Grief Wrapped in Cherry Blossoms

By: Joshua Gabriel
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I loved reading You’ve Reached Sam because its melancholic yet hopeful narrative changed my perspective on grief for the better. If you’re planning to pick up this debut novel, be sure to prepare a roll of tissue and a mug of hot coco.

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Crisostomo in Love: Remembering the Life of a Half-naked Poet

By: Joshua Gabriel
Creative Writing, 1 Comment on Crisostomo in Love: Remembering the Life of a Half-naked Poet

Indeed, the dead no longer care for the living. But those left behind deeply care for the memory and legacy of the departed. By reflecting on their loved ones’ past and the Lord’s great faithfulness over the years, believers in grief can overcome their painful present and look forward to a brighter future. How did Cris become the ever-amiable, knowledgeable, and lovable person that he was? History, though fallible, can spill the tea.

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A Bold End to a Deadly Conflict

By: Joshua Gabriel
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A Vow So Bold and Deadly continues the breakdown of Rhen and Grey’s relationship. They were once inseparable because of the curse, united in their love for the kingdom of Emberfall. But now, their new rivalry might cause the downfall of the very thing they seek to protect.

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Q & A with Amanda Sellet

By: Joshua Gabriel
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Happy weekend, dear readers! It might not be happy because of the pandemic, but at least we have books to remind us that life can still be beautiful and worthwhile. Today, I want to feature a new author, Amanda Sellet. By the Book, her debut novel, is a recent addition to my shelf of favorites.…

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Can You Love a Book to Cinders?

By: Joshua Gabriel
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Rereading books today is very challenging, given the numerous releases that make my TBR shelf unmanageable. I’m sure that many bookworms have the same struggle. But books like The Lunar Chronicles seem to be an exception to my reluctance. I loved the series the first time I read it, and now that I’ve revisited the first novel, I find the story quite timely in that it accurately reflects our society and current global issues.

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Shine Bright Like a Bullied K-pop Star

By: Joshua Gabriel
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I don’t recommend Shine if you wish to retain their high opinion of the K-pop world. I certainly felt disenchanted after reading it, but you can rest assured that my appreciation for the music itself remains unscathed.

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Sometimes, Love Doesn’t Happen by the Book

By: Joshua Gabriel
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By the Book now sits on my shelf of favorites because of its smile-worthy content. I can see myself rereading it when I need more motivation to write fiction.

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What the K Is This?

By: Joshua Gabriel
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I really should’ve done my research on the source material because little did I know that Anna Karenina was actually about infidelity. The main characters practically had a deadly affair and ruined each other’s lives just to soothe their loins. The same thing almost happened in this book.

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The Blades of Heartbreak and Arrogance

By: Joshua Gabriel
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The Assassin’s Blade was interesting enough, but it didn’t significantly change my opinion of Celaena. I still think that the series deserves a better main character. But since I have yet to complete the series, I’ll try to be optimistic and have an open mind.

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It Wasn’t All for Nothing

By: Joshua Gabriel
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This was mostly a satisfying ending to a gripping trilogy. I reread the previous two books before starting The Queen of Nothing just to refresh my memory, so I got to enjoy the world of Faerie in all its terrible glory.

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