Books 9-13

The Fortunate Pilgrim by Mario Puzo

Mario Puzo is an Italian-American author, known for his novels about the Mafia. The Godfather is his most famous book, in which an adaptation was made (starred by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino).

The Fortunate Pilgrim is his second novel, written in 1965. It tells about the story of a mother, Lucia Santa Angeluzzi-Corbo, and the struggle of her children as they settled down in America. Love, death, friendship and pain, intertwined with humor, were rolled by Puzo in this story, which he claimed to be his best novel he had ever written. According to Puzo, the book proved to be his most interesting book because it was full of surprises. It was written to show his rejection of his Italian heritage and his callow disdain of those illiterate peasants from which he sprang.

Love the One You’re With by Emily Giffin

This is the story for anyone who has ever wondered: How can I truly love the one I'm with when I can't forget the one who got away?

Ellen and her ex-boyfriend, Leo, accidentally met, exactly 100 days after Ellen became Mrs. Graham. A business project between Ellen and Leo was forged that eventually led to confusion and stirred their emotions for each other. Secret meetings ensued thereafter and Ellen was caught in her web of lies.

This book painfully showed that whenever you end a relationship, a proper closure must be made. That way, "only ifs" and "but ifs" will never be entertained in the future.

Global Almanac and Book of Facts for Kids 2012

I can be a geek at times. I dig facts and trivias.

Did you know?


- that Lady Gaga's real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. Her stage name is inspired by the Queen's song "Radio Gaga".

- that the tallest building in the world is Burj Khalifa in Dubai, with 163 floors.


- that Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal could read and write at the age of 2. And grew up to speak more than 20 languages.


- that 4 is the only number in the English language with the same number of letters as its value.


- that Venus is also called the earth's "sister planet", as the 2 planets are similar in size, mass, density and volume.

Kapitan Sino by Bob Ong

I had this book for over a year now, a Christmas gift from dear Josie, and I only got to read it recently (LOL). I also have his other books, still unopened (Mc Arthur, Skinless Longganisa and Alamat ng Gubat). I started reading Bakit Baligtad Magbasa ng Libro and mga Pilipino, but never got around to finish it. And I think I misplaced the book now (LOL).

Bob Ong is a contemporary Filipino author known for using controversial Filipino to create humorous and reflective depictions of Philippine life (wiki).

Bob Ong’s quotes went viral via Twitter and Facebook. Sample of which are:

“Huwag na huwag ka hahawak kapag alam mong may hawak ka na.”

“Kung maghihintay ka nang lalandi sayo, walang mangyayari sa buhay mo…Dapat lumandi ka din.”

“Hiwalayan na kung di ka na Masaya. Walang gamut sa tanga kundi pagkukusa.”

“Hinahanap mo nga ba ako o ang kawalan ko?"

Kapitan Sino is a story of a regular guy in a regular neighborhood. He is a repairman who discovered his electrical power and went out to save the city from fire, explosion and robbers.

Currently reading: A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

The third book in the Song of Ice and Fire series. HBO recently concluded the 2^nd season of Game of Thrones. I should finish this book before the 3^rd season starts. This is becoming more difficult to read because of the numerous characters, plus the order of events.

Lord Tully is dying. Tyrion Lannister is horribly disfigured. Joffrey is marrying Margaeret and not Sansa. That’s what I have read so far. Spoiler, hehehe.

Hopefully next week, I’ll be able to start 50 Shades of Grey.