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GRAPHIC NOVEL

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

Deya Muniz is a rising writer who independently wrote and illustrated the novel that had just recently been published in May 2023. It is a story about Lady Camembert who contravenes traditional norms and disguises herself as Count Camembert in order to escape the restrictions of a patriarchal society. She finds herself passionately drawn to the vibrant and fashion-forward Princess Brie, whose activism and beauty captivate her heart in the intriguing Kingdom of Fromage. Lady Camembert confronts the enormous challenge of retaining her true identity as their bond strengthens. Will she be able to keep her secret while juggling a budding romance with Princess Brie? Discover the enthralling twists and turns in this compelling story of love, identity, and self-discovery.

MANGA

So Cute It Hurts by Gō Ikeyamada

So Cute It Hurts or known as Kobayashi ga Kawai Sugite Tsurai in Japanese is a manga series written and illustrated by Gō Ikeyamada in 2012-2015. The plot centers around the Kobayashi twins, Mitsuru and Megumu, who seem identical but have quite different personalities. Mitsuru is a rough and tomboyish person, while Megumu is a kind and feminine girl and when they are forced to trade places due to circumstances, chaos arises as they negotiate high school life while claiming to be each other. In the middle of the hilarious misunderstandings and love entanglements that occur, the twins must keep their farce intact without disclosing their truth. The Kobayashi twins go on an amusing and joyful voyage of self-discovery and relationship complications as they meet new friends, rivals, and love interests.

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BLOG

ThirstyThought by Kryz Uy

ThirstyThought is a blog managed and made by Kryz Uy–an influencer who blogs about her life, fashion styles, travel, beauty discoveries, inspirations and interesting chronicles. It began as a school project in 2009, when Kryz wrote about random things she felt would make other people laugh.  In a particularly momentous blog post, Kryz shares an exciting milestone in her life along with her growing family: the journey to their new home, Skypod. With her signature storytelling style, she invites readers to experience the thrill and joy of this significant step in her and her husband's lives. Through ThirstyThought, Kryz Uy invites readers to join her on an inspiring and delightful journey of style, wanderlust, and heartfelt experiences.

TEXT-TALK FICTION

Better than Fiction by Beeyotch

Better than Fiction is a chat-fic novel written by a Filipino Wattpad author–Beeyotch and was published under POP Fiction in 2017. This captivating novel is divided into three distinct parts, each featuring a different storyline that unfolds through a series of text messages and chats. Through the unique format of chat fiction or text-talk fiction, readers are immersed in a dynamic and fast-paced narrative that mirrors contemporary communication styles. Beeyotch's skillful storytelling brings the characters and their stories to life, creating an interactive reading experience that is both entertaining and relatable. "Better than Fiction" offers a refreshing and modern take on storytelling, capturing the essence of digital communication in a way that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

HYPER POETRY

Three Faces, One Intention by Renee Chua

Three Faces, One Intention is written by then 16-year-old Renee Chua, a Chinese-Filipino poet who was eager to discover more about the Philippines and the opportunities it may offer. Her Hyper poetry was published in August 2016, via her own page at wordpress.com. The poem has three parts, hence the three faces in the title to which implies the poem's primary point to a condemnation of hypocrisy and corruption within specific levels of power. It emphasizes the contrast between the noble ideals associated with serving one's country and the reality of individuals abusing their positions for personal gain and inflicting harm to the community they are supposed to uphold. In order to address and rectify the situation, the poem pleads for justice and a community acknowledgement of these injustices.

CHICK LITERATURE

Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding

Bridget Jones Diary is a 1996 novel written by Helen Fielding who is now a novelist and a screenwriter in London and Los Angeles. The novel is written in the form of a personal diary which chronicles a year in the life of Bridget Jones, a thirty-something single working woman living in London. It tells the story of how Bridget navigates the difficulties of dating, weight loss, and her frequently hectic social life through her funny experiences. The novel is a renowned and timeless piece of contemporary literature because it depicts a modern woman's journey towards self-acceptance and personal progress in a relevant and funny manner. It has a film adaptation which was released in 2001, and the novel won multiple awards.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Emily Henry writes an excellent and poignant novel set over a summer at the beach. Beach Read was published in 2020 and was listed in the Indie Next List for June 2020. The plot revolves around January Andrews, a bestselling romance author who is experiencing a slump in her writing career as a result of a series of personal and professional problems. Augustus Everett, her college nemesis and literary fiction novelist, ends up living next door to her. They go on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and surprising romance after agreeing to switch genres and challenge each other to write something fresh. Despite exploring themes of grief and personal growth, the novel retains a light and entertaining tone, making it an ideal summer read.

References:

About. (2021, August 4). Thirstythought. https://www.kryzuy.com/about/

Better Than Fiction. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=yN5WEAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=twopage&q&f=true

Give It Up. (2021, August 20). Flash Fiction Online. https://www.flashfictiononline.com/article/give-it-up/

Goodreads. (n.d.). Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52867387-beach-read

renee chua - Bing. (n.d.). Bing. https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=41&q=renee+chua&cvid=e857469f4f07421784acdb96188cab8c&aqs=edge..69i57j0l7j69i65.1642j0j1&FORM=ANNTA1&DAF1=1&PC=LCTS

The Baguio We Know. (n.d.). Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7686475-the-baguio-we-know

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich (A Graphic. . .. (n.d.). Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60656848-the-princess-and-the-grilled-cheese-sandwich

Wikipedia contributors. (2022a). Bridget Jones’s Diary (novel). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Jones%27s_Diary_(novel)

Wikipedia contributors. (2022b). So Cute it Hurts!! Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_Cute_it_Hurts!!

Wikipedia contributors. (2023). The Giver. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giver

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EMERGENT LITERATURE

CREATIVE NON-FICTION

The Baguio We Know by Grace Celeste Subido

The Baguio We Know, edited and written by Grace Celeste Subido—an associate professor at the University of the Philippines Baguio, was published in 2009 by Anvil Publishing Inc. This compilation of essays delves into the lives of Baguio's residents, regular tourists, and passionate admirers of the place, who have formed deep connections with this once esteemed city. It portrays Baguio as a place that offers a specific kind of soulful renewal, exceeding the attraction of newer and undoubtedly more compelling tourist spots that have overshadowed its former glory. However, above all, the book uncovers the fact that Baguio is much more than just a servant to tourism, contrary to misconceptions that view tourism as the ultimate savior of the city. The collection's different works offer a glimpse into Baguio's underlying depths, demonstrating a common awareness that defies time and space.

SCIENCE FICTION

The Giver by Lois Lowry

"The Giver" by Lois Lowry is a gripping and thrilling novel written in 1993, which introduces readers to Jonas, a young boy living in a seemingly idyllic society. However, as Jonas embarks on his role as the Receiver of Memory, he unravels the dark truths concealed behind the façade of harmony. Lois Lowry skillfully explores profound themes such as individuality, the power of memory, and the consequences of suppressing emotions. This extraordinary book prompts readers to contemplate the delicate balance between comfort and freedom, while delving into the profound significance of human connection. With its masterful storytelling and deep philosophical insights, "The Giver" stands as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of young adult literature, captivating readers of all ages.

FLASH FICTION

Give It Up by Franz Kafka

Give It Up is written in between the years of 1917-1923, by one of the major fiction writers of the 20th century, Franz Kafka, who also wrote the famous story “The Metamorphosis” (1915). The story begins with a clue that the wanderer has lost his path. It portrays a vision of society that only Kafka can do so meticulously. The police officer in the story portrays the mainstream society that has taken over the society as a whole. The lost man, on the other hand, represents a person who has taken an entirely separate path in their life. When the illusion of a perfect society disappears, life becomes a dark and terrible place.