Happy weekend everyone! I hope everyone is safe and is healthy. Early last year I promised to do at least one book tag every month. I have, so far, held on to that promise. For my April 2021 book tag, I have chosen to do the Zodiac Books and Music Tag which Riddhi @ Whispering Stories tagged me to. Thanks for the tag for I do love music and books. Do check out Riddhi’s blog for interesting bookish blogs and discussions.

By the way, my Zodiac is Cancer. I hope you enjoy my version of this book ang music tag. Happy reading!

Rules:

  • Link back to the creator, i.e, Swift Walker @Just Dreamland
  • Link back to the person who tagged you!
  • Answer all the prompts.
  • If you use the original graphics, credit the creator (i.e., Swift Walker)
  • Tag at least 5 bloggers and provide links to their blogs.
  • Name your Zodiac sign!!!!?
  • Don’t forget to add #ItsAZodiacThing tag.
  • You can either do the zodiac book tag /the zodiac music tag or both them. Graphics for separate tags should be given at the end.
  • Enjoy doing the post

Bookish prompts!

Aries: A wild and compelling book- from start to finish. Every page intoxicated your mind and heart with incredible imagery

I was about to go with the obvious (I have to agree with Riddhi on Harry Potter Series) but I am picking up J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion for it detailed how Middle Earth came to be.

Taurus: A heart-wrenching story of a forbidden love which could tear the family apart.

One of my more recent reads, D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover is the epitome of a forbidden love affair. It is, quite literally, the love affair that Lady Constance Chatterley caught herself in. Trivia about this literary classic: it borrowed some elements from the author’s own life.

Gemini: A book that is cheeky, quippy and witty

I am going to go with The Distance Between Us by Kasie West. It isn’t exactly cheeky or quippy or witty, but the main character is and that gives an effect that the book is a witty one. Our main character- Caymen, is quite sarcastic and that gives the cheeky vibes.

Cancer: A bittersweet book that spoke to your sensitive heart

Many might call Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life a little too melodramatic. However, for me, it spoke volumes. A Little Life does careen on the heavy and emotional side. For over 700 pages, I can still vividly recall how the story of Jude roused all emotions in me. It is painful in many parts but was also brimming with hope.

Leo: A book with drama, love, fancy wear and hope

I can’t think of anything else but I was regaled by the Jazz Era vividly portrayed by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The drama and tension percolating between Jay Gatsby and his former flame gave the narrative an interesting twist.

Virgo: A tender story about self-love, self-discovery, perseverance, friendship, romance and family

To be honest, I am not a fan of the published form of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower. However, I did love the movie and how it navigated the complexities of identity, personality, and friendship. It did helped that the movie adaptation starred Emma Watson.

Libra: A book that has a remarkably frank look at life. One of the realest books you have ever read

A couple of years ago, Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove crowded bookstores. It seems that it is such a hit. However, I wasn’t convinced and it took me years to get over my apprehension. When I did, what unfolded before me is a blunt diagnosis of life, of how we often forget that each of us has a story to tell, simply because we are daunted by the daunting façade that we see. A Man Called Ove was one of my favorite reads last year and it made me look forward to reading more of Backman’s works.

Scorpio: A book with a good plot twist. A book that is psychologically thrilling and emotionally chilling.. haunted you from the first page to the last.

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” This is, without any doubt, one of the most recognized literary opening lines there is. It was the prelude to a psychologically thrilling masterpiece that would be Daphne du Maurier’s magnum opus. I loved Rebecca even before I got to read it. Reading it made me love it even more.

Sagittarius: An adventurous, summer-y read

Around the World in Eighty Days was my first Jules Verne novel. It sat in my bookshelf for years until I finally gave in and read it during the earlier days of the Philippine lockdown. It is not exactly but, at least, it is adventurous. I also had J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit in mind, for the adventurous part that is. HAHA.

Capricorn: A book that has everything to do with friendship

There is quite a lot of books that are about friendship. Of these literary friendships, I have always loved the bond that existed between Harry Potter Series’ Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter. It is the kind of bond that I have always yearned for in all the relationships I build.

Aquarius: A quirky and unique book

I am not one for quirky reads but my immersion into the 1,001 Books You Must Read Before You Die brought me to Douglas Adams’ famed quintet, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I have read only one of the five books so far but it made me look forward to what the series has in store.

Pisces: A book that bewitched and enchanted you by its lyrical words, and transmuted your imaginative brain

I loved Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. It is the heartbreaking story of a son and a mother, both haunted by the shadows of the Vietnam War. It was Vuong’s first novel and his poetic background translated well into his prose.

And that’s it for the bookish part! Now, on for the musical prompts!

Music prompts

Aries: The song that got your blood pumping and heart beating fast

To be honest, I have been sleeping on Pentagon’s music. After doing some workouts with Shine as the music, I started getting their vibe. It was a song that really pumped me up, especially the chorus. I also loved Daisy, although it is a little more laidback compared to Shine.

There is quite a lot of KPop songs that pumps me up. Blackpink’s Boombayah, Psy’s Gentleman, EXO’s Love Me Right, NCT Dream’s Chewing Gum, Shinee’s View, and Red Velvet’s Russian Roulette are just among the long list of songs. If only I can dance.

Taurus: A song to celebrate your love when in commitment.

I bless the day I found you
I want to stay around you
And so I beg you
Let it be me

Here is an oldie but goodie song. I grew up in a household that loved music. My dad, after all, made jukeboxes, and karaoke machines. Because of this, I have been exposed to various types of music and one of the songs I like is Everly Brother’s Let It Be Me.

Gemini: A song to listen when you get tongue-tied and miscommunicate your feelings.

I need a little more luck than a little bit
‘Cause every time I get stuck, the words won’t fit
And every time that I try, I get tongue tied
I need a little good luck to get me by

So I am going literal this time around again with Faber Drive’s Tongue Tied. It does remind me about those good ole days again. The transition period between being a teenager to a young adult was filled with angst, anger, and resentment that self-expression was quite challenging. Music filled that void.

Cancer: A song that motivated you to take a chance and open up to love

But, what do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there’s solid ground below
Or a hand to hold, or hell to pay
What do you say
What do you say

I first heard Celine Dion’s Taking Chances in Glee (yep, the high school musical, not the movie, series). I loved the song but I didn’t realize that it was sang by supreme songstress, Celine Dion, who happens to be one of my all-time favorite singers.

Leo: A song that shows affection

When I see your face
There’s not a thing that I would change
‘Cause you’re amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
‘Cause girl, you’re amazing
Just the way you are

I guess Bruno Mar’s Just the Way You Are can explain itself. Oh, I do remember singing along to this song as it was blaring through the speakers of the crowded commuter bus. It was 3 AM and I was going home after working overtime.

Virgo: A song with a sentiment that made you feel beautiful inside and out

When there’s no one else, look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend, just trust the voice within
Then you’ll find the strength that will guide your way
You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within, oh

My playlist this past two or three years has been dominated by Korean Pop Music. Lately, however, I have been listening to English songs that I used to love, such as The Voice Within by Christina Aguilera. I love Aguilera’s voice and it makes me wish I was great singer just like her. Oh well, we all have destines to fulfill right? Haha.

Libra: A song that shows a person madly in love

‘Cause when I close my eyes and drift away
I think of you and everything’s okay
I’m finally now believing
That maybe it’s true
That I can’t live without you
And maybe two is better than one

I really had to go through Youtube to find a song with a Music Video showing two individuals madly in love! Haha. You see, I really am not much into music videos but thankfully I came across another favorite song from way back. Uhhh. Boys Like Girls’ Two is Better Than One and Thunder reminded me of summers from another life.

Scorpio: A song which is unapologetically pledging their undying love for their crush.

Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You’ve got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I just got to know

Too obvious a choice? Haha. This brings back major crush vibes. This came out when I had a huge crush on someone. Or maybe it was already love? Good ‘ole days.

Sagittarius: An exciting spontaneous song

This one was totally random. I was scavenging my mind for a song then Brave Girls’ Rollin’ crossed my mind. It is very random; I actually haven’t heard the complete song until now. I, however, heard the chorus a couple of times and it sounded so quirky that I picked it for this. Rollin’, a song released over two years ago resurrected Brave Girls’ career. Prior to the song hitting back the charts, the girl group contemplated disbanding. I am happy for their renewed success and I hope we get to hear more songs from them.

Capricorn: A song that promotes self-love

Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am
Yes she is
Even when I’m a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I’m a Superwoman

I have always been a huge fan of Alicia Keys and her powerful vocals. Her Superwoman is a great song about loving one’s self.

Aquarius: A song that has more to do with being in a friendship than a relationship

I’ll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I’ll be there for you
(Like I’ve been there before)
I’ll be there for you
(‘Cause you’re there for me too)

Friendship you say? I am going with the iconic sound track for the timeless and ever popular Friends series.

Pisces: A song about unconditional love

Unconditional, unconditionally
I will love you unconditionally
There is no fear now
Let go and just be free
I will love you unconditionally

There’s quite a lot of songs about unconditional love but not one comes to mind so I am going with the obvious (haha).

Thus ends my version of the Zodiac Books and Music Tag. I hope you enjoyed my choices. My musical vocabulary (at least in terms of American music) is vast and I thought I would breeze through the music part. The opposite happened. I had some challenges because most of the questions involve love. It has been quite some time since I was in love. Haha. How about you fellow reader, what is your Zodiac sign? Share your thoughts in the comment books.

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