affected she was by the issue saying “It felt as if some strange woman had come out of nowhere saying she was my children's mother ... It was like a punch in the stomach.”

Moving on, when it comes to book releases, the author had always set a particular date for her work to be published. The problem is, spoiler embargoes had not been evenly tight. In the release of the Deathly Hallows, copies were delivered and contained in high security vaults, as if the book is jewelry worth several billions! Dealers to where the books were delivered were also forced to sign a contract which mandated them not to open the boxes till the official release date. Reports even say, that just to keep the suspense in tact, the publishers printed the books in pitch darkness yet, no substantial details could support such claim.

But here’s what’s true. Analysts revealed that the publishers have spent several millions of dollars to be assured that copies will be taken out of the box in the exact day and time prescribed by the author. But then, “technical” failures caused a copy (Deathly Hallows) to fall in the hands of a 17-year old in the U.S three days before the official release date. They say that Scholastic paid the teenager with a great amount (exact figures were not identified) just to stop him reading the book and continue it only on the day prescribed.

***

The fun never ends as some would say but with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows last July 21, a period has already been drawn in the story which means Harry-Ron-Hermione is most likely over and done with.

However, more and more enthusiasts began their advocacy of continuing the story through signature campaigns which would be submitted to the author as a plea to create a Wizard University. With only two movies left in the line, Harry Potter is in danger of becoming a figment of history as its predecessors had become. It’s the greatest fear of majority of Harry Potter fans. But let’s not go away with the possibility that the Potter books could have hatched a generation of superb story tellers, far more better than those we now have. Since everyone is considered a good writer at their own disposal, we can say that the possibilities are endless. Perhaps, one of Potter breeds could be the next J. K. Rowling who would soon arrive in the avenues of success and streets of fame (and fortune). It could probably be any one. It could probably be you.

© Harry Potter is a copyright of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury in U.K. and Scholastic Press in U.S.

REMINDER:

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The Giver and Of Mice and Men Comparative Analysis

This is a part of the review which I submitted for Stylistics.

Of Mice and Men vs. The Giver

John Steinbeck | Lois Lowry

Categorically speaking, these two novels are different in nature since the first could in one way or another be a true account of what had really happened on the period it represents, while the other is utopian turned dystopian and is virtually far from being real. The first is historical in nature and is written rather blatantly while the other is a science fiction formed rather softly as it was intended primarily for young readers. Moreover, the first was set in the past while the other was set in the future. Nevertheless, what is significantly similar to them is that thematically, they share the same notion pertinent to man’s dreams as well as the authors’ outright mentioning of euthanasia that exposed their views over the issue which, in a way could become a subject of controversy in the discussion of the novels. Steinbeck favors mercy-killing when absolutely no choice is left out while Lowry opposes the idea for she value life as a sacred gift no matter how dreadful it may be.

Man’s dreams do fail as man grow and one can never assure himself to be the same person which he looks forward to in his vision of a future life. Steinbeck’s George Milton dreamed of being a boss in his own farm as Lowry’s Jonas dreamed of becoming a citizen who lawfully abide by and implement the norms and laws of the society. But as the story develops, they are both reminded that their massive reliance on their dreams is worthless due to unfolding inevitable circumstances. Both of them became heroes of some sort in the novels’ end – George, having saved his dear old friend from a lifetime of misery and misfortune and Jonas, having saved Gabriel from death in the hands of conceited minds.

Although the two novels evolved in settings of different kind, it can be perceived though that the similarity among them is that the places where the stories supposedly happened both paved the way to the development of the ambitions of the main characters until they withdraw from their aspiration to continue the life which in the beginning have held firm in their thoughts.

The protagonists of the novel share similar character distinction - both being round and developing characters providing the two novels conclude with an ending that is far from what the readers would expect.

Foreshadowing was utilized by the two authors as Steinbeck exposed several hints to his readers regarding the most likely ending of the novel through wittingly constructed symbols, as Lowry did the same in The Giver (e.g. – in the beginning, Jonas witnessed a plane crash in their neighboring community which marked the fall of his lofty ambitions for his society in the end). And the two stories, at the same time have concluded open-endedly. Consequently, the novels were written in the third person limited point of view.

Both share the same dominant mood of optimism and idealism as perceived from George’s and Lennie’s firm belief that one day they could be the boss of their own farm in Of Mice and Men, and Jonas who have been given the task of being the receiver of knowledge have began to realize that the society should reconsider its norms and beliefs in The Giver. Furthermore, they also share the same dominant tone, which is, of course, eagerness to win the battle that life has given them enroute to their lofty aspirations.

The conflict, however, are poles apart. Of Mice and Men is developed around the conflict between man vs. man, while The Giver held firm in man vs. his society.

Regardless of significant similarities and differences of the two authors’ perspectives, their novels have equally testified their writing excellence now etched in the pages of the books they penned which forever will serve as a living proof of man’s many-splendored genius.

On FRODO, HARRY and LUCY

This review is virtually late for I have promised one right after I read each, though I've done one with The Hallows. But, nevertheless, though I can hardly remember vital instances that could beef up this review, I would rather cite important points which could give you something to ponder about if ever you've read any of these or rather wants to read the other ones sooner or later.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA [The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]

Yes, you could see two books in the picture but sad to say due to the unrelenting wave of responsibilities piling up on my stack of unfinished tasks, I only managed to finish the one with the movie version already, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

However, I've read some 1/4th of the 3rd one in the row entitled The Horse and His Boy but I'll just talk about it as soon as I manage to complete all of my tasks at hand.

Well, Narnia is actually a book which could be most appropriately given to growing up children for I personally find it to be written for them. The story is told in simple terms which virtually everyone could understand and contains out-of-this world points which most likely would be of interest to young boys and girls.

The plotline is simple and every bits and pieces of the story could all be recalled in a flash top it up with illustrations which could eventually foster faster comprehension to its readers.

Although the universe of the story could, in some ways be similar to that of TLOTR and HP Series, i find it very short to the point that it seems I was deprived of vital circumstances that could have pointed the reason as to why this or that happened. I hate to say this , but the story seemed dull. Add up the scarcity of characters who most likely are very hard to picture in mind should illustrations were not present.
I've seen the movie and it seemed better than how it went in the book. I did not picture a whole battlefield with green grass enveloping the travelers who come in search for Aslan nor did I vision a batallion of gargoyles, tree ghosts, elves, dwarves and trolls battling under the evil queen's command. Neither did I saw a good battle between the protagonists and the antagonist. It all seemed to me as children on stage portraying the character traits suggested in the book. It's dull, truly dull and I honestly felt the hunger for more DETAILS.

I should say now that it was due to the book that I learned the importance of side stories which frequently adds more volume to novels. It quenches the reader's thirst for something to ponder about which later in the story could give dramatic changes to how readers hoped or foresaw the whole story to end.

The bottomline, The Chronicles of Narnia, with all its seven books did not much satisfied my craving for a world I longed to be utterly familiar with. It is indeed a children's book as its label suggests.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS [The Fellowship of the Ring]

You are right if you've guessed that the book is thickly clad with descriptions ranging from the clothing of the characters to the weather situation as it happens in the story. TLOTR is definitely the opposite of Narnia.

The universe of the story is richly written in carefuly selected and arranged prose narratives making it as vivid as the real world can be. What particularly amazes me is that it seemed to me as if the writer, J.R.R. Tolkien really did made some sort of a History of Hobbits to the point that it's not a fiction but a revealing fact. I've felt that with Tolkien's narrative. And it could have possibly been even more clearer to me if ever I've read the prequel first to the series, entitled The Hobbits before leafing through the pages of the first one.

But with that, it had been so confusing on my part. When I was in some 1/4th of the story already, only then that I found that Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Men and wizards in the story share similar attributes physically, only, they differ in height and ornaments that they put in their bodies.

I usually picture an elf and dwarf to have an image that is very far from that of humans, and so as hobbits, if ever they've been a part of folk tales.

Yes, the plotline seemed realistic due to the clarity of descriptions, but sometimes, I feel the whole novel is outpouring with unnecessary points which could be trimmed out to achive brevity and speedy comprehension.

It's much like those classic novels containing an immense number of descriptions that could have been written rather simpler than the way they are seen today.
I came to the point that I am totally intrigued about what would come next but due to the overwhelming statements and unworthy citations I literally fall out of my desire to finish the whole story.

I even had resigned to continue reading it at one point but with my inclination to know what happens next won over my boredom. Thank God or else you probably won't be seing this review.

Nonetheless, overall, I should argue that the story is worthy of being comapred to Rowling's books for it somewhat contains the same elements which readers of Harry Potter have found very exciting and worth finishing to the very end.

HARRY POTTER SERIES

The picture is a shelf-ful of my potter books. the first six are of course in paperback covers since it has just been recently that I discovered its wonders and the seventh one, the hard cover. But as soon as I leave school to pursue my goals, I'll find a way to buy the first six in hard cover version and I would be happier if I could buy it personally in a bookstore from the U.S. Hehe..

Now with my review. Without bias or anything, I should say that the Potter series still hold the number one spot on my list with regards to these three books.

It's detailed and is written in the simple lexicon having a world that is richly painted with characters and settings that highly supports the narratives. It's as if a reality brought in print and an interesting historical record of a boy who, at first do not contain the bearing of a hero, as literature defines it, or a powerful protagonist who could blow away adversities and hindrances in a flash.

In my opinion, the subtlety of the friends C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have all been combined in the head of Rowling, less the negative sides of the former and more of the creative side of the latter.

As you continue reading the potter books, it's as if for every event in the story is a climax which later on would be replaced by an increasing feeling of satisfaction as the story nears its end.

And in every volume is an ever-perplexing twist which could paint a smile on reader's faces after saying "I thought the story would end this way..." then after finally releasing the copy from the tight grip, "... but better end it that way..."
**More to follow...

Please leave some trace by commenting on what you've read.. thank you.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on December 28, 2007 at 10:16 AM in Books at Friendster Blogs

Youngblood 3

Lately, I've been hooked at reading the essays of this compilation which now falls under my favorite's list. Ok.. I know what you'll say "Every book you read is always your favorite. What's new?" But this book totally hit the spot. Everything a budding writer and a story-hungry person like me would share the same thoughts with me. It's complete, compact, consice and most of all, it's young at heart.

Yup.. I can relate to some of the articles and to tell you the truth, I have moved from mourning to the end of the Harry Potter series [which I now created a shelf cum altar at home] to expanding my reading interests such as these essays straight from the heart of the youth.

I'm now planning to collect all the three compilations. The second is still out in the market but the third, I fear, I could only find in Manila. Well, that's not so bad... I'll be going to Manila next Saturday to buy an overhead projector as a project of my organization... I'm sure I won't go home without the first compilation in my hands and i'm sure my companions wouldn't mind. But if so, I'll have to ask another favor from my good friends in Manila... Hey, could you? Pretty please?...

So now, I'm urging you to immerse yourself to reading these compilation for I'm sure you'll thank me sooner or later...

Posted by Nicky Guinto on August 04, 2007 at 09:45 AM in Books at Friendster Blogs

The Jester - James Patterson

As I've mentioned in the bulletins [that is, if you happened to read though] I've claimed this book as one of the greatest I have read. To tell you the truth, I read it straight from the beginning 'till end last Saturday despite a mountain of assignments and reports I should have done first hand. Patterson even beat my J.K. Rowling faves in terms of keeping you musing over what may come next. It's just.. great!

To brief you with the book, it's a story of Hugh de Luc, a french commoner during the time of the crusades who keeps an inn with his wife, Sophie. One day, the crusaders came and asked men to join them in their pursuit to claiming back the holy land, which at the time has been invaded by the Muslims. At the middle of the battle, after about a year, he planned to go back with a lance given by a priest who was killed in the battle. In his return, he learned that his wife and child, whom he had never seen yet were killed by men with a black cross as a mark. But he never believed that his wife was killed. That she's alive somewhere.

He sought for his wife and he sought for revenge for his innocent. He stumbled accross a wild boar on his way to the duke yet he fortunately survived. He was found by Lady Emily, a noble from the next "dukedom" and was cared for for several months although opposed by the wife of the duke. It was she who planned the "pretext" - his being a jester to the Baldwin, the duke whom he believed to claim the lives of his family. An there he went. But later, he discovered that its not Baldwin but it's Stephen's army, the duke where Lady Emily lives who killed his wife and son.
Later on, he went back to where Lady Emily resides and sought for his wife which he only slightly had a little time to talk with for she died minutes after he found her. He wanted revenge but Emilie forced him to go back home. And so, he returned but he plotted a fight against those who would cause havoc and mayhem once again in their town.

He succeeded and he, at this point found out why he was so wanted by the Tafurs [the men with the black cross]. It's the holy lance [the lance that pierced Christ's body in His crucifiction. He feared that if he did not act now, more and more lives would be taken away for his sake. And so, he urged the townspeople to seek for justice with Baldwin. But the news spread that a jester has the holy lance in his hand. As they come close to the duke, in every towns that they pass, more and more people join their army.

Baldwin was eventually been brought to prison, but he was bothered by Lady Emilie who left as they took hold the duke's seat to see the condition of Lady Ana in their place. He followed Lady Emilie and later found that some of those who were with him to imprison their lige have also came to help. After several loss, Stephen, the duke who killed the innocent just for the holy lance to fall within his reach, was killed by his wife, Lady Ana with the lance. The lance was burried together with the body of Stephen.

Hugh found out that Lady Emilie is the King's daughter and eventually, Hugh was educated and was married with Emilie.

There you have it... The way I retold it here may have made it seem uninteresting to you but I hope I have not deceived you. Just read it and thank me later ok?

Posted by Nicky Guinto on August 04, 2007 at 09:45 AM in Books at Friendster Blogs

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (my first review)

Far more than any other literary work in the history of mankind has a book been so highly anticipated and highly appraised than the Harry Potter series of Joanne Kathlene Rowling. Now that the seventh and last installment is now in circulation, mostly in the hands of muggles [non-magical people], you probably have heard the fate of Harry as well as his faithful friends, Ron and Hermione from the mouths of your die-hard acquaintances. Statistics say that it is the FASTEST-SELLING BOOK in history with 70 M + copies sold in over 93 english-speaking countries in the first 24 hours of its release. Could you imagine that? Well that’s the magic of Rowling’s unwavering wit and unrelenting talent in story-telling. To Harry Potter faithfuls, never fear, for I will only fill this article with critical analysis and some non-essential [in my point of view] parts of the book.

The book started with a very intriguing scene where Snape is seen to spill out the plans of the Order of the Phoenix to he-who-must-not-be-named. Snape’s loyalty has long been contested upon by various HP fanatics reaching into the internet and up to television programs and yet, the most detailed and probably the best part of the book lies in chapter 33, THE PRINCE’S TALE. Yes, if you ask me, this book is now my number one in terms of adventure and suspense pushing my previous 1st, HP and the Order of the Phoenix in the 2nd spot on my list. Honestly, in the 46 novels [in counting] that I have read, this, I can consider is the best among the rest. It seems as if you really are one of the novel’s characters as opposed to those that I have read which isolates you as a reader who imagines what the texts assert. I’m sure other fanatics would agree with me in that sense…

Rowling truly did the magic great this time as if fans have been under the imperius curse [a curse which would follow the will of the one who conjured it] with such a considerable number of books sold in a single day and reviews booming in every part of the world chronicling the wonders they have experienced in in just a read...
Months before the official release, speculations as to what the Deathly Hallows are sprang from one dedicated Potter site to another and yet Rowling gave them more of what they had expected. Every part of the book really is elating as if from chapter to chapter, hunger to find out what's next will penetrate into your stomach. Delicious, as all reveiwers say, has the book been described as and a worthwhile book to spend a considerable amount [in the Philippines, that is] and extend 24 hours in 36 and more... Nothing, I say nothing can ever break such a tough record.

Let's cling to the story once again. The book, at large, is overwhelming with moral lessons from friendship, to love and eventually, death. Who says Harry Potter is for children only? Every line in the text proves critics wrong that adults are out of their mind to follow Potter's bandwagon, yet the series, particularly the Deathly Hallows, provided adults with an avenue to explore horizons which they so deliberately disregarded in exchange of the mediocre and materialistic world. The novel has taught me that life is not just all about sleeping, waking up, eating meals, going to school, mingling with friends and sleeping again. Its more of giving attention small things - that this small things can turn into something huge and prodigious. [I'm still on the novel okay.. It's just that, it's really what I felt although if you would examine it explicitly and even implicitly, none of the words I'm saying would come out.] Friendship. Never have I felt so pure and distinct. The friendship shown in this novel by the author, if you would allow me, is something surreal in this modern world. And yet, Rowling tries to inculcate this to her readers' minds. If you would only open your eyes to the reality only a handful of cliques can be said as true and the majority, only for the sake of being socially involved.
Death...

... I CAN'T QUITE FIND THE BETTER WORDS FOR NOW.. CONTINUATION AND FURTHER REVISIONS WILL FOLLOW...

Posted by Nicky Guinto on July 22, 2007 at 07:05 AM in Books in Friendster Blogs

MACARTHUR - Bob Ong

You may find it far from the accepted literary norms due to the radical use of explicit langauge, but then I must say that Bob Ong did reinvent his literary career quite successfully, although I think it's wise also to mention its flaws later.

I found myself comparing his style to Tony S. Perez' Cubao 1980, only Ong produced an allegorical account of the harsh truths that today's Filipino youth have been expriencing with. His humor, I must say have yet to fail him and his implicit way of extending some lessons in life is quite impressive.

"...di naman kailangan ng mga estudyante ang cellphone e...tangina, kayabangan lang yon! Ba't kailangan nila ng latest model? , di ba para magyabang? kung importante sa buhay ng tao ang teleponong may camera, dapat dati pa tayo lahat namatay!" - this for me is one of the best lines I found reflecting with, not that it hit me hard on my face, but that I came into a conclusion that such fact have been ignored by students of today. Sometimes, we find certain, usually delicate facts in life being left out because we are too busy with finding ways and means of fitting in with the fast pacing time.

The story goes like this. There are four friends (Cyrus, Jim, Noel and Voltron) who each have their individual problems. To at least lighten up their load, they resort to drugs which brings them short-lived pleasure. They did all things just to provide themselves at least one bag everytime they have their "sessions". But in the end, Noel, through the kindness shown by Cyrus' grandfather, Mang Justo, and the plight that happned on the latter due to Cyrus' addicition, he found himself mulling over the things he and his gang did in the past. And so, he realized something that he must do at once for him to save his future. At this point, that something is for me to keep in secret and for you to discover.

Bob Ong amazingly rebuffed the wrong doings of "kotong cops" tacitly in the novel through the character of Topak who after Cyrus robs tails him afterwards to force him to surrender what he have to sell it for himself. This is only one view but I believe there are more in the true world worser than this.

As I said earlier, there are certain flaws I must also mention. I wouldn't be honest if I say that i never felt bored at some parts of the novel. It even came to the point that I want to put it down and stop reading but I did follow my great professor's principle in dealing with literature - that there are certain ways in treating different kinds of literary work, that you just have to shift from your standard ways to a more scholarly one. I did this and I used the platinus theory (that literature is a noble work and thus give noble ideals) as well as the dialectic (that literature can create a revolutionary change) and classical (that literature gives values) theories in dealing with the work. I hate to sound technical but to make it short, I kept in mind that it is just one part (the part which I felt bored) and it does not give judgement to the latter parts. Another is that I know that the author do have something to tell his readers and which kept me leafing through the pages until I reached the end. I strictly advice those who would also feel what I felt to do what I also did or perhaps think of other things which you could make yourself eager finishing it.

I think I said much for now. Probably next time I would add soe more or revise my comments. What are you waiting for? Rush to yur nearest bookstore and secure a copy for yourself!

Posted by Nicky Guinto on June 17, 2007 at 03:14 AM in Books in Friendster Blogs

Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt

I have been into Newbery Award-winning books lately, all because of Bangee (Joyner). After reading those books she offered me, I was urged to read more books receipient of such award, and as of now, it has yet failed me. Every story of every book is worth reading and worth commending. First on my list of course is The Giver by Lois Lowry due to its satisfying futuristic and utopian-turned dystopian plot. Second would be Holes by Louis Sachar because of the sudden twist in the end, and now, Dicey's Song. The books I have mentioned earlier deserves no particular rank in my opinion since they are equally unique in different terms. However, I will later say what book is on my no. 1 list. As for now, let's talk about the book.
It is a story that would prick your hearts since children who were already abandoned by their father and who's mother was victimed by a life-threatening disease struggle to continue their lives together. Actually, this is already the sequel of one of the books of Voigt (Homecoming), nevertheless, it's quite comprehensible still.
The story began with Dicey and her siblings, James, the bright boy, Sammy, the troublemaker but decides to keep away from fights when they migrate to their grand mother's house since he is blaming himself for what happened to his mother, and Maybeth, the slow learner but a gifted child when it comes to music, migrating to their grand mother's rickety house in Provincetown after running away from their relatives who treated them improperly.
Dicey is a 13 year-old girl and the eldest among the four. She decides to work at a nearby grocery store who's owner is her grandmother's friend Millie to make it a little less burdensome in her grandmother's side for keeping them. Millie's store was once successful until her husband died. The store have been left uncleaned and goods were improperly placed in the shelves causing the neighborhood to find it awkward buying the food they eat from a dirty and disordered store. Another thing is that Millie is not that bright (she can hardly read and write properly) making her orders from retailers to come out as those which she actually did not choose. And so, Dicey came into the rescue, asking $1 per hour of work since she's still a minor and laws are strict with it. Dicey supposed that Millie knows nothing about the law but she was happy for it because she could at least lend a hand to her grandmotherwith the expenses.
So much for Millie's store. Their grandmother, whom they call Gram decides to adopt them, but Sammy and James seemed to oppose because they still hope that their mother could recover. But Gram says that if that would happen, she would transform the kitchen into a bedroom for their mother. They eventually agreed. Several days passed before Gram finally secured the adoption papers from the local authorities and after passing in the news, the children were all delighted.
Winter was fast-approaching and the children have not a single winter clothing to wear since they came in the farther south of the United States (where the climate is so much like ours). Gram decided to knit them sweaters. Gram and Dicey, one Saturday went downtown to a shopping mall to buy some wool and other stuff they would need. Then, they discussed several things, from James' being pressured by the status quo in his new school, Sammy's being not true to himself and Maybeth's being a slow reader yet a superb pianist.
James was a bookworm and personally likes thick books. He once said that "if you have a big idea, you have to write it down in a big book, otherwise, you wont be able to explain the complicated parts..." The problem however was seen when his teacher asked them to create an essay which his all of his classmates would find interesting. After writing the essay, he asked Dicey and Gram to read it and they both agreed that it was superbly written. But when Gram went to his school for a homeroom meeting, Gram found out that James' essay was different from what he had shown them before. This time, Gram and Dicey decided that James is having a problem mingling with his new classmates and it seems like for his new classmates, being a "show-off" is utterly disagreeable, so they concluded that James is trying to fit in and that he really was having a hard time with it. However, they never talked about resolving it since they know that James has his solutions in every promlem he may encounter.
So now, the problem is only left to Sammy and Maybeth. Sammy had learned to blame himself for what has happened to their mother. He thought that because of his being a trouble-maker in school and everywhere he goes, he helped his mother have her ailment. Sammy has been behaving properly lately but they never thought it to be a problem until his teacher told him that she has never seen such a behaved young boy. He doesn't even try to mingle with his classmates and was reluctant in playing during recess.
What Dicey did is, she had a little talk with Sammy telling that causing a little truble in school is not a great sin to do for it is a part of growing up. Dicey mentioned that she herself had been a troublemaker once. And so, after the talk, things went normally with Sammy. But Dicey and Gram can't get away with the fact that Sammy is causing no "little trouble" but big ones. He always arrive home with cuts and bruises but they knew that it's how things go with Sammy - that he learns through his mistakes.
Now, it's not only Dicey's brothers and sisters who's got the prblem. She also have her personal problems which Gram iterated her to resolve as soon as possible because she's not getting any younger. First thing is the fact that she's already in her teenage years, that some of her clothes are utterly inapprpriate fr her age. But it's a minor problem. The more pressing problem of her is her inability hesitation to make friends. Gram told her that if she wuld not work that out, she would turn out just like her (Gram) who is being the subject of various rumors in town because of her unfriendliness. Gram stated that it's not too late for her t wrk with that and much s is Dicey.
To give Dicey an example, Gram entertained the company of Maybeth's music teacher, Mr. Lingerli which if Gram would still be the Gram of yesteryears, nobody would be nearing her house. Gram tld her about reaching out and holding on. Those she said were the words she neglected through the years but learned to accept only when everything was gone from her.
The ay after that, Dicey decided to try that reaching uot and holding thing and eventually, she ended up being a friend of the kind and bright nigger named Wilhelmina. She felt really fulfilled for overcming the negative aspects of her personality and they became really happy with the company of each other.
But the time had come to accept the truth that her mother will n longer be coming back. She and Gram went to Boston to see her mother who was in deep sleep until she died, to pay her soe respect. They decided cremation better than bringing home her mother's corpse and it won't happen withuot the kindness of Mr. Lingerli. He gave Gram a cnsiderable sum of money, enough to do the necessary tasks. Now, in this part, the author tries to impart how this reaching out give psitive impact with those who accepts it.
In the end, they brought home the remains of her mother and Gram became very open to them about the family she once tried to build. She showed them pictures of her children, which in the earlier part, she never even wanted to mention.
Now, this novel tells that we must never turn our backs with people and even opportunities that may arise because that's what we're made for - to help fulfill other person's purpose on earth the same as they fulfill yours.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on May 20, 2007 at 02:55 AM in Books in Friendsterblogs