Well, I bought this book on the afternoon of April 12, 2011 and finished it the afternoon of April 13, 2011.
It's a book by famous Filipino writer Bob Ong, which is known to have funny books. His books made me think of laughter and more comedy. I also bought some of his books, which made me burst into tears because of laughing.
But since MacArthur and Kapitan Sino (Captain Who), his other books, has been a different perspective all over!
Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan (The Friends of Mama Susan), is his eighth book. This book, also known as ika-walo (The Eighth), is on a "Journal/Diary" type of context.
Book Cover:
At first look, you would say that it's pretty bit different from the rest of the batch. If all the other books have "Color Code Names" (like A B N K K B S N P L A Ko?! being the Green Book), this would be considered "The Violet Book". It has an eerie, dark, and awkward cover which made me curious on buying it.
I picked the book while browsing on National Bookstore. It made me wants to read and buy it.
The front cover has the title (Obviously!) which is written in a creepy font. If you examine a bit, there seems to be blood drops in the front cover. The title is laid-out on a reading material. (I don't exactly know what it is but it has written words and sentences in a different language which made it creepier!)
The back cover never failed to astonish me a bit. It has the paper torn into darkness with a human figure lurking. This human figure doesn’t have an eye and it looks old. This effect made me want to buy it more.
The book looks thin, thinner than the book Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas (The Favorite Book of Judas). But it was worth reading, and it only costs 150 Php!
Digging in the Inside:
The book was a funny but a bit boring for me at first. But there’s something about the book that made me craving for more. Thus, continuing the story. I finished the book by 3 hours maximum and I tell you, it’s worth it.
It started with a log on a journal, which is unknown at first. And you will be so curious. Questions like, “Who is Mama Susan? Why is he writing on his journal? Why the book is funny but the cover seems creepy? Why is the protagonist not happy? Why is the protagonist mad at his father? What’s with Mama Susan? Who’s the creepy character in the back cover? Why does the opening says that Huwag mong bibigkasin ang hindi? Why is there something Spanish written in the cover? What’s with this book anyway?” Don’t worry, ‘because all of your questions will be answered. If you bu and read the book of course!
I’ll give you a sneak peek on what the book’s story will be.
There is this typical college boy who is having typical problems in his typical neighborhood in typical Manila. He dreamt about typical things but some, horrifying. It sounds so typical but everything changed when he decided to go back to his province. There came along a mystery.
I assure you that you will like the book. I actually loved it! It looks simple yet creepy. Awkward but funny, a book you can remember. And I can say that you’ll love the sequence, it will thrill you and haunt you at the same time, especially the end.
I absolutely can never forget the feeling I had while reading the end. I was astounded and frightened. But if you are buying, please don’t flip the book and skip to the end. Enjoy it! Its one book that you should enjoy, not rush.
Overall Rating:
I give this book a rating of 8.5 out of 10.
Even though I enjoyed it, it was pretty bit boring on some parts for me. It’s the boring effect that keeps it simpler. It seems to be lacking something, but the creepiness effect is great. And remember, it’s in journal type writing. So you are like reading someone else’s diary. All in all, I loved it and I’m craving for more Bob Ong. I recommend this to the avid fans and to the other reader’s that think Bob Ong’s just for humor. You’ll be surprised!
Comments:
“Creepily funny but awkwardly frightening!” – Ikko
So, what do you think of my Book Review? Is it worth it? Do you agree with me? Just comment.
Napatingin ako sa mga tao sa kwarto sa paghahanap ng sagot, “Hindi po, Mama Susan. Sino pong mga–“
If you like Horror, then go for this. If not, I want you to still try and read this. It'll creep you out.
(Don't say you haven't been warned. Beware.)
Look at this trailer for more information.
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