Every Day by David Levithan | Book Review

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Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

Date Published: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date Read: December 27, 2017

Source and Format: National Book Store / Paperback

Setting: Maryland, USA

No. of Pages: 322

Get your copy here: Book Depository, Amazon

 

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WHY DID I WAIT FOUR YEARS TO FINALLY READ IT? DON’T BE LIKE ME, I NEVER KNEW I WAS MISSING OUT ON THE GOOD STUFF FOR FOUR FREAKING YEARS!

Every Day is the book you never thought you needed, thinking how could you go on with your mundane life when there is something so beautiful is palpably lacking in it. Good god, why did I even wait this long to crack open this book, I must have been possessed or have been so ignorant all this time. The party was over and I just arrived. Please tell me I am not the only one. And then I remembered I have this thing about hype books where I let the hype die down before I join in the bandwagon, clearly a big mistake in this instance. I had this book for the longest time, so much so that my copy already has yellow spots on the pages, but I kept on buying new books, and kept reading new releases that Every Day literally took the back seat. A huge mistake, I am perfectly aware of that now. It was because of the trailer which recently came out that prompted me to finally read it, I didn’t watch the trailer as I wouldn’t want to have preconceived notions of the characters and how will the whole story progress. I am the kind of reader who wants to imagine things on her own terms, and that’s what I did. I read the book first then watched the trailer. To say I am excited for the movie would definitely be an understatement, but of course you have to manage the expectations since there are obviously some changes for the movie, but that topic is for another time. Let’s proceed to the review.

Every Day is definitely one of the most unique books out there, it was well-thought out and the writing was flawless. I have loved David Levithan’s way of writing in his book Lover’s Dictionary it was innovative and unique, much like his style in Every Day. I have not read anything like it before and honestly I am in awe at how the author was able to concoct such beautiful story. A true story-teller if you ask me. I love how Every day was a cut above the rest, never mediocre. The story introduced us to different lives, which was so clever and so beautiful because the book was able to show plethora of experiences and how all lives seemed different yet they are the same at the same time. It was a glimpse of lives of other people and how they go about it each day. I loved how the feeling of love wasn’t caged into one definition, it is encompassing and knows no size, race and gender. This what I commend most about this book, its power to see past the physical appearance and focus on what’s inside. It was complex yet you can’t help but be sucked in. This book is worthy of every praise it has been getting and more. I loved how it made me ponder on life itself and how it was able to hold that much power over me that I didn’t know possible. I loved how the author was able to present the book in such raw yet captivating tale, the attention to details, the perfectly curated plot, it is everything good and then some.

The different characters, the lives that A inhabits each day, made the book very appealing, and what’s more beautiful about it is, these bodies can very well be real people we encounter day in and day out. I loved how A was able to at least separate himself/herself from the lives he/she has been living, but also sad at the same time for he/she can’t have what these lives have. I also commend how David Levithan took his time to put essence into each of the lives A had inhabited, how he presented each lives with such regard and respect it deserved. I loved Rhiannon’s character as well, she’s open minded and mature to handle what was going on. I loved how she respected each body A had inhabited. And though there are times that she was off about it, she handled it really well. She’s the kind of character you’ll love instantly.

I was sobbing at the end of the book, the good kind of hurt, if that’s even possible. To be honest I was hoping for some explanation how A had to live like that. I had a lot of questions, but then I was still satisfied how it ended. I will definitely be reading the next book, just so I could find the answers I needed, but for now I could live with the lesson this book had imparted in me. This book is truly a gem, and Every Day has been a reminder why I love Young Adult. There is some sense of simplicity and rawness that YA genre can give that you can’t find in any other genre. How it makes an impact on an adult like me will always be a refuge I will take anytime of the day.

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“The moment you fall in love feels like it has centuries behind it, generations – all of them rearranging themselves so this precise, remarkable intersection could happen. In your heart, in your bones, no matter how silly you know it is, you feel that everything has been leading to this, all the secret arrows were pointing here, the universe and time itself crafted this long ago, and you are just now realizing it, you are just now arriving at the place you were always meant to be.” 
― David LevithanEvery Day

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Poems That Lose by Akif Kichloo | Book Review

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Synopsis from Goodreads: From Akif Kichloo,  author of The Feeling May Remain comes this deeply personal and poetic account of a troubled life. A nowhere man, with or without god, a quintessential mental nomad, omnipresent in his mistakes, exploring mental illness, identity, family, sexuality, god, love, childhood, and purpose of life, Poems That Lose brings forth questions all of us wrestle with but either avoid asking ourselves or miserably fail answering almost every time. Kichloo navigates brilliantly from the deeply personal to the universal to the extinct, paving the way for a rare new voice in contemporary poetry, a poet who is more than wanted; he is desperately needed. These poems will slip off your tongue, creep under your skin, and live there.

Date Published: September 27, 2017

Genre: Poetry

Publisher: Read Out Loud Publishing

Date Read: December 2017

No. of Pages: 104

Source: Provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Grab a copy here: Amazon

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Poems That Lose tackles different facets of life from the point of view of its author, laying things raw and vulnerable. And though the reader and the author had nothing in common, the poems unite both into universal commonality, into that shared understanding of how life was, is and what it is ought to be. The poems were an effective means to send the message it was trying to convey. What I admire most about this collection of poetry is how it did not sugarcoat things, how it was able to present reality not dressed in fancy clothes but reality in its truest and most vulnerable state.

I loved how most of it was a poem about or directed to a father, how relationship differ and how it affected every decision, every characteristic and every perspective may it be towards life, love and other equally important matters. I also commend how this collection was a perfect place to start for new poetry lovers. It was digestible and relatable without losing the personal touch of the author. This poetry book is something you savor, something you don’t rush into, for its beauty comes from the readers appreciation of how each poem presented a figment of their own reality reflecting the written words and the messages conveyed.

The book was saying everything you wish you were able to enunciate yourself. It was this connection that despite having experienced life in an entirely different circumstance the book was able to resonate to you in a level of understanding you didn’t know possible. The book presented life in an entirely different light that you wouldn’t have considered looking at it in that perspective. It was more of life’s affirmation through the eyes of another and along the process you realize that no matter where life’s tribulations lead us, we go back to being human and accepting it with grace because that is how life is ought to be lived.

Dumbbells in a gym never made a man.

Learning to shoot guns never made a man.

Staring contests with friends, undressing

Women on the streets never made a man.

There can be no peace in this world until we

teach men to hold books as preciously as they

are taught to hold back their tears.

Mothers, allow your sons to cry.

Fathers, ask your sons to lower their gaze.

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How I Edit Photos for Bookstagram | Nerdy Talks

Hey guys! This has been a long over due post! I’ve been meaning to make a blog post about this for god knows how long already, but don’t worry, I am here now. Thanks to the update of my phone I was able to record the step by step process on how I edit my photos, makes it easier to show you guys how I do it!

Well for starters, and I’ve been stressing this a lot, you don’t need fancy props to take a good bookstagram photo. Use whatever is available, be resourceful, be creative! Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Here’s what I usually use:

  • Fake flowers (yup those white Crysanthemums were not freshly picked each time they appear on my photos. Got them for less than a dollar, haha perfect table ornament whenever I don’t use them. Mom is happy, I am happy, visitors are happy, everybody happy!)
  • Paper Flowers – they are super easy to make, just search “how to make paper flowers” on Youtube and you’re all set. Don’t worry it’s not rocket science!
  • White bed sheet / white background – I am obsessed with white on my photos. Looks crisper and cleaner. I am aiming for minimalist look so less props the better for me!
  • Cute mug or tea cup – okay these are cheap too. Use whatever you have, remember, be resourceful!
  • Funko Pop – Okay I am going to stress this out. YOU DON’T NEED TO BUY A FUNKO POP to be a legit bookstagrammer. Hear me? Okay good. Personally, I just like pops, I am a collector so might as well throw them in some of my bookstagram photos. But again, YOU DONT NEED TO BUY A FUNKO POP TO BE A LEGIT BOOKSTAGRAMMER. Okay? Okay!
  • Eyeglasses – it is a reader’s curse really, having poor eyesight is the price readers pay. Why do we have to be punished for reading too much? Anyway, yes I use my eyeglasses as props, and it goes well with anything!

Okay so we have covered the props department, we go to lighting. I always always use natural lighting. You can never go wrong with natural lighting, imagine the great effect of a perfectly cast shadow of a beautiful afternoon. Good right?

Now you’re set with props, lighting, we go to camera. Again, I’ll be stressing this one out. YOU DON’T NEED A FANCY CAMERA TO TAKE THAT BOOKSTAGRAM WORTHY PHOTO. I just use my iPhone7+ and I am pretty satisfied by the outcome of my photos. Before this phone I used Samsung J7 which is a good one too! The magic comes with the editing! So without further ado, here is the step by step process how I edit photos. I use Snapseed and VSCO.

Let’s edit this photo, shall we:

Snapseed

Easy peasy right, now we go to VSCO!

VSCO

Pro tip for VSCO: You can just use the option “Copy Edit” then paste it using “Paste Edit” option to newly uploaded photo, makes it easier to edit it and saves the time of going over each edit options. Also it makes all your photos have the same edit combination.

Here’s the finished product:

Hope you’ve learned a lot. It is not really rocket science, you see, you just have to have passion and creativity! And also I am not by a long stretch of imagination a photographer, so don’t look down on me. Haha! Tag me in your photos and wanna see if you’ve applied this process! I wanna see! What else do you want to know about bookstagramming?

Holiday Gift Ideas for Book Lovers!

 

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Cue the Christmas songs! Christmas is upon us, it is the season of gift giving and what better way to celebrate it than getting your loved ones what they truly like? I know you would love it if you’ll receive something so unique and well-thought out, right? Makes the spirit of the holidays more meaningful and special! So I have compiled some gift ideas for yourself and for your loved ones! Everyone happy! Merry Christmas!

  1. BOOKS

I mean come on, haha this has got to be your first consideration when you think of what to give to a bookworm. “But I don’t know what books she wants?” Well do some investigation, peruse every social media, he or she is probably running a bookstagram account and you can gather from there what new book he or she might be eyeing for quite sometime now or check twitter he or she might have dropped some hints for you to find out. Use your detective skills! Plus points if you are able to snag him or her that one book he or she wanted for like, you know, forever.

Book Depository is an online shop that could help you out with the predicament of lining in the mall and what is great about them is they offer free shipping wherever you may be! You can even address it to the person you want to receive it! Talk about convenience! And they have one of the best customer service, I kid you not!

Book Outlet  is another online book shop with readiculous deals! Majority of my books came from there. However Book Outlet only ships in the US and Canada, so you might need some magic to be able to acquire books if you’re outside US and Canada. I’m from the Philippines, and we use LBC Shipping Cart to fulfill our overwhelming need for new reads. If you are from the Philippines, you can shoot me an email on how to successfully use LBC shipping cart and be able to acquire items in the US!

2. BOOKMARKS

Every bookworm loves a bookmark, in fact their bookmarks might be more than the actual number of books they own, secretly stashed away so no one would judge them of this crazy need to acquire bookmarks every chance they get! You can easily make a personalized bookmark, but if you are feeling extra and feeling fancy why not up your gift giving game to these bookmarks:

We create the most unusual bookmarks in the world. It’s not just a bookmark, it’s fun, craziness and perfect topic-starter! Just imagine cute little legs sticking from your book! And get ready that your book will appear in the center of everyone’s attention! – MYBOOKMARK TEAM

MYBOOKMARK’s bookmarks are well-crafted ones made out of sturdy materials with such attention to details showing off craziness and playfulness. I can swear by these bookmarks how awesome and worth the money they are! Perfect gift for your book lover and while you’re at it get one for yourself as well! They ship worldwide for only 5$ plus they are having 10% discount on their products this holiday season!

And here’s something more exciting! I have a giveaway going on on my Instagram! You can win a bookmark from them shipped straightly at your doorsteps! I know you wouldn’t want to miss it! You have until December 10 to join, just follow the simple rules and you are qualified! Best of luck!

 

 

Her Mad Library  bookmarks cater to every fandom needs! They customize too! Their products are printed on 300gsm paper with laminated pearl finish, so you are definitely getting your money’s worth. And did I mention, the bookmarks are very affordable with perfectly curated designs to match all your fandom and bookish needs? Major plus is, Cath the owner is such a sweetheart!

 

Page Anchor is another classy bookmark that’s not like any other out there. It comes in Signature Gold and Winter Platinum which makes every reading experience quite extraordinary, you need not hold your book for it to be in place, Page Anchor does the trick for you! Page Anchor is a small metal pin that easily slides in to your book to prevent the pages from closing. Made out of high quality material, it sure is a perfect addition to your bookmark collection! It comes in an elegant box and a cloth to wipe it and make it shiny all the time! Page Anchor makes reading classy and elegant!

For a limited time only you can get a 15% discount if you use my code nerdy15. That’s quite an awesome deal if you ask me plus they ship worldwide!

They also offer Gift Bundle! Get both lovely bookmarks for a discounted price plus you can apply my discount code! Definitely worth its price!

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3. BOOK SUBSCRIPTIONS

There are already tons of book subscriptions to choose from, there are some focused on YA books, but there are also book subscriptions that caters every bookworms’ needs, may it be of the classic genre, literary fiction, sci-fi, name it this book subscription box I am going to share with you got it and so much more, yes even cook books!

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They have everything and I mean everything – even a tote bag, and what’s even more amazing is it is delivered right at your doorstep. The Willoughby Book Club is not just one of the best book subscription box out there, I love how it provides for what every reader wants and not just solely focused on one genre. Pretty amazing if you ask me! And because I love you guys, you can get 10% discount if you use my link, just follow link here: NERDY TALKS.

All FAQs can be found here, but the most common question is: Do they ship worldwide? YES! Prices for international delivery can be found on the product pages. All international items are sent by priority delivery, which takes between 3-7 days to arrive. This has got to be one the best gift you could give a bookworm!

BOOK OF THE MONTH  is another amazing subscription box that will provide you with the newest releases each month. Here’s how it works:

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I can personally vouch for Book Of The Month, not only they provide diverse reads they also let you in some exclusive perks about new books that are yet to be released! They also have amazing deals each month so always check what they have in stored for you! And did I mention that all books come in hard covers for such affordable price, bet you could not find that anywhere! However, their services are only open to the US, but I was told they are trying to expand it worldwide, hopefully next year! Let’s cross our fingers!

 

 

4. BOOKISH MERCHANDISE

From mug, throw pillows to T-Shirts and tote bags, every book worm loves some bookish merch to match with their books and to brandish to the world their love for reading, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and every fandom ever existed!

Red Bubble is an amazing online shop that provides you with wide array of selection from throw pillows, duvet covers, clothing items even notebooks and journals. They have everything you need, and what’s more fun is the beautiful designs by talented artists across the globe! There are thousands and I mean thousands of designs to choose from!

Here are some stuff I have designed! Check it out here!

 

5. SOCKS

You might not have noticed but socks is an essential part of a bookworm’s life. Why you ask me? Well, curling up in bed with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate can’t seem to be complete with some cute socks, they are basically what curling up with a good book entail! Plus you’ll be doing your bookworm a huge favor because you’re supporting the #SockSunday game! Come on, #SockSundays are fun, and do not tell me otherwise!

So to help you out pick the perfect socks, here are some trusted shops:

You may have seen Happy Socks on your feed a lot, that’s because they are one of the most trusted shops out there. They cater to everyone’s need and they have cute and funky designs to choose from. You’ll never ran out of options! Plus they offer free shipping too! I am personally a fan of Happy Socks and I swear by their products!

 

Tabi Toes probably is one of the cutest socks, and I mean the CUTEST! With colorful hues and quite different appearance, this will surely put a smile on anyone’s face! Plus it’s comfortable too, you might get weirded out by how it looks but it is comfy, just like that trusty gloves for your feet! And the designs, so kawaii! They offer free shipping on all US orders and free shipping international if you buy 3 or more pairs!

 

Yep, you read that right! A personalised socks, how cool right? And they don’t just offer socks, they have sweaters, underwear, T-shirts, slippers and scarves too! Talk about all the good things in one shop!

6. EYEWEAR

Another perfect gift to give a bookworm is a pair of classy and trendy eyewear! Check TIJN and choose from the myriad of designs perfect for every face shape! A good pair of eyeglasses more than its essential use has become a statement piece, bookworms are fashionable too! TIJN offers free shipping worldiwde and 10$ off for your first pair if you use the code 10free.

 

 

 

So there you have it guys! Hope I was able to help you out decide on what to get a bookworm friend, sister, brother, husband, wife, mother, father or hey yourself! Have a meaningful holidays everyone! Let’s spread happiness and love! Merry Christmas!

 

phonto