Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, Brooke A. Allen

(Started: January 09, 2016; Finished: January 10, 2016)

Summary/Description:

FRIENDSHIP TO THE MAX!

At Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's camp for hard-core lady-types, things are not what they seem. Three-eyed foxes. Secret caves. Anagrams. Luckily, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five rad, butt-kicking best pals determined to have an awesome summer together... And they're not gonna let a magical quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way! The mystery keeps getting bigger, and it all begins here. (From Goodreads)

Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success--Online and Off by Michelle Phan

(Started: January 02, 2016; Finished: January 10, 2016)

Summary/Description:

Michelle Phan has believed in makeup since the first time she was allowed to try eyeliner. When she looked in the mirror and saw a transformed version of herself looking back, she fell in love with the sense of confidence that makeup could give her. Ever since she posted her first makeup tutorial on YouTube, she has dedicated herself to inspire millions by using makeup as a tool for transformation and self expression.

Now, Michelle has compiled all of her best wisdom into Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success--Online and Off. From creating a gorgeous smoky eye to understanding contouring to developing an online persona, Michelle has advice to help you transform every facet of your life. Make Up is packed with Michelle’s trademark beauty and style tutorials, stories and pictures from her own life, and advice on the topics she is asked about most, including etiquette, career, entrepreneurship, and creativity. From the everyday (such as how to get glowing skin) to the big picture (such as how to turn your passion into a profession), Make Up is a practical and empowering resource to help anyone put their best face forward. (From Goodreads)

Review: 5 stars

Publication Date: October 21, 2014

Publisher: Harmony

Source: Bought from FullyBooked

Shelf: Goodreads

I'm no stranger when it comes to Michelle Phan. I remember discovering her through my cousins. They used to mention her tutorials frequently and it obviously got me curious. At that time, I only knew how to put a blush, apply on powder, and wear a lipstick. But the rest were unexplored territories. I never thought I would get hooked on a beauty blog, let alone a vlog because I'm not really a Youtube user but somehow, Michelle Phan was able to speak to me. I wouldn't say I'm a fan but I do admire her success, her passion for her craft, and her genuine personality. It really transcends to her videos and of course, in this book.

On to the review, I'm giving it 5 stars because of the following reasons:

1. It's very personal. Unlike the other celebrity or influencer books I've read, I believe this is as real as it gets. You can clearly hear Phan's voice narrating all throughout, which makes it more relatable. You know that she's not saying all these things just so you would buy her book. You can feel that every word is from the heart. That's what others usually lacks and Phan already mastered that art naturally. I also like how she went all out and shared her life's story.

2. It's motivating and moving. Every tutorial, advice, or guide makes you want to do it, be a pro, and create your own empire as well. It's really amazing how she's good at her niche and it makes you want to find your passion as well. I do agree with most of the reviews that the main demographic of this book are young adults, but I do believe that anyone can still get a lesson or two from her especially those who are feeling lost, just starting their journey, and those who doesn't have the drive to move forward.

3. The different topics she tackled. I really appreciate how she not just focused on makeup and skincare, but she also talked about manners, jobs & resumes, and the digital self. I think these are crucial for kids nowadays and I believe she was able to use her influence and voice right by writing about it. We are all aware of how millennials are being viewed in this day and age. No matter how we disagree, it's still an honest reality that we have to face. It might not apply to all and I'm definitely not generalizing, but we still have to responsible be with our actions by having the proper manners & etiquette, if we have enough sensitivity to see how we act and how these lead to various results, good or bad, and how we portray ourselves online. Remember that everything we do or say is a reflection of ourselves. It's really helpful and kudos to her for reserving chapters for it.

4. I always look forward to her beauty tips and tutorials. Phan absolutely knows what she's doing and talking about. It's well-researched and that's what makes me trust her advice. I know most of us would feel that "we already know these things. Why is she talking about?" Again, remember the demographic she's talking to. But compare to the rest, it still has comprehensive details and enough to feed your beauty knowledge. Like some, I did have reservations of my own--like how some tutorials are a bit confusing or unachievable, some facts felt that it need to be elaborated more, etc. However, we also have to consider that the medium she is using, which is a written version of most of her videos, is not exactly the best channel to discuss these things. So I think when you read the book, you might also want to check our her videos to know more and to see. Come to think of it, is a good marketing strategy because it goes side by side.

Overall, there will always be a room for improvement and for more stories, like always. But I strongly believe it was a great start for her and I do look forward to watching or reading more of her work.

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

Besties by Solenn Heussaff and Georgina Wilson

(Started: January 01, 2016; Finished: January 02, 2016)

Summary/Description:

"We made this book for anyone who looks at her life and hates it because of what she sees around her - her peers, her environment, the media. This is us telling her, hey, we've been there. We've been dumped. We've had horrible relationships. We've been bullied. We've been humbled. We've had our highs and lows. We go through the normal girl shit. We want you to feel like you've sat down and had coffee with us and gotten to know us better in a real way." (From Tales and Escapades by @Louisechelle)

The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the worlds of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity. Includes issues 6-11 of the series, plus supplementary material. (From Goodreads)

Review: 3 stars

Publication Date: July 01, 2015

Publisher: Image Comics

Source: Bought at Comic Odyssey in FullyBooked

Shelf: Goodreads

What really amazed me with this graphic novel is the art. The illustrations were beautifully done and vibrant. While reading, I found myself staring at each page just to admire everything. But it did not change the fact that I'm still lost in the story. I kept trying to understand what's happening and it felt like I missed a page when I didn't. Maybe it was just me but I think there were mini stories in this volume that they were trying too hard to attach just so they can say it's all connected.

In conclusion, it was a massive roadblock of confusion and I hope the authors will shed light to readers like me because I still believe that there's more to it than the art. I still think that the story can be as wonderful and colorful as all the illustrations.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

Bad Magic by Pseudonymous Bosch

(Started: September 03, 2016; Finished: October 16, 2016)

Summary/Description:

A magical new series from Pseudonymous Bosch, the bestselling author of the Secret Series.

Magic is BAD.

As in fake. Cheesy. Unreal. At least, that's what Clay, who has seen one magic show too many, thinks.

When words from his journal appear mysteriously on his school wall as graffiti, he never imagines that magic might be to blame. And when the same graffiti lands him at Earth Ranch, a camp for "troubled" kids on a remote volcanic island, magic is the last thing he expects to find there.

But at Earth Ranch, there is one strange surprise after another, until Clay no longer knows what to expect. Is he really talking to a llama? Did he really see a ghost? What is the scary secret hidden in the abandoned library? The only thing he knows for sure is that behind the clouds of vog (volcanic smog), nothing is as it seems. Can he solve the riddle of Earth Ranch before trouble erupts?

Elusive author Pseudonymous Bosch introduces an extraordinary new series that will have you believing in the unbelievable. (From Goodreads)

Review: 4 stars

Publication Date: September 16, 2014

Source: Bought it at National Bookstore

Shelf: Goodreads

It was my first time to read a Pseudonymous Bosch book and I was absolutely excited. I've heard so many things about him that's why I believe that this book was worth the buy.

A brief background on why I made the purchase: my friend and I thought why not try to get "mystery" books for a change. I asked my friend to get me 5 books that she thinks I'd like to read then she needs to wrap it in brown paper bags so that I wouldn't figure out which is which. She just needs to put descriptions so I can base my choices from there. Take note that my friend is not exactly a bookworm. Bottomline is, I got the second book of this series. So I had to get a copy of Bad Magic before I can read the book I picked. It was all too funny when we found out it's the second book.

Anyway, moving on to my review. It was a fun read in general. I like the humor of the author. It was not the usual comic relief-type of writing I experience from reading other authors. Bosch had this sarcastic way of saying things that were not too strong but you'll find it funny. He (I'm assuming he's a he) also tends to argue with himself on the footnotes and it actually added entertainment value to your reading. You'll surely look forward to the facts he shares and his humor as you turn each page.

When it comes to the characters, I like how they all progressed. Their personalities were consistent but you'll just know that, individually, it was also developing and improving. Aside from Clay, there were a lot of interesting characters to look forward to. So better read on.

Plot-wise, the idea was good. I think when it's built properly, it'll definitely be a great read. The audience the book caters to will surely be entertained. I also like how Bosch enveloped the story with mystery and suspense. You know it's simply to tease the imagination of the readers and it's enough to captivate the older audience. For me to not be able to predict the ending was also a plus point. I believe that as a mischievous guy that he is, Bosch intended to mislead us with his words and with his cunning abilities. It was really smartly done. I had some hints but it was never enough for me to figure it out. But it was also a double-edged sword for me as it also meant that the author went through a lot of effort in disguising this ploy that it took me a while to land in the main story. There was a time that I felt disconnected and it felt draggy. There were too many vague things happening that I also had a hard time finishing the book at a quicker pace which I also did not expect.

As for the ending, I think the energy dipped down with it. There was not really a wow factor to it but I appreciate the lessons or value the book was trying to teach us.

Overall, it's still a good read. Pseudonymous Bosch and Lemony Snicket readers will appreciate it as well as those who love middle-age books.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

Think Like A Copywriter by Alastaire Allday

(Started & Finished: July 31, 2016)

Summary/Description:

This isn’t a book about following rules. This is a book about breaking them.

You’ve seen enough copy over the course of your life to know what it looks like. All you need is the analytical framework to start putting your own words together.

By thinking like a copywriter, you will learn to approach the task from a problem solving perspective — instead of following someone else’s method, you will develop an approach and style of your own.

In nine short chapters, I cover everything from inspiration, research, and tone of voice to writing copy for the web, for advertisements, and even how to make effective emotive appeals when writing B2B. You’ll also learn about structure, editing, and how to integrate copy with design.

Featuring seventeen practical exercises to be completed as you work, this book isn’t about memorising tips or tricks, or learning how to write in a certain style — it’s about giving you the ability to find your own voice and start writing unique copy that works for you. (From Goodreads)

Review: 3 stars

Publication Date: October 28, 2012

Shelf: Goodreads

As I am embarking on a new journey towards the copywriting world, I can't help but think if I am already prepared for this. Clearly, I need help and more tips on how to write better. Good thing, I discovered this book through our Grammar Workshop. I was told to read the first chapter and to review it. But I decided to finish the 128-page book and it did open my eyes to some points that I need to work on.

From the first few pages, I already gathered a few lessons to help me get by. It tackled the very basic but correct way of good writing to the more complicated ones--like writing for the web, which I will be doing soon enough. It did make me realize that I somehow end up taking the more cliche road of writing when I feel burnt out, tired, and out of ideas. I take the easy way out because it's easier to just say what you usually hear from ads rather than bending a few rules and challenging the norm. Bottomline is it really hit me hard.

I like how this book was straightforward and has that "what you see/read is what you get" feel to it. It promised to deliver enough juice for you to fuel your mind without using overwhelming words just to sound "smart." I also appreciate the exercise portion after each chapter. It encourages the reader to participate and to engage in the lessons. The reader will experience first hand what the author is talking about. I wish I had the time to explore these but maybe in my free time.

There was also that sarcastic wit that was obvious but not too imposing. I also sort of feel motivated after reading it. I can't say that it was truly inspiring or not but it did have an effect on me.

I'm glad to have learned new things that can help me in my field. I believe that this book is a good start or intro for beginners.

I recommend it for all aspiring writers, bloggers, digital marketers, and all those who lives a creative life.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, Clayton Cowles

(Started: January 01, 2016; Finished: January 02, 2016)

Summary/Description:

Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critical tongue-attractors like Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to create a world where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever. Collects THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #1-5. (From Goodreads)

Review: 4 stars

Publication Date: November 12, 2014

Publisher: Image Comics

Source: Bought at Comic Odyssey in Fullybooked

Shelf: Goodreads

I remember visiting Comic Odyssey in Alabang Town Center and one of the staff recommended this series to me. So I ended up buying the first volume. I love mythology and I guess that's what drew me to read this graphic novel. As I turned the first page, I was really impressed by its art. Every page shines through because of it. It was too beautiful and hypnotizing, I swear.

Plot-wise, I feel like I was lost and I had a hard time connecting to the story. Perhaps, it's because of the slow characterization and there was no proper introduction. It just started and I had no background of what was happening. It felt confusing after a while but I'm giving it a chance because it might be elaborated in the next volume. I could see it as a teaser of a bigger story or picture. It was also different from what I expected. I thought it would be about the typical, traditional gods and how they are as immortals. But for now, I will leave it as something beyond that in which I still don't understand.

Overall, I will give this 3 stars because I want to still give it a try and the art was just too wonderful for words. I think, that was its saving glory.