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‘Kindness and hope’ – This is what the 2025 Superman movie is all about

Warning: This blog contains spoilers from the 2025 Superman movie.

Over the years, we’ve seen countless versions of the iconic red-caped hero. From Christopher Reeve to Henry Cavill, fans of the superhero franchise have seen almost every version of Superman come to life in both TV and film.

This year, we’re introduced to yet another version of Kal El/Clark Kent – a version created by James Gunn and portrayed by David Corenswet.

Admittedly, I was a part of the group of people that was hesitant over this reboot. For one, as a Henry Cavill fan, I was devastated that I wouldn’t be able to see him don the red cape once more in the cinemas. Second, I was worried that Gunn’s creative (and somewhat quirky) style might not fit in with the character profile of Superman.

However, after watching the film, it’s safe to say that Gunn’s version stays true to what Superman is all about – a symbol of kindness, selflessness, and hope.

Also, his eccentric and colorful filming style made viewers feel as if they’re watching scenes straight out of a comic book – which is what many fans seem to want in their superhero movies these days.

Not to mention, Corenswet held his own as the Man of Steel. He made me a fan of his Superman; and I’m excited to see what other projects he has in store for us moviegoers.

There are a few more things I enjoyed about the movie. Here are some details worth watching out for:

Although there were many side characters, it wasn’t overwhelming.

When the full-length trailer of the movie dropped, I was worried that with so many characters, the story would end up convoluted. Fortunately, I was mistaken.

The movie introduced a lot of side characters such as Jimmy Olsen, Guy Gardner (a.k.a. Green Lantern), Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, Metamorpho, and Supergirl. Although this is quite a number of personas added, it didn’t overshadow the main storyline of Superman. In fact, it helped build on the atmosphere of metahumans living on earth, and added to the movie’s overall plot.

It also sets the stage for a potential spinoff – was this James Gunn’s plan all along?

Moreover, I enjoyed the small cameos, especially from Christopher Reeve’s son, Will, who told Variety that it was the “right decision to do this [cameo].”

Lois Lane gets her spotlight.

What I liked about the 2025 Superman movie is that it highlighted Lois Lane’s personality. In previous films, like Superman Returns and Man of Steel, I didn’t feel Lois Lane’s feisty, go-getter personality shine through as much.

In this movie, we see Lois (Rachel Brosnahan) as someone who will fight for her ideals and do everything to uncover the truth; because that is what’s right. It shows us that she’s her own person– strong-willed, confident, and flawed – and not just Superman’s love interest.

On a personal note, I also enjoyed seeing on the big screen how passionate reporters like Lois can be about their job. As someone who once worked in media, I can relate to how hectic life as a writer can be and yet, how rewarding the outcome is when you know your articles have helped others out.

Krypto is the real hero.

This may be biased (since I am a dog owner), but I absolutely adored every single Krypto scene. From the moment he first appeared to the end of the movie, Krypto showed moviegoers that even dogs can be super.

Honestly, I don’t want to give too much away, but just know that Krypto was essential to Superman’s fights; and to be honest, I can’t wait to see more of this canine should there be a sequel to this movie.

Political conflicts are part of the plot.

In the movie, Superman aids Jaihanpur when it is first attacked by its rival country, Boravia.

The reason why I agree with the filmmakers’ decision to place political conflicts in the movie is because it is realistic. Let’s say Superman was real, wouldn’t you expect him to intervene when two countries are on the brink of war?

It makes it feel more realistic, and supports what Superman stands for. So, for me, it was a good decision on the part of production.

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Although I’ve been giving plenty of praises for this film, there is a not-so-nice detail I want to mention, namely:

At times, it did feel a little too cartoonish.

Now, I know that it’s a part of the movie’s charm. However, there were moments that just felt impossible in the real world. I think it would have been better if it was toned down just a bit – but then again, that’s just my opinion on this.

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Overall, it was a solid, entertaining, and uplifting superhero movie. Given that, I would probably rate it a 7/10. Still definitely worth the watch!

Remembering Jojo Sonillo

To say that I have been dreading to write this blog is an understatement. The truth of the matter is I am devastated over the loss of Mr. Jojo Sonillo.

Many of you may know Mr. Jojo Sonillo from his achievements, like being the President and CEO of Precious Moments Philippines, a FAME Katha Award-winning designer, and the pioneer for the Frontliner dolls for a cause. But to those close to him, we knew him as the kind, selfless, God-fearing, and ever-generous friend whom we so lovingly called Sir Jojo.

When our friendship began

I first met Sir Jojo back in 2016, when I visited the Precious Moments head office in Makati. Little did I know that that chance encounter would turn into a lifelong friendship.

Sir Jojo first knew me as a customer, who was eager to purchase a few Precious Moments figurines as a present for her mother. But after a bit more conversation, he realized I had a passion for writing and would later enlist me as a freelance writer for the brand’s newsletter.

This agreement led to a series of conversations between us two, which would later develop into a great friendship.

Because of this, Sir Jojo was able to meet my parents, and even developed a close bond with my mother. Suffice it to say, he was more than just an employer to us, he was a family friend.

At that time, Sir Jojo didn’t know this about me, but I doubted my abilities after experiencing a few hiccups in my first, full-time job. He, however, didn’t see that in my work, even saying that hiring me was a “blessing”. What he didn’t know at that time was that that little compliment had a great impact on me.

He was always so supportive of my writing and I could always tell he was proud of my accomplishments during my time as a writer for INQUIRER.net. So, this time around, I am using my writing to shine a light on the kind of person he was and what impact he had during his time here on earth.

He never thought of himself

Those close to Sir Jojo know the man rarely thought of himself. He was always thinking of ways to help other people. Whether it was organizing a feeding program for the less fortunate or preparing meals for frontliners, Sir Jojo never thought of the inconvenience, hassle, or stress this activity could bring him. He only thought of the positive outcome it could have to the community.

Oftentimes, whatever blessings he had, he would share with those in need or those who were suffering. In fact, during his past birthdays, he would tell me that he used the money I sent him to help fund his projects for the community — even when I told him he could use them for himself. That’s how selfless he was.

In his lifetime, he has helped countless number of people, many of which have already posted about it on his Facebook account.

His memory will live on with his loved ones

Like many of the people who have posted about him online, Sir Jojo’s memories will live on with us.

Sir Jo, in your last message to me, you said: “While today’s mercies do not include strength for tomorrow, it includes though, FAITH for tomorrow’s unseen mercies. Let us therefore turn our eyes away from our disappointments, our sufferings, and our circumstances and instead focus on God’s bigger PURPOSE and PLANS so we can discover that HIS MERCIES would never come to an end for they are new every morning! Truly, GREAT is GOD’S FAITHFULNESS!”

I believe God gave you to all of us to show us what a real blessing looks like. And even though many of us are suffering from losing you, we know God’s plan for you now is to be eternally happy in Heaven.

Thank you for the friendship, Sir Jo. We will always remember you, may you now rest in peace.

I tried this TikTok-famous lip gloss – is it worth the hype?

Anyone who has a TikTok account might be familiar with the US cosmetics brand Kikiz Cosmeticz.

Created by Makena Quesada, this brand creates lip glosses that are supposedly “long-wearing, hydrating, and non-sticky” and advertises them through many video streaming platforms.

Since its creation in 2020, this brand has gained popularity amongst the younger generation, amassing over one million followers on TikTok and around 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube. And whether it be through their lip gloss pouring videos or their lip gloss making clips, you can’t help but be drawn in by the product and what it offers.

Like many online users, I too was intrigued by their lip products; so last year, when I traveled to the US, I decided to buy one of their lip glosses online.

Here are my thoughts about it:

The packaging was well-designed and well-thought of

The outside packaging is a shiny, pink bubble mailer that contains the phrase, “Self love looks good on you,” along with the brand’s social media pages. What I like about this is that Kikiz Cosmeticz even extended its branding on the outside, teasing customers on what goodies lie inside.

The reason I mention the external packaging is because not all brands do this, especially because there is an added cost to customising packaging. So, I appreciated the extra effort Kikiz Cosmeticz did to extend its branding to the outside.

Inside the mailer, there contains a thank you card with the brand’s social media pages (so we know where to tag them when we use their products) and a piece of candy (which is a very welcome treat for us, sweet tooths!).

The lip gloss is also safely packaged in a box that contains the full list of ingredients.

From a marketing standpoint and from my opinion as an advertising graduate, I applaud the company for its consistent branding throughout the whole package. Because of this, customers, who receive their orders, will surely remember the brand, especially when they start sharing stories and reviews about it online.

You all have to try Starlight

The lip gloss comes in a 6mL tube with a pink cover (I purchased it last year before they changed their covers to the purple one) and a thick lip gloss wand.

I like the thick lip gloss wand, in particular, because it allows you to get a large amount of product with just one swipe on the lips.

As for the lip gloss variant, I chose Starlight, which according to the website, is a “lemon-lime flavored, long wearing, non-sticky lip gloss that has a color-shifting shade with blue and gold glitters.”

Upon application, the gloss does have a thick consistency but it’s not that sticky, which is great for everyday wear. And even though it has glitters, the gloss doesn’t feel chunky on the lips and works great when applied over a matte lipstick.

As for its color-shifting feature, I see a bit of it when I move my head from side-to-side. It gives off a different colored shine when light hits it at a certain angle.

Starlight also has a fizzy scent (think of Sprite or 7-Up), which I like, given that I am a soda drinker. But it may not be for everyone, so keep that in mind if ever you’re considering buying the lip gloss.

Overall, I am very happy with how it looks. It gives the lips a very finished look on its own, without it looking over-the-top.

The lip gloss delivers on its promises

The Kikiz Cosmeticz lip glosses boasts of a hydrating, nourishing, and long-wearing formula; and for me, the brand delivers on its promises.

Since applying the lip gloss on my lips, it doesn’t feel drying and it kept my lips moist throughout the day.

Also, after 2-3 hours of wear, the product is still shiny on my lips. This required me only one additional application to wear it for the rest of my night. So, I definitely recommend giving their lip gloss a try!

It can be a bit expensive so save up first if you want to buy it

For a third world citizen like myself, the lip gloss can be a bit pricey, with one lip gloss amounting to 567.53 PHP (without shipping). It’s best to keep that in mind when you’re considering buying at least one of their lip glosses in the shop.

Finally, you’re probably wondering, is it worth the hype? In my opinion, it is.

Based on my experience using the Starlight lip gloss, the product lives up to its expectation and provides a long-wearing and shiny look on the lips. It’s also very sweet-smelling, which makes both the wearing and application process that more enjoyable.

Kikiz Cosmeticz offers other lip gloss variants, which I have yet to try of; so, my opinion might change if I ever get to try the other lip gloss shades. But for now, I am very satisfied with the product and am eager to get to try more of what the brand has to offer!

If you’re interested in knowing more about this US-based makeup brand, you can visit their website, kikizcosmeticz.shop. Happy shopping!

*NOTE: This is not a branded post, but an honest review of the brand and its product. All the items used for this review was purchased with my own money and was not sponsored by the brand.

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I transformed this thrifted doll into the ultimate Barbiecore princess

The 2023 Greta Gerwig Barbie movie has been making waves online since it’s full-length trailer dropped back in May of this year. And now, with early reviews showing positive feedback, it is likely that this film will be one of the most memorable movie releases of the year.

Given this, it’s only fitting that my first-ever custom doll be an homage to the upcoming movie. So, in this blog, I share with you how I transformed a thrifted doll into the ultimate Barbiecore princess.

What is Barbiecore?

According to CNN Underscored‘s research on the term, Barbiecore is a style trend that embodies Barbie (the doll line created by toy brand Mattel) fashion, which comprised of mostly fun, girly, (somewhat) over-the-top, and dominantly pink outfits and accessories.

Celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Margot Robbie have embraced this aesthetic and have incorporated the Barbiecore style into their red carpet appearances.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Margot Robbie (@margotrobbieofficial)

As a fan of the pink colour myself, I absolutely adore this trend and thought it would be a great inspiration for a custom doll project.

So, here’s how I went about it…

On buying a thrifted doll

As an amateur toy photographer and toy collector, I’m familiar with a few, local sellers of secondhand dolls and figures. Luckily, one of the online sellers I buy used toys from shared that she was selling a broken Ever After High Apple White doll from the Dragon Games line for only 150 PHP. This doll came without its clothes, accessories, and hands. It also has only one foot attached to its legs.

Excited to rise to the challenge of transforming something broken into something beautiful, I immediately purchased the doll and began working on its customisation.

The rerooting process

Initially, I had no intention of replacing the doll’s hair, especially since the original Barbie doll was blonde. However, upon further inspection, the hair had major glue seepage, which made it feel stiff and greasy. This is in spite of doing multiple hair washes to it.

Because of this, I decided to reroot ALL of the doll’s hair.

Now, I’m not going to enumerate every step of the rerooting process, but essentially, it involves cutting all of the doll’s hair, removing all the roots from inside its head, painting the head base with the colour of the hair, and then individually rerooting new hair strands to the doll head’s existing holes using a broken needle or a rerooting tool.

If you’re curious to see the step-by-step process, YouTuber Jay (a.k.a. ZombiexCorn) has a great tutorial video on the whole process of rerooting. You can watch it here.

It’s a painstakingly tedious process and it actually took me a few days to complete. The end result, though, was a pretty head of straight and silky pink hair that goes perfectly with my Barbiecore theme.

On making the clothes

I made the tube top using a pink fabric that had various gold horizontal lines on it. I made this garment by first measuring the doll’s upper body with the fabric and then, cutting it according to it’s size.

Then using a sewing machine, I sewed the edges so it wouldn’t fray. I then finished it off with velcro on the back to attach it to the doll’s upper body.

This is the end result for the top.

Since the doll already had “leggings” painted on it, I decided to make a tulle skirt to highlight the over-the-top aesthetic of the Barbiecore style. And I did this by sewing in folded pink tulle fabric to a piece of garter. Then, I covered the garter with a gold ribbon to match the horizontal line design on the tube top.

Honestly, the pink tulle fabric wasn’t cut evenly, but I think it adds character to the doll so I kept it like that.

As for the shoes, I had an extra pair of doll boots at home. So, I decided to amputate the doll’s only foot and hot glue her feet-less legs to the insides of the boots.

In the end, I think it worked out well because it gave her Barbiecore style a slightly edgier look… and I’m all for it!

The end result

Here’s the end result of the hair and outfit all together:

Now, I know you might be wondering, where are her hands? Well, in all honesty, they haven’t arrived yet from the overseas seller I purchased them from. However, I decided to write about the process since the doll is already 98% complete and you can be sure that once the hand parts arrive, I’ll immediately attach them to the doll to FULLY complete her look.

Overall, I’m very happy with how this doll turned out. And even though there are things that could be improved on, I am satisfied with the final look.

Here’s to hoping this can be the start of more custom doll projects.

Via GIPHY

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Reviewing the Vice Cosmetics lip oils – should you give them a try?

*NOTE: This is not a branded article. I purchased these lip oils through an online shopping platform, with my own money, and decided to give my honest opinion about them. Hope you’ll enjoy what I have to say about these products.

Unless you were living under a rock these past few years, you’d know that lip oils are all the rage in the makeup industry today. Brands like Dior, Fenty Beauty, and most recently Rare Beauty, have each created their own version of the in-demand lip product. In fact, the fashion and lifestyle website In Style explains that Rare Beauty’s lip oils are “bound to sell out” due to its popularity with the makeup and beauty community.

Given this, it should come as no surprise that local makeup brands like Vice Cosmetics have also jumped on the trend and created their own line of lip oil products.

Introducing the Vice Cosmetics Perfect Kizz Lip Oils.

According to the brand’s Shopee store, the Perfect Kizz Lip Oils are “high-shine lip oils [that] are infused with sweet almond oil to soothe and hydrate the lips for a healthy, juicy lip lewk (look).” They also reportedly come with a “plumping variant” that can emphasise your lips and make them appear fuller.

These lip oils come in three types, namely Kendi Glaze, I Lava Yew, and Dynamint. For this review, I’ll be going through each kind of lip oil and giving my opinion on them.

Kendi Glaze

The Kendi Glaze lip oil is the brand’s tinted pink variant. It comes with a sweet, candy-like smell and gives a light pink shade to the lips.

What I like about this particular variant is that the smell is very pleasant and addicting. It kind of reminds me of the strawberry-flavoured lollipops that you can buy at the drug store or supermarket––a reminder of my childhood when my parents would indulge me with these candies (definitely nostalgic).

Plus, its light pink hue gives the lips a little bit of colour in the most natural way. It’s not over-the-top and it’s not too understated that you won’t notice you’re still wearing the gloss.

Of the three, this one is definitely my favourite and one I recommend everyone to try first if they’re considering buying the lip oil.

I Lava Yew

I Lava Yew is the makeup brand’s second lip oil variant. It comes with a glittery finish and gives off a (very) subtle yellow hue on the lips.

Unfortunately, this one is my least favourite of the three lip oils. The reason for this is that I found the smell of the product very off-putting. I’m not exactly sure how to describe it other than like a wilted rose scent––not a fan of it.

Other than the smell, the product does apply well and gives off a nice glittery finish on the lips, which is perfect if you’re planning to apply the oil above your matte lipstick.

Dynamint

Dynamint is the brand’s third lip oil variant. Although it appears blue in the container, the lip oil gives the lips a clear, gloss finish and comes with a mint scent.

What’s nice about this variant is that the added minty scent gives a cooling sensation, which feels great on the lips. It’s also clear, which means you can apply it over any lipstick shade to give it a glossy look.

Performance as a lip oil

As a lip oil, these three variants do their job well.

First, these items provide enough shine to give the lips a fuller and more put-together look.

Second, the lip oil formula feels very sheer and light and does not feel sticky on the lips––making it ideal to wear under your mask when you’re going out of the house.

Third and more importantly, these lips oils feel hydrating to the lips. Not once did I feel my lips feel dry or crack while wearing the product, which is a major bonus to this item.

However, what I do find that is lacking in this lip oil is the longevity. There were a few times I needed to re-apply this product on my lips because they came off during the course of the day.

Overall, I’d give these lip oils a solid 7/10.

The question remains though, can this local brand of lip oils compare to the popular, international ones?

Now, I can’t speak for brands like Fenty Beauty and Rare Beauty (since I have yet to try their lip oils) but I can compare it the Dior Lip Glow Oil, which is in my possession and is an item that I have been using for quite some time now.

Let’s discuss the differences:

First of all, the Dior lip oil has a vastly different price point compared to the Vice Cosmetics lip oil. In the Dior store, the lip oil amounts to 2,500 PHP while the Perfect Kizz Lip Oil costs only 195 PHP. The Dior lip oil is clearly a luxury item, while the Vice Cosmetics lip oil is an affordable lip product.

Second, the two products have different formulas and I think this makes a huge difference in the longevity of the product on the lips. For example, the Lip Glow Oil, from my experience, is more long-lasting in the lips and requires less re-application compared to the Perfect Kizz Oil.

It’s also good to note that it’s because of this formula that Dior has been such a hit with the online beauty community. According to an article by Byrdie, the reason for Dior’s lip oil success is because it has met the needs of the younger generation––which includes quality ingredients such as cherry oil.

I mention these differences not to undermine or uplift one brand from another but to compare them. And in my opinion, the Dior Lip Glow Oil is still the better lip oil between the two.

However, if you’re tight on a budget and are just looking for a hydrating, glossy lip oil that can give your lips the plumping effect, then the Vice Cosmetics Perfect Kizz Oil can be your go-to product since it is still a very solid lip oil.

Via GIPHY

Hopefully, this review gives you an insight into this local makeup brand’s lip oil products and can help you decide whether or not you would like to try it out.

Until the next blog!

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Here’s why ‘Spy x Family’ is worth the watch

If you’re itching to watch a lighthearted yet funny anime series, then look no further, Spy x Family may just be the show you’re searching for!

As explained by the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), the show is about “a spy on an undercover mission [who] gets married and adopts a child as part of his cover. His wife and daughter [however] have secrets of their own, and all three must strive to keep together.”

This series was based off of Tatsuya Endo‘s manga of the same name and the show’s first season is available for streaming in video platforms like Netflix.

Since the anime series was released on April of this year, it has garnered a plethora of online fans who can’t get enough of the show. In fact, in the movie and TV rating platform Rotten Tomatoes, it has received a 100% fresh rating and a 90% audience score––proving just how well the show is faring among viewers.

I, myself, couldn’t help but binge-watch the entire series in a span of three days. And there are a number of reasons why I (and a number of viewers) can’t stop watching the anime––too many that I may not be able to list them all down.

So, let me share with you three reasons why I think you should give the show a try.

The plot is interesting

The beginning of the series introduces viewers to the brewing tension between the countries Ostania and Westalis––and gives the reason why Loid Forger, a spy, is needed to go undercover to help stop a potential war from happening.

Although this concept alone is interesting enough, the show takes it a step further by introducing the catch of his mission: he must have a fake family.

Unbeknownst to Loid, the fake family he puts together is composed of Anya, a telepathic child, and Yor, an assassin. This twist in the plot makes for a very exciting storyline and keeps you on your toes as to what will happen within the family, given all their secrets.

And just think about it, what will happen when a spy, a telepath, and an assassin live under one roof and pretend to be a family? Can they really keep up the ruse? And what will happen when they all discover each others’ secrets?

Add in the fact that Yor’s brother works for the organization that is against Loid’s mission, then you’ve got a show that will keep you glued to your screens, to know what happens next in the series.

It’s a lighthearted show that *literally* knows how to pack a punch

Although the way I described it in the previous paragraphs make Spy x Family seem like a serious show, it’s actually very lighthearted and humorous. Sure, there are action scenes (which are impressive btw) from Loid and Yor; but there are also funny scenes between the three and the other characters in the show.

A good example of this is the scene where Anya smiles at her bullies––which in itself has become a meme all over the internet.

I’m pretty sure you’ll find this meme almost anywhere on the internet. Via iQiyi on GIPHY

This makes Spy x Family very fun and easy-to-watch. It also makes it a great show to binge-watch when you’re feeling tired from work or you’re just simply having a bad day (It will genuinely make you smile in spite of your troubles).

Anya is quite possibly the cutest anime character on TV

There’s no doubt about it Anya Forger is one of the cutest anime kids on TV! Her small stature and funny antics make her a fan favorite among viewers.

And although Loid and Yor are awesome characters in themselves, Anya’s cuteness has made an impact on people watching the show. In fact, Comic Book Resources (CBR) wrote an article on why “Anya Forger is the hit anime’s best girl” which perfectly sums up why she’s an absolute joy to watch on screen.

Given these three reasons, I sincerely hope you will all give Spy x Family a try. Who knows you might be joining the multitude of fans that can’t get enough of this unconventional anime family!

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‘All The Bright Places’ explores love and loss in a beautiful yet tragic story

Trigger warning: This book contains topics on suicide and mental health issues. If you are easily triggered by these, I suggest either reading the book with caution or delay reading it until you’re more mentally-prepared.

As someone who has struggled with her own mental health issues, it took me a while before I could pick up this book. In truth, I might have even delayed reading this novel if it weren’t for my friend who suggested we discuss it for our book club.

So, with a bit of courage (and caution), I went forward with reading it; and little did I know, All The Bright Places would become one of my most memorable reads for 2022.

For those of you who are not familiar with Jennifer Niven’s 2015 novel, it follows Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, as they find love and solace with one another all the while dealing with their own personal traumas.

It’s a heart-wrenching and tragic love story that will leave you drowning in a pool of your own emotions (God knows how much I’ve cried while reading this novel).

More than just a romance, this book has substance, since it explores the reality and gravity of mental health issues today.

Through Violet’s and Finch’s alternating perspectives, readers get a glimpse into how their struggles can affect their mental health and lead them towards less-than-pleasant situations. It also stresses the importance of checking up on the people you love because you might never know the extent of what they’re going through and how it’s greatly affecting their overall health and well-being.

You’ll never know unless you ask. Via GIPHY

Although this book is classified as young adult fiction, I think a lot of people––whether they’re a teen or an adult––will greatly benefit from its messages, which are:

– There’s more to a person than what you see on the surface.

– Help is available to those who seek it.

– Everyone is going through struggles of their own, so it’s important to be kind.

Overall, I consider this another five-star read and I can’t wait to see more of what Jennifer Niven has to offer in her other novels.

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Here’s why you should read ‘Flowers for Algernon’ by Daniel Keyes

Trigger warning: This novel mentions scenes about animal testing and contains slurs that are considered derogatory in this day and age. It’s important to remember that this book was written in 1959––a time when animal testing may not have yet been questioned and people were not as socially-conscious of the words they used to describe individuals with disabilities. Given this, I’d like to mention that I don’t condone some of the words and scenes mentioned in this novel and that I take it solely as a work of fiction.

At least once in your life, you might have encountered the idiom of “putting yourself in another person’s shoes” in order to understand them.

Whether this saying was told to you by a friend, colleague, or family member, you’ve most likely taken their advice and tried to imagine yourselves in other people’s situations. Oftentimes, this gives you a clearer picture of what the other person is going through and allows you to better empathize with them.

This particular sentiment is exemplified in the book Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.

It’s a story that explores the mind and experiences of Charlie Gordon, a 32-year-old man with a learning disability who undergoes surgery in an effort to make himself “smarter” and more “normal.”

Through Charlie’s progress reports, you (as a reader) will get to witness all the challenges, accomplishments, and emotions Charlie goes through as he experiences the effects of the surgery. And when he notices Algernon––the mouse that has undergone the same experiment as him––seemingly regressing long after its surgery, it begs the question: will the same fate await Charlie in time?

Flowers for Algernon is a beautiful yet somewhat heartbreaking story that most people should read about. In fact, here are a few good reasons why you should consider picking up the novel for yourself:

The writing is great and immersive

The book begins with Charlie’s entries before the surgery. Through these initial reports, Keyes shows readers how Charlie is quite different from the other people around him. This is emphasized in Charlie’s earlier progress reports, wherein he would often misspell words and use the wrong grammar and punctuation in his sentences.

However, as the book progresses, you’ll slowly see the change in the writing, highlighting Charlie’s increased mental development after the surgery. And the way Keyes wrote this was so gradual that it’s only when you focus on the words on the page, you’ll notice a big difference in the way Charlie documents his progress.

It’s this aspect of the book that really allows you to see first-hand how the surgery is affecting Charlie and how it’s changing the way he views the people and the places around him. This, in turn, makes the book immersive and draws the reader in towards the story.

You’ll be turning every page until you realize you’ve actually finished the story! Via GIPHY

And I’m not the only one who feels this way about the book. A number of people reported on the book review platform Goodreads about being affected by the story.

One reviewer wrote, “I am finding it hard to put into words the vast range of emotions I experienced while reading this tale of hope, perseverance, truth and humanity.” And another online user described it as “captivating and heartbreaking.”

The book lets you think about the question: What makes a person human?

One aspect the book frequently touches on is the idea of what makes a person human. It begs the questions: Is it their IQ that makes them human? Is it measured by their ability to process emotions? Is it gauged by the accomplishments they have? Or is it just the fact that they’re alive and breathing that makes them a person worthy of love and respect?

These questions all come to mind as the reader sees how other people interact with Charlie, especially before his surgery. In the early days, you can clearly see how badly Charlie was treated; and when he got his surgery done and he was getting more and more intelligent, people around him started viewing him differently.

The truth is Charlie was already human even before his surgery––capable of feeling emotions and making memories. And this point is clearly emphasized in the many events in the novel.

Moreover, it shows that even people with disabilities can leave their mark on the world. Through the character of Charlie, readers can see that any person (with good intention) can make a huge difference to those around them.

In Charlie’s case, it was about helping others like him who may undergo the same operation. As Charlie said, “If I can find out and if it adds, even one jot of information to whatever else has been discovered about intellectual disabilities* and the possibility of helping others like myself, I will be satisfied. Whatever happens to me, I will have lived a thousand normal lives by what I might add to others not yet born. That is enough.”

Overall, it is a meaningful and timeless story that deserves more attention from today’s generation. And it easily is one of the five-star books I’ve read this 2022.

Here’s to hoping you’ll give Flowers for Algernon a try!

(*word was replaced to make it more politically-correct)

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‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’ is a five-star read that you’ll surely remember

I’ll be honest–it’s been a while since a novel has drawn me in and excited me. Many of the books I’ve recently finished have all been three-star reads, interesting enough but not memorable.

However, when my friend recommended The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab for our book club, little did I know, this would become my first five-star book read of 2022.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue tells the story of twenty-three-year-old French girl Adeline “Addie” LaRue who sold her soul to the darkness to gain her freedom. Unbeknownst to Addie, this exchange comes with a terrible price; because along with her freedom comes the catch of being forgotten by everyone she meets.

You see, when Addie talks to a friend or family member or makes a connection with someone new, she inevitably faces the future of them not being able to remember her. And even when she tries to leave her mark–via written notes or drawings–she will find them being erased and returned to its original blank slate. Because of this, Addie isn’t able to leave a mark, making her almost “invisible” to everyone she comes in contact with.

For 300 years since she made that deal, she has struggled with this type of existence… that is, until she meets bookstore seller Henry who is unfazed by her curse and remembers every little encounter and detail about her.

Describing it as a mix between The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Time Traveler’s Wife, I’d say Addie LaRue is a page-turner that will leave you feeling all types of emotions, from sadness about Addie’s situation to a sense of hope when she finally meets Henry. It’s a literal roller coaster ride that will have you experiencing “all the feels.”

I was literally crying by the end of this novel. Via GIPHY

Moreover, V.E. Schwab’s writing style is so descriptive and immersive that you will feel like you’re actually in the story. And with the time jumps, you, as a reader, can really envision that specific point in history wherein Addie’s story takes place and see how it’s affected her life.

Schwab also uses alternating viewpoints between chapters, so you’re able to empathize with these fictional characters and remember them for all their beautiful, messed-up, broken, and (very) human experiences.

In fact, Stardust author Neil Gaiman describes the book, “for someone damned to be forgettable, Addie LaRue is a most delightfully unforgettable character, and her story is the most joyous evocation of unlikely immortality.”

Lastly, I found a plethora of wonderful and relatable lines throughout the course of this novel, and I think this is a testament to Schwab’s wonderful storytelling. I particularly loved the following lines from the novel:

“Books, she (Addie) has found, are a way to live a thousand lives––or to find strength in a very long one.”

“The nicest days are always the ones we don’t plan.”

“Nothing is all good or all bad. Life is so much messier than that.”

It reportedly took Schwab ten years to complete the novel and her hard work really shows just how great the story came to be.

I really encourage everyone to go and read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and I can’t wait to read more books from the author moving forward.

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I finished watching Stranger Things season 4 volume 1–and I have thoughts about it

Warning: This blog contains spoilers from volume one of the fourth season of Stranger Things

Fans have long awaited the return of the Netflix show Stranger Things since season three ended back in 2019. However, because of the pandemic and other reasons surrounding production, the release date for the fourth season was moved to May of this year.

Luckily, May has since passed and we’re already in the first few weeks of June, so viewers (like myself) can happily binge-watch volume one of the fourth season. And let me tell you, it’s one hell of a ride!

Seriously, you might not be ready for it! Via GIPHY

This fourth season introduces viewers to the stronger, more powerful supernatural being called Vecna. This creature can inhabit the minds of people with trauma and cause them to hallucinate and eventually die. And with the deaths piling up in Hawkins, the gang must find a way to defeat Vecna and stop him from ever reopening new portals in their small town.

With the characters divided into different groups including Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) who is still figuring out a way to restore her powers, only time will tell if they can succeed and save their home town from yet another attack from the Upside Down.

Overall, it was a solid half of a season… but I did have some thoughts about it while watching. Here’s what came to mind while streaming the series:

It had a slow start but picked up by episode three

The first two episodes, in my opinion, were a bit slow. Although I understand the showrunners needed to establish what the characters have been doing––especially since some of them did already leave Hawkins––there were scenes where it felt slow and could’ve picked up the pace a bit.

However, when episode three came, the flow of the story felt gradual and the build-up to episode four was great.

I appreciated the parallels with ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’

Vecna’s method of killing is very similar to that of Freddy Krueger on Nightmare on Elm Street, wherein Krueger would trap his victims in their dreams and then kill them there. Vecna acts similarly by invading his victims’ mind and then slowly killing them in their possessed state.

Additionally, I liked the idea that the producers cast Robert Englund, the actor who plays Krueger in the horror film franchise, as Victor Creel in the Netflix show. It’s a good nod to fans of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies and an interesting easter egg for Stranger Things viewers.

Max was the star of this season

This season’s plot gave Sadie Sink’s Max a story arc that allowed her to showcase her acting prowess. From portraying a sister traumatized by her brother Billy’s death to becoming a young lady that finds new hope in her friends, Sink’s ability to express emotions on screen is admirable and it’s what keeps you on the edge of your seat while watching the first half of this season.

I’m not a fan of the whole Steve and Nancy rekindling their relationship

Personally, I think the ship has sailed for a Nancy-Steve relationship. Fans, like myself, have seen Nancy (Natalia Dyer) choose Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) over Steve (Joe Keery) in the past seasons; so the fact that the showrunners are starting up this whole Nancy-Steve-Jonathan love triangle again is just repetitive and (sorry to say this) just plain boring.

And I’m not the only one who thinks this. In an article written by Therese Lacson for the Collider, Lacson describes the idea of putting Nancy back in a relationship with either Jonathan or Steve as “unnecessary.”

“She’s (Nancy) a strong enough character to stand on her own, something we clearly saw in the most recent season. The series should focus on cultivating her platonic relationships and framing her as the lead detective of the group,” she explains in the post.

Moreover, I think the show creators and writers should just keep the Nancy-Jonathan pairing and give Steve a love interest that can complement his character’s growth and give him a happy ending in the series––and let’s be honest, Steve, of all the characters, deserves it!

Steve better NOT die in volume two of the fourth season

Speaking of Steve, the writers better not do us dirty and kill him off in the second half of the season.

The reason I’m bringing this up is because we saw Steve get attacked by those bat-like creatures in the first half of the fourth season. This left him with a massive wound on his abdomen area, which Nancy bandaged to stop from further bleeding––a potential sign that he might not make it to the end of the show.

This theory is supported by this Pop Buzz article, which explains that it can be a likely scenario because Steve has been a little “too heroic” in this new season. And as fans of the show have come to find, characters who become a little too selfless end up dying––like Bob Newby (Sean Astin) and Billy Hargrove (Dacre Montgomery).

The Duffer Brothers have also since chimed in on this rumor, saying that fans should be “concerned” about the characters in the second half of this fourth season.

“It feels wrong to say ‘excited,’ but I’m excited that people are concerned. And they should be concerned going into the final two episodes [of Season 4] — for everybody,” Ross Duffer tells TV Line in an interview about Steve’s fate in the show.

Like the multitudes of Stranger Things fans, I’m not sure I’ll forgive Netflix or the showrunners if they kill off Steve in the next half of this season.

How us, fans, will react if Steve dies in the second half of the season. Via GIPHY

We need more scenes with Amybeth McNulty

As an Anne with an E fan (or kindred spirits, as we fans call ourselves), I know just how amazing and diverse an actress Amybeth McNulty is. So, when it was announced that she was cast in the fourth season of Stranger Things, I was excited for more people to see just how talented McNulty is.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amybeth (@amybethmcnulty)

Unfortunately, McNulty only had one scene in the first half of the fourth season, wherein she was introduced as Robin’s (Maya Hawke) love interest. That’s why I’m definitely hoping she’ll have more screen time in the second half of the fourth season and perhaps, even more scenes in season five!

The series has been exciting throughout its seven episode run, and I am hopeful that volume two will just be as explosive as this first half. Here’s to hoping Netflix won’t disappoint us this coming July 1, 2022!

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