Risa Hontiveros loves magic realism, women’s rights and Filipino authors

As an advocate for women’s rights, Risa Hontiveros is a known champion of the Reproductive Health Law, which she believes to be a pro-life, pro-choice, and pro-chance measure. Despite being subjected to negative campaigns because of her pro-women advocacy — she was even arrested once after joining a Woman’s Day march — she remains steadfast in pushing for the rights and welfare of Filipino women.

Her favorite books:

1.  Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 100 Years of Solitude. “Because it is magic realism at its freshest!  On the level of family and continent.”

2.  GGM’s Living to Tell the Tale. “Because it narrates breathtakingly his journey as a writer and patriot.”

3.  Isabel Allende’s House of the Spirits. “Because it is magic realism from a woman’s perspective.”

4.  Isabel Allende’s Paula. “Because it is the heartbreaking, beautiful story of a mother’s love for her daughter.”

5.  Amy Tan’s Joy Luck Club. “Because I love mother-daughter stories, and this is times four!  Told in the context of migration-integration-return to roots.”

6.  Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things. “Because Arundhati’s genius is so palpable yet restrained here.  Powerful!”

7.  Nadine Gordimer’s books. “Because the perspective of a white South African woman writing against apartheid is so liberating.”

8.  Naguib Mafouz’s trilogy. “Because a family’s joys and sorrows are so familiar even when told within an unfamiliar society like the Egyptian.”

9.  Andres Cristobal Cruz’s Ang Tundo Man may Langit Din. “Dahil ang pag-ibig at pakikibaka ay napakalapit sa puso nating mga Pinoy. At makata talagang sumulat si Andres.”

10. Ricky Lee’s Para Kay B. “Because it shows love is universal, despite its many pathways.”

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The Reading Club recommends Bossypants by Tina Fey — a fun read about a strong woman. For your comments and suggestions you can write me at gr.rodis@yahoo.com. Follow me on twitter @showbizmanila or instagram @showbizmanila.