Jade Sanctum

Today I bought...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:47:00 +0000

...Two new books, some groceries (foodies, mostly) and three news pieces of clothing. Yay! This is so like one of the few times I actually shopped on my own, for myself. Hihi.

The books first, of course. They are The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. I bought the first one because some of the vignettes there were studied in our CW 10 class under Sir Butch Guerrero. The latter one I bought because I learned a few weeks ago that it was turned into a movie and will be shown soon. I just wanted to get a little peek at what's in store, and maybe do a little comparison between the book and the movie.

(I think it's better to read the book first before seeing the movie. Gimme a Harry Potter book. Now.)

I wouldn't bother detailing the groceries I bought because (1) it's not interesting, and (2) it's none of yer business. *evil laugh*

So, the clothes... I'm a freakin' cheapo so I wouldn't say the price. *grin*

Anyway, I bought a black, long-sleeved blouse with ruffled sleeves, which I plan to use for a future costume. Even if I don't continue with the costume I still get a fine addition to my (color skimpy) closet. I also bought a dark blue-colored blouse and (get this) a hot pink shirt. Yup. Hot pink.

That is so all today. :)

Weekly Post

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 13:10:00 +0000

Written: June 27, 2011, 7:50 PM

So, this is another random post, but it has more sense than the others, I hope.

As I was using a search engine earlier today looking for 'odd jobs in the Philippines,' I came across a blog post that detailed some supposedly odd jobs in our country. What I was looking for are jobs which are probably never heard-of or which are "too dirty" (kadiri, if you may), like septic tank cleaners. The list, though, included the takatak boys (men, really, who sold cigarettes, candy, and what-not to drivers and vehicle passengers), shoeshiners, sapatero (shoe cobblers), barbero (barber), lavendera (laundress, but it can also be a man), konduktor (bus conductor), barker (a person who calls the passengers for a jeepney), etc. I was surprised, because, for many of us, these jobs are common; some probably know other people who do these kinds of jobs. Yes, they are (what some may call) menial or blue collar jobs, but they are by no means rare or odd. I do not know if the blogger is Filipino or of another nationality, but the article is clearly written for the consumption of foreigners.

There was also another article wherein an eyebrow shaver was considered odd. Um, that is so common in our beauty salons and parlors.

This little piece of cyberspace tells me that other countries perceive us differently, and vice versa. What is common in one culture may not be so in another. Perhaps these people who do these "odd" jobs do not exist in their country, and they find them, well, odd.

- - - - -

In another news, my book list has officially reached the 200th mark. This feat was not possible without the existence of The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne. I have completed the "Pooh series," as I call them (Winnie-the-Pooh actually made me cry... And here I am an eighteen year old girl with a penchant for murder investigation stories). I was actually planning to buy two other books prior to seeing the two aforesaid titles: Tarzan of the Apes (forgot the name of the author, sorry!) and Disclosure by Michael Crichton (which was selling for a measly 25 pesos). But the pull of Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin and the rush of childhood nostalgia that is sure to come is stronger than the "adult" side of me. Ha-ha! So, Juster and Milne prevail. Hurrah for children's literature!

But, really, on any other day I would definitely buy a 25-peso Crichton.

I have also decided to write about A.A. Milne and his works for "The 2011 My favorite book essay writing contest," sponsored by Philippine Star, National Book Store, and Globe. I was (actually, guiltily) roaming around NBS this afternoon looking for what I would spend a gift certificate on.

- - - - -

I think I like my semester. All my professors seem to be pleasant and the subjects okay. So, I think it will be a good semester... I think.

- - - - -

On the lighter side, I bought another piece of K-On! merchandise. You probably think I'm wasting money on these stuff, but, really, who can resist? They are so adorable! I don't care about the cries of yuri and whatever, I just love these girls. This time it's a notepad... With no lines! Yeah! That's the kind of notepad I love.

So, now you know what kind of notepad to buy me. *wink*

- - - - -

Written: June 30, 2011, 9:35 PM

Two weeks from now, we are required to pass the first drafts of our CW 110 manuscripts... And I have no freakin' story ideas. What's a girl to do? I totally have no idea what to write about. I mean, I do but it's not taking shape. Ooh my~ I'm in a pinch. Where are plot bunnies when you need them?

I've been reading (on and off) Between a Rock and a Hard Place, the basis for the movie 127 Hours starring James Franco, by Aron Ralston and I love it. Even with the mountaineering jargon (it's sometimes hard to follow), it's a wonderful book. I'm not halfway through, but I know I'm in for another wonderful book adventure.

I have begun to read Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne, and I love the poems. They're just... darlings! :D

Book Review - Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 13:05:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

Twenty-seven year old Aron Ralston is a retired mechanical engineer and an experienced outdoorsman. He has hiked numerous mountains and escaped death several times. However, on April 26, 2003 somewhere in Utah, as he is hiking through an "easy" route, a boulder gets dislodged and traps Aron's right hand on the canyon wall. With scant food and water and a dying resolve, Aron manages to pull through for six days, and survive to tell his inspiring tale.

This book has been in our family's shelf since 2006 (it's my dad's - he brought it back from America). I never once thought of reading it all those years, until Danny Boyle came out with the movie 127 Hours starring James Franco. So, yes, I am guilty of that.

Anyhow, as much as I dislike non-fiction literature (I'm a lover of fiction through and through), I actually liked this one. Aron Ralston's writing style is very good, very detailed (don't worry, the amputation scene isn't all that bad). Between a Rock and a Hard Place is a very inspiring book, more than the movie I dare say. If you felt 127 Hours was not enough to convince you, then you should go read this book. :)

OmO. :3

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 13:25:00 +0000

Hello, hello! Today, we went shopping and I bought two cutesy items!

First up is a key chain from Comic Alley. That girl with the long, blonde hair is Tsumugi Kotobuki (Mugi, for short) from the anime K-On! She's, obviously, the keyboardist of Hokago Tea Time. My bunch of friends said I'm like her for these reasons: (1) she plays the keyboard, and (2) she is demure but easily excitable (nyah~). She's also a rich girl and brings tea and dessert for the club (her father owns a maid cafe, nyao).

The second thing is... a book! Yeah, some people may not consider that cutesy, but it's cute for me. Heehee.

The book on the right is Mermaid in the Basement by Gilbert Morris. I have never heard of Morris until a couple of hours ago. I bought the book because it was interesting: (1) it's set in 1800 (I think?) London, (2) the lead character is female, (3) it's a detective story, and (4) I smell romance in the corner. Haha! I was actually in a pinch when I bought this because there were two other interesting books: The Phantom Tollbooth and The Mistress of the Art of Death. Meh, the latter title is really piquing my interest... But it costs 115 pesos and that's the end of the dilemma. :P

Anyway, I also saw a lot of interesting things in the mall: a two-finger ring with a skull design (which is so Sunako Nakahara), cute pencil cases, a wolf plushie (so adorable~), Gundam OO merchandise (finally!), and a poster of a topless Kurosaki Ichigo with nun chucks. Haha!

My Political Compass

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:08:00 +0000

Book Review - Dirty Sally by Michael Simon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:07:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

Sgt. Dan Reles, a Jew and New Yorker, is trying to fit in the Austin, Texas police department. When his buddy is killed, Reles finds he is having a hard time coping with the death and with his feelings for the widow. Additionally, he is set to go before a review board, and cracking his current case is the only way for him to look good in front of the superiors. However, the future seems bleak, as businessmen and prominent Austin citizens appear to have a hand in the murder of a prostitute.

Gritty and dark, this is an example of a good crime novel. Not only is it exciting, it is also well-written. This may be Michael Simon's first novel, but he sure writes like an expert.

Book Review - Three for the Chair by Rex Stout

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:59:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

Three for the Chair contains three stories starring Nero Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin. The first, "A Window for Death," involves a pretty nurse, a squabbling family, and the mysterious death of Bert Fyfe. "Immune to Murder" brings Wolfe and Archie to the Adirondacks where the famous detective is asked to cook trout for an ambassador. But things start to go awry when Archie discovers a dead body during a fishing expedition. Finally, Wolfe and Archie are suspects in a murder investigation in "Too Many Detectives."

As I mentioned before, I have started to like Nero Wolfe and how he does his work. A secretive man, much like Sherlock Holmes, his methods are irregular but his results are always astounding.

Book Review - Plot It Yourself by Rex Stout

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:49:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

A group against plagiarism asks Nero Wolfe to find out the person behind the recent plagiarism claims in the literary world. As Wolfe and his assistant, Archie, embark on this seemingly simple investigation, a dead body suddenly turns up, followed by another, and another. Soon, they are not only looking at plagiarism, but also at murder.

I didn't like Nero Wolfe at first because of the comparisons given by people between him and the beloved Sherlock Holmes. With this book, though, he is starting to be likeable, and his methods of investigation are as astounding as Holmes. A wonderful book this one is.

Book Review - The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:47:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

Boston PD Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles receive an appalling - and rather grotesque - Christmas present: a murder investigation. However, this is no simple murder. There are evidences of arcane and demonic activity in the crime scene left by the mysterious killer. An occult group offers to help them - a group that aims to find the root of Evil in this world. When the murders grow closer to home, the group wonders if they accidentally summoned a demon on earth.

Medical suspense can't get any more thrilling than this. Tess Gerritsen's The Mephisto Club lingers in the reader's mind long after it has been finished (heck, I couldn't sleep for three nights). This is one of her best books, really.

Book Review - The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:45:00 +0000

Rating: 9/10

To the ordinary human being, midnight occurs only for a moment. To a special group of people, though, midnight lasts for an hour. Only at this time can they truly be free, enjoying their powers to the fullest. The darklings, creatures that roam only in the midnight hour, let them be, afraid to come near the humans. However, when a new girl comes to the town of Bixby in Oklahoma, the midnight hour turns dangerous. Meet Jessica Day, a normal girl with a normal family. The darklings, though, see a power in her that could destroy their precious midnight hour, and they must stop her, at all costs.

The Secret Hour is the first book in the Midnighters trilogy.

This is my second Scott Westerfeld book, and all I have is praise. He is a master of his art - able to use literary techniques to their full potential. The Secret Hour is a well-written dark, adventure novel, with just a hint of romance here and there. It's a good read for teens.

Book Review - The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:42:00 +0000

Rating: 9/10

Professor Robert Langdon is summoned to Washington, DC late at night to deliver a lecture. When he gets there, the lecture is mysteriously cancelled, and the only thing that remains is a severed hand belonging to his friend, Peter Solomon, which represents the Hand of Mysteries, an invitation to a challenge. With his life's friend on the line and a killer on the loose, Langdon unravels a series of events that leads him to the secrets of Freemasonry and the search for 'the Lost Word.'

With amazing writing techniques and numerous surprising secrets, Dan Brown created a book where the reader can't help but go on and on reading without stopping. Interesting and filled with lessons about history and religion, The Lost Symbol is a thrilling page-turner.

Book Review - The Society of S by Susan Hubbard

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:34:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

Ariella Montero is a young girl living in Saratoga Springs, New York. She has almost everything: a nice house, education, a caring (and handsome) father. But Ari does not have a mother. One day, amidst the questions plaguing her life, she sets off to look for the mysterious mother she never met.

To those who have been disappointed after reading Stephenie Meyer's Twilight and who have given up reading YA novels about vampires, this book is for you. Beautiful and sensitive in its writing, The Society of S keeps one reading forever, if that is even possible. I like the way Susan Hubbard wrote: dark, haunting, and often infused with humor. Her techniques will leave you begging for me (which is precisely the reason why I shall now be looking for a copy of The Year of Disappearances).

Even humans can enjoy this book.

If you think this is an Independence Day post, then you're wrong...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:51:00 +0000

At eighteen and a half years old, I'm still like a kid rummaging through her mother's bureau - I don't know the first thing about make-up! Sure, I know about eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, mascara, blush-on and all that stuff, but actually applying it is tricky. Yeah, I have watched and read about how to apply but it's hard when you're painting your own face. I have had make-up applied on me by other people, but I can't seem to do it to others or to myself. It's really frustrating, haha!

In the picture on the right, I tried applying pink eyeshadow and black eyeliner to match my clothes. The problem is, they disappear quickly because I have oily skin and the weather is freakin' hot. My mom says I should get waterproof make-up, but I bet that costs a ton. Also, the only make-up I could get along with are eyeliner, face powder, lipstick, and lip gloss. Even eyeshadow is a chore because I don't know which should come first: darker hues or lighter hues?

I'm getting the idea that the weather in the Philippines isn't suited for eyeliner. Once, I wore some and it was really hot. In the middle of the day, I looked like a bad version of an Addams Family member.

But, I am trying to learn, because I know I'll need it someday. :D

I love Bruno Mars and Ryota Miyagi, yo! But... chuckle chuckle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:58:00 +0000

It's my sister's idea, really. And I want to thank you, yo! :D

Random stuffies~

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:55:00 +0000

Hi! This is the last Friday of vacation. Next Monday, we'll have to go to U.P. Diliman and dive into another year of academic work, yo!

*sigh*

*groan*

Ugh.

Summer is almost over and I think I haven't done anything absolutely productive - anime-books-fanfiction-games-and-drama things-wise. Well, I did finish watching Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge live-action drama, post two stories (1 oneshot and 1 on-going), kept ourselves updated on BLEACH (manga and anime - strictly canon... sort of), re-watched and relived Slam Dunk, watched Season 2 of K-On!, managed to read several books, downloaded a ton of DS games, almost done with Bleach: The 3rd Phantom, but it just is not enough, yo! For one, I wasn't able to get to the beach this summer. That is so dream material, yo!

*sigh*

Anyway, I'm happy with how things turned out. We manage to go on everyday. *grin grin grin*

This is one random post.

Oh yeah! My bebz and I (count 4 in that "bebz" word) went out this summer! We also had an overnight! Yay! All of us are in college now, except Reg-kun who graduated last April. Yay! It's awesome, really.

Also, this summer was full of firsts. I attended my first cosplay convention - Ozine Fest 2011, yo! I participated in a cosplay event as Sunako Nakahara from Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge in Hobby Fest 2011 (and got a lot of recognitions, yo!). Maybe it wasn't such a bad summer, after all.

*shrug*

Nyahaha. That is probably my favorite online laugh right now. So addicting... Nyahaha.

Muh. I still haven't posted any reviews which is so... Um... Lazy of me. Also, I haven't updated Broken, which sucks because I don't have anymore ideas (on how to make my OC non-hateable, ahem)! Plot bunnies, come on!

And, so, this totally random post stops here.

Writing/Reading updates

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 May 2011 14:11:00 +0000

Hi! Tonight, I published another story on FF.net with the [rather cheesy] title "Old wounds never heal". It's InoShika once again (after one year) and is set ten years after the current manga events. I have added the URL on the list on the right. Feel free to click it, but for easier access here it is: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7034292/1/Old_wounds_never_heal.

Chapter 2 of "Broken" has been up since last week. Here's the URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6981993/2/Broken

Book reviews will be posted sometime this week. I have to write for 'The Mephisto Club' by Tess Gerritsen, 'Plot it Yourself' by Rex Stout, and a collection of Edgar Allan Poe stories. I still have not read my "new" books. :P

That is all for now. Feel free to read anything and criticize. Muh.

New fanfic!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 May 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Hi! It's been almost a year (actually, it's only a few days away...) since I last published a fanfic chapter. So, I decided to write a new story entitled "Broken". What a story title but I can't think of anything nice/poetic/flowery/inspiring tonight. Good news, though. Title is subject to change, although I probably wouldn't bother. Hehe.

Here's the URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6981993/1/Broken

This one is under the anime BLEACH starring my dear Shuuhei Hisagi and an original character. Yay for OCs!

Book Review - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 May 2011 09:07:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

The rebellion has begun, and Katniss Everdeen must play the Mockingjay - the symbol of the revolution.

Different from the first two books, Mockingjay is more political and bloody than its predecessors. It explores themes such as pain, indecision, madness, etc. Some parts of it are fast-paced. The ending, though, sticks to the reader's mind indefinitely. It's a fun read. :)

Book Review - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 May 2011 08:57:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

Katniss Everdeen's last action in the arena did not go unnoticed, and now President Snow wants her to assuage the spark she started in the Victory Tour. But fire is catching, and pretty soon, even she can't control it. What is more, the Quarter Quell brings another surprise: she, along with Peeta Mellark, must go back to the arena.

Book Review - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:56:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

The Hunger Games is an event held annually by the Capitol to remind the Districts of their helplessness. Each District must provide two 'tributes' - one boy and one girl - to participate. The twenty-four, aged 12 to 18, must compete for survival and fight to the death, until only one remains...

The Hunger Games certainly lives up to its reviews. Spectacular and thrilling in its entirety, it's a novel you'll never want to put down. It's the best adventure story I ever read. Every moment is just fantastic and equally thrilling.

And the last paragraph! God, how I loathe that last paragraph... It practically leaves you wanting for more. If you're planning to buy this, buy the other two as well, because once you've read this, you cannot stop. :>

Book Review - Arabian Nights by Kathryn Wesley

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:37:00 +0000

Rating: 8/10

Schariar, the son of the late Sultan of Baghdad, must marry in order to inherit the kingdom. However, his recent experience with his first wife causes him to distrust all women. With this dilemma in mind, he formulates a plan: marry a girl from the harem and have her killed the morning after the wedding. Enter Schaharezade, the beautiful and independent daughter of Giafar, Schariar's adviser. Ever since they were children, she had always loved Schariar, and she feels she can save him... But can she also save herself with only tales as her guard?

This version of Arabian Nights is not that complicated: it's a simple love story. This aspect of the novel makes it a light and easy read. Plus, the stories are told in a humorous style, which temporarily alleviates the mood of sadness enveloping Schaharezade.

The Filipina

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:49:00 +0000

I Juander, a television show on GMA NewsTV, tackled the topic of "dalagang Pilipina" tonight. I was able to catch a few whiffs of the program, but I think it's enough to inspire me to write this blog post.

This past second semester, I took my first elective: Kasaysayan 118 or History of Women in the Philippines. It was something I never wanted to take, or even expected to. I merely signed for it to accomplish the required 18 units for the semester.

History, for me, was always boring and, above all, masculine in nature (hello, history!). I didn't think I would enjoy the class; more so when I found out on the first day of school that there were only a few of us. As expected, most of us were females, but there were some males who also signed on.

Anyway, to put it shortly, the semester was not what I had thought it would be. I found myself immersed in the lessons and even spent considerable time in the library reading about the topics. Everything was interesting. But what piqued my interest the most was the fact that Filipinas were freer than we believed them to be.

It all began with the "Maria Clara" archetype of the Filipina. This, I say, is not true for all Filipinas. First of all, Maria Clara in Jose Rizal's novels was a privileged young woman: her family was well-to-do. In our discussions, my professor, Ms. Maria Luisa Camagay, said that women from the lower classes enjoyed more freedom than the nobility. It would seem that the effort of the Spanish conquistadors to restrain the woman was not entirely successful. Take for example the cigarreras of the 19th century. Considered to be the first manual laborers, they held a job, received their salary, and were subject to sanctions. There was even documentation of a strike arranged by the cigarreras. They were fighting for an increase in wages.

While the noble women of the time brushed their hair, trimmed their nails, and ate sparingly, others were fighting for their rights as women - as working women.

Also, during the pre-colonial period, the Filipina was prominent in the barangay. The babaylan or the catalona were important figures during that time. Women also exercised certain rights over men with regard to marriage (the man paid the dowry to the woman's family), sex, religion, etc.

So, in spite of the Maria Clara image thrust upon women, I would like to believe that the Filipina is not the timid woman in fancy clothes. I would like to believe that she is a warrior.

Perhaps the freedom women enjoyed during the pre-colonial period can never be fully regained. However, my advocacy is this: that women and men be treated equally, with no one above the other. While women today enjoy the same luxuries as men, we still have a long way to go to attain that state. More must be done - women must be made aware of their rights, and that they can do something about their condition.

(By the way, I really recommend the Kas 118 subject!)

Images from:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLnJ0z-SvIDDYlkvzWkXaE4Gy9rq7RKRN0wsyAX0CcyEd-TKBwnwG6tiSFQKN52CbagaoWCApmPRoLau7yEba8KXVqsX1vR9fP5uyc-OuIA4uppNguWGbs5jwU8bEySCyLYtfcel_B2rd/s320/gabriela+silang+philstar+com.jpg
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs16/f/2007/126/1/b/Maria_Clara_by_Xergille.jpg

New [bought] book

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:07:00 +0000

Hi, hi!

Today I bought one of the books on my wait list: Tess Gerritsen's The Mephisto Club. It's about this cult that investigates the existence of evil using science. However, a series of murders follows them and they begin to wonder if they inadvertently summoned a dark entity...

It's kind of an "evil" book and all but supernatural stuff is kind of interesting, too. Plus, Tess Gerritsen is one of my favorite writers. If you're looking for suspense-filled pages and sleepless nights (ha! I doubt anyone's looking for that...), give her novels a try. Most of them are medical in nature, but after the jargon, they're actually great reads. I've read two of her novels and I can say they're better than some of Michael Crichton's.;D

So, I'm definitely looking forward to reading this thrill ride.

Book Review - Extras by Scott Westerfeld

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 10:49:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

Set in a futuristic Earth, Extras tells the story of Aya Fuse, a fifteen year old girl in a city addicted to fame and reputation. With her rank of 451,369, Aya is a total nobody - that is, until she meets the Sly Girls, a clique that likes playing dangerous tricks but is obsessed with keeping it secret. She decides to kick the Sly Girls story without them knowing... But when they stumble upon an earth-shattering discovery, Aya becomes caught in a web of betrayal and extreme danger that may just cost her her life.

Before Extras, Scott Westerfeld also wrote Uglies, Pretties, and Specials. I, unfortunately, have had no chance to read the three books. However, Westerfeld's writing is so masterful that after a few chapters of Extras, I understood just what he was talking about. Now, that is an important rule in writing a series, but how he does it is just amazing.

Another appeal of the novel to me is that it is, I think, set in Japan. The manga eyes, pixel skin, prehensile toes... It's just something crazy and so Japanese-y! Reading Extras is totally entertaining.

Also, the characters come alive. I definitely see this turning into a film... A good film, in fact, if placed in very good hands. It has the makings of a blockbuster teen flick: hoverboards, the right amount of romance, etc.

I'm dying to read the other three books. :>

Book Review - Emily's Quest by L.M. Montgomery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

Emily Byrd Starr is all grown up and it's high time she marry! At least, that's what the Murrays want. But what does she want? To publish her own novel, of course! But in the course of her literary adventures, Emily encounters love in its many forms and, as her relationship with her childhood friend, Teddy Kent, blooms, will she be ready?

This is the last in L.M. Montgomery's Emily trilogy. Actually, I liked these novels better than the Anne of Green Gables series. It was more entertaining and more personal, I guess, for Montgomery. In some of the articles I've read about her, all of them say that the trilogy was more like her life story. Maybe I am reading Montgomery's biography, and that's what made it better than the Anne series.

Again, L.M. Montgomery works her wonders. She can make her characters dance right out of the page. They are so real that I want to strangle a few Murrays right now. Emily is still lovable (and, sometimes, hate-able) as always. Her adventures never fail to amuse. Montgomery can make the reader laugh and cry. She truly is a wonderful writer.