Tao Te Ching — Lao Tzu said 'relax', basically

 

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say? For such a brief book, it carries surprising depth. It has quietly shifted my mindset more than any self-help book I’ve read in the past few years. I wouldn’t even call it “self-help”; it’s a gentle reminder to live with balance and ease. I’m not a Taoist myself, but reading this made me realize you don’t need to be one to appreciate its wisdom. The teachings are practical and timeless, this is something you can live by as principles rather than as religion.

Some passages that resonated with me:

“To know people is wisdom, but to know yourself is enlightenment. To master people takes force, but to master yourself takes strength.”
“Wild winds never last all morning and fierce rains never last all day.”
“Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear?”
“A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.”

Reading these passages made me pause and reflect on how I deal with life. Lao Tzu reminds us that real strength isn’t about controlling others, it is about managing yourself, your reactions, and your choices. He also shows that courage isn’t just about facing challenges head-on; it’s about patience, being grounded, and learning to move through life without forcing it. In today’s fast-paced world, where everything feels rushed and chaotic, his words serves as a reminder to slow things down, stay centered, and find peace in stillness.

I’d recommend this book to anyone curious about philosophy or just wanting a quiet reminder to slow down and think differently. :)

Dear Distance — Nostalgia in Every Page

 

Dear Distance by Luis Joaquin M. Katigbak
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The last time I immersed myself in Filipino literature was back in university with Desaparesidos by Lualhati Bautista. Now, returning to my roots through this book feels like a breath of fresh air. The setting instantly pulled me in, I could vividly picture the old Manila streets, soaked in nostalgia.

Dear Distance is a collection of short stories that quietly hit you, it is about loss, memory, and that tender ache of growing up. Katigbak writes with this quiet kind of magic, his stories feel small but full of life, soaked in longing, loss, and that gentle ache of remembering. The Manila setting made it all feel familiar, almost like walking through my own memories. 

My favorites were “Robot Boy and Hepa,” where a man on the edge of despair is visited by his childhood self, and “Passengers,” a bittersweet story about a boy and a girl whose brief connection lingers like those people you meet once but never forget.

Strange Pictures — No matter where you are, everyone is always connected

Strange Pictures by Uketsu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, another Uketsu review! I have to say, after reading both Strange Houses and this one, I actually prefer Strange Pictures. The story feels more engaging, more characters involved, and I love how their lives all connect in unexpected ways. It’s like uncovering a puzzle, starting from small fragments until you finally see the bigger picture.

I would sayyy this one definitely woke up my brain that's been collecting dust trying to connect all the dots. It’s not the deepest plot out there, but hey, it’s got enough intrigue to keep you flipping pages. I appreciate how it gives my mind a break from the classics and research papers, yet still keeps me hooked and curious all the way through.

Strange Houses — Left me curious but confused

Strange Houses by Uketsu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As an architect, this book hit differently. It honestly turned me into a detective, trying to piece together all the bizarre floor plans. The intro alone had me hooked, and the dialogue-driven format made it feel like I was part of the investigation.

The way Uketsu weaponized architecture was clever. Dead spaces, rooms that make zero sense, layouts that scream... ‘who tf would actually design this?’ It even had my undiagnosed adhd mind wondering: what if I designed my own prototype murder house, but better? You know, exclusively for killer clients, complete with customization options so they can tweak it to their… tastes. lol just purely hypothetical 👀

Not gonna lie, I kind of lost interest reading the ending. It felt rushed and open-ended, leaving you hanging and a little clueless, basically handing the job over to your imagination. That can be intriguing, sure, but also frustrating if you’re the type who prefers neat closure.

Almost Transparent Blue — Interesting idea, but nah

Almost Transparent Blue by Ryū Murakami
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Sadly, I DNF'd it. On the surface, it’s a raw, unsettling look at youth, alienation, and self-destruction, but for me, it was more uncomfortable than compelling. The constant detachment and bleakness might have been the point, but it also made it hard for me to stay invested.

I can see how the book is making a statement about how emptiness and disconnection can either consume or define you, but I didn’t feel like I needed to sit through the entire novel to understand that. For me, the constant shock value and dark tone ended up overshadowing any deeper meaning, making the experience feel more tiring than thought‑provoking.

In the end, it wasn’t the book for me, too unsettling to enjoy, yet too monotonous to push through.

The Housemaid — Not your typical drama

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up The Housemaid because I’ve seen it everywhere and I wanted to know what all the hype was about. I’ll admit, I was hooked right from the start. Freida McFadden writes in such a bingeable way—short chapters, quick pacing, and just enough mystery that you keep saying, “Okay, just one more chapter,” until you realize you’ve almost finished the whole thing. While the story leans heavily on familiar thriller tropes, which can make some twists predictable if you’re a seasoned reader. Character development also takes a backseat to suspense, leaving certain decisions feeling convenient rather than organic, but overall it’s a simple, entertaining read worth picking up.

No Exit — Trapped in thought (literally)

No Exit by Taylor Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was one of those thrillers that had me flipping pages fast. The setup is simple but intense: a snowstorm, a group of strangers, and a situation that quickly turns dangerous. From there, it becomes a game of tension, trust, and survival.

I liked how the book captured that claustrophobic, edge-of-your-seat atmosphere. The pacing is quick and very cinematic, almost as if you are watching a movie unfold, with each chapter ending in a way that makes you want to keep going.

While it’s a solid and entertaining read, it didn’t really stick with me. I feel like I’ll forget most of the details soon, but I could easily see this story working really well on screen. For me, it’s more of a thrilling ride than a memorable story.