TheXezza

Book Review: The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 04:38:00 +0000

Title: The Smell of Other People's Houses
Author: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Contemporary/ Historical/ Coming of Age
Buy: No. Netgally Advanced Reader's Copy
Review: Goodreads

Synopsis

In Alaska, 1970, being a teenager here isn’t like being a teenager anywhere else. Ruth has a secret that she can’t hide forever. Dora wonders if she can ever truly escape where she comes from, even when good luck strikes. Alyce is trying to reconcile her desire to dance, with the life she’s always known on her family’s fishing boat. Hank and his brothers decide it’s safer to run away than to stay home—until one of them ends up in terrible danger.

Four very different lives are about to become entangled.

Review

The Characters

The story revolve around the four main characters which are Ruth, Dora, Alyce and Hank.

Ruth: She's coming from a very loving family. But it didn't last long when she lost her father in a plane crash that leave her mother in a devastated state and make her incompetent to take care of Ruth and her little sister. Because of the tragedy, Ruth and her little sister had to live with their strict and unloving grandmother. She had to deal with the loss and had to adapt to her new life that is very different than before. She envied other people's houses because she didn't feel the loving environment in her house.

Dora: Dora has to deal with her abusive parents (physically by her father, and mentally by her mother). One event had make her leave her family and live with her best friend, Dumpling's family. She needed to escape from where she coming from and she really want to be part of Dumpling's perfect family. She loves the smell of Dumpling's house and don't want to go back to her real life.

Alyce: Alyce is trying her best to make the best decision for her own life. Coming from a divorced parents, she was afraid that anything she choose from will hurt her father's feeling. By choosing her dream, she would have to give up the life in a fishing boat that she have known forever and the life that her father loves.

Hank: Hank and his brothers run away from their house. His father passed away and her mother wants to marry a new man. Thinking that the best decision is to run away in preserving the memory of their father, they encounter with a terrible thing that happened to one of the brother.

The Plot

This book is told from multiple points of view. I enjoyed every character's voice and their own perspective. The way that this book written and the plot is really engrossing and make me feel the need to know what happen next. This book is full of emotion rather than just teen romance.

The smell of other people's houses is a perfect title as the book itself is focusing on how as a person we occasionally judge or think that some people had better than us and we hated where we come from because of it. However, behind of those nice smell, there are so many heartbreaking and hurtful things happened that we didn't know.

This book deal with lots of difficult topics such as poverty, teen pregnancy, abuse and mental illness. There are so many issues that this book focus on without being too serious and heavy. It's amazing how the author can conclude this book with positive ending despite all the heavy issues that have been focused on.

Overall

I love the cover, the title and how emotional this book are. How could you not love the cover and the tittle? It's perfect. And the story is making me emotionally involved. I love every bit of it. To be very honest, I love Dumping the most in this book. Although she is not the main character, her character is vital to give a very good ending. Thank you, Dumpling.

Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

We don't have to be blood to be family.

Sometimes you can be inserted into another person's life just by witnessing something you were never really supposed to be a part of.

Because isn't that how forever happens- instantly?

Further Reading Suggestion

Eleanor & Park

Book Review: The Terrible Thing That Happened To Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 10:11:00 +0000

Title: The Terrible Thing That Happened To Barnaby Brocket
Author: John Boyne
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children Fiction/Contemporary/ Fantasy
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads

Synopsis

There's nothing unusual about the Brockets. Normal, respectable, and proud of it, they turn up their noses at anyone strange or different. But from the moment Barnaby Brocket comes into the world, it's clear he's anything but ordinary. To his parents’ horror, Barnaby defies the laws of gravity - and floats.

Desperate to please his parents, Barnaby does his best to keep both feet on the ground – but he just can't do it. One fateful day, the Brockets decide enough is enough. They never asked for a weird, abnormal, floating child. Barnaby has to go . . .

Betrayed, frightened and alone, Barnaby floats into the path of a very special hot air balloon – and so begins a magical journey around the world, with a cast of extraordinary new friends.

Review

This book started with the introduction to Barnaby's family. His family is perfectly normal and Mr and Mrs Brocket hated all those abnormal and weird people. Both are them have these ideal life where everyone should be normal. That include doing average in class, working in normal job, live in a normal house and have a perfectly normal family. Mr.Brocket especially hate people who made show of themselves in public (loud and crazy people in the train for example) and he love normal routine such as eating at the normal restaurants, ordering normal menus and so on. Same goes to Mrs. Brocket. She is a normal tidy women that not impressed with people behaving unusual and you know..not normal. They fall in love and got married (which is very normal) and have two normal children. But then, came Barnaby the third child of the family and the funny thing is, he is the exact opposite of normal. He floats and that is not normal.

This book is pretty funny and sad at the same time. I really dig on children fiction because there are so many important things that I can learn from it. And the story can be really interesting and unique because it's children book. Anything can happen..like a boy who can float.

The main character, Barnaby is really a sweetheart. From the beginning, he learns that he is not normal and somehow feeling unwanted by his parents. But his older brother and sister accept him the way he is and really find him as interesting little boy. Looking at him, they actually learn that there are so many extraordinary things they want to try but they can't. Because it's not normal according to their parents.

Throughout his journey of finding himself, Barnaby met lots of different person that have a different story of being abnormal,unusual and unique just like himself. From there he learns that normal is not really a good thing. You can be different and be yourself if that is who you are. To change and to be somebody that is not yourself because that is what people want, is not worth it. Love the awkward you or the floating you or whatever state you are.

This book is very close to my heart and I learn a lot from this book. It's good book to read whenever you feel sad and lonely or just want to be remind that being you is okay. For a children book, the plot is interesting and really fit children perspective. The story about a boy who can float and his journey in finding himself throughout all the confusion and acceptance is really a good story for children and for me of course.

Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

Just because your version of normal isn't the same as someone else's version doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with you.

It is possible, you know, to drift off to an unknown world and find happiness there. Maybe even more happiness than you've ever known before.

We all are. Their idea of normal just happens to be different to some other people's idea of normal. But this is the world we live in. Some people simply cannot accept something that is outside of their experience.

Book Review: Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 14:31:00 +0000

Title: Tell The Wolves I'm Home
Author: Carol Rifka Brunt
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Contemporary/ Coming of Age
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads

Synopsis

1987. There's only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that's her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn's company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June's world is turned upside down. But Finn's death brings a surprise acquaintance into June's life--someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.

At Finn's funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn's apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she's not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.

Review

First, I need to warn everyone that this book is too sad for poor heart like mine and anyone. I actually did not expect it to be this super sad and heartbreaking.

The main character June just lost her one and only uncle, best friend and godfather to AIDS. She has to deal with the lost and heartache. Along with that, she discovered so many secrets, misunderstanding, complex and complicated issue that happened with the lost. Her only sister, Greta finally become more friendly after Finn (the uncle) left and there is one person that she never knew before, suddenly become one of the important person in her life.

Finn death affected June so much that she feel lost and lonely. When she finally learns that there was someone else other than her that was very close and significant to Finn, She realized that maybe, just maybe she didn't really know Finn as much as she think she was. But, that is when she discovered everything, every single thing happened for a reason.

I love June's character so much because she's such a strong character. She was lost, sad and lonely but that doesn't stop her to be so kind, good listener and very open to the cruel fact. She learn so many heartbreaking situation, but she remains strong and kind.

This book is about finding yourself in the loss and finding your way through it. Being strong doesn't mean that we have to deal with everything by ourselves. Sometimes, all we need is someone that will always be beside us and guide us through it. Even though, the person who understand June the most is gone, she realized that she just have to open her eyes and see that there are still someone who love her and understand her.

I'm not ashamed that I was crying too much because of this book. My heart is shattered to millions pieces so many times while reading this book. I can't put it down because, well I don't want to miss anything.

Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

Maybe I was destined to forever fall in love with people I couldn’t have. Maybe there’s a whole assortment of impossible people waiting for me to find them. Waiting to make me feel the same impossibility over and over again.

That's what being shy feels like. Like my skin is too thin, the light too bright. Like the best place I could possibly be is in a tunnel far under the cool, dark earth. Someone asks me a question and I stare at them, empty-faced, my brain jammed up with how hard I'm trying to find something interesting to say. And in the end, all I can do is nod or shrug, because the light of their eyes looking at me, waiting for me, is just too much to take. And then it's over and there's one more person in the world who thinks I'm a complete and total waste of space. The worst thing is the stupid hopefulness. Every new party, every new bunch of people, and I start thinking that maybe this is my chance. That I'm going to be normal this time. A new leaf. A fresh start. But then I find myself at the party, thinking, Oh, yeah. This again. So I stand on the edge of things, crossing my fingers, praying nobody will try to look me in the eye. And the good thing is, they usually don't.

You could try to believe what you wanted, but it never worked. Your brain and your heart decided what you were going to believe and that was that. Whether you liked it or not

…there’s just something beautiful about walking on snow that nobody else has walked on. It makes you believe you’re special, even though you know you’re not.

The sun kept on with its slipping away, and I thought how many small good things in the world might be resting on the shoulders of something terrible.

Yell Standing- Egg (Eng|Han|Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 13:12:00 +0000

Sometimes you just wanna yell at the higher place. Shouting at the top of our heart "I'm gonna be okay!!" "I'm beautiful!!". You'll be okay and everything's gonna be alright.

Biseuthan naldeul oneuldo jinakajiman
비슷한 날들 오늘도 지나가지만
Another day, just like any other,
passes by

Hancham dongan jejariraseo geobina
한참 동안 제자리라서 겁이나
Scared I might be going nowhere

Mwonga jakku buranhage mandeuljiman
뭔가 자꾸 불안하게 만들지만
I keep getting anxious but

I'm fine jamsi meomchwo seoseo geoureul bwa
I'm fine 잠시 멈춰 서서 거울을 봐
I’m fine, take a moment to look in the
mirror

Ddo neoreul bulleobwa
또 너를 불러봐
And call your name again

Take me higher

Nuga bieuseumyeon eottae
누가 비웃으면 어때
So what if they laugh at you

Take me higher
Naega midgoitneun neonde
내가 믿고있는 넌데
I have faith in you

You’re so beautiful
You’re so beautiful

Deulyeodabwa geoeul suge
들여다봐 거울 속에
Look into the mirror and see

Nuga utgo itna nuga nalgo itna
누가 웃고 있나 누가 날고 있나
Who’s smiling, who’s flying

I wanna love me now

Iksukhan naldeul ttodasi banbokdoejiman
익숙한 날들 또다시 반복되지만
Another day, just like any other,
passes by

Hancham dwichyeo jineungeotgata geobina
한참 뒤쳐 지는것같아 겁이나
Scared I might be falling behind

Mwonga jakku buranhage mandeuljiman
뭔가 자꾸 불안하게 만들지만
I keep getting anxious but

I'm fine jamsi meomchwo seoseo geoureul bwa
I'm fine 잠시 멈춰 서서 거울을 봐
I’m fine, take a moment to look in the
mirror

Ddo neoreul bulleobwa
또 너를 불러봐
And call your name again

Take me higher

Nuga bieuseumyeon eottae
누가 비웃으면 어때
So what if they laugh at you

Take me higher

Naega midgoitneun neonde
내가 믿고있는 넌데
I have faith in you

You’re so beautiful
You’re so beautiful

Deulyeodabwa geoeul suge
들여다봐 거울 속에
Look into the mirror and see

Nuga utgo itna nuga nalgo itna
누가 웃고 있나 누가 날고 있나
Who’s smiling, who’s flying

I wanna love me now

Book Review: When I Was Me by Hilary Freeman

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:44:00 +0000

Title: When I Was Me
Author: Hilary Freeman
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Mystery/Thriller
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads

Synopsis

One girl, two lives. Which is real?

When Ella wakes up one Monday morning, she discovers that she is not herself and that her life is not her own. She looks different, her friends are no longer her friends and her existence has been erased from the internet. Even worse, years of her history appear to have been rewritten overnight. And yet, nobody else thinks that anything weird has happened.

A tense and dark psychological thriller full of unexpected twists and turns about the random events and decisions that make us who we are. If you can't trust your own memories, then who can you trust?

Review

I actually did not expect anything from this book at first. I picked up this book because of two reason: 1) It's on sale. 2)The cover is pretty. Anyway, I'm glad that I picked up this. Sometimes, I'm lucky when it comes to pick a random book. Sometimes, I don't. But this time, I'm lucky.

This book started with Ella waking up one day feeling like not herself. I do sometimes..like where am I? Who am I? But this is not the case for Ella. Because she literally waking up as a new and different Ella. Her room, her mom and her appearance looking so much different than yesterday. Maybe she loses her mind or maybe she just need to calm down and sleep a bit. But nope..even after calming down and all, she still not herself. It's really crazy.

There's so many things Ella needs to find out. The truth, her real self and someone who can really understand her confusion. And she also needs to adapt to her new life now. As she going through with all that emotion and experience, I feel her sadness and loneliness. She actually is a strong girl mentally. Yes, she cried and break down..but there's something in her that I admire. Especially when she was supposed to major in filmography and the next day she's majoring in chemistry/science..I can't even. How am I supposed to feel about this? It's break my heart, like I was picturing myself as her. What will I do if I was her? I can't think. She adapted very well, bravo Ella.

Apart from that, she's trying her best to get back to her real self with the help of this one person who knows everything. And because of that, she discovered something really complex and she had to made a decision for herself. This book is really interesting and I cannot believe how thin this book is. Like I need explanation. I need more. Please, how's Ella doing after everything? I really get attached to Ella and don't want to leave her.

I don't want to review a lot about this book, because I might spoil it without realizing. The vital part to enjoy this book is by not knowing anything about it. I enjoyed it very much and really recommended this book to anyone..and everyone. It's fast paced book and very thin book (I don't like this part), so yeah.

Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

Either I have lot my memory.
Or I have lost my mind.
And if I'm not me, fully me, then who am I?

Like the radiographer, she seems delighted that my brain is 'perfect'. Some people have great legs, others great hair. Apparently, I have beautiful brain. It's just my luck that nobody else will ever be able to appreciate its gorgeousness unless I leave my body to science and it ends up in a jar on someone's desk.

The truth is, I have already lived many lives in my lifetime; there have already existed more versions of me than I can count. I have been constantly changing, little by little, cell by cell, pore by pore. All these other transformations were so slow that I simply didn't notice them happening. This one is different because it was so violent and sudden, because it happened overnight.

Books Comparison: Tom Gates vs Big Nate vs Diary of a Wimpy Kid vs Dork Diaries

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 08:50:00 +0000

Hello everyone.

Middle grade fiction/graphic novels(is it?) is one of my favourite genre. I love the funny and witty middle grade comic/drawing/diary and I basically read this genre when I feel boring, sad or just need some emotional boost. However, there are so many choices of book for this genre and as a regular reader I tend to compare this book genre and choose what I love the most. Just to remind everyone, this is my personal preference and you may/may not take my opinion seriously..because everyone is different.

So, let's get started...

Tom Gates by Liz Pichon

First Book Title: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
Author: Liz Pichon
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children fiction/graphic novels
Buy: Yes

Review

To be very honest, I pick up this book or this whole series (at that time they only got 5 books) because of the drawing. It is so pretty and it was a love first sigh I have with this book. This series now have about 9 books currently and possibly to be expanding more. My favourite book from the series is the latest book I've read which is the 7th book: Tom Gates: (A tiny bit) Lucky. I am pretty sure last time my favourite book from the series is the 6th book. I think it depends on the latest book I've read at the time because the story is getting better and better throughout the series.

I don't know much about the series at first but I was impress by how much I like this book throughout the series not just because of the drawing but the storyline as well. The first book for me it's not really the best, but I still continue with the series. Surprise..surprise.. I love it. The character development and the storyline is getting more interesting by the time I finish the second book (I think). I'm not really sure when, but I realized that I laugh a lot and I don't feel boring reading this series anymore. I love every character especially Tom because he was an honest kid and really innocent and I grown to love his character like he was this funny kid I personally know. Tom is very smart kid, love art and music (both are not my expertise, but I adore people who have talent in these area). He is pretty straightforward and full of idea in his drawing and creative making music. Smart..smart kid. I love how he express every single thing that happen in his day and personally I was a little bit jealous of his life, because it's so fun. Other than the lovable characters, they are some character I find annoying. Well..you can't love everyone right?

Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce

First Book Title: Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
Author: Lincoln Pierce
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children fiction/graphic novels/Comic stripes
Buy: No. Borrowed from my sister.

Review

So far I think I've read 5 books from the series and remember that it was really funny and I really looking forward to read it whenever I visited my sister (because she has like huge collection of children graphic novels/comic stripes). Okay, my sister literally has tons of this kinda book and her favourite is always Big Nate. I know why she and my brother in law love it because it is funny and you feel like you're reading comic stripes from the newspaper and it's a quick read. For those who can't commit to long writing or essay kinda thing (kids especially), I really suggest this series.

However, I was reading some of the review from the Goodreads about this series and I found that people either love it or hate it. They are some issues regarding this series and mostly because Nate character can be a little bit controversial. He's a trouble maker boy, really hate his school and always making fun of his teacher and classmate. Some of the things that he said might be a little harsh and would really influence children in a bad way because he like to tease and said lots of bad things about his teacher and so on. But don't worry, it's not like this series teach children how to be rude and talk in bad ways. It's more into the freedom of speech by this innocent boy who has so many thought about something. I think it's really normal for children at that age to be like him because we doesn't necessarily love our teacher at that time right? It's pretty normal for children to make fun of each other..but I don't know you. So people might find it a little unpleasant and not a very good book for children. It all depend on how you see the book. I read this book when I was not in middle grade, so I don't really take it seriously and I was not bother by the way this book has been written. Basically, this is a really funny book but there are some uncomfortable scene, so don't thing much about it..just enjoy.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

First Book Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children fiction/graphic novels
Buy: No. Borrowed from my sister.

Review

Diary of Wimpy Kid series is the most popular series in this genre. I always saw this book in the bookstore and specifically in the best seller section. I guess most of the children that love and want to try reading will definitely pick up this series. I'm not really sure why this book is popular, but I was introduced to this book because I watched the movie first. And I love the movie so much, I wanna try to read the book. Yeah, maybe that's one of the reason this book is popular.

Let me tell you what I think about this book. For me, it was okay. Not really special or funny, just okay. I think I've read 5 books from the series, but to be very honest I don't remember anything that I've read. I might read the same book from the series, because I can't remember the latest book I've read from the series. Compare to Tom Gates, I feel really close to the character and the story grown in me after some time. But Diary of Wimpy Kid doesn't give the same effect. I can't recall anything and I'm not really interested anymore to read this series. I may/may not pick up this series again, depending on my mood. The series currently have 10 books and possibly of expanding. 10 books? Wow..nice.

Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell

First Book Title: Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
Author: Rachel Renee Russell
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children fiction/graphic novels
Buy: Yes

Review

Dork diaries is about a Nikki, the unpopular girl that has huge crush on a perfect boy at school. She written a diary that basically about her crush, the mean girl at the school and drama drama drama.This series currently consist of 10 books and I own 2 of them. I've read 3 or 4 books from the series.

I think something is definitely wrong with me. Or is it the book? This series is just not my cup of tea. I tried my best to read this series (hence those 3 or 4 book that I've read), but I just couldn't like it enough and lose interest in it. But please, do not listen to me. I'm just weird. It's not that I hate Nikki or anything, I just hate the whole storyline. Cliche, boring and really depressing for me. I don't find anything from this book that might interest me. Full of drama..but not good drama. Just some whiny drama and mean girls drama. I do not need this kind of drama in this type of book. And it just not funny..at all. For those who really like drama type of book about an unpopular girl who always been a target of mean girls and how she manage to shine away and make her crush notice her and so on..you can guess where this is going, you definitely should pick up this book.

Benefits of Good Oils

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:59:00 +0000

Hello everyone.

Has anyone taken any supplement regularly to maintain healthy body system? Me..me..me. So far I only consume/take 3 type of supplements/oils everyday.

Olive Oil

I consume this oil because of my skin and hair problems. I do use olive oil to massage my face as well as apply it to my hair to prevent hair damage.

Benefits of Olive Oil

Protects Heart Health
Helps Fight Cancer
Helps with Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention
Supports Brain Health
Fights Mood Disorders and Depression
Great for Boosting Skin Health
Can Help Prevent or Treat Diabetes
Helps Balance Hormones

Borage Oil

I consume this supplement to help me maintain my menstrual cycle and prevent period pain.

Benefits of Borage Oil

Supplies Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Has Antioxidant Properties that Fight Cancer
Can Lower Arthritis Symptoms
Fights Eczema and Skin Disorders
Helps Heal Respiratory Infections
Aids Growth and Development
Might Help Lower Fat Accumulation and Weight Gain

Black Seed Oil

This oil help me with my allergic reaction and also maintain my digestive system.

Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Prevent Cancer
Protects Liver Health
Prevent Diabetes
Help with Weight Loss
Prevent Hair Loss
Maintains Healthy Skin
Fights Infection

Source

I'm not an expert or dietitian/doctor/etc. But I do consume these 3 oils and looking forward to see the difference it will bring to my life. However, I'm the laziest person in this world. So sometimes I do skip this routine because I totally forgot about it or just being lazy me.

p/s: Listening to Lazy Girl by SNSD

Face Massage: Road to Youthful Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 13:38:00 +0000

Hello everyone.

I'm getting old and I know you guys out there are getting old as well. Apart from anti-aging skincare, I discover today (I'm quite late..I know) that face massaging can help to prevent wrinkle and all those aging problem.

Check out Wengie's video down here for the face massage tutorial:

One of the reason I'm so excited for this face massage thingy (in addition of it's benefit of anti aging) is because I can't see my jawline anymore. My face is getting bigger than before and I usually don't mind those chubby cheeks because I just love it. But it's getting out of control. I need to 정신차려(snap out of it) a.s.a.p.

Steps:

Prepare your scrapping board/guasha. I borrow it from my mom because I don't have one obviously.
Choose a suitable face oil for your face. I, again borrow the argan and olive oil for face from my mom for the same exact reason as before.
Massage your face as shown in the video above.
After massaging, clean your face with facial wash especially if you have sensitive/acne/oily skin because you don't want those excess oil lying in your face for a long time.
Do it every night.

Hopefully this method work for me and everyone who has the same problem as mine.

Drink Water and Lose Weight

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 06:46:00 +0000

It's the time of the year that I started to feel that I need to change my routine and start living a healthy life. First step of this awesome dream/journey/inspiration of being fit and healthy is by drinking water. I admit that I love coffee (with lots of sugar and cream) and taking less water regularly that might be the reason that I haven't really lose weight and somehow gain more. And I need to change. Yes, right now.

Of course it's not easy for me because I just not really of fond of plain water and like I said I love sugary water. But you know what they say..

First thing first..

Because I have a problem drinking plain water, I decided to put slices (2-3 slices) of lemon into my water bottle (1.5 L). I squeeze the lemon slices a bit before putting them into my water bottle, so that it will taste a little better than just a plain water.

My water bottle (1.5L)

Tips and Tricks: source

2 glasses after waking up: helps activate internal organs
1 glass 30 minutes before meal: helps digestion
1 glass before taking shower/bath: helps lower blood pressure
1 glass before going to bed: avoid stroke and heart attack

The benefits of drinking water and stay hydrated: source

Weight loss
Provide Extra Energy
Headache cure
Healthy skin
Cure digestive problems
Cleansing and kidney health
Better exercise

Yes..it's long way for me to actually have a healthy lifestyle but I will try. I will try my best. Take a deep breath. You can do it. Anyway, I actually will also starting my workout routine and will be updating the routine soon. Be sure to stay healthy everyone.

Goodbye Sadness- BTOB (비투비) (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 08:11:00 +0000

Please..let the sadness go. Don't hold into it anymore. I have to remind myself each day. Of course it will always be hard, but you and me have to try. It takes courage to be happy and let the sadness go. Oh..my poor heart. Be strong.

Nareul norineun dynamite

나를 노리는 dynamite

The dynamite that teases me

machi dogideun sagwa gateun

마치 독이든 사과 같은

like a poisonous apple

Chagaun wiseondeul soge nan

차가운 위선들 속에 난

Within the cold hypocrisy, I’m

oeroun eodum suk moonlight

외로운 어둠 속 moonlight

the moonlight within the lonely dark

Fly fly you can fly

Aljanha mureupe hyungteoneun nuguna kajigo

itdangeol

알잖아 무릎에 흉터는 누구나 가지고 있단걸

You know that the scars on your knees is something

everyone has

Igeon salm salm sukjedo cham manha

이건 삶 삶 숙제도 참 많아

This is life, there’s lots of homework

within life

Su manheun saramdeuri kaman nwadujil anha

수 많은 사람들이 가만 놔두질 않아

So many people won’t let it go

Yeogiseo chiigo jeogiseo chiyeo

여기서 치이고 저기서 치여

Getting run over here, run over there

Onmome meongjagukdeuri amuljil anha

온몸에 멍자국들이 아물질 않아

The bruises all over my body won’t heal

Cry,cry nunmuri meomchujil anha

Cry cry 눈물이 멈추질 않아

Cry, cry, the tears won’t stop

Nugunga son nemireojwo

누군가 손 내밀어줘

Someone please extend me their hand

Jageun naui eokkae wiae

작은 나의 어깨 위에

On my small shoulder

naeryeoanjeun noeulcheoreom

내려앉은 노을처럼

like a sinking sunset

Jogeumeun hime gyeowo jichil ttae

조금은 힘에 겨워 지칠 때

When I’ve become exhausted

neoman nae gyeote isseumyeon dwae

너만 내 곁에 있으면 돼

I just need you in my embrace

Fly fly you can fly

Aljanha mureupe hyungteoneun nuguna kajigo

itdangeol

알잖아 무릎에 흉터는 누구나 가지고 있단걸

You know that the scars on your knees is something

everyone has

Igeon salm salm sukjedo cham manha

이건 삶 삶 숙제도 참 많아

This is life, there’s lots of homework

within life

Su manheun saramdeuri kaman nwadujil anha

수 많은 사람들이 가만 놔두질 않아

So many people won’t let it go

Yeogiseo chiigo jeogiseo chiyeo

여기서 치이고 저기서 치여

Getting run over here, run over there

Onmome meongjagukdeuri amuljil anha

온몸에 멍자국들이 아물질 않아

The bruises all over my body won’t heal

Cry,cry nunmuri meomchujil anha

Cry cry 눈물이 멈추질 않아

Cry, cry, the tears won’t stop

Nugunga son nemireojwo

누군가 손 내밀어줘

Someone please extend me their hand

Michige ulgo sipeun nal

미치게 울고 싶은 날

There's a day I wanna cry like crazy

haneobsi utgo sipeun nal

한없이 웃고 싶은 날

and day that I wanna laugh endlessly

Nawa hamkke ulgo useojuneun

나와 함께 울고 웃어주는

Cry and laugh together with me

neoman nae gyeote isseumyeon dwae

너만 내 곁에 있으면 돼

I just need you in my embrace

Bye Bye Bye seulpeumeun Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye 슬픔은 Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye, Goodbye sadness

Sesangi nal oemyeonhaedo
세상이 날 외면해도
Even if the world turns away from me

Ddeugeobge ddwineun naui gaseumeun
뜨겁게 뛰는 나의 가슴은
My hotly beating heart

jeoltaero mureup kkulhji anha
절대로 무릎 꿇지 않아
will never kneel

Bye Bye Bye seulpeumeun Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye 슬픔은 Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye, Goodbye sadness

Sesangi nal oemyeonhaedo
세상이 날 외면해도
Even if the world turns away from me

Ddeugeobge ddwineun naui gaseumeun
뜨겁게 뛰는 나의 가슴은
My hotly beating heart

jeoltaero mureup kkulhji anha
절대로 무릎 꿇지 않아
will never kneel

Everybody wanna know

Hanchi apdo anboyeoseo neomu yasokhangeol
한치 앞도 안보여서 너무 야속한걸
The possibilities in the future that we
can't see

Nobody wanna cry

Hanbeon mideobojagu

한번 더 믿어보자구

Please believe in it one more time

Gosaengi manha bro

고생이 많아 bro

You've worked hard, bro

Eng: kim8469
Han: http://ilyricsbuzz.com/
Rom: TheXezza

Book Review: Irène by Pierre Lemaitre

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 10:09:00 +0000

Title: Irène
Author: Pierre Lemaitre
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Crime fiction/ Thriller
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads

Synopsis

For Commandant Verhoeven life is beautiful: he is happily married, expecting his first child with the lovely Irène.

But his blissful existence is punctured by a murder of unprecedented savagery. Worse still, the press seem to have it in for him – his every move is headline news. When he discovers that the killer has killed before – that each murder is a homage to a classic crime novel – the fourth estate are quick to coin a nickname… The Novelist…

With both men in the public eye, the case develops into a personal duel, each hell-bent on outsmarting the other. There can only be one winner – whoever has the least to lose…

Book Review

This is one of the mind blowing book I've read at the beginning of the year. Mind you, I haven't read much of mind blowing books before. So maybe this is the first time. I can't believe that I've been tricked by this book because the twist is something that my mind didn't expect, hence the mind blowing thing. This book is the first book of the Verhoeven series written by Pierre Lemitre, a French author that have been translated to English by Frank Wynne (thank you, thank you so much).

The story start with the horrifying murder that happened to the two young woman that became a case for Commandant Verhoeven and his team to investigate. Let me tell you, the murder is too vivid and horrifying that I still get nightmares about it these days. I hate it but I love it.

Camille (Commandant Verhoeven) and his team consisting of Louis, Armand and Malevel are looking for clues and anything related to the murder and finally got some information that the crime is actually a crime series that happen before and surprise surprise...the murders that happened are exact copy from the crime fiction novels (multiple novels).

It's really intense book as I couldn't put this book down because I just want to know and solved all those mysteries. The main character is really interesting as well as the team. I love every part of this book and there's not a single page that I felt boring or not interesting enough. Every single page is worth it. Then we have Irène, Camille's wife as one of the important character as title is named after hers. So of course, everything will be related to her and I hate that. Leave Irene alone!!

I don't want to write long review because I'm afraid that I'll spoil all the important details of this book. As for me, if I were given this book to read, I definitely will jump into it without knowing anything about it, That will be the best way to enjoy this book. Highly recommended this book for someone who loves crime fiction and wouldn't mind all these scary crime details that will give you nightmares for several days. And the twist..something you cannot imagine (if you're just like me..pea size brain..hehe). It's funny book too despite the serious topic of murder.

Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

"Bastard!" "Who's a bastard?' "Oh, the world is full of bastards, Louis, but that hack from Le Matin, is leagues ahead of the rest." Camille told Louis about his encounter the previous evening.

"What's that?" "A list of wallpaper shops. Specifically those that stock the Dalmatian print." "How far have you got?" " Number thirty-seven." "And?" "And, I'm about to call number thirty-eight." "Obviously."

"It's not much, is it?" "Oh yes, there's one more thing: the letter was posted in Courbevoie, right next to the crime scene. The man's got style.

"Apparently the minister is 'deeply troubled'." "Troubled? A minister? You jest!" "Not at all, Camille. To me, a minister who is deeply troubled is deeply troubling in itself. But ministerial anxiety has practical benefit. Everything we were told was impossible yesterday is now top priority. By this afternoon you'll have a bigger squad room and lot more officers."

안아줄게 (I’ll Hug You)- Standing Egg (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 08:57:00 +0000

Sometimes when you too sad, you don't want to talk and just want to crawl and cry. All you need is a hug from someone you love saying "Everything will be okay".

Geureon nari itji
그런 날이 있지
This kinda day exist

Nunmuri mak nalgeot gateun geureon nal
눈물이 막 날것 같은 그런 날
The day when you feel like crying

Geodneun geotmajeo himgyeobdago neuggyeojil ddae
걷는 것마저 힘겹다고 느껴질 때
When you feel too tired to walk

Ne gyeote geu nugudo mollajul ddae
네 곁에 그 누구도 몰라줄 때
You don't even know who will be
there beside you

It's alright, it's alright

Naega neol anajulke

내가 널 안아줄게

I will give you a hug

Naepume angyeo maeumkkeot ureo anajulke

내품에 안겨 마음껏 울어 안아줄게

You can cry your heart out on my arms

while I hug you

It's alright, it's alright

Naega da deureojulke

내가 다 들어줄게

I will listen to you

Amuegedo mal mothan ne mam naega deurojulke

아무에게도 말 못한 네 맘 내가 들어줄게

Even things you cannot say, I will listen to your

heart

Geureon nari itji

그런 날이 있지

This kinda day exist

Modeun geol da nohko sipeun geureon nal

모든 걸 다 놓고 싶은 그런 날

The day when you wanna throw

everything

Georagadeol giri beogeopdago neukkyeojil ddae

걸어가던 길이 버겁다고 느껴질 때

When even walking is too much for you

Ne gyeote geu nugudo mollajul ddae

네 곁에 그 누구도 몰라줄 때

You don't even know who will be

there beside you

It's alright, it's alright

Naega neol anajulke

내가 널 안아줄게

I will give you a hug

Naepume angyeo maeumkkeot ureo anajulke

내품에 안겨 마음껏 울어 안아줄게

You can cry your heart out on my arms

while I hug you

It's alright, it's alright

Naega da deureojulke

내가 다 들어줄게

I will listen to you

Amuegedo mal mothan ne mam naega deurojulke

아무에게도 말 못한 네 맘 내가 들어줄게

Even things you cannot say, I will listen to your

heart

It's alright, it's alright

Naega neol anajulke

내가 널 안아줄게

I will give you a hug

Naepume angyeo maeumkkeot ureo anajulke

내품에 안겨 마음껏 울어 안아줄게

You can cry your heart out on my arms

while I hug you

It's alright, it's alright

Naega da deureojulke

내가 다 들어줄게

I will listen to you

Amuegedo mal mothan ne mam naega deurojulke

아무에게도 말 못한 네 맘 내가 들어줄게

Even things you cannot say, I will listen to your

heart

Deureojulke

들어줄게

I will listen to you

Deureojulke

들어줄게

I will listen to you

Deureojulke

들어줄게

I will listen to you

Naega anajulke

내가 안아줄게

I will hug you

Eng: http://dandelions-garden.tumblr.com/

Han: daum

Rom: TheXezza

Book Review: Stolen by Lucy Christopher

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 06:08:00 +0000

Title: Stolen
Author: Lucy Christopher
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Contemporary/Thriller
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads

Synopsis

IT HAPPENED LIKE THIS.

I was stolen from an airport. Kidnapped. Taken from everything I knew, everything I was used to. Imprisoned by sand and heat, dirt and danger. And he expected me to love him.

This is my story. A letter to my captor.

Book Review

Gemma and her family went vacation to Bangkok when she first met her captor/kidnaper Ty at the coffee shop in Bangkok Airport while waiting for her flight to go back to London. She's sixteen years old girl who's really kind hearted and friendly and that's the reason why she accepted Coffee from Ty thinking that he was just being friendly. They talked for a while (Gemma being friendly) and suddenly she was in another continent. This is a story about how Gemma coped in that situation. At first she was terrified of that event and was really scared that Ty gonna kill her and all those nightmares. However, she then adapted to her current situation and finally accepted (I guess) that she won't be back home anymore.

First what I like about this book is Gemma's character. The author definitely portray how Gemma felt through all things that happened to her in a realistic way. She was scared at first and by the end of the book, she develop a comfortable feeling towards Ty. This is really possible because she doesn't have any choice but to be dependent on her captor although she hated him at first. But in real life situation, you'll eventually will be attach to Ty when all you can see is how good Ty treat you and somehow you'll forget that Ty is the reason you there (and all the bad things he done). They called it Stockholm syndrome: a psychological phenomenon in which hostages express empathy and sympathy and have positive feelings toward their captors, sometimes to the point of defending and identifying with the captors.

I hate Ty character. I just hate him. The moment I start reading this book, all I want to do is burn this book or punching someone face. Because, I hate him. I can't understand him at all. He just some psychotic man and I don't really care about him. I don't want to know anything about him..at all. There are some parts where he discussed the first time he met Gemma and how he was really attracted to her, hence planning on kidnapping her that make my blood boil. Like seriously man..you need help. He's like a villian character from the drama that you hate so much and convince yourself that the person is real and you don't want to watch anymore because you hate him. It's positive kinda hate when you can't distinguish between reality and fiction.

I haven't really read lots of book that involve my emotion especially hateful emotion. Sometimes I do feel emotional while reading but always like happy, sad or terrified but never hate. I think this is the first book that I felt quite disturbed by the fact that I hate the character so much. Apart from that, this is a good book to understand the Stockholm syndrome. I just wish that Gemma will eventually find her own happiness and forget about all those traumatized event that happen to her.

Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

'Camels just make a lot of fuss.' You ran your hand up heck, and spoke gently to her again. Her ears flicked back to listen to you. 'As soon as she understand what we wants, she'll do it. Camels are like that.' I wondered if you thought the same thing about me.

What you did to me wasn't this brilliant thing, like you think it was. You took me away from everything-my parents, my friends, my life. You took me to the sand and the heat, the dirt and isolation. And you expected me to love you. And that's the hardest bit. Because I did or at least, I loved something out there. But I hated you too. I can't forget that.

But what else I can do, other than to plead with you like this? Other than to write down my story,our story, to show you what you've done..to make you realise that what you did wasn't fair, wasn't right.

Book Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 17:35:00 +0000

Title: The Graveyard Book
Author: Neil Gaiman
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children/Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads

Synopsis

After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family...

Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his New York Times bestselling modern classic Coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, The Graveyard Book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.

Book Review

I've read one of the Neil Gaiman’s book before which is The Ocean at The End of Lane and I love it so much. Thinking of it, make me wanna read the book again. Okay, back to the review of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Obviously I love it so much as I gave this book 5 stars. I really interested in fantasy-mystery children book for adult. Even if the book is indeed for children, I think it suit my taste more. I find that this kind of book is mystery yet fantasy and fairy tale like that I prefer more than young adult fantasy.

The Graveyard Book starts with a very heart-racing and tear-jerking scene. I was very much rooting for the baby. Bod to be save by the ghost cause his life pretty much destroyed as his family being murdered by Jack. It was sad because he just a baby and I hate that he lost his family just in one night. Fast forward, he then lives with the graveyard family that so interesting and so many things happen in his life while living there. I can vividly see the life he’s been through at the graveyard because of Neil Gaiman’s writing style. Remind me of how much I love his writing style from his previous book that I read. I enjoy having fun and learning new things with Bod. It was excitement in every chapter and to be very honest I can’t really put down this book. I was too eager to know why Jack killed Bod’s family and every detail of the graveyard mystery. I want to know why and what and how. There were so many questions that came out while I was reading this book. I think everyone who read this book will definitely feel the same, like the feeling of wanted to know every single thing to be fully understood the story.

There are too many characters from this book that I love. I love Bod’s ghost parents, Mr and Mrs Owens that have typical over protective parents like. They love Bod as their own son and always giving advice and comfort Bod when he was in trouble. I love how the author portray that even they were ghost they still act and love like human-parents will. I feel like Bod never felt like an orphan because he got Mr and Mrs Owen as his awesome parents ever. Next we have Silas as Bod guardian. He is human being that lives in the graveyard to protect the graveyard. At first, I thought he was like an undertaker or something but he’s not. The graveyard is actually the old graveyard that nobody used anymore so there’s no need for the undertaker to live there. He such a mysterious character as he is the only human that Bod being associated with since the beginning but yet he’s not like any other human. To me who didn't even have any background or knowledge about myth and story about the unseen, it’s quite a new and exciting things. There are so many things that I need to fully understand before get into the next page but I love it. Well, ~~I do know now Silas is not a typical human being he’s a vampire they said.~~

However, I do feel a little bit incomplete as the story come to end. I get this same problem when it comes to good book, make me feel unsatisfied as I feel I need more pages or 2nd book. I want to know what happen after the book ends and I want to know how Bod’s doing now. Is he okay? Has he finally found his happy ending? Sigh..

Book Quotes

may contain spoiler

"Does it work? Are they happier dead?" "Sometimes. Mostly, no. It's like the people who believe they'l be happy if they go and live somewhere else, but who learn it doesn't work that way. Wherever you go, you take yourself with you. If you see what I mean"

"It's only death. I mean, all of my best friends are dead." "Yes". Silas hesitated. "They are. And they are, for the most part, done with the world. You are not. You're alive, Bod. That means you have infinite potential. You can do anything, dream anything. If you change the world, the world will change. Potential. Once you're dead, it's gone. Over. You've made what you've made, dreamed your dream, written your name. You may be buried here, you may even walk. But the potential is finished."

"Can't I stay here? In the graveyard?". "You must not," said Silas, more gently than Bod could remember him ever saying anything. "All the people here have had their lives, Bod, even if they were short ones. Now it's your turn. You need to live"

Bod said, "I want to see life. I want to hold it in my hands. I want to leave a footprint on the sand of a desert island I want to play football with people. I want," he said, and then he paused and he thought. "I want everything."

"Leave no path untaken," repeated Bod. "A difficult challenge, but I can try my best".

Further Reading Suggestion

The Ocean at The End of The Land

Raining in Amsterdam- Lee Na Rae (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:49:00 +0000

Hello there.

Since it's raining now, I thought I will upload a happy rainy day song instead of the sad one. Because, to be very honest, I'm a happy person when it comes to rain. The song title as you can read above is raining in Amsterdam. I really love to travel there someday and feel the lovey-dovey atmosphere just like how this song portrayed. It's raining here and here is not Amsterdam. How's raining in your place?~

Kubeojin gilgareul tteoraseo
굽어진 길가를 따라서
Along a curved roadside

I gibune nokahdeulgiro hae
이 기분에 녹아들기로 해
The mood seems to melt in

Eoneusae jidoe seona bon geu moyangdeullo
gadeokhae
어느새 지도에서나 본 그 모양들로 가득해
All of a sudden, the map is filled up with that shape

Dahaenghi singo naon Rain Boots
다행히 신고 나온 Rain boots
Fortunately, it was forecasted Rain Boots

Gwitgareul geonjireobhineun jeo Lounge,Music
귓가를 간지럽히는 저 Lounge, Music
My ears felt a wonderful tickling sensation
Lounge Music

You & Me sigyereul meomchun chaero georeoga
You & Me 시계를 멈춘 채로 걸어가
You & Me time stops while we are walking

Wu the rain is fallin’

Malloneun da jeonhaji motal areumdaum sogeuro
ikkeullyeo
말로는 다 전하지 못할 아름다움 속으로 이끌려
Words cannot convey the beauty beneath

Wu the rain is fallin’

Geumsae nal eoduun gureum wiro ollyeoda noko
금새 날 어두운 구름 위로 올려다 놓고
Put me up beside the comfortable dark clouds

It’s raining
Amsterdam

Nuguna saeroun sijakgwa nangmaneul
kkumkkuneun got
누구나 새로운 시작과 낭만을 꿈꾸는 곳
Everyone starts fresh at a romantic dream

The Amsterdam yunanhi geochireojin gonggi
The Amsterdam 유난히 거칠어진 공기
The Amsterdam’s atmosphere is unusually rough

Gal goseul irheun geonneopyeon jageun saedeuldo
갈 곳을 잃은 건너편 작은 새들도
Small birds lose a place to fly across

You & Me sigyereul meomchun chaero georeoga
You & Me 시계를 멈춘 채로 걸어가
You & Me time stops while we are walking

Wu the rain is fallin’

Malloneun da jeonhaji motal areumdaum sogeuro
ikkeullyeo
말로는 다 전하지 못할 아름다움 속으로 이끌려
Words cannot convey the beauty beneath

Wu the rain is fallin’

Geumsae nal eoduun gureum wiro ollyeoda noko
금새 날 어두운 구름 위로 올려다 놓고
Put me up beside the comfortable dark clouds

Eng Sub: https://princessoftea.wordpress.com
Han|Rom: http://lovemikoforever.blogspot.my/

p/s: I was googling for a background picture for my lyrics video, and found this funny picture. The caption for this gif is: How we really react when it starts raining - also on a warm spring day in Amsterdam. It's so cute and make me wonder how is the rain there in Amsterdam? So curious.

Keep Running (달리기) - Okdal (Dalmoon) (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:40:00 +0000

Yes, I know you're tired. Me too. I feel like quitting and give up everything. Just like you, I feel tired. But then, at the end everything will be okay. Just keep running~

Jigyeoungayo himdeungayo
지겨운가요 힘든가요
Are you sick and tired of it?

Sumi teokggaji chatnayo
숨이 턱까지 찼나요
Are you out of breath?

Hal su eobsjyo
할 수 없죠
But you have no choice,

eochapi sigakhae beorin geoseul
어차피 시작해 버린 것을
you have to finish what you’ve already started

Ssudeojineun haetsal soge
쏟아지는 햇살 속에
Even if you break out in cold sweat

Ibi bassak mallawado
입이 바싹 말라와도
Under the raining sun

Hal su eobsjyo
할 수 없죠
You have no choice

Changpihage meomchwoseol sun eobseuni
창피하게 멈춰설 순 없으니
You can’t stop now

Dan han gaji yaksogeun
단 한 가지 약속은
The one thing that’s for sure

teulrimeobsi kkeuti itdaneun geot
틀림없이 끝이 있다는 것
is that all of this will end

Kkeutnan dwien jigyeoul mankeum
끝난 뒤엔 지겨울 만큼
And after the end

oraetdongan swil su itdaneun geot
오랫동안 쉴 수 있다는 것
we can finally rest

Ssodajineun haetsal soge
쏟아지는 햇살 속에
Even if you break out in cold sweat

Ibi bassak mallawado
입이 바싹 말라와도
Under the raining sun

Hal su eobsjyo
할 수 없죠
You have no choice

Changpihage meomchwoseol sun eobseuni
창피하게 멈춰설 순 없으니
You can’t stop now

Iyudo eobsi gakkeumeun
이유도 없이 가끔은
Sometimes without any reason

nunmulnage eogeul hagetjyo
눈물나게 억울 하겠죠
frustration tears might roll down

Ildeunganin botongdeuregen
일등아닌 보통들에겐
As usual we who are not in the first place

baksujocha namui iringeol
박수조차 남의 일인걸
won't get any clap from anyone

Dan han gaji yaksogeun
단 한 가지 약속은
The one thing that’s for sure

teulrimeobsi kkeuti itdaneun geot
틀림없이 끝이 있다는 것
is that all of this will end

Kkeutnan dwien jigyeoul mankeum
끝난 뒤엔 지겨울 만큼
And after the end

oraetdongan swil su itdaneun geot
오랫동안 쉴 수 있다는 것
we can finally rest

Eng|Han: http://www.tartfroyo.com/
Rom: TheXezza

Two Hands, to You (두 손, 너에게)- Sweden Laundry (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:36:00 +0000

There's time when we wish we never grow up. When life gets harder and you feel so alone, all you can think of how happy you used to be when you were just a kid. Stay strong and welcome to adulthood~

Sarajilkkayo
사라질까요
Will they fade

Jigeum geurigo itneun miraedo
지금 그리고 있는 미래도
Now and the future

Aju orae jeon maeireul kkueotdeon kkumcheoreom
아주 오래 전 매일을 꾸었던 꿈처럼
Like the dreams I dreamed every day, a long time ago

Ijhyeojilkkayo
잊혀질까요
Like a forgotten time

jageun du songarake georeodueotdeon
작은 두 손가락에 걸어두었던
when we swore with our pinkies

ganjeolhaetdeon yaksokchoreom
간절했던 약속처럼
for a frail promise

Saranghaesseotdeon gotdeuri
사랑했었던 것들이
The things that I loved

Jakku sarajineun ildeureun
자꾸 사라지는 일들은
Slowly disappearing

Geu eonjengaen mudyeojigido hanayo
그 언젠가엔 무뎌지기도 하나요
Will I ever get used to the feeling

Nan ajik geudaeroinde
난 아직 그대로인데
I stay the same but

naege dahneun siseondeureun
내게 닿는 시선들은
the eyes that judge me

pyeonhan geot gateunde
변한 것 같은데
seem to change

Mwol eotteohke haeya hajyo
뭘 어떻게 해야 하죠
What do I do?

Keokjeong marara
걱정 말아라
Don’t worry

Neoui sesangeun aju kanghage
너의 세상은 아주 강하게
The world around you is tightly

neol gamssa anko ittanda
널 감싸 안고 있단다
hugging you right now

Naneun antanda
나는 안단다
I know that

Geudaeroin geot gatado
그대로인 것 같아도
You think you’re the same

aju jogeumssik neon
아주 조금씩 넌
but little by little you

naagago ittanda
나아가고 있단다
are growing up

Kamkamhan uju sogeseo
캄캄한 우주 속에서
In the dark night sky

bithnaneun byeoldeureul chajaseo
빛나는 별들을 찾아서
like a shining star I found you

nuneul kkamppagineun
눈을 깜빡이는
and your eyes glimmering

Neon aju areumdaptanda
넌 아주 아름답단다
They’re so beautiful

Sumanheun mangseorim kkeute
수많은 망설임 끝에
All the hesitation

naedideun georeume
내딛은 걸음에
in every step that I have to take

jabajeun du soneul gieokhalgeyo
잡아준 두 손을 기억할게요
disappear whenever I remember your two hands

Eng|Han: http://www.tartfroyo.com/
Rom: TheXezza

See The Light- 디어 클라우드(Dear Cloud) (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:31:00 +0000

Hello there.

Open your eyes and see the light (not direct sunlight please). Try to look in different perspective instead of always seeing the negative things~

Gaseum soge sumgyeot deon yaegil naege haebwa
가슴속에 숨겼 던 얘길 내게 해봐
Tell the story you have hidden in your heart

Saenggakhaji mothaetdeon neoui seulpeumeul bwa
생각하지 못했던 너의 슬픔을 봐
Look at the sadness you did not realize

Gipsukhi gudeojin neoui maeumsogeun areumdawo
깊숙히 굳어진 너의 마음속은 아름다워
Your hardened heart is beautiful

I can see the light, see the light,
see the light, see the light

Teoreonaeji mothaetdeon yaegil naege haebwa
털어내지 못했던 얘길 내게 해봐
Tell me the stories you could not tell

Saenggakhaji mothaetdeon neoui sangcheoreul bwa
생각하지 못했던 너의 상처를 봐
Look at the scars you did not realize

Jogeumsshik yeoreoon neoui maeumsogeun
areumdawo
조금씩 열어온 너의 마음속은 아름다워
Your heart, slowly opening, is beautiful

I can see the light, see the light,
see the light, see the light

Amudo hearyeo juji anhneun seulpeumdeul
아무도 헤아려 주지 않는 슬픔들
Sadness nobody could figure out

Hollo namgyeojin deut sseulsseulhaejin maeumdeul
홀로 남겨진 듯 쓸쓸해진 마음들
Heart that became lonely

Seulpeumui sigando ddo dareun gippeumui sigando
슬픔의 시간도 또 다른 기쁨의 시간도
The times of sadness, and the times of happiness

Neoreul maemdolmyeo bicheul bichune
너를 맴돌며 빛을 비추네
Revolves around you, shining

Neoreul maemdolmyeo bicheul bichune
너를 맴돌며 빛을 비추네
Revolves around you, shining

Bicheul bichune
빛을 비추네
It's shining

Eng: https://lyricalmovement.wordpress.com
Han: Naver Music
Rom: TheXezza

The Healing Song- Casker (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:26:00 +0000

Hello there.
We all need some healing song, so here is my recommendation~

Cheoeumbuteo naega baraetdeon modeun geot
처음부터 내가 바랬던 모든 것
Everything I’ve wanted since the beginning

Jigeumdo naega baraneun modeun geot
지금도 내가 바라는 모든 것
Everything I still wish for

Nuneul tteugo sumeul swigo
눈을 뜨고 숨을 쉬고
Opening my eyes, breathing

Daman geu ane saneun il
다만 그 안에 사는 일
Living in that simplicity

So I hear and feel the sound
Always I hear and feel this song
Always I hear and feel the beat
And go on, go on
The healing song

Nae giri eonjena
내 길이 언제나
My path will always

Nae mami eonjena
내 맘이 언제나
My heart will always

Nae salmi eonjena
내 삶이 언제나
My life will always

Nae kkumi eonjena
내 꿈이 언제나
My dream will always

Nareul ikkeuleo nal geodge haneun him
나를 이끌어 날 걷게 하는 힘
Be the power that will lead me to walk forward

Cheoeumbuteo naega baraetdeon modeun geot
처음부터 내가 바랬던 모든 것
Everything I’ve wanted since the beginning

Jigeumdo naega baraneun modeun geot
지금도 내가 바라는 모든 것
Everything I still wish for

So I hear and feel the sound
Always I hear and feel this song
Always I hear and feel the beat
And go on, go on
The healing song

Nae giri eonjena
내 길이 언제나
My path will always

Nae mami eonjena
내 맘이 언제나
My heart will always

Nae salmi eonjena
내 삶이 언제나
My life will always

Nae kkumi eonjena
내 꿈이 언제나
My dream will always

Nareul ikkeuleo nal geodge haneun him
나를 이끌어 날 걷게 하는 힘
Be the power that will lead me to walk forward

Eng: https://lyricalmovement.wordpress.com
Han: Naver Music
Rom: TheXezza

피어나 (Bloom)- Lucia (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:19:00 +0000

Hello there.

It's so beautiful when flower is blooming. But we don't really know what it has been through before the beautiful flower bloomed. Just like ourselves, we've been through a lot before we finally bloom. Just like the flower, whatever happen, don't forget to bloom~

“this life
has been
a landscape
of pain

and still,
flowers
bloom in it.”
― Sanober Khan

Han jogak haesbitdo deulji anhneun
한 조각 햇빛도 들지 않는
Where there's no sunshine,

geureon kamkamhan gungjie
그런 캄캄한 궁지에
in the dark corner

Barameul tagoseo narawatna
바람을 타고서 날아왔나
Did it came by the wind?

Jakgo oeroun kkotssi
작고 외로운 꽃씨
That small and lonely flower seed

Eodupgo humijin golmogeseo
어둡고 후미진 골목에서
In that dark and secluded area,

neon ppurireul naeryeotji
넌 뿌리를 내렸지
your root is coming out

Nungiljochado meomulji anhneun geureon
눈길조차도 머물지 않는 그런
Nobody wants to look at it

kkok beoryeojin ai gati
꼭 버려진 아이 같이
just like an abandoned child

Gudusbare chaeigo
구둣발에 채이고
Then, it's been kicked

meori wi taeyangeun taneun deut tteugeopne
머리 위 태양은 타는 듯 뜨겁네
to a place where the sun is too hot

Achimi deodi ogil
아침이 더디 오길
Morning, please come slowly

gin bam jisaeumyeo dalbiche wirohae
긴 밤 지새우며 달빛에 위로해
because under moonlight it comfort itself

Yeorin julgi sairo ipmaegeul ttaraseo
여린 줄기 사이로 잎맥을 따라서
Along the veins in between those tender stems

mireo ollineun geon
밀어 올리는 건
it's pushing up itself

Oeroumdo aniyo wonmangdo aniyo
외로움도 아니요 원망도 아니요
Not because of loneliness or resentment

Sara itdaneun jeunggeo
살아 있다는 증거
But because it just a proof of being alive

I sesangi deo isang
이 세상이 더 이상
Even though the world is no longer

nagwoni anirado kkoteun pieona
낙원이 아니라도 꽃은 피어나
a paradise, but the flower is still blooming

Maeil apeugo duryeoun ildeure jitbalphyeodo
매일 아프고 두려운 일들에 짓밟혀도
Being stepped by painful and fearful things everyday,

kkoteun pieona
꽃은 피어나
but the flower is still blooming

Meongdeun gaseume orae maejhin kkot teojideut byeongdeun i sesange
멍든 가슴에 오래 맺힌 꽃 터지듯 병든 이 세상에
Like a flower that blooms even though it's hurting in this sick world

Neoui hyanggiro neoui momjiseuro didigo ireona
너의 향기로 너의 몸짓으로 디디고 일어나
It's time to overcome everything with your own scent, your own way

Pieona
피어나
Just bloom

Memareun barami heogong wiro
메마른 바람이 허공 위로
The dry wind in the air

jajanggareul bureumyeon
자장가를 부르면
is singing some lullaby

Uimijochado alji moshaedo seulpeo
의미조차도 알지 못해도 슬퍼
Without knowing the meaning, it such a melancholy feeling

kkok eommaui norae gati
꼭 엄마의 노래 같이
just like the singing of a mother

Heotdoen kkumeun ssahigo
헛된 꿈은 쌓이고
The vain dreams are pilling up

geori wi sesangeun chagapge sigeotne
거리 위 세상은 차갑게 식었네
in the cold street of the world

Angaebirado ogil
안개비라도 오길
You're hoping for the rain to come

Gin bam jisaeumyeo byeolbiche gidohae
긴 밤 지새우며 별빛에 기도해
as you wishing on a star in the long night

Eorin gaji sairo ipsae kkeutkkeutmada
어린 가지 사이로 잎새 끝끝마다
Between the stems, the leaves

ppeodeo ollineun geon
뻗어 올리는 건
are stretching and raising

Geuriumdo aniyo pinggyedo aniyo
그리움도 아니요 핑계도 아니요
Not because of the longing nor an excuses

Sara itdaneun jeunggeo
살아 있다는 증거
But because it just a proof of being alive

I sesangi deo isang
이 세상이 더 이상
Even though the world is no longer

nagwoni anirado kkoteun pieona
낙원이 아니라도 꽃은 피어나
a paradise, but the flower is still blooming

Maeil apeugo duryeoun ildeure jitbalphyeodo
매일 아프고 두려운 일들에 짓밟혀도
Being stepped by painful and fearful things everyday,

kkoteun pieona
꽃은 피어나
but the flower is still blooming

Meongdeun gaseume orae maejhin kkot teojideut byeongdeun i sesange
멍든 가슴에 오래 맺힌 꽃 터지듯 병든 이 세상에
Like a flower that blooms eventhough it's hurting in this sick world

Neoui hyanggiro neoui momjiseuro didigo ireona
너의 향기로 너의 몸짓으로 디디고 일어나
It's time to overcome everything with your own scent, your own way

Saramdeureun geu kkoccui ireumeul molla
사람들은 그 꽃의 이름을 몰라
People don't know the name of that flower

yeongwonhi geureolji molla
영원히 그럴지 몰라
and may never know it

Nuga bwajuji anhado
누가 봐주지 않아도
Eventhough nobody looks at you

neoui kkot piwoollyeo
너의 꽃 피워올려
keep your flower bloom

I sesangi deo isang nagwoni anirado
이 세상이 더 이상 낙원이 아니라도
Even though the world is no longer a paradise

I sesangi deo isang nagwoni anirado
이 세상이 더 이상 낙원이 아니라도
Even though the world is no longer a paradise

kkoteun pieona
꽃은 피어나
but the flower is still blooming

Eotteon bulhaenge ganane amuri jitbalphyeodo
어떤 불행에 가난에 아무리 짓밟혀도
Being stepped on by misery and poverty,

kkoteun pieona
꽃은 피어나
but the flower is still blooming

Neoui gaseume orae maejhin kkot teoteuryeo meongdeun i sesange
너의 가슴에 오래 맺힌 꽃 터트려 멍든 이 세상에
You heart that bloom like a flower in this bruises world

Neoui hyanggiga meolli peojidorok gogaereul deureo ja
너의 향기가 멀리 퍼지도록 고개를 들어 자
Raise your head now and spread your scent

Pieona
피어나
Just bloom

Eng: TheXezza and J In
Han|Rom: http://klyrics.net/

October Weather (10월의 날씨)- 10Cm (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 07:32:00 +0000

Rain is such a mystery thing. It can brings sad, lonely and somehow depress feeling for some people. I personally love it, especially those melancholy mood that comes with the rain that would be perfect to snuggle in a blanket, drink warm coffee and read Harry Potter's book. It's such melancholy yet feeling comfort and safe. What else is perfect for a rainy day? Sad rainy day song~

Oneurui nalssineun geuri malkji anhjiman
오늘의 날씨는 그리 맑지 않지만
The weather isn’t that good today

Seonseonhan barami bureo pogeunhapnida
선선한 바람이 불어 포근합니다
But a cool breeze is blowing, it feels nice

Oneurui nalssireul nan mitji anhjiman
오늘의 날씨를 난 믿지 않지만
I don’t believe in today’s weather

Cham oraenmane oechureul junbihapnida
참 오랜만에 외출을 준비합니다
But I’m getting ready to go out for the
first time in a while

Yonggireul nae georireul nawaboni
용기를 내 거리를 나와보니
With courage, I stepped out on the street

Gwaenhi naman uulhaetna bwa
괜히 나만 우울했나 봐
Maybe I was the only one who was
depressed

Jeojeun usan gatdeon maeumdo
젖은 우산 같던 마음도
My heart that felt like a wet umbrella,

mareul geot gata
마를 것 같아
seems like it’ll dry

Gibun joheun namdeulcheoreom
기분 좋은 남들처럼
Like the others who are happy

Areumdapgiman han haruga ije sijakdoel jul
aratneunde
아름답기만 한 하루가이 제 시작될 줄 알았는데
I thought beautiful days would start to come

Tteungeumeopsi gureumi mollyeo
뜬금없이 구름이 몰려
But without warning, clouds come

tto hanbatang sonagireul ppurigo
또 한바탕 소나기를 뿌리고
and makes a storm fall again

Usan ttawi isseul ri eopsji
우산 따위 있을 리 없지
Of course I don’t have an umbrella

Oneul bunmyeonghi bineun eopsda haetneunde
오늘 분명히 비는 없다 했는데
Because they definitely said it wouldn’t
rain

Geuraetneunde
그랬는데
That’s what they said

Oneurui nalssireul nuga midneunyago
오늘의 날씨를 누가 믿느냐고
Who trusts the weather these days you
ask?

Amugeotdo moreumyeonseo utji marayo
아무것도 모르면서 웃지 말아요
Don’t laugh at me, you don’t even
know

Bitmuri naerimyeon nunmuri heureuneun
빗물이 내리면 눈물이 흐르는
Shedding tears when rain falls

Sayeon hana eoptneun sarameun eopseunikkayo
사연 하나 없는 사람은 없으니까요
Because there is no one who hasn’t gone
through it

Gogael deureo juwireul dulleoboni
고갤 들어 주위를 둘러보니
I lift my head and look around

Gwaenhi naman uulhanga bwa
괜히 나만 우울한가 봐
Maybe I was the only one who was
gloomy

Saramdeureun hanagati utneun geot gata
사람들은 하나같이 웃는 것 같아
Seems like everyone are laughing together

Gibun joheun namdeulcheoreom
기분 좋은 남들처럼
Like the others who are happy

Areumdapgiman han haruga nado sijakdoel jul
aratneunde
아름답기만 한 하루가 이제 시작될 줄 알았는데
I thought beautiful days would finally come
to me too

Tteungeumeopsi gureumi mollyeo
뜬금없이 구름이 몰려
But without warning, clouds come

tto hanbatang sonagireul ppurigo
또 한바탕 소나기를 뿌리고
and makes a storm fall again

Usan ttawi isseul ri eopsji
우산 따위 있을 리 없지
Of course I don’t have an umbrella

Oneul bunmyeonghi bineun eopsda haetneunde
오늘 분명히 비는 없다 했는데
Because they definitely said it wouldn’t
rain

Saramdeuri isanghan geonji
사람들이 이상한 건지
Are they the weird ones?

Anim na honja isanghage apeunji
아님 나 혼자 이상하게 아픈지
Or am I the one who’s strangely in pain?

Na eotteokhaji eodiro gaji
나 어떡하지 어디로 가지
What do I do? Where do I go?

Oneul bunmyeonghi bineun eopsda haetneunde
오늘 분명히 비는 없다 했는데
Because they definitely said it wouldn’t
rain

Geuraetneunde
그랬는데
That’s what they said

Eng: http://popgasa.com/
Han|Rom: http://klyrics.net/

My Year in Books

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 13:49:00 +0000

I'm in Love - Ra.D (Eng/Han/Rom)

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 09:19:00 +0000

This is a love song, not exactly inspirational song. But this could be an inspirational song to someone because love is such a big thing in everyone life and definitely can be something that inspire people. The thing I like about this song is how the singer or writer express how he fall in love and confess in such a shy and sweet manner. Sigh..I wish someone will confess to me like how he did. Enjoy~

Sashileun cheombwasseul ddaebuteo
사실은 첨봤을 때부터
Actually after our first meeting

geudael johahaettdago
그댈 좋아했다고
Saying I like you

Malhagiga naegen cham eoryeo weottdeongeojyo
말하기가 내겐 참 어려웠던거죠
Isn’t something easy for me

Meonjeo dagaseojianheumyeon
먼저 다가서지않으면
If I don’t contact you first,

geudael noh chilggabwa
그댈 놓칠까봐
I’m afraid of missing you

Pyeonjireul sseugo ddo jakeun seolmuleul junbihaettjyo
편지를 쓰고 또 작은 선물을 준비했죠
I wrote letters and prepare small gifts for you

Gipeojimyeon sangcheobbunilgeoraneun saenggake
깊어지면 상처뿐일거라는 생각에
If my love for you gets any deeper, it will only
result in getting hurt

Duryeoumi apseongeon sashiljiman
두려움이 앞선건 사실이지만
It's true my mind is full of fear

Ganjeolhan mameuro
간절한 맘으로
Praying with all my heart,

gidohago baraettdeon sarami
기도하고 바랬던 사람이
the person I’m yearning for

Geudaerago nan mideo
그대라고 난 믿어
I believe that person is you

Oh~ I`m in love
Oh~ I fall in love

Eojjeolsu eobtneyo naemameul sumgigien
어쩔수 없네요 내맘을 숨기기엔
There’s no way around it, I can’t hide my heart

Geudaeneun neomu areumdabjyo
그대는 너무 아름답죠
You are so beautiful

I thought I’m never gonna fall
in love
But I’m in love, cause I wanna
love you baby

Sashileun cheombwasseul ddaebuteo
사실은 첨봤을 때부터 그댈 좋아했다고
Actually after our first meeting,

Nae mam sokeurobuteo
내 맘 속으로부터
Somewhere deep in my heart

Geudaen padocheoreom milryeodeuleo
그댄 파도처럼 밀려들어
You crashed in like a strong wave

Ontong harujongil geudaeman ddeoolla
온통 하루종일 그대만 떠올라
You’re the only thing in my mind all day

I can be a good lover

Wanna be a neip keullopeo
Wanna be a 네잎 클로버
Wanna be your four-leafed clover

Sesangeseo gajang haengbokhan yeojaro mandeuleo
julgeyo
세상에서 가장 행복한 여자로 만들어 줄게요
I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world

Geudaen gotta believe me
그댄 gotta believe me
Please you gotta believe me

Make you never gonna leave me

Yaksokddawin an hallaeyo, Geunyang boyeojulgeo
약속따윈 안 할래요, 그냥 보여줄게요
I won’t make you promises, I will just show it to you

Oh~ I`m in love with you my baby
Oh~ I fall in love

Eojjeolsu eobsneyo naemameul sumgigien
어쩔수 없네요 내맘을 숨기기엔
There’s no way around it, I can’t hide my heart

Geudaeneun neomu areumdabjyo
그대는 너무 아름답죠
You are so beautiful

Oh~ I`m in love
I'm so deep in love
Oh~ I fall in love

Eojjeolsu eobsneyo naemameul sumgigien
어쩔수 없네요 내맘을 숨기기엔
There’s no way around it
I can’t hide my heart

Geudaeneun neomu areumdabjyo
그대는 너무 아름답죠
You're so beautiful

Geudaeneun neomu areumdabjyo
그대는 너무 아름답죠
You are so beautiful

Eng: http://shoujojidai.tumblr.com/
https://princessoftea.wordpress.com

Han|Rom: https://romanization.wordpress.com/

Book Review: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 09:04:00 +0000

Title: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Adult Fiction/ Contemporary
Buy: Yes

Synopsis

On the faded Island Books sign hanging over the porch of the Victorian cottage is the motto "No Man Is an Island; Every Book Is a World." A. J. Fikry, the irascible owner, is about to discover just what that truly means.

A. J. Fikry's life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island-from Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who's always felt kindly toward Fikry; from Ismay, his sister-in-law who is hell-bent on saving him from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who keeps on taking the ferry over to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.'s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, A.J. can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.

And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It's a small package, but large in weight. It's that unexpected arrival that gives A. J. Fikry the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn't take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J.; or for that determined sales rep, Amelia, to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light; or for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.'s world; or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn't see coming. As surprising as it is moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.

Book Review

From the very first page, I was hooked by how the story line is. I always love books with lots of life values that I can learn from. Magical books about real life just like Cecilia Ahern's books. Yes, I do love most of her books. There's so many points in our life that we need to read about someone else's life to be inspire and to be strong. I realize that this book is one of the book that you can read whenever you need something as a reminder that you're not alone and how lucky you are.I'm lucky that I was attracted to this book when I was in the bookstore. I don't really have any thoughts at first and I rarely understand synopsis very well. I just trust my guts to read this book without knowing what its offer me. I was mesmerized at the very first page and was thinking to myself that this book is what I need, Felt very weird like you've met the long lost best friend. And I was excited for one whole day reading this book.

First the character A.J. is totally awesome guy. He's very strict and stubborn person. But the way he's thinking is beyond my level. When he was encounter with some strange situation, he didn't avoid it. Instead he's thinking that there's a reason for that situation happen to him. And gladly accept it. If I'm in the same situation as him, I'll be scared to death and trying my best to avoid it in any costs. Because of the unexpected situations that he's been through, he became someone new. Better person. He learns to be a better man. I love this part and I really cried in joy while reading it because I know it's hard for him to change the way he is. I'm really proud at his growing character. From stubborn and mean personality to a reasonable and lovable man.

And there's Amelia looking for love. I see myself in her character. She's really inspired me to try my best in everything I do. I love how this kind-hearted woman finally found her happiness. I really rooted for her happy ending because she deserve it.This book is funny as well. There's so many parts in this book really touch my heart. I'm thinking that maybe if I try to look everything in positive light, I'll be happy and settle just like A.J. and Amelia. And yeah a bookstore, that's all I want.

Book Quotes

(may contain spoiler)

She is thirty-one years old and she thinks she should have met someone by now. And yet. Amelia the bright-sider believes it is better to be alone than to be someone who doesn’t share your sensibilities and interests. (It is , right?)

The things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we will respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in books and also life.

“I worry for you.If you love everyone, you’ll end up having hurt feelings most of the time. I suppose, relative to the length of your life, you feel as if you’ve known me a rather long time. Your perspective of time is really very warped, Maya. But I’m old and soon, you’ll forget you even knew me”.

Once someone had asked A.J. if Maya was his. “You’re both black but not the same kind of black”. Maya remembers this because the remake had made A.J. use tone of voice she had never heard him use with a customer. “What is the same kind of black?”. A.J. had asked. “No, I didn’t mean to offend you”, the person had said and then the flips flops had backed their way to the door, leaving without making a purchase.

She thinks he’s about to hug her, but instead he shakes her hand, the way he would greet a colleague- perhaps an author visiting the store. A sentence occur to her: The day my father shook my hand, I knew I was a writer.

He will try again. He will never stop trying. “Maya, we are what we love”. Maya is shaking her head. “Dad, I’m sorry. I don’t understand”.”We aren’t things we collect, acquire, read. We are for as long as we are here, only love. The things we loved. The people we loved. And these, I think these really do live on”.

Further Reading Suggestion

A place called here, If you could see me now, My best friend's girl.

p/s: Goodreads review

Book Review: Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil

noreply@blogger.com (Ezza TheBookDragon) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 07:54:00 +0000

Title: Life in Outer Space
Author: Melissa Keil
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/ Contemporary
Buy: Yes

Synopsis

Sam Kinnison is a geek, and he’s totally fine with that. He has his horror movies, his nerdy friends, World of Warcraft – and until Princess Leia turns up in his bedroom, he doesn’t have to worry about girls.

Then Sam meets Camilla. She’s beautiful, friendly and completely irrelevant to his life. Sam is determined to ignore her, except that Camilla has a life of her own – and she’s decided that he’s going to be part of it.

Sam believes that everything he needs to know he can learn from the movies … but now it looks like he’s been watching the wrong ones.

Book Review

I totally in love with this book. The main character in this book is Sam Kinnison. However, this book is not only about Sam. It is more than that. Every character in this book have it’s own story, problems and issues. Lets begin with our main character. He’s super intelligent (nerd) person who has his own circle of friend. He’s not popular and often bully by the jock and the popular kids in the school. I’m sure everyone think that this book will eventually turn Sam into popular kid blaa blaa..well he’s not. And I ensure you that Sam won’t be someone else he’s not by the end of this book. That’s why I love this book because it gives Sam freedom to be himself despite every issue and problem he’s going through.

Next we have three of Sam’s best friend which are Mike, Adrian and Allison. The three of them have totally different personality. Mike is more quite type. Adrian is super-loud and he likes to say whatever he wants. Allison is a girl who is more outgoing and she like to try something new. I love their friendship so much. I’m glad that they have each other because somehow I feel like in our life we do need someone that understand us especially when we don’t understand ourselves. I love how Mike understands Sam so much.Then we have Sam’s love interest which is Camilla Carter. She just a perfect girl. She’s outgoing and friendly to everyone. She’s got totally awesome personality. I do look up at her and feel like why can I be like her? She’s so positive and always happy. Although she has her own problems, she just doesn’t show it.The way Sam talks to her and calmed her down when she’s nervous is so cute. I wish someone will say the same thing to me.

It's good book about friendship, love and all the awkward stage that we've been through, It kind of remind me of when I was a simple minded girl and all I need is friend to talk to about those 'big' problems I had. For someone who loves Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, this is a perfect book. Oh..I'm looking forward to read Melissa Keil's other work. She's awesome!!

Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

Mike snorts. “ Doubtful. You aren’t exactly Mr Open Book. You forget, though – I know you. And I can’t watch you make yourself this miserable anymore. What hurts you hurts me and all that. Believe me, it’s the only thing that’s stopped me from punching you in the face for being so hopeless”

“You can do this. You always know the right thing to say. I can’t imagine it’ll be different when you sing”.

Further Reading Suggestion

Eleanor & Park, Flat-Out Love, Flat-Out Celeste

p/s: Goodreads review