judge a book by its cover #3

Book's title: Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Publisher: Penguin Classic Deluxe Edition

Why I like It: Simple, I like black and white covers! Haha..But seriously, this one looks cool.. =)

Rating: 5/5

recommend me #1

Kate at The Neverending Shelf is hosting this new and fun weekly meme Recommend Me where you recommend a book, old or new, that you really enjoyed.

To play along, grab a favorite read and tell us about it. You can include your thoughts about the novel, its summary, your favorite memory related to the novel... the possibilities are limitless.

It's Saturday (It's suppose for Friday) and it's raining, and I dont know what to do. So, found out another interesting weekly meme and happy to participate. Ha!

I'm going to share one of my good read of all time. i read this a few years back when Bridget Jone's Diary hit the screen. I love the movie (and Colin Firth =p) so later checked out on this book. The book was so fun (including the sequel; Bridget Jone: The Edge of Reason). When Nely made a review on this book, it just flashed on my mind how I loved this books. It is hilarious!

The Summary (Goodread):

In the course of the year recorded in Bridget Jones's Diary, Bridget confides her hopes, her dreams, and her monstrously fluctuating poundage, not to mention her consumption of 5277 cigarettes and "Fat units 3457 (approx.) (hideous in every way)." In 365 days, she gains 74 pounds. On the other hand, she loses 72! There is also the unspoken New Year's resolution--the quest for the right man. Alas, here Bridget goes severely off course when she has an affair with her charming cad of a boss. But who would be without their e-mail flirtation focused on a short black skirt? The boss even contends that it is so short as to be nonexistent.

At the beginning of Helen Fielding's exceptionally funny second novel, the thirtyish publishing puffette is suffering from postholiday stress syndrome but determined to find Inner Peace and poise. Bridget will, for instance, "get up straight away when wake up in mornings." Now if only she can survive the party her mother has tricked her into--a suburban fest full of "Smug Marrieds" professing concern for her and her fellow "Singletons"--she'll have made a good start. As far as she's concerned, "We wouldn't rush up to them and roar, 'How's your marriage going? Still having sex?'"

This is only the first of many disgraces Bridget will suffer in her year of performance anxiety (at work and at play, though less often in bed) and living through other people's "emotional fuckwittage." Her twin-set-wearing suburban mother, for instance, suddenly becomes a chat-show hostess and unrepentant adulteress, while our heroine herself spends half the time overdosing on Chardonnay and feeling like "a tragic freak." Bridget Jones's Diary began as a column in the London Independent and struck a chord with readers of all sexes and sizes. In strokes simultaneously broad and subtle, Helen Fielding reveals the lighter side of despair, self-doubt, and obsession, and also satirizes everything from self-help books (they don't sound half as sensible to Bridget when she's sober) to feng shui, Cosmopolitan-style. She is the Nancy Mitford of the 1990s, and it's impossible not to root for her endearing heroine. On the other hand, one can only hope that Bridget will continue to screw up and tell us all about it for years and books to come. --Kerry Fried

p/s: It's just that Good!

the clayborne brides by julie garwood

Title: The Clayborne Brides
Author: Julie Garwood
Pages: 568
Rating: 3.5/5

the summary (Google books):

First introduced in Julie Garwood's magnificent New York Times bestseller For the Roses, the Clayborne brothers of Blue Belle, Montana, have been embraced by millions more through this trio of #1 bestselling novels. Now collected in one volume for the first time, these stories tell of three spirited brothers -- once a mismatched gang of street urchins -- who learn that love flourishes in the most unexpected places....

1)One Pink Rose- Headstrong Travis takes a journey that opens his eyes to the splendor of his beloved West -- and his heart to Bostonian Emily Finnegan.

2)One White Rose- Steady, quiet Douglas will do anything to protect a creature in need -- and that includes the strong-willed Isabel Grant.

3)One Red Rose- Thoughtful Adam learns a powerful secret from the irrepressible Genevieve Delacroix -- that true freedom only comes when you trust your heart.

what do i think about this?:

I never read anything by Julie Garwood, honestly. Well, the book compiled 3 mini series of Claybornes brothers, and I finished in less than a day. I like all the series in it but I couldn't say I'm enthralled with the book.but reading it was ok and enjoyable.

Each story of the Clayborne brother was really short as ever as each story comprehended in less than 300 pages (with big prints too). Characters development were vulnerable and their love chemistry/development is too quick although i know it was created as love at first sight..The storyline also was like rushing into something, the end maybe? But of course, I met my expectations when they all lead to a happy life in the end.

All in all, it was a fast read as I could finish in less than a day and I recommend it to all Historical Romance fans..It should be entertaining and breathtaking =)


p/s: I cheated on my other book that I'm suppose to read (Here on Earth). Technically, I don't mean it. I left it at my friend's house and ended up reading with her book instead. Ha!

the friday 56 #1

The Friday 56 Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Story Time With Tonya and Friends.
*Post a link along with your post back to Story Time With Tonya and Friends.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Well, i think this one is the closest my hand could get =p


Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught

Their shadow fell across Kate just as she realized how they were likely to "take care of" a large, destructive, unconscious animal that was annoying nuisance to adult hotel guests and a terrifying threat in the minds of some of their children. "What do you intend to do?" she asked stubbornly.

suzanne's diary for nicholas by james patterson

the summary (J. Patterson website):

Katie Wilkinson has found her perfect man at last. He's a writer, a house painter, an original thinker-everything she's imagined she wanted in a partner. But one day, without explanation, he disappears from her life, leaving behind only a diary for her to read.

This diary is a love letter written by a new mother named Suzanne for her baby son, Nicholas. In it she pours out her heart about how she and the boy's father met, about her hopes for marriage and family, and about the unparalleled joy that having a baby has brought into her life. As Katie reads this touching document, it becomes clear that the lover who has just left her is the husband and father in this young family. She reads on, filled with terror and hope, as she struggles to understand what has happened-and whether her new love has a prayer of surviving.

my thought on this:

He's a tear-jerker! Sorry, but I cried a lot last night after spending 4 hours reading the novel..It's totally like 'don't you aver dare to put me down, Darlyn!'. I never thought James Patterson did a love story at all! Well, I read The Lake House and Cat and Mouse a few years back. When most blogger buddies keep warning me I should have to get ready with Kleenex, I thought, is this book that heartbreaking..?'. Well, the book was exactly more than that. It's a heartwreching and heartwarming..

Once I continued reading from page 40, I just couldn't stop myself. I suppose to sleep at least at 1 am, so that at 6 am I'l be ready, off to the lab like every other day. But last night, was an exception. I think my eyes puffy caused by crying, and look also like another panda bear, for not enough sleeping.. (slept at 3.30 am).I just could't bare to stop, I want to know how it ends badly that I think sometime I just hold my breath.

I'm jealous of Suzanne and Katie to be in love deeply with Matt. He wasn't pictured or portrayed as a perfect guy. But that's made him the perfect guy. The one. He love his woman endlessly and
deeply that loosing them will break his heart, and he did. Suzanne was such a poor woman, I feel so so sorry for her. When she thought that she's lucky to have Matt and Nicholas and hopes that they will be together; like forever, it ends rapidly that she can't even finish her diary for Nicholas. Unfortunately, by the time I knew why Nicholas will never read Suzanne's diary, my eyes cannot hold the tears back anymore..I was sobbing! The whole story of Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas is a touching piece that shows people that there are a few things so important in life. Love, is one of it. Though love may break your heart by loosing someone you love most, there is no reason you give up life. It makes you appreciate what you have then, now and in future..and eventually, the second chance to hold happiness at the end.

James Patterson displays the characters' emotions excellently as he slowly reveals the events that led to the beginning of the story and, eventually, to its ending..I know he is an excellent thriller or suspense writer, but never thought he could do this as a romance writer..A few times while I was reading this, I thought as if i read a Nicholas Sparks novel. =) He moves from a mystery/ thriller writer toward more of a romantic writer in this book, and he did it in an excellent way as the writing is great and of course this is a book that you could read over and over again. I really recommend this book =p

p/s: I wonder if the movie as good as the book ;p

my rating: 4.5/5

Christina Applegate (Suzanne) and Johnathan Schaech (Matt)
in Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas movie.

on my wishlist #2

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City, which will be posted every Wednesday. It allows us to share the books we haven't bought yet but are waiting to be bought and devoured. If you are anything like me then your wishlist is getting longer by the day! If you would like to take part and have your own 'On My Wishlist' post then you can find more info here. (This post was inspired by the fab In My Mailbox by Kristi at The Story Siren).

Ok, when I think of what book I want next, I stumbled for a while. Then I feel like, there's so much I want that I couldn't state each of it in one entry. Sometime when I go to the bookstore, it seems that I want to buy everything! And there is also a moment that I plan to buy this one book, but I turn out buying another book that I don't really plan to buy. So, I think for my wish list, I want to wish only for one for a week. So, this week, I wish for;

Book title: Inkdeath (Inkheart Trilogy #3)

Author: Cornelia Funke

Format: Paperback

Genre: Fiction-YA Fantasy
Paperback: 736 pages
Summary: (Goodreads)

Ever since the extraordinary events of Inkspell, when the enchanted book Inkheart drew Meggie and her father, Mo, into its chapters, life in the Inkworld has been more tragic than magical. Dustfinger is dead, having sacrificed his life for his apprentice's, and now, under the rule of the evil Adderhead, the fairy-tale land is in bloody chaos, its characters far beyond the control of Fenoglio, their author. Facing the threat of eternal winter, Mo inks a dangerous deal with Death itself. There yet remains a faint hope of changing the cursed story—if only he can fills its pages fast enough.

Inkdeath—the captivating final tale in the Inkheart trilogy.

I know I'm so not updated person about books..Maybe everyone already read the trilogy =( Well, I've read Inkheart and Inkspell, but not Inkdeath, yet. The final installment of Inkheart seems has good reviews from a lot of readers. I myself didn't really enjoy the first trilogy, Inkheart but the second one, Inkspell is really exciting and love it a lot. I'm so eager to read the final trilogy, and of course has to wait.. *sob sob*

blog awards #3: blogger buddie

Isn't this award looks so sweet..? I like it so much and loads of thank yous goes to Melissa! This award is of course as sweet as her.. I'm so grateful and overwhelmed for this award.. I know my life is turning up and down this couple of weeks which sometime really depressing. But of course, everyday when I read other fellow bloggers and know something new, new books and participating in some weekly events, they really give me some ease antidotes so that I can calm myself and forget what was the past..and keep surfing, killing some time when suddenly i realize, i feel better then.. =)

Wow, now you know that how important and useful this blogging thing can be..No need psychiatrist or psychologist to do the work =) and of course, there are buddies who being so sweet, nice and always leave comments at my post, and really supportive that i would like to pass on this award to everyone who follows my blog and who always give that sweet comments..I can't think of a few buddies to give this award because everyone seems to be so sweet to me. You all are good buddies to me and mean a lot when I can turn myself away from reality..All of you deserve this award..Thank you.. =)

the eleventh commandment by jeffrey archer

Title: The Eleventh Commandment
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Pages: 384
Rating: 3.5/5


Summary (from J. Archer website):

Connor Fitzgerald is the professional's professional. Holder of the Medal of Honor. Devoted family man. Servant of his country. The CIA's most deadly weapon. But for the past 28 years, Fitzgerald has been leading a double life. And only days from his retirement from the Agency, he comes across an enemy even he cannot handle. The enemy is his own boss, Helen Dexter, the Director of the CIA. And she has only one purpose: to destroy him.

My thought on this:

What can I say more about Jeffrey Archer when you like him so much..? The Eleventh Commandment is overall not too bad. Very entertaining to crack my head with all the suspense, very thrilling as the plot had enough twist and turns to make me want to read to get to the end. I enjoyed when Connor Fitzgerald as he tried to escape and save his life from all the evil circumstances that keep tailing him. What I love most is that the bad person here is a woman! I kind of like that. Most of books I’ve read always created guys as the evil mastermind behind the entire story instead a woman or rather a woman as a mistress of the bad guy. This is unexpected, really.

It is of course as i said, complete with suspense, some betrayal and unexpected twist, with strong personality of characters. Sometime I find Connor as too perfect but I like it that way anyway. This was absolutely a fun read, equivalent of an action blockbuster movie with Bruce Wilis/ Nicholas Cage as Connor Fitzgerald. Ha! I like to do that; imagining some actors as the hero, double the fun of my reading imagination =p

I have my expectations when I plan to read this book because I know that I can never be disappointed with the outcome of the reading. I met my expectations and really entertained. I don’t know if there’s any flaw that I missed in the story because I really can’t find one. This is worth read if you like a thriller or suspense read. I enjoyed so much with the book and I think that if I’m not having so much of work, I can finish reading the book in a day like when I’ve read his other books, rather than take a week..and yes I know, it's better to have something to read than nothing at all.

teaser tuesdays: the eleventh commandment

Teaser Tuesdays practically a weekly event books meme hosted by MzB. Anyone can play along! Honestly, I just love this meme =)

I'm giving a teaser from my current read titled The Eleventh Commandment by Jeffrey Archer, page 167;

'Let me leave you good citizens in no doubt that if I were to be elected President, you can be sure of one thing...'

'You're under arrest,' said a third man whom Connor couldn't see because his nose was being pressed firmly against the ground.

hope everyone will have great Tuesday this week..and I really hope I can finish this one very soon.. =)

Adios!

it's monday! what are you reading? #2

It's Monday, What are you Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog to discuss what we are reading this week, as well as books completed the previous week.

I've had a very messy and hectic life for last week. But I'm still alive now, considering I managed to finish all the task/works given by my supervisor. Of course, I didn't accomplish my goal to finish all the books I'd plan to read..A bit frustrating, really..It's like showing my inability to follow the schedule I already fix..Plus, I woke up a bit late today (even last night I was so happy about receiving my very 1st blog award)..Somehow, however, I just got a call from my Mom (really happy and I miss her a lot!), and for once,again, I'm all better, I'm revived from all the slow start for my Monday..Makes my day brighter ;p

So, the only book I managed to finish last week was;
1) A Painted House by John Grisham..

I love the book and hope you'll love the review on that one..I 'll be reading another two books (I plan to read as much as I can like 2/3 books a week) This week I'm planning to read (and finish);

1) The Eleventh Commandment by Jeffrey Archer (currently I'm reading)

2) Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson (to be read) - I really plan to read this. The Royal Review blog pointed out this book yesterday and really made me eager to read this =p

I read only a book last week.Really frustrating. I thought at least I can read and finish 2 books. So that is why I told you that I am a slow reader, compared to others who reads more ={

Next time, really, after I graduated, I really gonna read more!*wink2*

So, what are you reading this week?

blog awards #2: over the top!

WOW! I'm blessed! =p Another award, the Over the Top Award comes from Shy at The Bibliophile's Journal.. Thanks you so much Shy, and we befriended ever since my early days of blogging.. =)

The rules are pretty simple. Answer the following questions with Single Word answers then pass this along to 5 other bloggers. Make sure you let them know about it though.. This should be fun!

Your Cell Phone? Outdated

Your Hair? Black

Your Mother? Lovable

Your Father? Ok

Your Favorite Food? Pasta

Your Dream Last Night? None

Your Favorite Drink? Hot

Your Dream/Goal? Success

What Room Are You In? Bedroom

Your Hobby? Reading

Your Fear? Strawberry

Where Do You Want To Be In Six Years? UK

Where Were You Last Night? Lab

Something That You Aren't? Beautiful

Muffins? Ok

Wish List Item? Books

Where Did You Grow Up? Malaysia

Last Thing You Did? Reading

What Are You Wearing? Pajama

Your TV? None

Your Pets? None

Friends? Cool

Your Life? Mess

Your Mood? Blurred

Missing Someone? Family

Vehicle? Scooter

Something You Aren't Wearing? Heels

Your Favorite Store? Bookstore

Your Favorite Color? Pink

When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Now

Last Time You Cried? Ehm...

Your Best Friend? 5

One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Blogs

Facebook? Disturbing

Favorite Place To Eat? Mamak

I also would love to pass this beautiful award to other fellow bloggers.. I just love their blogs so much.. =)

1) Alaine - Queen of Happy Endings

2) Alice - Hello, My Name is Alice

3) Ashley - Bellas Novella

4) Jennifer - Rundpinne

5) Miss Cindy - Simple Life and Reading

blog awards #1: dragon's loyalty award

I never thought that I received a good award here.Just now I'm doing my usual stuff, browsing other bookish bloggers and suddenly I'm a bit shocked to see my name appeared on Teddyree blog..I'm honored, I'm flattered, and thank you so much to The Eclectic Reader by Teddyree..I'm passing also this one to the top commenters on my blog at the time of this post and also pass this back to Teddyree.. =)

Thanks so much for all of your comments and it really mean a lot to me and please keep coming and i love to do so as well to your blogs! Please don't feel obliged to pass these on if you've already received them or have adopted an award free blog policy! They are;

Shy at The Bibliophile's Journal

cj'alhafiz at Coffee n Crackers

Alice at Hello, My Name is Alice

Steph at Steph The Bookworm

Juju at Tales of Whimsy..

J.Kaye at J.Kaye's Book Blog

Jake Kirk at Teens Read and Write

Alaine at Queen of Happy Ending

p/s: I love when other fellow bookish bloggers keep commenting on my blog..It makes me feel cherished and motivated all the time..and makes me wants to do better for my blog, thank you.. =)

judge a book by its cover #2

Book's Title: 1)Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monster/ 2)Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Author: 1)Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters/ 2)Jane Austen and Seth Graham Smith

Publisher: Quirk Classics

Describe in less than 5 words: Monstrous =p

My Judgment: Looking at both of the covers, I think they are going to be a disastrous to Jane Austen's works..I don't loath the cover but i found it funny in a way, but really creeps me..Makes me wonder though what kind of stories behind the title..Curious..

Rating: But i think I give both 5/5 ;p

p/s: i know that this post is suppose to give only one book. but i want to show both anyway =p

a painted house by john grisham

the summary (Goodreads):

Until that September of 1952, Luke Chandler had never kept a secret or told a single lie. But in the long, hot summer of his seventh year, two groups of migrant workers — and two very dangerous men — came through the Arkansas Delta to work the Chandler cotton farm. And suddenly mysteries are flooding Luke’s world.

A brutal murder leaves the town seething in gossip and suspicion. A beautiful young woman ignites forbidden passions. A fatherless baby is born ... and someone has begun furtively painting the bare clapboards of the Chandler farmhouse, slowly, painstakingly, bathing the run-down structure in gleaming white. And as young Luke watches the world around him, he unravels secrets that could shatter lives — and change his family and his town forever....

my thought on this:

This is totally unlike other stories by Grisham..I knew it will be different as i bought this book in a car boot sale a few months ago and i wasn't surprise.I love his books, you name it, the pelican Brief, the client, the Partner, a time to kill and etc.they were awesome, but this book is just another different perspective of Grisham. I read a a lot of reviews or comments from a lot of people about this book, some like it, and some don't..Our expectations on books might differs form each other right?

But as for myself, I absolutely like it..the storyline, I have to admit that it was very simple, as it was told by a seven years old boy from his mind..This book had a lazy start, but it picked up pretty quickly. It isn't a legal thriller like most Grisham books, but instead a story of a cotton-farming family in 1950's Arkansas. The characters and story were well developed, and the ending left me wanting to read more books about this family..

I especially loved the main character..Luke Chandler is a precocious, wholly lovable young narrator whose voice rings authentic and true..it doesn't have the characters were more real and really engaging to me..for the first time, i really appreciate his easy-to-read, well-paced, w/o getting mixed up by side issues and details along the way..and also, I have never read a book where the author is able to capture how a child mind works better than this book..

You probably will think it's a little weird/boring/whatever you might feel at first but when you finish it you will find out that it is actually a good read with a suprising twist towards the end of the book.. =)

p/s: I know there was a movie based on this book, but never have the opportunity to wacth it =(

my rating: 4/5

on my wishlist #1

I'm joining another meme again.. *wink2* But i think this is fun! Right at this moment, my reading on the current read is a bit slow. And I don't know when I'm going to finish reading and start on the next one.

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City, which will be posted every Wednesday. It allows us to share the books we haven't bought yet but are waiting to be bought and devoured. If you are anything like me then your wishlist is getting longer by the day! If you would like to take part and have your own 'On My Wishlist' post then you can find more info here. (This post was inspired by the fab In My Mailbox by Kristi at The Story Siren). I'm a first timer on this and it excites me =p

Book title: Can't Take My Eyes of You

Author: Judith McNaught

Format: Paperback

Genre: Fiction-Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 352 pages
Summary/Description: (I copied this from the back of Every Breath You Take *LOL*)

Maid of honor at her sister's wedding, Chicago veterinarian Holly Braxton must face best man Clay Westmoreland, NFL star quarterback, ten years after the disastrous, youthful encounter with him that forever changed Holly's life.

"A brilliantly written, triumphant tale of love lost and regained- with appearences by popular characters from her previous books- Can't Take My Eyes off You reminds us why 'Judith McNaught is in class by herself'" (USA Today).

I know that most of books I owned are not really dominated by the Contemporary Romance/Historical Romance. The only novels collection on that particular genre I have are books from Judith McNaught and Danielle Steele. I've been waiting for the book release since last 2008..I've heard that the release was several times being delayed regarding to the author's family member (I think her mom) is not being well for the time being. I love most of her other books and I think it could be worth while waiting since there's so many other cool books to read. But I will definitely get this book once it's being released (or should I say once it's being released in Malaysia..?)

teaser tuesdays: a painted house

Teaser Tuesdays practically a weekly event books meme hosted by MzB. Anyone can play along!

Currently I'm reading A Painted House by John Grisham, then i guess i'll share 2 teaser sentences from page 141;

" My humiliation, already enormous, grew even greater, Trot on first, Tally on third, only one out.

Bo was next, and because he was large teenager with no visible handicaps, Cowboy stepped and threw from a full windup."

p/s: i like the story so far by the way.. =p

it's monday! what are you reading? #1

It's Monday, What are you Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog to discuss what we are reading this week, as well as books completed the previous week.

Books I Completed Last Week:

1) Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
2) Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
3) Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught

Books I'm Reading This Week:

1) A Painted House by John Grisham (currently reading)
2) The Eleventh Commandments by Jeffrey Archer (to be read)

I'm just a very slow reader..Really need to keep up with others..So, what are you reading this week?

judge a book by its cover #1

Book's title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone

Publisher: Penguin (if they were the publisher)

Rating: 2.5/5

Describe in less 5 words : Absolutely "Penguin" style

tender triumph by judith mcnaught

The Summary (from the book):

On Friday, a sensuous stranger entered Katie's life. By Sunday, her world would never be the same..Stunning Katie Connelly submerged her painful past in a promising career, an elegant apartment, and men she could keep at a distance. Yet something vital was missing from her life -- until she met proud, rugged Ramon Galverra. With his urbane charm and his passionate nature, he gave her a love she had never known. In his arms, she came fully alive to his every touch. Still she was afraid to surrender her heart to this strong, willful, secretive man -- a man from a different world, a man with a bold, uncertain future...

My Thought on this book:

Actually, I don’t remember how many times I’ve already read the book (or most of her books).. I love Judith McNaught books since I was in high school..there was time when I feel so moody or in unbalance emotional state, I will read her books (I found that romance book is kind of my soothing stimulus..ha!).. Tender Triumph could be a particularly a short love story about love at first sight/love fling..(I think most of her books are obviously formed/deliberated on that particular subject—it’s romance anyway)..well, on the other hand, this love at first sight story happened to be started and ended in just 3 weeks..today they met each other, the second day they started dating and in less than a week, Ramon proposed for Katie’s hand in marriage..well, in real life, I don’t think this is going to happen just to anyone.. kind of unrealistic but it was truly an enjoyable read..since I've read several Judith McNaught novels in the past, and while this was good and also kind of delightful, it was definitely not her best novel..it passed the time, but was somewhat predictable, and i didn't fall in love with the characters as much as her other novels..or maybe it was just my unsatisfactory on the ending of this book..it ended with happy ending though, only i hoped for more than just a statement..*sigh*

My rating: 3/5

practical magic by alice hoffman

The Summary (copied from alice hoffman site):

For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that went wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally endured that fate: As children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their darkened house and their love concoctions and their crowd of black cats. All Gillian and Sally wanted to do was escape. One would do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they shared brought them back to each other, and to the magic they couldn’t escape. A delicious novel about witches and real love, family life and everyday spells. A literary incantation.

What i think about the book:

ehmmm..(clear my throat..), i think the book is a good..but i dont really expect much as i read quarter of it..because right ahead, i know the movie is a lot better than the book..maybe because i already watched the movie, then i'll sum up with this kind of confessions on the book.. naturally, the book is readable and i like how the story goes..simple, but also a bit captivate..i love fantasy plus a little romance in it..magic is sometime cool, but will cost you a lot if you don't aware of it's danger..sally and gillian knew that their life will never escape from the witchery lineage that they have since 200 years ago from maria owens, but they also longed for a normal life like others in non-magic way which people will accept you as who you are..sally is kind of timid, and gillian is very messed up, pretty but really messed up..like all problems revolved around her..and sally is like her life saver..

hoffman thought of some cool love and magic conflict here..she made the love as the trigger of the owens's curse (one who marries owens will die when the time comes--this is very tragic idea), however, love also the obvious thing that conquers all in the end and in fact, break the curse..the only flaw i can find in this book is that, there were so much information/description's overlapping..the redundant of info's made me sometime confused, e.g; hoffman was telling what sally was thinking about gillian's problems and at the same time hoffman also described whatever gillian was thinking of jimmy angelov in sally's thinking.. and there's so much parts like that..

my thought on practical magic movie:

practical magic is kind of my favourite movie..i can watch it all over without bored..sally (sandra bullock) and gillian (nicole kidman) were awesome..later, after i knew that the movie was based on alice hoffman bestseller book, i hoped/wished that someday i can read the book..now i already read the book, my curiosity of how the book might be is answered..it's only that, what they showed in the movie was only half of the book, and another half was made up..but whenever i watch it, i think it just goes with the flow and sometimes, made it even better than the book..like everything was made sense..and now i think both of the movie and the book are just that good.. =p

My Rating: 4.5/5

teaser teusdays: practical magic

this is my first time to participate in something like a weekly events.it's hosted by MzB..but since it's fun and i could share something, plus to fill in my tuesday post entry..so every teusday, i'l try to look out for a book i have and share the teaser for this events..should be easy and great!

The rules:

1. Grab your current read.
2. Let the book fall open to a random page.
3. Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
4. Share the title&author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like the teasers.
   
5. Avoid spoilers!

since right now i'm reading Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, so i think i should write a teaser from the book..here's the teaser from page 19;

"It's simple," Sally told her, "We need to prove that the aunts have no power whatsoever."

"If the aunts are full of baloney"-Gillian grinned-"then we'll be just like everyone else."

handle with care by jodi picoult

The Summary: (the synopsis totally from picoult's blog)

When Charlotte and Sean O’Keefe’s daughter, Willow, is born with severe osteogenesis imperfecta, they are devastated – she will suffer hundreds of broken bones as she grows, a lifetime of pain. As the family struggles to make ends meet to cover Willow’s medical expenses, Charlotte thinks she has found an answer. If she files a wrongful birth lawsuit against her ob/gyn for not telling her in advance that her child would be born severely disabled, the monetary payouts might ensure a lifetime of care for Willow. But it means that Charlotte has to get up in a court of law and say in public that she would have terminated the pregnancy if she’d known about the disability in advance – words that her husband can’t abide, that Willow will hear, and that Charlotte cannot reconcile. And the ob/gyn she’s suing isn’t just her physician – it’s her best friend.

My thoughts on this:

well, i don't how to put it in words, totally..once, before i start to read this, i asked shy what's her opinions on picoult's work( i never read any of hers by the way)..and she warned me to be ready as i will be totally absorbed by the book..that can be possible i guessed because it always turn out that way many times..and i end up believing that she's right..

handle with care is well written, it’s conscientiously researched, exciting lawsuit to pull you along and so much information regarding to medical procedures, terms and sometime i googled it to find what does it means..i have to agree that this story really succeed to make me pull myself together and read it till the end..but there was time when i was reading, i had to stop because i couldn't continue to read the next line..and it took me a day to carry on the reading..her story is not boring, it is just that, it's heavy..too emotional..picoult has her own style to to elaborate, make us believe what she's telling and twist everything around and make me don't understand at all..the story was full of complication and emotions mixture between the disabled child, the wife, the husband, the other child, the best friend, and everyone around them..

it made me stress to read her story, really..it's not like other books that i've read..when i read novels, i really hope at least there is a happy ending..even it is a thriller, crime, world saving, or anything close to that kind, but in hers, i can't find any..after so much obstacles they had to face, end up like they actually gain for nothing?is this for real? i have to ask myself over and over again..

i love the book..i love the way it was written, and have to admit, there are so much in there that i love..it is a good read after all, (only i think that it is not a light read..it is way too heavy less then reading stephen king..) the only flaw i can find is me, that i hate the ending..i hate to figure out that there is actually not a slightest happy ending in this book.. and i hate when it comes to that dead end..it just like, what?is this the end?are you joking me?

this is what i sincerely think about the book..picoult may be a great author, she has great story to tell, only that (for this book) i hate the fact that the story absolutely made me disappointed because it has no happy ending like i hope for..and that is why people think she's a remarkable author indeed..succeed to make a person like me to hate the book, but cannot resist or stop me to read her other books after all.. =p

My rating: 4/5

the lion, the witch and the wardrobe by c.s. lewis

The summary:

Four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, are sent into the country to live with Professor Kirke (Diggory from the magician's nephew) because of the air-raids on wartime London. On their first morning, it pours with rain and they play hide-and-seek indoors. Lucy scrambles inside an old wardrobe full of coat. Narnia is in the grip of the White Witch's spells and it is always winter.It has been foretold that her reign will end when two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve sit on the four thrones at the castle of Cair Paravel. So the Witch has made sure that anyone who sees a human in Narnia will tell her straight away - or be turned into stone. Lucy is the first person to find Narnia, bewildered and excited, she told her brothers and sister, and not surprisingly, they don't believe her story, especially as the wardrobe remains obstinately a wardrobe. However, the children do go back into Narnia when they least expect it and find everything just as Lucy described—only perhaps more real and more frightening. The kindly Mr. and Mrs. Beaver keep them safe from the White Witch's secret police—but there is a traitor in their midst and the four children soon discover that only Aslan can protect them from the terrifying danger that threatens to destroy them all..

My thought on book the and the movie:

i love both of the book and the movie..actually, i watched the movie first then i read the book..The movie was very entertaining and i kind of got my mood to read the book afterward..I like the Narnia Chronicles very very much.. in fact, i made a lot of searches to buy the books back then.. well, you know, it's way too difficult when you are in a country side and take a few hours to go to the city just to find books..only that two years back, i knew how to buy books from online..ha! kind of funny really..reading the second book of the chronicles, i also has the same feeling like the 1st one..since i like fantasy read, it's easier to imagine or fantasizing their adventurous journey to safe Narnia..what i like most of all is of course Mr. Tumnus the faun (he's so cute..) and Aslan the Lion (i like Liam Neeson voice cast for him by the way =p)..wait, i think i love all the talking animals, and the children except the White Witch (i like the costumes though..)

what can i say more when the book and the movie are really fascinating..?

My rating: 4.5/5

the guardian by nicholas sparks

The summary:

Julie Barenson is just like any other ordinary girl. Except, he lost her husband when she was still young at age of 25 years old. Fortunately, her husband left her with two unexpected gifts; a Great Dane dog (Singer) and a promise that he will always be watching her. It took her some time to recover from her husband death but having Singer around really help her to be herself once again. And also ready to accept someone new in her life, again. There are two guys that really take her attention, after a few are just wasting her time. It’s either Richard Franklin, a handsome engineer who really treats her like more than a woman or Michael Harris who is her husband's best friend. The choosing thing supposes to lead her to happiness that she long awaited. It is normal when you get to choose but it’s way not normal if the one of you has to choose is a psychopath..

My review:

It took me quite some time before I wanted to read his book. This is my first time to read Nicholas Sparks novel. And to tell the truth I’m a bit picky when it comes to read other new authors works. However, the guardian really takes my heart away.. i like how the story was established. Sparks really know how to attach readers to read the books till the end without a minor flaw..the first half of the book tells you the development of julie and richard, as well as julie and mike's relationships..i thought it just like another mills and boons story instead you are not going to believe what will happen next, after julie turned richard down..it really scared me to death imagining richard (the psychopath) hunting and tracking her down to make her his..i'm really angry with richard all the time, whenever i read his doings to hurt people, unimaginable..it catches my nerves when it is the richard part..moreover the way he tried to kill singer, the clever dog! apart from that, the romance creation between julie and mike were really sweet, how they joked and teased each other...i found the story is really excellent..a combination of romance and suspense, and a worth reading =p

My rating: 4.5/5