On my night stand: Divergent

Move over, Hunger Games. There's a new book in town: Divergent. 

The book, Divergent is also a trilogy and is also for young adult readers. It shares the same genre, protagonist (girl) and plot. 

In terms of imaginative storytelling, I'd say Hunger Games is still a winner in my book. But Divergent has won me over its pace, character development and cheesy love story.

That said, I was hesitant to read it at first. I didn't want to compare it with Hunger Games and be dismayed. But my friend Erika said it's actually a good read. And that I'd be hooked, too. 

True enough, I read it in one sitting. It was that enjoyable to read. It's not a gripping novel but it does give you that feeling to root for the lead characters. 

It is a story of a girl (Beatrice) who lives in a society (distant future of Chicago) that categorize its people. In the book they were called factions based on virtues. Think: tribes. There are four factions: Abnegation (selflessness and giving), Dauntless (brave), Erudite (intelligent), Amity (peaceful), and Candor (honest).

The story begins with the introduction of the characters leading to the Choosing Ceremony. It's like voting. They do it when their 16 years old. On this day, they choose who they want to be associated with in the factions. And develop those characteristics or virtues once they've joined their chosen faction. 

Beatrice Prior and her brother Caleb Prior come from the Abnegation faction. Interestingly, the Abnegation faction are government people. Leaders in fact. They were appointed because of the fact that they are incorruptible as they are selfless and giving. 

On the day of the Choosing Ceremony, Caleb chose Erudite and Beatrice went to Dauntless. However, in the aptitude test prior to the Choosing Ceremony, Beatrice's result didn't particularly point to any of the factions. What she exhibited was to have a bit of all the factions. And that makes her Divergent. 

But being Divergent is dangerous. So, she was told to keep mum about it.

The conflict arises when those from the Erudite are feeling discontent to the policies and leadership of the ruling Abnegation. A rebellion ensued. In the end, the good triumphs over evil.

I like that it touches on basic issues such as familial love, individuality, friendship, fears and hope. I think that kids would not just be entertained reading it but would also come to terms with how they value their worth in the society. And realize that there is no singular reason, aptitude or virtue that is valued in the world. 

Everyone deserves a place. That each of us can't be fitted into a certain mold. We have different virtues in each one of us. And that community is largely improved by interaction and relationship building. 

Am excited to get started with its next book entitled, Insurgent.

I'd recommend it anytime. A good read this summer. And a movie to watch out for in 2014. (The movie rights has already been purchased and lead stars are already chosen.)

Get your copy now at Fully Booked. The paperback sells at P399. If you're a Book Perks member (like me) you get 10% on your purchase. Yay!

Happy reading!

XX

Sheng

Summer Reads

When you can't travel: read. It's the next best thing, in my opinion.

A few years ago, I bought this book at Fully Booked. It also got me started on my travel bucket list.

I want to see Maldives. Prague. Italy. Batanes. Greece. And more.

I also just discovered the joy of cooking. I want to find inspiration in this.

Here's this young adult fiction that I've heard about and that I want to take with me to the beach.

As a parting shot to summer, I'd like to sit down with my favorite java and read about the success story of Starbucks.

What's on your reading list? Please share in the comments below.

XX

Sheng

Java fix

If there's one thing I brought with me from my small town to the big city, is my love for coffee. Growing up, I was mesmerized by my mother's penchant for black coffee for breakfast. In rural Davao, we were taught that coffee is an adult drink. Legend has it that "coffee dulls the mind." But how do you explain then, those who've had milk all their lives and yet...

When I was old enough to have the license to drink this brew at home, I felt like a sophisticated grown up. Sipping a cuppa while studying is my 'daily uniform'. The habit became a staple when I landed my first job. I didn't know what boredom was until I spent my days there stirring instant coffee while willing the clock to turn faster. 

Slowly, I inched my way to the stronger stuff. Espresso. I've met some friends who share an intense passion for coffee. It has become a social activity for us. If there was coffee club then, we would have signed up.

We would meet in Bo's Coffee in Ayala Center Cebu (used to be known as Bo's Coffee Club) after work and hang at the al fresco area. The coffee experience becomes richer because of the added allure of people watching while pretending to be immersed in serious conversation. ha ha ha.

That was almost a decade ago. I've lived in different cities since then. But I always find myself gravitating towards coffee shops. I've scoured the city streets to find the perfect place to hang and enjoy my latte.

In Tacloban where I was based for over two years, Jose Karlos was our usual. The coffee is good, price is reasonable and the ambiance is just unparalleled. It really isn't quaint but it does have a certain character. They really understand the power of mood lighting. And they employ it with much enthusiasm. I've spent so many evenings there for casual meet ups and even organized parties for my tight circle of friends at its lanai on the second floor. 

In Batangas, no particular cafe left a mark. One thing stands out though, the Barako blend is superb. I particularly enjoyed spending late afternoons in the roadside cafes after a toxic day. And of course, being nearer to Manila, the local brands compete with giants like Starbucks. 

And my love affair with this brand has never wavered. And it has even extended to its merchandise. (I'll write about it, separately). I love the espresso based drinks. I am particularly loyal to caramel macchiato, vanilla misto and signature hot chocolate. All are customized -- non-fat, no foam, no whip. 

Why did I write about coffee today? Ah, I've been debating with myself since this morning whether I should already enjoy my free tall beverage courtesy of Starbucks' online customer survey. In the randomness of things, I manage to snag one every so often. 

Tonight, my Friday gimmick will be surely spent at my favorite branch, Starbucks in Fully Booked at the Bonifacio High Street in Global City.