Category Archives: Books

Project Hail Mary (2021): endless space

Posted on October 23, 2026 by Topher

Which book’s world would be the absolute worst to live in? I took my time with Project Hail Mary. Written by the author of The Martian, the book was 2021’s most anticipated sci-fi read. That year, I finished the book … Continue reading →

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Bandila spiel

Posted on October 21, 2026 by Topher

What’s something you’ve done that you never thought you could? As per the photo, Dexter Remolar (my protagonist) couldn’t believe that he could memorise the whole Bandila spiel. He tuned in to that news program before. It was available on … Continue reading →

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Being Dexter Holland

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Topher

If you could switch lives with a famous person for a week, who would it be and why? Being Dexter the polymath would be nice. He’s The Offspring’s lead vocalist. A licensed pilot. A successful entrepreneur. A doctor in molecular … Continue reading →

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Into the wild: ‘the good place’

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Topher

What does it mean to be a good person? A few months ago, I streamed Into The Wild on Netflix. Sean Penn directed the film, based on Jon Krakauer’s bestselling book. The read per se is timeless and has been … Continue reading →

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The Alchemist (1988) reviewed

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Topher

What’s a personal mantra or philosophy you live by? ‘And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.’ Some might be familiar with the phrase, taken from The Alchemist. I should’ve read this book … Continue reading →

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1Q84 (2009) reviewed

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Topher

What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? After many weekends, I finally finished Haruki Murakami’s piece de resistance. 1Q84 was published in three volumes between late 2009/early 2010. Don’t believe the reviews. Yes, the book is quite detailed but it’s … Continue reading →

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Toru the cat

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Topher

If your pet could talk, what would be the first thing it says? If my fictional feline, Toru, could talk…he would pat me in the back. With his untrimmed paw, he’ll say Pasensya ka na, nakakataram na ako. (My bad, … Continue reading →

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The Namesake (2006): an excursion

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Topher

Which fictional world would be the most fun to vacation in? With fictional worlds, obvious choices are Game of Thrones, Squid Game, and Stranger Things. I’ve reviewed all three. No need to rehash. Ages ago, I saw The Namesake on … Continue reading →

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Reming

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Topher

What’s the funniest misunderstanding you’ve ever been part of? The following is from my first book. It’s based on a true story. Once she bought a 10kg bag of white rice from Woolies. Having seen a cheaper match at the … Continue reading →

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The task: Topher Wins

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Topher

Which book have you read more than any other? I’ve read my 300 page memoir/self-help, cover to cover, a dozen times. I saw it evolve from 151 pages to 224 and finally 300 pages. I did most of the proofing, … Continue reading →

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