It's been a while since I've been riled up by a book. The last one was my frustration with that damn Biswas. I just finished Updike's Rabbit series and the whole experience was just draining. Spending more than 30 book years in a man's life does that. Every time I read Updike, I get so discouraged with marriage, parenting, and relationships in general. The Rabbit series had no shortage of infidelity, disrespect, jadedness, disappointment, couple swapping (!!!) and a heavy, overhanging sense of doom. Buti na lang Austen na binabasa ko - kahit na isang plotline lang alam nya, "Persuasion" gives me the thrills of lovers reuniting and all the good stuff.

Besides, I know that with a little bit of luck, my marital and parental experiences will be beautiful. If I get kisses like the one in the picture, it'll all be worth it. (Oh my god, I'm Stepford-ing before my very eyes)