Like I said in my previous post, I don’t get to read as many novels by Filipino authors as I’d like. But there are several Filipino books that I’ve enjoyed reading in the past year or so that I highly recommend to anyone who’s curious. All of these except for My Imaginary Ex are internationally available so you can read them even if you’re not based in the Philippines.
For middle grade or younger YA, I recommend Tall Story by Candy Gourlay (click on the image for my review):
For chick lit, I recommend Mina V. Esguerra’s books (again, click on the images for reviews):
I’m hoping that I’d have more recommended titles next year. I’m actually looking forward to browsing through the rest of this week’s Filipino Friday posts to see what the others recommended. Filipino Friday is the weekly meme tied to the promotion of the first Filipino Reader Conference on September 14. Just a few days away! 🙂
September 4, 2011 at 1:21 am
Wow! Thanks, Chachic! You’re so kind! Can I recommend Soledad’s Sister by Jose Dalisay … funny, oddball, and lyrical novel – a cop transporting the wrong body of an expired OFW through Manila. I’ve shared it with some neighbours here in London and they loved it – I was so desperate to have more people read it that I gave my only copy away and can’t wait to go home to Manila to buy another.
September 4, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Thanks for dropping by, Candy! Can’t wait to read more of your work. 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation too, I’ll keep Soledad’s Sister in mind the next time I feel like reading a Filipino novel. And yay you for spreading the love for Filipino books in the UK. 😀
September 4, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Thank you, Chachic! And I’ve sampled Tall Story now (instant gratification yay), will look for it on my next bookstore trip.
September 5, 2011 at 12:37 am
Mina, I hope you get to read it soon! It’s a quick and fun read and the Philippine edition isn’t that expensive, I think it’s P250? They even include that in the bookstore sales even though it’s locally published.
September 5, 2011 at 9:35 am
Oh, A middle grade/younger YA local lit! I must say there are hardly any local lit under that category. I’d love to give that a go. And a thumbs up for Mina’s books! I hope I get around getting My Imaginary and Frenemies. 😛
September 5, 2011 at 10:07 am
Hmm I think there are actually more middle grade or younger YA local novels than older YA. I haven’t encountered a YA book that’s similar to the more common Western YA. Feel free to let me know if you know something. 😛 Hope you get to read these books soon!
September 5, 2011 at 9:05 pm
I’m currently reading a beautifully written book that fits the YA mold – Banana Heart Summer by Merlinda Bobis – it’s published by Anvil over there. Fab, delicious (literally) prose.
September 6, 2011 at 9:06 am
Candy, I’ve heard good things about Banana Heart Summer! Thanks for reminding me about that book, I’ve added it to my wishlist.
September 6, 2011 at 12:58 am
Tall Story sounds really good. I’ll add it to my to-read list. Thanks Chachic!
September 6, 2011 at 9:13 am
It really is a good read. I hope you get to pick it up soon, Patrick. 🙂
September 9, 2011 at 12:25 am
Hi. I’d like to recommend Salitang Pinoy Tagalog Coursebook and Student’s Book for Levels 1 & 2 with Audio CD to those interested in learning our Tagalog language and culture. It very comprehensive with simple grammar explanations, lots of exercises, useful expressions that are used these days. You can learn the language independently and at your own pace. The CD recording has a natural-sounding speed to give oppurtunities for learners to listen to real communications.