May Wrap-up and June TBR

I feel like everything in the past month just flew by. It’s already the third day of June which means I have exactly 37 days left of freedom. But to be honest, (I can’t believe I’m about to say this!) I kinda miss school. Some days I’d like to start on those big and intimidating medical reads but most of the time, I dread the arrival of July coz that’s when the real thing starts. But before I jump into the other life that I’ve also been dreaming of, I have planned how my June’s gonna go, as bookish as it’s supposed to be. And before I share it with you guys, here’s a wrap-up for the month of May. I have read 6 books in total and I’d say it was a quality over quantity kind of book month.

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Clean Break

(4 out of 5 stars)

I got a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review and honestly, this book was surprisingly engrossing and full of humor. You may read my full review HERE!

The Mansion Twins

(4 out of 5 stars)

I also got a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. A very exhilarating read! It was all funny, adrenaline-packed and magical. I have enjoyed the adventures of the Senka twins and I can’t wait to read more about them and their world. You may read my full review HERE! 

Knife of Never Letting Go

(5 out of 5 stars)

Patrick Ness is a cold-hearted storyteller in the most hauntingly awesome way! I have probably held most breaths reading this books than in any real life events. It was an exhilarating read and the writing was so captivating and engaging you simply cannot resist the urge to read the next page. This novel is dark, brutal, full of suspense and kept my awake at night until I finish it. Full review to come.

The Universe Versus Alex Woods

(4 out of 5 stars)

A book that talks about life, death and an unlikely friendship between a young man and an old man. The story was a mixture of happiness and sadness. It is insightful and very much a great read. Full review to come. 

Six of Crows

(5 out of 5 stars)

I am lost for words. Damn it, it was so badass and dark and aaargghh. Inej and Kaz oh my gosh. I am drawn to the darkness in both of them. Jesper and Wylan, I love reading through their conversations.  And oh my gosh Matthias and Nina made me feel love both the good and bad side. I can’t wait for the sequel *grabby hands* and I still can’t move on from this world. *stares into the abyss* Full review to come. 

The Forgotten Flapper

(4 out of 5 stars)

I got a free copy of this novel from the author. A great read. It felt like I was brought back in time when everything else happened. Because clearly this was a well-researched story. Honestly, reading it feels different, like even though I have to put it aside for awhile, the moment I get back to it again, I’m instantly drawn into the story like I never even put down in the first place. Full review to come. 

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There you have it, my kind of May. See how every book I’ve read is a great book? What a way to live this year indeed! *contented sigh* And if you have noticed, I have yet to publish a lot of reviews, so stay updated. And without further ado, I present to you my reading plans this month of June! drumroll please….

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Note: Click on the titles to read a synopsis from Goodreads.

The Ask and The Answer by Patrick Ness

This is actually my current read. And I’m more than half-way through the book. Slow-paced than the first one but boy the premise is still hauntingly unique and engrossing. This is the second book of the Chaos Walking Trilogy.

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami

Yes, I recently purchased yet another book of Haruki Murakami because why shouldn’t I?

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

I know your shocked. I’ve been eyeing this one off in every bookstore that I pass by last year. But I have to summon every self-control I have left not to buy it just yet because I might ravage my way into reading it and fail another exam. And now that vacation’s still here, I will be perusing its pages before it’s too late.

A Court of Thrones and Roses &  A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

The hype around this book series got me into a not-to-be-disregarded kind of curiosity. And also, I’ve enjoyed reading fairytale retellings. I usually take a step back around books with so much hype by not reading any reviews about it to avoid destructive expectations. So yes, I am picking it up this month with one blind eye.

Night Film by Marisha Pessl

I am also currently reading this book because yes, I get distracted easily too. Deciding to read this book took me a lot of courage because I may read crime fiction but this one is on a whole new level. All these mysteries, murders, secrets and horrors of killings is just way too dark and eerie I am shocked I picked it up at night. But I’m really drawn to it already so there is no turning back.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

I found this book while I was supposedly window shopping in a bookstore. It;s a coming-of-age classic novel that talks about friendship and growing up during the time of World War II.

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Note: Source for all book images is Goodreads. 

And there you have it! I have 7 books on my June TBR and I do hope to read all of it this month. I will also be posting the promised reviews mentioned above along with the other review requests from authors anytime starting next week. 😀

I hope you have/had a wonderful day wherever part of the planet you are! God bless you, readers 😘

 

MED SCHOOL 101 – What it’s actually like to be a first year med student!

15. First year of medical school is PURE EXCITEMENT!  

Oh, how pumped up you are to get started! 

14. BUT, there’s the predicament of finding new friends.

You scan the room full of eager (nervous as hell) first year medical students. You try to evaluate who you’re gonna sit with, because you have to look for that one person, the right person, whom yourself (the introvert that you are) is willing to spend an entire lunch with. 

Note: Only applicable if you have decided to enroll in a medical school where you don’t know anybody even the lunch lady.

13. First time reading the syllabus and class schedule be like…

12. Meeting the doctors who are gonna guide you through the whole year is quite unnerving!

But guess what? They don’t bite. Proven and tested! So chill. After one complete small group discussion for a case with your facilitator, you’ll start thinking of them as your best friend! 

11. However, when the Mother of Dragons Doctors shows herself, stay low, keep calm, don’t do anything stupid, follow instructions, obey the rules and voila! You’ll get a smile and you’ll live.

10. When it’s already been a month and you’re actually living the syllabus and class schedule.

9. That feeling you get when you first have a glimpse of your very own stethoscope and that moment when you get to use it to a patient, even though it’s just simulated is beyond words!

8. Thinking about working on a cadaver is a realm of emotions!

7. Eat up. Sleep when you can. Drink. Remember: NEVER FORGET TO HAVE SOME FUN WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Celebrate the temporary end of your exams–pass or fail! Best advice ever. It works. It’s legit. 

6. You will always have tons of reading material in your hands and books are gonna be piling up in your desk, still sometimes you can’t find the determination to get things started. 

For the love of coconuts! Don’t bug your medfriends about it. They’ve got the same workload as you do. So go outside, take a walk, grab an ice cream or a beer and sleep if you must. Determination will come crawling back to you once you get to relax your mind. Find your zen!

5. GROUP STUDY-OUTS? Works just right only if you don’t know anybody in the group.

For me, my place works just fine. However, when lazy days and comfy bed tries to work its magic on me, I study out. But I think the most productive way is to do it your way. Stop listening to one advice after the other. What could make them fly could make you fall. Create your own timetable. Manage your readings independently. Highlight texts as colourful as you want. Just do find what works for you and stick to that!

4. There will be a day or DAYS that you’d start posting your personal drama on your social media accounts.

But hey, those comments from my friends made me smile. And sometimes, that’s all you need. 

3. You’ll often get 2A.M. life evaluations. That’s normal. You will stare at the wall for what seemed like ages and it’s still nothing. You’ll talk to yourself once in a while. Still, that’s normal. I guess. 

2. You’ll cry. Hell, you’re gonna breakdown! And that’s ok.

You get to have tears after that failed exam. You’re allowed to release your anger because of all those sleepless nights of reading Guyton, Netter and Gray and still it seemed like it’s gone to waste. You can have one night of literal and figurative darkness. JUST DON’T WALLOW IN IT. I know you’ll hear this often, I’ve been there but I tried to make reality hit me one more time. To tell me that I won’t make it any better if I don’t start by turning on the light. One good thing you get out of a failed exam is the sense of urgency and determination that could help you ace the next one. 

1. Then first year is over and you realize, you’re just getting started! 

Social Media Update!

Hi there! Lately, I’ve been thinking of ways on how I can expand. LOL. If you know me, you’ll understand this trepidation I have with regards to social media sites. However, when I started blogging I realize that it’s actually not a scary world out there. Then when I accepted review requests from authors, I started thinking of ways on how to help them spread the word about their self-published books. So here I am opening myself once again to another social media site, TWITTER! But only so I can give exposure to books that I think deserves to have the light!

So let’s start being friends 😀 What d’you say?

Twitter (so confused!)

And you can also find me here:

Goodreads

Tumblr

Pinterest

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Have a great day ahead of you and God bless! :*

 

Hello, Summer Vacation!

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte, Philippines

First year of med school: CHECK! *praying to get into second year*

HELLO SUMMER ❤

Summer in the Philippines means temperature could go as high as 35 degrees Celsius. But hey, it brings forth lazy days perfect for tackling that ever-growing TBR pile. It signifies freedom from all the stresses of work or school. It’s the time of the year when people go on backpacking trips on mountainous regions, weekend camping on the outskirts of town or hopping from one island to the next and just wallowing all day in the turquoise waters of the beach.  If you have the right people with you and you know where to go, temperature is the least of your concerns. Fortunately for me, I found them and I’d like to share with you guys some photos that marks the beginning of our summer vacation.

Tinago Falls, Biliran Island, Philippines

Sambawan Island, Biliran Province, Philippines

’tis a rare moment that these two best-friends go on a trip due to the busy schedule of the girl on a dress. 😀

Lake Danao, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines

Boat ride going to Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman Island

Stretch of the Kalanggman Island sandbar.

The striped girl with her med stabilizers.

We visited 4 destinations (a falls, two islands & a lake) in 4 days and it was worth every peso! The time we spent in all four places was just enough for us not to get totally drained.  I enjoyed ever second of the trip!

And now that vacation is finally here, I get to go over my TBR pile and finally interact with the rest of the blogosphere! Happy reading and I hope you are having a fine day wherever you are! xoxo ❤

-Charlotte

2O16!!!

and with his warm touch and soft kisses, darkness went away….

Have a blessed year ahead, Reader! :*