Coffee N Crackers

Coming Soon: Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

2011-07-19T16:40:00.000+08:00

I don't even started this series yet and the third book of Caster Chronicles is going to be published soon! I have the first two books Beautiful Creatures & Beautiful Darkness, but haven't got the chance to flip through the pages just yet. But, for sure I will one day or another. So, I can't give much of a comment about this series. But, based on the reviews I've been reading through, the first two books did get good feedbacks. Furthermore, the covers for those two novels are just stunning (the reason why I bought them) and this one also the have the same charm. Have to get to them soon, I guess.

Title: Beautiful Chaos | Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Series: Caster Chronicles #3

Genre: YA Fiction, Paranormal, Magic

Format: Hardcover, 528 Pages

Expected Publication: October 18, 2011

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

The Blurb

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

** Preorder "Beautiful Chaos" now at Amazon.com or visit the Caster Chronicles website for the updates.

Teaser: The Girl Who Disappeared Twice by Andrea Kane

2011-07-19T02:20:00.000+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays

A fun weekly meme Hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading where readers share the teaser sentences from their current reads. This week's teaser is from a thriller/suspense novel from Andrea Kane, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice. I would like to give credit Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this E-book. And, for the story, it's a fast pace thriller and keep on putting me at the edge of my sit.

The Blurb

Over three decades ago, Felicity and her identical-twin sister Hope were chloroformed and one of them is abducted -Felicity. Her body was never recovered and the case remain cold. In this current year, Hope's daughter have been reported missing after the school hour. Hope's is breaking down, last time her sister and now her very own adorable 5 years old daughter has been abducted. History is repeating, but Hope wants to stop it so she hires Forensic Instinct, a group of forensic investigators lead by Casey Woods, a forensic profiler to find her abducted little Krissy. Who is/are the abductors and is this case has anything to do with Felicity's abduction over 30 years ago?

"You look like you belong here. Which is good, since there's no escape. Even though right now that's all you'll want to do." - page 52

First Impression: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

2011-07-17T21:44:00.000+08:00

Title: Clockwork Angel | Author: Cassandra Claire

Series: The Infernal Devices #1

Genre: YA Fiction, Paranormal, Adventure

Format: Large Paperback, 479 Pages

Date Started: July 17, 2011

The Blurb

Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and haunted, Tessa seek refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. drawn even deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My First Impression

Advanced Rating: 4 Stars

The demon exploded in a shower of ichor and guts. - 1st line

I've been meaning to read this book for quite a long time but always forgetting to get to it. I love the cover. I bet the guy in suit featured on the cover is one of the Shadowhunters in this book. Well, I can see the tattoos shining! The cloth he wears, the clockwork gears and the clock tower give sense of the clockwork world and the time setting in which this story is taken place. For the story, I think this would be a good one. I've read City of Bones, and it impressed me. So I really hope that Clockwork Angel can give me the same impact. And since this is said to be a prequel to the Mortal Instruments, I'm eager to discover how this story is related to the Mortal Instruments world.

Coming Soon: 11/22/63 by Stephen King

2011-07-07T00:28:00.002+08:00

Let me first tell you what this is all about. Coming Soon is a segment in which I will post about the upcoming books from my favorite authors and most probably books that I would love to add into my personal collections. So, this segment is pretty much like a hybrid of Waiting On Wednesdays and On My Wishlist memes. This is not a meme though as this is just a personal segment at my blog, but you're always welcome to drop comments. Thanks!

*****

11/22/63 by Stephen King
Format: Hardcover, 960 pages
To be Published On: November 8, 2011
Publisher: Scribner

The Story (Goodreads): On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas. President Kennedy died, and the world change. If you had the chance to change history, would you? Would the consequences be worth it?

Jake Epping is a thirty-five-year-old high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching adults in the GED program. He receives an essay from one of the students—a gruesome, harrowing first person story about the night 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a hammer. Harry escaped with a smashed leg, as evidenced by his crooked walk.

Not much later, Jake’s friend Al, who runs the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to 1958. He enlists Jake on an insane—and insanely possible—mission to try to prevent the Kennedy assassination. So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson and his new world of Elvis and JFK, of big American cars and sock hops, of a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill, who becomes the love of Jake’s life—a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.

*****
I started reading King's books with Duma Key. Though it was not a good read but there's something about King's storytelling that makes me want to read his other books. Then, I picked Under the Dome and read and this book had left me with a great satisfaction. I loved the characters, the story, and every single thing about the book is really amazing. And, this one 11/22/63 has an injection of historical in it and I think it would be a fantastic read.

**Pre-Order "11/22/63" at Amazon.com and visit Stephen King's website for the latest info.

Teaser: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

2011-07-05T16:19:00.000+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays: A fun weekly meme Hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading where readers share the teaser sentences from their current reads. This week's teaser is from Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth. I'm currently on page 739.

The Pillars of the Earth: Against the richly imagine backdrop of 12th century England, filled with intrigue and treachery, Follett draws the reader irresistibly into a wonderful epic of family drama, violent conflict and unswerving ambition. From humble stonemason to imperious monarch, the dreams, labours and loves of his characters come vividly to life.

Aliena shook her head. 'I couldn't bear to be parted from him. I love him too much.' 'If you love him,' Ellen said, 'go and find his father.' - The Pillars of the Earth pg. 738

Genre Wars & TBR Piles

2011-06-17T23:38:00.002+08:00

Hey readers and bookaholics!!

I'm so glad to be back here at Coffee N Crackers. In these last few months I don't really have the heart to update my blog or to participate in any of these blogging thingy. But, now I think, is the right time to start over. Well, it's Friday and I so happy to participate in the Friday Memes, Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hope. I haven't done any of these in such a long time and it feels great to be back in game!!

Book Blogger Hop: Hosted by Crazy for Books. This week's question is "How many books are current in your To-Be-Read (TBR) pile?". My answer: Well, I'm not so sure about these. I think there are lots of books I'd really need to pick up and read. But, right now I own about 20-25 books in total and the rest of my TBR pile are books still on the bookstores' shelves!

Friday Follows: Hosted by Parajunkee's View: This week's question is "Genre Wars!! What's your favorite genre made it your favorite? ". My answer: Woa! this is a tough question to answer with a single genre and even more difficult to list a book out of that genre as I consider myself an eclectic reader. But, it's ok, I can give it! My favorite genre, I'd say, would be Mystery & Thrillers and the latest book that I've read that make it my favorite is a gigantic epic by Stephen King, Under the Dome. The book is just extraordinarily crafted.

Coming Soon: Perfect by Ellen Hopkins

2011-05-12T02:16:00.000+08:00

Let me first tell you what this is all about. Coming Soon is a segment in which I will post about the upcoming books from my favorite authors and most probably books that I would love to add into my personal collections. So, this segment is pretty much like a hybrid of Waiting On Wednesdays and On My Wishlist memes. This is not a meme though as this is just a personal segment at my blog, but you're always welcome to drop comments. Thanks!

*****

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins (Hardback)
Series: Impulse Book #2
To be Published On: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

The Story (author's website): Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there. Cara’s parents’ unrealistic expectations have already sent her twin brother Conner spiraling toward suicide. For her, perfect means rejecting their ideals to take a chance on a new kind of love. Kendra covets the perfect face and body—no matter what surgeries and drugs she needs to get there. To score his perfect home run—on the field and off—Sean will sacrifice more than he can ever win back. And Andre realizes to follow his heart and achieve his perfect performance, he’ll be living a life his ancestors would never understand.

Everyone wants to be perfect, but when perfection loses its meaning, how far will you go? What would you give up to be perfect?A riveting and startling companion to the bestselling Impulse, Ellen Hopkins's Perfect exposes the harsh truths about what it takes to grow up and grow into our own skins, our own selves.

*****

I never read any of Hopkins' books, but I know that she wrote her story in a very poetic way in which I think would be very addictive and unputdownable. I find out that Hopkins tackles controversial issue in each of her novels and sometimes her story may be very disturbing based on reviews). I would love to try this author's works. I read the synopsis of one of her novel "Identical" and it sounds interesting. Maybe it would be my first read from the author.

**Pre-Order "Perfect" at Amazon.com and visit Ellen Hopkins' website for the latest info.

Library Time: Wally Lamb's Books

2011-05-04T00:25:00.001+08:00

Hey guys! Today I went to my campus's library to return a few reference books on Forensic Psychology and Forensic Medicine as well as two Phillippa Gregory's novels, The Constant Princess and The Other Queen (I haven't read this one).Since I already completed my 4 years of study in Forensic Science, I don't have to borrow reference books any more. So, today I looked through the fiction shelves looking for something good to read during the remaining ten, eleven days of my campus's life. And hey, look what I found! Two books by Wally Lamb, "The Hour I First Believed" and "I Know This Much is True". Heard lots of great things about both so, I hope that I'll enjoy these two novels.

*****

About Wally Lamb: Lamb is the recipient of the 1998 Governor’s Arts Award, State of Connecticut, a past recipient of the NEA grant for fiction and is a Missouri Review William Peden fiction prize winner.

First Impression: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

2011-05-02T20:07:00.001+08:00

Hi welcome to "First Impression". Let me tell you what's going on today. First I will share the first line of the story and my opinion on the the book that I've just started reading: the cover, the story, and will give an advance star rating to the book. Second, you'll share with me your "First Impression" by linking it back to Coffee N Crackers through the link widget below. Rules: The book must be a book that you just started reading, not a book that you already finished. Easy right? And you can post your First Impression whenever you start reading a new book: no specific day.

*****
Delirium, by Lauren Oliver: Love (deliria) is a disease and scientists have created a cure for it. 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.

It has been sixty-four years since the president and the Consortium identified love as a disease, and forty-three since the scientists perfected a cure. - 1st line

The Cover: Just a simple cover. But I think it is creative when you can actually see a face of a cute babe through the alphabet of the title and author's name. But, still I don't like the background's color. What is it? light blue? turquoise? whatever.

The Story: There're lots of readers out there giving a high credits to this book. But, I don't have a high expectation in this one though. I know the idea of manifesting love as a disease called "deliria" is quite intriguing. But isn't this just another love story? Wait! don't kill me. That was what I thought before I flipped the cover and read. But, after reading a few chapters, I think Delirium is going to be a book that I'll enjoy reading.

Advanced Star Rating: 3 Stars

Coming Soon: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

2011-04-27T18:05:00.003+08:00

Hi guys! Here's a new little segment at Coffee N Crackers called "Coming Soon". Let me first tell you what this is all about. Coming Soon is a segment in which I will post about the upcoming books from my favorite authors and most probably books that I would love to add into my personal collections. So, this segment is pretty much like a hybrid of Waiting On Wednesdays and On My Wishlist memes. This is not a meme though as this is just a personal segment at my blog, but you're always welcome to drop comments. Thanks!

*****
The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks ( Hardback)
To be Published On: October 11, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

The Story (author's website): The heart-rending story of two small-town former high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. Now middle-aged, they've taken wildly divergent paths, but neither has lived the life they imagined and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever altered their world. When they are both called back to their hometown for the funeral of the mentor who once gave them shelter, they will be forced to confront the choices each has made, and ask whether love can truly rewrite the past.

Those of you who loves Nicholas Sparks' books, please put up your hands!1, 2, 3, 4....aha! needless to count because I know there are thousands of you out there who really adored his works. Me? I think I am a fan too! So far I've read two books by Sparks, "The Choice" and "The Wedding" and three movies adapted from his books; "The Notebook", "Dear John" and "The Last Song". All of them are good."Dear John" is waiting on my shelf to be read and "Safe Haven" had been listed on my wishlist for quite a long time. And this new baby sounds like a promising read too!

**Pre-Order "The Best of Me" at Amazon.com and visit Nicholas Spark's website for the latest info.

**Read my reviews on "The Choice" and "The Wedding".

Teaser Tuesdays April 26, 2011

2011-04-26T17:59:00.001+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays: A fun weekly meme Hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading where readers share the teaser sentences from their current reads. This week's teaser is from "Nineteen Minutes", by one of my favorite authors, Jodi Picoult. I'm currently on page 152.

Nineteen Minutes: As a midwife Lacy Houghton brings lives into the world. She didn't expect her son to taken them away. But that's what he did one March morning, when he walked into his high school with guns instead of books and killed ten people.The bullying was unbearable and his revenge was murder. So far, I enjoyed this book.

"Morally, no one has the right to judge anyone else. But legally, it's not a right - it's a responsibility." - Nineteen Minutes, pg. 103

First Impression: Under The Dome

2011-04-20T19:44:00.000+08:00

Hi welcome to "First Impression". Let me tell you what's going on today. First I will share the first line of the story and my opinion on the the book that I've just started reading: the cover, the story, and will give an advance star rating to the book. Second, you'll share with me your "First Impression" by linking it back to Coffee N Crackers through the link widget below. Rules: The book must be a book that you just started reading, not a book that you already finished. Easy right? And you can post your First Impression whenever you start reading a new book: no specific day.

*****
Under the Dome by Stephen King: Inexplicably, an invisible barrier has descended over the town. A woodchuck is chopped right in half; gardener's hand is severed at the wrist, the plane explodes with sheets of flame spreading to the ground. Time is running out for those living under the Dome. Can they find what has created it before it's too late?

From two thousand feet, where Claudette Sanders was taking a flying lesson, the town of Chester's Mill gleamed in the morning light like something freshly made and just set down. -1st line

The Cover: There are several covers for this book, but mine comes in blue (UK Edition).A simple yet mysterious cover illustrating the town from a distance view. And of course shows the supposed to be invisible barrier (the Dome). It's big!

The Story: A friend from Philippines told me that I have to get this book off my shelf because it's such an amazing story. So, I started reading this book under the impression that it's a good one. Reading the first chapter, true enough that Under the Dome will be a very fascinating unputdownable epic. Now on page 100 and it's getting even better!

Advanced Star Rating: 5 Stars

Review: The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

2011-04-17T23:21:00.005+08:00

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
Book #1 of Tudor Series
Finished reading: April 17, 2011
Historical Fiction, Paperback, 491 Pages, Borrowed from Library

"I am Catalina, Princess of Spain, daughter of the two greatest monarchs the world has ever known..and I will be Queen of England."

The Story (back cover): Thus, the bestselling author Philippa Gregory introduces us to one of her most unforgettable heroines: Katherine of Aragon. Known to history as the Queen who was pushed of her throne by Anne Boleyn, here is a Katherine the world has forgotten: the enchanting princess that all England loved. First married to Henry VIII's older brother, Arthur, Katherine's passion turns their arranged marriage into a love match. But when Arthur dies, the merciless English court and her ambitious parents - the crusading king and Queen of Spain - have to find a new role for the widow. Ultimately, it is Katherine herself who takes control of her own life by telling the most audacious lie in English history, leading her to the role she has rehearsed all her life: Henry VIII's Queen, Regent, and commander of the English army in their greatest victory agains Scotland.

My Thought: This is yet another entertaining historical fiction by Philippa Gregory. I picked "The Constant Princess" partly because I was enchanted by the amazing story of Boleyn Sisters in "The Other Boleyn Girl", the first book that I read by the author in which Queen Katherine is one of the characters mentioned. So, the main reason why I chose this book is that to know the story of the Queen Katherine, prior to the period when she was pushed of her throne by the very ambitious Anne Boleyn.

Being told from Katherine's point of views with an alternate omniscient voice, this book really fascinates me with a well-crafted storyline and drama all along. The most fascinating aspect of this novel is Queen Katherine herself as she is a very persistence, a determined to do whatever it takes to achieve her destiny, even lying and manipulating, and keep to be constant through and through over many years to become the Queen of England. I love the affectionate romance between Katherine and her first husband Prince Arthur, but too bad that Arthur died at a very young age and left his wife with a deathbed promise. A promise to push her way through to the top of the throne as Queen of England by marrying his younger brother Prince Harry (later known as King Henry VIII) by telling a single lie which changes the tide of English history.

While the story is enjoyable, the ending is just not in the way that I like it. But, that doesn't spoiled the book at all. All in all this is a well-narrated story with a strong main character which I really enjoyed reading. I don't know how much of it are facts or fictions but still this is a very entertaining novel. Am looking forward for the next book by Philippa Gregory. Recommended to all historical fiction fans.

CoffeeNCrackers' Meter: 3.5 Cups of Coffee

**"The Constant Princess" is listed under the Historical Fiction Challenge 2011 hosted by Historical Tapestry.

**This review is linked to Book Review Party Wednesday hosted by Cym Lowell

Friday Memes Mar. 11, 2011

2011-03-11T14:47:00.000+08:00

The Friday 56: Hosted by Freda's Voice.This week's Friday 56 is from "The Brethren" by John Grisham. One was sent for text evasion. Another, for skimming bingo profits. And the third, for a career-ending drunken joyride. The Brethren: judges-turned felons can use their time in prison to get rich, very fast.
"How much can they pay? have you guys quoted a fee?" Trevor asked. -The Brethren, pg. 56

Book Blogger Hop: Hosted by Crazy for Books. This week's question is "If I gave you £50 (or $80) and sent you into a book shop right now what would be in your basket when you finally staggered to the till?". My answer: Book 2-6 of Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage and Book 2 to 4 of Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. Is $80 enough for all these?? If not can I ask for another $80?? Greedy...=b

Friday Follows: Hosted by Parajunkee's View: This week's question is "Who are you the Boy/Girl instead of you a blogger? ". My answer: I'm CJ the student. Doing degree in Forensic Science and currently in my final semester. Wish this will end real soon!!

Friday Finds: Hosted by Should be Reading where book bloggers sharing great books we hear about/ discover this past week. So, here are my Friday Finds!! Mine, this week with Historical Fiction theme

The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan
My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

First Impression: The Maze Runner

2011-03-07T01:07:00.003+08:00

Hi welcome to "First Impression". Let me tell you what's going on today. First I will share the first line of the story and my opinion on the the book that I've just started reading: the cover, the story, and will give an advance star rating to the book. Second, you'll share with me your "First Impression" by linking it back to Coffee N Crackers through the link widget below. Rules: The book must be a book that you just started reading, not a book that you already finished. Easy right? And you can post your First Impression whenever you start reading a new book: no specific day.

*****

The Maze Runner by James Dashner: The Glade is an enclosed structure with a jail, a graveyard, a slaughterhouse, living quarters, and gardens. And no way out. Outside the Glade is the Maze, and every day some of the kids the Runners venture into the labyrinth, trying to find an exit from this hellish place.What is this place, and does Thomas hold the key to finding a way out?

He began his new life standing up, surrounded by cold darkness and stale, dusty air. - 1st line
The Cover: I love the cover. It's a simple one but the walls covered with green (weed??) look beautiful and definitely a world that I would love to know.

The Story: I already read through a few chapters and found out that the story have a good start. The Maze Runner looks like a story that I'll enjoy reading as the premise of the book sounds interesting and original. I would expect something enthralling and captivating and it will bring me through an unforgettable ride of adventure and action.

Advanced Star Rating: 5 Stars

Friday Memes Mar. 4, 2011

2011-03-04T23:30:00.003+08:00

The Friday 56: Hosted by Freda's Voice.This week's Friday 56 is from "The Other Boleyn Girl" a historical fiction by Phillippa Gregory.A compelling tale of love, ambition, lust and intrigue. A woman who survived the most glamorous and dangerous court in Europe by following her heart.
"Yes. Send her down to Hever. Tell him that she's ill. Let him imagine her dying of grief." -The Other Boleyn Girl, pg. 56

Book Blogger Hop: Hosted by Crazy for Books. This week's question is "Who's your all time favourite book villain?". My answer: Saverus Snape!! Everybody knew him right? I love this character so much. He was a villain yes, but at the end of Harry Potter series, he was a hero. Or so I thought...

Friday Follows: Hosted by Parajunkee's View: This week's question is "What embarrassing thing have you done on cold medicine? ". My answer: I don't remember..

Friday Finds: Hosted by Should be Reading where book bloggers sharing great books we hear about/ discover this past week. So, here are my Friday Finds!!

Scared by Tom Davis
Priceless by Tom Davis
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson

A Full-Time Student, A Part -Time Bookworm

2011-03-02T17:25:00.005+08:00

Hey, guys! It has been awhile since I last posted anything here, let alone to write reviews on books that I've read. February was quite an OK month for me since I managed to finish 4 books in total; "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova, "Cut" by Cathy Glass, "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare and "The Survivor" by Sean Slater. Out of these four, only Julie & Julia was already reviewed. *Sigh.. I wish I have more time for reading and reviewing books but for the time being I'm a very busy person. Writing my thesis and assignments, reading journals, exams some more and loads of other academic things. Well, this is my final semester as undergrad after all. Lots of thing to be done but after a few more months I'll be a free man!! Well..at least for awhile..*laughing

However, in all these "calamities" as a student, I'm still reading some books though for just a few pages in a day. Well, all works and no play make me a dull boy! Study is my priority but a bit of pleasure in between won't hurt, yes? Well, right now I'm reading a historical fiction by Philippa Gregory "The Other Boleyn Girl", and am enjoying it. I know that this book had been adapted into a movie starred Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johansson. Both are beautiful!! Got the movie but am planning to watch it after I finish the book. I also am reading an E-Book of "The Nightmare Within" sent by author Glen Krisch and am about halfway through it. This horror fiction of transmuted nightmares really freaks me out. If you're a fan of horror books, this should be your cup of tea.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann
The Maze Runner by James Dashner

It is unbelievable that it's March already. Time is moving so fast , like seriously. Just a blink and puff!! two months already gone!! Well, what are you planning to read this month?? Me? I think my March will be in a total chaos. Disaster!! (talking about my study again). But, I still have some plan under my sleeve for reading. I got a few collection of e-books and from those collection I've short-listed and came out with four above. But right now, I don't know which one to read first. Will you help me?? Opinion.pinion.^^Hehe. Well, I think that's all for now. Have a great March guys..and see ya!!

On My Wishlist Feb. 26, 2011

2011-02-26T01:41:00.000+08:00

On My Wishlist: Is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City where readers share the books that they want to to read but not yet in their possession.This week on my wishlist are the Millenium Trilogy books "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo", "The Girl Who Played With Fire", and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" by Steig Larsson. This trilogy is said to be one of the most great outstanding trilogies in 2010.

Book an Appreciation of Dr M

2011-02-24T01:02:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, it has been a long time since I last blog about a non-fiction book. I have to admit that I'm more interested in reading the fiction books since they're more fun and enjoyable and hey! I read for pleasure after all. Non-fiction in the other hand normally discuss more about critical issues and I'm well aware that in order to gain more knowledge about these critical subject such as education, economy, politic, and social knowledge as well as self-improvement, this genre is much more useful. Ok, enough of me rambling..what I'm going to share with all of you today is an article from the Star News. The article is about a newly launched book on Malaysia former prime minister Tun. Dr mahathir Mohamad by American journalist Tom Plate. Here's the article:

Putrajaya: American journalist Tom Plate said his book on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is "neither a whitewash nor a grand jury indictment but an appreciation" of the former prime minister. In the book Conversations with Mahathir Mohamad - Dr M: Operation Malaysia, the country's fourth prime minister gives his views on the Internal Security Act (ISA) and Jews, among others. Dr Mahathir had also claimed that the 1987 crackdown when 106 people were arrested under the ISA, was a police decision and that he had met opposition leaders before Ops Lalang to assure them they would not be arrested. the statement drew flack from DAP stalwart Lim kit Siang who denied Dr mahathir had made him and other opposition leaders.

"I dont know what really motivated him (Dr Mahathir) to say the things he said. But I do think that at certain point of one's life, you want the world to know your thoughts on some of the controversies and what you were trying to do, even if it did not work out exactly like you wanted," Plate, 67, said after launching the book at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here yesterday. The book is part of his Giants of Asia series, which also included a book on Singapore's founding father Lee Kwan Yew.

"His (Dr. Mahathir) point was. if Malaysia doesn't try and just sit where it is, nothing is going to be achieved. Dr Mahathir was not afraid of failure and did not want to be timid," said Plate who is also an internationally syndicated columnist and university professor. "Sometimes, when I went back to him to confirm things hehad said, Dr Mahathir would say, 'That's what I said and that's what I want to say'. "I met him five times and spent a total 10 hours with him," said Plate, adding that the discussion was intense.

In his speech at the book launch, Plate said he decided to include Dr Mahathir in his series of Asian leaders after interviewing the former prime minister to comment and "get some dirt" on Lee for his book on the republic's Minister Mentor. "Upon hearing my request, Dr Mahathir said, 'Come on down!'."When I told him that I should do Giants of Asia book on him, he gave me a big smile," added Plate, drawing laughter from the audience.
-The Star, Wednesday, 23 Feb. 2011

Conversations with Mahathir Mohamad Dr M: Operation Malaysia: He began his professional career as a family physician but wound up prescribing innovative political medicines for the entire nation that remain controversial even today. Was he exactly the bold and fearless policy doctor that the troubled body politic of Malaysia needed? Or was he just another mendacious mediocrity with a record of persistent misdiagnoses, phony remedies and self-serving justifications? Only history s judgment can offer the final verdict but Dr Mahathir himself is in no doubt. In a riveting series of unprecedented conversations, Malaysia s most famous former prime minister reveals to American journalist and author Tom Plate a panoramic panoply of views on governing, on Islam, on Jews, on the West and on Malays that are striking in historical sweep and contemporary relevance.

This is indeed a good book as Dr Mahathir himself is a very outstanding leader and I really admire him. No doubt that under his leadership Malaysia had gone through lots of drastic development and changes. So, guys lets head to the nearest bookstore and grab this book!!

WWW Wednesdays Feb. 23, 2011

2011-02-23T15:48:00.001+08:00

A fun weekly meme hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading. This meme gives opportunity to readers to share our current reading, books we recently finished and books we're going to read next.

What are you currently reading?

"The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory. A rich and compelling tale of love, ambition, lust, and intrigue. Introduces a woman who survived the most glamorous and dangerous court in Europe by following her heart. Currently on page 58.

What did you recently finished reading?

A fast-fired action thriller by Sean Slater, "The Survivor". No known motives, and no suspect, Detective Jacob Striker worked against the clock to solve the mystery behind Active Shooter at St. Patrick High. Everything lies behind the Red Mask. 4 Stars read.

What do you think you'll read next?

I'm planning to read Cassandra Clare's The Infernal Devices book 1, "Clockwork Angel" and the first book of Caster Chronicles Series by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, "Beautiful Creatures".

Teaser Tuesdays Feb. 15, 2011

2011-02-15T11:49:00.001+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays: A fun weekly meme Hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading where readers share the teaser sentences from their current reads. This week's teaser is from "The Survivor", a thriller book by Sean Slater. I'm currently on page 42.

The Survivor: Three men wearing hockey masks - Black, White, and Red have stormed the school with firearms and are killing indiscriminately. Black and White are down but Red manages to escape. Detective Jacob Striker is on a dangerous hunt of the Red Masked Shooter, "The Survivor".

His first three shots missed their target, flew somewhere high and wide, but the last one hit centremass. Right between the pecs, base of throat. - The Survivor, pg. 11

WWW Wednesdays Feb. 9, 2011

2011-02-09T18:00:00.000+08:00

A fun weekly meme hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading. This meme gives opportunity to readers to share our current reading, books we recently finished and books we're going to read next.

What are you currently reading?
I'm reading a thriller novel by Jan Burke, "Bones". I picked this novel from library shelf. But Parrish is the murderer. Julia Syre was his victim. Next victim for his terrifying plan will be a crime journalist, Irene Kelly.

What did you recently finished reading?
I finished reading "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare. An outstanding YA fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed the action, the adventures, the quest, and the romance. Absolutely a 5 Stars reading and I should find the rest of the series as soon as possible. Full review in progress.

What do you think you'll read next?
Next come on my list is "The Survivor" by Sean Slater. I received this book from the publisher for Thriller & Suspense Challenge hosted by Book Chick City. I also plan to read the first book of Caster Chronicles Series by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, "Beautiful Creatures".

Review: Cut by Cathy Glass

2011-02-08T18:22:00.002+08:00

Cut by Cathy Glass

Finished reading: February 2, 2011

Memoir, Paperback, 310 Pages, Borrow from Hidayah's Book Club

The Story: Dawn is rejected by her parents and is left at the social care institution. She is then taken in by her foster parents Cathy and John. They treat her as a daughter but little do they know that, Dawn is going to be hard to handle. One night, Cathy awakes to find Dawn standing over her baby, Adrian's cot. This freaks them out and a nightmare is about to start. They know something is wrong with Dawn and try to help but it's not going to be easy as Dawn's past is kept secret from them. "Cut" is a true story of an abandoned, abused girl who tries to be part of a family.

My Thought: A hard-to-put-down book which I thoroughly enjoyed from the start to it's end. "Cut" tackles the issue of psychological trauma experienced by a child who was abused and subjected to the domestic violence which caused her to act beyond our (or her) own understanding. This is a heavy, critical issue but Cathy managed to deliver in a very easy-to-understand voice and the story telling flows through so well, I almost don't realize that so much time has passed because I get so engrossed in the book. Begins the story with how much she and John desperately want to start a family, Cathy makes a decision to foster a child. Her first foster son, don't give much of troubles but with Dawn, it's going to different. Dawn is sent by her social worker, Ruth. She's a polite, shy 13 years old girl and Cathy for an instant comes to treat her like a daughter. That's what I love most about Cathy character. But then, the story becomes creepy as Dawn starts to sleepwalk toward her baby cot, and re-enact the self-hurting and self-blaming behaviors in her sleepwalking. Dawn also play truants, get drunk, and repeatedly went missing and the worst of all she cut herself. "The hurt builds up inside me until I can't stand any more. I have to cut to let it out". This statements give me the chill along the spine!

Living in worries and so much stress, Cathy and John tries to find out what goes wrong with Dawn. But, her social worker, Ruth is not much a help as she said that all the details about Dawn's past is confidential. What the hell? I start to hate Ruth by then because I think that Cathy has the right to know Dawn's background . But Cathy reaction is different from mine, of course. She tries very hard to help Dawn and she knows that she can make Dawn happy again. I really admire Cathy and John for not giving up on Dawn though their family is put in misery. This is a good book indeed. Through her own binocular Cathy manages to grip my heart with her effortless style of writing, easy to love characters (except for Ruth) and a heart-wrenching and mind-blowing thrills. The ending is well put just in a way I love it to end. Well done to Cathy Glass for such a great work and I'm so grateful that I read this book as it is one of the books that change something in me. So, without hesitation, I recommend this to all of you.

Afterwords: This book reminds me of a movie, "Mockingbird Don't Sing" which I watched with my classmates in our forensic psychology class.

CoffeeNCracker's Meter: 4 Cups of Coffee

****This review is linked back to Hidayah's Book Club. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read "Cut". Malaysia readers who wants to read book for free, visit Hidayah's Book Club site now. This review is also linked back to Book Review Party Wednesday @ Cym Lowell Blog.

Teaser Tuesdays Feb. 8, 2011

2011-02-08T14:12:00.001+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays: A fun weekly meme Hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading where readers share the teaser sentences from their current reads. This week's teaser is from Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" series,"City of Bones". I'm currently on page 321 and am enjoying it!!

City of Bones: Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and werewolves in Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn towards a group of sexy demon hunters, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City and the danger of forbidden love.

"I was trying to make you jealous!" Simon screamed, right back. His hands were fists at his sides. "You're so stupid, Clary. You're so stupid, can't you see anything?" -City of Bones, pg. 294

Review: Julie & Julia by Julie Powell

2011-01-16T05:50:00.001+08:00

Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell

Finished Reading on January 12, 2011

Memoir, Paperback, 310 Pages, Borrow from Hidayah's Book Club

The Story: Living in a tiny apartment in New york and trapped in a job she hates, Julie Powell sees life passing her by. Then one night, she notices that the few items she's grabbed from the Korean grocery store are the vary ingredients for Potage Parmentier, as described in Julia Child's legendary cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. And the Julie/Julia project is born. Julie begins to cook every one of the 524 recipes in just a year space. She devotes her entire year life to the project and enslaves herself in French cooking.

My Thought: I picked Julie & Julia partly because I thought that the idea of cooking is very original and a bit different from other books. And I hope that this kind of book can inspire me. But, after reading this memoir I just knew that it doesn't live up to my expectations. First hundred pages I haven't got any clue of where Julie Powell wants to bring me to and I just think that, what the heck with this story? After the mind torturing hundred pages, the story becomes much better though it is far from good. First, Julie Powell writing is very sloppy and distracting which makes me feel really lost and fail to blend into the core subject. Second, I hate the language used by Julie Powell in this book or to be honest I hate her as a person. I don't know how many times she used the word f**k in this book and it really annoys me. Foulmouthed, self centered, insensitive, unhygienic. That is how her character in this book. And even worse she is a wife with no respect to her husband Eric. Pity him. Third, I don't understand most of the terms related to the French cooking. OK, that's not her fault but mine.

Despite of all the flaws, there are few good things about this book. I loved the originality and realistic of the story and characters. The bad character of Julie is balanced by his husband Eric, a very nice and understanding husband. I don't know how he can stand living with Julie but Eric character does give me hope to keep on reading. All in all, "Julie & Julia" is not a good read (or should I say bad instead?) and I don't want to recommend it to you, but if you want to read this book, go ahead and read. Maybe you'll come with a different conclusion.

CoffeeNCrackers' Meter: 2 Cups of Coffee

**This review is linked back to Hidayah's Book Club. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read "Julie & Julia". Malaysia readers who wants to read book for free, visit Hidayah's Book Club site now.This review is also linked back to Book Review Party Wednesday @ Cym Lowell Blog.