The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Genre: Self-Help
Year Published: 2012 

Have you ever wondered how much of our day-to-day actions are habits, not decisions? The Power of Habit is an instructive publication divided into three essential sections. Firstly, the writer tackles how habits work, this allows readers to understand how their daily habits are formed. The second segment sheds light on how organization and businesses have used their knowledge of human habits to attain success. Finally, the last portion of the book dives into how habits are reflected in society. 

The book goes into detail on how the brain forms habits. To allow the information to better resonate with the readers, it shares numerous personal stories and scientific experiments of real people. Through the use of numerous credible studies, the book is structured in a way that makes the readers feel like they can change their life around in a way that is not overwhelming. The information is simplified so anyone who reads it can start taking charge of their habits to live the life they’ve always wanted. 

Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn
Genre: Contemporary Literary Fiction
Year Published: 2020 

Almond is a riveting coming-of-age, fictional light read that tells the story of Yunjae, who was born with alexithymia, a neuropsychological phenomenon. This causes him to struggle with identifying emotions, which in turn, leads him to being the laughingstock of everyone who knows him; an apathetic monster with seemingly no regard for those around him. With everyone else dismissing him, Yunjae only has the unconditional love and dedication of his mother and grandmother, but all goes awry one fateful day when a precipitous act of violence leaves Yunjae alone. Yunjae, at a loss on what to do and how to cope now that he was without his loved ones teaching him how to feel, makes an unlikely friendship with another troubled student named Gon, Yunjae's antithesis. As Yunjae continues to grow, he would have to go against everything he knows so as to not lose another loved one. 

Despite its 272 pages, this novel is an ideal choice to help break out of a reading slump. However, do not let its simplistic nature fool you, for every ink etched into Almond’s pages carries the weight of a mother who wonders what it is like to love a child who may be different from her expectations; one who acknowledges the importance of love in everyone’s lives, regardless of who they are, and how it is love that makes one human. No matter how short each chapter of Almond may be, be it one page or two, every end of it leaves you wanting to turn to the next page, and then the next, and the next, until finally, you are bawling your eyes out at the epilogue. Never has a novel so perfectly encapsulated the essence of adolescence; the struggle of growing up seemingly alone and without direction. Almond’s descriptive writing paints images in the mind and tethers the heart to that of the characters, allowing the words to be more than just that. 

False Nostalgia: The Marcos “Golden Age” Myths and How to Debunk Them by JC Punongbayan
Genre: Filipiniana
Year Published: 2023 

In False Nostalgia, Punongbayan explores the events during the controversial Martial Law era under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., shedding light on the misconceptions of events during those times. He evaluates certain positive statements made about Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Martial Law, and the Marcos family and debunks any falsehoods through scholarly and recorded evidence. 

False Nostalgia is an effective primer for those looking to understand Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial regime and what exactly happened to the Philippines then. With its premise to counter the historical distortion surrounding the Marcos family that has plagued online political discourse in the Philippines, Punongbayan gets the facts straight: he says what exactly happened and what did not and captivatingly expounds on it through clear, concise, and powerful statements. False Nostalgia is perfect for HUMSS students and history buffs, exploring what is arguably the biggest turning point in post-independence Philippine history, all while still being an easy and engaging read.

On Earth, We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Genre: Epistolary Novel
Year Published: 2019 

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous tells the heart-wrenching story of a Vietnamese-American man, only referred to as Little Dog, through the reflective letters that he writes to a mother who cannot read. As the letters go on, Little Dog further observes the numerous complexities of his life; his strained relationship with his mother, his tender yet fragile romance, and his complicated connection to his cultural identity and Vietnamese heritage. Through the lenses of both an enduring boy and a reminiscent adult, Little Dog creates an intimate exploration of the intersections between race, class, trauma, sexuality, and what it means to find redemption in the past.

In essence, the entirety of this novel has already been described by its own title; undeniably gorgeous. With poetic prose, a non-linear storyline, and imaginative metaphors used to emphasize its themes, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous has all the elements needed to make itself seem like an intimidating read. Yet, Little Dog’s journey down memory lane is unbelievably captivating and easy to follow; an ode to Vuong’s masterful and carefully-crafted writing. The story is a devastating read with various sensitive topics integrated deep within the plot, but it would be a disservice to not similarly highlight the fundamental themes of love and acceptance which are unveiled through memory and recollection. Ultimately, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a novel that is guaranteed to turn your heart inside out and flip your entire world upside down; and for any potential readers who think that this is right up their alley – go give it a read. 

Circe by Madeline Miller
Genre: Fantasy Novel
Year Published: 2018 

Everlasting loneliness was a daily challenge for immortal Circe, a lower goddess. Facing the wrath and torment of her divine family, the ignorance and neglect of the Gods, the greed of man, and the loss of all those who she loves. Her transformation from a young nymph who sought the approval from those she yearned for to a skillful witch and sorceress is an exposition of power, love, independence, and motherhood. Exiled for using witchcraft, she learns to survive and thrive on an island she can call her own.   It is not merely a love story or a story of tragedy. It is the raw and most intimate story of Circe, the Witch of Aiaia. 

If you are a fan of Greek mythology and enjoy diving into the world of the Olympians, monsters, and epic quests, this book will be your next escapade! Despite being a minor character in Homer’s Odyssey, Madeline Miller intimately captures your heart through Circe’s relatability and enkindling display of emotions. It is a powerful retelling, a perfect mixture of myth and reality, that demonstrates feminist ideals, empowering growth and independence. Overall, it is a story of a woman’s survival in a world that caters to men and the gods. A perfect read for those who seek a slow burn and empowering voyage.

ABNKKBSNPLAko?!  (Aba, nakakabasa na pala ako?!) by Bob Ong
Genre: Comedy
Year Published: 2001

Where Bob Ong's Autobiography meets themes of comedy and humor, his story, "Aba, nakakabasa na pala ako?!" showcases the successes and challenges he has faced. Through his lens of the student perspective as early as elementary school, readers see his development in both character and mind. 

ABNKKBSNPLAko?!, the autobiography by Bob Ong, intertwines life, its lessons, and humor. From early elementary school days to the challenges of late college life, the book has it all. It dives into serious, realistic topics while incorporating comedic themes and situations that students can easily relate to. Additionally, readers witness the gradual growth of Bob Ong as he reflects on his journey, showcasing his character development along the way.

Axel Jay Lucio

Layout Editor

GRADE 9 STUDENT

Other Organizations: LIFE, Adeodatus