Category Archives: reviews

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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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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Mad Skillz

Posted on August 1, 2026 by Topher

What’s a skill you consider basic, that most people don’t actually know how to do? I can name a few, but we’ll focus on taking care of woollens. Firstly, you can’t just chuck wool garments in the washing machine. Being … 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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The city and its uncertain walls (2023) reviewed

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Topher

If you could change the ending of any book, which one would it be? I’ve finished reading this Murakami novel, the year’s first physical book. I’ve crested only one other read, Robert Parish’s bio. My last hard copy was John … Continue reading →

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iPhone 16e: ‘The Return of the Comeback’

Posted on June 7, 2026 by Topher

Who do you spend the most time with? I spoke too soon. In February, I said that my iPhone wasn’t good value. The latest entry level model came out and I had buyer’s remorse. Now I’ve taken a different view. … Continue reading →

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Five-pointer

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Topher

What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness? A few reasons brighten up my day. Happiness is relative. Other WordPress bloggers have varied answers to today’s daily prompt. Even if cloning was legal and feasible, no two humans are … Continue reading →

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‘Gawad Kalinga‘

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Topher

What job would you do for free? Easy. In a heartbeat, I’d volunteer to be a beta reader. For the uninitiated, these bookworms are given ARCs (advance reader copies). The latter are final drafts before the books go live. Netgalley … Continue reading →

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The Metaphysician, por favor

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Topher

What was the best compliment you’ve received? In response to the daily prompt, I’m gonna share ‘The Metaphysician’. The poem forms part of my collection. ‘Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds’ – Albert Einstein, Nobel-winning physicist … Continue reading →

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Five-peat

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Topher

What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times? There are a few that fits that description. Today, I’ll focus on The Bourne Ultimatum, which I saw at the cinema. It was well worth the price of … Continue reading →

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