Her Maldita-ness' Shelf

The Passionate Shepherd to His Love

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Poet: Christopher Marlowe
Year Published: 1599

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The Passionate Shepherd to His Love

Come live with me and be my love,

And we will all the pleasures prove

That valleys, groves, hills, and fields,

Woods, or steepy mountain yields.

And we will sit upon rocks,

Seeing the shepherds feed their flocks,

By shallow rivers to whose falls

Melodious birds sing madrigals.

And I will make thee beds of roses

And a thousand fragrant poises,

A cap of flowers, and a kirtle

Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle;

A gown made of the finest wool

Which from our pretty lambs we pull;

Fair lined slippers for the cold,

With buckles of the purest gold;

A belt of straw and ivy buds,

With coral clasps and amber studs;

And if these pleasures may thee move,

Come live with me, and be my love.

The shepherds's swains shall dance and sing

For thy delight each May morning:

If these delights thy mind may move,

Then live with me and be my love.

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This poem is among the most famous and controversial pieces during the Renaissance period. It manifests the pastoral style of writing, which is an early example of its kind during that era.

Written by the English poet Christopher Marlowe, the poem was published six years after the poet's death. It tackles about a young shepherd who falls in love and courts his beloved.

In the first stanza, you can already see the lover's desire to be with his beloved. The first line is an invitation to the beloved to live with him and share his lifestyle.

The following stanzas further talks about the sweet promises of the shepherd just to make the beloved come with him. He promises to make her a gown, slippers and buckles out of materials from the field.

As you may have noticed, the poem is on the style of romanticism, and idealism. The persona promises to do everything for the beloved even to the point of exaggeration.

And Then There Were None

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Novel (Fiction, Mystery)
Author: Agatha Christie
Published: 2001
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

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Summary

Ten individuals from different walks of life were summoned as guests to a private island in Devon. It was a vacation that each of them looked forward to. Until, they discovered that their millionaire host was nowhere to be found. Apart from that, each of the guests wicked past was revealed by a mysterious voice from a gramophone record. It was the signal of the game. Each of them were players chased to pay for the crimes they committed. Their hours are numbered and all of them are prey to the unknown killer. There are no clues as to who will be the next victim. What they only have is the childish nursery rhyme hung on every room that hints the manner of death of every victim.

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And Then There Were None is a charming mystery novel that leads the reader to the next page till he's left unaware that he's come to the end.

It is a mystery that will intrigue you till the last chapter which only proves that Agatha Christie is really the Queen of Crime.

There are only 10 characters in the story. Each of them is suspicious. Each could be a suspect. From the very start, you'll already start wondering, who is their host. Who is the killer whn everyone seems to be innocent yet suspicious.

You will start analyzing the whole situation and have suspects. But then when you reach the last chapters, you'll be lost for you will realize that you were wrong all along for suspecting a certain character. Worst, you don't have any idea again on who's the villain.

Well, just read the book now for yourself. I'm sure you'll never even put it down.

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Memorable Lines from the Book

"Self-preservation's a man's first duty." - Philip Lombard

"In the midst of life we are in death." - Emily Brent

"Providence leaves the work of conviction and chastisement to us mortals - and the process is often fraught with difficulties. There are no short cuts." - William Henry Blore

"When a man's neck's in danger, he doesn't stop to think too much about sentiment." - William Henry Blore

"No good result can come from recrimination." - Justice Wargrave.

Booksale launches new website

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Behold, one of our favorite Philippine bookstores finally has its own website!

Booksale is Philippine's biggest source of low-priced unused, as well as previously-owned books and bargain publications from the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia. It has been in the business for 3o years and currently has 91 stores nationwide.

Well, the site is just new so there's nothing much on it yet. As of now, the interesting things in the website are the schedules of 'sales', list of branches and the things they offer

Hopefully, we'll get more from Booksale as they continue to improve on their site. But for now, just stay tuned and wait for further updates.

Booksale site: http://www.booksale.com.ph

A Nadie

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Wed, 04 May 2011 19:02:00 +0000

Composer: Liliana Felipe
Source: "The Law of Love" by Laura Esquivel
Year Published: 1995

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A Nadie

What kind of thing is love, it seems so much
like pain,
It never touched me, never touched you,
Never knew how to, or wished to, or tried to.
That's why you aren't with me...

Because we never even met
And in all the time we lost
Each one of us lived his part
But each one always apart.
Because you can't extinguish
What has never been ignited,
Because you can't restore to health
Something that never has languished.
Because you'd never understand
My weariness, my manias,
Because to you it'd be just the same
If I fell into the abyss.
This love you've scorned so long
Because you never even looked for me
Where I wouldn't have been anyway,
Nor would you have loved me.

That's why you aren't with me.
That's why I'm not with you.

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Taken from Laura Esquivel's "Law of Love", this is actually a song rendered by Liliana Felipe. It shows the sadness and pain of unrequited love.

In the first stanza, the persona compares love to pain. The persona here understands that love is very much like pain. Something that he/she haven't grasped for he/she know nothing about it yet because the beloved doesn't see her/him and is not with him/her.

The second stanza makes us understand the real situation of the persona. The persona here loves someone whom he/she hasn't even met. It's loving from a distance. Like loving a celebrity - you know the person but that person doesn't even know that you exist. Thus, the persona can't even say that he/she is in pain for he/she was not even rejected by the beloved. And, how can he/she be rejected if there's not even anything going on between them.

Because you can't extinguished

What has never been ignited,

Because you can't restore to health

Something that never has languished.

At the end, the persona doesn't even say that he/she is hoping for the beloved to love him/her back. And yet somehow there's like a hint that if only the things on the second stanza would happen then perhaps they would have been together.

Amelia falls in love

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: Laura James
Year Published: 2005
Publisher: Ryland Peters and Small

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Summary

This book is a story about a lady named Amelia who grew up in an island. She was a well-pampered child. She and her parents lead a happy and contented life in their place. Until one day, a circumstance came which forced her to embark on a journey. She started to live in the city and experience little adventures like falling in love and having a broken heart.

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The book is a perfect companion while sipping a cup of latte in your favorite coffee shop. It has a very short story filled with brilliant ideas, wonderful illustrations, fabulous recipes and helpful tips. You can say that it's like a magazine in a hardcover. Yes, it's hard bound too!

The first time I laid eyes on the book, I thought it was a children's book misplaced in the wrong shelf. But as I scanned the pages, I was totally awed and decided to buy it. It's so attractive that you won't be able to resist it.

About the story, it is very to understand and is also perfect for teenagers. Although I must say that the beginning part was really deceiving and would make you think its just another fairytale.

Well, if you want to give your girl friends a gift, this one is a good choice. :)

12 Steps to Quitting AJ

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Novel (chic literature)
Author: Faye Ilogon
Year Published: 2009
Publisher: Summit Books
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Summary

Grace and AJ have been friends since their childhood days. They have fallen in love and has an on and off relationship. One day, something important happened to Grace that might change the course of her relationship with AJ. She started to evaluate things and even composed a list of steps to quitting the guy.

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12 Steps to Quitting AJ tells us a story of a couple who always break-up and get back together again. You'll notice that in the novel, Grace, the protagonist, is just like any other girl, fickle-minded, hopeless romantic and quite childish. She wants her man to be expressive in every creative way. And, she also wants to be the one to handle the reins. But of course, that isn't always possible.

The plot of the novel might confuse you for it is full of flashbacks narrating the love story of Grace and AJ. But, it is one interesting novel because you'll learn a lot of things not only about humans but also on animals. This is so because AJ is a veterinarian.

Another thing you'll love in the book is that it has a magazine-feel. It is full of guides that at one point, you might even find yourself wondering, "Is this really a novel or a magazine article?" But at the end, you'll still enjoy the story saying it's a nice read and that you learned from it.

* * *

Memorable Lines from the Book

"Men are like dogs. They like to chase catty sexy things. " - Grace

"Never make a man do anything he isn't ready for. He will give you hell for it and make up all sorts of excuses to get back at you. " - Grace's mom

"A man who has little or no self-esteem is just as bad as man with too much of it." - Elise

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:28:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Novel (Young Adult Fiction)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Year Published: 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

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Summary

This story is about the young vampire we encountered in the book "Eclipse". Her name is Bree Tanner, one of the newborn vampires. She was created not knowing the many interesting and important facts about her kind. Until one day, she learned that her creator is using her and the other newborns as an army against another vampire coven, the Cullens. Too late to escape, she finds herself trapped in the war between the Cullens and her creator. She decided to surrender and is given another chance to live. Unfortunately, this chance to live is only good for a short time because she would still be facing death. Not in the hands of the supposed-to-be-enemies but of the Volturi.

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This book is actually a companion novella to the third book in the Twilight series, Eclipse. What is interesting here is that we are taken to the other side of the story. The side of the vampires.

In the Twilight series, what we only read are things from Bella's point of view especially the first three books. Thus, we are not aware on how the vampires really live, how they feel about their situation and what is it like being a vampire. Well, those questions were answered by Bree.

This young vampire, Bree, somehow gives us a glimpse of what Bella Swan would be like in the fourth book, Breaking Dawn. Yet, unlike Bella, her story ends in a tragedy. Her love that hasn't even started has already came to an end. Which leads us to question the author. What really happened to Diego? Why did he just disappear in the scene? Does he really have feelings for Bree?

Actually, there are a lot more questions in the book that were left hanging in the air. If it's intentional, that we do not know. Still, it would be better if they would be answered if not in the same book, maybe in another one.

Short as it was, at least we were able to hear a vampire's point of view this time. How I just wish that next time, it will be Edward Cullen telling the story. I think Stephenie has a book for that. Midnight Sun, right? Well, hope she'll finish and publish it soon.

Table for Two

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:13:00 +0000

Type: Prose

Genre: Novel (chic literature)

Author: Marla Miniano

Year Published: 2010

Publisher: Summit Books

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Summary

The novel revolves around a small coffee shop that served as a quiet witness to the love stories of its customers. There's this long-time couple about to break-up after college graduation. A young teacher who decided to accept a dare from her brother to quit dating. A wedding photographer trying to stop the marriage of his bestfriend. A guy who never got over a girl. And a girl sitting alone reading romance novels thinking when will her loneliness come to an end.

It is amusing how the lives of these characters are connected and how their joys and heart aches lead them to the coffee shop.

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The book is divided into five parts narrating every story of the usual customers of the coffee shop. No, it's not a collection of short stories because as you move from one chapter to the other, you'll come across the previous main characters of previous chapters and realize what has happened to their story.

What is lovable with this book is that you'll find that you could relate to the characters. That these stories are somehow true and real for some people. That at one point of your life, you've heard their dialogues or maybe even said some of their lines.

The plot is not the traditional, rather, it was written in a way that will make you wonder and say "Hey! So that's just their story? What happened after?" Then you'll catch yourself hooked and flipping the next pages. You'll never know that you have reached the end. But when you did, you'll be grateful that you've found this good read.

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Memorable Lines from the book

"Girls don't like shy guys; they think they do, but they always end up with the ones who speak up and assert themselves and win people over with the grandest of gestures." - Mandy (in "Fresh")

"Anger, more than any emotion makes you lose control." - Mandy (in "Fresh")

"Guys are so easy to drive out of your life, especially when their interest in you has mostly been sustained by your blind, naive, hopelessly hopeful interest in them." - Jill (in "Timeout")

"Goodbye is a strange concept - if the person being left behind resents it and refuses to accept it, is it still goodbye, or simply a departure? " - Lucas (in "This Closure")

Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Poet: Joyce Kilmer
Source: "Trees and Other Poems"
Year Published: 1914

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Trees

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

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This poem is the very famous piece created by Joyce Kilmer. In fact, there were even some commercials and posters using the verses from this poem to tell us how beautiful and important a tree is.

In the first stanza, the poet states that it is quite impossible to see a poem whose beauty is comparable to a tree. And from there, he started to enumerate the lovely qualities of the tree in the following verses.

You will then notice that a tree here is not just an ordinary thing. With the dominant use of the figure of speech, persoification, the tree has somewhat transformed into an animated object. A creature full of life. An example from which personification added color to this poem are the following lines:

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

Of course, a tree cannot move. But with the writer's imagination and through personification, we can now have an image of a leafy tree raising its stems as if it is really praying.

At the end of the poem, the writer then tells us that the existence of a lovely masterpiece such as the tree is something that only God can create. And even if poets and fools can write beautiful verses, no one can still be at par with God who created all things.

My Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:35:00 +0000

Type: Prose

Genre: Short Story (children's book)

Author: Anthony Browne

Published: 2001

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

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Summary

This book is about a young boy who tells us about the great things that his Dad could do. Usually in a brown plaid bathrobe and blue-striped pajamas, this Dad can do just about anything. He is not afraid of the bad wolf, he could swim like a fish, eat like a horse, wrestle with giants, and even walk on a tightrope. For the young boy, his dad is just about the coolest thing ever.

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My Dad is a heart-warming and funny book that pays tribute to all fathers out there It shows that every father in the world is always the "Best Dad" in his children's eyes. And whatever big achievement a father achieves, raising his child to be a good person is still the biggest achievement he'll ever have.

This book is a perfect gift for a birthday or even on Father's Day. Though your father is already too old for this kind of read, it will still be a sweet gesture for him to receive a copy of this. The book would able to express to him your appreciation and gratitude for all the love and sacrifices that he has given you especially if you are too shy to say it to him. (Tip: Place a bookmark or post-it at the last page of the book with your note for Dad in it. Surely, he'll be touched.)

Men

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:56:00 +0000

Poet: Maya Angelou

Source: "The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou"

Year Published: 1994

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Men

When I was young, I used to

Watch behind the curtains

As men walked up and down the street. Wino men, old men.

Young men sharp as mustard.See them.

Men are always

Going somewhere.

They knew I was there. Fifteen

Years old and starving for them.

Under my window, they would pause,

Their shoulders high like the

Breasts of a young girl,

Jacket tails slapping over

Those behinds,

Men.

One day they hold you in the

Palms of their hands, gentle, as if you

Were the last raw egg in the world. Then

They tighten up. Just a little. The

First squeeze is nice. A quick hug.

Soft into your defenselessness. A little

More. The hurt begins. Wrench out a

Smile that slides around the fear. When the

Air disappears,

Your mind pops, exploding fiercely, briefly,

Like the head of a kitchen match. Shattered.

It is your juice

That runs down their legs. Staining their shoes.

When the earth rights itself again,

And taste tries to return to the tongue,

Your body has slammed shut. Forever.

No keys exist.

Then the window draws full upon

Your mind. There, just beyond

The sway of curtains, men walk.

Knowing something.

Going someplace.

But this time, I will simply

Stand and watch.

Maybe.

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This poem titled "Men" is somehow a glimpse of what has happened to the poet in the past. As we all know, every poem depicts a moment from its writer's past. This is the same for this poem because if you would notice, its verses reflects the deep emotions that Maya had experienced when she was raped way back when she was a child.

But, apart from the poet's background, Men also tells us how a young girl's view about the opposite sex has changed. If you'll carefully read the first stanza, it shows the innocence of a girl -curious about men and what love is all about. The age when there was very little knowledge about the pains that men and relationship could bring.

Moving on to the second stanza, it is when the persona (the girl) started to discover more about the nature of man. She has welcomed a man in her life, perhaps she fell in love with him and enjoyed the feeling of having someone caring for you. This is very much evident with the lines:

"They tighten up. Just a little. The
First squeeze is nice. A quick hug."

Yet, as we move on to the poem, you'll notice that the persona has also come into a realization that the man has started going beyond and takeing advantage of her being defenseless. It is then when she learned (in the hard way) that a man could not only give sweetness but also pain. In her case, the pain she experienced was really bad: "Your body has slammed shut. Forever. No keys exist." This reminds us of how Maya has reacted to the abuse she had experienced during her childhood. It was very traumatic for her. We recall that she became mute for years.

In the third stanza, the persona seems to go back from where it all started - watching men as they passed by. However, this time there's a difference because now she had experienced how cruel men could be.

The last stanza shows the persona's reluctance whether she'll just let the world go on with what they are doing and watch the men passing by or let go of what had happened and try to fall in love again. With the word "Maybe", it is clear that despite everything she had experienced, she has decided to move on and welcome new possibilities in her life -like falling in love again.

In the end, we have come to know that this poem isn't really about its title "Men". In fact, it is never the subject of the poem. The real focus of the poem is the woman. How she first wondered about her opposite sex, discovered new emotions such as love and passion, got hurt and importantly, moved on. Her struggles and triumph over them were perfectly presented in the verses of this inspiring poem. Truly, Maya Angelou knows how to empower women through her craft.

The EX Commandments and Other Post Break-Up Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:42:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Short Story
Author: Carmelle Hyacinth Penetrante
Year Published: 2006
Publisher: PSICOM Publishing Inc. (Philippines)

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Book Overview

This book, as the title suggests is a compilation of stories about girls who had just experienced a break-up. The five stories show the different ways of females in handling a heartbreak. Some are funny, crazy and there are also some that are touching and heart-warming. So, I picked two stories to review...

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The Ex Commandments

This short story is divided into ten parts. Actually, I think it's more of a mini-novel. Anyway, each part is about the commandments that the protagonist, Jenni has thought of in dealing with her break-up with ex-boyfriend, Joe.

The first commandment up to the ninth are very much realistic. Overspending, confiding with friends, denying what happened, and throwing away relationship-related things. If you are a girl, certainly you've done a thing or two in those nine commandments that Jenni has listed. Or perhaps, you even did them all.

However, when you reach the tenth commandment, that's when you realize that this literary piece is truly fiction. The tenth commandment is about seeking revenge. And, Jenni's idea of sweet revenge is burning her ex's car.

As you read the last part, you will notice that it seems as though what you are reading is a material for a film. Everything in that part is detailed and very cinematic. You could even imagine yourself as Jenni trailing away gracefully while the flames devour her ex's F150.

Well, even if it was a biased narration (but justifiable since the idea of the book is a collection of girls' post break-up stories), it was a nice story. Something that you would let a brokenhearted woman read that won't make her cry even more. In fact, she might even smile and think if she has done all those commandments.

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Sleepless in Makati

Unlike the Ex Commandments, this story was narrated from the point of view of the two main characters, Jen and Jeff.

The two characters were batchmates during high school. They had a thing before but they were too young to make it work. After seven years, they met again in a coffee shop. Both of them single again because of finished relationships.

Jen's relationship with her boyfriend ended after she discussed wedding gowns over breakfast. It was the same for Jeff. However, the reason for Jeff's break-up with his girlfriend was because he never had time for the girl.

And so, they spent hours coping up with each other in the coffee shop until they realized that they seem to click well. At the end, they ended up with each other. Jeff is still the same workaholic guy and Jen still the same dominant woman. But, they accepted each other's attitude so there was no conflict.

So, this is the light part (and definitely the last in the process of recovering from a break-up) of those post break-up stories. When the girl has decided not just to move on but to move forward and welcome a new love. And though "Sleepless in Makati" is somehow a story that lacks in sweet moments, it was still able to justify the whole theme of the book.

To sum up, the author, Penetrante, was able to showcase what girls are going through after a break-up in a realistic manner. Her choice of situations and conversations were able to connect pretty well with the reader especially if you are a female. For male readers, reading this book will truly enlighten you and let you understand why your ex girlfriend acts weird after your break-up. Somehow, this is like a guide book for both men and women. It tells females how to recover from the incident and it tells the males how to handle their ex girlfriends.

By the way, if you wish to grab a copy of the book and can't find it in the bookstores, get it here.

Shanghai Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:41:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: Wei Hui
Year Published: 1993
Publisher: Robinson Publishing UK
Main Characters: Nikki or Coco - a Shanghai woman who works as a waitress in a cafe
Tian Tian - Coco's boyfriend; an artist who frequently uses drugs
Mark - a married German businessman whom Coco got involved with.

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Summary

Coco, a young woman working in a cafe has always been struggling to become a writer. During her struggles, she met a young artist named Tian Tian who encouraged her to reach for her ambition. She fell in love with him, moved in with him and left her work. They lived together as they try to fulfill their dreams. However, one day, Coco met another man named Mark. The two became intensely attracted to one another. Tian Tian somehow sensed something's wrong and started to use drugs. Confused of what she feels for the two men, Coco became torn between conflicting emotions.

___________________

A semi-autobiographical book, Shanghai Baby exposes a different face of the society. A woman blinded by love and lust.

Actually, this book was banned in China in April 2000. An estimate of 40, 000 copies were even publicly burned. However, a different reaction came when the book was brought to the West.

Shanghai Baby possess an aggressive voice that some people even don't want to hear. It's views on life, love and sex have never been so realistic. It was no doubt that the book became a bestseller.

If you want to have a feel of how complicated love is and how it is different from lust, then read Shanghai Baby.

* * *

Memorable Lines from the Book

"Death is the expression of exhaustion, a solution arrived at rationally once one has known the deepest depths of tiredness." - TianTian (Coco's boyfriend).

"Life is like a chronic illness, and finding something interesting to do is a kind of long term cure." - Coco

Twenties Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:08:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Year Published: 2009
Publisher: The Dial Press
Main Characters: Lara Lington - a twenty-something lady who just started with her business; frustrated over her break up with her boyfriend; and got visited by the ghost of her great-aunt
Sadie - great-aunt of Lara who seeks help in finding her necklace

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Summary

Lara has been undergoing the gloomy days in her life. Everything has been going beyond her control from her relationship with her boyfriend to her newly-launched head-hunting business. So she thought that because of these stress, she has been starting to see things like a ghost. But, she's wrong. Sadie, her great-aunt has come to seek her help. They have to find a necklace who has been in Sadie's posession for more than seventy-five years. Sadie said that she couldn't rest without it. And so, the hunting and haunting began. As they go into the journey in finding the necklace, they started to discover things about love, about each other and most important, about their family.

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Ever tried laughing over a ghost story? Well, now you would with Twenties Girl.

Unlike any other ghost stories, this one is filled with humor and amusing scenes from two girls who came from two different timelines. One of them alive and one is a ghost.

At first, one would have the impression that this is just another boring novel about a ghost who wants to play some more nasty stuff before he rests. But, as you go on with the book, you'll definitely be hanging onto it until the necklace has been found.

This novel is really a breakthrough for Sophie Kinsella. Not only did she make a good ghost story but she was also able to add humor to it.

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Memorable Lines from the Book

“People break up. It’s just the way things are.And you can’t dwell on what might have been. You have to look at what is." - Lara Lington

“Life is like an escalator... It carries you on regardless." - Lara Lington

“The worst thing a girl can do is trail after a boy when a love affair is dead.” - Sadie Lancaster

The Lost Symbol

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction

Author: Dan Brown

Year Published: 2009

Publisher: Doubleday

Main Characters: Robert Langdon - a Harvard professor and symbologist

Peter Solomon - head of the Smithsonian Institution; a wealthy man who is a dear friend and mentor to Robert Langdon; a Freemason with the highest degree

Zachary Solomon - Peter Solomon's rebellious son

Katherine Solomon - a Noetic scientist; sister of Peter Solomon

Mal'akh - the villain who has his body covered with tattoos of diferent symbols

Warren Bellamy - friend of Peter who is also the architect of the Capitol

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Summary

Robert Langdon, the famous Harvard symbologist has received an invitation from his friend Peter Solomon to deliver a lecture in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Since Peter is his friend and mentor, he went to Washington D.C. without any idea that his trip is not just an ordinary visit. When he arrived, he was more than shocked by what greeted him. There were no audience at all for the lecture and the severed right hand of Peter is there at the place, tattooed and transformed as the Hand of Mysteries. From there, a series of events took place and a lot of puzzles surfaced. Will Robert Langdon be able to solve the mysteries and save his friend? And who is this tattooed man who kidnapped Peter?

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After years of waiting, at last, here's another Robert Langdon novel created by Dan Brown. And just like the other two previous Langdon stories, this one is again filled with mind-boggling mysteries and astonishing facts.

Yep, prepare to be hooked as you read this novel. Because once you start reading it, you won't notice that you're almost done with it. The mysteries will have you glued to your seats and the book.

This novel brings us interesting facts on history, arts and sciences. It gives us access to some undiscovered facts on Washington D.C. and masonry. And, readers will surely try solve the puzzles in this book by themselves too. Well, that's certainly expected.

Yet, apart from the trivias and puzzles, what makes this novel captivating is that it tells a story about family, faith and friendship. The tragedy of the Solomons teaches us the values that every family and person should have. What are they? Now that's for you to find out and realize as you read the book.

* * *

Memorable Lines from the Book

"In the correct hands, fire can provide illumination . . . but in the wrong hands, fire can be highly destructive" - Robert Langdon

"Wide acceptance of an idea is not proof of its validity." - Robert Langdon

"Wealth is commonplace, but wisdom is rare" - Peter Solomon

"Transformation requires sacrifice." - Mal'akh

"God is plural because the minds of man are plural" - Katherine Solomon

I Have Fallen In Love With The Same Woman Three Times

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:26:00 +0000

Poet: former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy Aquino Jr.
Trivia: written for his wife former Pres. Corazon Aquino; turned into a song by Jose Mari Chan

________________________

I Have Fallen in Love with the Same Woman Three Times

I have fallen in love
With the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
Of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.
She was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;
When first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain,
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day,
till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she's our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope,
on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade.

Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid.
She is calm and composed,
she is God's lovely maid.

___________________________

Rest in peace our beloved former President Corazon Aquino... You shall remain always in our hearts. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 02:29:00 +0000

Poet: Christina Rossetti

Source: "Goblin Market and Other Poems"

Year Published: 1862

__________________________

Remember

Remember me when I am gone away.

Gone far away into the silent land;

When you can no more hold me by the hand,

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day

You tell me of our future that you plann'd:

Only remember me; you understand

It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while

And afterwards remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave

A vestige of the thoughts that I once had,

Better by far you should forget and smile

Than that you should remember and be sad.

__________________________

This poem is about a woman who is dying and is requesting her lover to remember her. In the first five lines, you would notice the coming separation of the couple. The persona here requests that she be remembered when time comes that she no longer exists here on earth. When she can longer be held.

In the following lines, the persona further stresses that their time together is really getting shorter. Then there comes the tension.

There are lines where you would notice that the persona realizes that the lover will somehow forget her. And if that happens she is also certain that the lover will be sad. So at the end, she tells the lover that its better for him to smile and forget her than remember her and be sad.

This poem not only tackles parting but it also reflects the poet's way of handling her own dilemmas in life. We see here how her Christian devotion affects her decisions. Truly, this poem deserves all the fame it has till now.

The Lady or The Tiger?

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction

Author: Frank Stockton

Year Published: 1882

____________________________

Summary

In a faraway land, there was a semi-barbaric king who has unusual means of administering justice to offenders in his kingdom. You will choose from two doors and whatever decision you'll make will surely change your life. One day, he found out that his daughter, the princess, is in love with a commoner. Because of this, he had the lover arrested and thrown into prison. He set up a date for the trial in the arena. Before the trial, the lover consulted the princess on which door to choose. The princess knows which door contains the tiger and which door contains the lady that will be married to the lover. The question is, which door did the princess chose for the lover?

______________________

I'm sure many have read the story already but still it is amusing to go back and read it again from time to time. It makes you think and analyze what door will the lover choose. What kind of ending will happen.

I'd like to think that this story is the mother of the stories with choose-your-own-ending out there. This kind of stories gives the readers an opportunity to let their imagination soar and transport them to different time and place.

So, if you're the princess, which door will you give the lover?

To read the story, download here.

You Tell Me

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Poet: Marra PL. Lanot
Source: "One Hundred Love Poems"
Year Created: 1984
Year Published: 2004
Publisher: The University of the Philippines Press

You Tell Me

You tell me if you had a wife
You wouldn't mind her falling
In love with another, especially
If you left her crying in the night.

You ask me if I want you
To think of no one but me
For you say you'd gladly spend
Your life unraveling a mystery;
Thinking of me, you say,
Is like deciphering a distant star.

And you wouldn't mind
Being used in a poem,
For art you can't refuse.
To err is human
But "human" is no excuse.
To love is natural, the heart
Has its reason, but
The heart is unreasonable
And I am left confused.

So I'd rather cry over him
Than be happy with you;
I'd rather end up
Dreaming and remain a star
You'll always seek and remember
Than sink down and regret
You're like other men
Who make their women cry.

__________________________

Here's a poem of a woman talking to her suitor. As you can see in the first stanza, the suitor tells the persona that it is fine for a wife to fall in love with another man if the husband doesn't make the wife happy anymore. From here, we start to have a glimpse of the character of the suitor.

In the second stanza, the suitor continues to court the persona, offering her more flattery. He compares her to a star, something far and always remains a mystery.

The third stanza tells us of how the woman feels about the man. Certain sayings like "To err is human" and "The heart has its reason" has been used too.

On the last stanza, the woman finally makes a choice. She tells the man that she'd rather cry over someone she loved and lost than spend time with this man who has a sweet tongue. After all, she realized that she might even regret if she would give him a chance because he might be just like other men.

Truly, this poem is a nice composition suitable for ladies who want to get rid of annoying suitors. Perhaps, it's the same reason why Lanot wrote this poem.

The Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Year Published: 2003

Publisher: Warner Books

Main Characters: Wilson Lewis - a successful estate lawyer married for almost 30 yrs. but finds it hard to be romantic and expressive when it comes to matters of the heart.

Jane - Noah Calhoun's eldest child; an outgoing woman married to Wilson for almost 30 yrs.

Noah Calhoun - Jane's father and protagonist in "The Notebook". He sets a good example when it comes to love to his kids and children-in-law

________________________

Summary

Despite being married for almost thirty years, Wilson Lewis had just realized that he is starting to lose his wife, Jane. As a successful estate lawyer, he was always busy with work and finds little time for his family. And, when his children started to move out and he is left with Jane alone in the house, it dawned on him that they are starting to fall apart. Determined to save their relationship, he struggles to win back her heart. Yet, he's been faced with wonders whether the woman he loves still have the same feelings towards him. One thing's for certain though - he never loved anyone but Jane in his entire life and his feelings for her has grown even deeper through the years. Inspired by the great 50-year love story and affair of his in-laws Noah Calhoun (from The Notebook) and Allie, Wilson is more than ready to transform himself to the husband he should have been and make his wife fall in love with him all over again.

______________________________

After being touched with Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook," prepare your handkerchieves again as this sequel novel "The Wedding" takes you into another tearjerking story of love, faith and renewal.

Like Sparks' earlier novels, this one is also filled with romantic scenes and lines that would surely bring out your "high school girl" attitude again whenever you see your crush. However, I must say that there is improvement in this piece because the lines are not too mushy compared to the author's other works.

The first chapters of the novel will already get you hooked to it till you finish the entire book in just one seating. The element of mystery was sustained enough up to the right chapter. And if you try to guess the whole plot, you might suceed but I'll bet that in certain chapters, you'll definitely doubt if your guess is right.

Other than that, the symbolisms in the novel were crafted well too. The story of the swan, teaches us about faith. While the five concentric hearts in rose blooms tells us of love's labors.

***

Memorable lines from the book

"Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day." - Wilson Lewis

"Marriage is about compromise; it’s about doing something for the other person, even when you don’t want to." - Jane

"The more special something is, the more people seem to take it for granted. It’s like they think it won’t ever change..." -Pastor Harvey Wellington

Sonnet 14

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Poet: Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Type: Poetry
Source: "Sonnets from the Portuguese"
Year Published: 1850

______________________

Sonnet 14

If thou must love me, let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only.
Do not say 'I love her for her smile—her look—her way
Of speaking gently,—for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day'—
For these things in themselves, Beloved, may
Be changed, or change for thee,—and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry,—
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!
But love me for love's sake, that evermore
Thou mayst love on, through love's eternity.

______________________________

A classic and one of the commonly used poems in schools. Elizabeth here shows in her verses what true love is really all about.

In the first few lines, the poet tells her beloved to love her not because of her smile or other things that could easily be changed, or might even fade. She even said that those kind of things could be changed to suit the beloved's likeness. Which is why if you understand clearly, it suggests that the beloved, with these reasons, could fall for another girl who could make her smile or look likeable to the beloved.

The next verses, she says that she wishes to be loved for love's reason. That it is great if you love someone because that's how you feel and not because of reasons that could easily be changed. For if this so, then an eternal love is definitely possible.

The Last Leaf

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:07:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: O. Henry
Main Characters: Joanna "Johnsy"- the girl who is sick with pneumonia and said that she will die once the last leaf on the ivy vine near her window falls
Sue - Joanna's roommate and also co-painter
Old Behrman - Sue and Joanna's neighbor who lives in the ground floor beneath them; also a painter but earns his living through modeling

___________________________

Summary

In the old Greenwich village at Washington, artists live together in apartments. It was November and cold when pneumonia hit the place. Among those who fell victim to the illness is Joanna, a young painter from Maine. Her room mate, Sue, a painter from California, took good care of her and brought her a doctor. However, Joanna pronounced that once the last leaf on the ivy vine outside near her window falls, she too will die. Sue became upset because it seems that Joanna has given up on her life. She doesn't even want to eat anymore. When their neighbor Old Behrman, who was posing as a model for Sue, heard about this, he thought it's insane. Until, Joanna said that it seems the leaf will fall the next morning. But it didn't happen.

________________________

Another one of O. Henry's masterpieces, "The Last Leaf" is a brilliant story written with a clever twist. Imagine, how could a leaf survive the cold November wind. But then, it did in a very witty way.

This story me when some people depend their life's decision on signs. Like Joanna, they seem to be afraid of the future and just give up. Then depend on something and let everything be. A "que sera sera" (whatever will be, will be) attitude.

But, what happened to Joanna and the leaf teaches us life's value. That sometimes we take things for granted and only notice them when it's already too late... When one has already took a huge sacrifice. Thus, we should be appreciative. Be grateful on what we have. Always count the blessings that surround us and look at the sunny side of things.

To have a copy of the story, DOWNLOAD HERE.

An Ex to Grind

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:02:00 +0000

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction (Chic Lit.)

Author: Jane Heller

Year Published: 2005

Main Characters: Melanie Banks -financial planner, ex-wife of Dan Swain

Dan Swain - pro football player, ex-husband of Melanie Banks

Evan - attractive painter; neighbor of Melanie

Leah - veterinarian; Dan's girlfriend

Desiree - matchmaker

__________________________

Summary

Manhattan financial planner Melanie Banks is pissed off. She has gotten divorced from his pro football player ex-husband Dan "Traffic" Swain but still trapped with him. She needs to share custody of their pet dog Buster. Plus, the alimony that she has to give him every month. It has been so stressing to her especially since her ex-husband doesn't even bother to look for a job and even spends her money recklessly. Because of that, she devised a plot to get rid of the alimony. The loophole in the arrangement which is the cohabitation clause that her husband needs to live with a woman for 90days. She then hired a matchmaker to set up her husband with another woman who happens to be Leah. Dan fell into the plan. In fact, he and Leah fell in love. Leah was able to motivate Dan and bring out good changes in him. Melanie noticed it and started to get caught in her own trap. She is falling in love again with Dan. Now she doesn't know how to clean the mess she just did. Will she pursue the plan or will she go after Dan?

____________________

This novel is very witty and hilarious. You could easily relate to it since the setting is very much taken from the present time.

Jane Heller was successful in showing how a woman could be responsible for the success and downfall of her man. How a woman could do things that man could also do. Yet, she also showed that a woman is still a human being capable of being weak and getting hurt.

I can say that this novel is a perfect after-break-up read to all women out there. the story teaches us about moving on. letting go and taking chances.

***

Memorable lines from the book

"You can’t have a marriage between strangers.” - Melanie Banks

"It isn’t possible to love two women. Not in the same way at the same time." - Evan

"What makes ordinary people heroic is when they give up the thing they want most." - Evan

Angels and Demons

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:54:00 +0000

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: Dan Brown
Year Published: 2000
Main Characters: Robert Langdon - a Harvard professor of symbology
Leonardo Vetra - a scientist and priest who works at CERN and
invented antimatter
Vittoria Vetra - a scientist and adopted daughter of Leonardo
Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca - the Papal chamberlain who was
in command when the Pope died
Cardinal Saverio Mortati - eldest cardinal in the conclave
Maximilian Kohler - director of CERN

___________________

Summary

Due to the death of Leonardo Vetra, Robert Langdon was called by CERN's Maximilian Kohler to verify the symbol in the victim's chest. With enough knowledge on symbols, Langdon was surprised to see that the one on the victim's chest is authentic. But, he is still confused as to whether the suspected secret society is really the one responsible for it. After the revelation of some evidence and discovery that the antimatter was missing, it was then that Langdon confirmed that the ancient brotherhood Illuminati must have done the crime. With that, Langdon together with Vittoria was taken to Vatican City where they find themselves helping the Church in stopping the explosion of antimatter and finding the four missing cardinals (Preferiti). As their search continue, a lot of new information on the brotherhood and its symbols are unveiled. And, so many shocking secrets and stories start to unfold too.

______________________

Probably one of the greatest and most controversial books of the century. Dan Brown was more than successful in getting everyone's attention through his novel. The existence of the locations in the story along with some facts captured the readers' interest and made them get hooked to the book. In fact, you'll get so engrossed in reading it that you won't even notice that you have almost reached the end.

The plot is not like those of any other mystery novels. There is a twist in every chapter. And I bet you would never be able to predict the ending unless of course, it's your second time to read the book already.

It is impressive how Brown was able to come up with such fiction. How he was inspired to create a story on the famous places of Vatican. He must really have a very 'illuminated' mind to be able to produce a very bold imagination for the future of the Church, and Science.

***

Memorable lines from the book

“Religion is like language or dress. We gravitate toward the practices with which we were raised. In the end, though, we are all proclaiming the samething. That life has meaning. That we are grateful for the power that created us.” -Vittoria Vetra

"Faith is universal. Our specific methods for understanding it are arbitrary. Some of us pray to Jesus, some of us go to Mecca, some of us study subatomic particles. In the end we are all just searchingfor truth, that which is greater than ourselves." -Vittoria Vetra

“Science tells me God must exist. My mind tells me I will never understand God. And my heart tells me I am not meant to.” -Vittoria Vetra

"You are misguided. A church is more than mortar and stone. You cannot simply erase two thousand years of faith . . . any faith. You cannot crush faith simply by removingits earthly manifestations" - Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca

“Science can heal, or science can kill. It depends on the soul of the man using the science. It is the soul that interests me.” -Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca

Angkan ni Eba

noreply@blogger.com (Her Maldita-ness) — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Type: Prose

Genre: Fiction

Author: Nonon Villaluz Carandang

Publisher: UST Publishing House

________________________

(review also published in The Varsitarian Vol. LXXVII, No. 6, October 28, 2005 )

WALANG bukod tanging salitang makapaglalarawan sa lahat ng kababaihan. Bagaman madalas ikabit ang mga katagang mayumi, mahinhin, maarte at maganda sa mga ka-baro ni Eba, hindi pa rin sapat ang mga ito upang lubusang ipakilala ang tunay na katuhan ng mga babae.

Sa “Angkan ni Eba,” isang lipon ng mga maiikling kwentong isinulat ni Ernesto Villaluz Carandang II na nagtapos ng Literature sa Unibersidad, masasalamin ang pagiging misteryoso ng mga babae. Umiikot ang tema ng mga kwento sa mga aspeto ng buhay kung saan nagiging kapantay ng mga babae ang mga lalaki. Inihahain ng bawat bida ang mga saloobin ng mga kababaihan sa iba’t ibang sitwasyon, lugar at panahon. Taglay ng bawat kuwento ang iba’t ibang kababaihang may angkin na mga kahanga-hangang pagkatao.

Sa nobeletang “Las Ingratas” matutunghayan ang kuwento ni Clara, isang kakaibang dalagang punung-puno ng hiwaga ang pagkatao. Malalim mag-isip si Clara at lagi rin siyang nag-iisa. Ika nga ni Clara sa isang bahagi ng nobeleta, “Ako ang bahaging nagsusumbong sa kalikasan. Ang nagwawaksi sa kagandahan ng mundo dahil sa aking kapalarang mabuhay nang mag-isa. Nais kong maging butil na muling uusbong sa pagsisimula nang panibagong buhay.”

Subalit nagbago ang lahat nang nanilbihan siya kina Don Miguel at Doña Benilda. Doon sa hacienda ng mag-asawa natagpuan ni Clara ang pag-ibig. Ipinapamalas din ng nobeleta na laging biktima ng mapang-aping lipunan ang kababaihan. Hindi nagbabago ang tingin sa kanila bilang mga taga-aliw, mga pag-aari at mga laruan. Gayunpaman, nagawa pa ring itaas ni Carandang ang imahe ng mga babae sa pamamagitan ng katauhan ng kanyang bidang si Clara.

Binabalanse ni Clara ang kahinaan at katatagan na makikita sa mga tauhang babae sa kwento. Sa unang basa, mapagkakamalang isang karaniwang babae rin lamang si Clara subalit habang patuloy sa pag-usad ang mga pangyayari, unti-unti ring nalalantad ang kanyang pagkatao.

Simula pa lamang, nababalot na ng misteryo ang nobeleta. Laman ng bawat kabanata ang mga pira-pirasong pangyayari sa nakaraan na muling binabalikan ng bida. Masasabing kahanga-hanga ang kakaibang balangkas ng kwento lalo pa at ito ang unang aklat na nailimbag ng may-akda. Binibigyang katarungan ng balangkas ang hindi maipaliwanag na takbo ng utak ng mga kababaihan.

Ipinapakita rin sa ilang bahagi ng nobeleta na sadyang makapangyarihan ang mga babae.

Kakaiba at mahirap basahin ang kanilang pag-iisip kung kaya’t ito ang nagsisilbi nilang sandata laban sa mga tusong kalalakihan. Ang talas ng pag-iisip at lakas ni Clara ang kanyang ginamit upang pabagsakin ang malaking hadlang sa katuparan ng kanyang minimithi.

Katulad din ni Clara ang bida sa maikling kwentong “Soledad”. Isang ordinaryong may-bahay si Soledad na walang ibang ninais kundi ang tratuhin nang maayos ng kanyang asawang itinuturing niyang isang anghel. Pinagbibigyan niya ang lahat ng gusto nito kahit pa nagpapalit anyo bilang halimaw ang anghel na kanyang tinitingala.

Aniya, “Mahal ko ang anghel. Galit ako sa halimaw sa tuwing magbabago ang tingin ng anghel sa akin. Ilang ulit kong iminungkahi sa kanyang hindi ko kaya ang palagiang pagbabago niya sa anyong halimaw. Pero ganoon pa rin, hindi siya lumulubay.”

Hindi nawalan ng pag-asa si Soledad na magbabago pa ang kanyang asawa hanggang sa dumating ang puntong hindi na niya kinaya pa ang kalupitan nito. Nakapagpasya siyang putulin ang sungay ng halimaw na lumalamon sa pagkatao ng kanyang anghel.

Isang gabi nang umuwi ang kanyang asawa, ginawa ni Soledad ang lahat ng gusto nito. Pinagbigyan niya ang kalupitan at sakit na idinudulot ng lalaki. Gayunpaman, nahulog sa bitag ang kanyang asawa. Nalinlang niya ang halimaw at nagawa niyang makatakas matapos tuldukan ang kasamaan nito.

Kapansin-pansin na nagawa pa ring natural at babaeng-babae ang dating ng mga tauhan kahit lalaki ang may-akda ng mga kwento. Nagsisilbing malaking tulong ang detalyadong paglalarawan sa mga kilos at ugali ng mga tauhan.

Sa kabuuan, kahit makikitang mahina ang mga babae sa ilang mga bagay at aspeto ng buhay, nananatili pa rin silang matatag at lumalaban. Hindi dahilan ang pagiging babae ng isang tao upang manatili na lamang itong nakasiksik sa isang tabi. Ang “Angkan ni Eba” ang isang magandang halimbawa ng larawan ng kababaihang bumabangon matapos nitong bumagsak.