There might be SPOILERS ahead.
Can anyone please explain to me what just happened?
It has been a long time since I've read a book from the Kinsey Millhone Alphabet series. It felt so much like meeting with an old friend. I will forever adore Kinsey Millhone for she is an epitome of the woman I'd always wanted to be. She is independent, doesn't really care that much about vanity, loves Big Macs and Peanut butter and pickles, perfectly fine in living alone though get lonely sometimes (Hello? Being alone isn't exactly the best way to spend living in this maddening world). And though I don't really think I'd fall for a guy enough to be my Dad, I understand her "teen-crush-slash-puppy-love" for her landlord Henry. Heck, I even like her freakin' apartment.But the thing that I envy most about her is her smart-ass-ness, and of course she has a freakin' gun.
Technically, this is the first from the Kinsey Millhone series where Grafton used another point of view aside from Kinsey's own. In a way, it was a good thing since we are provided an insight on the other character's personalities. It also tells us stories which are unknown to even Kinsey. But unlike her other books, I noticed that this book has a lot of loopholes. There are a lot of things which needed an explanation but weren't provided by the author in the end.
I am used to Kinsey explaining what exactly happened with the case (usually in the last chapters or the epilogue), but this one provided more questions than answers. I think I get the motive of the killer, but I honestly can't figure out the connection on why that person was the killer just because he bought that dog. Why, Kinsey, why? Was it stated and I just missed it? Or was it really not explained?
Anyways, I'm a sucker for crime novels. Being a crime novel and providing me something that would exercise my brain cells will always deserve at least a 3 for me. Yeah, yeah, it's kinda unfair for other books in other genre, but I genuinely enjoy a good crime novel whether it was cleared up neat and tidy on the end or has left loop holes and loose strings for me to fill in, tie, or cut.
Adorkable
Definitely Adorable!
Sweet. Sassy. Quirky. Funny. Crazy.
I'm half-crazy and I love crazy things and this book definitely screams CRAZY (not in a bad way). Very, very refreshing.
Jeane Smith, I love her for embracing herself. She is that someone whom I'll always want to be, and will always be afraid to be. People are usually scared to express themselves due to the reaction of the other people surrounding them, and sometimes, this causes us to hide some parts of our selves which we think wouldn't be acceptable to the environment and society that we are in. I like her because she's not afraid to be different, even though I must admit that I was kinda annoyed with her I'm-better-than-most-people-because-I'm-cool-and-you're-not attitude. In a way, it may be true, but she doesn't need to rub it in my face. You know, that I'm part of the general crowd. Aside from that, I enjoyed reading her dorkiness, she made me want to unleash the inner dork in me.
Michael Lee, Oh Michael Lee. I'm at a loss for words. I had a hard time figuring you out. Maybe because you have that Y chromosome. Boys are hard to understand as well, not just us. He's sweet, and then he suddenly turns into a jerk, and then he totally does something that would make my heart melt.
There is really something about a book that takes the "he says, she says" tone. Gives you the feelings and perspective of both the characters involved, allowing you to understand further their relationship. Besides, with characters as interesting as Jeane and Michael, having a peek on their perspective gives me the enjoyment I crave.
Their love story is as crazy as their personalities. From total indifference, to mutual physical/sexual attraction, to sweet gooey filled feelings for each other. Add in their crazy family and friends and you have a keeper. Maybe because I had read some part of it on Valentines Day, (and you don't know how important a book is on V-day to someone who spends it with her pillow) but I absolutely fell in love with it. Dang! This is my first Sarra Manning and I am looking forward to reading some of her books.
Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin
Nakakatawa pa rin ba?
Kung ikukumpara sa mga naunang libro ni Bob, hindi nga gaanong nakakatawa itong "Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin", pero nandoon pa din yung pinakapaborito kong elemento. Yung mga eksenang talagang mapapasabi ka ng "OO nga". Yung mga eksenang nagpapamukha sayo ng mga katotohanang matagal mo ng alam pero di mo lang narerealize, o talagang in-denial ka lang.
Base sa pagkakaintindi ko, ang librong ito ay tungkol sa kalagayan ng "movie industry" at marahil maging ang mga "TV and drama series" dito sa Pilipinas. May punto naman talaga si Ginoong Bob Ong. Lalo na yung patungkol sa mga dekalidad na Pelikulang Pilipino na ipinapalabas tuwing MMFF na walang nanonood. At yung mga pelikulang medjo di naman talaga pang MMFF ang kalidad pero dinadagsa ng mga tao dahil lamang sa aesthetic value nito. Kunsabagay, kaya naman tayo nanonood ng pelikula ay para aliwin ang sarili natin at panandaliang makalimot. Subalit, hindi ba mas maganda kung habang nanonood tayo ng pelikula ay may nakukuha tayong aral, at hindi lamang basta ang kabutihan ay laging nananalo laban sa kasamaan, o mali ang mangabit sa asawa ng me asawa?
Hindi ba magandang may makabuluhan tayong natututunan?
Naaliw din ako dun sa parte kung saan parang ini-isa-isa ng librong ito ang mga elemento ng karaniwang Pinoy Action Movie. Bentang-benta sa'kin yun. Lumaki kasi ako sa henerasyon kung saan uso yung betamax, at madalas, kung betamax lalo na pag nasa probinsya at maraming manonood o parokyano, eh action movie ang ipinapalabas. Kaya nga nung nabasa ko yung unang kuwento, sobrang relate na relate na ako. Para nga namang may formula.
Siguro nga sobrang hibang na hibang ako sa mga pelikula at teleserye dahil karamihan sa mga pasimpleng references at patama ni Bob ay nakakarelate ako. Nakakaaliw. Nakakabaliw. Ganun din yung pakiramdam ko sa librong ito. Gusto ko, OO. Pero parang may kulang pa. Nakakaaliw nga, nakakabaliw din. .
Prom and Prejudice
There MIGHT be spoilers ahead.For the love of Austen.
A conversation between me (Haf) and my alter ego (Twinkle)
Similarities with P&P:
The names.
The names.
The names.
It's like P&P, only modernized.
But hey Haf, what do you expect? This is a spin off. Like duh?! Don't stretch out the similarities because you will (obviously) find TONS. -Twinkle.
Differences with P&P:
Lizzie Bennet is a great PIANO player here.
We've met Mrs. Darcy a.k.a. Claudia Reynolds.
It is the women who are in dire need of a PROM DATE.
Where the hell is Lady de Brough. You know, Mr. Darcy's aunt who played a major role in reuniting the couple?
Actually, there's a lot more difference than the original Jane Austen book. I guess in a way that's good, but I kinda liked the confrontation between Lizzy and Lady Catherine on the original story. So sad it wasn't here.
What else there is to say?
You can say how much you dislike Lizzie Bennet here because she's putting up with all those bullying, although come to think of it, the only time she's been bullied was when it was convenient...i.e., the coat thing. I am not including those incidents that she TOLD us, because we weren't there when it happened. Anyways, if it was the original Lizzie Bennet, I don't think she would tolerate that kind of attitude from anyone.
Seriously Haf, you only notice the "sweet, gooey-filled" scenes. Let me gag first. - Twinkle
Ok Twinks, you've made your point. Let's proceed to Will Darcy. Please?
Aryt! I like Darcy here. So much. Though he isn't as pompous as what Lizzie Bennet wants us to believe. I mean, duh, even a stupid fool as I am immediately recognized that Darcy here is a good person. So, it's either Lizzie Bennet here is sort of blind...or there is bit of lack on the writer's part
Hey T, could you please stop comparing this with Jane Austen's work. That was Jane Austen, for goodness' sake. And come on...it's NOT AS IF you haven't enjoyed reading it because YOU did! Hah! - H
Aye, it was good though. In general, it was a fun read. Actually, any Jane Austen retelling is a fun read for me. I just love that author so much. One thing we have in common is our love for Jane Austen and the classics
There you have it. Too much rambling, but I hope we made our point. :)
Shallow (Going Under, #2)
Cute. ^.^
Since I found Gone With The Wind a little bit dragging and very very long, I've decided to read another book along with it. A book with a lighter, uhm, atmosphere.
Shallow isn't the type of book which can change your life. It's something that you pick up when you want to be entertained. It's like watching your favorite soap opera. You always know what the next scene would be yet you still end up watching and enjoying it.
After reading the first book (Going Under) which was a disappointment, I kinda hoped that this one would be better because I honestly liked Payton more than Claire. But I can't say the same for Nick. I get it. He's hot. But Nick and Jessie have a lot of things in common...and one of it is NOT TRYING ENOUGH TO DO THE RIGHT THING. With Jessie, it was NOT finding ways to leave her grandmother. With Nick, it was NOT trying HARD to explain things with Payton. Had Nick persisted, weeks of heartaches and heartbreaks could have been avoided. I think Payton was a smart woman, and if she really loved Nick then I'm sure she would see his sincerity and realize that Nick was telling the truth.
It was instalove for the two of them, but I guess I enjoy reading this type of stories too much I don't care if it isn't something I'd consider happening in real life. Attraction at first sight, yes. Love at first sight, definitely no. Another thing I noticed was that IT WAS TOO CLICHED. Even some of the lines came from popular song lyrics. Which sounded funny to me.
Oh. Anyways, I enjoyed this one more than the first book. Thank god for Payton's smart ass mouth. It was entertaining. I just wish there would be a follow up story for Dane and Dallas. I really liked Dane even from the first book.
Beautiful.
It's weird describing a sci-fi book using that word, but I can't come up with anything that sounds "futuristic" that could perfectly describe it for me. That, or my vocabulary is lacking.
I had a quite high expectation for this book due to my Goodreads timeline. Good thing the book didn't fell short.
Alison is fascinating, extraordinary, amazing, and a teenager. Yes. She may be unique and very very different (in a good way) but she also acts (and thinks) very much like your ordinary teenager. She has flaws, she has doubts about her self, she misjudges other people, she's not sure about a lot of things, she's afraid, she got hurt, she wounded other people, but more importantly she realized what are the negative things about her, accepted it, and tried to learn from it.
Even the way she fell for Sebastian was something most of us could relate too. Though at first I was kinda uncomfortable with the growing attraction between the two of them, my feelings grew warm when the whole truth was revealed.
The book and the whole story was very captivating. It seemed like living in a dream that felt too real. The whole thing wasn't really hard to swallow and it was actually convincing. Even the phenomenons stated in this book sounded very realistic, I am starting to question if such occurrence really happens and that we simply don't know about it.
I'm looking forward to the next book, the story piqued my curiosity. And I'm kinda hoping that Tori would still have even just a little participation on it coz I really liked her personality. Of course, I also hope to see more of Ali and her unique and cool abilities.
P.S.
Three more things I love about this book:
B is female, and extroverted.
Five is GREEN.
Eleven is INTIMATE.
that was GREAT!
Well, where do I start?
The prologue? Very very intriguing.
I just love books that knows how to tease, and can deliver to your expectations.
What do I think about the characters?
Hmmm * taps chin with index finger*
The Raven Boys. Intriguing. This is the time when I like boys/guys (?) shrouded in mystery. Gansey, Adam, Noah, and Ronan makes up a really weird clique (i don't mean weird in a bad way). They are so different from each other I always wonder how Gansey managed to keep them from killing each other. Surprisingly, they are at peace with each other and there is, in fact, genuine affection.
Blue, I thought was cool. A "battery" living with her "psychic" family? You can't get any cooler than that. And boy, I love her sensibility. I like a girl who knows how to use her brain.
The "love angle"?
Ok, we got ourselves a love triangle here. I think I would prefer Adam and Blue to be "just friends". The moment Blue saw Gansey's spirit in that ruined/old church, I jumped into their ship. Even though in this book, there is more Adam-Blue "cute" moments, I find the Gansey-Blue interactions more "intense". I can see sparks flying.
Any thoughts about the plot?
I am clueless about the ley line so I had a hard time grasping the whole story. But I'm learning. I guess I have to read more about it. Research Haf.
Would I still read the next book?
Absolutely!
Actual rating: 2.5 (I'm generous today)
I'm not happy about it, ok?
Just wanna make things clear.
That GIF is actually my reaction when I'm reading the earlier parts of the book.
Was it supposed to be funny? (the chase between Patch and Nora), cause I was laughing the whole time I was reading it.
The verdict? Oh, this book is more of a 2 than a 3, but because I wasn't exactly disappointed with it, I will be generous. At least it has an actual plot, and the characters weren't stupid enough to annoy me, except Vee (I swear, I could have killed her).
It wasn't that bad, despite all the negative reviews I've read, but I don't think I'd still bother with the next book. The first book really took me a long time to finish, I don't think I'm up to something like that again.
P.S. Patch calling Nora "Angel" annoyed me.
At first I was like....
then, afterwards...
I missed reading from this genre.
I absolutely loved it.
Thrilling.
Hahay. Excuse me while I...
What a page turner!
I really wanted to finish this one as soon as possible.
I was so tempted to read the ending first before continuing with the whole book (spoiler).
Jason Bourne?
Or should I call him... David Webb?!
Honestly, I have this secret dream to be an assassin.
I just thought it was cool.
So I kinda admired Bourne (I'd call him that) for his skills. I want skills like that.
I must admit though that I have not understood the whole premise of the book. It may be that I don't have any idea about the war in Vietnam. Or how things work in the military, but I guess I picked up enough along the way to understand the important stuffs.
And Oh boy, I would gladly read the next book. I. SIMPLY. MUST.
Surprise! Surprise!
I LIKED IT!
Yeap ladies and gentlemen, I actually liked a book written in the heroine's point of view.
Well, it helped that Dawn is likable enough. She's not entirely stupid nor helpless. In fact, she is reasonable and tough. I know she's a teenager and an orphan so I would give some allowance for her if she kept some angst or whatever, which it turned out to be minimal. Of course she's in pain, but at least she doesn't go on sulking about it the whole time.
The plot was good, interesting enough, but I guess things happened too fast. I think that some weight should be put on some scenes by adding more detailed descriptions of what is really happening instead of some condensed version. I think that in a way, it lessens the importance of the scenes even if it is in fact crucial in the story.
Oh, and by the way. I would've preferred if the romance angle was toned down. A little bit of romance is good but too much cheesy part makes me want to gag.
All in all, I liked the book. I had fun reading it and I would still pick up and read the next book.
P.S. My favorite part?
"Are our uncles settled?"
Richard leans against one of the bed posts. "Coffins nailed shut."
"He's trying to be witty," Faith explains, rolling her eyes.
"You like my wit," Richard says.
"Not really." She spins on her heel and heads for the door.
See? I just love Faith and Richard. Cute couple. *eyebrows wiggle*
This book (or maybe the whole series) isn't for me.
Deep breath. As much as I want to rant, I wouldn't...Uhm, or maybe I would.
The line in the description that says this book tells us "the ultimate love story" is a sham. That statement is an insult to Shakespeare, Austen, Bronte and all those other authors who have written some of the best love stories.
I must admit, the plot was intriguing and very promising. However, the characters brought this book down.
Luce Price is just so damn annoying and even Daniel Grigori.
Luce was supposed to be very SMART and KIND, but I've never found any sign of her being SMART...or of her being kind. Ah, of course, with Penn? That wasn't KINDNESS for me, THAT was HUMANITY. Fine, I'd say this. The girl really pisses me off. I'm sorry but that's the truth. As what Miss Sophia said, she is nothing more than she appeared to be: “a stupid, selfish, ignorant and spoiled little girl who thinks the world live or dies on whether she gets to go out with some good-looking boy at school.” Miss Sophia couldn't have phrased it better.
Daniel? That guy is a big NO-NO! When he flipped Luce the first time he saw her, he definitely lost a million points in my hotness meter. I don't care what his reason was, that was very ungentlemanly of him. Besides, if he really loved Luce, how can he even afford to do that? He should've just left or something. No need for the bird.
But there were characters which I really-really-really liked *chirpy voice*, Like Penn, Arianne, Gabbe, Cam, and of course, my favorite: Miss Sophia. They sure made the book tolerable. And for the record, I don't think Luce deserve to be with Cam...even with Daniel. That's so MEH!
Most of the parts were very dragging. Except the prologue which of course creates the intrigue, and the part where Miss Sophia was trying to kill Luce. That was the best scene. I should've read the book straight on that part. I think the plot development was slow. Some of the parts seemed like fillers. There was also nothing new about the premises of the story, except the fallen angel thingy. So, even if I am curious about the story, I don't know if I'd still read the next book.
With that, I'll end this with my favorite line from the book. Said by Miss Sophia to Luce;
"... Even if your death wouldn't accomplish something so long-awaited, glorious, and grand, I'd still relish this moment, killing you."
That was it? My reaction after reading the book.
It wasn't laugh-til-you-drop kind of funny but I guess it was amusing enough to keep me entertained. It was definitely worth the time.
Ok, so I've learned some things about the, uhm, universe (?) after reading the book, here it goes:
- that in some part of the universe, it is perfectly normal to die out of shame
- Ix means a boy who is not able satisfactorily to explain what a Hrung is, nor why it should choose to collapse on Betelgeuse Seven
- Vogons got as much sex appeal as road accidends
- you can't panic when you're still culture shocked
- the answer to the ultimate question of the universe is 42.
- mice and dolphins are smarter than humans
- lastly, i need a towel
My thoughts after reading the book:
- I want to be in Arthur Dent's shoes. Inter-galactic travel sounds fun.
- I think the book made me a little bit crazier.
- It was hard keeping up with the different alien and planet descriptions.
- I want two heads like Zaphod. That way I can have two brains.
- There were parts when I felt my brain was going to explode, especially the parts where the book talks about computation...Probability sucks.
- I love the way Douglas Adams wrote the book. Very entertaining.
- I don't really get the whole book. Honestly. Do I need to review my physics?
- If this book was written with the story having no particular direction, I'd still read it. The whole thing was really-really-really enjoyable.
Lastly, my favorite quote from the book. Spoken by Zaphod (which happens to be my favorite character) to Trillian.
Okay, so ten out of ten for style, but minus several millions for good thinking, yeah?
My absolute JULIA QUINN favorite. I declare.
Even though I haven't read her Bridgertons series yet.
There is something about the book which I absolutely loved.
Maybe because it's sweet, light, funny, and romantic.
Or maybe because I find Lady Olivia and Sir Harry amusing.
What I loved most about this book?
No drama whatsoever. It was pretty straightforward.
And I think the "window scenes" were cute. ^.^
The funniest.
I stand by my word. The preceding book is still my favorite, but this one is by far the most entertaining.
When he had explained why investors who wanted low risk and moderate returns should put their capital into national debt shares, Daisy has interrupted him by asking, "Father, wouldn't it be wonderful if hummingbirds had tea parties and we were small enough to be invited?"
Hummingbirds at tea parties? Now, Daisy is fascinating. I've never thought of that.
Westcliff did not miss Matthew's fascinated gaze. "You have a unique approach to courtship," he commented. "I wouldn't have thought beating Daisy at lawn games would catch her interest, but it seems to have done the trick."
Matthew contemplated the ground before his feet, schooling his tone into calm unconcern. "I'm not courting Miss Bowman."
"Then it seems I misinterpreted your apparent passion for bowls."
Hah! I actually enjoyed the bowl game between Matthew and Daisy. Probably the longest in history.
I had fun reading the involvement of the other characters in the series. Maybe because Daisy was the last wallflower to get married, there is more "wallflower" participation in this book, along with their husbands. Nice touch to make the book more exciting.
I did like how Daisy and Matthew's relationship developed but I guess I would've enjoyed it better if there were less "love scenes" (this comment refers to the other books as well). I'm not prude, but the scenes were almost always the same...it's repetitive and I simply get bored reading the same thing over and over again.
Other than that, I'm fine with it. The series keep getting better with each addition. Great books to pick up when you're feeling romance-deprived (like me, coz the weather is cold and I could only cuddle with my pillow).
I. LOVED. IT
It will probably become my favorite from the series.
I just love the character development. Evie, from being a shy and timid lady to a woman of strength, and Sebastian...from being a rake to being one of the most swoon-worthy gentleman.
I really enjoyed the twist and turns of the story. I admit, at first, I was a bit doubtful, especially after what Lord St. Vincent did on the last book, but boy, the book proved me wrong.
Nice one Ms. Lisa Kleypas. Now, I'm totally ruined. I don't know if I'll found the next book as entertaining as this one. Le sigh.
