1. Floundering At 25: A Younglife Crisis
By Michelle Meneses
P250, Powerbooks/National Bookstore

A year before the New York Times came out with a lengthy complaint, asking "What is it about 20-somethings?," this book already griped and reflected on the phenomenal angst that settles over the 25-ish. This is usually characterized by uncertainty about whether to stay or leave (home, your job, relationships, etc.), depression over the inability to make the "perfect" decisions, and stressful struggles with endless choices and perceived choicelessness (we told you it's a confusing age!). A must-read!

(Photo courtesy of Milflores Publishing, Inc.)

2. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search For Everything Across Italy, India And Indonesia
By Elizabeth Gilbert
P285, National Bookstore/FullyBooked

Did you feel that--picturesque cinematography aside--Julia Roberts' film was *YAWN*? Then you've read the book! Enjoyed it. Loved it. Are keeping it. (Forever.)

Or did you think the Julia Roberts movie was one of the best lit-to-flick adaptations ever? Well, then you must be one of the seven women in Manila who hasn't read Eat, Pray, Love from cover to cover. Buy, borrow, steal. Okay, maybe not the last, but you catch the drift. Just get a copy ASAP and feel your itch to eat, pray, and love (preferably abroad) multiply hundredfolds.

(Photo courtesy of Penguin Group, USA)

3. 12 Steps To Build Wealth On Any Income
By Alvin T. Tabanag
P345, FullyBooked

Money smarts for the Filipino by a Filipino. (This is a big plus 'cause most financial advice books just aren't cut for the Pinoy lifestyle.) More than just a guide for managing your finances and conquering debt, the author helps you get from purita to rich lola with sensible tips and effective long-term wealth-building strategies—regardless of your current salary. There's no hardcore fiscal-speak to put you to sleep. Instead, the path to financial freedom is clearly and satisfactorily explained in our national tongue: Taglish.

(Photo courtesy of RFP)

4. Shoo, Jimmy Choo! The Modern Girl's Guide To Spending Less And Saving More
By Catey Hill
$10.76, Amazon; $4.75 up, Amazon resellers

Hey, single career woman with way too many cute shoes/designer bags/stylish "investments" but with nowhere to stash them simply 'cause your monthly budget (what's left of it after your payday shopping spree) can't pay for a bigger space that you can actually call your own! Yes, you.

This book is your financial bible. Read it, take it to heart, and remember, it's okay...to not have an Imeldific shoe collection, to wear the same outfit twice (or even thrice) on Facebook, and to call yourself a big fat liar for telling yourself you "need" the most expensive brands there is to look/smell/feel like your favorite celebrity.

(Image courtesy of Sterling)

5. Safe Haven
By Nicholas Sparks
P549, hardcover, National Bookstore

Katie's sudden arrival in the small town of Southport rouses questions about her past, which she has no intention of sharing. Not even with her newfound friend, the straight-talking Jo, and the guy she's falling in love with, Alex, a widower with two young kids. But love means opening up, and the more she struggles against this, the more secrets from her past grow terrifying. Now, she must choose between nonstop running for safety and staying put in a place full of risks—and rewards.

Is this good enough to "Sparks" another movie deal? Let's wait and see.

(Photo courtesy of Hachette Book Group USA)

6. Room: A Novel
By Emma Donoghue
P549, National Bookstore

For 5-year-old Jack, Room is the world—the only world for him and his Ma. In his 11x11-foot universe, they play, eat, sleep, and learn, until Ma has to shut him safely in the wardrobe when Old Nick comes for his regular visit. But soon the room will be too small to hold Jack's curiosity about the world he sees on TV. Now, after seven years, Ma wants to leave the room—the place where Jack was born—and return to the world she was forcibly taken from. It's a disturbing tale of captivity, the unbreakable bond between mother and child, and hopeful determination even in the most impossible situation.

(Photo courtesy of Hachette Book Group USA)

7. Mini Shopaholic: A Novel
By Sophie Kinsella
P615

It's bigger, better, Beckier!

There's a new shopaholic in town and she's giving Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) hell. Short of getting arrested for child abuse, there's nary our crazy heroine can do about it—the usurper is none other than her 2-year-old, Minnie! Baby brat's loco over designer items and her favorite word? "Mine!" Bloody Gucci! Like mother, like daughter!

But recession's hit the Brandons: they're living with BB's folks and she's launched a shopping boycott 'til she's worn each outfit she owns thrice. *Gasp!* But nothing's going to stop her from throwing Luke a surprise b-day bash, which is turning out to be harder than she thought! With a fab secret party to plan, a gazillion outfits to "wear down," and Minnie Monster stirring up "expensive" trouble 24/7, our economically-challenged Becky could surely use a new Birkin or two!

(Photo courtesy of Random House, Inc.)

8. Akala Mo Lang Wala Nang Slumbook, Pero Meron, Meron, Meron!
By Witty Will Save The World
P200, direct sale (contact 0906-465-2191)

And don't we just love it! This slumbook/slambook is a hilarious, "pang-asar" version for grown-ups who could use a de-stressing laugh-fest with friends over smokes and beer. A few sample questions: "Who is your favorite Eraserhead? Favorite Spice Girl? Favorite Lady Gaga?" "Favorite color: Pokpok Red, MMDA Pink, or Menstruation Red?" "Romantic Status: Single uli, Naglolokohan, or Bitter???" For a complete list of sellers and more questions, click here.