the fickle fan.

[Review] The King's Rose by Alisa M Libby

2012-01-26T21:36:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:

Life in the court of King Henry VIII is a complex game. When fifteen-year-old Catherine Howard catches the king's eye, she quickly transforms from pawn to queen. But even luxury beyond imagination loses its luster as young Catherine finds her life - and her heart - threatened by the needs of an aging king and a family hungry for power. Will their agendas deliver Catherine to the same fate as her infamous cousin, Anne Boleyn - sacrificed at the altar of family ambition?

Ahh, my first book read for 2012! It's such a stunning start since the main setting of this book is in England (ha ha)

This book is all about Catherine Howard, how she rose to be the queen of England (the fifth wife of Henry VIII) and her eventual death by beheading. Although the book is also targetted at a YA market, I don't really think it is super YA given some of the scenes that were described in the novel - sex, adultery, killing, and so forth. But it does give a good background to us about how it was like 400 years ago.

If you are an avid The Tudors fan, you'll find that this book seems to describe one of the few episodes in the TV Series! It was so easy for me to read because well, it was just like a novelization, in fact. Although, I do hate the fact that Thomas Culpepper didn't appear much in this book. It therefore lacks some of love story I had been expecting between the two of them.

On some parts of the novel, I really felt for Catherine - being too young, used by her relatives just to get ahead in politics which is really really sad. I think she was just used for their own political gain (and got her head chopped off for it).

There's lack of originality in the book, but it is quite a good read for those wanting to know more about the Tudor times.

Rating: 2.5/5
Published: 2009.

England: Tower Bridge

2012-01-22T14:39:00.001+08:00

Greetings guys ! I'm testing blogger for iPhone right now. What better way to create a test post than uploading a photo :)

This was taken at iconic Tower Bridge. It was first built in the 1800s and can be drawn up to allow ships to pass through. Oh, and it still works today!

To get there, just hop on a tube and go down at the Tower Hill stop. Its on the District line. The bridge is a short walk from the tube station and you'll also see the Tower of London!

For those looking for London Bridge, ita the next one over! It isn't as iconic or pretty as Tower Bridge though!

In My Mailbox # 27

2012-01-15T19:14:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since I've made an IMM post!!

And oh my gosh, I can't believe I lost a draft version of this - I had a few dozen books I bought for 2011 and I've lost it in my blog :(

So, for this week, I got:

Bought:
Need by Carrie Jones

Borrowed:
The 39 Clues: The Black Book of Buried Secrets
Cahills vs Vespers 1: The Medusa Plot

That's about it - what did you get in your mailboxes :)

Tips for Saving for a Big Dream/Purchase

2012-01-14T12:02:00.002+08:00

I'm a bit annoyed whenever someone tells me that I'm rich whenever I travel: either dreams of going to Europe, US, Australia, or whenever I book airline tickets both local and abroad.

Let me just clear this up: I am not rich. I am a working professional just like you. I earn money every month by working a 9-6 job, I blog for extra money (although I only earn enough just to pay for a lunch ever month), and I am not a daughter of some tycoon where I could ask for money whenever I feel like it.

Let me share to you some of my ideals on how to save money for what you really want. First off, a word of warning: its hard. Getting the discipline to actually save is really, really hard. It took me ages to get the self-discipline!

First off, my profile (for your comparison): I'm currently 20+, employed full time, single, and I don't have to support my parents (at the moment) - I can get to keep whatever I earn without providing x amount of money to my family. I don't like to eat out, and I don't like to watch movies in the cinema. And I abhore hotel buffets.

So, here's how I save money for my trips/books:

1. Less shopping.

I used to be a shopaholic. From 2006 to early 2007, I cannot leave the mall without carrying something out of a certain store. It's true. Case and point: I got addicted to Havaianas and ended up with around 30+ pairs. Talk about a waste. It took me a year and a half to get on the path of shopaholic rehab and stop buying these stuff that I don't need. I always ask myself now if I really need a certain thing before I buy it. And yes, even if its on sale, regardless how big of a percentage it is on sale, I keep asking myself that question again and again.

However, I do have my faults. Why I have the self-discipline to not buy clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery, and gadgets, I have a weakness: books and notebooks. I keep buying books even though I have a few hundred more to read. But then again, I allow myself to keep buying books as a reward to myself (more about that later).

Always categorize a potential buy: Do you need it? Do you just want it? Or is it just an impulse buy? Chances are, if it is just an impulse buy, you'll end up forgetting about that certan thing when you wake up the next morning.

2. Pack food/drinks whenever possible.

As I said, I don't like to eat out. I tried computing how much it would take every single day to buy lunch and dinner and believe me, the amounts could add up. compare the cost of buying food from fast food chains/restaurants to cooking at home and you'll end up being surprised as well. You'll save a lot.

I also don't like buying softdrinks or mineral water from restaurants. They charge a lot more for drinks compared to buying stuff from the grocery store. What I normally do is pack a small 350ml container (which I bought from SM) and fill up with lukewarm water from the office or at home. It's enough to keep me hydrated while I'm out and keeps me from buying water outside.

I also don't like buying coffee from Starbucks or the other cafes. They're really overpriced as well. Imagine if you buy a latte everyday. You'll get to save around P4000 a month if you stop buying coffee and just drink coffee from the free coffee machines you would get at the office. Don't have a coffee machine in the office? Opt for cheaper coffee: buy your coffee from either 7-11 or buy a pack of instant coffee and make your own!

3. Find other means of income.

Get another job (I would say part time), buy and sell stuff, turn a hobby (ie baking) into a profitable mini business - the choices are endless. I choose to blog and to invest to earn additional income. Blogging may not be for everyone though - it takes a lot of hard work as well. I choose my other means of income to be a passive one.
(Nerdy talk: there are two types of income: Passive and Active. Passive income is your ability to make money without working or exerting effort for it. Active income is your ability to make money from your services or from your job). Blogging can be considered as a mixture of passive & active income. Active because you exert effort while you create your blogs, and passive when you get paid every month for advertising space.

Passive income is considred the best because you're making money without batting a finger! I have investments that make x amounts of moolah every month. It's not much, I definitely can't live off it, but at least I'm making a few extra. Do note that before you invest in anything, you'll need to understand what you're investing on and the probable risks involved (hence I am thankful for my banking background cos it gave me an advantage).

4. Sell/trade or re-gift your stuff.

One man's junk is another man's treasure, as they say. If you have something that you don't use anymore, you could try to sell it online (given that it's still in good condition)! I don't normally use this tip. Instead of selling my stuff, I normally just give it away to friends as presents for Christmas or other occassions. Case & point: books. As I said, I can't stop buying books. So, depending on how many books I've read and how many friends I have who love to read, I get a stash of presents for them, ready anytime ;) You could also re-gift stuff if you want to - ie if you get a gift from someone but you don't really like it or you won't need it, you could re-gift it to someone who may make better use of it than you would. Better than it accumulating dust in your closet.

5. Find discounts for your needs

Need something? Scout for deals online using group buying websites. You'll get to save x amount of money, but make sure you'll need it before you do buy it! Need clothes? Wait for sale season before getting anything. Need toiletries? In my personal opinion, the best place for getting cheap toiletries is Watsons. They have these racks of stuff that are buy one take one (if you are patient enough to scout the store looking for the if they have any). They normally don't advertise they have this specific deal so keep scouting ;) Think of it as a game.

Trivia: Whenever I buy toiletries (ie soap, shampoo, etc), I normally compute per oz/g/ml to get the best deal. Not all things in big packages are cheaper than the smaller packages (ie the biggest Cetaphil 427ml bottle is more expensive than 2 250ML Cetaphil).

So,, that's part one of my saving tips :) I don't really have a book review post up done yet or a travelogue done. Year end has been absolutely tiring for me and I have been resting and sleeping most weekends. *Sigh*

Hope this can be of help to you guys :)

[Review] Fallen by Lauren Kate

2012-01-08T22:43:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads: There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Luce was suddenly thrust in a reform school after an incident at her former school. There, she meets Daniel. And Cam. Oh boy. A love triangle right from the start. Ugh.

Honestly, the book bored me - there wasn't anything interesting happening until uhh the last 100 pages of the book. Which pretty mch means that the first 350 pages of the book were pretty much rubbish and seems to cycle upon Luce pining for Daniel, only to be swayed by Cam, and meeting Arriane and Penn. That's pretty much it. I don't know where the scary factor is that the blurbs and the praises for this book come from, it isn't even scary - and the love story part definitely doesn't come until much later.

I do like the setting though - a school in the middle of nowhere which has an ancient cemetery in the grounds, a lake with forests at the back, and a church that was turned into a gym. Awesome. I have always loved settings which have a historic feel to them or places which are based on real settings.

The whole story itself is a bit used already - if you've read Twilight you'll actually get the story of this. Two boys fighting over one girl, one girl chooses a boy, the other ends up fighting other boy. Except, wait, there's a twist! They're not vampires and werewolves - they're angels! Okayyy. Pretty much everyone's writing YA love stories about etherial or immortal out of this world creatures now. Pfft. Maybe I should read much more on the realistic YA novels out there.

Oh, a saving grace of the book - there was a part where Luce wanted to go to Brasil in her current life so badly and whenever someone asks her why she wants to go there, she can't give a proper reason why. It was just an urge for her. Turns out her past life had a memorable experience in Brasil. Can you believe it?? I feel the exact same way about England. Whenever someone asks me why I want to move to London, I always answer differently but the pull is there, exactly the same way Luce was feeling about Brasil. A past life of mine, maybe? Hmm... I was really happy when I read that line of the book.

Would I read Torment? I don't know. I don't want to buy the second book full price for fear I might get disappointed again. I could use that money for travel, instead. Maybe I'll just wait until it comes out at a used bookstore near my place then I'll reconsider.

I'll probably just give this book away as a pressie to a friend. Whoever you are who's gonna get this book, I hope you enjoy it because I haven't :(

[Review] If You Could See Me Now - Cecelia Ahern

2012-01-05T22:36:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads: Elizabeth Egan’s life runs on order: Both her home and her emotions are arranged just so, with little room for spontaneity. It’s how she counteracts the chaos of her family -- an alcoholic mother who left when she was young, an emotionally distant father, and a free-spirited sister, who seems to be following in their mother’s footsteps, leaving her own six-yearold son, Luke, in Elizabeth’s care. When Ivan, Luke’s mysterious new grown-up friend, enters the picture, Elizabeth doesn’t know quite what to make of him. With his penchant for adventure and colorful take on things large and small, Ivan opens Elizabeth’s eyes to a whole new way of living. But is it for real? Is Ivan for real?

If You Could See Me Now is a love story with heart -- and just a touch of magic

I first came across Cecelia Ahern's books because she is the sister-in-law of Nicky from Westlife. As shallow as I may be, that is one of the main reasons why I was interested in this book. I bought PS I Love You but I never managed to finish reading it. Then a friend gave this book as a present to me and I thought it was just time for me to read it.

A bitter disappointment. The story has no real structure, and is very, very unrealistic and unbelievable. A girl falling in love with an imaginary friend? Puh-lease. Instead of me learning to hope or picking up some new things from this book, I felt like I had just wasted my time trying to read and finish this book. It has no concrete ending as well, which was a bitter disappointment. Kind of like Where Rainbows End (but more about this other book in a separate review).

I don't like the way the author keeps alternating how the story POV was written. It was written in the first person if Ivan was "speaking" and in the third person from the POV of Elizabeth. It's quite confusing that way!

Is this considered chick lit? Is it a love story? I believe, no and no. What I was happy about from the story though was the way that Elizabeth finally changes her beliefs and her attitude towards the end. From prissy, uptight girl to eventually a happy one. That's about it. Her mum and her sister didn't warrant a happy ending for her, and her lovelife was still a big mystery.

I hope that some of the other books I pick up from this author won't disappoint me any more.

Travel - The UK 2011 Diaries Part 1: Getting There

2012-01-02T09:37:00.000+08:00

Facebook is being a pain and since I promised my friends to post photos and some brief narrative on what I did on my 3 1/2 month stint in the UK, here you go. A month and a half late. Or rather, a few months late.

One thing I ask though - I may not have any watermarks (because mainly I'm too lazy to do it) so please do not get any of my photos without my permission puh-lease!

Anyhoo, it all started with me moving on to a different team at work - and well, the chance to go to the UK for a few months was in the cards. I couldn't say no, I love the UK! :) So, last June, I embarked on a solo backpacking trip around Cebu and Bohol (more of that when I get more time to post) and on June 30th I find myself going to the airport to embark on this happy happy and exciting trip :)

I had a nightmare going through immigration - the immigration officer didn't know the visa I was holding and thought that I needed a POEA permit to continue! (Hello!!! I am not earning GBP and hence am not an OFW so why would I bloody need that stupid POEA permit??) - my head was literally steaming - good thing my friend and my boss helped out with the situation. Stupid, stupid, stupid - I'd rather not deal more about this subject because it would end up with a rant about the Philippines again.

Anyhoo, I checked in to the NAIA 1 Lounge for Business class passengers. Oh, I failed to mention - I flew via Etihad business class for this trip. Yaaaaayyyyyy. The lounge was okay - although it was a tiny place and it was like a maze. Not a fancy thing though - more like a place for you to rest and relax in before the flight (plus the food + beverage is free)

The photo above is a plane model in the business class lounge that's on the windowsill where you could see the planes parked in NAIA1, waiting for the passengers to board!

Back to the trip -I called up HSBC from the lounge. One thing when you're travelling out of the country - you need to call up your credit card company and let them know that you are going out of the country so they won't block any of your purchases when you charge something from abroad.

Then our flight was called - we are gonna board!! :)

So, this is what it looks like from the business class section of Etihad - I have my glass of champagne with a video of places to go to in Abu Dhabi on the screen. (where we're going to have a brief stopover before changing planes to get to London Heathrow). I have a flat bed and lots of leg space - only problem is its a bit of a tight squeeze width-wise. Anyway, I can't complain ;) I love that I also have a window seat.

They gave away goody bags as well containing socks, eye blinders, Aigner lip balm & lotion and a toothbrush with toothpaste on it. Coolies.

Me looking fat on my seat before takeoff. Whee. Trying to prepare myself for a marathon 7/8 hour flight to Abu Dhabi. So, what did I do the whole time? Well, I just watched a few movies - I saw Rango, which is a cute children's movie, also saw Narnia: Prince Caspian. I never really got to watch these movies while I was in Manila - mainly because I was too much of a stingy head and refused to go out to movies unless they're really worth watching.

I also read a book while the plane was taking off and landing.. and slept, a lot. I wanted to have all my strength when I land in the UK to get ready for a LOT of sightseeing and walking after I land. Whoopdeedoo.

So, finally arriving in Abu Dhabi, we headed straight for their business class lounge. Hmmm.... Took loads of photos as the sun was rising. The airport was literally in the desert - all you could see are other planes, sand, and well, the sun. It was a huge terminal and there were also lots of branded stuff that were available on duty free. We also ate a lot of food while waiting for our plane from AUH to LHR.

One thing I like about flying business class: you can board the plane either first or last. Amazing. So, once we got the Final Boarding Call for our flight, off we went to the plane and prepared for yet another long fight (and sleep) ahead!

Think that's it for now - watch out for Part two where I will blog more about the Etihad Abu Dhabi Lounge and well, London Day One :)

I think I'll blog about getting a UK visa too, that's informative as well!

2011 in Books

2011-12-29T12:20:00.000+08:00

Another year coming to a close. I always loved making these lists of stuff I did for the year - it gives me a chance to look back on what I have (or haven't) achieved and gives me a chance to prepare new goals for the next year to push myself even more!

So, in 2011, I have read 32 books. It is threee more than what I've read the last year (at 29 books). It would have been more had circumstances been different but I'm definitely not complaining. Then again, I read more picture & children's books this year so I think I read more last year page-wise than this year!

The best book I have read for the year is a four-way tie between Take That - Take One, Take That - Take Two, Anna & the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.

So, why choose those four books as the best for the year? Well, The Take That books should speak for themselves: they're so packed with photos of the band, which I absolutely loved and adored.

For Anna & the French Kiss, very rarely do I find a book that I can't put down. I finished this book in three days and had to force myself to sleep as I was reading it. I actually finished reading this in three days and re-read the book a few days after. I loved it that much. The chemistry between Anna & Etienne is sizzling! It died out in Lola & The Boy Next Door to be honest, but nevertheless, Anna was brill and the setting added to the loveability power of this book.

For Before I Fall, I read it and I was like: WOW. An eye-opening book, and well, it feels so real and I just felt for the main character as I was reading it. Such a shame it has to end that way but that's the way it is. We don't know what will happen and the ultimate saying of carpe diem kept repeating itself over and over in my head.

Without further adeau, below is a list of the books I've read. Click on the book name & author to read my review of it:

1. The Little Prince (Graphic Novel) - Joanne Sfar, Antoine de Sain Exupery (January); NetGalley
2. Chrissie's Shell - Brooke Keith. (January); NetGalley
3. Take That: Take Two - Take That. (January); bought from Book Depository: BEST BOOK EVER :)
4. Ragdolls are the Best - Elaine Landau (January); NetGalley
5. Amazing Grace - Tara FT Sering (January); provided for review by publisher
6. City of Glass - Cassandra Clare (January); borrowed from a friend
7. The 39 Clues # 3: The Sword Thief - Peter Lerangis (February); borrowed from a friend
8. The Princess Diaries - Meg Cabot (February); borrowed from a friend
9. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth - Rick Riordan (February); borrowed from a friend
10. The 39 Clues # 4: Beyond the Grave. Jude Watson (February); borrowed from a friend
11. Bless this Mouse - Lois Lowry (February); NetGalley
12. The 39 clues # 5: The Black Circle - Patrick Carman (February); borrowed from a friend
13. Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins (February); won from a contest
14. The 38 Clues # 6: In Too Deep - Jude Watson (March); borrowed from a friend
15. The 39 Clues # 7: The Viper's Nest - Peter Lerangis (March); borrowed from a friend
16. The 39 Clues # 8: The Emperor's Code - Gordon Korman (April); borrowed from a friend
17. Take That: Take One - Take That (April); bought from Dubai
18. The 39 Clues # 9: Storm Warning - Linda Sue Park (April); borrowed from a friend
19. The Red Pyramid - Rick Riordan (May); swapped with a friend
20. The Chancer - Shane Lynch (May); bought from the Book Depository
21. The Princess Diaries: Take Two - Meg Cabot (May); borrowed from a friend
22. The 39 Clues # 10: Into the Gauntlet - Maargaret Peterson Haddix (May); borrowed from a friend
23. The 39 Clues: Agent Handbook (May); borrowed from a friend -- rubbish book
24. The Sign of the Four (Sherlock Holmes) - Arthur Conan Doyle (May) - free app for iPhone/iPod
25. The 39 Clues # 11: Vespers Rising - Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman & Jude Watson (June) - borrowed from a friend
26. Wake - Lisa McMan (June) - bought from Booksale
27. Delirium - Lauren Oliver (October) - bought from Tescos
28. Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins (November) - bought from Amazon.co.uk
29. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver (November) - bought from National Bookstore
30. Where The Heart Is - Billie Letts (December) - bought from Booksale
31. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason - Helen Fielding (December) - bought on discount at National Bookstore
32. If You Could See Me Now - Cecelia Ahern (December) - gift from a friend.

So, some stats from the above list. I love making stats so bear with me :)

This year, out of the 32 books I've finished, 16 are from friends - either won through contests, gifts, borrowed, or swapped with! Wow!

53.13% - (17/32)books that were lent or given by friends or won from a contest
18.75% - (6/32) books that were bought new from various merchants
15.63% - (5/32) books that were provided for review.
9.38% - (3/32) books that were bought used from various merchants
3.13% - (1/32) books for free from the Apple app store

I've started economizing - 23/32 books (71.88%) I've read for 2011, I've paid 0 pesos for!! Woohoo!!! :) Way to go!
The rest, I've bought - mostly full price but that's about to change for 2012 as I rearrange the budget & the priorities.

That's it for now, Happy Holidays to you :)

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason - Helen Fielding

2011-12-28T23:07:00.000+08:00

Book blurb from Amazon.com: Lurching from the cappuccino bars of Notting Hill to the blissed-out shores of Thailand, everyone's favorite Singleton Bridget Jones begins her search for The Truth in spite of pathetically unevolved men, insane dating theories, and Smug Married advice. She experiences a zeitgeist-esque Spiritual Epiphany somewhere between the pages of How to Find the Love You Want Without Seeking It (can self-help books really help self?), protective custody, and a lightly chilled Chardonnay.

I was reading this early this year but misplaced the book. Found the book eventually later this year - which was a good thing. I breezed through the book really quickly - Bridget was just really funny at the latter part of the book. I felt like she was a real person and she is just very relatable (I don't drink as much as her nor smoke at all!). I felt her pain when she was pining over the loss of Mark Darcy, I felt her pain as she relates how much she feels lonely and how she tries to distract herself from her day to day life.

Ahhhh this book is utterly entertaining - although there were just some parts where I wanted to hit Bridget over the head due to her many bloopers that she could have avoided, and for her chronic lateness and short attention span.

I wish there could have been another book in the series, but unfortunately that will be a wish that will not be granted in the near future.

I've actually seen the movie based on this book and it was just... different. Sure, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant were absolutely brill in it but the story in the movie doesn't seem to be quite as funny as the book. It always seems to be the case for book adaptations turned into movies - something gets lost along the way.

Funny moment though: Bridget is obsessed with Mark Darcy, Mr Darcy & COlin Firth (based on his portrayal of Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice). I find myself laughing at multiple parts in the book because in my head, Mr Darcy is Colin Firth & he is also Mark Darcy!!

I have to say that Bridget is a good marketer of goods as well. Because of her, I found myself buying a Pride & Prejudice DVD (The one where Colin Firth starred, of course), and buying a whole load of Milk Trays!! Hmmmm Milk Trays.... A male friend of mine told me that a Milk Tray is actually for lonely single ladies because of the names of the chocolates. Ha ha ha. True that. Go Bridget!

2011 in Travel - Part Two

2011-12-25T09:52:00.000+08:00

I was compiling a list of things I did this 2011, and this is the travel bit. You may read my 2011 in Travel part One post here. I couldn't just put out all of my adventures in one post - it was faaar too many!! I <3 this year - it was amaaazing !

JUNE

June 4 - Baler, Aurora: Mother Falls. Baler Museum. Quezon Par. Balete Park & Millennium Tree. Stayed at Bahia de Baler. Ermita Hill (where the people went up to try and escape the tsunami of so long ago). Old Japanese Tunnel. Souvenir shopping. Baler Catholic Church. Quezon's new house. Marker for Aurora Quezon. Baler City Hall & Square.

June 5 - Baler, Aurora: Surfing Lesson & bumming at Sabang Beach.
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija (to get a bus back to Manila).

June 10 - the start of my very first ever backpacking trip!!

Cebu-Mactan International Airport. Cebu Ferry Terminal. Supercat ferry to Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Bohol: Mag-Aso Falls, Kawasan Falls, Canugao Falls (this one was scary - we had to plod through rice fields just to get here!), Sagbayan Peak. Stayed at Darunday Inn. Bojol Grill (dinner).

June 11 - Bohol Countryside Tour: Chocolate Hills at Carmen. Butterfly Center. Man-Made Forest at Bilar. Tarsier Viewing. Loboc River Cruise. Hanging Bridge (ha ha - one of the scariest things I've ever done. Good thing there was shopping in the end to reward me for my bravery ;) ). Python Viewing (Prony). Baclayon Church. New Blood Compact Site. Bohol Bee Farm (hmmmmm yummy ice cream + bread spread!)

June 12 - Bohol Sea Tour: Dolphin Watching (a success although I did not see much and they did not swim beside the boat). Snorkelling at the Marine Fish Sanctuary. DUmaluan Beach. Hinag-danan Cave. Taver's Inn. Bohol Quality Mall. Plaza Rizal. Bohol City Hall. Tagbilaran Church.

June 13 - Bohol Tourism Office. Macaque Monkey Sanctuary (Cantamucad, Loon). Punta Cruz Watchtower. Island City Mall. Alona Beach.

June 14 - Bohol Sea Tour # 2: Dolphin Watching. Snorkelling at Fish Sanctuary. Balicasag Island. More Dolphin Watching (saw some dolphins swimming past the side of the boat. What's more, is that there were very few boats trying to chase after the dolphin! Amazeballs!). Vanishing Island. Virgin Beach. Rode a habal-habal for the first tmie ever. Bohol Beach Club.

June 15 - Tagbilaran Pier. Supercat ferry to Cebu. Sugbutel Hostel. Crown Regency: 4D Theatre: The Lost Island. Viewing Deck. Edge Coaster. Sky Walk. Ayala Center Cebu. Shopping at Mango. Bufffet dinner at Crown Regency.

June 16 - Fort San Pedro. Plaza Independencia. Cebu City Hall. Magellan's Cross. Basilica del Sto Nino. SM City Cebu. Colon Street. Cathedral & the Museum. Heritage of Cebu Monument. Casa Gorordo. San Diego-Yap Ancestral House. Shamrock (Pasalubong shopping). Basilica del Sto Nino Museum. Dinner at CNT Lechon.

June 17th - End of backpacker trip. Cebu-Mactan International Airport.

June 30th - Ninoy Aquino Terminal 1: Airport Lounge. Business class: Etihad from Manila-Abu Dhabi.

June marked a turning point in my life: I backpacked alone in some parts of Bohol and in Cebu. It's the first time i've travelled solo - so I decided to choose a place where I could be quite familiar with. As we all know, Cebu is almost like Manila. I was supposed to go abroad but the airline tickets were quite expensive when I was trying to book for stuff at the last minute. Nevertheless it made me believe in myself: that I could travel alone and survive by commuting around. Ther was a lot of research involved in this solo trip before I did go though!

JULY

Ahhhh the start of one of my favourite months of 2011. It was another turning point in my life. :) Read on!

July 1 - Abu Dhabi International Airport. Etihad Business Class Lounge. Six Senses Spa: 15 Minute Spa Massage (it was so good, I nearly fell asleep!!). Business Class: Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow Terminal 4. English Breakfast. #1 Pepys Street Apartment. Liverpool Street Underground Stn. #175 Bishopsgate (my office whilst in London - I loved this building). Spitalfields. Mitre Square (ooh where Jack the Ripper killed one of the girls). Tower of London. Tower Bridge. Hays Galleria. HMS Belfast.

I was pretty jetlagged on that day but nothing can stop me from going around my favourite city in the whole entire world!

July 2 - Tower Hill. Kensington High Street. The Gap. H&M. Kensington Park. Kensington Palace. Hyde Park. South Kensington. Gloucester Road. Wembley Stadium. Take That: Progress Live 2011.

Ahhhhh.. I finally saw one of my favorite boy bands ever. LIVE. And with Robbie Williams!!

July 3 - Victoria Tube Station. Westminster Cathedral. Wimbledon: Men's Finals (Nadal vs Djokovic). Queue for hours on end to watch Djokovic win from a screen in Court #2. We may not be inside Centre Court but the atmosphere of just being there. PLus, we saw him come ot with the trophy too! Pimms & Strawberries & Cream. Hmm Yum. Yum.

July 4 - First day at work. 175 Bishopsgate. Hmm. Little did I know that my world is gonna go topsy turvey.

July 6 - Leon's. Spitalfields Market. :) I realized who my real friends were. And yes, what they told me was true. I really was regretting all the things that I said.

July 9 - Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guards. Starbucks. New Scotland Yard. Westminster Abbey. Houses of Parliament & Big Ben. Trafalgar Square - tried going up the lions, but it was too slippery in the sculpture. Covent Garden. Zizzi Pizza/Pasta Place. The National Gallery.

July 10 - Westminster Cathedral. Ashford OUtlet Store Shopping (Kent, England).

July 15 - Drinks out the back of the office!!! (COney & Barrow)

July 16 - Cambridge, England: London's King Cross (high speeed train to Cambridge). Sedgewick Museum. Nando's (hmm peri-peri chicken at its finest). Punting at the River Cam (so relaxing and so nice!!!). King's College. Cambridge High Street.

July 17 - OXford Street: Primark. New Look. Next. M&S. Chinatown.

July 19 - Drinks at All Bar One (boss's treat!). Tennis lessons of sorts at Islington.

July 20 - Party at my friend's house. The first party we ever threw together - it was a little get together of sorts!

July 22 - Wimbledon Tennis Tournament at work (but not exactly in Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club). Dog & Fox Bar @ Wimbledon Village.

July 23 - St Pancras Train Station. Canterbury West Train Stn. Canterbury Tales. Canterbury High Street. Canterbury Cathedral.

July 24 - Bearsted. Leeds Castle.

July 26 - Strada Restaurant, St Katherine's Docks (where boats are moored) - quaint little place.

July 28 - Bowls at Finsbury Square. Tried a new sport~ if I could call it a sport.

July 29 - Thames. Millennium Bridge.

July 30 - London Paddington. Oxford. Blenheim Palace (childhood home of Winston Churchill)

July 31 - Kew Gardens. Kew Palace.

Tiring July? Well, wait until the next few months! Such a shame that in July we failed to go out of the "comfort" area of Southeast England and London. We didn't even begin to take overnight trips out until August!!

So, that's it for now. Wait until Part Three and Part four of my Travel 2011 posts! :)

Topsy Turvey

2011-12-22T22:42:00.000+08:00

You know the saying, "some drink to remember, some drink to forget." Memories. Some you want to keep forever, some you just want out of your head. As I pick up my next book to read, I find myself drawn to "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I know I've blogged before how much my emotions affect my reading habits? Well, my reading genre and habit has changed drastically again. I'm at a low point in my life. I just want to forget, but I don't want to - if you get my drift. I am a very complicated person to know. It is a bit embarassing as I announce to the whole world to read how I am feeling. But I am lonely, I am depressed, I am lost. I feel a bit like Bridget Jones when Mark Darcy had left her, and she still can't get over him. I'm not sure if many of you read the books that are about Bridget - if you haven't, do. So what is the point of this post? The point is, well, there is no point. I am just here to vent out what I am thinking. This is my blog anyway, I can say whatever I want to say. So forgive me if I can't review any books that deal with love (maybe except Eat, Pray, Love since that is about travel anyway) - I don't want anything to do with a story about girl meets boy, boy meets girl, they get close, they fall in love. Ugh. I'm cynical, Im annoyed, I'm upset. Can you guys suggest any books that do not have characters that fall in love??? YA or Chick Lit only puhlease. And no weird un-human characters: no vamps, no fallen angels, etc. I wanna deal with books that deal with real people only. Maybe I'll read Leviathan - or some of the nerdy books out there that make you think. Or one of the Paulo Coelho novels. Sometimes I feel like travel would be the only escape from what I am feeling. The feeling of just being free, seeing the world, meeting new people, being lost, then being found. I don't know. Maybe this is why I'm going to read Eat, Pray, Love - to find something I'm desperately looking for but yet I still don't know what I'm looking for.I think I read because I also want to get lost from reality. Then again, that's just me.

Maybe the only cure is to just let go and leave everything behind. Take the leap. I'm not getting any younger. I can't wait any longer. Maybe I look too highly of myself and think that what I'm asking for is reasonable. Maybe no one would really miss when I flew like the wind and disappeared to another country. Maybe that's the right step for me. Maybe, maybe, maybe. I think I need to find the new place I would proudly and happily call home eventually. Song for the moment - When We Were Young: Take That. The lyrics are calling out to me. I just hope this phase won't last long.

2011 in Travel - Part One

2011-12-20T11:59:00.000+08:00

Looking at the tiny little notebook that I have that contains a summary of my goals, dreams, and what I have achieved for specific months and/or days in a certain year, I realized the pages are a lot more written on this year: the 2011 notes definitely added more "scratch" in it - travel ideas that were written down hastily while on the road, directions where to go & anything else. What I love aboout it though, is that the colour of pen I used to write stuff in is still the same: PURPLE :)

There's just something about writing on a piece of paper that appeals to me - nothing like opening up a notebook, old and battered, and looking back on ideas that was written from days/months/years past and the ability to look back on it everytime you want to: without looking for a specific file you have saved down from your computer or worrying about losing your files.

Anyhoo, it's nearly the end of 2011. At the time I'm writing this, it's December 10th, a Saturday, with 3 weeks to go before the last day of the year. I've always loved the New Year - it brings new hope, new joys, new experiences to look forward to. At the same time, the last day of the year gives me more than enough time to look back on the year past and think about what I did for the year: was it worthwhile? Did I make the most of my borrowed time?

Surely some of my old blog posts (and even book reviews) state the fact that we should live everyday to the fullest! And I would say that 2011 has been quite a fruitful year for me. It's one of my best years in the 27 years of my life so far!

And here we go, I will share what I've done for 2011 (so far) travel-wise.

JANUARY

I went to Davao! This is my second time to go to this city. No blog post yet (you'll find that I owe a LOT of blog posts - I never did try to sit down and blog about my travels)

Stayed there for 4 days and 3 nights - from January 17-21.

January 17 - Davao Crocodile Park, People's Park
January 18 - Philippine Eagle Park, Malagos Garden, Sul Orchids (where my mum went crazy buying a whole load of orchids for her to take home), Tribu K'Mindanawan village, Butterfly House, Shrine of Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, Jack's Ridge
January 19 - Pearl Farm.. Aldevinco Shopping Centre. Bangkerohan Market.
January 20 - Museo Dabawenyo, Magsaysay Park, San Pedro Cathedral, City Hall, Rizal Park, Davao Airport.

(Won Cebu Pacific tote bags on the way home from their fun flghts! :) )

Good January - got the airfare on sale so it was well worth it!

FEBRUARY

February 3 - Well, this is not exactly a travel-thing but I watched The Joy Luck Club Play alone at Onstage at Greenbelt!

February 12 - Hot Air Balloon Festval at Clark Field, Pampanga. Well worth sleeping on a bus just to get here. The balloon flight was amazing.
Treetop Adventure: Trekking & Canopy Ride at Subic Bay.
Shopped for some cheap imported goods at Subic too.

February 19th - 18th Philippine Travel Expo. Got a lot of brochures. It was time to plot where I was going and what opportunities were there (little did I know that I was embarking on a huge adventure soon)
World Pyrolympics: Portugal vs the UK. (The UK won 1st runner up for 2011, after winning the 2010 competition).

February 26th - Nido Science Discovery Centre. Not exactly the best science museum in the Philippines (quite expensive admission price, if you'll ask me).
Under the Sea 3D - bought a deal online. Cute little animals :)
World Pyrolympics: China vs France (meehhh - not that impressive).

February was okay, it could have been more memorable but couldn't complain given the opportunities I got :)

MARCH

March 6 - Resorts World, Manila. Saw Kaos - It is a brilliant show, it reminds me of the West End productions. I love Kaos the white lion & Sito the white tiger.

March 18 - Midnight Mercato. It's a food market. Uhmm, I'm not too big on food.

March 20 - The Postal Heritage Tour. Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila Post Office & Museum, The Metropolitan Theatre, Arroceroz Forest Park, Manila City Hall & SM Manila.
I know I promised to have blogged about this adventure but sadly I didn't get the time too. Why I was so lazy before, I couldn't understand.

Manila from the Met Theatre

Living it up in Corregidor

APRIL

April 6 - Good Charlotte live at Glorietta. I wasn't supposed to watch this. Until I got a text rom a friend saying I got tickets. Who am i to turn down such a great opportunity?

April 10 - Corregidor (Including the Malinta Tunnel Light & Sound Show). This place is very, very pretty. It has a lot of history to it, which I absolutely adored. I didn't expect such a brilliant place like this to exist so close to Manila! The ruins are so well-preserved, and it is a place that is just so photogenic.

April 15 - Shakespeare in Hollywood. More of a bookish milestone, but I bought a deal online and watched this alone too. I love watching plays and musicals - even if it means that I am going to have to watch them alone!

Sumaguing Cave, Sagada

April 22 - Banaue, Ifugao, Rice Terraces (Only photo ops though). Sagada - Trekking the Banga-an Rice Terraces & the Bomod-Ok Big Falls (it was absolutely tiring trying to go up the steep & the bazillion steps going up from the falls. I felt my heart beating and screaming at me. Even drank a whole bottle of gatorade!!)

April 23 - Sunrise at Kiltepan viewpoint. Cave Connection - Lumiang & Sumaguing Caves (I loved the caving adventure!! It was such a thrill! I never knew I could do it). Sagada Pottery & Lake Danum.

April 24 - Echo Valley & Hanging Coffins - The Echo valley is soooo pretty!!
St Mary's Episcopal Church - saw the vice mayor giving out coffee. And might I say that the coffee in Sagada is really, really yummy??? Also the yoghurt - some say that it was really sour but it was nothing like I've ever tasted! It was good! Souvenir shopping at both Sagada & Banaue (we stopped over somewhere in Banaue where it was quite cold and foggy - absolutely cool!)

MAY

May 20 - "Defending the Caveman" play at RCBC - another deal I got online. It was cool & funny.

May 21 - Anilao, Batangas. Stayed at Balai Anilao. Island Hopping: Sombrero Island & Eagle Point.

May 22 - Anilao, Batangas. Twin Rock beach.

May was okay - I didn't rally get a chance to do much. I guess I was quite tired from April?

Need Essay Help?

2011-12-17T14:08:00.001+08:00

When I was a student, I always got homework assignments requiring me to do various essays: thoughts about particular subjects, essays on books we've read, and any subject our teachers would want us to write on.

It was a bit tedious trying to think of things to write about during these homework assignments, much less writing them in a structured manner which would wow our teachers and give us a high grade for our efforts.

Some students do resort to paying other, more exceptional students to write their essays for them. This is a win-win situation for those who need the extra dosh and are gifted enough to write eloquently, and is also a win for the not-so-gifted writer. However, there is a downside to this: if said student you contracgted to write an essay for you did not deliver and turned in a horrible paper, what would you do?

In the world of the digital age, we can now turn to a website that may answer some of our most trivial questions and needs. In comes Custom Essay Order, a company which specializes in writing essays for you, on any topic under the sun. Browse through their website and you will find that it is very clean, and very professional. Everything you may ask about their services is in their FAQ site - excellent.

The company ensures that if you avail of their services, the work would be sent to your email within your timelines - be it within 24 hours, a day, a week, a month - as a team of professionals behind the scenes do all the work for you, and all you have to do is provide your information , pay using PayPal, and you're off! No need to think about what to write, no need to waste any time staring in front of your computer facing writers block, and no need to go through a tedious brainstorm process.

They also have a different website for UK residents, we all know how they spell and word things differently!

This site is an excellent source for students and professionals alike, so avail of your custom essays now!

*This is a sponsored post for www.CustomEssayorder.com

Post Travel Depression & Itchy Feet

2011-12-11T20:40:00.001+08:00

Itchy Feet.

Let me confess something: I have itchy feet right now. Its Dec 10, Saturday, as I type this, and for lack of better things to do: I've woken up super early and there's nothing on the telly, I don't feel like watching anything - be it a movie or a telly show, and I don't want to read, I decided to write.

Its been two months since the 3 1/2 month European adventure, 2 weeks since I came back from Cagayan de Oro City, and I'm stuck at home. Last week it was bearable, this week it isn't. :( Then as I was reading other travel blogs out there, it turns out that I'm suffering from Post-Travel Depression. (PTD). As the Sole Sisters suggested, if you're feeling down and out, wondering where else to go and what to do next, its best to share your experiences on a blog to reminisce and share to the world what you saw. They have a point. My friends have bee asking where I've been, where I'm going, and they do enjoy reading blogs to so here's something new for them to read about as well. This time, it's someone they know that's sharing the story, and not just something they have googled or surfed the net over.

So yes, it happens travel depression. The utter feeling of being stuck in a routine, wondering where my life is heading and is this what my life is supposed to be? As compared to the feeling of being free, going wherever your feet (and finances) take you, not a care in the world and just jumping out of the workplace and not confirming to what everyone is doing (work, make money, go home, sleep, go to work again)

I'm watching Samantha Brown's Passport to Europe and she's currently in Stockholm, Sweden. Oh, what I would give to just jump on a plane and go there.

Let me tell you a little story: in 2008, I was 23, a year in my job, and was sent to London. I know I've blogged about this before, but I just want to reiterate this experience out. I've met people who I've worked with and are older by a few years who have managed to take a year off and travelled around. WOW. I want to be like that too.

Two of my friends have just left their jobs a month ago and are currently travelling around South America right now. I'm jealous whenever I see their Facebook updates and their photos! Maybe I'll do that someday: quit my job, take a year (or maybe a few months off) off and explore Europe. Why Europe? Because if my time is limited and I have to pick specific places in Earth to go to, I would just choose my favourite continent!

So, there. Even if I live in a third world country, I can do it. I'll just need to save, save, save and well, have the courage to travel alone (I'm not sure any of my friends would want to go with me given the tough expense of it all).

But in the meanwhile, while I eventually make up my mind to do the ultimate dream, I'm looking forward to my future trips. I've already booked a 9-day trip to Korea so here's hoping I get a visa :) I'm thinking of going to Anawangin and to Tagaytay (again) in January, and going somewhere else from March onwards!

The thing is: If you're feeling travel depression and your travel fund is depleted, give yoursef little perks here and there: buy a plane ticket on sale, go on an overland adventure somewhere (there's loads of other places in the Philippines that I have yet to see, within Luzon too) and that may curb up some of your sadness. Eventually when you get the money, you can now go on the trip you wanted :)

So, onto my next post & travel plan!!

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver

2011-12-08T13:26:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Thoughts - OH.MY.GOD. How could you write a review for a novel so beautifully written? One of the best books that I have ever read so far! This is all about the realities of death, and time - and how we don't hold it. AMAZING.

I picked this book up when I was walking through a local bookstore. I wanted to wait for the sale period (so i could get an additional 20% off but I just couldn't wait!) but couldn't so I walked home with this book (thanks to my National Bookstore points, I got this book for free!)

What can I say about this book? First off - LIVE EVERY DAY AS IF IT WERE YOUR LAST. I wish I could use that saying more but sometimes I feel as if I'm just living in a cyclical world where everything is routine. Anyway, I think the concept is not new for the book. It's like Groundhog day, but with a twist. I admit that I had my apprehensions as I was reading it, feeling as if I might get bored with details that appear over and over again but the author definitely played things up. Everyday in Sam's life is definitely different.

It's a good thing I read this book, it made me realize how important life is, and how interconnected we all are. One lousy or good thing that we do can directly affect others.

Sam as a character - well, she is a bit lousy, but I've grown to love her in the end. Kent is okay. Rob is an arse, and Sam's posse: Ally, Elody & Lindsay. I'm not sure how to feel about her posse. They're okay, they're typical popular girls in high school - and shows how peer pressure can definitely affect your decisions.

So, in summary: pick up this book, love your life, and live it! :)

Published: 2009

Available From: everywhere!
Book was: bought from National Bookstore
Rating: 5/5

Where the Heart Is - Billie Letts

2011-11-29T12:27:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads: Abandoned by her boyfriend at a Wal-Mart in Oklahoma, Novalee Nation, 17 years old and seven months pregnant, soon discovers the treasures hiding in this small Southwest town.

Thoughts:
I picked up this book at a used bookstore thinking I'll read it someday. It took years before I finally picked it up from my bookshelf because I needed to read something for a book club discussion about art.

What can I say about this book? Well, the fact is that I am not a big fan of the genre it is in, but what made me buy it, I had no idea. This book is very deep for me - it tackles "grown-up" stuff, things that I do not really want to read about because well, it is quite realistic and I read to escape, and to dream.

So, the story is all about Novalee, and how, when she was 17, was abandoned at a town in the middle of nowhere by her boyfriend. She's pregnant, only has less than $10 in her pocket and has nowhere to go to. She gives birth at Wal-Mart, she meets friends, and eventually finds her way and her "home" within that small town.

Novalee is a very strong character, that's for sure - I wouldn't be able to think about what to do first if I was in her situation: about living in Wal-Mart and giving birth there. But then again, when you're a teenager it feels like you're invincible and you could do whatever you want! The world is your oyster! It's amazing how things always work out.

Anyway - I couldn't really relate much to the story, and wouldn't say that I enjoyed it much. But it is a good waste of time for me!
Published: 1998
Available From: everywhere!

Book was: bought from Booksale.
Rating: 3/5

Blogging from Cagayan de Oro

2011-11-27T03:42:00.000+08:00

Hello hello! I'm finally blogging again! Well, i found a decent wifi in my hostel at the moment and since I have time to kill, might as well spend it blogging.

As my title suggests, i'm currently in cagayan de oro city, a province in the philippines around 1 1/2 hrs away from Manila. It's a great place for white water rafting and also home tothe longest zipline in Asia - 840m. I went overbudget a bit but its ok - the experience wasworth it. What i didnt like though is the loooong travel time from obe place to another. Thankfully with books i managed to pass some of the time (well that and sleeping on the road too - our wake up call to get from one place to another is just really early and craaazy).

I'm currently halfway through Lauren Oliver's "Before I Fall" and since i'm facing quite a wait at the airport later, i bought 2 books at booksale in sm cdo for good measure. Suzanne collins "Gregor and the Overlander" series book 1 and Melissa de la Cruz's "The Au Pairs" - all for 95 pesos or $2 (£1.40). Amazing, isn't it?

Currently on the lookout for Jay Asher'S book "Thirtern Reasons Why" - here's hoping there's stock in Manila bookstores!

A Book Slump

2011-11-19T17:31:00.000+08:00

Pardon the lack of updates recently. I find that I am going through a book slump where I always seem to try and pick up a new novel but can't finish it. I don't know, maybe I am just not in the mood lately. Well, even though I have been reading so much more than i ever had during the past 3 1/2 months that I was away I just feel lost, and I don't know what I like.

I do know that I want to leave and travel.. not be at home reading all these piles of books. *Sigh*.

Maybe I am just adjusting back to the life that I used to live. Oh well.

Expect more travel posts in the next few days. I can't seem to concentrate on finishing any books lately. Oh well.

[Review] Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins

2011-11-04T13:51:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

I love Stephanie Perkins - she has become one of my favourite authors since I've read Anna and the French Kiss. It took ages for Lola and the Boy Next Door to come out! So when I was in England, I preordered the book from amazon.co.uk and tadaaahhh got it a few days after the US release. Now, I didn't get a chance to tear through the book as soon as I got it, only a week after.

So, what do I think about the book? Well, I was a bit disappointed. I'm really sorry to compare this second book to Anna (expect quite a lot throughout this post), but for me, Lola is not as likeable and relatable to as Anna. Maybe it's the way she dresses, or the way she has gay parents (but I do have to admit she is very unique). I dunno. I just can't relate to the main character much, except for her confusion about her feelings for Cricket.

The book for me, is quite dragging in parts - it does not have its share of magical moments as compared to Anna. The only time that the book picked up for me is the latter part - where scenes with Cricket and Lola spending time together. Oooooh. Now that is a page-turner. :) Sad to say as well, while Anna & St Clair's characters do make their appearance in the book, I now find them quite cheesy, not like the Anna & St Clair characters I fell in love with in Anna!

I do like the book cover though - it's so pretty - green and purple. Plus the guy in the cover is HOT!

I know that a third book is scheduled to come out next year - Isla and the Happily Ever After, which is another Anna companion novel but I hope that the edginess of the original characters would not be lost in this third novel. Oh, and here's hoping that the setting would be a more exotic and exciting one! :)

I know my review may be a bit negative, but I had enjoyed the book, I really did. It just did not align with what I'm expecting though-- and Stephanie Perkins is still one of my favourite authors :)
Published: 2011
Available From: everywhere!

Publisher: Dutton
Book was: bought from Amazon.co.uk
Rating: 4/5

[Review] Delirium by Lauren Oliver

2011-10-31T15:32:00.000+08:00

Finally - a book I finished after nearly 5 months! Hmm... just goes to show how easily bored I am in Manila and there's nothing much to do compared to what I was previously doing in London. Anyway, summary of the book from Goodreads:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

So, what do I think about the book? First off, I read the book when I was uh.. really emotional. So yes, I can definitely relate to the character, Lena, and feels that she has much to learn about the world. Or maybe yet I'm just lucky enough to be born in a non-dystopian society hence can think for myself.

I could say this book came at the right time for me. Well, either I found it at the right time or the book found me. This was just available at a local supermarket I go to buy groceries in front of work, and tadah, it was on sale! I couldn't say no, could I?

Alex - well, I would have wanted to have more back stories on him, but I guess what he did for Lena was sweet enough.. He's not such a loveable male protagonist but you'll learn to appreciate him along the way.
There was one name that recurrs for two characters (minor ones though) but the first time the name was mentioned brought me to tears. I wouldn't say the name of the character though - you have to find that out yourself!

Do I like this book? Hell yes. The concept is very much different from the other love story books that I've read. Imagine, a cure for love?? I was initially pondering on that thought during that emotional time that I was reading the book and it seems like an easy way out. Then again if it means cutting off part of your brain - and experiencing no emotion at all (ie you're like a zombie). Oof. NO. As they say - "it is better to have loved and lost than to not have loved at all."

Published: 2011 Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: HarperTeen
Book was: bought from Tesco
Rating: 5/5

Greetings from Belfast!

2011-10-09T12:52:00.000+08:00

Another non-book related post here, im afraid. I still need to finish 100+ pages of Delirium by Lauren Oliver before I could fully comment but all I could say is: WOW.

Anyway, im writinf this post from a dark hostel room in Belfast that I share with two other mates. I'm awake and ready but call time isn't for another 30 minutes. For some awful reason, I woke up twice! But no need to jump into the details. I'm currently in Belfast, Northern Ireland, enjoying my final weekend out before I get back to Asia.... I really wish I could stay in the UK forever but this run has ended. Boooooooo

Belfast is not as charming a citu as Edinburgh but its history is very much ibteresting. having come out of the Troubles only fairly recently, people are slowly discovering what this city has to offer. From the Europa hotel - which was the most bombed hotrl in Europe - bombed approximately 30+ times by the IRA to the murals that are painted on the sides of the houses that convey peace, political meaning, or just memorials in general. Some of the older structures still remain, such as the city hall and the cathedrals.

What's surprising is the faxt that the city is divided into two: the Catholics and the protestants, and is visibly marked by a wall which has a few gates that allow access. Each night, these gates are closed down by the police and reopened again in the morning.

Head to the Crown Bar to drink a pint (or maybe half) of Guinness and enjoy a night out at the pub with mates.The Irish and British living in this area are very, very nice
people! They are happy enough to point you in the right direction and are very accomodating.

Oh - if you have plans to go here and you're flying in from London, its more xonvenient to fly via Easyjet than Ryanair - just my humble opinion!

Still in London

2011-09-30T03:45:00.001+08:00

Jolly old London town - the place I now call my home :)

I know I havent updated in the past few months- mainly because I didnt get to finish any books yet!! Yes, I know, I'm really slowin reading here but really, I'm having the time of my life!

After work, there's always a billion things to do - watch a play or a musical, go out for drinks or dinner with friends and colleagues, learn how to cook, or just hang around with friends. Then when I do get home, there's household chores to do: ironing, washing clothes, sleeping.. Or just chilling out in front of the telly.

My reading time has now been confined to journeys in the tube, a coach, or the train.

Weekends are spent sightseeing within London or within the UK. Now can yoi guys understand why I have no updates much? Ha ha

back to boring old Manila in 2 weeks. Perhaps i'll have more reviews then - i dont have much to do there anyway :(

Leaving Manila for London

2011-06-25T16:47:00.000+08:00

I guess it's time to explain why I haven't been updating much: Iwas busy trying to collate and pass all my papers to the UK embassy because I'm going to London :)

I'm flying off this Friday - a very early morning flight [1AM] so please don't expect any regular updates to the blog. I'm only bringing two books with me in my luggage - although I don't know if I'll be able to read a word or a sentence in any of them while I'm out.

This is a business trip,so on weekdays I'll most probably be busy with work, and on weekends busy with sightseeing and trying to explore everything that I can within the area and out of town as well. Might as well make the most of the opportunity.

Hopefully I get a chance to go to soe bookish evens whilst in London, but I'm not really sure where to find them so here! :)

If I get a chance to blog about my adventures/places I've visited, I'll probably share some of them here, but mostly will share them in my travel blog, so please follow if you're interested:
http://projectglobetrotter.blogspot.com

Ps-> The books I brought are "Ribblestrop" by Andy Mulligan and "Madame Tussaud" by Michelle Moran. Sure they're not connected at all to London or England, for that matter, but I've got excellent travel guides that I'll bring along with me!

[Review] The Sign of the Four by Arthur Conan Doyle

2011-06-20T22:12:00.002+08:00

Summary from Goodreads: It is in this, the second Holmes novel, that the great detective comes fully to life - not only as a melancholic and an inscrutable master of deduction, but also as an incurable drug addict. "Which is it today?" Watson asks Holmes matter-of-factly on the opening page of the novel, "morphine or cocaine?" "It is cocaine," Holmes famously replies. "A seven-per-cent solution. Would you like to try it?" Mary Morstan comes to Holmes in the hope that he will be able to solve a mystery. Ten years earlier her father, Captain Arthur Morstan, had returned to London on leave from his regiment in India where it is said that he and one Thadeus Sholto, "came into possession of a considerable treasure." By the time his daughter arrived at his hotel, he had vanished without a trace. The Sign of Four remains a small masterpiece of suspense, and the novel has enjoyed a steady readership ever since its first publication in 1890.

Thoughts: Well now, I didn't expct any of the events to happen one after another: a young girl triggers Holmes and Watson to help her find out what had happened to her father, then they discover a death, a native, a man without a leg, and end up with a river chase in the Thames. Oooh. Heartpounding. The book has the same formula: Holmes will eventually apprehend the perpetrator, and the last chapter/few pages of the book would provide a back story on the perp. Which oerall, provides a great conclusion to the tale.

In this book, Holmes is getting even more addicted to drugs, and Watson gets to fall in love. They all get their insecurities and their problems, providing more of an insight in the main characters as compared to the first book, which was just an introduction to them.

Although some parts of the story can't be relatable now [well, we are so technologically advanced now, who would ever think of consulting the newspapers or using telegraph machines to convey messsages anymore?] Holmes and Watson will forever remain to be amazing characters, well, considering the number of movie and telly show adaptations that have already been out over the years.

Published: 1800s
Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Don't know - i think this is now availabel for free since the 100 year license is up!
Book was: read using the 1001 Classic Novels iPod Application.
Rating: 3/5

[Review] The 39 Clues: Agent's Notebook

2011-06-18T21:58:00.000+08:00

More of a notebook than an actual book [well duh, Ruby, the title suggests it otherwise], this "book" contains bits and pieces of information about the branches of the Cahill family, status of the agents, and other bits and information that you could infer/gather from reading all 11 books of the 39 clues.

I think this is more for the die-hards, as it is a terribly expensive notebook, if you'll ask me. Sure there's monograms of the various Cahill branches on the pages, but that sure isn't enough to convince me to get this book though!

I think it's targeted more for the younger audience - there's a number of codes at the back of the book where you could try and break the codes [a few hours of fun, if you ask me - perfect to bring on trips to keep the little ones busy], and also a summary of the first 9 books of the 39 Clues.

Would I say that this book/notebook is worth it? Erm... No. Not unless you're a really big fan of the series. If I didn't get a chance to borrow this from a friend I would never take a second look at this again, to be honest.

Published: 2008
Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Book was: bought from a used bookstore
Rating: Great YA novel! It's different from some of the other ones i've read [4/5]

In the midst of travel

2011-06-17T05:20:00.000+08:00

I was looking at my blog today and saw that i didnt update for bearly two weeks. Gasp! Well, ill tell the reason why: ive recently went on trips to baler, aurora and took a weeklong backpacking trup to cebu and bohol. As im typing this blog on my ever handy upod at thw hostel in cebu, i realuzed that i havenr blogged any reviews about recent books ive finished! I honestly dont know when ill have the time to do si, seeing as im getting ready for a 4 month business trip coming up in 2 weeks time.

Anyway, im going home from cebu and bohol wirh two new books in tow- i found two booksale branches in cebu: one in smabd thw other in robinsons and walked away woth baby prof by emily griffin and speak!! Of course u included going to the bookstores as part of my sightseeokg itinerary, it is compulsory even if u dont buy anytjing! (and i normally dont buy anything full priced)

Of course during my other trips, i eill still go to tje bookstores, and share what i get. Maybe through an in my mailbox post or through more infotmal blog posts such as this.

I cant help thibking that one f the main problems i also encoubter whenever j travel is what book am i going to bring wih me. Unlike what other travel blogs sau, to bring a book that you would swap or lwave behind, i normally brin books that are very special and important to me so it coukd share in the experience that i had and i woukd remember those exeriences just By looking st the book.

If you coykd count the number of typos i had in this podt then apologies- its really hard typing on a teeny tiny tiucj screen much like this

Nuffnang and Hapee Special Screening

2011-05-30T15:16:00.000+08:00

Hapee makes you smile, hapee makes you confident, hapee gives you fresh breath. Oh and yeah, with all those write ups, why wouldn't it be first class? At its affordable price and availability, it's positively brilliant.

Nuffnang - one of the world's best blog sites. They don't just pay you for ads that they run on your blog, oh no, they also have these amazing contests for you to join! A-MA-ZING.

So, with those reasons I stated above, aren't Hapee & NuffNang both first class? They're having a movie screening this friday too, June 3rd, 7:30PM at Greenbelt. Wahooo.

In My Mailbox # 26

2011-05-29T10:52:00.000+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

I'm actually waiting for my PC to finish it's disk cleanup so I have some extra time to post a blog today :)

So, here's what I got for the past x months of book buying.

Borrowed from friends:

Princess Diaries # 2: Take Two by Meg Cabot.
The 39 Clues - Agent's Handbook
The 39 Clues # 11: Vesper's Rising by Gordon Korman, Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis & Jude Watson [review coming up soon]

Bought:
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare - for a friend
So Yesterday - Scott Westerfield
Son of the Witch - Gregory Maguire

And a few other books for my friend [forgot the titles ha ha]

From my favourite Bargain Bookstore:

Wake by Lisa McMann - review coming up soon
A Great & Terrible Beauty - Libba Bray
Rebel Angels - Libba Bray
The Sweet Far Thing - Libba Bray
Patience Princess Catherine
Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follet

Also saw Uglies by Scott Westerfield available at the bargain bookstore but resisted getting it! ^_^ I'm saving up for something BIG! :)

So, that's about all the books I could remember getting within the past few month. What's in your mailbox? :)

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!

2011-05-26T21:31:00.000+08:00

As I type this, I've already finished two books and haven't even made a review yet!

Why, you may ask? Well, I've just been really, really busy since I just started a new job - one that I had hoped to get for quite some time. And yay it's here [and no, it has nothing to do with reading]. With it comes another plus - and something very exciting [which I'm still waiting for]

I won't reveal anything yet. Well, not within a 5 weeks, but I'm just so happy ^_^

Pardon the lack of updates though. I'll get back to blogging uh.. when I'm not busy with real life!

[Review] The Tree of Seasons - Stephen Gately

2011-05-23T10:58:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads: When Josh, Michael and Beth Lotts catch sight of some mysterious lights one summer’s evening, they are drawn into a dense forest near their home where no one dares ever go. What they find there is incredible.

The Tree of Seasons is a doorway into another world. There are four kingdoms in this world, each forever stuck in spring, summer, autumn and winter and each with its own ruler. The tree and the world it conceals have existed for hundreds of years and have never been uncovered by anyone, until now.

The Lotts find that peace has been shattered in this magical world. One ruler, who bears a remarkable resemblance to their aunt is intent on power at all costs. She causes destruction and suffering that threaten to tear worlds apart. Josh, Michael and Beth have arrived just in time to take part in the battle that the other three kingdoms have to fight in order to survive.

Thoughts: The book had potential when I read the blurb - little did I know that I would be extremely disappointed whilst reading the book. Initially, the story had promise - it's like Narnia, only written by someone else. Kids finding a magical world where magical creatures live. But ugh, the narrative and how the story was progressing definitely is not my cup of tea. It was confusing, it was unstructured, and it was quite redundant on some parts. Oftentimes, I find myself scratching my head and had to read some parts again - definitely not something you'd want if you have lets say, a bazillion more books that you would have to read.

Character-wise - they definitely lack character. Yeah, the three kids are siblings, and yes, they will do everything to try and save one another, but please - I know that at the start most of these kids have their own problems and negative traits that they have to overcome but they became so annoying! Ugh. Definitely not loveable. The villains - well, come on. There's always supposed to be villains - they should be hated, they should be hard to defeat. The protagonists definitely encountered the antagonist more than once, but ugh.. they always manage to escape. Seems bloody impossible, if you ask me.

The illustrations - for a children's book, they're not appealing. Definitely not. I wish the illustraions were cuter, more appealing, more - I don't know, loveable.

So, despite all my negative comments above, I picked up this book [and paid bloody hell of a lot of money for it] just because it was written by Stephen Gately - an ex member of Boyzone [bless his soul]. It was the first children's book he wrote, and I think he left it unfinished because he died unexpectedly. It probably took the editors a hell of a lot of time trying to edit the book out. And I guess I could forgive the story - since it was probably still under development and was just rushed out in the market.

It took me a while to finish this book. I now refer to it as my "sleepy" book - because for some reason, it just makes me sleepy. I would read a few paragraphs or pages every now and again, whilst reading telly or while preparing to go to bed. Hmm.. Not a book I would devour in a few sittings.

Published: 2010
Available From: the Book Depository
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Book was: bought from the Book Depository
Rating: Horrid, but since it was written by Stephen Gately, I would be more lenient in my rating [2.5/5]

[Review] Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot

2011-05-19T12:18:00.002+08:00

Princess Mia has now come to terms that she is the princess of Genovia. Just a few weeks after, she has learned that her mother is pregnant, and is going to marry her Algebra teacher! Add to the fact that she is about to be interviewed on tv for the very first time. Oh, to be a princess and have the world on your shoulders.

Thoughts - Well, at least Mia isn't as whiny as the first book. And I think most of her diary entries this time are much funnier! I love some of the lists she writes. Her English Journal also is great! I also love how she deals with her feelings for Michael and her secret admirer - it clearly shows the torment that girls go through thinking if the guy she likes likes her too and tries to assess each and every conversation that they would have - including body language. Aahh, definitely something that I could relate to, even though I'm not in high school [along with Mia's other insecurities as described many times in the book].

The time interval that had passed between the first and the second book has been very minimal - so the story flows very smoothly between the two books. I find the TV interview funny - obviously Mia hasn't been trained very much on dealing with the press!

Nevertheless, this book is quite an enjoyable and quick read - perfect for the hot summer days

Published: 2002
Available From: everywhere
Publisher: HyperTrophy
Book was: borrowed from a friend
Rating: Okay - funny read. [4/5]

[Review] The Chancer by Shane Lynch

2011-05-15T12:14:00.000+08:00

This is the autobiography of Boyzone member, Shane Lynch. While this is not a known book to most people [I believe this is self-published?] if you are a fan of the band then most certainly you have heard of this. The book chronicles Shane's childhood, as he was growing up, through the early Boyzone days, and what he did as the band had split up.

I admit it, I just bought the book because I wanted to read more about the Boyzone parts - and I was happy enough with all the details that he gave out during the time. However, it would have been even better if there were pictures embedded within the book, and not just text. A lot of the other biographies I have read surely had these photos. It would provide the fans some insight on their lives.

I got bored at some of the latter parts - it appears that when he found God, it was always repeating, again and again. And well, the story on how he found the occult was quite boring as well. But then again, that's just me. I'm not that much a fan of him as a solo artist - I'm just a huge fan of the band he's in.

He also detailed some stories of the reality shows he was in - which to be honest, I can't relate to as I don't live in the UK and haven't had a clue what the heck are those shows for and who the other participants were.

Nevertheless, if you wish to read more about Boyzone, or is a fan as well, you could opt to get a copy of this book. It's not available on most bookstores - trust me, I tried looking for this at Waterstones and WH Smith's in London and they had no stock so I opted to get this online instead!

Published: 2008

Available From: the Book Depository
Publisher: ???
Book was: bought from the Book Depository
Rating: Okay - but some parts definitely bored me. [4/5]

[Review] The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

2011-05-07T11:30:00.001+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:

Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes an Egyptian god, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe - a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

Thoughts - This is the sixth time I've read a Rick Riordan book, and yet, he has this gift of storytelling that makes you want to pick up his YA books! They are just so addictive! Maybe it's just his writing style, or how he connects to his readers, or how he marries historical facts with the story, or his humour - I can't explain it!

Anyhoo, on to my feelings and thoughts about the book. Given that I've seen other blog reviews and gathered thoughts from other book blog friends, it appears that this book is not one of their Riordan favourites. Well, if you have managed to read the Percy Jackson series, you would know how most of his stories work: two children find out that they have ties to gods [Percy - Greek, the Kanes - Egyptian], meet new friends along the way, have an animal that would provide valuable help to their quest. I think it's part of a formula that he had developed, which makes me feel that some parts are predictable: the red herring would eventually give it away - it is always someone close to them that's the antagonist. [sorry for the spoiler]

Enough about what I noticed about the books. I'm here to review the Red Pyramid, so I'll concentrate there. I listened to the audio book so it was nice to hear the banter between Sadie and Carter Kane, complete with the accents. Since the book was based on a recording that the two kids made, I think I enjoyed it better. Although I got lost at some of the parts [where the narrator passes on between Carter to Sadie or vice versa], and the thought of "Huh? What just happened" had passed on to me, I was quick to pick up where they had just left off.

The secondary characters are loveable - I cannot believe there are that many Egyptian gods in the first place, and the Ushabtis definitely caught me off guard. What, with doughboy being so loveable and all. The other animals are absolutely cute and loveable too - Philip of Macedonia, Khufu, and Bast/Fluffy. Then again, I am always positive about stories with animals as characters.

The book was fast-paced, circling through a few weeks in the first chapter, but drastically sped up even faster at the final chapter, which moved on to a few months. Nevertheless, I wouldn't consider that to be an impediment on how the story was told.

Since this is a part of the series [I believe book 2 is out now as I type this], there is a cliffhanger, which I suppose has to deal with a new character to be introduced in the next book. I guess I'll have to wait and see until I read the next book to check out that character.

Overall, I find it a good read, regardless of some of the disappointed reviews around the web.

Published: 2010

Available From:everywhere
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Book was: listened to [audiobook]
Rating: Another good read from Rick Riordan [4/5]

[Review] Take That - Take One

2011-04-30T11:04:00.000+08:00

This book is a pictorial of the first 6 years of Take That, from 1990-1996. Aptly named Take One [from the first time that they were around], it was a nice look back to some older, never-before-seen photos of the band.

I was not really a fan of them the first time around, so it was quite funny to see most of the photos from when they were *ahem* a spandex, leather-wearing boy band, who appealed to some gays, and other teenagers. I particularly never liked the songs they had back then, until Back For Good came out, which was monumental.

Anyway, I loved the commentaries provided by the band - they were not as many as from Take Two, but nevertheless it gave me an idea of what the lads were thinking of and a brief story at the time that the photos had been taken.

It is a must-have for the TT fans - I initially had second thoughts about getting this book, seeing as I already have Take Two, but I couldn't pass the chance! A little background though - the book was sold out at the Book Depository so I asked a friend of mine from Dubai to get a copy of it. Good thing it was still available there ;)

I would have loved to post some of my favourite photos here but sadly, my computer is acting up. Some of them included photos of Jason reading a fan letter, and uh.. some other photos of Jason. Isn't it obvious he's my favourite? :)

Don't expect too much from this book though. It's not a biography of sorts about the band - if you need an insight of what is going on within TT, read Gary Barlow's My Take book [if you could grab a copy of it as well]

Published: 2009

Available From: Amazon.
Publisher: Penguin books/Michael Joseph
Book was: bought from Dubai
Rating: Excellent photo book - esp if you're a fan of the band[5/5]

Books for Swap

2011-04-28T11:27:00.000+08:00

Because my shelves are overflowing and I need to have a new selection of books, I'm going to list down all the books I'd like others to read/appreciate since I'm not going to read them any more.

For me, life is too short to read all my book collections again - so I'm weeding down the ones I'm keeping to those that I really love.

So without further adieu, below are books I'm willing to swap with. If you're interested in any of the books below, feel free to leave a comment below with a book you can swap with. This offer is valid only to Manila residents who can meet up with me. Apologies but I don't have the budget to send books abroad or within the area via courier.

I will update this list as soon as I have other books that I'll let go of :)

Wishlist - any YA/paranormal/fantasy fiction that I haven't read and would love to read. Just state the title of the book you wish to swap something with :)

Books for Swap:

1. Amazing Grace - Tara FT Sering. Almost-new condition.
2. Wish You Were Dead - Todd Strasser [Hardcover]. Almost-new condition.
3. The Red Pyramid - Rick Riordan [TP]. Good condition.
4. Bridget Jones Diary - Helen Fielding. Okay condition. [yellowed pages though]. MMP
5. Lord of the Rams: The Greatest Story Never Told - Ronan Smith. Good condition. [You could get this for free]
6. Cause Celeb - Helen Fielding. Okay condition. [yellowed pages though]. MMP

In My Mailbox # 25 The Travel Book Special

2011-04-23T13:41:00.004+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

So, Fully Booked just had a sale at Top Shelf at their The Fort Branch recently. And by god, was it a great sale. Books from P50, P70, and P100. Their original price? It varies. But then I discovered the travel book table and most of the books I got were only P50!

If you know the prices of books in Manila, then you'll know that the travel guidebooks cost around P800 to as high up as P1000+. Definitely out of my budget.

I don't normally buy guidebooks when I travel. I mostly search on the internet and read through blogs and forums to get an idea of itineraries and where to go and build my own trip from there, but how could I resist not buying the below? They are just cheaper! :)

So, here's what I got:

- Directions: Edinburgh.

- Timeout: London

- Timeout: Weekend Breaks in Great Britain & Ireland

- Timeout: London Walks 2

- Lonely Planet: The Gap Year Book

- Eyewitness Travel: Rome

I passed on getting a copy of Lonely Planet: Eastern Europe [I won't be going there anytime soon], Timeout: Lisbon [Portugal- again, won't be getting anywhere soon], Timeout: Berlin [Germany - maybe within the next three years? Maybe?]

There were loads of guidebooks there - I just had to contain myself and NOT buy everything that I see. I had to rationalize that I will only get books that I would read within the near future, and well, there may be other book sales that I could get some of the other books of other places from. :)

Speaking - National Bookstore has a 20% off summer sale. I'm still contemplating if I'll get a copy of the Lonely Planet travel book. But it's just sooo expensive [yes, even at 20% off]

[Review] 39 Clues # 9 - Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park

2011-04-20T11:52:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:

On the hunt for The 39 Clues, Amy and Dan Cahill uncovered shocking information about their past - from what happened the night their parents died to the shattering discovery about their family branch.
But the biggest secret of all remains behind Grace Cahill's alternate will. Now, Amy and Dan are about to discover a long-hidden secret of the Cahils - a secret so dangerous that people died to protect it. Will this be the end of them? Or just the end of everything they think they knew?

Thoughts - This time, Dan and Amy go to the Carribean to search for a clue that was left by a female pirate whose name they found on a locket in China [ooooh]. While Dan and Amy decide not to trust Nellie for most of the trip, they also learn more about their family branch.

What I truly liked about this book is the background about the Madrigals - what their goals are, where they come from, and who was the founder. Finally, it also revealed who the man in black [or gray] was, and how all the loose ends tie up from the past 8 books. One more book to go, and the conclusion [well, that's what I thought at first, until the Vesper's Rising book came out]

What I don't like about this book - another death/tragedy to happen in the series. *sigh* For a children's book there's definitely a dark side to the series! Anyway, I'm not happy with how the death scene was done. When I was reading it, I was thinking "wait, that's it?? No happy ending?" and wishing that the person who died in the book would magically come back to life near the end of the book and say he/she was just faking their death as part of the hunt. Oh well. I guess some books definitely don't end in happy endings.

Surprisingly, I cruised through this book quite easily - considering I was rambling about and complaining on my other posts that the series is now too long and is a bit boring. I can't believe I said that.

Can't wait to read book 10 then!

Published: 2010
Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend.
Rating: Good. [3/5]

In My Mailbox # 24 The Michelle Moran Special

2011-04-17T12:47:00.003+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

This week's In My Mailbox is a special one - dedicated to all the books/stuff I got from author, Michelle Moran!! For those of you who don't know, Michelle Moran is one of my favourite authors. She writes historical fiction and has written four books to date: Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, Cleopatra's Daughter and her latest, Madame Tussaud.

I read and reviewed Michelle's third novel, Cleopatra's Daughter way back in January 2010 and was more than excited when she sent me an email, asking if I was interested in reading her latest offering, Madame Tussaud - HELL YES!

After a few weeks, I got this letter in the post [picture on the left]. It was handwritten by Michelle and written on a stationery with I presume, Marie Antoinette on the side. Interesting! What's really cool was that the stamp on the envelope it was in was very, very unique! It was designed after the final cover of Madame Tussaud! OMG!!!

So, I was still waiting for the book to arrive in the mail, but before that, Michelle was offering signed bookplates up on her website. I jumped at the chance and signed up for three. It came with a bonus bookplate too! So I got four, one for every book that she has written :) Of course, I stuck one on my copy of Cleopatra's Daughter, and stuck another one [the one with Nefertiti] on my copy of Nefertiti.

But wait, there's more! The same week after I got the bookplates, my copy of Madame Tussaud arrived! I thought it was lost forever in the mail, turns out it was just misdirected to another town's post office.

If you live in the Philippines, you'll know that whenever you receive small parcels via post, you'll have to collect them from your city's pot office and pay a customs fee. I live in a place called Muntinlupa, and the closest post office we have in our city is in Alabang. However, the book was mailed to the Las Pinas post office - around 40 minutes away from my place!

Nevertheless, I asked someone from the house to make the semi-long commute to get the book for me and tadaaaah! It's now on my hands!! I can't believe it! I got an ARC!

But wait, there's more!! I was browsing on the internet, looking for some used books that I'm looking for, and one of the sites I frequent, Julie's Sari-Sari Store, had Nefertiti up for sale!!

I immediately reserved it [along with a few others on my wishlist], and got the book a day later! What a wonderful surprise!! Now I have 3 books by Michelle and I just need The Heretic Queen to complete my collection. I won't give up trying to find it though! I know it's out there somewhere, and if I can't find it in Manila, there's always the Book Depository!

I'm a happy, happy girl! I can't wait to start reading Madame Tussaud and Nefertiti! Watch out for my reviews soon! And if all goes well, Madame Tussaud and Nefertiti will go with me on my trip of a lifetime. If all goes well :)

All three books pictured below!

So, what did you guys get in your mailboxes? Care to share? :)

Review: The 39 Clues # 8: The Emperor's Code by Gordon Korman

2011-04-13T15:14:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:

As the race to find the 39 Clues builds to its explosive finish, Amy and Dan must steal a Clue guarded by thousands of the world's best soldiers. With their enemies closing in, the siblings are separated. Together, they almost have a chance, but alone ...Could the search for this Clue spell the end of Amy and Dan?

The first few pages of this book and it made me want to jump on a plane to Beijing [hello budget airlines]. In this book, a certain twist made me more interested than usual: Dan and Amy got separated after an argument about their parents. Oooh! And in this book, we get to see the life of Jonah Wizard, and meet his mom too!

As Dan and Jonah travel around China in search of clues [and supposedly while in search of Amy], Amy is fretting about her brother in Beijing.

This scenario definitely was something I did not expect. And given the clues, we see the humanity behind all of the deceit and the lies.

Did I enjoy the book? Yes. It was quite a good read as well. I immediately launched on the 9th book of the series. Was the book presented or written well? Absolutely. If not, I wouldn't want to jump on a plane to Beijing immediately!

Published: 2010
Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend.
Rating: Good. [3/5]

24 Hour Readathon April 2011 Updates.

2011-04-09T12:24:00.001+08:00

APRIL 9, HOUR 22 of the FFP Readathon | 1 HOUR BEFORE DEWEY READATHON.

Might as well post an update. So far, I've read 30 pages of Take That - Take One, 5 pages of Shane Lynch's the Chancer, and 5 pages of The 39 Clues # 9 - Storm Warning.

I'm not entirely sure that I could go online at around 9PM Manila time [GMT+8] but I sure hope so! I'm off to watch When In Rome now in Star Movies. It's not everyday that I get to watch movies at home and is a good pick me up. Of course during the commercials, I'll read :) I'll also be off for most of the day tomorrow - I'm going on an out of town trip with my mum! But I'll try my best to make the most of the readathon by reading whenever I can!

Off now, update in a bit! [hopefully]

APRIL 9, HOUR 15 of the FFP Readathon, I've done the following:

- Read a few pages of Take That - Take One and The 39 Clues # 9: Storm Warning.
- Updated the blog - scheduled a review for the 39 Clues # 8: The Emperor's Code

After that, I'll be reading more of Take That - Take One, and 39 Clues # 9. I'm going for lunch now and would be back to update the blog a little bit more. Note to self: I should really take note of the pages I've read within the hour too so I could update the blog more accurately.

Read.Read.Read.

The FFP and Dewey April 2011 24-Hour Readathon.

2011-04-09T11:34:00.001+08:00

Apologies for the lack of updates recently. Everything in my life has been hectic, even my social life! Ha Ha! This is my only semi-free Saturday - I just got a new puppy today and I'm spending time at home trying to get him settled in and doing other stuff around the house :)

So, I'm joining both the FFP one [running from April 8th, 9PM-April 9th, 9PM Manila time] and the Dewey one [running from 7PM April 9th to 7pm April 10th].

I can't say that I'll be awake for the whole 40+ hours. I've only just started bits and bobs of reading for the FFP readathon last night from 9PM to 11PM then fell asleep and only woke up at 11AM! Ha Ha!

Here's the books that I'm going to read during the two readathons:

1. Take That - Take One. I finally got my copy and read a few pages of it this morning! Here's to me finishing the whole book :)

2. The 39 Clues # 9: Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park. Because I'm lagging behind on the 39 Clues.

3. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. Woohoo. Rick Riordan <3

4. The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King. My default book. I always include it on my readathons :)

5. DK Sightseeing Guides: Rome. Because my mom wanted me to read it.

6. Time Out Guides: London. Just because :)

I'll also try to update the blog with scheduled posts and reviews! I've really been lagging behind!

So, off to the readathon. I'm excited!!!

In My Mailbox # 23

2011-03-26T19:00:00.000+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

So, I was in no mood to buy new books recently because I just reserved a few ones online which I'll pay for on Monday. Honestly, I feel I am buying books and deal vouchers like it's the end of the world nowadays!

I was in the mall today when I went to my favourite used bookstore. I wasn't expecting anything nice in the pile but there were loads and loads when I was there! OMG. I had to limit my buying to only three books, which are:

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - Got the trade paperback edition. Woot Woot. And for only 180 pesos [around $4 or 2.5 quid]. I was a bit hesitant in buying it because I thought it was fairly expensive, considering it was used, but the condition is impeccable! Plus, it was discussed in my book club a few months [or a year?] back so it definitely must be good!

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray - I am a fan of anything historical fiction and I've been meaning to get a copy of the Gemma Doyle series. And yay! I finally found it! Book 2 only though, but I know that book 1 would turn up eventually.

To Shield the Queen by Fiona Buckley. - It's a historical fiction book. I wasn't initially going to pick this up as well but since it's only for P10, [less than 20c US] I couldn't put it down anymore!

So, some other stuff I saw in the used bookstore that I passed up [because I only limit myself to only 3 books to buy!]

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - I already have a copy of this book. And I bought it full price, BOO!!!

Perfume by Patrick Suskind - Again, another book I bought full price, only to find it in a bargain bookstore. Gaah.

Paddington - Here & Now by Michael Bond. Already bought a copy of this from another branch of said used bookstore. :)

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd - It wasn't a priority so I had to let it go.

There's also loads of other hist fic books available in that used bookstore that hopefully would still be there when I get a chance to get back [in 3 weeks time!]

So, what did you guys get in your mailboxes this week?

Next week, I feature a special In My Mailbox with Michelle Moran goodies! :)

[Review] The 39 Clues # 7: The Viper's Nest by Peter Lerangis

2011-03-23T14:10:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:

It's no longer a game. The body count is rising. Shaken by recent events, Amy and Dan flee to a distant land and trace the footsteps of their most formidable ancestor yet: a military leader of mythic proportions. Yet just as the siblings begin to master the art of ancient warfare, they confront a dangerous enemy that can't be felled with a sword: the truth. With the stakes higher than ever, Amy and Dan uncover something so devastating it changes everything – the secret of their family branch.

Seven books on and I'm still reading the 39 Clues series, trying to find out what will happen in the end. And with it, there is definitely a pattern with these books. One of their family members tries to kill them, unsuccessfuly of course, they fall in a dark area - a cave, or something like that, and someone who they think is an enemy ends up saving them and gives them hint on their family history, and where they come from.

I think that there is a feeling for me that 10 books is just too many to keep my attention level. I dunno, maybe it's just me. I was having mixed feelings about reading the 8th book, but I must press on and finish the series. After all, I want to know what happens in the end [or maybe the books near the end as those in the loop do know that there is another set of 39 clues books coming out].

So, what do I like about this book? Other than the fact that it delves in the subject of apartheid [albeit briefly] and how unjust the world is, it also reveals a huge secret relating to Dan and Amy: their Cahill branch. [And no, I'm not going to reveal a spoiler here].

Maybe I'm getting too old for reading these types of stories, I dunno. But overall, I'm not that impressed with the books anymore. Here's to the 8th book - in hopes that it would change my opinion with the last 3 books I have yet to read.

Published: 2010

Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend.
Rating: Ho-Hum. [3/5]

[Review] The 39 Clues # 6: In Too Deep by Jude Watson

2011-03-16T13:27:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:

A hint from their parents’ past puts Amy and Dan on the trail of secrets their grandmother Grace would NEVER have wanted them to know. Awful memories begin to crowd in on Amy, just as her enemies circle closer. How far would she go to protect Dan? How much of a Cahill is she prepared to be? Perhaps Grace was right – some secrets are better left buried.

Thoughts -- Okay, some parts utterly confounded me. How could a grown adult be that mean to children? Anyway, moving on. With this adventure, Dan and Amy follow a lead their parents had previously taken, and all the while, Amy has to grasp with the fact about her parents being murdered, dealing with flashbacks every now and again.

The Cahill kids definitely don't know who to trust, what with several information being fed to them on a lot of fronts: Isabel Kabra, Irina, and finally, they get to know stuff about Nellie that she never told them.

There are a lot of loose ends in this book, and several characters showed up that I was definitely not expecting. Sure, it provided a lot of personal insights on Dan and Amy's past, but come on, this feels like it's a series of unfortunate events: two kids against the world and all sorts of bad things happen to them, oh wait, they get saved in the end by someone who turns out to be an ally!

Then again, maybe I was expecting too much of a children's book. Or maybe I was just not in the mood to read something of this kind when everything seems chaotic around me. Oh well.

Kind of scary as well that I was reading the next installation of the book [the 7th one] where there was *spoiler alert* a massive tsunami that had killed lots of people from Indonesia and a few days later, there was this massive earthquake and tsunami that had hit Japan. Ooooh. Scary. Made me think twice about completing the 7th book. Ha. Ha.

So overall, not that impressed with book 6, but hey, I need to read book 6 to get through to book 7, don't I?

Published: 2010
Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend.
Rating: Ho-Hum. [3/5]

Mar 12 Book Blogger Meetup.

2011-03-14T18:08:00.001+08:00


The Book Bloggers - Photo from Chachic

Okay, I know I said I'm slowing down on blogging a few posts back but I found myself with some extra time this weekend so here I am trying to schedule some posts in hope that you guys won't get bored of me not posting anything ^_^

So, last Saturday, Mar 12th, I went to the Filipino Book Blogger meetup at Libreria. I was actually late for around 45 minutes because I was distracted at National Bookstore Cubao, looking for some excellent finds, but walked away with nothing. Booo. I was actually looking for some travel books but they were too expensive for me at the moment.

Anyway, back to the book blogger meetup. It was actually very informal, and we introduced ourselves and our blog. :) There was also a special guest: Mina V Esguerra, author of Fairy Tale Fail and My Imaginary Ex [among others]. Whee. I actually didn't know she was coming, had I known, I would have scoured the local bookstores for a copy of My Imaginary Ex. [although I think it is very very hard to find now].

We munched some popcorn: Cheddar vs Parmesan flavoured popcorn. What is the difference? Hmm.. Love the cheese though. Thanks for the popcorn, Chachic! Thanks for the donuts Celina :)

So, some topics we discussed - the 24 hour readathon, and how the PH should have a browse-a-thon where people would read as much as they can for an hour, pass an exam, and the winner would get a copy of the book, the losers would pay for the book. Ha. Ha. Fun, given that Filipinos are known book browsers.

Book Piracy - on how photocopying reading materials for school [*gasp* I didn't know it was illegal! I was photocopying my reading notes throughout my university days!] and how it affects sales of authors. Mina was quick to note that if you get pirated, that means you're a best seller, and most people who download stuff for free has the intention of buying a copy eventually [which I guess, is true]

We also had this mini-debate about the Kinsella and Riordan books. Ha ha. Turns out most people didn't love the books that I soo adored. Oh well, everyone has their tastes :) I guess I'm more mainstream and how I rate the books is depending on my emotional connection to what the characters are feeling and/or how the book was written.

There was also one particular discussion that made me laugh out loud: how there was a blogger who "spies" on what the people are reading in a train station somewhere in America, and how the ereader makes it harder for her to check on the titles that people read. [Which, as we all pointed out, would be easier for those who love reading romance novels, and coincidentally, also lead to how romance novels are a girl's guilty pleasure - and the pages that are the most marked/well-read/dog eared in a romance novel are the steamy parts ;)]
Okay, that was some mighty rambling going on.

I also loved how book hoarding was discussed. And which I could so relate. It's like a shopaholic series, although instead of clothes, we all buy books, and we always buy them even if we have multiple books waiting to be read [hey, we will try to read all the books in our pile... eventually].

We also had a book swap - I got Garden Spells and The Guernsey Library and Potato Peel Society :) It was so much fun, also got some books from Aldrin. Thank you :) They are all featured in my In My Mailbox post for this week.

Note to self - I definitely should have some business cards printed. :)

Oh, for other accounts on the meetup, you can visit these:
Chachic

In My Mailbox # 22

2011-03-13T17:31:00.000+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

From a book swap from the Mar 12 book bloggers meet-up:

Garden Spell by Sarah Addison Allen

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows

**Both from Celine

From Aldrin: ** thank you!! :) **

The Labrador Pact: A Novel by Matt Haig

Slowing down on reading and blogging.

2011-03-10T11:40:00.000+08:00

This is a personal post, but something to do with why I am not as consistent right now in my reviews.

Okay, it all started a few weeks ago, when there are a LOT of things happening in my career. I won't disclose it yet, but some of my collagues and close personal friends do know bits and pieces about it. Well, everyday is a different rollercoaster of emotion for me. Sometimes I ride high, sometimes low, and of course, like everything in life, nothing is ever certain. I'm still uncertain about stuff, even if all the people who know keep telling me the opposite.

So, on that note, I have to say that my reading and my blogging has taken a huge hit. Whenever I try to read books now, I feel that I can't concentrate, my mind seems to always wander to that particular what if scenario that I am constantly thinking about.

I know it is not in my personality do delve on things. Normally, I just move on. But something about this makes me feel that I can't... I just can't move on. Why can't I just leave this uncertainty and paranoia behind and just take it as it is?? Oh well.

So there, I will still be posting reviews [whenever I can finish reading books quickly enough]. I am trying to create a blog review for the 6th 39 Clues Book that I just finished, and I'm trying to start on the 7th.

Goodbye to my previous goal of more than 5 books per month. It's already the second week of March and I've only finished a book.

Oh, the above and travel keep me busy most of the time. Ha.Ha.

But if all goes well, looks like I'll have to narrow down my TBR to a few books that I would want to read while I'm not in my comfort zone. That is, if I do get a chance to read.

In My Mailbox # 21

2011-03-05T14:40:00.001+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

Bought:

From Book Depository:
My orders finally arrived!! I placed them on the first week of February and it arrived last Friday evening. Hurrah! Hurrah!

The Tree of Seasons - Stephen Gately. [blurb from Goodreads]

When Josh, Michael and Beth Lotts catch sight of some mysterious lights one summer’s evening, they are drawn into a dense forest near their home where no one dares ever go. What they find there is incredible.

The Tree of Seasons is a doorway into another world. There are four kingdoms in this world, each forever stuck in spring, summer, autumn and winter and each with its own ruler. The tree and the world it conceals have existed for hundreds of years and have never been uncovered by anyone, until now.

The Lotts find that peace has been shattered in this magical world. One ruler, who bears a remarkable resemblance to their aunt is intent on power at all costs. She causes destruction and suffering that threaten to tear worlds apart. Josh, Michael and Beth have arrived just in time to take part in the battle that the other three kingdoms have to fight in order to survive.

The Tree of Seasons is a beautiful story of good and evil and a vividly imagined portrait of a world beyond our own.

The Chancer - Shane Lynch
An autobiography of Shane Lynch [also from Boyzone -- I've featured it in an On My Wishlist post a few weeks back and I finally got it!!]

From the used bookstore:

Found myself at my favourite used bookstore chain again when I went to watch the fireworks and do a bit of sightseeing in the Metro. Got myself the following:
Paddington: Here and Now by Michael Bond.
Patience, Princess Catherine by Carolyn Meyer.

Both books for $3! Absolutely amazing!

[Review] Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

2011-03-01T16:13:00.002+08:00

Info from Goodreads:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

OH.MY.GOD. Cutest novel I've ever read! I mean, seriously! This is one of those books that almost made me late for work a few times [given that I read her book a few minutes before I'm set to get ready for work]. I literally cannot put it down!

The chemistry between Etienne St Clair and Anna Oliphant is sizzling. I can't turn a chapter without reading about those near-misses or thinking "heck, make a move!" and is literally gave me goosebumps. Aaaah. It's spinetinglingly sweet and fun and well, made me wish that I was Anna! Or maybe in another life, I could be transported to Paris when I was back in high school and still a teenager. It's just good.

The words are very well written that made me feel that I am Anna, I feel what I feel, and I could imagine myself in her place. She is not one of those pathetic heroines where she needs a prince. Oh noes. And oh.my.gosh. St. Clair. The author has been absolutely brilliant in thinking about the St Clair hybrid: French-American, with a British accent! I mean, come on! The author definitely had me at the British accent part [very believable. Loved the die-rections part] and the fact that she made St Clair a mutt and with flaws [hello, small guy?] made him even more loveable!! And the thing is, she made her characters with lots of flaws, and not one of those perfect high school kids. Which made it more realistic and relatable, of course. Love. Love.

For a great pick-me-up book, this is definitely for you. I do adore chick lit books, and my previous favourite was the Shopaholic series. Now, Anna is my favourite favourite chick lit book. And yes, I will pick up the book and re-read it again. When? How about today!

**Note: Thanks Tina for recommending this book. I never imagined it was this good. I do know other bloggers have raved about this book, but I don't normally take other recommendations to heart. Good thing I listened this time! :)

Published: 2010

Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Dutton
Book was: Won from Tina's contest. Shipped via Book Depository.
Rating: Absolutely brilliant! One of the best books ever! [5/5]

In My Mailbox # 20

2011-02-27T14:07:00.000+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

Bought:
Was in the mall with my friends for a travel expo and a fireworks show after and I couldn't resist the urge to drop by my favourite used bookstore chain. I walked out with this:
The Truth About Diamonds by Nicole Richie. I wanted to get this full price, but as I always say, "every book I could possibly want, I could eventually purchase at a discounted price".

I also saw a book about the two princes in the tower by Robin Maxwell [which I didn't get because it was a bit too battered for the price] and a hardbound Stephen King "Under the Dome" book, which I also didn't get because it was quite expensive, and I'm not entirely sure if I could stick reading the doorstop of the book that it is.

So, what did you get in your mailboxes? :)

On My Wishlist # 7

2011-02-26T13:20:00.000+08:00

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City.

I normally only feature one book a week because:

I want to limit the number of books I intend to buy in the future
It is much easier to update with only one book lemming a week
Easier for my friends to check if I already own the book or not.

This week, my lemming is:

It is a mammoth of a book - it's heavy, and it's expensive [$50+]

Why do I want it? Because it provides me a chance to travel to every country in the world, at the comfort of my own couch.

I do want to travel to each and every country in the world and see all these beautiful places, but due to monetary constraints, I can't... oh, and time as well, since as you know, we only get so much paid vacation every year [exactly 1 month's worth of paid vacation, in my case], so I think this is the next best thing.

I can't wait until the next bookstore sale so I could get my hands on this book! Gaaah!

So, till the next On My Wishlist post :)

[Review] The 39 Clues # 5: The Black Circle by Patrick Carman

2011-02-22T13:15:00.000+08:00

Summary from Goodreads:

WHERE ARE AMY AND DAN CAHILL? The two kids were last seen in Egypt, hunting for one of the 39 Clues that could make them the most powerful people on earth. But no one has seen the siblings since. Has the ruthless Irina Spasky finally tracked them down? Or worse...the Madrigals? No one knows where the Clue hunt leads next. But one thing is certain – Book 5 is gearing up to be Dan and Amy’s most dangerous adventure yet.

Volgograd, Moscow, Yekaterinburg, St Petersburg, Magadan and Omsk. Those are the cities that are featured in this book. And what do they have in common? Russia!! A Lucian outpost, might I add. Oh, and a place that I would also like to visit at one point in my life.

Anyway, this book has the two Cahills teaming up with the Holts, as a mysterious clue sent by NRR within a given time period has them bolting across Russia, and knowing they can't make the deadline alone, sent the Holts to Siberia. Yay. I like it when the teams work with each other to accomplish a common goal! The Cahills also meet other allies throughout the tale, although I'm not 100% sure if they are indeed allies or are pretending to be one.

I like how the destinations were described. I actually googled some of them and was absolutely enthralled by them: The Kremlin, the Road of Bones, the Motherland Call,s and many others! It's a nice way to travel by reading, if you don't have the funds to do so. Historic figures were also prevalent in the book: Stalin, Rasputin, and the Romanovs. I also learned a new sickness: hemophilia! Anyway, whilst some of the plotlines stated in the book aren't exactly facts, they are certainly entertaining nontheless.

I'm starting to looooove this book series. Not only do each book feature a new country, with new cities, historical figures, and facts to learn and understand, they are also very easy to read! :)

Published: 2009
Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Rating: Very Good! [4/5]

In My Mailbox # 19

2011-02-20T13:54:00.000+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

I am on a roll! This week, I got the following:

Bought:

I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles.

I got this from a used bookstore near my place. Although it is a bit more expensive compared to my original budget, I just couldn't let it go. Historical fiction about one of England's beloved queens? Heck, yes!

For Review:

The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy
Blurb from Amazon:

It's her destiny to die young. The man who loves her can't live with that.

Promise, a talented young vocalist with a terminal illness, is counting on fame to keep her memory alive after she dies. Porta is an aging witch and art collector in search of the goddess who will grant her immortality.

When Promise inexplicably survives a series of freak accidents, Porta believes that Promise is the one she seeks. But Chase, an autistic artist who falls in love with Promise and opposes Porta, comes between the women with his mysterious visions and drawings, and plunges everyone into a flesh-and-blood confrontation over the true meaning of eternal life.

Cute cover. How could I say no to this kind of book? It's brilliant!

[Review] Bless This Mouse by Lois Lowry

2011-02-18T13:38:00.002+08:00

From Goodreads: A resilient and quirky colony of church mice fears another Great X more than they fear cats. Under Mouse Mistress Hildegarde’s leadership, they save themselves from one danger after another—sometimes just by the skin of their tails! Can one ultimate act of bravery during the feast day of St. Francis get Father Murphy to bless these mice and keep them safe forever?

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you guys will know how much I adore animals, especially anthropomorphic animals - those that could walk, talk, and do the things that we humans normally do!
So imagine my delight when I saw that this book is available to read [and for free, I might add] via NetGalley.

So, what do I think of the story? I think it's waaaay tooo short. I wish Lois made it longer, gave the mice more adventures they could embark on, oh, the other possibilities! The story is quite straightforward, the mice are clearly unhappy about being tagged as pests, or rodents, and need to escape the great X [otherwise known as the exterminator].

I love the illustrations that were accompanying the book. With cute illustrations as these, and with characters that are just adorable, and so loveable, how could you not read this book? The supporting characters also provide bits of twists and turns here and there, and the mouse family sure knows how to work together to achieve a common goal. The narrative is beautifully written, and is appropriate for the young adult crowd. Wording is excellent too. This book is definitely different from the other Lowry book I read before ["The Giver"] but nevertheless, her transition has been excellent.

Published: 2011

Available From: everywhere [starting March 21, 2011]!
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Book was: an ARC via NetGalley
Rating: Very Good! [4/5]

[Review] The 39 Clues # 4: Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson

2011-02-16T13:51:00.000+08:00

On their hunt for the next clue, the Cahill kids find themselves in Egypt, the land of ancient pyramids! They would encounter a new ally, and would eventually add some romantic factor to their au pair. The Cahill children learn that Grace left something for them, a message from beyond the grave, that would eventually help them in finding the next clue to their puzzle.

Thoughts: Can I book a trip to Egypt within the next few months? Seriously? As I was reading the book, it made me envious at all the historical sites that Dan and Amy went to in order to find the next clue! They were so well described, it makes me feel as if I'm there as well, although, in reality, I'm not.

I love how Jude Watson has magically brought Grace back to life with the hints that she has provided to the children, and how everything all came into place, much like pieces of a puzzle. The transition from the third book to this waas so smooth, it was harder to think that there were two different authors that wrote the story.

There wasn't much deception and betrayal in this book as compared to the others though, and it seems as if the softer side of Alistair and Irina came out with this book. Oooh. Now that's a first. The photos accompanying the mini-clues were abundant. Yay. They provide a bit of mystique to the story too, as if I'm part of the chase.

Overall, the book provides much historic data, quite consistent to the story, and serves as an excellent backdrop to the hunt!

Published: 2009
Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Rating: Very Good! [4/5]

In My Mailbox # 18

2011-02-13T11:31:00.000+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

I haven't done an IMM post yesterday, mainly because I haven't received or bought any new books lately, but this week is an entirely different story!!! :)

Won from One More Page:
"Anna and the French Kiss" by Stephanie Perkins. This book came as a package from the Book Depository [thanks again Tina!!! :) ] and I immediately dove into reading the book the day after I got it. Squee! Was particularly happy that the book arrived during a time when I was feeling sooo down and needed a little pick-me-up. The book definitely gave me that!

Borrowed:
So, I met one of my closest friends again who is also a bookworm now. Wheee! I got to borrow the following:

The 39 Clues Book 7: The Viper's Nest by Peter Lerangis
The 39 Clues Book 8: The Emperor's Code by Gordon Korman
The 39 Clues Book 9: Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park
The 39 Clues Book 10: Into The Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson. Note: this book is probably one of the thickest in the series. Not sure which is thicker: book 1 or book 10!

Anyway, even though I haven't finished reading book 4 yet, and just returned books 1-3 to its rightful owner, Rosie still let me borrow the rest of the series. She was quite scared that I would hate waiting to read the next book, considering we only meet each other once every month or every other month. Was supposed to borrow Percy Book 5: The Last Olympian too, but maybe next time :)

So, that's what's in my mailbox for this week. Care to share yours as well? :)

[Review] Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

2011-02-11T17:34:00.001+08:00

From Goodreads: This penultimate series installment finds Percy, Annabeth and the satyr Grover furiously working to prevent former camp counselor Luke from resurrecting the Titan lord Kronos, whose goal is to overthrow the gods. When the heroes learn that Luke can breach Camp Half-Blood's security through an exit from Daedalus's Labyrinth, they enter the maze in search of the inventor and a way to stop the invasion. Along the way they encounter a lifetime supply of nightmare-inducing, richly imagined monsters. Grover's own quest to find the lost god Pan, meanwhile, provides a subtle environmental message. Percy, nearly 15, has girl trouble, having become something of a chick magnet.

Yay, I've read book 4 of the Percy Jackson series! Seriously, this book is more action packed compared to the other Percy books, I think. It's like every page is riddled with dangers, new demigods and gods to meet. I was literally writing a whole load of new characters [I don't know if they are part of historical Greek mythology or not] and wanting to research them. Action - this book I love. I am literally awaiting what may happen to any of the characters at every turn they make in the labyrinth.

In this book, Percy lands himself into a sort of love triangle between Rachel Elizabeth Dare and Annabeth. Ahh, to be young and confused in love. Of course, I know who Percy would choose, there is a small bit of a spoiler from The Lost Hero. But it is cute, nevertheless. I love how the characters are all growing up nicely and are maturing into great demigods, or cyclops, or a satyr.

I also think that choice is one of the main themes in the book. Each character practically had to make a significant choice in this book at one point in another: whether which path to choose, or who to follow, there are always choices, which of course, we all encounter in our lives. It's just a matter of living with our choices that makes us who we are right now. We may not always be happy with those choices, but hey, sometimes we end up being better than what we think we should be because we always learn.

Published: 2008
Available From: everywhere!

Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Rating: Good! [4/5]

[Review] The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

2011-02-08T12:25:00.000+08:00

Blurb from Goodreads:

She's just a New York City girl living with her artist mom…

News flash: Dad is prince of Genovia. (So that's why a limo always meets her at the airport!)

Downer: Dad can't have any more kids. (So no heir to the throne.)

Shock of the century: Like it or not, Mia is prime princess material.

The worst part: Princess lessons from her dreaded grandmere, the dowager princess of Genovia, who thinks Mia has a thing or two to learn before she steps up to the throne.

Well, her father can lecture her until he's royal-blue in the face about her princessly duty no— way is she moving to Genovia and leaving Manhattan behind. But what's a girl to do when her name is PRINCESS AMELIA MIGNONETTE GRIMALDI THERMOPOLIS RENALDO

I first came across this book when the movie came out. Back then, I had no idea who Meg Cabot was, and how good she was. All I know was that Anne Hathaway starred in the movie, I loved the movie, and what would it really feel like if I woke up one day and find out that I am a princess of some unknown, but rich country? That would be the day!

And so, I borrowed this book from a close friend of mine, Yam. Well, I loved the movie, so maybe I'll love the book even more? Err... maybe not. First off, I find Mia too annoying in the book. I mean, quit whining, girl! You're the princess of Genovia, for crying out loud! You should be happy, take the responsibility, and take pride in the fact that you're royalty! But then again, maybe she is acting out because a) she is a teenager, and b) she will have to say goodbye to her normal, day to day routine of being just a normal girl. At the latter part of the book though, I've come to like her. She has grown to become independent of Lilly and well, eventually try to live a life of her own: princess or not. Ugh, Lilly. For me, she epitomizes a girl with serious problems.

I love how the book was written. It feels like I can totally relate to Mia, although I'm not Mia, and I'm not a princess. haha. But I feel for her, I feel for what she's going through, and not to mention, the writing style is very, very easy to comprehend. Ahh Meg Cabot, I will definitely read your other works soon! I'm going to borrow book 2 when I see my friend again! :)

Published: 2000 [that long ago!! 11 freaking years ago? Where was I when this book came out? Under a rock? Man, I've really got to get some serious reading done, imagine all those years and great titles I've missed out when I've stopped reading books]

Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: HarperCollins
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Rating: Very good! [4/5]

[Review] The 39 Clues #3: The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis

2011-02-04T11:22:00.001+08:00

Blurb from Goodreads: Amy and Dan Cahill have been located once again, this time in the company of the notoriously unreliable Alistair Oh. Could they have been foolish enough to make an alliance?

Spies report that Amy and Dan seem to be tracking the life of one of the most powerful fighters the world has ever known. If this fearsome warrior was a Cahill, his secrets are sure to be well-guarded . . . and the price to uncover them just might be lethal.

Alliances and Teamwork are the theme of this book. It is probably the first time where Amy and Dan would ally themselves with not just one, but two of their opponents to try and find out about the 39 Clues. It's cute though, the team dynamics of these people really stand out and makes their characters so much interesting. There may even be a potential love match between two characters. Ooooh. Interesting. This is a more interesting read for me than the second book, which was all about deception and double crossing each other. So not fun. I would prefer my YA reads to be happy, to be honest!

In this book, I found out more about the history of the Cahills, and take the reader to more destinations: Japan and Korea, and a hint to where the next destination will be. But obviously, since all the books are out now, you'll probably know where the next destination for the clue hunt will be.

This is probably the thinnest book in the whole 39 Clues franchise, so it is a quick read. This book is more graphic too. Graphic in the clue sense, of course. There are many pictures and hints that will make you think you're one of them, trying to solve the puzzles to find the clues together. Good thing all 10 books are now out, or else I'll go bonkers waiting for the fourth book to come out. I can't wait to read the next installment!

Published: 2009

Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Rating: Very good! [4/5]

[Review] City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

2011-02-02T11:50:00.002+08:00

I'm too lazy to write my own blurb, so here's the one from Goodreads:

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments

This book disappointed me a bit. After the high of reading the second book, City of Ashes, it all comes down to this. A lot of loose ends have been tied, and although some elements are predictable, there seems to be a lot more action in this book compared to the first two. However, what I don't like is that the incessetant comparisons/similes is back again! I thought it improved from the first to the second book, but in the third book, it's baaaack! The first 200 pages bored me to bits and pieces. Yes, I do admire how Clare has described Alicante, but some elements had me lost, which is much like how I felt when I read the first book. At one point I wanted to just stop reading altogether, but then again the investment of time I've spent reading the first two books and some of the third kept me reading altogether. Good thing the final 100 pages surely made up for the boring parts.

What else - this book is darker than the second book - it deals with war, death, and so much revenge and suffering. Seriously, even the demons are scary. I wouldn't want my young adult children to read this, but then again, for older readers like me, it provides a breath of fresh air. It also shows a unity to races that are not of the same kind, which is what we need in the world right now. What I don't like is that there were some meaningless deaths. Ugh. And oh, I would really want some more fight scenes - like detailed descriptions. That would make for an awesome story!

I also liked the fact that the characters are growing up and learning more about themselves and accepting their talents and who they are. Alec's, for one, is a very inspiring tale. Jace's is too - he definitely went through a lot.

This review is really hard to pull off without giving much spoilers, so I guess I'll leave it there! This book is also one of the thickest, longest books I've ever read so far! I wouldn't say the time I've spent in reading the book is definitely worth it though!

Published: 2009

Available From: everywhere!
Publisher: Margaret K McElderly Books/Simon and Schuster
Book was: borrowed from a friend
Rating: The book could be better - it was disappointing at first, but if you find that it bored you, wait until you read the last 100 pages - it is awesome! [3.5/5]

In My Mailbox # 17

2011-01-30T11:31:00.000+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

I wasn't really planning or expecting to do an In My Mailbox post this week since I haven't requested any books to review from NetGalley nor am I expecting to buy books within this week [trying to cut back on my Mt. TBR]. But a funny little surprise awaitied me!

Last Jan 26th, Simon & Schuster UK tweeted: "Posting out lots of books for the @bookchickcity thriller and suspense challenge". It came with a photo too:

Lo and behold, when I got back home from work last night, there was a copy of The Survivor by Sean Slater on my bed!! I'll definitely can't wait to read and review this -- it will count as one of the books for the Thriller & Suspense challenge! I can't wait! :)

Blurb of the book from Goodreads:

In his first hour back from a six-month leave of absence, Detective Jacob Striker's day quickly turns into a nightmare. He is barely on scene five minutes at his daughter's high school when he encounters an Active Shooter situation. Three men wearing hockey masks - Black, White, and Red - have stormed the school with firearms and are killing indiscriminately.

Striker takes immediate action. Within minutes, two of the gunmen are dead and Striker is close to ending the violence.

But the last gunman, Red Mask, does something unexpected. He runs up to his fallen comrade, racks the shotgun, and unloads five rounds into the man, obliterating his face and hands. Before Striker can react, Red Mask flees - and escapes.

Against the clock, Striker investigates the killings for which there is no known motive and no known suspect. Soon his investigation takes him to darker places, and he realizes that everything at Saint Patrick's High is not as it appears. The closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous his world becomes. Until Striker himself is in the line of fire.

On My Wishlist # 6

2011-01-29T14:21:00.005+08:00

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City.

I normally only feature one book a week because:

I want to limit the number of books I intend to buy in the future

It is much easier to update with only one book lemming a week

Easier for my friends to check if I already own the book or not.

For this week, I chose to put Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Experiences on my wishlist.

Why? Because it's travel related! =) I love everything travel right now, so this book would be quite a guide for me to follow my dreams and serve as inspiration for things that I may want to do on my next trips, and possibly even where to go.

Only downside? The book is expensive. Oh, and I'm not even 100% sure if it's really worth it given some of the reviews being provided at Amazon. Oh well.

[Review] Take That - Take Two

2011-01-27T11:11:00.000+08:00

This is my best read of 2011. Hands down. No other book could possibly top this. Yes, it seems I'm very biased considering that I'm such a HUGE effing fan of this band.

And so, this is my long thought-of review of Take That - Take Two. The picture on the side was taken when I saw the book on my bed [after the package was so conveniently opened by a member of the family]. I actually squealed when I saw this book on my bed, and made numerous blog entries about thinking of getting this book, from the Book Depository experience, to an In My Mailbox post, to the time I bought the book, and an On My Wishlist post. I really can't beleive I'm reviewing this book, and I own it. I really can't.

So, what's the book about? It's a photo book filled with photos of the band from the time they had reunited in 2005, and following their success until 2009. Why's it called Take Two? Because it's their second time to come back, I guess.
There are numerous photos in there, and some photos have captions that have been written [or provided, I dunno] by certain members of the band. My favourite quote though: "Ten Years On and Howard still does it. Bastard. - Jason" That cracked me up. Well, if you could see the photo that accompanied the quote or if you're a huge fan of the band then maybe you'll get what I'm saying as well. :)

My favourite photos from the book:

The photo that was given to the band and they all had framed. It's cute, reminds me of a Boyzone photo as well where they're in a round table!

And is it obvious that I am a huge fan of Jason? The other two photos I am featuring here are of him!

I did like several other photos from the book as well but I'm too lazy to take photos of it. =) Plus, I'm still busy drooling over it. teehee. If you're a HUGE fan of the band, get a copy of this -- if you could find one! It is a huge must-have for your collection. Get Take One too. Both books look like they're yearbooks of sorts, one that you would definitely want to keep. The book is HUGE and heavy, and definitely one that you would want to keep on your bookshelf, or beside your bed to drool over. harhar. That is, if you are ready to cough up nearly 20 pounds per book [around $40 per book. I was lucky I just got the book for $30, it was on sale].

I will review Take One when I get my hands on it from Dubai, and after reading it, of course. It would be nice to re-read Take Two after poring over Take One, you know, just to see the differences on how they look like. =p

Published: 2009

Available From: Amazon.
Publisher: Penguin books/Michael Joseph
Book was: bought from the Book Depository
Rating: Best.Book.Ever. [5/5]

[Review] Ragdolls are the Best by Elaine Landau

2011-01-25T12:50:00.000+08:00

This book is a mini-manual of what ragdolls are. If you don't know, then rag dolls are a cat breed that can be quite expensive to buy, but are absolute darlings to take care of.

The book is divided into four parts: the first is an introduction to what the species is, the second on where it originated, the third on the cat behaviour and the fourth on what to do when you [or your parents] decide to get a cat for yourself.

This is quite informative, however, given that the target market is for children, seems to me that it is marketed to "convince" children to "convince" their parents to get them this cat breed. However, one must always be aware that getting pets is a responsibility, and if your pets don't behave as you expected, you have to deal with it and love it as your own.

What I like in the book is how the information has been presented. It was very clear and straight to the point. The pictures are okay too, the cat is cute, with its huge, blue eyes and fluffy fur!

Published: 2011

Available From: Amazon
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Book was: an ARC from NetGalley
Rating: It's okay, informative, photos are cute. [3/5]

On My Wishlist #5

2011-01-24T11:16:00.001+08:00

Another book-related meme that I haven't done in forever. I decided to resurrect this because I realized that some of the books I blogged about on my wishlist have been bought by friends as gifts to me or I found that I bought myself eventually :)

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City.

I normally only feature one book a week because:

I want to limit the number of books I intend to buy in the future
It is much easier to update with only one book lemming a week
Easier for my friends to check if I already own the book or not.

This week, I want to get The Chancer by Shane Lynch.

Why do I want this book? It's Boyzone related, that's why! And I love me my boybands!! As you can see from a previous on my wishlist post, I wanted to get a Boyzone DVD set.

On another On My Wishlist post, I wanted both Take That books, which I eventually bought after some months.

Who knows, maybe this book would be featured on an In My Mailbox post and on a review on this blog in the next few months, when I finally come around to buying this!

In My Mailbox # 16

2011-01-23T11:12:00.000+08:00

I haven't done an In My Mailbox post for forever.

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

So, for this week/month, I got the following:

BOUGHT:

Take One by Take That. Asked my friend's dad to buy this one from Kinokuniya in Dubai since it's sold out at the Book Depository, Play and Amazon.co.uk. Luck was with me because Kino still had this book in stock! Thanks Tito and Yam for getting me this! :) Why did I get it? It's TAKE THAT!!!
Take Two by Take That. My Book Depository order just arrived last Jan 21st. Oh yeah! Oh yeah! I'm poring through the pages again and again and again. I <3 this band!
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit. Got this from my favourite used bookstore for only a fraction of the original price.

I got two more books from my favourite used bookstore but I forgot the titles :( One is about Josephine Bonaparte, and the other is a YA book.

FOR REVIEW:
Got the following ebooks from NetGalley:

Bless this Mouse by Lois Lowry - I've loved the Giver and when I saw that this galley is available for review, I immediately requested it!
B is for Bufflehead by Steve Hutchcraft - a picture book. Perfect for days in the office where I'm not feeling 100% and as a pick me up.
Ragdolls are the Best by Elaine Landau - I like cats, so this is a cute book to read and review too!

Share what's in your mailbox too! :)

The Book Depository Experience

2011-01-22T11:13:00.000+08:00

Living in Asia and away from England sure has its downsides, and hence, when I first went to England, I went back home to Manila with an additional suitcase filled to the brim with toys, books, and magazines that either a) are not available in Manila, or b) cost an arm and a leg to get or c) out of stock and would probably not be available anytime soon.

Anyway, thanks to the Book Depository, they have now opened up my world to England a bit more! This is a post of my purchase of a very limited edition book that I wanted to add to my collection.

If you know me and maybe if you're a follower of my blog, you probably know that I <3 Take That and that they're like, one of two of my favourite bands. [The other favourite band is Boyzone, but hey, that's an entirely different story].

So, woe is me, a book I wanted came out in England last 2009, and I'm too shy to ask some of my co-workers to get it for me from England and ship it to Manila [not to mention it would cost an arm and a leg to do so]. But thank goodness that Book Depository then decided to ship to the Philippines. And shipping is free!!

So, I got the book "Take That - Take Two" for $29 [approx], last December 14th as an early Christmas gift to myself. I promised myself I would then buy "Take That - Take One" once I receive the packet from Book Depository.

I am a very, very impatient person. And you could just imagine that I check the website every day to see if my order has been dispatched, all the while imagining "what it if's sold out? It's a rare book!" My order was finally dispatched on December 20th, 2010, and finally arrived in Manila last January 21st, 2011.

It took a month for the book to arrive, but granted, there's Christmas and New Year breaks to consider, and of course, like an excited fan girl, I was waiting for the book to arrive in my house for days, and days and days.

I pored through the book last night [review coming up] and literally finished it in one sitting.
I went online today, and found that my worst fear has been realized: Take One is already out of stock. :(

I immediately placed my email address in the notification list, in hopes that if the book DOES get restocked that I would be notified, and I could then purchase the book.

Anyway, I'm more than happy with the book depository service. It brings a whole load of British books available to me, who is living on the other side of the world. The prices are quite reasonable considering that they provide free shipping, but it is definitely more expensive compared to just buying the book to other UK retailers, and if you live in the UK [Amazon.co.uk and Play.co.uk provide free ground shipping to UK addresses].

I love that Book Depository has a wide array of titles as well that you could select from.

Note to self, I need to get the following books:
1. Take That - Take One [HELP me find this book!!! I've already emailed a friend of mine who goes back and forth to Dubai to try and help me locate this one]
2. Shane Lynch - The Chancer [what kind of Boyzone fan am I if i don't get this book?]
3. Stephen Gately - The Tree of Seasons [again, the Boyzone fan in me is screaming to get this]
4. The Saturdays - Our Story
5. Cheryl Cole - Through My Eyes
6. The Wanted - The Wanted.

As you can see, my wallet will eventually be drained by the Book Depository. Ha ha.

Note also to others: If you want something really bad, just get it! This is the nth time this has happened to me: pondering over and over if I should get something or not, and when I finally decide to get it, it's now out of stock. Sadness!

2011 Debut Author Challenge.

2011-01-15T14:01:00.000+08:00

Since I have recently discovered NetGalley, it is so much easier for me to sign up to the 2011 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by The Story Siren. :) The goal is to read at least twelve novels from Young Adult or Middle Grade Authors.

So, on my list for now, a galley that I am currently reading is "Lost Voices" by Sarah Porter. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's.

I'll just blog about whatever 2011 debut I read, can't really think about any debut authors for now :)

[Review] Chrissie's Shell by Brooke Keith

2011-01-13T21:08:00.001+08:00

Chrissie's Shell is a story about Chrissie, a turtle. She is living in a forest, and on her daily life, she encounters numerous critters and imagines what it would be like to be that type of animal. While she does that, she checks her shell to see if she managed to transform in the animal she was imagining about.

The illustrations are some of the cutest things ever. And as you know, I have a bias for all things animals, and all things cute so plus, plus for me. Those sympathetic round us totally do me in! Awww. I could easily go back to all the pages, even without reading the text, just looking at the pictures! Oh yes, it definitely brought me back to my childhood.

The colouring is brilliant they are very accurate with nature, and so eye-popping!

The story is good too. It shows how Chrissie was struggling to come to terms with her real self. The part that moved me the most was when Chrissie was talking to God about how he could make her into a real someone, and how she said her shell was empty and could she make her into some of the other creatures she had seen. Little did she knows that she is one unique creature, with her own traits and advantages in nature.

What I love is that this book teaches children to be comfortable in their own shell - in their own skin, so to speak. Of course there are times when we people would feel insecure about what we have and normally compare it with the others who may appear more blessed or lucky or superior than us, but each of us is unique, and I love this lesson. Children should learn this early on and not get on the bandwagon of the plasticity of everything. Sometimes you just need to look in yourself to find out what's perfect, and what you are, and that you're beautiful inside.

Published: 2010
Available From: Everywhere! Locally, I'm not sure though.
Publisher: Warner Press
Book was: an ARC from NetGalley
Rating: Such a cute book. I loved the illustrations! [5/5]

[Review] The Little Prince Graphic Novel by Joann Sfar

2011-01-12T12:10:00.000+08:00

Based on the novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, it tells of an alien little prince, who explores various planets across the universe and eventually lands himself on Earth. He meets all sorts of people and creatures along the way, and discovers more about their traits and their quirks, so to say.

Can I just say I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK?
I started this back in 2010, when I was quite busy with getting ready for Christmas and parties. And yet, when I was reading it, it made no impact whatsoever. But as I was finishing the book, I was feeling quite down, and yes, each and every passage outlined in the tale hits me, hard. I wanted to cry as I was reading each line, and seeing the pictures added to plethora of emotions that have hit me.

The illustrations is cute, a bit crude, and as much as I honestly prefer the illustrations from the original book, this one would do. As I haven't read the original novel yet *gasp* I don't know how many parts have been removed in order to make this more interesting and more compact in a sense. Maybe once I've read the original, I could comment on what diferences there are between the graphic novel and the original.

I'm still a bit teary-eyed and I honestly don't know what else to write. It is just a brilliant novel, and this graphic novel version would probably interest the children who don't really like reading. Pick this book up [or the original novel, for that matter] and just try to read between the lines at what the quotes mean.

The original book would be discussed for our December 2011 book club discussion and I can't wait to partake in it!

Published: 2010
Available From: Everywhere! Locally, I'm not sure though.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book was: an ARC from NetGalley
Read it if: Just read it! It's my first book of 2011 and oh my gosh, it just blew me away.
Rating: I loved it, one of my favourite reads of the year [5/5]

[Review] Amazing Grace by Tara FT Sering

2011-01-05T11:25:00.001+08:00

Amazing Grace is one of the many novels of Filipino author, Tara FT Sering. In this book, Grace is your typical 20-something girl from a Chinese-Filipino family. She is constantly under pressure to get married and on one blind date, she finally met the one: Mike. Two years later, Mike popped the question, but there's a catch: Mike is suddenly assigned for two years in Singapore. Without a definite wedding date, and noticing that almost all the photos of Mike in Singapore was with a certain blonde, Grace races to countries in South East Asia, trying to go after Mike and saving her future marriage, and man, from leaving her.

Thoughts: Okay, the book was written in the second-person point of view, which makes me feel like I'm reading those Choose Your Own Adventure novels from way back, although this adventure has already been chosen and the ending is set. I honestly am not a big fan of this type of narrative, so I got annoyed more at some bits of the story.

True, I could relate to the character on most parts [the getting pressured to get married, settle down and have kids, having a successful career, among others], but I would probably never even consider running after someone in order to save a future that I so planned in my head. What happens, happens, and the time, effort, and resources it would take for me to undergo such a journey that Grace did would be unfathomable, and bordering on insanity [at least for me]. So yeah, to each their own. I dunno if I enjoyed reading the Grace's story, but the places and sights featured in the story piqued my interest, and yes, the descriptions of the places are indeed detailed and updated. It's either the author researched on the countries well or has been to the places too.

Okay, what I did like about the story - it was by a Filipino author, and I *think* I've read a chick lit of hers way back in college, but I don't remember now. It was quite nice that this book was first published abroad before it was picked up in the PH to be published. It's also one of the few Filipino books that I could easily recognize and can be seen in the shelves of the major bookstores. The cover is excellent - it's cute, and the accents in the pages: the airplane and what I suppose is Grace in the odd pages, is an excellent touch. The paper used in the book, I'm not a big fan of.

What else can I say? The book certainly lacked the goosepimply, awww moments that I was looking for in chick lit books. Maybe I was wrong in thinking this was chick lit, I don't know, maybe it was just plain literature? I was not really happy as I was reading the book and it took me quite some time to finish it.

Published: 2010
Available From: Locally - major bookstores. Internationally? No idea.
Publisher: Anvil
Book was: provided by Anvil for review. Thanks to Gege and Honey for compiling the list and offering =)
Rating: I'm completely between the fence here. I really could not make up my mind if I didn't like the book or if it was just okay. [2.5/5]

Reading/Bookish Goals for 2011

2011-01-02T09:19:00.001+08:00

It's 2011! And I guess it's time for me to write some goals I want to accomplish reading and book-wise

1. Update my Goodreads and Shelfari accounts often.

I've realized during the early part of 2010 that I was a lazy lout and not updating my bookish-related social networking sites. I now look at my online bookshelves in both sites and realize that the number of books I've read for 2010 wasn't really updated :(

This 2011 will change all that though! I plan to be more active in updating my bookshelves and joining the online discussions too

2. Blog more often.

Looking back at the early part of 2010, I got lazy in writing reviews. Bah. I realize I should write reviews as soon as I finish the book [or maybe nearly finished with the book, like 20 pages or less to go] so my thoughts and opinions are still in my head and not floating off elsewhere. Note to self: if i keep on writing stuff in notebooks, only I could get to read it, and not be able to share my discovery with others :(

3. Use specific tagging for easier searching

I realized that my bookshelf tag in Goodreads and labels here in the blog is not specific. So, to make things easier for myself [and maybe for my readers, if I have them heehee] I'll do the specific tags!

4. Buy books that are only P150 or below[3.50 USD or 2.50 GBP equivalent]

I need to cut back on my TBR list and save the money for my travels and the essentials. So, I'll resort to borrowing books from my dear old bookish friends Haydee and Rosie and Yammie, and buying books from second hand bookstores [Yay Book Sale] or just buying discounted books =) Less space required too. Oh. And I'll also resort to BookMooch.

5. Attend more bookish events

Book discussions, group meet ups, book launches and the like. =)

2010 Wrap-Up: Books/Reading Related

2010-12-31T14:29:00.000+08:00

I planned to do two 2010 wrap-ups: one for a book-related and one for an overall personal post.

So, in line for the beest and worst discussion of my book club for 2010, let me present my bookish highlights for 2010!

Some Awesome Things that Happened:

Meeting Miguel Syjuco of Ilustrado fame during his book launch at National Bookstore. This was my first ever book launch and I'm surprised at how casual book launches are. Oooh! And the first book I got signed by the author. Whee.
Getting involved with Lenore's International Book Blogger Mentoring Program. I got to read and review awesome books [Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King and Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser] that was not released in Manila [that I know of].
Going to the Trash Book launch and getting to interview Andy Mulligan.
Getting a chance to review books from Anvil Publishing, NetGalley, and thanks for the books sent by publishers to me!! Yaay!

Best Books Read for 2010:

Trash by Andy Mulligan. I loved that this has a Filipino theme in the book. Yes, I am partial to the book because it presented the Philippines and revolves around Filipino people, but it shows a truth to what's really happening in the country today.
The Adventures of Rusty and Ginger Fox by Tim Ostermeyer. Can I just say cutest little picture book ever?? I <3 animals!!
Belle De Jour. Where the popular British tv show, Secret Diary of a Call Girl was based on. Lovely. Although I can't say I would love the second book, which is a bit bland and boring.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Reading about teens killing one another for survival has never been this interesting and addictive. Yeah, it sounds a bit morbid but you have to read the book to appreciate what I'm talking about!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. The one that got me started on the Rick Riordan reading addiction. Thanks very much Rosie, you are such a bad influence [in a good way =p ]
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran. Best historical fiction book I ever read so far!

Disappointing Reads for 2010:

Cause Celeb by Helen Fielding. I had such high hopes for this book. Oh well.
Extravagance by Gary Kirst. I thought this would be excellent historical fiction. I thought wrong.

Book with the best cover [that I read for 2010]:

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I was not too impressed by the writing style, but dang, the cover is absolutely gorgeous! The one I borrowed from my friend has a holographic effect to it. It's tooo pretty!!

Bring on 2011!! :)

I got featured on an author's site! =)

2010-12-30T12:13:00.000+08:00

Whee!

I reviewed Death By Garrote last December 28th and lo and behold, some friends from my book club, Flips Flipping Pages, informed me that Mr. Ambeth Ocampo shared a link to this blog on his Facebook site!

I was squeeing in happiness. Lookie! Lookie!

Aahh... what a way to end 2010! :)

[Review] Death By Garrote by Ambeth Ocampo

2010-12-28T15:11:00.000+08:00

Death by Garrote is the third book in the Looking Back series by Ambeth Ocampo. But not to worry, you don't need to buy Looking Back 1 and 2 before you appreciate Looking Back 3. They are all standalone books which comprise of a series of editorial articles that Ambeth Ocampo wrote for the Philippine Daily Inquirer which revolve around Philippine history. These articles do not necessarily just delve in the heroes of the past, but also of various foods, establishments, and so much more!

I was introduced in the Looking Back series when I was at Ambeth Ocampo's talk at the Ayala Museum last August 14th, 2010. I bought a copy of Looking Back 2 to have signed, and was instantly hooked!

What I absolutely loved about the Looking Back series is that they provide short glimpses of Philippine History without being too boring! They were written in such a way that is entertaining, informative, and fun! Unlike some of the other history books I read when I was younger [flashback of my Araling Panlipunan days back in high school where I fall asleep], this book would definitely interest you in Philippine history. I know it peaked my interest, and yes, I was also insistent on peaking my mom's interest that I kept badgering her with some questions about who was the president during her time, the food she ate, what it was like strolling through Quiapo and Sta. Cruz and how they compare to today. Okay, back to the book. I also loved that some old photos were incorporated in the book. Something that is very difficult to find now.

I learned while reading that these articles was researched thoroughly by the author, and maybe someday someone would browse through his notes and make a living out of his research [Hmm.... I may have to find those notes and trawl through them]. And yes, that particular note made me want to stand up from my seat and go directly to the Lopez Memorial Museum in Ortigas, and the dumdum in me initially did not know where it was until the wonder that is Google pointed me in the right direction. [Note: Rosie, if you are reading this, please can we go there on our historical tour this 2011?]

Oh, another noteworthy thing about the books, the title of Looking Back 2 and 3 is already an overview of the first few articles presented. In Looking Back 2, it was about Mabini's dancing [could you ever imagine, our most precious hero, dancing? Normally we just associate him with his wheelchair], and in Looking Back 3, it was all about the garrote. [Another note: Frankly, I also never knew what a garrote was. Uh.. dumdum moment again!! Thanks again to Google and this book to erase the stupid factor in me].

Can I just say - when is the next book out?? At 100 pages, it is enough to leave you hanging and wanting more. So, while there are no books out yet, you can discover some of the other Ambeth Ocampo books available in the local bookstores.

So, overall, this is a must read book. You may not be a history buff to appreciate all the articles, but maybe after reading this, you'll get to learn more about Philippine history and look at our heroes and past differently.

Published: 2010
Available From: All local bookstores! [I checked National Bookstore & Powerbooks and they already have a copy of this. Not sure about Fully Booked but I'm sure they have this also]
Publisher: Anvil Publishing
Book was: Provided by Anvil Publishing for review. Many thanks also for Gege and Honey for offering :)
Read it if: You want to know more about Philippine history. I know, I would!
Rating: I loved it, one of my favourite reads of the year [5/5]

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T14:21:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year to give and receive gifts and spend time with loved ones!

I just wanted to greet you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday! :)

The blog may be inactive until the 27th as I have been going to a few parties here and there, and haven't had time to blog much, let alone read. Plus, the evil that is the Sims 3 keeps me away from my other interests =)

[Review] Percy Jackson & The Olympians - The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

2010-12-23T13:42:00.010+08:00

It was just the beginning of summer and Percy, Annabeth and Thalia were out to help Grover, as he was trying to protect two new half-bloods, Bianca and Nico. As they go through their adventure, a manticor suddenly attacks, and Annabeth falls off a cliff. What comes next is a quest to save Artemis and Annabeth, and find out what is brewing in the Titan's camp, as the prophecy about the hero who may bring down the gods looms nearer.

I am loving this book!! It's quite different from the Sea of Monsters, where I know the basic plot of the story so its a breath of fresh air for me. Here, I meet the warriors of Artemis, and the gods that had no direct interaction with Percy on the previous books: Artemis, Apollo, Athena, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus. I'm loving the new characters too: the Ophiotaurus, and the Pegasus Blackjack, Porpie and Guido!

Although I'm not used to not having Annabeth around in the story, it is quite amusing to read about Percy trying to battle his feelings about her. Awww... it looks like he's growing up and likes Annabeth as more than a friend. It's amazing also how these new characters got injected in the book, which a part of my mind was saying "are they part of the Heroes of Olympus spinoff book?" Although there were certain elements in the story that I guessed easily [Atlas, for example], it is a fun and entertaining read as well. There may be some new characters and scenarios that are a bit hard to follow at times, but I guess they would all form a part of the final two books that would ultimately conclude in Percy's choice when faced with the prophecy. Oooooh.

I can't provide much thought on this book without giving too many spoilers, so I'd better wrap this up now.

Published: 2007
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Read it if: You want to continue the tale of Percy. This is the middle book, by the way
Rating: I liked it! [4/5]

[Review] The 39 Clues: One False Note by Gordon Korman

2010-12-21T13:42:00.000+08:00

The 39 Clues: One False Note follows immediately after Dan and Amy had discovered the clue that would lead them to Vienna. In this book, they face off with the other teams as they try to outwit them and find more ways to get more clues given their limited resources.

I find that the second book is not as interesting as the first one. Don't get me wrong, maybe I'm just trying to get used to the writing style of this author, as it is quite different from Rick Riordan. There were some parts of the story that were boring, and predictable. I knew they would happen and what would happen before I even finished reading that particular chapter, would you believe? Also, the darker side of the Cahills are showing in this book - they would steal and make cunning efforts to try and get to the next clue, however, I guess they have to do that as they are obviously the underdogs, only relying on wits and information that Grace may have passed on to them. Thankfully the book picked up near the end, as they were in Venice and in Vienna. Those parts, I can't literally put the book down. Hmm... both cities, I would definitely add to my to-travel list.

One thing I can't take was how the other characters/teams seem to be non-existent in the book. Where was Irina, where were the Holts, what happened to Jonah after he had lost Amy and Dan during the chase? There were quite a lot of loose ends and I am not quite happy about that.

What surprised me about the tale was how Marie-Antoinette was included in the book. Oh, you'll have to read it how she was involved, but she is all right. One thing about the 39 Clues is that they mix historical facts to the storytelling, which I guess from what I read in a press release before was a goal of the publisher - to make kids love learning about history as they read the books. And I totally agree, since I can't help but research some of the facts and places mentioned in the book to add to my own general knowledge.

I can't wait to pick up the next book - it is currently in my TBR list, and although book 2 disappointed me for a bit, here's hoping that book 3 won't!

Published: 2008

Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Read it if: You want to continue the story as outlined from book 1
Rating: It could get better! [3/5]

Everyone needs minty fresh breath, right?

2010-12-18T04:02:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Toms of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

Another personal post for me, and this time, as per the header, it is a sponsored post and was compensated to write this but all opinions, insights, and anything under the sun is mine.

Living in the third world can have its limitations - of course, some products being offered in the US cannot be bought directly here. But hey, that's what my relatives are for! Anyway, this post is about Tom's Of Maine - a company that provides personal hygiene products, which everyone needs! I honestly have not tried their products yet but they do look promising. I have checked on the ingredients of their toothpaste [something that not all companies provide] and they offer peppermint flavoured toothpaste - I love peppermint!

After brushing your teeth, it's now time to use some mouthwash. Oh yes, additional freshness too. That way, you could have a wicked fresh moment with some friends, family members or loved ones, and have the chance to chat with them all day and not have to worry about your breath stinking. That would be so embarrassing.

So, to discover what Tom's Of Maine has more to offer, you could follow them on Twitter @TomsofMaine, or Like their page on Facebook. Other than being updated with the latest news about the company, you could also join the That's Wicked Fresh contest page. Just share a Wicked Fresh moment, experience, or discovery by tweeting using the contest page, and you might just win a $500 Target gift card.

Okay, I caved in and all self control went out the window

2010-12-16T17:04:00.000+08:00

This morning, I was searching through http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/ and saw that my well-wished for book is still available on stock.

After watching their youtube video performance of Never Forget with Robbie at Children in Need, I went out of my mind and pondered if I would really, really, really want to get a copy of this book.

And I did, BUT after I consulted a few websites.

Checked http://www.amazon.co.uk/ and the book is out of stock, checked http://www.asda.co.uk/ and its also out of stock - http://www.play.co.uk/ is also out of stock. Oh.My.Gosh. I definitely, definitely should get this book now!!!

And then I filled myself with thoughts and explanations on why I would get the book:
1. It's sold out in all the UK websites I'm expecting it to- I need this book NOW!
2. It's a collectors item
3. It's a book about one of my favourite bands, enough said!
4. Maybe one day I'll get the band members to sign the book when I stalk them somewhere
5. It's a book.

Aaaahh.. .So now the debate continues if I'll get the other book [as photographed on the side]

But somehow it's not as good as the Take Two book, given that the photographs here are not as recent....

BUT.... these are photos with Robbie! Aaaahh..

Dillemma.

And no, I did not think of the price. The Take Two book is much too bloody expensive for me, and is enough to buy me two hardbound books here in Manila. But all the logic went out the window already!

Have you guys ever experienced the same way that I felt? Trying to justify your purchase even though it's way out of your budget??

[Travel] The Inconveniences of Travel.

2010-12-14T12:04:00.001+08:00

Since I am absolutely tired and cranky most of the time this month, I decided to do a little personal post about the inconveniences of travel. Don't get me wrong, I adore traveling the world: seenig new places, and enriching my knowledge, but there's just some annnoying factors about travel.

Everyday, I travel around 30km from my house in the suburbs to my office. A few years ago, when I first started going to university and traveling the same distance, it used to take me only an hour and a half and I'm home! Well, that was when I used to come home in the afternoon and if there was traffic, there's always the sun to help me out while I read some notes or a book as part of my homework or just to relax myself. Fast forward to now and I am averaging nearly 2hours just to get to work! And so it takes me 4 freaking hours daily just to get to and from work. Why? Because of the traffic, that's why! Gah. In my daily travel, I can go to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur by plane! On a weekly basis, I can go one-way to Europe or to the US West Coast!

*Sigh* Living in a third world country where the traffic is horrible and the transportation system is unreliable sure is annoying and frustrating but I can't really do much about it since duh, I do live here.

So, what do I normally do to make the most out of that time I've spent stuck in traffic?
If it's the morning or afternoon [whatever, as long as the sun is still out], I read. It's an excellent way to make some more book reviews to feature on this site, and well, it provides me with additional information too on where I could go travel next, or just get factoids of stuff.

In the evening, I listen to audiobooks. It's just like reading a book only someone reads the book for you.

Other things you could do whilst stuck in traffic:
1. Sleep. Not highly recommended if you've got a really expensive gadget in your bag or you've got something to lose. Just exercise sleeping in a public utility vehicle with caution.
2. Read. It's worth it. See my reasons above why.
3. Write. Sometimes, I write stuff on my journal or make lists of things I need to do. It is definitely a time saver.
4. Watch. Entertain yourself by watching downloaded shows or even tv on your mobile, iPod or other gadget. I wouldn't do this whilst living in a third world country as you may be mugged. Do this with caution!
5. Meditate. Talk to God, or just think of things you need to do, or just close your eyes and shut off the world for a moment. It's a very relaxing thing to do.
6. Talk to your friends/family. Either by text or by calling them, it sure is an easy way to pass the time.
7. Chat up the person you're sitting with. I'm not necessarily a nice person to strangers, but to each their own.
8. Eat. It's a good time to eat dinner, as long as you don't spill anything on yourself or the person you're sitting next to.

[Review] The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

2010-12-12T11:56:00.001+08:00

Dan and Amy Cahill's are orphans, and their grandmother just died. When the will was being read, they were faced with a choice that would change their lives: take their 1million dollar inheritance or embark on a search for the 39 clues, which would make them the most powerful people in the world. Dan and Amy took their first clue, burning their voucher for the money and realized that their relatives, whom they never knew existed, are much more interesting and dangerous in the world!

So, this is the first of the 10 book series. This is a great prelude to what might happen in the other 9 books which would take Dan and Amy around the world! The destination in this first book: Philadelphia and on to Paris!

I love the clues and the descriptions of the places. As my friend told me, "It's like Da Vinci Code, but for kids!" And I totally agree with her comment there! It is highly thought of, and yes, I admit that I spent some time thinking of what might happen next to Dan and Amy. It's just a bit hard not to spoil myself by turning the page to the middle and the last part of the book to see if my theories are correct! What's amazing also is that the book has these cards included. You log on to their website, http://www.the39clues.com/ and solve some of the puzzles that Dan and Amy encountered too! Brilliant, right? I think I read from a press release that this was done to entice more young readers to pick up books so I guess this is now the age of interactive book reading! Hmm.. I totally agree. The new generation of kids now have much smaller attention spans compared to when I was younger!

So, I'm not too keen on the death, the blackmail and the threatening each other part to get the clues, but then again, it's all part of their game and what makes the book more interesting. Good enough then. And can I just say that I <3 the title of the book??? I never even expected what it meant until I read the explanation in the book! Gah! How could Amy have solved it and I haven't?? Also, I do adore Dan and Amy - they both have their own specialties to add to the hunt. Dan is a math whiz and obviously can memorize vast amounts of information in a short span of time, whilst Amy is the bookworm and takes care of the history and geography part! Ahhh the perfect tag team!

Would I be reading all 10 books? Yes! Yes! Yes! I already have books 2-6 with me too, all happily borrowed from one of my closest bookish friends! And yes, I am playing the game too - I am in Ekaterina!

Published: 2008
Publisher: Scholastic
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Read it if: You want an adventure story that's much like the Da Vinci Code [but for the YA market]
Rating: I loved it! [5/5]

[Review] Adventures of Rusty and Ginger Fox by Tim Ostermeyer

2010-12-10T11:55:00.000+08:00

The Adventures of Rusty & Ginger Fox is a children's picture book that tell the tale of two fox pups as they explore the forest, learning about new creatures. There is also a tiny mystery tale in the end where the fox stumble upon a hidden treasure!

So, anyway, a brief back story. When I got the pitch to review the book, I squealed because it was cute! And when i finally got the book from the post office, here it was, in fully glory and read it as soon as I opened the package. Then again, I would have read it sooner had I not come home from work late after a Christmas party.

Packed with photos of wildlife, the book is one of the cutest things ever! The author is also the photographer of the stunning photos you'll see in the book. It must have taken him hours and hours and hours of waiting just to get that perfect shot! What I do adore about this book is that the photos do tie up to the narration in the book. However, I would have preferred if the author has worded the narration in rhymes or rhythmic syllables so the little ones would appreciate the story more. Oh, and myself included. I guess it would help me remember the whole book if it was rhymed! Not sure if the copy I got is an arc or the finished copy but I found a misspelled word and a grammatical error but no worries - maybe it would be fixed in the future books to be released by the author!

Rusty and Ginger and their new friends are just so cute, you have to get this book and see it for yourself! I also love the fun facts on the side of the pages about the animals and even humans! Of course, any additional information on some of our furry friends is a big plus for me!

Published: 2010
Publisher: Synergy Books
Book was: Provided by the publicist for review. Thank you =)
Read it if: you adore nature, animals, and children's picture books!
Rating: I absolutely loved it! [5/5]

[Travel] Symphony of Parols at the Ayala Triangle

2010-12-06T18:51:00.000+08:00

'Tis the season to be merry! And just when our office has moved from Ayala to the other side, Ayala Triangle has been "refurbished" in a way. What once was a jungle in the middle of the CBD, it has now become a park for everyone to enjoy.

So, this Yuletide, the Ayala group has launched the Symphony of Parols - a light & sound show every weekday from 6-8pm, where the shows last for 5 minutes, and there are shows every 30 minutes.

So, what can you expect? It is a breathtaking experience - just stand up a few feet away from the center and watch the christmas lights dance in time to the music blasting from speakers surrounding the area. I absolutely loved the show - my friend was able to video the whole thing, and yes, very much worth going to Ayala just to see the lights. I played around with my camera effects a bit, and had a bit of a photoshoot with my friends! Yes, it's that good!

You can also hang around at the belen in front of Tower One. Aaah... Ayala in the evening is such an excellent place to be in! After you've had your photos with the belen, you could go directly to Rustans and have photos in front of the exquisitely designed windows of the store. It has that Saks Fifth Avenue store window feeling - one that I would absolutely love to see in the future!

When's the best time to come? Well, anytime between 6-7:30 so you could get an excellent view!

After the show, you could also eat at some of the newly opened restaurants there such as Wee Nam Kee and Bon Chon.

Note though - if you plan to eat at Bon Chon, it's going to take forever!! So make sure you're not that hungry yet. And they are a fast food restaurant. So if you can't find a seat, you'll have to do a picnic outside! =p

[Review] City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2010-12-04T19:27:00.000+08:00

The second book of the Mortal Instruments series. In this second installment, Clary and Jace are now coming to grips that they are related to each other, and would they still continue their forbidden love? Valentine is back and has stolen yet another Mortal Instrument, which he would use to summon Demons, thereby killing a child from every Downworlder race. Jace, Clary, and the gang have set out trying to stop Valentine, but would they be successful in doing so? And would Clary's mother finally wake up?

Thoughts: This book is much better written than the first book, where I got all confused. The narration is now more fluid, and it looks like what would happen next in the book are well-thought of [well, maybe the first two parts, the third part bored me a bit]. However, I do have a comment: I got confused with the names of the Seraph Blades. Why in the world would there be so much names? Honestly, I don't think it plays such a huge part in the story, it just adds to the confusion.

I noticed that this book has a lot of similarities to the Potter books too, given that this was written by someone who used to write Potter fanfiction. In the latter part of the book, the author also wrote something about Dumbledore: "Who would win in a fight? Dumbledore or Magnus bane?" "Dumbledore, because he's got that wicked killing curse." "But Dumbledore isn't real!"

Okay, other similarities:
The stele & the wand
The Inquisitor [Imogen] & Umbridge -- both horrible and annoying characters
A two-way mirror - the one Jace used to see Idris, whilst the one Sirius gave Harry to communicate with him before he was killed
The quest of both Valentine & Voldemort for a pureblood race, killing everyone who doesn't want to side with him
The Circle and the Death-Eaters
Mundanes & muggles
Agramon & the Boggart - where they shape shift to whatever you fear the most. I mean, come on! Waay too many ideas lifted from the Potter books. It could have been a coincidence but *shrug*

Can I just say I do adore Simon? He probably is one of the best characters in the book, and I loathe Clary, as much as I loathed Bella from the Twilight novels. THey are both whiny, helpless little girls who can't stand up for themselves. Argh.

My favourite character though is Luke -- he seemed like such a cool dad and would do anything for Clary's mum!

Would I read other books by Cassandra Clare? Yes, if I could find a friend who has the books and willing to lend a copy to me. I'm not sure I'd buy her books but maybe if I encounter something from the bargain bin.

So, on to the summary then.

Published: 2009
Publisher: Walker Books
Book was: Borrowed from a friend
Read it if: you want to find out what happens to Clary after reading book 1.
Rating: It was okay. [3.5/5]

Book Challenges: Mystery & Thriller from Book Chick City

2010-12-01T18:27:00.000+08:00

It's nearly 2011 so it's time to sign up for a few more challenges!

This time, I've enlisted on to Book Chick City's Mystery & Thriller challenge - minimum number of books to read for 2011 is 2 books [yay, just enough for me], and maximum has no limit!

So, to aide us on what constitutes the mystery and thriller challenge, BCC has posted a list of sub-categories here: http://www.bookchickcity.com/2009/06/sub-genres-for-thriller-suspense.html

Since I'm trying to read all the Sherlock Holmes stories, I guess this book series counts!

Oh, as an incentive, Simon & Schuster UK are sponsoring this event and would provide ARCs of The Survivor by Sean Slater for everyone who signs up! So, all the more reason for you guys to sign up too! :)

Who says reading and book challenges can't be fun?

Dear Secret Santa

2010-11-30T11:02:00.002+08:00

So we have this secret santa gift giving at the office and the final event for our Christmas party would be a Christmas wishlist! So, without further adeu, I am listing down a list of things I would like to receive for this Christmas :) So, Secret Santa mummy or daddy, if you're reading this, this would serve as your guide!

Travel Related:
1. Pledges for my travels please -- monetary values are more than welcome :) I need this to purchase more plane tickets on sale or for my pocket money!
2. A set of aqua shoes/socks -- for a nature trip to Palawan and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia in 2011.
3. A set of hiking sandals -- for a nature trip to Palawan and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia in 2011.
4. Hotel vouchers abroad or anywhere in the Philippines [except Manila]!
5. A North Face backpack that I can use for handcarry luggage and for backpacking around Asia/Europe/America/Australia in the future.

Book Related:
1. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl -- because I love YA and paranormal books
2. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris -- such a cute concept! And I <3 animals too, so there.
3. The Guardians of Ga'Hoole set by Kathryn Lasky. All books, because I love these owlsies.
4. The TinTin books - by Herge. Because my auntie gave some books to me when I was younger and I want to collect these!
5. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. Another YA Paranormal find.
6. Elixir by Hilary Duff. Well, I used to like Hilary Duff when I was younger and I want to read her book.
7. Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling. I'm such a loser. I'm hoping for a cheap copy of this to come out but I haven't found one yet!!
8. Soulless by Gail Carriger. Victorian London & Vampires - what more could I ask for?
9. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto. The cover is perfect, and what drew me to the book in the first place
10. Gone by Lisa McMann. Because the plot seems amazing.

[Review] Nola's Worlds # 1: Changing Moon by Mathieu Mariolle

2010-11-29T16:30:00.000+08:00

Ilustrated by MiniKim and coloured by Pop. Nola's Worlds # 1 follows the life of Nola York-Stein. Her age isn't specifically said in the book, but looks like she is a tween or a teenager. She lives mostly alone, her parents are divorced, and her mom is a workaholic. One boring day at school [she was late again!], she met Damiano and his sister, and became intrigued at their life. She was convinced that these siblings are spies and gets to know both of them.

Review: The illustrations are very, very cute, although what I loved the most was the colours! They're so vibrant and eye-catching! As to the story, well, there's some open gaps that leave me thinking "huh?" and should have better explained how one character ended up in one place, and why they decided to go there in the first place rather than the reader trying to figure out everything, considering this book is marketed towards children. If they provided a bit more fluidity on the settings and the actions of the characters then it would have made this book so much better! So, yes, I guess the transitioning of the story would be a good thing to work on in the next few volumes.

However, on the story side, I do appreciate the fact that Nola is from a broken family, and explains a bit on how her mother isn't always at home [who is constantly engrossed in work], and her father is always away, and him giving her presents just to make up for the fact that he's never there. I haven't read much children's books wherein the main character is from a broken family [except maybe for the Princess Diaries, which I'm currently reading right now]. I guess it's a good tale for some kids who are from real-life broken families to know that they're not alone and no, the break-up is not their fault.

Illustrations - there are some scenes where I lost Nola, because she's in chibi mode or her appearance has completely changed but I guess it all depends on how the illustrator would interpret a certain scene in the tale! To each their own, I guess.

So, on to the summary.

Summary:

Published: November 1, 2010
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Available from: Everywhere!
Read it if: you want to read a new manga of sorts
Book was: provided by NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group
Rating: So-So [3/5]

In My Mailbox # 15

2010-11-28T16:23:00.002+08:00

Last week was a haul for me, and this week, looks like I've hauled a few other books too. I also forgot to include in my post last week that I got a couple of awesome necklaces and earrings to add to my accessory collection. Hmm...

So, what new books have I gotten this week?

Swapped:

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. Book # 1 of the Kane Chronicles. I've heard so much hype about it and my close friend swapped me her trade paperback copy because she wants to upgrade to a hardbound copy. Cool, huh?

Borrowed:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan. Book # 3 of the Percy Jackson tales. Yay. I finally can continue what happened to Percy.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan. Book # 4 of Percy. Just so I'll have some continuation on what happens to Percy
The 39 Clues: Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan. Heard lots of good stuff about the 39 clues book series, but I find the books a bit too expensive for my taste. Good thing one of my good friends has a complete set and let me borrow them! Wheee!
The 39 Clues: One False Note by Gordon Korman
The 39 Clues: The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis. Probably the shortest hardcover book I've ever seen in my life at 100+ pages, with huge fonts. Seems like it's a novella to me!
The 39 Clues: Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson. Awesome cover!!
The 39 Clues: The Black Circle by Patrick Carman.
The 39 Clues: In Too Deep by Jude Watson.

Bought:

Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel. HB. From National Bookstore's Book Bazaar -- it was only worth $2.50!! I can't say no to that, given that it was only published this year!
Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story by Tony & Maureen Wheeler. TP. Again, from the NBS Book Bazaar -- bought this for one of my closest friends.
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie. HB. From NBS Book Bazaar. I gasped when I saw this - I had to have it!! And it was only $2.50 too!

For Review:

Big Bouffant by Kate Hosford. From Netgalley. I'm starting to love this website! Read my review
Ruby Valentine Saves the Day by Laurie Friedman. From Netgalley. Read my review
Changing Moon by Mathieu Mariolle. From Netgalley
Chrissie's Shell by Brooke Keith. From Netgalley

As you can see above, I went a wee bit overboard on borrowing the 39 Clues. My close friend wanted to let me borrow all 12 odd books [including the supplemental reading] but since it was too heavy for me to carry, had provided 6 books first!! Will review them all once I've done reading them! Yay for free reading! Teehee.

[Review] Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling

2010-11-26T10:41:00.000+08:00

It's Harry's sixth year and Hogwarts, and the whole wizarding community already knows of Voldemort's return. Soon, Harry, Ron and Hermione and busily checking the Daily Prophet to see if anyone near and dear to them are found dead, they find more about Voldemort, and try to find the way to kill him.

Review: I finished Book 6 after I finished watching the 7th Harry Potter movie and so, I was also in a rush to start reading book 7! I love that this book has a lot of back stories [and I am such a sucker for back stories], and provides more insights on the life of Dumbledore and Voldemort. This year, a lot of deaths and injuries also occured in some of the characters, so it has become darker, but I figure it is definitely needed to continue on in the story, after all, no one does love forever.

I love also that the 6th books intertwine with the 5th and provides a prelude to the 7th book. Often times, as I was speaking to some of my Potterhead friends, I confuse which book a certain scene was from - either the 5th or the 6th because of the organization of JK Rowling. I also love that elements from the previous books have been incorporated in the 6th book- so you do have to read the other volumes of Harry to get their meaning or if you've forgotten that particular aspect, you'll end up flipping through the older volumes. Brilliant, just brilliant.

What I also love about this is the return of Dobby and Kreacher. I am such a sucker for these two characters. I first loved Dobby in the second book and I can't get enough of them. So, after that shock I received after watching the 7th movie [oh dobby, dobby, dobby], I was happy enough to enjoy these house elves.

The book also showed Harry maturing - him falling in love with Ginny [see, there is also a happy element in the Harry books!], and well, I guess everyone has matured a lot. The DA members have been more than loyal to Dumbledore too!

What I don't want. Oh the ending!! Such a sad, sad ending, but life goes on. I also loved that Harry has been more determined than ever to carry on a task that was previously left to him. He has stepped up, definitely, and accepted that he may have been the chosen one to finally end the horrible terror that Lord Voldemort has been spreading in the wizarding world.

Overall, an excellent read. I would definitely read the Harry Potter series again after I've finished the 7th book, in order, and complete, before the 2nd part of the movie about the 7th book is shown in the cinemas! That way, I could also relate to some of my friends as they discuss more trivial parts about the book and comparison with the movie!

Summary:

Published: 2006
Publisher: Scholastic
Available from: Everywhere!
Read it if: It's Harry Potter! You should read it!
Book was: bought from Fully Booked
Rating: Loves [5/5]

Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

2010-11-25T10:41:00.000+08:00

The Potterhead in me squealed when I got a friend of mine, another Potterhead to reserve us tickets to Friday, November 19th's show. Now, I haven't read book 7 yet. *GASPS* In fact, as I write this, I haven't finished reading book 6 yet. *Even louder GASP*

Anyway, as I went to work last Friday, I can't concentrate - granted, there is quite a number of things to do as I was out of office the day before, but I just can't stop thinking about Harry!!! There's a mini countdown going on in my head and when it was time to go home, I immediately bolted out the door!

Met my friend at a local bookstore to get my invites to the Lauren Kate event signing, ate dinner, and off we went to the cinema!

So, thoughts on the movie: AMAZING!!! I never expected it to be this good and all the more, I wanted to finish reading book 6 and go read book 7 now so I could compare and find out if there are any elements that I'm missing out on. My Potterhead friends tried to discuss the movie without providing me too much spoilers on the book [love you guys for that], which made me even curious! My favourite parts - Dobby.... oh Dobby... and Kreacher too... and the story about the three brothers! Only complaint? Gah, I wanted the movie and the story to go on but I just have to wait until July 2011, won't I?? That gives me 8 months to read book 6-7, re-read books 1-7 again, and watch the 7 movies. Oh my gosh, what a long to do list... and on top of that, read some of the TBR mountain pile that I have... jeez! Favourite character in this movie? Hermione, of course! She's so smart! Ooooh Oooh Oooh! And can I add that I love the effects on the movie?? It's brilliant!

So, apologies if you happen to read this blog and find that I'm not making much sense at all! I just wanted to share the happiness and giddy feeling that's still my hangover from Potter!!

So, till the next movie!

Review: Ruby Valentine Saves the Day by Laurie Friedman

2010-11-24T13:49:00.000+08:00

It's Valentine's Day and Ruby won't let anything spoil the celebration! In this follow-up to the popular Love, Ruby Valentine, Ruby's favorite day of the year rolls around again, and she and Lovebird work feverishly to plan the perfect party for everyone in Heartland. But when Valentine's Day arrives, an unexpected snowstorm threatens to ruin all of Ruby's plans. Will Ruby find a way to save the day, or will everyone in Heartland have to wait until next year to celebrate?

**Book Information from NetGalley**

Another children's book for me to read! Yay! Somehow if I read children's books during lag times at the office, I tend to be more relaxed and hyper and happy! Guess it's a stress-reliver for me. And I could review and preview new children's books too! Whee.

Okay, more serious stuff now: the review. I loved this book because the main character has the same name as myself - Ruby! Though the book is catered to elder children [ie Ruby has her own house and has the means to plan and prepare her own party], I also love that Ruby has a constant companion in the book - an anthropomorgic bird named LoveBird, who can talk and help Ruby out in her day to day life.
The book is very simple, yet the colours are soo striking, and would be a favourite for young girls - almost all the pages are coloured pink! How girly and cute! The book also provides scenarios on what happens in real life, and as all children's books go, a lesson at the end of the tale which everyone would enjoy and appreciate. I won't tell the lesson here though, just that you need to read the book to find out ;)

Can I just add that I love Lovebird? He/She seems to be one of the most loveable pets ever, and he knows how to talk too! How cool is that?

Summary:

Published: November 1, 2010
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Available from: Everywhere!
Read it if: you want to teach your child a valuable lesson that they could use in real life; oh and read it for the pictures!!
Book was: provided by NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group
Rating: Loves [5/5]

[Review] The Big Bouffant by Kate Hosford

2010-11-23T11:24:00.000+08:00

Annabelle is a girl who knows what she wants - when the kids in her school all sport boring hairdos: pigtails and ponytails, she decides to step out of the box and have an all-new hairdo! She comes across her grandmother's bouffant and decides to create one for herself.

This book is very entertaining, especially for kids. I wish I had read one of this when I was younger, as it promotes individuality and lets you realize that inspiration can come from even in the older generations. It also drives kids to try and experiment on new things (with the help and permission of your parents or guardians, of course), and your uniqueness will shine even more!

The illustrations are very colourful and cute! I couldn't take my eyes off it, and the writing is very good as well - it provides the rhyme that will make the kids remember the story, and coupled with the illustrations, I'm sure these will always be something parents would love to read out loud to their children, and a book they would all treasure forever.

Summary:
Published: April 1, 2011
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Available from: Everywhere! [starting April 1, 2011 tho]
Read it if: you want something to read to your child to teach them about individuality
Book was: provided by NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group
Rating: Loves [5/5]

In My Mailbox # 14

2010-11-21T20:50:00.001+08:00

Okay, I've gotten lazy and kind of stopped doing this for the longest time. Anyway, I'm reviving it! Woohoo. I guess I'll see more of this now that I'm borrowing a lot of books from my friends and acquiring some dirt cheap books too. Oh my god, is there something bigger than a mountain now? Can I just call my TBR a galaxy now??

Brief introduction though -- In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features bought, borrowed, or received books as well as other cool stuff from the mail.

For this week:

Borrowed:

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare. I just finished the first book but since I'm a cheapskate to buy a full priced copy of this book I just borrowed from a colleague of mine! Yay for bookworm colleagues
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot. Borrowed from one of my closest friends who's also a bookworm! Wheee!

Bought:
Quite a lot, I must say.

Fallen by Lauren Kate. TP. Bought from National Bookstore. I've read lots of reviews and buzz about this and blogs. When I found out she's coming to Manila on November 27th and 28th, I couldn't resist buying a copy to get an invite for the event. Only to find out there's another event under Powerbooks for the 28th at a venue closer to my house x_x Oh well. Better be worth it though.
Torment by Lauren Kate. HB. Bought from National Bookstore. Same writeup as Fallen! :) There was a 20% off as well from NBS and I just had to buy them both!
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd. HB. Bought for 50c USD from Booksale! Oh. My.God. I've been looking for this book forever and now I have it!!!!!!!!! And to top it off it was sooo cheap!! Squeeeeeeeee
Madapple by Christina Meldrum. HB. I've seen this on the Random Buzzers website before. I was absolutely happy when I saw this again at my favourite bargain bookstore!!! It only cost 75c as well! Waah! I'm on a roll! Good reviews opn this book as well even though I've no clue what it's really about.
The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd - Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer. HB. Again, from my favourite bargain bookstore. I saw this at a full price bookstore before and I was absolutely intrigued. Now I need to get book 1 so I can continue reading this.
Wild Roses by Deb Caletti. TP. Again, from my favourite bargain bookstore. This was recommended to me by one of my closest friends and I just had to have it as well! It was only worth $1!
This Lullaby by Sara Dessen. HB. Again, from my favourite bargain bookstore. This was recommended to me by one of my closest friends and I just had to have it as well! She said it was one of her favourite Dessen books, and believe me, she read all of them.
Pretty Little Liars # 4: Unbelievable. HB. Again, from my favourite bargain bookstore. I've seen the tv show, and have book #2 [also from the bargain bookstore], so just need books 1 and 3 too!

So, my wallet was dented, spent over $20 on books this week! My In My Mailbox post for next week would probably be more books bought and borrowed as I'm about to meet up with a newly converted bookworm to borrow some other YA books and book hunt at a super sale of National Bookstore in Market Market [which is around 5 minutes walk from my office]. Be still my heart. Be quiet my wallet. Off to read and review faster now. Tah! Hope you had fun reading the books I got this week :)

Travel: A Gothic Tour of Chinese Cemetery, Manila

2010-11-18T15:33:00.001+08:00

Last Friday, November 5th, I got a text from Michelle: Rhett has organized a gothic tour of Manila: Chinese Cemetery, La Loma, Intramuros, Film Centre, Etc. Meet at Gateway tomorrow, 11AM. See you?

Being an avid traveler and since my plans for Ocean Park has been cancelled, I immediately accepted. I could not resist a chance to see other facets of Manila that I do not know about or haven't seen yet. I met the guys at Fully Booked Gateway [hah! I didn't get to buy anything - yay me for not succumbing to temptation], and ate lunch while waited for the rest of the party to arrive. Then, our first stop was the Chinese Cemetery!

The car stopped in front of the Chong Hock Tong Temple -- it was an amazing looking Temple. It's got these dragons perched on top and the red painted walls are definitely a stand out. From my research [via Wikipedia], the temple was built in the 1850s, making it the oldest Chinese temple in Manila. We made our way inside the altar, said silent prayers, took photos of the building and the gate and premises and left.

We walked a block or so to see some of the tombs that are overlooking a small river of sorts, and in front, there were domes and spires that look as if there's a lot of churches in the area, but I think they're also mausoleums.

It's amazing how the rich and the poor could also be divided in death. There's no apartment tombs in the Chinese Cemetery, compared to the ones that are more apparent in North Cemetery. Almost all the tombs are in intricate mausoleums, and since All Saints Day and All Souls Day had just finished the week before, there were coloured papers on top of the tombs, and the signs of burned material are still in the burners. Apparently the Chinese burn offerings [ie paper money, paper cars] to aide in the afterlife of their loved ones. [ie if they burn paper money, they in turn are sending money offerings to their deceased loved ones. Amazing.]

For me, there is something very enlightening in visiting a cemetery - never mind that it's full of deceased people, but it is a quiet area to meditate on your life as well. Facing death, how would you be able to make your life more worthwhile? And then the questions come in: if I die, would people look at my grave and visit me and pay their respects?

Anyway, moving on to the tour instead of my insights - we eventually got back in the car after walking through some gothic tombs. We eventually decided to try and find Andres Bonifacio's tomb, which was shaped like a pyramid. Then the questions pondered us: "Is Bonifacio Chinese?" Maybe. Maybe not. But we did find out for a fact that the non-Catholic people cannot be buried in La Loma or in North Cemetery so most Filipinos/Chinese were buried in Chinese Cemetery.

We eventually found ourselves in a memorial for General Yang Guangsheng. He was a Chinese Consul for the Philippines at the time, and as his plaque explained, he was shot to death in a grassy field when he tried to help the Filipino guerillas fight against the Japanese. Initially the Japanese wanted the General to call on his fellow Chinese to help the Japanese with their cause. His refusal ended in his and his entire staff's death. Way back in the World War II days, not much light has been given on the Battle of Manila, but it definitely is a shocking and interesting tale on how Manila has been a pivotal point in the War of the Pacific. I command the General for fighting with the Filipinos even though he himself is not of our race.

We saw a foreigner checking out the memorial of the General, and I was a bit happy to see that there are other foreigners who are touring Manila! By this time, one of our group saw a "tacky" crown on top of a mausoleum and we decided to check it out. They shrieked in delight when the mausoleum said "Ma Mon Luk." I honestly had no idea who this Ma Mon Luk was until Peter patiently told me that there is a restaurant named after him which serves the best siopao. Oh! So they paid their respects to Ma Mon Luk by having a photo in front of the mausoleum. I didn't join them because honestly, I'm a bit freaked of having my photo taken with a mausoleum -- I've seen some telly series where there are other people showing up in the photos and I'm not particularly keen on having that sort of experience if it does happen.

We then walked to Mabini's grave. It is found in Mabini St, but it is tucked in a little side street that's a wee bit hard to find, esp if you're not that familiar with the cemetery. Apparently the reason for the odd shape of Mabini's grave is that he was part of the Freemasons. Oooooh! Da Vinci Code, Philippine version anyone?? That would be a great book plot! LOL.

Anyway, some random bits about Mabini's grave from my friends:

1. Mabini's body is not found in this grave, it has been exhumed and is now located somewhere. I've honestly no clue where it is, to be honest. Bad me for not knowing much about PH history.

2. Apparently, Mabini died of syphilis instead of cholera. Ooooh. Cholera was just the press release because who would want a national hero to die of an STD, right?

3. He was the brains of the Katipunan, but sadly he did not get as much credit as Bonifacio did.

And there you go. You can see that there is a commemorative plaque found in his grave. However, it looks like its not maintained -- I can barely read some of the letters. And it's written in Filipino. >.< I read Filipino like a turtle walks on dry land. If I read English slowly then I read Filipino even more slowly!!!

On the way back to the car, we passed this cutie little doggie!!!! He is such an angel and I want to take him home but he keeps on hiding and running away from us. Isn't he adorable??

So, that's the first stop of our tour. We went to La Loma Cemetery after, which you can read in a different blog post once I've got over my laziness. Teehee!

Review: Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

2010-11-15T19:09:00.000+08:00

When anonymous blogger St-R-Sd writes an entry wishing that popular girl Lucy Cunningham would disappear, his/her dream came true. A few posts later, St-R-Sd blogs about the disappearance of two fellow students. Enter Madison Archer, one of Lucy's close friends who seeks to find out what had happened to the missing persons. She seeks the help of outcast Tyler, and tries to find out where her friends are before Madison eventually ends up in St-R-Sd's blog and disappears too.

Thoughts - The way the book was narrated and presented to the readers is awesome. With a mixture of blogs, comments to the blog, notes, and the narration of Madison, its certainly a new twist to me. Though the writer is male, he had presented the point of view of a female very accurately, in fact, I had to look at the back cover of the book to ensure that the author is indeed male and not a female since I throughly believed the female narration and what goes on in the mind of the girl, esp when they're attracted to someone.

The mystery component is presented with lots of red herrings. It drove me crazy that around 100 pages into the book, I snuck a peek at the last few pages of the book to see who the perpetuator was. I spoiled myself in the process and though this is not often the case, I was utterly disappointed that I did not get to figure out who the killer was by myself. Awww.. But anyway, just look at the clues presented in the book and I'm sure you'll come up with the killer too!

The characters were stereotypical to be honest - they are the rich, young kids who are living in private school and its set in a typical YA manner - a high school. It's all right though, as Tyler offered a breath of fresh air as well as Sharon and Laurie. Not many books delve in the topic of homosexuality too.

There is a second book out, called "Blood in Her Hands." Did I say this book was the first of a trilogy? If not, well, it is! As I checked out the blurb of the second book from Amazon, I think it's not related to the first book per se - ie, the characters are the same, but nevertheless, it does look interesting too! Although the series did not get as much buzz as I thought it would be, it's a nice read for Halloween as its a thriller and a whodunit type of thing!

So, on to the final summary of the review!

Published: 2009

Publisher: Egmont
Available from: Everywhere!
Read it if: you want to read a whodunit book, or want a thriller of a book that's of a young adult reading level
Book was: provided by A.S King as part of Lenore's International Book Blogging Mentoring Program
Rating: Likes [4/5]

Fallen: The Event. Lauren Kate in Manila

2010-11-12T09:31:00.002+08:00

My heart literally pounded when I saw this from National Bookstore's Facebook page:

Lauren Kate is coming to Manila! Oh.My.God. I have to get to this event!

Anyway, from snooping on the facebook site of NBS, I got information on how to secure invites for the event and have your book signed as well.

To get invites, simply buy a copy of Fallen or Torment from today until the event -- there are papers on the back of the book that would serve as your invite for the event at the Podium on November 27th, 2010, 5pm.

To get your book signed, well, its a different story -- if there are too many people that go to the event then the names would be raffled off. Lucky people who would get called would get their books signed, after all, Lauren can only sign a certain number of books.

But oh my god. I am so stooooked! I guess I'll see you at the event then?? :)

Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2010-11-09T19:07:00.001+08:00

Clary was just your ordinary girl. Until one day at a club, she sees three people kill someone and her life was turned upside down: her mother was kidnapped, she finds out she's a daughter of a Shadowhunter, and can see the Downworlders [read: vampires, werewolves, faeries and other supernatural creatures]. Can Clary and her friends save her mother from the downworlders by finding the Mortal Cup, and along the way find out more about her ties to the downworlders too?

Review: I initially got to read this book because a friend of mine bought it and asked if I could try and finish the book for her. She stopped reading at around page 100 because the story already confused her too much. My thought? Yes, at first the book is utterly confusing. I guess that Cassandra Clare's type of writing isn't for me. Although the thought of the alternate world is there, and the setting is quite unique, a part of me is screaming out that maybe the story is not well-thought of in advance. There are several loose ends here and there, and there are more than one word trying to define the downworlders. Very confusing indeed, especially if you think that they are different beings at first only to realize that they are one and the same. Another annoyance I got was the excessive use of similes!! Ugh. Annoying as hell as well!! I do get what you were saying the first time Cassandra, I don't need to read it again and again and again. Gosh. Plot is not well-thought of too. But I'll give her this because it's the first book, maybe there's more that will happen in the other books then?

What else -- characters. Can Clary be more whiny? I swear, Clary is in the running for whiniest person in the world, I guess tied with Bella from Twilight. She is one of the most annoying characters I've ever read in books as well. Think about self-centered, reckless. Ugh. Jace is okay, on the other hand. Simon is also okay, I guess. Characters have their issues, which is quite good, but I would definitely love to read about the back stories of the other characters too. Maybe in Clockworld Angel? Hmmm..

Cover - the cover is one of the most gorgeous ones I've seen out there. It has this hologram effect where it changes colour [at least in my opinion] depending on the angle that the light!

Overall, this book took me longer than expected to read and complete. Why? Because I get so annoyed at times that I just had to put down this book and read another one to get over my annoyance! Will I read the other books in the series? Maybe, if I get to borrow a copy from my friend who has the complete series. But I would definitely not be purchasing it. The money could be used to buy other better books out there.

So, on to the summary of my review.

Published: 2007

Publisher: McElderly Books/Simon & Schuster
Available from: Everywhere!
Read it if: You want something to read after Twilight.
Book was: borrowed from a friend.
Rating: So-So [2.5/5 rating!]