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Cities
Celia has dreams.
She dreams of going to Seoul for that scholarship she never took, of leaving everything behind and moving to New York.
In all those dreams, she finds herself attached to Benedict, the boy she has always loved, who didn’t love her back.
Ben believes in parallel worlds.
Worlds where the things you didn’t do come true—worlds where he went to London and fell in love with Celia, where he shows up on the day she needed him most. He believes that dreams are glimpses into that parallel world, and it’s not a coincidence that Celia’s been having them too.
It’s the day of Ben’s wedding, in the middle of a typhoon in Manila. How will these dreams and unmade decisions change their lives? Will they bring them closer together, or just drive them further apart?
She dreams of going to Seoul for that scholarship she never took, of leaving everything behind and moving to New York.
In all those dreams, she finds herself attached to Benedict, the boy she has always loved, who didn’t love her back.
Ben believes in parallel worlds.
Worlds where the things you didn’t do come true—worlds where he went to London and fell in love with Celia, where he shows up on the day she needed him most. He believes that dreams are glimpses into that parallel world, and it’s not a coincidence that Celia’s been having them too.
It’s the day of Ben’s wedding, in the middle of a typhoon in Manila. How will these dreams and unmade decisions change their lives? Will they bring them closer together, or just drive them further apart?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
143 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Carla de Guzman
25 books177 followersAuthor, occasional illustrator, full-time traveler.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 15, 2015
3.5 stars
Review posted at Amaterasu Reads
A friend of mine had mentioned this book in passing one day while we were waiting in line for a cab, and then a few days after I found myself reading this for a tour. It's destiny.
And speaking of destiny, this book talks about it and a whole lot more. All the possibilities, all the what-ifs. Worlds and cities. Various circumstances that could have led to varying outcomes. Broken hearts. Hope.
Celia is attending a friend's wedding, and she was plagued by dreams. Dreams of what could have been if she had decided to do things she didn't, visited places she could have gone to. After all, it was the wedding of her best friend, Vivian, and Ben, the guy she loved who broke her heart that faithful night back in college.
The idea of multi-verses is a tricky one to handle, and it could lead into a total disaster if not written well. Cities confused me because of the jumps from one dream to another, to a city, to another life, to what could've been but I enjoyed the ride with a few bumps, so to speak. That question, what if?, presents itself over and over in various scenarios and set-ups that a reader like me couldn't help but feel completely different emotions every single time Celia dreams. Her dreams made me feel hopeful, but reality doesn't, and reality is what Celia must face.
Carla de Guzman wrote a book wrapped in an interesting premise, a story those many can relate to. The dynamics of friendship and the strain it is put through when love gets mixed in and the kind of love that you want but couldn't get. Unfulfilled, unreciprocated feelings? Check. Supportive friends? Check. Cool places and pop culture references we all know? Check. Being an Asian Pop fan, I loved the Seoul City story the most!
Cities pinches the reader's heart quite a few times while being immersed in a world within worlds. It's fascinating to see what these "could've been" are, from Celia's perspective to the various transformations her friends made in the places Celia's dreams took her. Definitely an interesting, quick read!
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Very interesting concept, but like I said, if you're not aware of the presence of multi-verses (and you will only get it once Ben mentions it), you will be confused very early by the jumps in every chapter. But you'll get it eventually, don't worry. I didn't like Vivian that much because is she really that kind and perfect? (In every "City", yes) And Henry, how I wish I know you more. I like him a lot! Ben? Not so much...
Review posted at Amaterasu Reads
A friend of mine had mentioned this book in passing one day while we were waiting in line for a cab, and then a few days after I found myself reading this for a tour. It's destiny.
And speaking of destiny, this book talks about it and a whole lot more. All the possibilities, all the what-ifs. Worlds and cities. Various circumstances that could have led to varying outcomes. Broken hearts. Hope.
Celia is attending a friend's wedding, and she was plagued by dreams. Dreams of what could have been if she had decided to do things she didn't, visited places she could have gone to. After all, it was the wedding of her best friend, Vivian, and Ben, the guy she loved who broke her heart that faithful night back in college.
The idea of multi-verses is a tricky one to handle, and it could lead into a total disaster if not written well. Cities confused me because of the jumps from one dream to another, to a city, to another life, to what could've been but I enjoyed the ride with a few bumps, so to speak. That question, what if?, presents itself over and over in various scenarios and set-ups that a reader like me couldn't help but feel completely different emotions every single time Celia dreams. Her dreams made me feel hopeful, but reality doesn't, and reality is what Celia must face.
Carla de Guzman wrote a book wrapped in an interesting premise, a story those many can relate to. The dynamics of friendship and the strain it is put through when love gets mixed in and the kind of love that you want but couldn't get. Unfulfilled, unreciprocated feelings? Check. Supportive friends? Check. Cool places and pop culture references we all know? Check. Being an Asian Pop fan, I loved the Seoul City story the most!
Cities pinches the reader's heart quite a few times while being immersed in a world within worlds. It's fascinating to see what these "could've been" are, from Celia's perspective to the various transformations her friends made in the places Celia's dreams took her. Definitely an interesting, quick read!
-----
Very interesting concept, but like I said, if you're not aware of the presence of multi-verses (and you will only get it once Ben mentions it), you will be confused very early by the jumps in every chapter. But you'll get it eventually, don't worry. I didn't like Vivian that much because is she really that kind and perfect? (In every "City", yes) And Henry, how I wish I know you more. I like him a lot! Ben? Not so much...
November 7, 2015
It was the cover and the blurb that made me decide to get this local novella. I must confess that I do not really know what parallel universes means until I read Cities. And the concept confused me, at first. I couldn’t identify easily which one is the dream and which is the reality. But the writing was easy to follow and the pieces started to fall into place as I went along. I loved reading about the different cities in this story, especially the parts set in London.
Cities explores the idea of what ifs and why nots. Heartbreak is something that everybody wants to avoid if possible, but if it happens, how do we cope? Others may resort to dreams (daydreams?) and if these dreams can help them accept their reality, then well and good. I still believe that it’s so much better to live in this real world than to be stuck in limbo forever.
Truly good writing here and I definitely am looking forward to reading other works by this Filipino author.
Cities explores the idea of what ifs and why nots. Heartbreak is something that everybody wants to avoid if possible, but if it happens, how do we cope? Others may resort to dreams (daydreams?) and if these dreams can help them accept their reality, then well and good. I still believe that it’s so much better to live in this real world than to be stuck in limbo forever.
Truly good writing here and I definitely am looking forward to reading other works by this Filipino author.
April 5, 2016
What if all the ‘what ifs’ you ever had actually existed in different planes and you’re just not aware of it? What if in this reality, he loved someone else, while in the other, he loved you back?
De Guzman’s Cities is rooted on this intriguing premise, of multiverses that exist next to each other, of multiple lives one person could be living in different planes of existence. It felt very abstract to me, and at times I found myself being stopped by thoughts that go ‘wait—what?’ But a few pages in, I decided to stop overanalyzing everything and just settle into enjoying each story.
Celia, Ben, Vivian and Henry have loved each other in many different ways, and in different permutations. In each of the three cities, their love stories start differently, progress differently, and conclude with scenes that shift in abrupt takes, much like rapid blinks of the eyes in dreams. Seoul is fun, flirty and swift, propelled by the urgency of young love and the classic obstacle of rich-man-loves-common-spunky-woman. London is a slower, more potent brew of friends and flings. New York is brisk too, but there is a level of comfort there, a warmth against the big city’s inherent zing; even the lines of conflict felt familiar. But Manila is where it all begins and ends, on a wedding day that defied a storm.
Cities does not try to answer the ‘what ifs?’, but instead tries to explore one after another. Each city provides a colorful backdrop that sets a unique tone to each multiverse. I would have wanted a more consistent POV—the head-hopping jars me out of the narrative at times—but De Guzman’s prose is friendly, and the depth of her imagination pushed me out of the safe borders of my reality. Read it, and like Celia, maybe you too will be consumed by the question: what if in another universe, you loved me too?
De Guzman’s Cities is rooted on this intriguing premise, of multiverses that exist next to each other, of multiple lives one person could be living in different planes of existence. It felt very abstract to me, and at times I found myself being stopped by thoughts that go ‘wait—what?’ But a few pages in, I decided to stop overanalyzing everything and just settle into enjoying each story.
Celia, Ben, Vivian and Henry have loved each other in many different ways, and in different permutations. In each of the three cities, their love stories start differently, progress differently, and conclude with scenes that shift in abrupt takes, much like rapid blinks of the eyes in dreams. Seoul is fun, flirty and swift, propelled by the urgency of young love and the classic obstacle of rich-man-loves-common-spunky-woman. London is a slower, more potent brew of friends and flings. New York is brisk too, but there is a level of comfort there, a warmth against the big city’s inherent zing; even the lines of conflict felt familiar. But Manila is where it all begins and ends, on a wedding day that defied a storm.
Cities does not try to answer the ‘what ifs?’, but instead tries to explore one after another. Each city provides a colorful backdrop that sets a unique tone to each multiverse. I would have wanted a more consistent POV—the head-hopping jars me out of the narrative at times—but De Guzman’s prose is friendly, and the depth of her imagination pushed me out of the safe borders of my reality. Read it, and like Celia, maybe you too will be consumed by the question: what if in another universe, you loved me too?
August 5, 2016
I got this a while back because that cover is pure 1-clickbait, but forgot it was in my Kindle. After finishing the delightful Marry Me, Charlotte B!, I rejoiced to find I already had this book!
Cities is imaginative and unique. I found it a lovely blend of romance and...not exactly fantasy, because the way the concept of multiverses was used in this book felt so honest, it could almost feel like theory? I don't know how to explain it well, but Carla de Guzman hooked me into this more-vivid-than-dreams dreamlike state, where realities spiral across each other and the same four people find each other in different cities, in different realities, and yet experience the same pain. (And I geeked out a bit but what does it say that of all the four it's Vivian who seems most unchanged from reality to reality? Or did I just not read that right?)
NGL the New York chapter wrecked me a little bit, but...there's something to be said about the forces of destiny, and how something that's not meant to be really isn't. If only we could have the luxury of proving that across four multiverses. Or maybe not (it'd hurt too much.)
Cities is imaginative and unique. I found it a lovely blend of romance and...not exactly fantasy, because the way the concept of multiverses was used in this book felt so honest, it could almost feel like theory? I don't know how to explain it well, but Carla de Guzman hooked me into this more-vivid-than-dreams dreamlike state, where realities spiral across each other and the same four people find each other in different cities, in different realities, and yet experience the same pain. (And I geeked out a bit but what does it say that of all the four it's Vivian who seems most unchanged from reality to reality? Or did I just not read that right?)
NGL the New York chapter wrecked me a little bit, but...there's something to be said about the forces of destiny, and how something that's not meant to be really isn't. If only we could have the luxury of proving that across four multiverses. Or maybe not (it'd hurt too much.)
March 1, 2015
Originally posted at Fragments of Life.
My Thoughts:
After reading A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray, I thought I would never be able to find another book about multiverse. When I heard about Cities, I knew that I just had to read it. Carla's version of the multiverse was less scientific, dwelling more on the theme of fate, possibility and intertwined lives.
Celia was a likable character, madly in love with Ben, but he was going to be married to Vivian in a few hours. Lovestruck and unable to accept that Ben was going to be married away, Celia braved the ceremony but what-ifs buzzed in her head and she felt like a total disaster. To make things even more complicated, Vivian was her best friend and she was the Maid of Honor. After a semi-awkward conversation with Ben about multiverse and how they lived a set of possibilities in each universe; how he believed that somewhere, he and Celia had their happily ever after, Celia began to spiral her way back to her dreams, to other versions of herself.
Ben's theory was that the dreams that he and Celia had, the ones wherein he was getting married to Celia, instead of to Vivian, wherein he loved Celia back, were reflections or memories of the different version of himself in another universe. The narration bled from main story to dreams, from reality (as they know it in the present universe) to dreamscape/parallel universe. The switching between one universe to another was a bit confusing at first, but once I got the hang out of it, I was able to adjust to the fluid narration of Cities. The different lives of various versions of Celias were played out in different Cities: Manila, Hongdae, London and New York. The main universe was set in Manila, the peripheral/parallel multiverse were set in other cities. The concept was a bit like the one in A Thousand Pieces of You: each universe represents a set of possibilities. There were various dimensions wherein Celia and Ben were emotionally involved, whether it was fleeting or long-lasting. True enough, they always met each other in the other dimensions, sometimes they wound up together and sometimes they didn't. Carla's way of showing the varying degrees of emotional involvement, love and fate was stunning and complex. A reader could get lost into the pages and in a parallel universe.
To be honest, I was more drawn to the artsy and fashionable best friend in all the multiverse: Henry Cruz. He was the solid knight in shining armor. He was always there when Celia needed him or when Celia needed to be rescued. He was her pillar, the shoulder to cry on, the hand to lead her forward and the arms to pick her up when she has fallen down. Henry was handsome, sleek and fashionable, loved literature, enjoyed eating out and was incredibly sensitive to the feelings of the people around him and thoughtful. He sounded like my dream guy, actually. I know that we get a lot of books wherein the best friend never ends up with the main character. I'mm glad that in Cities, there was more than one chance for Henry to be together with Celia.
Carla wrote in a very atmospheric manner, she transported me to South Korea, London and New York. I really enjoyed this about Cities. The pages were charged with nostalgia, memories and feels that added up to the wondrous storyline of switching perspectives, minds, and universe. I only had a bit of a problem with the transition from dream to reality to a different universe, as it was a bit blurry around the edges but don't let this discourage you as I easily got the hang of it. I also felt that the book could have been made a bit longer, so that the readers could get to know the characters more deeply, to get emotionally invested in them. At the same time, it would have been nice to have a clear discussion of the theory of the multiverse in the book - a direct discussion of their dreams, thoughts and theories, to make the idea crystal clear in the mind of readers. It just so happened that I am well versed in science fiction that I grasped the idea quickly.
Cities was an atmospheric, heartfelt, beautifully written contemporary with an edge of science fiction. I devoured it and enjoyed every page, and all the feels, wonders, realizations and lessons that it offered. The cast (Celia, Ben, Vivian and Henry) was an interesting bunch. Although they retained the kernel of their personality, they were a little bit different in each universe. It was like seeing bits and pieces of them in each universe, and at the end, I was able to see the whole picture of who they really were deep inside. I loved how the characters were developed in various settings and circumstances. I recommend this to readers who enjoy science fiction and contemporary romance (Cities is like a multi-love-story book); readers who liked A Thousand Pieces of You and who are interested in multiverse/parallel-dimension-themed books.
My Thoughts:
After reading A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray, I thought I would never be able to find another book about multiverse. When I heard about Cities, I knew that I just had to read it. Carla's version of the multiverse was less scientific, dwelling more on the theme of fate, possibility and intertwined lives.
Celia was a likable character, madly in love with Ben, but he was going to be married to Vivian in a few hours. Lovestruck and unable to accept that Ben was going to be married away, Celia braved the ceremony but what-ifs buzzed in her head and she felt like a total disaster. To make things even more complicated, Vivian was her best friend and she was the Maid of Honor. After a semi-awkward conversation with Ben about multiverse and how they lived a set of possibilities in each universe; how he believed that somewhere, he and Celia had their happily ever after, Celia began to spiral her way back to her dreams, to other versions of herself.
Ben's theory was that the dreams that he and Celia had, the ones wherein he was getting married to Celia, instead of to Vivian, wherein he loved Celia back, were reflections or memories of the different version of himself in another universe. The narration bled from main story to dreams, from reality (as they know it in the present universe) to dreamscape/parallel universe. The switching between one universe to another was a bit confusing at first, but once I got the hang out of it, I was able to adjust to the fluid narration of Cities. The different lives of various versions of Celias were played out in different Cities: Manila, Hongdae, London and New York. The main universe was set in Manila, the peripheral/parallel multiverse were set in other cities. The concept was a bit like the one in A Thousand Pieces of You: each universe represents a set of possibilities. There were various dimensions wherein Celia and Ben were emotionally involved, whether it was fleeting or long-lasting. True enough, they always met each other in the other dimensions, sometimes they wound up together and sometimes they didn't. Carla's way of showing the varying degrees of emotional involvement, love and fate was stunning and complex. A reader could get lost into the pages and in a parallel universe.
To be honest, I was more drawn to the artsy and fashionable best friend in all the multiverse: Henry Cruz. He was the solid knight in shining armor. He was always there when Celia needed him or when Celia needed to be rescued. He was her pillar, the shoulder to cry on, the hand to lead her forward and the arms to pick her up when she has fallen down. Henry was handsome, sleek and fashionable, loved literature, enjoyed eating out and was incredibly sensitive to the feelings of the people around him and thoughtful. He sounded like my dream guy, actually. I know that we get a lot of books wherein the best friend never ends up with the main character. I'mm glad that in Cities, there was more than one chance for Henry to be together with Celia.
Carla wrote in a very atmospheric manner, she transported me to South Korea, London and New York. I really enjoyed this about Cities. The pages were charged with nostalgia, memories and feels that added up to the wondrous storyline of switching perspectives, minds, and universe. I only had a bit of a problem with the transition from dream to reality to a different universe, as it was a bit blurry around the edges but don't let this discourage you as I easily got the hang of it. I also felt that the book could have been made a bit longer, so that the readers could get to know the characters more deeply, to get emotionally invested in them. At the same time, it would have been nice to have a clear discussion of the theory of the multiverse in the book - a direct discussion of their dreams, thoughts and theories, to make the idea crystal clear in the mind of readers. It just so happened that I am well versed in science fiction that I grasped the idea quickly.
Cities was an atmospheric, heartfelt, beautifully written contemporary with an edge of science fiction. I devoured it and enjoyed every page, and all the feels, wonders, realizations and lessons that it offered. The cast (Celia, Ben, Vivian and Henry) was an interesting bunch. Although they retained the kernel of their personality, they were a little bit different in each universe. It was like seeing bits and pieces of them in each universe, and at the end, I was able to see the whole picture of who they really were deep inside. I loved how the characters were developed in various settings and circumstances. I recommend this to readers who enjoy science fiction and contemporary romance (Cities is like a multi-love-story book); readers who liked A Thousand Pieces of You and who are interested in multiverse/parallel-dimension-themed books.
March 27, 2016
The book opens on a rainy day in Manila with Celia Alix navigating through the streets of quezon city to reach her best friend Henry as today is the day of her other best friend's, vivian, wedding.
The catch? Vivian is marrying Ben, an old lover of sorts of Celia
Celia, prodded by her father and Vivian, wonders what would have happened if she continued on with her program at South Korea. With this, the story takes us to ither multiverse., Manila is the setting of the first timeline.
Second Timeline:
The 2nd timeline plays almost like a koreanovela, rightly so, as this is conveniently set in South Korea. The elements are there rich boy, poor girl, with two guys pining for one girl (one of them aggresive, Ben who in this universe the son of korean millionaire, and the other prefers to watch at the sidelines, Henry). Plus there is also a love traingle number two with a scheming gurl, Vivian, who wants to break apart the 'main' couple.
Third timeline:
London, apparantly Celia was not the only one who was offered scholarship abroad as our hero was offered one in London. In this timeline, everybody's British except Ben. Henry is now the son of a rich dude. Ben is partners with benefits with Vivian and Celia is Viv's roommate. Henry, who is Celia's classmate at grad school, is all puppy dog eyes for Viv.
This timeline ends like a romcom with one admitting love for the other and *boom* fireworks.
Fourth Timeline:
Just after Ben and Vivian says their I Dos in the first timeline, Cely gets a visio of her and Ben, married and living in new York. What's the problem of these newlyweds in a strange, new, and utterly big city? Well, this is where Hwnry and Viv come to play.
On the characters:
CELIA:
A Llittle too romantic and desperate in the first timeline, your bestfiremd is getting married to your dream guy and you are still hoping you need a good whack in the head. The korean timeline, that made me mad at her. Come on girl, this guy is accusing you of being a stalker! However, she redeemed herself in the next two timelines showing strentgth and her love for all things nerdy, este, geeky.
BEN:
In all timelines his love for Iced Americano comes in as a signature. He also shared a love for scif with Celia in some of the timelines (Star wars, star trek, Doctor who), probably why when you move to another timeline that they do get togethet you know why.
However, I didnt like him that much and didnt want Celia to end up with him. Alam mo yung paasa. That's what he is, especially in the first timeline.
HENRY:
Sorry Ben, but I like Henry better. He seems to be the beta male, always there when you need him, silent at times. (But this does not mean that Ben is the Alpha, okay. Vivian is. Hahaha)
The catch? Vivian is marrying Ben, an old lover of sorts of Celia
Celia, prodded by her father and Vivian, wonders what would have happened if she continued on with her program at South Korea. With this, the story takes us to ither multiverse., Manila is the setting of the first timeline.
Second Timeline:
The 2nd timeline plays almost like a koreanovela, rightly so, as this is conveniently set in South Korea. The elements are there rich boy, poor girl, with two guys pining for one girl (one of them aggresive, Ben who in this universe the son of korean millionaire, and the other prefers to watch at the sidelines, Henry). Plus there is also a love traingle number two with a scheming gurl, Vivian, who wants to break apart the 'main' couple.
Third timeline:
London, apparantly Celia was not the only one who was offered scholarship abroad as our hero was offered one in London. In this timeline, everybody's British except Ben. Henry is now the son of a rich dude. Ben is partners with benefits with Vivian and Celia is Viv's roommate. Henry, who is Celia's classmate at grad school, is all puppy dog eyes for Viv.
This timeline ends like a romcom with one admitting love for the other and *boom* fireworks.
Fourth Timeline:
Just after Ben and Vivian says their I Dos in the first timeline, Cely gets a visio of her and Ben, married and living in new York. What's the problem of these newlyweds in a strange, new, and utterly big city? Well, this is where Hwnry and Viv come to play.
On the characters:
CELIA:
A Llittle too romantic and desperate in the first timeline, your bestfiremd is getting married to your dream guy and you are still hoping you need a good whack in the head. The korean timeline, that made me mad at her. Come on girl, this guy is accusing you of being a stalker! However, she redeemed herself in the next two timelines showing strentgth and her love for all things nerdy, este, geeky.
BEN:
In all timelines his love for Iced Americano comes in as a signature. He also shared a love for scif with Celia in some of the timelines (Star wars, star trek, Doctor who), probably why when you move to another timeline that they do get togethet you know why.
However, I didnt like him that much and didnt want Celia to end up with him. Alam mo yung paasa. That's what he is, especially in the first timeline.
HENRY:
Sorry Ben, but I like Henry better. He seems to be the beta male, always there when you need him, silent at times. (But this does not mean that Ben is the Alpha, okay. Vivian is. Hahaha)
March 2, 2022
Okay, so this was the first ever book I’ve read about parallel universe. Though I’ve heard of the term a few times before, this would be the first time for me to encounter a book that actually deals with that topic. It was really an interesting topic for me in the field of psychology, aside from inherited memories, of course. The story, however, still left me with so many questions even after I’m done reading it. But the answers would be something for me to find, I guess.
By the way, the reason that made me want to participate in this project and read this book was the catch line on the book cover. What if in another universe I loved you too? It was pretty catchy, if you ask me. And it made me think of an answer to the question, as well.
The division of chapters of this story was a little unusual for me, but it wasn’t actually the first time I encountered something like this. So it’s still okay for me. This book took me to various places, and the one that was stuck in my head was London. Though Korea was a dream destination for me aside from Japan, there was something about London that made me want to go there—someday. For now, I’ll settle with pictures, movies and books about it.
One thing I could say about the characters—all four of them—was that they had similar, if not the same, characteristics and personality that made them stood out so much. Ben was indecisive at most point, Vivian really came out bitchy to me (sorry for the use of the word), Henry remained in the friend-zone despite trying to fight for it, and Carla was someone who was unsure of her own capabilities until someone actually points it out to her. I’m not sure if I really described them as the ones that Carla wanted to make them turn out to be, though. But as I read the story, exploring the different multiverses in different places, I could see the four characters that way.
The moods of the four parallel universe mentioned here had variations in terms of the degree of the atmosphere. There was one which was completely lighthearted and not too dramatic. And there was another which was too heavy in my perception. If I rank the places where the multiverses of Ben and Celia happened, I’d say that the one in Manila was the most lighthearted one. That would be followed by the one that happened in Korea, with the multiverse in New York coming next. The dark and heaviest one for me in this story would be the parallel universe set in London. I’m not sure if this has something to do with the setting or the most matured theme out of the four multiverses mentioned, but that’s what I felt.
The ending in all of them, nevertheless, made them all learn one thing. They had to accept that things were not really meant for them to have. Whether there was a particular ending that they want in one of the parallel universe laid out to them, they never wanted it to affect the universe that they considered real and one that could still do something about in order for them to change it.
By the way, the reason that made me want to participate in this project and read this book was the catch line on the book cover. What if in another universe I loved you too? It was pretty catchy, if you ask me. And it made me think of an answer to the question, as well.
The division of chapters of this story was a little unusual for me, but it wasn’t actually the first time I encountered something like this. So it’s still okay for me. This book took me to various places, and the one that was stuck in my head was London. Though Korea was a dream destination for me aside from Japan, there was something about London that made me want to go there—someday. For now, I’ll settle with pictures, movies and books about it.
One thing I could say about the characters—all four of them—was that they had similar, if not the same, characteristics and personality that made them stood out so much. Ben was indecisive at most point, Vivian really came out bitchy to me (sorry for the use of the word), Henry remained in the friend-zone despite trying to fight for it, and Carla was someone who was unsure of her own capabilities until someone actually points it out to her. I’m not sure if I really described them as the ones that Carla wanted to make them turn out to be, though. But as I read the story, exploring the different multiverses in different places, I could see the four characters that way.
The moods of the four parallel universe mentioned here had variations in terms of the degree of the atmosphere. There was one which was completely lighthearted and not too dramatic. And there was another which was too heavy in my perception. If I rank the places where the multiverses of Ben and Celia happened, I’d say that the one in Manila was the most lighthearted one. That would be followed by the one that happened in Korea, with the multiverse in New York coming next. The dark and heaviest one for me in this story would be the parallel universe set in London. I’m not sure if this has something to do with the setting or the most matured theme out of the four multiverses mentioned, but that’s what I felt.
The ending in all of them, nevertheless, made them all learn one thing. They had to accept that things were not really meant for them to have. Whether there was a particular ending that they want in one of the parallel universe laid out to them, they never wanted it to affect the universe that they considered real and one that could still do something about in order for them to change it.
August 31, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5
Manila, Seoul, London and New York- different cities, different multiverses- and in each one, Celia Alix is in love with Ben. But in Manila, her current multiverse, he's getting married. As Celia travels through different possible lives through her dreams, she finds out whether she and Ben will ever belong together in another universe.
I think my favorite aspect of Cities is the various settings for each multiverse. Aside from being a book nerd, I love love traveling and I've already visited both Seoul and London (and of course I live in Manila!!) so I've seen most of these places for myself and I have to applaud Carla De Guzman for capturing them so well in the story. The book surely brought up the feeling of wanderlust for me, making me wish I could travel to those places again and also finally go see New York. Alas, unlike Celia, I'm unable to even dream of a different multiverse where I'm exploring beautiful cities.
Anyway, I think Celia was a good main character- quite easy to connect to if you've ever had to deal with confusing and impossible feelings for a friend. There's definitely that angst in the book that comes from being in love with the your best friend's husband-to-be. The drama that ensues between the weird love square Celia, Ben, Vivian and Henry are apart of would make quite the telenovela if you ask me. Anyway, I liked how these emotions were drawn out with each multiverse and despite my frustrations, I really enjoyed reading Cities.
Carla De Guzman's writing was also to my liking. I usually have problems with third person narratives but this one went smoothly. The concept of the multiverses was creative too, although it may get a tad bit perplexing at first if you think about it too hard. I say just go with the flow and take in the story.
I think I'd have loved this book if only it went deeper into the characters (Vivian and Henry most especially), but I did like Celia's story, the one in Seoul most of all because it was super cute. The ending was wrapped-up satisfyingly and I was fond of the way the book changed my perspective on "what-ifs" and "could've-beens". Cities is an inspired story of love and the complexity of destiny and will take you to lovely places and interesting multiverses. I'm always on the look out for books written by Filipino authors and I'm glad Carla De Guzman's turned out to be a nice read.
Manila, Seoul, London and New York- different cities, different multiverses- and in each one, Celia Alix is in love with Ben. But in Manila, her current multiverse, he's getting married. As Celia travels through different possible lives through her dreams, she finds out whether she and Ben will ever belong together in another universe.
I think my favorite aspect of Cities is the various settings for each multiverse. Aside from being a book nerd, I love love traveling and I've already visited both Seoul and London (and of course I live in Manila!!) so I've seen most of these places for myself and I have to applaud Carla De Guzman for capturing them so well in the story. The book surely brought up the feeling of wanderlust for me, making me wish I could travel to those places again and also finally go see New York. Alas, unlike Celia, I'm unable to even dream of a different multiverse where I'm exploring beautiful cities.
Anyway, I think Celia was a good main character- quite easy to connect to if you've ever had to deal with confusing and impossible feelings for a friend. There's definitely that angst in the book that comes from being in love with the your best friend's husband-to-be. The drama that ensues between the weird love square Celia, Ben, Vivian and Henry are apart of would make quite the telenovela if you ask me. Anyway, I liked how these emotions were drawn out with each multiverse and despite my frustrations, I really enjoyed reading Cities.
Carla De Guzman's writing was also to my liking. I usually have problems with third person narratives but this one went smoothly. The concept of the multiverses was creative too, although it may get a tad bit perplexing at first if you think about it too hard. I say just go with the flow and take in the story.
I think I'd have loved this book if only it went deeper into the characters (Vivian and Henry most especially), but I did like Celia's story, the one in Seoul most of all because it was super cute. The ending was wrapped-up satisfyingly and I was fond of the way the book changed my perspective on "what-ifs" and "could've-beens". Cities is an inspired story of love and the complexity of destiny and will take you to lovely places and interesting multiverses. I'm always on the look out for books written by Filipino authors and I'm glad Carla De Guzman's turned out to be a nice read.
January 31, 2017
I actually had a hard time reading this book because of the multiverses it offered but it was pretty much enjoyable. I think, I might have just been a bit overwhelmed by the idea of parallel universes. Still, I did enjoy reading this book. It was really a fast read. I devoured this book in four hours or less.
The thing about this book that kept me going was the experience I got from the characters' perspective of being in Seoul, London and New York. In a span of 119 pages, I got to experience the three places (four if you include Manila).
The characters were interesting, yet a bit unappealing for me. I certainly couldn't relate to them but they were pretty well-written. I also couldn't feel the chemistry of Ben and Celia, although I adored their geekyness for things I also like such as TV series. I liked the pop culture references throughout the book such as Doctor Who, TeenWolf, Star Wars, Sherlock and Vampire Weekend (I like this band :D). I really couldn't describe the characters because they seem different for every chapter except for some, which I assume, is the real universe in which they exist. Well, for starters, they're definitely Filipino and that's the only thing I'm familiar to with the characters. I loved Henry though. I shipped him and Celia since the start. Haha
I certainly enjoyed the London chapter of this book. From the way the story was told and the setting to the situation of the characters, I really loved it! It being bands and music fests/gigs to places in the UK that I want to visit sometime.
I certainly enjoyed the ending! That's for sure. Despite some issues I had with the book, I'd still recommend this especially to fellow Filipinos craving for a contemporary read that's close to the heart.
The thing about this book that kept me going was the experience I got from the characters' perspective of being in Seoul, London and New York. In a span of 119 pages, I got to experience the three places (four if you include Manila).
The characters were interesting, yet a bit unappealing for me. I certainly couldn't relate to them but they were pretty well-written. I also couldn't feel the chemistry of Ben and Celia, although I adored their geekyness for things I also like such as TV series. I liked the pop culture references throughout the book such as Doctor Who, TeenWolf, Star Wars, Sherlock and Vampire Weekend (I like this band :D). I really couldn't describe the characters because they seem different for every chapter except for some, which I assume, is the real universe in which they exist. Well, for starters, they're definitely Filipino and that's the only thing I'm familiar to with the characters. I loved Henry though. I shipped him and Celia since the start. Haha
I certainly enjoyed the London chapter of this book. From the way the story was told and the setting to the situation of the characters, I really loved it! It being bands and music fests/gigs to places in the UK that I want to visit sometime.
I certainly enjoyed the ending! That's for sure. Despite some issues I had with the book, I'd still recommend this especially to fellow Filipinos craving for a contemporary read that's close to the heart.
October 19, 2016
That gorgeous cover and the multiverse plot is totally up my alley, so I didn't hesitate to pick up a copy when I found it at a book fair.
I wanted to fall in love with this, but I guess it's a situation of the reader and the book not meeting at the right time. If I read this five years earlier in my timeline, I would have put this on my favorites shelf. But alas, some things are (or aren't, as the book will show you) meant to be and this book came to me at a time when it didn't do much for me.
Maybe because I was rooting for Celia and Henry right from the beginning, instead of Celia and Ben? Ben didn't seem appealing to me from the get go, and I never understood Celia's unrequited crush. In the multiverses, I was more into the travel aspect than the characters' relationships and their stories, so I mostly sped through the chapters.
I do hope this book gets a Part 2, I'd love to read what happens next after that ending. Also - am I the only one who noticed that the book ended at Page 143?
I wanted to fall in love with this, but I guess it's a situation of the reader and the book not meeting at the right time. If I read this five years earlier in my timeline, I would have put this on my favorites shelf. But alas, some things are (or aren't, as the book will show you) meant to be and this book came to me at a time when it didn't do much for me.
Maybe because I was rooting for Celia and Henry right from the beginning, instead of Celia and Ben? Ben didn't seem appealing to me from the get go, and I never understood Celia's unrequited crush. In the multiverses, I was more into the travel aspect than the characters' relationships and their stories, so I mostly sped through the chapters.
I do hope this book gets a Part 2, I'd love to read what happens next after that ending. Also - am I the only one who noticed that the book ended at Page 143?
September 5, 2018
I kept reading each chapter, page after page as I empathized for the main characters. We all hope for love, I thought I knew the ending but I was wrong. Time and love are factors that we cannot control, it chooses us and takes part in our lives whether we like it or not. Carla de Guzman wrote each chapter with a not so typical movie twist, leaving the reader shifting and investing emotions with the movement of the ones who win and lose in the chase to answer what ifs. Cities brings you to worlds of what if situations and let's you free to imagine choices we could've made differently. Don't hate the ways of love after this because it chooses the best home for itself.
February 2, 2015
Although I found the multiverses part slightly confusing, I enjoyed reading the rest of it. It is, after all, a dream of mine to write a novella – or at least pull off a story that could hold such emotion in less than 200 pages. I especially liked the ending, because it seemed more real than what I would have anticipated the ending to be. (Super non-spoilery review lol)
But congratulations on this one, Carla!
But congratulations on this one, Carla!
February 5, 2015
Interesting plot and a somewhat engaging read. Up until the New York arc, it was a page-turner for me. I don't read a lot of present-day love stories and this has been my first one in a while. I guess the promise of a multi-verse was a bit muddled mid-way but for a debut piece, this is a good first! :)
April 18, 2015
Cities is like a combined version of a Teleserye and Koreanovela. Heartbreak, humor, hope, and a little bit of multiverses thrown in, it will make you wonder whether a different you is experiencing what you dreamt of having.
Read the full review here.
Read the full review here.
March 3, 2018
“Cities” by Carla de Guzman had tackled the concept of multiverses and parallel universes in such a manner that I did not expect. She narrated the lives of her characters in various settings, which then emphasized how one thing could happen in this universe, while a completely different thing occurs in another. A good light read. Plus, what a pretty cover!
February 28, 2015
I am giving Cities 4.5 stars! My review to follow soon! :)
January 9, 2016
Review to follow
October 4, 2016
Actual rating: 3.75/5 stars.
Full review is posted here
Full review is posted here
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews