Because it's Valentine's Day, I am recommending these ten novellas for those who wish to read contemporary romance. In no particular order, these novellas are good reads as it brings the "kilig" and "ohlala" moments. All for light and easy reading but each book has a way of making you feel that all is right in the world because, at the end of the day, all you really need is love.
Big Rock by Lauren Blakely - Why it can be good to fall in love with your best friend.
Bound: The Mastered Series by Lorelei James - Where the thin line between art and pornography is drawn in exquisite details.
Unwound: The Mastered Series by Lorelei James - A follow up novella of Bound, Ronin and Amery, come to terms with broken promises, a deeper level of intimacy and that every relationship has compromises. Reading about shibari is interesting too.
Corporate Husband by Beverly Farr - Love slowly grows. Like art, it is not rushed. Hail to the guy who knows how to give a wounded woman her space and a time to heal.
Let Me Be the One by Lily Foster - Love makes us better people. Darcy showed Tom how and it took him a lot of humble pie to eat up and swallow.
Our Now and Forever by Terri Osburn - If you want a fairy tale kinda love story, this one is for you. Caleb never gave up on Snow because, really, a guy would know if a girl is worth fighting for.
One Night With A Stranger by Linda Steinberg - What if a one night stand turns into something that is an always? Lisa took a risk and Matt knew how to treasure her in return.
His First and Last by Terri Osburn - First love never dies.
Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey - HOT! HOT! HOT!
Romance Books 1-4: The Other Man; Torn; True Love; New Beginnings by Nancy Adams - John and Tina's marriage is on the rocks. Tina fumbles. But John, oh dear. How he loved Tina. Here's to second chances!
In all ten novellas, I can say that the men are all in love with strong women who, flawed as they are, are confident to speak their minds and make decisions of their own choosing. Of course, this is romance and the love teams in each novella are all convincing enough to root for.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Friday, February 13, 2015
Books on Love: 50 Shades of Grey
On the eve of Valentine's Day, I think about love, of course, and the romance books I have read over the past couple of years. I have an initial list to post in the blog and it is quite a long one. I will save it all for tomorrow, but for now, here are some thoughts I have on 50 Shades of Grey by EL James, a very controversial book, that has a movie adaptation. Apparently, the movie is opening in cinemas today in Manila.
Critics heavily bashed the book as a poorly written piece. When we hear or come across such reviews, we immediately think of the effective use of grammar and language by the author. This is true since grammar, when used properly moves the reader to a better understanding of the story or the literature being read. In the grammar and langauge department, 50 Shades of Grey fall short of many a critics standards. But grammar mistakes and lapses abound in many novels. Grammarly has created an infographic that illustrates this argument.
At the end of the infographic, readers are asked to give 50 Shades of Grey a break. In this case, I will give it a break too for the reason that the book was written as an online fanfiction. In that realm, stories do not go through an editing and revision process. If readers like it, then commercial demand for it to be printed out as a book surfaces. A publishing house who is out there to cash in some earnings will capitalize on this demand. Fanfiction and the writing of online stories have changed the book publishing game.
And, there is the sex. It sells.
Now for my own humble opinion on the book. Is it poorly written? My answer is yes. The characters are underdeveloped; the plot is disjointed; the concept of love is misconstrued; there is no sound exploration of the psychological bases of one's desire for power manifested in sex and lust. There is a better way of using the Cinderella archetype as well as the naive-ingenue falling for the experienced rich and handsome guy trope.
What do I recommend as a well written romance and contemporary romance-erotic novel then? Visit the blog tomorrow for my list! For now, go back to the infographic and review, relearn and rethink a thing or two on correct use of grammar. That's what I will doing too.
Critics heavily bashed the book as a poorly written piece. When we hear or come across such reviews, we immediately think of the effective use of grammar and language by the author. This is true since grammar, when used properly moves the reader to a better understanding of the story or the literature being read. In the grammar and langauge department, 50 Shades of Grey fall short of many a critics standards. But grammar mistakes and lapses abound in many novels. Grammarly has created an infographic that illustrates this argument.
At the end of the infographic, readers are asked to give 50 Shades of Grey a break. In this case, I will give it a break too for the reason that the book was written as an online fanfiction. In that realm, stories do not go through an editing and revision process. If readers like it, then commercial demand for it to be printed out as a book surfaces. A publishing house who is out there to cash in some earnings will capitalize on this demand. Fanfiction and the writing of online stories have changed the book publishing game.
And, there is the sex. It sells.
Now for my own humble opinion on the book. Is it poorly written? My answer is yes. The characters are underdeveloped; the plot is disjointed; the concept of love is misconstrued; there is no sound exploration of the psychological bases of one's desire for power manifested in sex and lust. There is a better way of using the Cinderella archetype as well as the naive-ingenue falling for the experienced rich and handsome guy trope.
What do I recommend as a well written romance and contemporary romance-erotic novel then? Visit the blog tomorrow for my list! For now, go back to the infographic and review, relearn and rethink a thing or two on correct use of grammar. That's what I will doing too.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Filipino Librarians: Profs. Igor Cabbab & Iyra Buenrostro
It's Valentine's Day and the blog is so lucky to have this interview on one of the few "hot" but "wholesome" couples in Philippine Librarianship today. Outgoing Dean of UP SLIS Dean Igor Cabbab, and better half, Prof. Iyra Buenrostro answer three relevant questions on Philippine LIS education. The fourth question is very common and recalls to memory of high school slam book moments. But the last is definitely the most revealing of their dynamics as a couple.
Indeed, to quote a line from Fixer Upper (Frozen, 2013) love is a force that's powerful and strange!
a. What is the most pressing issue in LIS education today and why do you think it is so?
She said:
Curricular offerings that will meet the current demands of the industry. Though, there are already initiatives to align and standardize the courses offered in different library schools, and I think it's a good start. In relation to the curricular offerings, is of course, the need to have and offer graduate and post-graduate degrees in LIS. The UP SLIS (ILS then) has been offering LS subjects in the graduate level since 1952 and MLS in 1962, but until now we still don't have a PhD program in LIS. Obviously, we need to do something about it.
He said:
Current hiring / staff movement requirements based on global and local standards dictate that qualifications related to higher level administrative positions in LIS-related institutions (libraries, information centers, library schools, etc.) include the possession of post-baccalaureate degrees (MLIS and PhDs). MLIS is not a problem at the moment. PhD is a problem. In order for LIS Higher Education institutions to be able to address the offering of PhD in LIS they should have the faculty complement to back the degree offering. Sadly, only a few have PhDs in LIS / LS / Information in the country. This puts pressure on the academic personnel, it means that they should pursue the degrees first themselves.
b. How are LIS students different and the same from five years ago or from when you started teaching?
She said:
I started teaching in 2006, I was only 22 then. I think that's one of the big differences. They respect me more now (I hope) because I'm older. Haha! But seriously, kids (yeah kids) nowadays, are more dependent (on technology, etc.) yet trying to be (or appear) independent. I also think that they are more creative and matapang.
He said:
Pasaway pa rin mga students kahit anong dekada. XD One difference I noticed is that they are more technology-savvy. So instead of asking them to drop their pens and listen to me first, I now have to ask them to close their laptops and focus on the professor in front.
c. What is the teaching tool or gadget you can't live without?
She said:
I have two (Aside from my Gift of Gab. LOL). My laptop and white board marker.
He said:
My laptop, my flash drive, my dropbox, my facebook account and a couple of government-issued, quickly fading, lowest bidder white board markers.
d. Define love.
She said:
Ask my husband.
He said:
a. Two vowels, two consonants, two fools...
b. It means nothing to a tennis player...
c. Evol spelled backwards....
d. Back massages after a tiring day...
e. Still buying that Hello Kitty stuffed toy for Mami one day in 2010 even if it meant not having money for gas and lunch the next day. XD
About us
Prof. Iyra S. Buenrostro (BLIS 2005, cl; MLIS 2010, specialization in Archival Studies) is a full time faculty member of the UP School of Library and Information Studies since 2006 and she teaches courses on Library and Information Science, Records Management and Archives Administration. Before joining the academe, she was an Assistant Metadata Specialist in a Manila-based outsourcing firm that delivers digital archives services to different companies in the Middle East. At present, she is always invited by different professional library associations, schools and universities, and private organizations to talk about basic records management, core functions of archiving and archival training and education in the Philippines.
(Fashion peg: Zooey Deschanel and Anne Curtis. Has a lot of shoes and bags. Current obsessions: watches and lipsticks.)
Prof. Johann Frederick A. Cabbab (BLS 1994; MLS 1999, specialization in Information Systems and Literature for Children and Young Adults) is a full time faculty member and outgoing Dean of the UP School of Library and Information Studies. He was managing editor, writer and graphic artist for several children and young adult publications prior to rejoining the academe in 2007. He is actively involved in records digitization programs, most recent of which are for the University.
(Wants to get bigger, as in Brock Lesnar big. Skilltoy and weapon enthusiast: yoyo, spintop, diabolo, poi, firepoi, nunchucks, firechucks, balisong. Loves photography and russian m42 lenses.)
They blog at http://mamidadi.net and wreck havoc on Facebook most of the time.
Indeed, to quote a line from Fixer Upper (Frozen, 2013) love is a force that's powerful and strange!
She said:
Curricular offerings that will meet the current demands of the industry. Though, there are already initiatives to align and standardize the courses offered in different library schools, and I think it's a good start. In relation to the curricular offerings, is of course, the need to have and offer graduate and post-graduate degrees in LIS. The UP SLIS (ILS then) has been offering LS subjects in the graduate level since 1952 and MLS in 1962, but until now we still don't have a PhD program in LIS. Obviously, we need to do something about it.
He said:
Current hiring / staff movement requirements based on global and local standards dictate that qualifications related to higher level administrative positions in LIS-related institutions (libraries, information centers, library schools, etc.) include the possession of post-baccalaureate degrees (MLIS and PhDs). MLIS is not a problem at the moment. PhD is a problem. In order for LIS Higher Education institutions to be able to address the offering of PhD in LIS they should have the faculty complement to back the degree offering. Sadly, only a few have PhDs in LIS / LS / Information in the country. This puts pressure on the academic personnel, it means that they should pursue the degrees first themselves.
b. How are LIS students different and the same from five years ago or from when you started teaching?
She said:
I started teaching in 2006, I was only 22 then. I think that's one of the big differences. They respect me more now (I hope) because I'm older. Haha! But seriously, kids (yeah kids) nowadays, are more dependent (on technology, etc.) yet trying to be (or appear) independent. I also think that they are more creative and matapang.
He said:
Pasaway pa rin mga students kahit anong dekada. XD One difference I noticed is that they are more technology-savvy. So instead of asking them to drop their pens and listen to me first, I now have to ask them to close their laptops and focus on the professor in front.
c. What is the teaching tool or gadget you can't live without?
She said:
I have two (Aside from my Gift of Gab. LOL). My laptop and white board marker.
He said:
My laptop, my flash drive, my dropbox, my facebook account and a couple of government-issued, quickly fading, lowest bidder white board markers.
d. Define love.
She said:
Ask my husband.
He said:
a. Two vowels, two consonants, two fools...
b. It means nothing to a tennis player...
c. Evol spelled backwards....
d. Back massages after a tiring day...
e. Still buying that Hello Kitty stuffed toy for Mami one day in 2010 even if it meant not having money for gas and lunch the next day. XD
About us
Prof. Iyra S. Buenrostro (BLIS 2005, cl; MLIS 2010, specialization in Archival Studies) is a full time faculty member of the UP School of Library and Information Studies since 2006 and she teaches courses on Library and Information Science, Records Management and Archives Administration. Before joining the academe, she was an Assistant Metadata Specialist in a Manila-based outsourcing firm that delivers digital archives services to different companies in the Middle East. At present, she is always invited by different professional library associations, schools and universities, and private organizations to talk about basic records management, core functions of archiving and archival training and education in the Philippines.
(Fashion peg: Zooey Deschanel and Anne Curtis. Has a lot of shoes and bags. Current obsessions: watches and lipsticks.)
Prof. Johann Frederick A. Cabbab (BLS 1994; MLS 1999, specialization in Information Systems and Literature for Children and Young Adults) is a full time faculty member and outgoing Dean of the UP School of Library and Information Studies. He was managing editor, writer and graphic artist for several children and young adult publications prior to rejoining the academe in 2007. He is actively involved in records digitization programs, most recent of which are for the University.
(Wants to get bigger, as in Brock Lesnar big. Skilltoy and weapon enthusiast: yoyo, spintop, diabolo, poi, firepoi, nunchucks, firechucks, balisong. Loves photography and russian m42 lenses.)
They blog at http://mamidadi.net and wreck havoc on Facebook most of the time.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love a Librarian: This is NOT Acrostic (aka Hindi Ako Beauty Queen)
It's Valentines Day. To celebrate this day of love, the blog will feature five librarians who answered my call to share their feelings and passion towards the LIS (Library and Information Science) profession. In an email I sent two weeks ago to more than fourteen LIS professionals, only five found the courage to write and express their inner most feelings and openly share it to the public.
It's an interesting revelation how strong and ardent their feelings are towards the practice of LIS; how one librarian could make a great influence to another person; how, in practicing LIS, one has found meaning in life. Beginning today and the next four more, readers of the blog will be treated to essays, reflections and yes, poetry by librarians on one of their many loves -- being a librarian and loving it.
Dean Igor Cabbab of the University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Studies has cut first blood. Here he shares a poem written in Filipino on staying on in the LIS profession, and how, for many years, he has wandered away only to find himself drawn back again. Love is lovelier the second time around, indeed!
10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Igor Cabbab is (or once was) a guitarist, a drummer, a singer, a rapper, a martial artist, a skill toy and yoyo professional, a fire-breather, an ethnic woven-cloth painter (weird, I know, I painted paisley patterns on cloth for export), a poet, a writer, an editor, a comic book professional, an events photographer, a theater tech director, a graphic artist, a website designer, and many more. For some unknown reason he's also a college professor and the Dean of the UP School of Library and Information Science (UP SLIS, celebrating its 50th year, *uber-shameless plug*)
This is NOT Acrostic
(aka Hindi Ako Beauty Queen)
by Igor Cabbab
Kumakahol ang tuta
Ng kapit-bahay ngayong gabi
Nakakainis na nakaka-awa
Baka naje-jebs o nawi-wiwi
Ilang pagkakataon, Ilang ulit
Ilang beses inisip
Kung bakit umalis
At kung bakit bumalik
Ewan ko ba
Kung ano ang dahilan
Ilang beses ko na nga ba
Ito pinag-isipan
Institusyon ba
O mga tao?
Mga Istudyante?
Mga katrabaho?
Klase, computer
Istudyanteng umiiyak
Thesis, test paper
Pedicab na di-padyak
Lecture dito, seminar doon
Hands-on na madugo
Workshop sa kung saan
"...and Beyond..." patungo
Sandamukal na libro
Alikabok ang nasisinghot
Pasaway na istudyante
Rason ba kung ba't ako'y nakasimangot?
Ewan... (Dunno...)
Basta... (Just Because...)
Nandito lang ako... (I'm here... To stay...)
^_^
-30-
It's an interesting revelation how strong and ardent their feelings are towards the practice of LIS; how one librarian could make a great influence to another person; how, in practicing LIS, one has found meaning in life. Beginning today and the next four more, readers of the blog will be treated to essays, reflections and yes, poetry by librarians on one of their many loves -- being a librarian and loving it.
Dean Igor Cabbab of the University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Studies has cut first blood. Here he shares a poem written in Filipino on staying on in the LIS profession, and how, for many years, he has wandered away only to find himself drawn back again. Love is lovelier the second time around, indeed!
This is NOT Acrostic
(aka Hindi Ako Beauty Queen)
by Igor Cabbab
Kumakahol ang tuta
Ng kapit-bahay ngayong gabi
Nakakainis na nakaka-awa
Baka naje-jebs o nawi-wiwi
Ilang pagkakataon, Ilang ulit
Ilang beses inisip
Kung bakit umalis
At kung bakit bumalik
Ewan ko ba
Kung ano ang dahilan
Ilang beses ko na nga ba
Ito pinag-isipan
Institusyon ba
O mga tao?
Mga Istudyante?
Mga katrabaho?
Klase, computer
Istudyanteng umiiyak
Thesis, test paper
Pedicab na di-padyak
Lecture dito, seminar doon
Hands-on na madugo
Workshop sa kung saan
"...and Beyond..." patungo
Sandamukal na libro
Alikabok ang nasisinghot
Pasaway na istudyante
Rason ba kung ba't ako'y nakasimangot?
Ewan... (Dunno...)
Basta... (Just Because...)
Nandito lang ako... (I'm here... To stay...)
^_^
-30-
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