V-day is coming up fast, and if you've been dreading it, stop your fretting. Pick yourself up off the floor and check out these five reads listed down by Verne Ahyong in this month's ish that'll show you romantic love isn't everything.
THE VIRGIN SUICIDES by Jeffrey Eugenides, P 695
When the Lisbon sisters commit suicide, all their neighbors, the media and“experts” offer their theories on why—but what remains are perversions of the truth. Four boys honor the girls’ memories and try to uncover the story behind their deaths. Here is a gripping look at the tragic lives of elusive adolescent girls and the haunting wreckage they leave behind.
ROOM by Emma Donoghue, P 315
Told from the point-of-view of a 5-year-old boy who spent all his life in a basement, Room shows the riveting love story between a mother and son held ransom. The protagonist’s descriptions and personification of household objects are both endearing and disturbing, just like the lives they lead.
WHITE TEETH by Zadie Smith, P 255
The misadventures of two immigrant families who struggle to fit in British society. A darkly humorous saga of how two friends, their wives, and children strive to live normal lives while facing issues on culture, faith and love.
COLORLESS TSUKURU TAZAKI AND HIS YEARS OF PILGRIMAGE by Haruki Murakami, P 499
Tsukuru Tazaki has bad luck with friends. When his girlfriend threatens to leave him, he goes on a pilgrimage to seek answers from his past. Here is a nostalgic, heartwarming story about young friends growing-up, and the inexplicable choices they make in the name of friendship.
THE BRIEF AND WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO by Junot Diaz , P 315
Is love a blessing or a curse? Overweight and nerd-obsessed Oscar de León believes the latter. In humorous and geeky fashion, Junot tells the story of the de León family and the curse of ill-fated love that has plagued them for generations.
More V-day ideas in our February issue here.
Illustrations by Alysse Asilo
Maine image from @tbrottura_nychomedesigns
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