Read Local: Dive into books written by local authors!

The days are quickly passing by, and with all the rush and noise that come along with it, sometimes, it feels good to take a step back and just drown yourself in something enjoyable. So why not grab a book to read while sipping a cup of hot coffee in the morning or before getting a good night’s sleep? After all, reading books is always a great way to get away from reality without stepping a foot out of your home.

But, if you don’t have an idea of what to read, worry not! Here are some great books written by local authors you can start with!

Ang mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan

This 2010 mystery novel written by famous author Bob Ong will bring you back to the early 2000s through the journal entries of the protagonist, Gilberto “Galo” P. Manansala. Galo, a college student, lived with his mother’s relatives in the city where he also studied. As a requirement for a class, he started keeping a journal where he wrote down his thoughts and encounters every day. The plot started to pick up its pace when he went to the island of Tarmanes to visit his gravely ill grandmother, Mama Susan. Here, Galo learned there is more to the town than meets the eye as he uncovered secrets and encountered strange occurrences at the home of Mama Susan.

If you’re looking to read something spooky that will leave you gasping and gripping the ends of your blanket, this book is just right for you!

This book is available in Avenida Books for PHP270.00.

Bahay ni Marta

The story takes place in an abandoned home that speaks with a mute and homeless boy who found shelter in it. The mystery behind its abandonment slowly unfolded as the house looks back to the past and recalls its memories of Marta, the homeowner who had two children, and how she suffered from a vicious attack at home. The fear and trauma from the incident then led to Marta committing a crime herself. 

Ricky Lee’s book is written from the perspective of the house that served as a witness to everything that happened to its original owners. This one will surely pull your heartstrings and make you shed a tear or two!

You can purchase this book from Avenida Books for PHP200.00.

Smaller and Smaller Circles

The first-ever Filipino crime novel written by F.H. Batacan tackles the socio-political issues in the Philippines through the investigation of the murders of young boys in the poverty-stricken part of Payatas. Jesuit priests Gus Saenz and Jerome Lucero quickly realized there was a pattern in the crimes and a serial killer was behind it. The two then found themselves dealing with corruption and power struggle as they investigated and tried to get to the bottom of the crimes.

This book is the perfect read if you want something thrilling, heart-wrenching, and infuriating as you get lost in the world constructed by the writer.

Smaller and Smaller Circles is available on Fully Booked for PHP499.00.

Reportage on Politics

The book, written by Quijano de Manila or more popularly known as National Artist of the Philippines for Literature Nick Joaquin, gives readers a glimpse of what politics was like pre-Martial Law period. Covering anecdotes from 1961 to 1970 about political figures like Diosdado Macapagal and feuds, the writer paints a picture of the political landscape at that time. Since the events in the book took place before the declaration of Martial Law, it leaves the readers to decide for themselves whether the political situation actually called for Martial Law or dirty politics was just at play.

While not everyone lived through Martial Law, books–whether it’s fiction or nonfiction–are always a great source of history because the stories reflect the milieu and therefore, never lie.

You can buy Reportage on Politics on Anvil Publishing for PHP575.00.

Dekada ‘70

Set during the Martial Law period, this classic novel penned by award-winning writer Lualhati Bautista delves into the life of a middle-class family. Amanda Bartolome, a mother of five, was used to attending to all her husband’s and children’s needs but would silently ponder on the struggles she’s facing as a woman whose role has already been predefined by social, cultural, and political factors. As Amanda deals with her own identity and finding her value as a woman, the book also explores the brutality brought upon by the political climate that changed their family forever.

This thought-provoking novel challenges the notion of what a woman is as it dismantles patriarchy and gender stereotypes. It also walks you through what life was like for a middle-class family during the Martial Law period when voices were silenced, and bravery would cost lives.

Dekada ‘70 is available on Anvil Publishing for PHP295.00.

Conjugal Dictatorship

Primitivo Mijares, the Philippines Daily Express former presidential reporter who formed a close relationship with former President Ferndinand Marcos, Sr., wrote this book before his disappearance in January 1977. Here, Mijares revealed everything he knew about the injustices, military abuses, and government corruption during the Marcos regime. Mijares wrote the book after defecting and flying to the United States of America in 1975. Following the book’s publication, Mijares’ youngest son, 16-year-old Luis “Boyet” Mijares was abducted and later found tortured, murdered and multilated.

While the tell-all book might have cost the lives of Mijares and his son, it will serve as a reminder of the truth to combat disinformation on social media.

You can get a copy of Conjugal Dictatorship from Ateneo de Manila University Press for PHP650.00!

With all the great local books, endless possibilities and ideas will also come to mind once you dive into it. It takes you away from the troubles and stress of the real world and gives you something to ponder on while evoking your emotions. So in your next free time, why not treat yourself to a good book while resting? While reading a book may be considered time-consuming for some, it’s definitely a time worth spending, especially as the Philippine national election is just around the corner!

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