Augvocacy2018: The Books that Introduced Me to the World of Reading

In our family, honestly, I was the one who was not born artistic, cannot draw well and even my handwriting was very ugly.

Somehow, I felt different. 

My siblings were very creative especially when doing projects, artworks and their notebooks were being graded with high grades.

Yet, I might say that I'm the only one who is fond of reading. 

I'm the only person in our family that breathes and lives with books. I enjoy spending time inside a bookstore, browsing all the shelves and checking out the latest works from my cherished authors. And yes, I can consume even my last cent on a book.

So, I'm truly excited when I saw that Shelea of That BookShelf Bitch having an event called #Augvocacy2018 to celebrate her birthday and love for reading!

I am one of the lucky bloggers who participate in her meaningful advocacy.

Thank you Shelea!

Check out the details here: (https://thatbookshelfbitch.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/augvocacy2018-fostering-culture-reading-philippines)

Essentially, Augvocacy aspires to bring together like-minded people in actively forwarding a particular advocacy. Held annually on the month of August, this project aims to forward a different, yet nonetheless important, agenda each year.

The participants are Filipino readers, bloggers, and authors.

So here is my contribution to this awesome event by sharing with you the books that started my love of reading.

*Sabrina the Teenage Witch: I remembered that day Mama brought this one book because of the show that I was watching. I was jumping when she gave this to me. I was so thrilled to read the book and compared it to the one I was seeing on the television. Somehow, it was different but because of the novel, I got to know more about my favorite witch that filled my childhood days.

*V.C. Andrew's Brooke: It was my birthday and I was surprised to receive a book from Mama. She didn't ask me what would I want as a present but a mother's instinct was real. The book cover was unforgettable because it was a girl wearing a crown and when I saw it, my heart was tugged with it. Brooke was an orphan who was longing for a mother's embrace. I actually wasn't able to ask Mama why she gave me that in the first place. Perhaps, she was attracted to the book cover too.

*Harry Potter Series: I'm a true fan of this famous wizard. I was in high school when my classmate told me about the book she was reading. I was curious so the next day, she brought Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Reading the blurb, I instantly told her that I would borrow it after she finished the book. I was hooked when Harry met Hagrid! He was his giant savior from the unfair treatment of Dursleys. I mean who have thought of this kind of story? That was brilliant! From that day on, I re-read the books and watch the movies because once is not enough.

*Paulo Coehlo's Alchemist: I felt that I was tricked by the author after finishing this novel. Santiago had been to many places only to find out that the one had been looking for all along was in front of him. Yet, I was happy that I purchased and read it. This book taught me significant life lessons which were craving by my soul. It opened my mind in reading different genres and appreciate books that out of my comfort zone.

*Christine Feehan's Dark Series: Have you experienced standing in an unfamiliar book section and you are not sure what are you even doing there? That happened to me when I encountered the Dark Prince. It was the first book from the series of my favorite Paranormal Romance author. I was not familiar with her name and the series but I took a chance of it. It paved off! Because of her books, it helped me get back why I fell in love with reading. Though it is difficult to find her books here in our country, I still manage to have a copy of her latest work thru buying online and waiting for a few months to be delivered at home. It is worth a penny!

Reading books makes me realize that I may not be the most artistic child of my parents but I can be a creative person on my own. I could weave stories and encourage one to pick up a book that would change his/her perspective about reading.

And if I convince you to start your reading journey, you might want to begin with a book that Shelea would be happy to give it to you for free!

Join her giveaway!

Prize: Paperback copy of The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly

Winners: Two (2) -- one Filipino winner, one INT’L winner (provided that Book Depository ships to their country)

Duration: August 1st (12 mn) to September 1st (12 mn)

Rafflecopter link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/950d261628/