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Ordinary World
It is an Ordinary World that we live in, but what would you do if… You kidnap a seven-month old child and his parents refuse to ransom him and tell you that you could keep him? The woman of your wet dreams finally shows up outside your window, but you live on the 34th floor and your window side has no balcony? The people on the bus to whom you are speaking the Word of the Lord suddenly become hostile? You find out that most of your Grade Three classmates have killed themselves after leaving the same message on their social media accounts? You wake up to discover that the apocalypse which your church has predicted has not come to pass and you have to live the rest of your life after you just gave up everything because you thought you were going to die anyway? These are just some of the possibilities explored in Jose Miguel Arguelles’s newest collection. Our darkest hours are over. Welcome to the ordinary world, where it can be more terrifying.
- GenresShort StoriesHorror
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2018
6 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 4, 2018
A statement. This collection of short stories from Jose Miguel Arguelles is one that should be read, not just by the people who share the same world as he does, but also by the people who do not have the privilege, if you could even call it that, of living in this world that has been both a bringer of joy and sadness, and those that linger in-between.
Arguelles has concocted small worlds that have bigger, brighter, and darker meanings that can take its toll on the reader.
I love this book. I will cherish the stories inside it. And I hope others will, too.
Arguelles has concocted small worlds that have bigger, brighter, and darker meanings that can take its toll on the reader.
I love this book. I will cherish the stories inside it. And I hope others will, too.
January 21, 2021
Wow. This book is just wow. I am so happy that I found this book, or that it found me.
In my reading life, much like in my real life, I believe in fate. I believe in destiny. I first saw this book at National Bookstore in Shang. And I didn’t buy it. But I could not get it out of my head. Imagine seeing someone for the first time, and realizing that you have, in that short instance, developed a crush on him/her. Books speak to me in the same way, and I think for good reason. Some books are just either drawn to me or me to them because I just HAVE to read them in my lifetime.
But wait, I’m digressing. This book. The first time I picked it up to read, it didn’t really speak to me yet, but last week, I picked it up again and just kept reading. I didn’t finish it in one sitting, I needed to pause after every story, I had to savor each one, and afterwards I’d tell my hubby, “this is so good.”
Ordinary World by Jose Miguel Arguelles is a collection of stories that reflect the Filipino, our nuances as a people, our predilection for silent resilience. The stories also show aspects of the current state of our country, the growing fear, the bullishness of those who govern, the slaying of the innocent, the uncertainty of what the future will bring. Too bad this collection was published in 2018, if it was published this year, I’m sure the writer would have given his unique take on the pandemic. Here, Arguelles doesn’t just tackle political themes, there’s also a sprinkling of folklore and fantasy, romance, mystery, and maybe even horror. The stories are mostly gritty and sometimes difficult to ingest, but just like life, you have to power through the pain to get to the light. Hope permeates the text even with the sad sometimes downright depressing themes. Read it. You won’t be sorry.
In my reading life, much like in my real life, I believe in fate. I believe in destiny. I first saw this book at National Bookstore in Shang. And I didn’t buy it. But I could not get it out of my head. Imagine seeing someone for the first time, and realizing that you have, in that short instance, developed a crush on him/her. Books speak to me in the same way, and I think for good reason. Some books are just either drawn to me or me to them because I just HAVE to read them in my lifetime.
But wait, I’m digressing. This book. The first time I picked it up to read, it didn’t really speak to me yet, but last week, I picked it up again and just kept reading. I didn’t finish it in one sitting, I needed to pause after every story, I had to savor each one, and afterwards I’d tell my hubby, “this is so good.”
Ordinary World by Jose Miguel Arguelles is a collection of stories that reflect the Filipino, our nuances as a people, our predilection for silent resilience. The stories also show aspects of the current state of our country, the growing fear, the bullishness of those who govern, the slaying of the innocent, the uncertainty of what the future will bring. Too bad this collection was published in 2018, if it was published this year, I’m sure the writer would have given his unique take on the pandemic. Here, Arguelles doesn’t just tackle political themes, there’s also a sprinkling of folklore and fantasy, romance, mystery, and maybe even horror. The stories are mostly gritty and sometimes difficult to ingest, but just like life, you have to power through the pain to get to the light. Hope permeates the text even with the sad sometimes downright depressing themes. Read it. You won’t be sorry.
January 21, 2019
Weeks have already passed, and I am still thinking about this short story collection - "Ordinary World" by Jose Miguel Arguelles.
The first part of this collection is called Their Small Worlds, which basically revolves around individual experiences and stories. Most characters here usually behave like the entire world must adjust to their needs and what they are going through (which made them annoying at several points). Perhaps this part highlights the capability of human beings to be self-centered and to forget about the rest of the world entirely because he can only see himself. The second part, Our Wide World", on the other hand, deals with the vastness of our world, which now includes topics that echo throughout the world.
This short story collection has been a fascinating read. I am in love with this collection, and I still cannot stop thinking about it. Highly recommended.
My actual rating for this book is 4.75/5 stars.
The first part of this collection is called Their Small Worlds, which basically revolves around individual experiences and stories. Most characters here usually behave like the entire world must adjust to their needs and what they are going through (which made them annoying at several points). Perhaps this part highlights the capability of human beings to be self-centered and to forget about the rest of the world entirely because he can only see himself. The second part, Our Wide World", on the other hand, deals with the vastness of our world, which now includes topics that echo throughout the world.
This short story collection has been a fascinating read. I am in love with this collection, and I still cannot stop thinking about it. Highly recommended.
My actual rating for this book is 4.75/5 stars.
August 2, 2020
Ordinary World is a compilation of Arguelles's short stories. Content-wise, I love how the author's mind works. He managed to add Filipino folklore while still maintaining a sensible plot. He would also include the current reality we are in: politics and killings. Each story, I would really wonder whether the plot would have some mystical pieces, or would it only be set in the real world with the story revolving around the character's morals.
On the other hand, it was really disappointing to see several grammatical errors. I've read the first edition and there's still a lot to be fixed.
Additionally, while reading, I was looking forward to read a chapter where a woman is not just seen as a mere sex object or a witch-like creature.
Overall, I like these short stories, especially 'The New Normal", "Dolorosa", and "Republic". They never fail to give me these empty 'what the hell was that' feelings after reading.
On the other hand, it was really disappointing to see several grammatical errors. I've read the first edition and there's still a lot to be fixed.
Additionally, while reading, I was looking forward to read a chapter where a woman is not just seen as a mere sex object or a witch-like creature.
Overall, I like these short stories, especially 'The New Normal", "Dolorosa", and "Republic". They never fail to give me these empty 'what the hell was that' feelings after reading.
August 31, 2020
I was shocked with how well written this book is because it made me open my eyes with how I had been looking down on local authors these days. This book took me by surprise with each and every story, and I have to admit that I had no difficulty in getting acquainted with all the characters because, although the tone seemed formal when I first read the opening story, the characters seemed astonishingly real because of their flaws despite having the plot too fictitious. I'd love to read Arguelles' "Our Darkest Hours" soonest.
September 29, 2020
I love this book better than the first, Our Darkest Hours! This has its gruesome and intense moments where I find lacking on the first book. My personal favorites are the "The Last Defenders of the Earth" and "Where Dreams Go To Die".
I want more story from "The Last Defenders of the Earth", can we have a story of Kenny and Kim's younger days? That would be awesome, for sure.
The story "Where Dreams Go To Die" is a masterpiece!
I want more story from "The Last Defenders of the Earth", can we have a story of Kenny and Kim's younger days? That would be awesome, for sure.
The story "Where Dreams Go To Die" is a masterpiece!
June 26, 2022
4.5 read!
I really, really loved the premise of the different stories, both of mythical horrors and of ones commited by those we call human. It was an amazing read and the last short story, Where Dreams Got To Die, had me up last night finishing it. It also had me reeling when the character Larissa died. Other than that, I liked the second half of the book more that had a broader setting and storyline that had me engrossed entirely.
I really, really loved the premise of the different stories, both of mythical horrors and of ones commited by those we call human. It was an amazing read and the last short story, Where Dreams Got To Die, had me up last night finishing it. It also had me reeling when the character Larissa died. Other than that, I liked the second half of the book more that had a broader setting and storyline that had me engrossed entirely.
May 15, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed this book!
The short stories were awesome, I even wish that some of them would be longer.
My absolute favorite is definitely is "Homecoming" I need more of it. I want a book of it. Bitin yung short story.
I enjoyed it but I hope it won't happen at all.
I also love the fact that the stories reflect what's happening to our country right now.
The short stories were awesome, I even wish that some of them would be longer.
My absolute favorite is definitely is "Homecoming" I need more of it. I want a book of it. Bitin yung short story.
I enjoyed it but I hope it won't happen at all.
I also love the fact that the stories reflect what's happening to our country right now.
February 20, 2020
Good, but the climax of some stories have the same predictable styling, especially having an unneeded change of event that you wouldn't expect much in the beginning. Also, describing some of the women's sexual performances here kind of weirded me out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2019
It's like reading Philippine ghost/aswang stories and the Filipino tabloid.
July 1, 2019
This is probably my shortest review so far: GO AND READ THIS BOOK! Trust me, it's worth having it on your reading list.
December 2, 2019
"The New Normal" and "Itch" is 👌
December 4, 2019
Honestly, hindi ako masyadong natuwa sa part 1 huhu but ayon part II infair bumawi! Short stories sa part II should be read! Galing lang :^)
August 12, 2020
Actual rating: 4.3 stars / 5 stars
Favorites:
Dolorosa
The Lower Half
Wake
Homecoming
Republic
Favorites:
Dolorosa
The Lower Half
Wake
Homecoming
Republic
December 15, 2019
A MUST READ!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews