Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Blindsight by Peter Watts

The Pagsubook gang goes deep into Blindsight by Peter Watts—a dense, unsettling sci-fi novel that asks a big question: do you actually need consciousness to be intelligent? We break down the book’s wild ideas about aliens, evolution, and what it means to be human, plus share what confused us, what stuck with us, and why this book still messes with readers’ heads. Come for the space horror, stay for the existential dread. ⚠️ Spoilers included. --- Intro Song: Ultra Composer: Savfk Website: https://youtube.com/savfkmusic License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

You're That Bitch: And Other Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself by Bretman Rock

The Pagsubook gangs goes deep with Bretman Rock’s You’re That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself—aka parang chikahan with your funniest ate who’s loud, real, and somehow also drops life advice when you least expect it. Bretman shares stories about growing up Filipino in Hawaii, becoming that internet icon, and learning how to stay true to yourself kahit may bashers, expectations, at kung sino-sino pang may opinion. We talk about confidence, pagiging makapal ang mukha (in a good way), self-love, and why being “that bitch” is really just knowing your worth and not letting anyone dim your shine. Expect “ay ang sakit naman,” “relate ako diyan,” and moments na akala mo joke lang pero biglang may hugot. If you need a reminder to mind your own business, love yourself harder, and live your best buhay, this episode is for you. Periodt.

The High King by Lloyd Alexander

This episode kicks off a new format for our Pagsubook podcast! One of us, Ava, picked a longtime favorite to reread—The High King by Lloyd Alexander—while the rest of the group is coming to it fresh. That mix leads to some fun (and honest) conversations as we talk through Taran’s journey, favorite scenes, big themes, and how the ending lands for first-time readers versus someone who’s loved this book for years. Expect relaxed discussion, different perspectives, and plenty of appreciation for a classic fantasy that still holds up. Pull up a chair and read along with us.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Cozy fantasy. Magical realism. Ghibli vibes. Water Moon is all of these. Can a few hundred pages weave an engaging (and sensible) plot to engage the Pagsubook gang? We’ll unpack what works (and what doesn't) and ultimately consider: What kind of reader will sail into the world of Water Moon and come away spellbound?

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

Atul Gawande's Being Mortal. An apt book for the (our) age? It’s honest, it’s moving, and it forces you to think about stuff most of us try to avoid. So in this episode, we’re going to unpack some of the big ideas, talk about what stood out, and maybe rethink the way we approach some of life’s hardest conversations. A heavy episode but insightful episode with a special guest.