She's Dating the Gangster Book: A Classic Love Story
She's Dating the Gangster is a young adult novel by Bianca Bernardino that was released in 2013. The book has since become a popular hit among Filipino readers and has been adapted into a movie and a musical. It tells the story of a young girl named Athena Dizon, who pretends to be in a relationship with a notorious gangster named Kenji Delos Reyes. As their fake relationship progresses, they begin to develop real feelings for each other.
The Plot
The story starts with Athena, a high school student, accidentally bumping into Kenji, a gangster, in the school corridor. Kenji immediately takes a liking to Athena and asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. Despite her initial reluctance, Athena agrees to Kenji's proposal, and they start their fake relationship.
As their relationship progresses, Athena finds herself falling for Kenji. Eventually, they confess their feelings for each other and start a real relationship. However, their happiness is short-lived as Kenji's past catches up with him, and he is forced to leave Athena to protect her.
The story then jumps ahead several years, and we see Athena and Kenji reunited after years apart. They have both moved on with their lives, but their love for each other remains strong. The story ends with them walking off into the sunset together.
The Characters
The two main characters of the book are Athena and Kenji. Athena is portrayed as a smart and independent young woman who is focused on her studies. She is initially hesitant to get involved with Kenji but eventually falls for him. Kenji, on the other hand, is a notorious gangster who is feared by many people. He is initially portrayed as arrogant and selfish but eventually shows his softer side to Athena.
Other important characters in the book include Athena's best friend, Kelay, who helps her navigate her relationship with Kenji. There is also Lucas, Kenji's cousin, who plays a significant role in the second half of the book.
The Themes
She's Dating the Gangster explores several themes that are common in young adult literature. One of the central themes of the book is first love. The book portrays the intense emotions that come with falling in love for the first time, from the butterflies in your stomach to the heartbreak when things don't work out.
Another theme explored in the book is family relationships. Both Athena and Kenji have complicated relationships with their families, which affects their relationship with each other. The book shows how family dynamics can impact romantic relationships.
The book also touches on themes of forgiveness and second chances. Both Athena and Kenji make mistakes throughout the book, but they are given second chances to make things right.
The Adaptations
She's Dating the Gangster was adapted into a movie in 2014 starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as Athena and Kenji, respectively. The movie was a commercial success and helped bring the book to an even wider audience.
In 2019, She's Dating the Gangster was also adapted into a musical by ABS-CBN's theater division. The musical was well-received by audiences and featured original songs that added to the emotional impact of the story.
The Impact
She's Dating the Gangster has had a significant impact on Filipino popular culture. The book's popularity has led to numerous adaptations, including the movie and musical versions mentioned above. The book has also spawned a number of fan fiction stories and has inspired countless young adult authors in the Philippines.
She's Dating the Gangster has resonated with young Filipino readers because it speaks to their experiences of first love and family relationships. The book deals with universal themes that are relatable to readers all over the world.
She's Dating The Gangster Book
She's Dating the Gangster is a classic love story that has captured the hearts of young Filipino readers. The book explores themes of first love, family relationships, forgiveness, and second chances. It has been adapted into a movie and musical, further cementing its place in Filipino popular culture. She's Dating the Gangster is a must-read for anyone who loves young adult literature and classic love stories.