The Hobbit: Sharing the Magic of Middle-earth

Ever since I closed the last page of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, I have been longing to return to Middle-earth with my kids. We’re currently on a new adventure with The Fellowship of the Ring, the first part of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I know how the story ends, of course, because I read Tolkien’s masterpieces years ago. But I reread them for my sons, who are discovering this world for the first time. It feels different when you’re reading with kids as curious as my boys than reading the book alone. They ask me questions, make predictions, and share their opinions. We talk about it every night before they drift off to sleep. I see their frustrated reactions when there’s a cliffhanger, but then I have to stop because they have school the next day. Yep, instead of children’s books, I read them my favorite novels because I want them to experience the magic, the wonder, and the emotions I had while reading them. And we get to talk more about it while dining together or while driving around. It’s fun and it’s a precious bond that we share while they’re still young and eager for my attention.

Actually, we have a special treat planned once we finish the entire Lord of the Rings books. We are going to visit Hobbiton, the real-life movie set of the Shire. They are so excited, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to finish the whole series this year. It’s because I’ve been swamped with work lately and they just started another school year. But we’ll try to finish the books as soon as possible because we can’t wait to see the hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree.

Hobbiton and Beyond

J.R.R. Tolkien’s timeless fantasy masterpiece, “The Hobbit,” made its debut in 1937, enchanting readers with the captivating tale of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit contentedly ensconced in the comforts of his hobbit-hole, Bag End. However, his tranquil existence is abruptly disrupted when Gandalf, a wizard of enigmatic allure, arrives accompanied by a band of thirteen dwarves. They extend to Bilbo an invitation that propels him into an unexpected journey: to aid them in reclaiming their lost treasure from the clutches of the formidable dragon, Smaug. Despite his initial reluctance, Bilbo embarks on an adventure that will irrevocably transform his life.

Exploring The Great Gatsby: A Gamer’s Journey into Literature

Reflecting on my initial encounter with The Great Gatsby, it takes me back to around 2013 or 2014. At that time, I stumbled upon a game app with the same title that I installed on my iPad—it happened to be a hidden object game (HOG). Admittedly, I had a penchant for hidden object adventure games during that period, and the detective-like gameplay drew me in. The experience of immersing myself in the game was not only relaxing and intriguing, but its intensity also captivated me, leaving me curious about the underlying story.

Upon successfully navigating the game and satisfying my detective instincts, I felt compelled to delve deeper into the narrative. Consequently, I opted to explore the story by reading an e-book copy of the novel. This transition from interactive gaming to literary immersion underscored the allure and multifaceted nature of The Great Gatsby, enticing me to uncover the nuances of its plot beyond the gaming realm.

F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s timeless masterpiece, “The Great Gatsby,” serves as a poignant portrayal of the Jazz Age in America. The narrative revolves around Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic millionaire residing in a lavish Long Island mansion, and his ill-fated love for Daisy Buchanan, a married woman hailing from an old-money family. Through the perspective of Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor and confidant, the novel unravels the ascent and descent of Gatsby’s dreams, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the societal decadence and corruption prevailing in his milieu.

The novel is replete with symbolism, vivid imagery, and indelible quotes. Among its notable lines are:

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

“I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

“Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!”

“There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.”

“They’re a rotten crowd…You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.”

The central characters in this literary gem include:

Jay Gatsby: The protagonist, who transforms from rags to riches and assumes a glamorous, mysterious persona. Consumed by his love for Daisy, he orchestrates extravagant parties and displays his wealth to win her back. Ultimately, Gatsby is betrayed by Daisy and meets his demise at the hands of her husband’s lover’s spouse.

Daisy Buchanan: The object of Gatsby’s affections, married to Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and arrogant scion. Daisy is beautiful, charming, and superficial, yet discontent with her life. Despite rekindling her romance with Gatsby, she chooses to remain with Tom, leaving Gatsby to face his tragic fate.

Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s husband, a former football star, and a prominent figure in East Egg society. Arrogant, racist, and unfaithful, Tom engages in an extramarital affair with Myrtle Wilson, the wife of a humble garage owner. Suspicious of Gatsby, Tom exposes his illicit sources of income, contributing to Gatsby’s downfall.

Nick Carraway: The novel’s narrator and Gatsby’s neighbor and confidant. A Midwest transplant to New York working as a bond salesman, Nick is characterized by his honesty, tolerance, and curiosity. Despite his disillusionment and cynicism, he remains the sole attendee at Gatsby’s funeral and chronicler of his story.

Jordan Baker: Daisy’s friend, a professional golfer, and a flapper. Attractive, cynical, and dishonest, Jordan is also independent and adventurous. Her brief romance with Nick concludes with their breakup by the novel’s end.

Survival Tactics and Societal Struggles: Unpacking The Hunger Games Narrative

Today, I find myself grappling with the reluctance to write for this blog, yet my mind is a swirling cauldron of thoughts. The dilemma extends to my ongoing contemplation about what to write down for this blog post. A myriad of book titles flits through my mind, each vying for attention, making the decision-making process all the more intricate. Amidst this internal turmoil, the pressing question looms: what should be the subject of today’s book review? It’s a ponderous task, and as I mull over the possibilities, my mind settles on a contender – “The Hunger Games.” This choice is particularly fueled by the fact that I missed the spinoff movie, ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,’ during its theatrical run last year.

Reflecting on the missed cinematic experience, I’m reminded of the initial plan to watch the movie with my closest friends, Macel and Era. However, the geographical separation, with me in Aotearoa and them in the Philippines, foiled our collective movie date. The shared anticipation and excitement were replaced by a palpable void, leaving me with a desire to immerse myself once again in the world of The Hunger Games through the written word.

In my possession, I have a cherished set of The Hunger Games books in paperback, a collection that has accompanied me through multiple readings. Despite bringing a substantial number of books from the Philippines to my current abode, a decision was made to entrust The Hunger Games book set to a close friend. Her affinity for reading and her status as a fellow devotee of The Hunger Games movies made her the ideal custodian of this treasured collection. While I yearned to transport my entire library across continents, practical constraints dictated otherwise. Consequently, only the most elusive and sentimentally significant volumes found a place in my luggage, as I harbored hopes of replenishing my literary cache with fresh acquisitions in my newfound home.

Suzanne Collins, the mastermind behind The Hunger Games trilogy, succeeded in ensnaring my imagination with the nuanced character development of Katniss Everdeen and the gripping progression of the narrative. The reading experience transcended the mere perusal of pages; it felt akin to engaging in a role-playing game, albeit one unfolding within the confines of a book rather than on a gaming console or mobile device. Like many literary journeys, this one was not without its share of emotional turbulence, with certain moments etching themselves into the fabric of my memory.

One such poignant moment was the death of Rue, a character whose demise struck a chord deep within me. The emotional impact was so profound that I withdrew from the world, retreating into the solitude of my room for an entire day. The profound sense of loss and the desperate hope for an improbable survival lingered, a testament to the narrative prowess of Collins. The stark realization that this was a battle royale, a brutal contest where survival is a fleeting luxury, did little to assuage the grief.

The allure of The Hunger Games lies not only in its intricate plot twists and heart-wrenching moments but also in its exploration of societal issues and the resilience of the human spirit. Katniss Everdeen, the reluctant protagonist thrust into the brutal arena, becomes a symbol of resistance and defiance against a dystopian regime. The layers of political intrigue and social commentary woven into the narrative elevate The Hunger Games beyond a mere tale of survival; it becomes a reflection of our own societal struggles and the indomitable spirit that can arise in the face of adversity.

A Thoughtful Reflection on ‘Zoya’ by Danielle Steel

The remnants of the holiday season continue to cast a shadow, and I find myself grappling with the post-celebration slump. Admittedly, the fatigue stems from the whirlwind of activities and festive revelries that define the Filipino way of celebrating Christmas and New Year. It’s a unique tradition where, despite financial constraints, we manage to infuse these occasions with special meaning, transcending borders and celebrating wherever we may find ourselves in the world.

The aftermath of these spirited festivities left me drained, to the extent that I couldn’t summon the energy to open my laptop and engage in the usual writing and blogging routine. However, amidst the holiday exhaustion, there was a silver lining—I finally completed the long-overdue book that had been beckoning me since the dawn of 2023. While I typically steer clear of television and movies, I decided to temporarily divert from reading and indulged in the live-action adaptation of a cherished classic anime, Yu Yu Hakusho, available on Netflix. Post-viewing, I plan to delve into another novel, maintaining a delicate balance between literary escapades and screen entertainment.

This morning, in the wake of contemplation, I found inspiration to delve into the realm of Danielle Steel‘s novels once more. One particular gem that has resonated with me over the years is “Zoya.” My admiration for Steel’s work dates back to my college days, and among her repertoire, my favorites include “Kaleidoscope,” “Message From Nam,” and the aforementioned “Zoya.” I vividly remember stumbling upon copies of these novels in a thrift bookstore in the Philippines, an encounter that led me to gift them to a like-minded friend in college who shared my passion for reading.

Back then, I yearned for someone to discuss these novels with, to share my musings and feelings about the intricate plots and captivating characters. Without a blog at my disposal, the lack of an outlet made the internet a welcome blessing for an introvert like me. It provided a platform to articulate my enthusiasm and connect with others who harbored a similar love for the written word. The struggle to find kindred spirits in my immediate surroundings who could comprehend my fervor for stories, characters, and literary theories has been a persistent challenge.

In essence, the post-holiday reflection serves not only as a time to recuperate but also as an opportunity to rediscover the joy of reading and share the intricacies of beloved novels, such as the timeless and captivating works of Danielle Steel. The internet, with its expansive reach and interconnected communities, continues to be a haven for introverts like me, fostering connections and discussions about shared passions that may have otherwise remained unspoken.

Rediscovering Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

My journey into the magical realm of Harry Potter began in 2001 when, oblivious to the wizarding world, I found myself in a movie theater with my best friend Macel and her ex-boyfriend. Yes, I was the perennial third wheel, but the allure of free tickets and snacks overcame any reservations. Little did I know that this outing would spark a fanaticism that would last for years to come. I embraced the wizarding universe, accumulating merchandise and even securing an autograph picture from the series’ main lead, Daniel Radcliffe. A book purchase was part of the haul, though it remained unread for years. Fast forward to 2020, amid a global pandemic and with a family of my own, I decided it was finally time to explore the literary world of Harry Potter.

Having already witnessed the magical saga unfold on the silver screen, I approached J.K. Rowling‘s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” with a sense of familiarity. The decision to read the book aloud to my two sons during the pandemic lockdown turned out to be one of the best choices I made. Rowling’s storytelling prowess immediately captured their imaginations, transforming our mundane living room into a portal to Hogwarts. The magical and non-magical characters, along with the fantastical creatures, became cherished companions in our daily lives.

The narrative revolves around Harry Potter, an unsuspecting eleven-year-old who discovers his wizarding heritage on his birthday. The story unfolds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, forming the iconic trio. Together, they navigate the challenges of school life, magical lessons, and the looming threat of the dark wizard Voldemort, who had orphaned Harry in infancy.

Rowling’s brilliance lies in her ability to create a rich and intricate magical world that feels both fantastical and tangible. From the bustling Diagon Alley to the enchanted halls of Hogwarts, every detail is meticulously crafted. The characters, from the lovable trio to the quirky professors and the malevolent villains, are brought to life with depth and authenticity.

A Tale Across Lifetimes: To The Sky Kingdom by Tang Qi Gong Zi

I found myself utterly captivated by a Chinese drama I watched, though I’m not entirely sure if it qualifies as recent, given that I viewed it about two years ago, if memory serves me right. The drama in question is “Eternal Love,” featuring Chinese superstars Yang Mi and Mark Chao. Typically not a fan of lengthy dramas, especially those with 16 or more episodes, as I tend to lose interest, this time was different—I managed to finish it in a mere 2-3 days.

The storyline drew me in, and after stumbling upon a comment inquiring about the novel that inspired the drama, I promptly conducted a search. To my delight, I discovered that the novel was titled “To The Sky Kingdom” by Tang Qi Gong Zi. My quest for a physical copy proved successful, and I even acquired a photobook of the series, serving both as a memento and a collector’s item.

Now, delving into the realm of Chinese fantasy literature, “Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms” by Tang Qi Gong Zi, or “To The Sky Kingdom”, unfolds as a captivating narrative transcending the confines of time. The translation into English by Poppy Toland reveals a meticulously crafted world of celestial realms and mythical landscapes.