Mark Your Calendars: #ZhangAndPortesInPH + Updates on Signing Tips

What is National Book Store doing to my contemporary loving heart!??? This coming July, they are bringing New York Times Bestselling authors' Amy Zhang (Falling Into Place, This Is Where The World Ends) and Andrea Portes. (Anatomy of A Misfit, The Fall of Butterflies)

If you've been a huge fan of the blog or have at least tried to bear with me through the years of blogging, you might've encountered my review of Amy Zhang's heartbreaking novel, Falling Into Place. The book sent my soul someplace for a while...then I read All The Bright Places a month after and then both of them double murdered my existence in this planet.

So here are the details of the upcoming book signing:

Misfit Adventures: #JenniferNivenInPH Event Recap

Hello there misfit booknerds! Gosh! It's been a while and seriously, I feel both happy and awful about my time off the blog but I'm glad that I somehow found the schedule that would fit me this year. Also, I did not expect work to get in the way of me really getting into reading and going through my bookish resolutions this 2016. I think that's scrapped out for now. *cries in shame*

Anyway, if you guys remember, I blogged about my anticipation of seeing Jennifer Niven, author of All The Bright Places (my favorite contemporary novel for a while now) for her book signing here in the Philippines.

Jen and I are actually very good friends and have been in contact with each other for over a year and I have been supporting (more like stalking lol) her for a long time, and the plan was that we meet each other, say, for lunch or dinner when she gets here. But because of my job and her busy schedule when she got here, with interviews here and there, we couldn't really find the time. I've set my heart into meeting her in the public signing. I said to myself, 30 seconds with her is enough for me and would make my entire year. Just the shortest amount of time meant the world to me, I didn't care at all if it wasn't as how I dreamed it was going to be.

Mark Your Calendars: #JenniferNivenInPH + Tips For Your First Signing

I feel like I've been waiting a whole year to say this but SWEET BABY JESUS, FINALLY! JENNIFER NIVEN IS COMING TO THE PHILIPPINES!!! That's right! One of my favorite authors is coming to both Cebu and Manila to do a signing tour for All The Bright Places! Isn't that neat? NEAT!?? MORE LIKE IM DYING! *faints*

BOOK SIGNING RECAP: #GrayandRouxinPH

Hi there Misfit Booknerds! If you have been following (or stalking) me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, you'd know that I was actually at the book signing event of Claudia Gray and Madeleine Roux last October 18, Saturday at Glorietta. I went there out of sheer and utter love for A Thousand Pieces of You which I was privileged enough to read earlier than most! Special thanks to Pinoy Book Tours and Dianne of Oops I Read A Book Again.

Anyway, I headed to Manila the day before the signing, so that I could set up camp at my Aunt's place and that I wouldn't have to suffer the same fate I did during the Jen and Lissa event last month. I got to Glorietta at around 7:30 and lined up, seeing that my friends were such early birds.

I had the chance to chit-chat with them about the books, our thoughts on the plot lines and what not and got some of the books that Apollo had asked Godwin of Machinations of My Muddled Mind to sign it for him because he couldn't make it, and so we were left to help out Godwin.

Also got to take photos with mah girls! Special thanks to Jera for buying me a prototype Firebird, which is inspired by the Firebird in A Thousand Pieces of You... Read it Misfits! READ IT!

When the time arrived for us to enter the NBS store, we got registered, then headed out to the teen's section with Eriele and found some awesome books!

Copies of Dash and Lily! Now you can choose your covers! I really like the blue one!

Belzhar is now available in most National Book Store branches nationwide! GRAB A COPY NOW!!!

Then I searched for some things to used as banners we'll show to Claudia and Madeleine. Karrel did such a wonderful job on one banner, seriously! So much skill! :)

While waiting for Claudia Gray and Madeleine Roux to arrive, we took some photos, including a Scarlet photoshoot that I took! WOOOT! We also took our group photos! :) I actually saw some people from the same book club/group over at Facebook, but I got shy. Yes Misfits, I do get shy. HAHA!

Scarlet Queen, Charm! :)

Oh Eriele! HAHAHA!

We then finished our banners and headed to our seats. We all freaked out when Madeleine Roux and Claudia Gray entered and sat down for the interview.

They are so, so cute!

I didn't catch much of the interview because I was freaking out. I am now making a note that I will record the whole interview on video or on Soundcloud or something. One thing is for sure, both Claudia and Madeleine were inspired by different situations in their lives that brought them into writing their stories. Claudia having countless jobs, got inspired into writing the Evernight series after her experience as a lawyer and Madeleine was scared of clowns, which brought her into writing Sanctum.

Claudia also talked about ATPOY, saying that the Filipinos were lucky that the book has been released a month earlier than anywhere else in the world. Thank you Claudia, thank you! And thank you HarperTeen for that! Madeleine was also excited to tell the fans about the 3rd book for Asylum and can't wait for people to see it. They talked about a lot more things involving their new books and advice for people who wish to write their own novels. The book signing proper commenced.

I was #37, pretty early, yeah, I must say. First of off, I got to talk to Madeleine, who was extremely gorgeous and amazing up close. I told her that I haven't read Asylum, and I wouldn't have had the balls to do  so in the future if my friends haven't been raving about it. I also told her, though I don't exactly like reading scary stories, I have tried writing a short called Poppy, which I published here on the blog. Don't even search for it. T'was bad. HAHA! But she was very encouraging, saying it was really like that at first and you tend to get used to it in the process, but she also said that writing scary stories comes with research, so she insisted I read some.  I'll build up the courage Madeleine, I swear.

Finally, I got to talk to Claudia Gray. I didn't actually know what to say to her when I came up to her glorious face! I was just, hey, A Thousand Pieces of You was amazing! And she was already beaming up. I told her I was the #TeamLtMarkov chick who had tweeted her on Twitter about it and she was surprised, saying she was happy to meet me in person. I also gave her a banner with James McAvoy's face on it. She claimed her future hubby, telling me she won't give it back, ever. I pointed out to Momma Joan that time and Claudia said hi, saying she was wearing the bracelet she gave her. Awwwww...

I talked to her more about ATPOY and how truly perfect it was. I think I might've scared her a bit coz of my fangirling but she was really happy that I have been promoting the book through my blog. I also told her I'm from an alternate dimension, coz I was wearing a prototype Firebird. In short, we had an ATPOY role-playing sesh. She's one of the best authors I've met and I can't wait for Firebird #2.

I was planning on heading home later but because I might get lost and also coz I had a ton of books with me, I settled on leaving early. Also because Momma Joan had plans. I went home with Jera and took the really claustrophobic triggering MRT but got home safely at least!

ME AND MY BOOKS

UGH! GORGEOUS BABIES! MOMMA LOVES YOU! 

The signing was amazing and I would not exchange the experience for anything really! See you all at the #MarieLuinPH event!

Book Signing Recap: #JennandLissainPH

Hi there Misfit booknerds! Been a while since I posted anything since I was trying to catch up on my reading (my slump is still quite active as of the moment), and that school hasn't really been that friendly.

Anyway, as you may have noticed, I haven't been to book signings lately. My plans on going to Jenny Han's signing was cancelled because of my Dad's request to me to not go. I couldn't go to the Stephanie Perkin's book signing either due to it being on a Sunday and I had school the next day. It was a conflict to my schedule because I had to travel from my place to the event. And dude, it ain't easy! Lastly, I was prepared to go to Alex London's event but a tragic incident happened the day before, and I slightly dislocated my arm and I couldn't move it. (AM A MAJOR KLUTZ PEOPLE!!!!) My plans died along with my sheer excitement to meet Alex.

Since I sucked for the past few months, going to Jennifer E. Smith's and Lissa Price's event on SM Aura was my call for retribution and come back from my book signing "slump" of sorts. And I did get retribution!

Mark Your Calendars: Alex London in PH

Hi there Misfit Booknerds! Another amazing author is coming to the Philippines! HOOORAH!!! 

Join Alex London for a book signing here in the Philippines, August 30.  Follow National Book Store on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details. Tag #AlexLondoninPH to join the discussion.

For further information, check out the National Book Store FAQ's page or check it out here:

When and where is the book signing?
August 30, 2:00 p.m., at National Book Store, SM Aura

When will the registration be?
Registration opens at 10:00 a.m. on August 30 at National Book Store, SM Aura. Each guest will be asked to fill out the registration form upon arrival. First come, first served.

Is there a registration fee?
No. There is no registration fee.

How many books can I have signed? Is there a limit as to how many people can have their books signed? You may have any number of books signed as long as they were purchased from National Book Store, Bestsellers or Powerbooks, and we do not have any preset limit as to the number of people.

However, although we will take every effort to get as many books signed as possible, depending on the number of attendees, we reserve the right to limit the number of copies per person or limit the number of people in line. First come, first served.

Can I bring old books or other editions of the books?
Yes, as long as the books were purchased from National Book Store, Bestsellers and Powerbooks.

Do I need to buy on-site?
No. You can buy books before or during the event.

Can I have other items signed?
No. Only books will be allowed to be signed by the authors.

Can we have our photo taken with the author?
Yes, you can have your photo with the author when she signs your book. However, we strictly allow one photo per person only.

How much are the books?
Proxy (Trade Paperback – P419)
Proxy (Hardcover – P729)
Guardian (Hardcover – P755)

ABOUT PROXY

Knox was born into one of the City's wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death.

Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.

Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid.

A fast-paced, thrill-ride of novel full of non-stop action, heart-hammering suspense and true friendship—just as moving as it is exhilarating. Fans of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series, James Dashner's Maze Runner, Patrick Ness's Chaos Walking series, and Marie Lu's Legend will be swept away by this story.

ABOUT GUARDIAN

In the new world led by the Rebooters, former Proxy Syd is the figurehead of the Revolution, beloved by some and hated by others. Liam, a seventeen-year-old Rebooter, is Syd’s bodyguard and must protect him with his life. But armed Machinists aren’t the only danger.

People are falling ill—their veins show through their skin, they find it hard to speak, and sores erupt all over their bodies. Guardians, the violent enforcers of the old system, are hit first, and the government does nothing to help. The old elites fall next, and in the face of an indifferent government, Syd decides it’s up to him to find a cure . . . and what he discovers leaves him stunned.

This heart-stopping thriller is packed with action, adventure, and heroics. Guardian will leave you breathless until the final page.

A fast-paced, thrill-ride of novel full of non-stop action, heart-hammering suspense and true friendship—just as moving as it is exhilarating. Fans of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series, James Dashner's Maze Runner, Patrick Ness's Chaos Walking series, and Marie Lu's Legend trilogy will be swept away by this story.

I WILL LOOK FORWARD IN SEEING YOU THERE MISFIT BOOKNERDS! COZ I DON'T WANNA MISS OUT AGAIN! YAY!

The event is made possible in partnership with Raffles Makati, Metro magazine, Chalk magazine, Sweep and SM Aura. 

#JennyHaninPH---The Misfit Giveaway (PH)

As you all might've heard already, Jenny Han is coming to the Philippines for a book signing!!!! *throws confetti everywhere* *shimmy dance* *throws flower petals to people* That's right! This June 21st, Jenny Han will be having her first book signing in the Philippines, courtesy of National Book Store! COOL BEANS Y'ALL! And to celebrate this wonderful event, I would like to invite you all to join #TheMisfitGiveaway as it is about to give out one awesome TEE SHIRT, courtesy of JLDesigns. Now this shirt is especially made for by my friend Jasmin and she worked really hard for it! *throws more confetti!*

Here's how you can join to get the fantastic prize!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The prize, as I've said is a shirt designed by Jasmin of JLDesigns. If you wanna know what it looks like, here:

THIS ONE IS SIGNED!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! We look forward to your participation in this one! The last #TheMisfitGiveaway was a success, so, HUGS AND KISSES! 

As for my readers in the US or in Canada or any part of the world (if you exist), I will try hard to get you guys an international giveaway. I really want to do that because misfit booknerds are everywhere, and I love that fact! <3

Anyway, don't forget to follow Jenny Han on Twitter: @jennyhan

Also, follow National Book Store on Twitter and Instagram for more details on the #JennyHaninPH book signings! Don't forget to use the hashtag! *winks*

Looking forward to seeing you there at the event Misfit Booknerds!!! 

Book Nerd Special RECAP: #VTRinPH

(c) National Book Store

To wait for April 26 was not an easy task. You’d have to be informed of Tahereh Mafi’s, Ransom Riggs’ and Veronica Rossi’s visit to the Philippines early in January and to wait for three more months was vexing and I wished I had Hermione’s time turner to speed things up. But I guess I was thankful for the wait because I got to save up for the books I needed and got to prepare my emotions and physicality for it. My peculiar family and I planned out so many things beforehand to prepare ourselves for the tiring but fun event. Before the event, I headed to Manila from Batangas and stayed at my sister’s apartment which was nearer at the transportation terminal in Bicutan. Unfortunately though, I slept at around 2am. I didn’t know why. I wasn’t exactly excited even if that were what’s supposed to be, but I didn’t feel anything. I guess it was from the exhaustion and someone who I was texting with in the middle of the night. I blame him for it. You know who you are. LOL!

(c) Eriele of This Is Not Your Book Blog

Mark Your Calendars: Stephanie Perkins in the Philippines

Join Stephanie Perkins, the international bestselling author of “Anna and the French Kiss” and “Lola and the Boy Next Door” for book signing events on July 5 at 1 pm in National Book Store, SM Cebu, and on July 6 at 2 pm in National Book Store, Glorietta 1. Registration starts at 10 am for both events.

Follow National Book Store on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram , and tag #StephaniePerkinsPH for more details.

Here are some of the FAQ's on Nation Book Stores Facebook page:

Mark Your Calendars: Jenny Han in the Philippines

This June 21-22, Jenny Han, New York Times Bestselling author of the Summer I Turned Pretty Series, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, co-author of the Burn For Burn novels and wide range of kids' books, is coming to the Philippines for a book signing hosted by National Book Store. 

The events will happen at National Book Store in Glorietta on June 21st and National Book Store at SM Cebu on June 22nd, both starting at 2PM.

For those going to the signing, here are some of the FAQ's from National Book Store's Facebook page:

Shatter Me Trilogy by Tahereh Mafi + Giveaway (PH)

Since April is upon us booknerds in the Philippines, I just have to remind you all that Tahereh Mafi is coming to the Philippines! Of course, she's joined by her wonderful husband and author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City, Ransom Riggs, as well as Veronica Rossi, author of the Under The Never Sky Trilogy.

And with that, I give you another book review of Tahereh's works. I swear this is gonna be long.

BOOK NERD SPECIAL: MITCH ALBOM IN MANILA

Hello fellow MISFITS and BOOK NERDS!!! WELCOME TO ANOTHER EPISODE OF BOOK NERD SPECIALS. Tis will feature authors, characters and we'll either talk about him/ her or anything special! Got it? GOOD!

Gotta flaunt my face a bit, yes?

Back in December, Eriele, a friend of mine (whom I've been to the Gayle Forman Book Signing last January),  planned out that we meet Mitch Albom for a book signing on Februart 22, and have our books signed. We carefully deduced how much time we need and all that stuff. We were warriors ready to go on battle!

 (Photos Courtesy of Ate Joan, Armi, Joana, Cla, and Alia and National Book Store. A few are from ME)

February 22 came and boy, we were taken to a whole new world. Let me narrate the whole thing that happened before Mitch arrived.  *memory reel rewinding*

Book Review: The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom (2013)

It's been a while since I've reviewed a book full-scale, I believe. Since I believe I've also been busy with school and reading other books to make sure I get to finish a 100 in a year, I cannot set my priorities straight. But I still, in my right mind *whispers* I believe, that I can review a book even if it's not as intensely long as some of the others I made. I'll probably just go straight to the point.

             (Hopefully, there won't be harsh reactions to any of my reviews... THANK YOU!!!)

Go to GoodReads for synopsis and to order your copies: The First Phone Call From Heaven

The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom is one of those books that challenges my mind as well as my faith, in what I believe in, in what's the truth, in the regrets of the past and the wonders of the future you can't necessarily grab.

Photo Credits to ABS-CBN News

(Mitch with his book! Isn't he adorable!)

Mitch Albom has again, delivered a wonderful read that focuses on life's biggest regrets being piled into one and how a single phone call can change anyone's life for better or for worse. The book talks about how we are driven to do things out of the mistakes and doubts. The main character Sully was such a complicated character to analyze at first but when you get to know him, you'll find that he's just a man, a husband and a father. 

BOOK NERD SPECIAL: GAYLE FORMAN IN MANILA!

Hello fellow MISFITS and BOOK NERDS!!! Now is a very special blog post coz I say it is! LOL! This is the very first episode of BOOK NERD SPECIALS. HAHA! Tis will feature authors, characters and we'll either talk about him/ her or anything special! Got it? GOOD!

Anyway, if you've read my previous posts on my THE MISFIT DIARY section or my BOOK NERD section, you'd find that I did a short post on my meet with the author of If I Stay, Where She Went, Just One Day and Just One Year, Gayle Forman! And here's a bit more of the deeds of that day!!!

(Photo Credits to me, Eriele and Ate Jho! Thanks sooo much)

(The venue was sooo cozy)

That was January 18, 2014. The venue was at Glorietta, in Makati! I didn't exactly know how to get to the venue, but I knew how to ride an MRT to Ayala, so at least, I felt that I was safe! 

(Pretty Lil' Mermaid Eriele, my sweet book nerd buddy!)

This girl is the reason why I traveled all the way from home in order to meet Gayle! HAHAHA! We planned this for a long time, and we can't exactly pass it up, can we!? Thanks Eriele!

Gayle then, arrives at the venue! The crowd was soooo loud, I can't even! She was soo responsive and sweet towards her fans. 

She was also very eager to answer questions from fans! Unfortunately, they only allowed 3 people to ask, and I didn't get a chance. I was also very shy and nervous! I wasn't as FANEY (fangirlish) as some of the others, coz I've only read one book! But as she talked on and told her history as a writer for magazines and an author of YA novels, I understood her struggles and how she managed to follow her dreams! And she told us to follow ours! She inspired me from that 1st hour! SHE BECAME ONE OF MY HEROES.

So the signing started after the forum. There was a huge pack of people! And to be honest, t'wasn't exactly fun being #508.. Errrr...