Jill and the Books Talk

Author: Caroline Roberts The setting was perfect. As you read through this chicklit's pages, you will be transported to a charming castle that is falling apart. The entire novel will surely evoke cravings for the sweet tooth. It was an entertaining read up until the author seemingly decided to try her luck in writing a steamy novel which turned out to be a total disaster. The descriptive sex scenes were unnecessary in the story plot, not to mention how badly they were written. I had to browse through the pages quickly. Finally, as if the author wanted to reward her readers for enduring those cringe-worthy pages, you will find something at the end of this book that will be useful in your kitchen. 

Author: Adrian Goldsworthy I have to be honest. I bought this book because I was expecting to read factual insights on the scandalous love affair between the Roman general Antony and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. That didn't happen. The book turned out to be a fascinating historical account of the Roman empire, it's triumphs and weaknesses based on ancient sources and archeological evidences. A story beautifully written by Goldsworthy debunking myths about Antony's indisputable military skills and Cleopatra's lineage and temptress image. If you set your expectations right in the beginning, you are in for a lengthy fill of history, astounding facts and a completely different perspective of the Roman empire, Antony, and Cleopatra interwoven with the Egyptian and Greek cultures.

It was March 15, 2020, the first day of Enhanced Community Quarantine that I felt like I was being strangled. It finally dawned on me that I cannot just take the next flight to see my family whenever I miss them.  I fared no better in the coming days as I felt like I was being pulled between two opposing powerful forces. I was succumbing to a depressed state while also being very much aware that I had to pull myself together. I had to stay strong for my family (especially my mom who broke down over the phone), my staff (who were with me), our family businesses (we had to close non-essential businesses and had to maximize digital marketing efforts for essential business), my anxious patients (who somehow made me forget my troubles because I had to do counseling as early as 7am and as late as midnight), and the donors who needed my assistance in coordinating aid. Not to mention the responsibilities I had with corporate clients and writing articles for Manila Bulletin. I was read...