Melody's Reading Corner

Movie: Kaiji 2 - The Ultimate Gambler

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:44:00 +0000

Hello, my dear friends and readers! It has been a long while since I have updated this blog but let me assure you that I haven't forgotten you all and that I still read books and catch up on fellow bookbloggers' posts via Google Reader. I may not have commented on all the posts I read, but I do read them.

The first moment I logged on to Blogger, I was amazed at how much changes have been made over at Blogger and I figured I would have to explore them when I have some spare time. As of now, I am going to write my thoughts on the DVD I watched lately - Kaiji 2: The Ultimate Gambler. I mentioned this before that I have been searching for the first installment but to no avail to date. However, that does not stop me from watching the second part and I was glad that it could be watched as a standalone, even though there are some flashbacks of the first part to remind the audience some of the scenes it had happened and how these would affect the second part of the story.

Anyway, the story opens with the leading hero, Kaiji Ito (played by Tatsuya Fujiwara) again being in debt and was sent to the underground to work as labourer. There are many others like him deep in the underground and they never get to see the light of the day. Thinking that he would be struck in there forever, Kaiji is thrilled when he is offered a chance to clear his debt of 200 million Yen but there is a catch. For starters, he has only two weeks to clear off his debts and most of all, he has to play against a beast of a machine dubbed "the swamp" (which is actually a pinball machine and the balls have to go through a few levels before one ball would drop into the red winning hole). Unfortunately, no one has ever won playing against the machine as it is controlled by the illegal casino's ruthless manager, Seiya Ichijo (played by Yusuke Iseya). He has the machine manipulated so that no matter how many times the players play, no one will walk out of that casino as the winner.

Together with a few fellow "losers" who all have their own shares of misfortunes and emotional baggage on their shoulders, they decided to think of ways on how to beat the unbeatable "swamp" while hoping that time and Lady Luck would be on their side before they lose everything, again.

While Kaiji 2 is all about gambling and survival, I have to say this movie is also about humanity and yes, courage and determination. While I do not encourage anyone to gamble and be addicted to it, I do admire the strong determination and courage in the leading hero, Kaiji, and how in the end, it is not only about the money but also to redeem the freedom of his fellow friends in the underground as well. As for the entertaining part, what really held my interest is how "the swamp" is invented by using the logic of mathematics and even the laws of gravity! While one may find it hard to grasp on how these factors could apply to the machine, still you have to marvel at the invention and the mastermind behind it.

Released in November last year, this Japanese movie made waves in Singapore as there was a star tour following its release and interviews of the leading actor, Tatsuya Fujiwara. These bonus features are included in the DVD as well and although the movie is in Japanese, there are English and Chinese subtitles to choose from. I am expecting a Part 3 because the ending scene definitely allows one to wonder about one particular character's fate. Bring it on, Kaiji Ito!

Scene of the Blog: Featuring My Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:43:00 +0000

Hello, my dear friends and readers! I hope all is well with you. It does seems like I have been neglecting my blog lately. Aside from the sad fact that I haven't been spending too much time reading, another reason is that there have been a little 'restructuring' in the department where I'm working and I'm trying to adjust to everything, not to mention with the new superior as well!

Anyways, today's post is not about sharing of my work. I'm sure many of you have heard of "Scene of the Blog" hosted by the lovely Cathy of Kittling: Books. I love reading this feature as it allows me to get to know more of fellow bookbloggers and making new friends as well. And, I just love Cathy's writing style!

Without further ado, let me link you to her blog as this time around, I'm honoured to have my blog featured for "Scene of the Blog". Come on over, and say "Hello!". I'd love to hear from you!

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:00:00 +0000

ISBN-13: 9780062068521
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date: February 2012
Format: Paperback, 400 pgs
Source: Personal Library

I couldn't remember when was the last time I read a historical romance; it seems like such a long time and with my recent reads that consisted of either dark elements or a rather sad setting, I figured it is time to read some fun and romantic stuff to lighten the mood. I decided to pick up Sarah MacLean's A Rogue by Any Other Name since I had read a few good reviews of it.

Penelope Marbury, Michael Bourne and Tommy Landford are good friends during their childhood days, however that all changed when Michael lost everything at the age of 21 in a game of cards and what made the loss such a pain is he had lost it to Viscount Langford; a man who had been a friend and neighbour to his father, handpicked by the former Marquess of Bourne as guardian to his only son and heir, after the death of Bourne's parents.

Needless to say, this turn of event has made Michael Bourne a very bitter and revengeful man. With nothing left but his title, Michael left the place and it has taken him nine years to rebuild his fortune and double it. Together with a few friends, they own an exclusive gaming hell in London and now Michael will try all means to gain back the land he has lost but he doesn't know that there is a 'price' attached to it, and that is to marry Penelope Marbury, a girl whom he has lost touch with and who has now grown into a fine, young lady.

On the other end, Penelope felt disheartened after a broken engagement and several courtships that left her feeling a sense of lost hope. Though Tommy asked for her hand and she likes him as a friend, but deep in her heart she is hoping that she would find someone who would make her heart ponder. . . someone like Michael, whom she has always share her thoughts and exchange mails when they were young. When she learnt that he is back, she feels happy but however he is no longer the Michael she has known, for this new Michael has become cold and vengeful and he wants to marry her, for the sake of getting back his inheritance.

Penelope, of course, would not want to settle for a loveless marriage and even if she couldn't move her husband's heart, she is glad that at least her sisters are promised to have good matches, in which a condition she has laid in agreeing to marrying Michael. While she is hoping that their marriage would work, she also wants a bit of adventure in her life and that means gaining access to her husband's gaming hell. But, would Michael allow it? Especially since he finds himself opening up to her as the days go by.

A Rogue by Any Other Name is the first book I read by Sarah MacLean, and definitely would not be my last. I enjoyed reading the characterisations as well as the plot of this book, and what in my opinion made this book such a wonderful experience is watching the two protagonists grow and change as the story slowly unfolds. Also, I find there is something warm and romantic about reading a story about childhood friends became lovers and that itself heightens the feeling of how I felt about this book.

A Rogue by Any Other Name is the first book of The First Rules of Scoundrels series, whereby readers will read the four proprietors of the London gaming hell. After enjoying reading so much of this book, now I can't wait to read the rest and I am sure they won't disappoint.

The White Pearl by Kate Furnivall

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 02:30:00 +0000

ISBN-13: 9780425241004
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication: March 2012
Pages: 432

Source: Personal Library

I have heard several good reviews on Kate Furnivall's books, but have yet to read them. So when I came across her latest release, The White Pearl, I decided that this would be a good time to read it since the theme revolves around World War II set in Malaya and Singapore during the 1940s. Though I learnt about the history of the Japanese invaded Singapore during my secondary school days and have heard many horror stories on how the Japanese soldiers tormented the civilians then, I thought it would be interesting to read it from a fiction point of view so here it is.

The story opens with the lead character, Connie Hadley, wife of a rubber plantation owner in Malaya, in a car accident in which she kills a Malay woman on her way home. This unfortunate incident, however, is witnessed by Maya and Razak, who are the teenage children of the dead woman and needless to say, they harboured a deep hatred for Connie. Although Connie tries her best to help them in every ways she can, her husband does not see the point of her doing so as he thought the best thing they could do is to leave everything behind and move on with their life.

However, this would be the last thing on their mind when the Japanese started to invade Malaya. Connie decides to leave for Singapore; an island in which at that time was one of the British Straits Settlements, for she thinks it would not be possible that the Japanese would fight against the British.

But en route to Singapore on Connie's yacht, The White Pearl, Connie is shocked to learn that Singapore, like Malaya, is being invaded by the Japanese. Amid the tension and fear, Connie, together with her family as well as Maya and Razak, also faced the threat of the pirates and they managed to rescue a Japanese pilot whereby the story takes on a more adventure-like momentum.

Though the story is told in third person POV, there are also some flashbacks of the affair Connie had had with a Japanese businessman before the war. Connie may be a good mother to her young son, but she is bored and she felt her marriage is a loveless one.

The White Pearl may be a story about war, betrayal and survival, but it also tells a story of a woman fighting for love and freedom, and the price she has to pay for those things she craved. While I find the characterisations and the premise are nicely plotted, I have to admit I didn't feel connected towards Connie as I had anticipated. There I felt sympathetic on her situation, however I also think she is indecisive when it comes to love. Perhaps I read it wrongly, but I just got the impression that the affair she had had with the Japanese man was a sham too.

Though I understand that the setting would be mostly focused on Malaya, still I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed that there wasn't much coverage on Singapore and that it was brief; it also mentioned many civilians were blindfolded and killed by the Japanese though.

The ending may sound hopeful, but somehow or rather it left me with a unsatisfied feeling which I couldn't explain. That said, I liked Kate Furnivall's writing style and I look forward to reading more of her books in the near future.

Teaser Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:44:00 +0000

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

Penelope ran a fork through her turnip mash, wishing she were anywhere but at that table, at that moment, when her father said, "Don't look so miserable. Thank your stars you'll finally have yourself a husband. With Falconwell in your dowry, you could win yourself a prince."

"I find myself tiring of princes, Father."

(Pg 33, A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean)

The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook by Ben Mezrich

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:35:00 +0000

ISBN-13: 9780307740984
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication: September 2010
Format: Movie Tie-in, 260 pgs
Source: Personal Library

Frankly speaking, I didn't really take notice of Facebook when it was firstly launched. I mean, I was aware then that people are getting excited about this social networking site; after all it connects people around the world and most importantly, it is free. Out of curiosity, I signed up in June 2007 (Thanks to the new timeline) but I have got to admit I wasn't really active then. It was only last year (or was it the year before?) that I began to check on Facebook more often and I am not ashamed to admit now that I am hooked to it. I love interacting with my friends there, and not to mention making new friends as well either through my blog or through playing games on 'Gardens of Time' and 'Words with Friends', etc.

Although the movie, The Social Network, was released a few years ago, I only get to watch it a few months back as I was very keen to know how Facebook is created and most of all, what kind of challenges did its founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, encounter while creating Facebook.

The book begins with the encounter and friendship between Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg; both who were Harvard undergraduates in 2003. Both of them have the intelligence and while Eduardo is more business minded, Mark, on the other hand, has the insight of anything related to computer science and Information Technology. However they have one thing in common and that is they are both socially awkward.

Being the more outgoing one, Eduardo joins the university's club and hope that this would help him to gain popularity. Mark has a different agenda though, and his thought is to bring social networking to another level by creating an online site. Not deterred by his experience of hacking into the university's computer system and crashing the servers and almost got him expelled, this shows that there is a certain amount of attraction and traffic getting it online.

Aside from learning the founding of Facebook, what made this an entertaining and a compelling read is the journey Mark faced while he built Facebook. First, there is the lawsuit filed by fellow Harvard students, the Winklevoss' twins, who stated that Mark had mislead them into believing he would help them to build a social network within the campus, right down to the differences he and Eduardo faced while building Facebook.

Today, Facebook has millions of members and through the site it helps people to connect and build social network around the world. I may not be the first among all to join Facebook when it was first launched, but I am glad I joined since this not only allows me to catch up with my friends but also giving me the opportunity to know new friends as well.

Teaser Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:07:00 +0000

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

Over the past month - beginning right after the Facemash incident - Mark had been developing an idea. It had really started with Facemash itself - not the Web site per se, but the frenzied interest that Mark had witnessed, firsthand. Simply put, people had reacted to the site - in droves.

(Pg 79, The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook by Ben Mezrich)

Mailbox Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:50:00 +0000

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This month's Mailbox Monday is hosted by Anna of Diary of an Eccentric.

Here's what I bought and received from The Book Depository:

1) The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook by Ben Mezrich

2) The White Pearl by Kate Furnivall

What books came into your house last week?

Asylum by Patrick McGrath

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:20:00 +0000

ISBN-13: 9780679781387

Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Publication date: March 1998

Pages: 272

Source: Personal Library

Set in Britain during the 1950s, this is a story narrated by Dr Peter Cleave, a psychiatrist over an incident which happened to the Raphaels during his work at a countryside mental institution. Stella Raphael, who is the lead character of this story, is supposed to have a happy family. After all, she and her husband has a ten-year-old son and her husband has the hope of becoming the next superintendent at the mental institution. However, she has done the unthinkable and has an affair with Edgar Stark, who is a patient of Dr Cleave.

Not only that Edgar is mentally disturbed, but he also shows no remorse after he gruesomely murdered his wife and think what he did is justifiable. The reason he murdered his wife is because he thinks his wife had a lover and even a small and mundane gesture would ignite his anger. In other words, he simply has this disillusion that his wife is betraying him.

Not deterred by his past, Stella sees him as charming and a talented artist who shows passion in his sculpture. Their relationship started when Edgar, among many parole patients, is asked to restore an old conservatory which is ruined when they moved into the house. They were living in London before then.

The story then escalates to the point where Stella decides to ditch her family and follows Edgar after he managed to make an escape from the institution. But soon that attraction slowly fades and Edgar began to show his dark side when he starts to get violent with her. What happened then, I shall leave it to you to read it yourself but I would say this is one of the best books I read since the beginning of 2012. Aside from the characterisations, the setting and the plot, what I liked is it is written in a narrative style and from an observer's point of view. Dr Cleave's POV is refreshing in a way that you may view it as a medical case study as well as reading what he had experienced throughout the ordeal.

What I felt while reading this book could be described as a roller coaster experience. There are times I felt intense after reading what Edgar had done with his ex-wife; the things he had done to her are unbelievable and gruesome. Then, there are also times when I felt angry at Stella. I was angry that she failed to recognise the danger she would be in and at some points even gave excuses when Edgar behaves irrationally. After all, how reliable Edgar can be? And what about her family, especially her young son? She did give readers the impression that she is bored with her life; after all Max barely showers her with love and attention, but still . . . to get involved with a mentally disturbed patient is simply appalling.

That said, Asylum is a great literary fiction that had my attention from the first page right till the end. I understand that there is a movie (starring Natasha Richardson, Hugh Bonneville and Ian McKellen) based on this novel which was released in 2005 so I might check that out too.

11 Question Meme

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:47:00 +0000

Wow! It’s been a long while since I have done a meme; a meme which is non-books related but more on yourself and your life. I love reading other readers’ answers, and yeah I love playing along too. So, when the lovely Trish tagged me for this, I just knew I wouldn’t say no. Here goes…

Rules:

1 You must post the rules.

2 Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.

3 Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.

4 Let them know you’ve tagged them!

Trish’s questions:

1. What app do you love above all others? Not an app person? What about website?

I love the greatness and the fun of apps, but seriously I don’t seek them and I will download those which are useful to me. I do download some games sometimes, but not many though.

2. Describe your dream profession (sky is the limit).

I don’t know about you, but I suppose dream profession changes as we get older, or am I the only one who think of that? When I was a child, I dreamt of becoming a scientist. When I reached adolescent, I dreamt of becoming an architect because I think people who created those beautiful skyscrapers are such a genius! When I stepped out to the society to work, I wanted to become a graphic designer (well I was an Arts student during my high school time). Due to that interest, I pursued a part-time course while working in my second job but didn’t venture further. At that time, I was thinking that interest and career don’t mix, but perhaps I was wrong. Right now, if you ask me about my dream job, I will just say, be my own boss. Ha!

3. Appetizers or dessert?

Definitely dessert!

4. If you could be BFF with any fictional character, who would you choose?

Wow, so many to choose from and yet my mind is blank at the moment.

5. I say BLUE. What immediately comes to mind?

Beach. I just want to take a vacation, right now!

6. Favorite song to blast and sing in your car with the windows down?

Probably some songs from Debbie Gibson or Bananarama. I’m a fan of the 80s.

7. What fashion fad makes you hang your head in shame?

I don’t know, maybe jeans in loud colours, like bright orange or lime green?

8. What are your thoughts on 80s Hair Bands--specifically Monster Ballads?

Not a huge fan, but I don’t hate them either.

9. What is a book you wanted to throw across the room? What is one you wanted to hug?

Perhaps the book which I’m reading right now – Asylum by Patrick McGrath. Don’t get me wrong, the writing style and the plot is great! In fact, I’m enjoying reading it. It’s just that I couldn’t understand why a normal, psychiatrist’s wife would want to get involved with a mentally disturbed patient. Bored? Love struck? I don’t know. I suppose I’d find out why the more I read it.

As for the one I wanted to hug, I’ve to say it’s A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. It is such a tender yet a powerfully, thought-provoking story I’d read in a while. That said, I also want to hug Connor O’Malley, the boy who is faced with his own personal demons and came out strong in that story.

10. Imagine you are an aerobics instructor--what song must be on your playlist?

Relight My Fire by Take That.

11. What's for dinner tonight?

No idea. It’s always grocery shopping on a Friday night so we usually eat out. I guess it’d have to depend on the malls we decide to go and what eating outlets they have over there. I’ve got a feeling that I may have a Veggie Delite sandwich and cream of mushroom from Subway this evening, hehe.

Bonus: What's your favorite go-to lipstick (including color)

Revlon lipstick. Mauve colour.

And here are my questions:

1. Who’s your idol? It can be anyone and don’t have to be a celebrity or a public figure.

2. If you can be someone famous, who do you like to be?

3. What are your favourite TV shows or movies?

4. Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Why?

5. Popcorns. Sweet or salty? Why?

6. Facebook or Twitter? Why?

7. What are your pet peeves?

8. Where do you like to go on a vacation?

9. Your most wonderful memories you had last year.

10. What’s your favourite holiday?

11. Finally, I couldn’t resist asking a bookish question: Would you read a book which has received lots of hype and positive reviews, even though the storyline isn’t what you like to read?

I’m tagging:

1. Violet

2. Naida

3. Wendy

4. Iliana

5. Natalie

6. Sandy

7. Staci

8. Ti

9. Gautami

10. Carrie

11. Ryan

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:13:00 +0000

ISBN-13: 9780349123745
Publisher: Abacus
Publication Date: February 2012
Format: Paperback, 384 pgs
Source: Personal Library

With The Times quoted Keigo Higashino as the Japanese Stieg Larsson (which stated on the print copy cover), I know I just have to read The Devotion of Suspect X; a book also which many of my fellow bookbloggers raved and recommended.

Yasuko Hanaoka is divorced and lives with her teenaged daughter, after being escaped the horror grasp of her abusive ex-husband, Togashi. Unfortunately, Togashi continues to harass Yasuko on and off even after their divorce and this made Yasuko and Misato, their daughter, both annoyed yet fearful of him at the same time.

One day when he shows up at her place to extort money and threaten her, the event has quickly turned disastrous when Yasuko and Misato murdered Togashi out of fear when their exchanges became ugly. Just when they are helpless and terrified of murdering someone, their lone neighbour, a high school mathematics teacher, Ishigami, heard of the commotion and came over to investigate. Due to his wit and his attraction towards Yasuko, Ishigami offers to help them to dispose of the body and even went out of the way to devise plans to divert the detectives from pointing the direction towards them.

Because Ishigami is Yasuko's neighbour, it is a matter of time that the detectives link him to the murder case, even though they have limited information or evidence to the case. Dr. Manabu Yukawa, a physicist and a college friend of one of the detectives, however thinks there is more than meets the eye. Although he isn't a detective and he is not asked to assist to solve the mystery, Yukawa is friends with Detective Kusanagi and he has in fact offers some insights into some of the past cases.

When Yukawa heard that Ishigami is linked to the murder case, he is both curious and doubtful; after all he knew Ishigami back during their University days and he gave him the impression of an intelligent yet reserved man who would challenge him on some mathematical questions, and vice versa since they specialise in different subjects. As the detectives begin their investigations, Yukawa has in fact, came up with a few speculations of his own which may surprise not only to the detectives but to himself as well, for Ishigami has thrown to them a simple yet complex problem to tackle which is ultimately the climax of this story.

Although this isn't much of a whodunnit thriller, what makes this story stands out is the characterisations, the issue on humanity as it taps onto the emotional struggles one may face during a circumstances, in which this case, obsession. I see the obsession in Ishigami as he works out complicated mathematics problems, for he is not only a high school mathematics teacher but a resourceful mathematician as well. I also see the obsession in him as he will patronise the bento place where Yasuko works, even though they rarely talk to each other then.

Like a mathematical problem, The Devotion of Suspect X is a thriller that will challenge your mind and makes you think outside the box. It is no wonder this book garners so much attention; I really enjoyed the reading experience and if you haven't read it, go read it now!

Teaser Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:58:00 +0000

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

No control. You don't control falling in love, she said, you can't. At the time it had amused her that it should happen like this, with this man. A patient. A patient working in the vegetable garden. Stella, I said, you could not have chosen more unwisely had you tried. But the truth is, she said, I didn't choose.

(Pg 36, Asylum by Patrick McGrath)

Guest Post: The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:50:00 +0000

I am pleased to have Margaret Wurtele, author of The Golden Hour, to do a guest post here at Melody's Reading Corner today. I enjoyed reading The Golden Hour, which has a WWII setting and if you haven't read my thoughts on it, here's the link.

Without further ado, please give her a warm welcome.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

I’ve been asked to share a little about my writing life and to talk about the process of becoming a published author. My first two books were non-fiction (memoirs) and The Golden Hour is my first novel.

First, let me say that I’m afraid I’m the opposite of a writer. I am an extroverted, action-oriented person, who is loath to sit still at a desk. I am easily distractible, and any available alternative to writing will do: a ringing phone, accessible email, a hunger pang, and the neon to-do list that flashes in my brain. I say yes to far too many community projects, lunch and bridge invitations, and social events. Still, after a day spent writing, I feel more satisfied and complete than after anything else I do.

So writing three books required wrestling myself to the ground, and the novel was the toughest of all. In fiction, the blank page is especially daunting. While writing the memoirs, I had journals and the raw material of my own experience to draw from. In writing The Golden Hour, the characters and their interaction had all to come from my imagination. Finally, I came up with a firm personal rule: Nothing could be scheduled on Mondays – nothing at all. I would begin the day with cups of coffee, wandering about the house, going through mail – anything that attracted me. But all the while, the story was brewing in my head. Finally I would sit down about 2 or 3 pm and write furiously in longhand for a couple of hours. Whew! Then, the rest of the week, I could type, edit, and fiddle with it to my heart’s content. Then, I would wait in dread for the next Monday. It took me three years to complete a draft of the novel I could live with.

I sold my first book, Taking Root, without an agent. It was a spiritual and gardening memoir, and (with the help of a friend who owned a bookstore) I chose five or six publishers of spiritual and religious material and sent them the manuscript. St. Mary’s University Press called and wanted to publish it! I was lucky.

For my second book, Touching the Edge, I did find an agent, one who worked both in my home state of Minnesota and in New York. The manuscript was a memoir about parenting and the recent death of my 22-year-old son in a mountain climbing accident. It took at least a year of receiving one turndown letter after another, but finally John Wiley & Sons bought the book. My editor there had a beloved aunt who had lost her son, and he felt a particular resonance with my story.

That same agent was enthusiastic about the draft of The Golden Hour, and he eagerly offered me a contract. But after a few months, he disappeared. Something troubling must have happened in his life, because he was unresponsive and out of communication for many months. At last, reluctantly, I severed our contract. I took advantage of the break to hire an independent editor, who worked with me on the manuscript for several months. She was excellent, and it was the right thing to do. The revised manuscript was accepted by the first new agent I tried. She has Minnesota roots like mine, and I know a few of her other clients.

This is a terribly difficult market, and my agent kept my expectations very low. Her in-house editor made a number of suggestions, and finally they sent the manuscript out to a first round of five or six publishers. She was more skilled than lucky. The interest was there, and NAL/Penguin was chosen to publish The Golden Hour.

In the last few years, the world of marketing books has changed. This time around, it’s a new ball game: a website, a Facebook page, a blog tour. I am excited to have people begin reading The Golden Hour.

Margaret Wurtele is the author of two memoirs. She and her husband split their time between Minnesota and Napa Valley, where they are owners of Terra Valentine Winery. Visit her online at www.margaretwurtele.com.

The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:17:00 +0000

ISBN-13: 9780451237088
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Publication date: February 2012
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

I love reading stories which have a war setting; don't get me wrong, war stories are never a joy to read but they are part of history and they allow us to get a glimpse of the war through the eyes of the characters, even if they are fictional ones.

The Golden Hour is a story about a 17-year-old Italian girl, Giovanna Bellini's journey during the Nazi occupation in Tuscany during the 1940s and how the war affected her throughout and into her adulthood. Being the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat, her life should be carefree and filled with happiness but all was shattered when the war broke and their lands are being occupied by German officers. As you are aware, Italy armistice with the Allies and this resulting in the disarming of Italian forces and seizing the military control of Italian areas.

While Giovanna helps at the local Catholic academy tutoring refugee children, she is attracted by one particular German officer named Klaus; he is married and has a young son and though Giovanna likes him, yet at the same time she is also torn by guilt and a sense of patriotism as she feels their acquaintance is wrong to begin with. On the other end, Giovanna's brother, Giorgio, left home to join the resistance. His parents never knew of his whereabouts, thinking something must have happened to him during the war although they are still hopeful of his return. Truth be told, he is very much alive and Giovanna is secretly helping him to smuggle food and medical supplies for the partisans.

It is also through Giorgio that Giovanna meets Mario, an injured partisan who is Jewish and as she nurses Mario back to health, she couldn't help but to fall in love with him and his courageous spirit as well. At that time, she is unaware of the situation where the Jewish stand and even after she knew of the danger of being acquainted with a Jew, she stand by her decision of helping and loving him despite her parents' objection. However, the real battle lies in the ruthless Nazis and Giovanna has to confront her demons as she faces Klaus once again.

Filled with wonderful characterisations and a rich setting of the wartime, author Margaret Wurtele has weaved a captivating, and an unforgettable story about love of all kinds (couples, family as well as friends) and the acts of heroism in all forms. Giovanna is a wonderful and a likeable reader; you couldn't help but to sympathize with her for all the difficulties she encounters both in her personal life as well as the hardship during the wartime. Mario is another likeable character to me as he is brave yet humble at the same time.

As I have not read a war story with an Italian setting before The Golden Hour, I was glad to read this book based from the Italian's perspective. It has definitely made me understand more about the resistance forces; and not to mention what the partisans did are selfless and they are willing to sacrifice themselves in saving their country.

Although The Golden Hour is about the Nazi occupation, I would also like to view this as somewhat of a coming-of-age story, as I could see how Giovanna has grown from a naïve young girl to be a mature lady as the story progress. A great debut I would say, and I would highly recommend this book to readers who love historical with a little romance theme in it.

And, I have a guest post from author Margaret Wurtele tomorrow so do keep a look out for it!

Teaser Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:38:00 +0000

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

He had expected the police to identify the murder weapon. Which was why he had exchanged the Hanaokas' kotatsu with his own. Their old kotatsu - the real murder weapon - was packed away in his closet.

(Pg 205, The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino)

Teaser Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:03:00 +0000

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

War hung over us like an insistent fog. It was always there, clouding everything, separating us from one another under a blanket of secrecy and fear.

(Pg 55, The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele)

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:08:00 +0000

ISBN-13: 9780525423270
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date: December 2010
Format: Hardcover, 384 pgs
Source: Personal Library

There have been a lot of rave reviews on this book, and I am sure many fellow book bloggers would understand that kind of "anticipation" and/or "need" to read a book that caused such a stir over the blogosphere. I have to confess I was curious about the hype, but more than that, I was intrigued by the plot and that the setting is Paris, a city well known for romance and it has the beauty name of "The City of Light".

Our heroine, Anna, lives in Atlanta and though her life isn't perfect, she loves her family (her parents are separated but her mother decided that they need a father figure so he still see the family occasionally) and aside from that, she has her best friend and Christopher, a guy whom she likes for a long time.

However, her world seems to come to a halt when she learnt that her father is sending her to a boarding school in Paris. Now Anna has never been away with her family for such a long time, not to mention the distance, the language barrier and all. But, she adapts quickly to her new environment and have made a few good friends along the way. Among them is a guy named Étienne St. Clair, who is not only good-looking and popular but also has a girlfriend.

Anna enjoys being friends with them, but little does she know that she is falling in love with Étienne the more they spend their time together; and it seems their friendship has turned to more after they have spent the time together for Thanksgiving and that Anna being there when his mother has cancer and has to go for treatments. The relationship between Étienne and his father is strained so he appreciates that Anna is there for moral support, plus he and his girlfriend has fallen apart but they are still together despite the lesser communications.

Just as Anna is feeling confused over their relationship, she is more shocked to learn that Christopher is going out with her best friend back home in Atlanta. Which is worse, being seeing the guy you likes is still together with his girlfriend despite the strained relationship, or being betrayed by your best friend? Needless to say, I find myself rooting for Anna throughout my reading journey and on top of the premise, what makes this book such a delightful read is learning more about Paris and its culture (the scene on French pastries, macarons . . . simply made my mouth waters). I have this longing of visiting Europe (especially Paris) for a while so reading this book has further increased that longing.

Although this book is very much about the relationship between Anna and Étienne, it also touches on issues such as the relationship between friends, between boyfriends and girlfriends, as well as between family. Both Anna and Étienne have issues with their fathers; and while Anna's father is portrayed more like an egoistical father who seems to know what is best for her (he is most proud of the books he writes), Étienne's father, however, couldn't care less about anyone's feelings (except his own) and this shows especially when Étienne's mom is diagnosed with cancer and I didn't understand why he would stop Étienne from seeing his mom (which I feel is ridiculous). Then again, I would also like to highlight that there is an allusion to teen sex and drinking but those are minimal.

As you can tell, I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading Stephanie Perkin's next book, Lola and the Boy Next Door, which I heard is equally wonderful too.

Mailbox Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:41:00 +0000

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This month's Mailbox Monday is hosted by Metroreader.

Here's what I bought and received from The Book Depository:

1) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (signed copy!)

2) Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith

3) The Thorn and the Blossom by Thedora Goss

What books came into your house last week?

Teaser Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:40:00 +0000

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

I risk a glance, and St. Clair stares back. Deeply. He has not looked at me like this before. I turn away first, then feel him turn a few beats later.

I know he is smiling, and my heart races.

(Pg 107, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins)

Mailbox Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:45:00 +0000

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This month's Mailbox Monday is hosted by Alyce of At Home with Books.

Here's what I bought and received from The Book Depository:

1) The Flame Alphabet by Ben Marcus

2) The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

What books came into your house last week?

Archon: The Books of Raziel by Sabrina Benulis

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:37:00 +0000

ISBN-13: 9780062069405
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date: December 2011
Pages: 400

Source: Publisher

Angels and demons. I think they are the next 'IN' theme after the vampires and werewolves but honestly, I can't choose among these as I feel each has its own mythology and they are intriguing to me all the same.

As you can see from the cover, Archon: The Books of Raziel is a book about fallen angels and in this story, our protagonist, Angela Mathers, is a blood head who, like other blood heads, are known to possess mystical powers. Angela, however, is plagued by visions of an angel who seems to haunt her even in her dreams and above all, she has heard about the power of an Archon who is believed to be the human reincarnation of the dead angel, Raziel. And if the hearsay is true, that means the Archon will rule the supernatural universe upon his or her rising and the consequence might be horrifying.

Angela doesn't want to think about angels or the Archon, as long as she finds peace and her self at Westwood Academy; after all she has been locked in a mental institution for two years (not that she is mad but because she is different) and she has escaped death for countless times, not that she has the choice in this matter as whenever she tries to hurt herself, something (or someone?) is always around to protect her from hurting herself too much.

And then, there is the mysterious novice, Kim, who attracts and fascinates her both at the same time but even he has a secret agenda as he tries to hide his being a jinn identity.

As you can tell, there is a lot going about this book and while I liked the mystical world Sabrina Benulis has created, I have to admit that the beginning of the chapters took on at a slow pace and some parts confused me but the plot tightens as I read further and soon I got caught up with the story. If you are a fan of paranormal, I am sure this book will appeal to you.

Movie: Friends with Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:38:00 +0000

Right, let me start off by saying that I'm not a fan of Justin Timberlake (at least not in the past anyway), therefore this is not a gushy post about him but more on his latest movie, Friends with Benefits. I am sure many of you must have came across romantic comedies which have themes like the leading characters being friends (or even strangers) before they fell in love and became a happy couple. The theme may be cheesy, but they do happen in reality and I love such theme all the same.

Jamie (played by Mila Kunis) is a headhunter in New York and she has found Dylan (played by Justin Timberlake) to fill in the position of an art director at GQ. Prior to fetching Dylan from the airport, Jamie had fallen off with her boyfriend who thinks she is emotionally damaged. Jamie, on the other hand, has swore off men and relationships after the break up and focused her mind into work and helping Dylan in settling down in his new job in New York, after all Dylan is LA based and their personalities and mindset is way so different from each other. Jamie is loud, vocal and is not shy in displaying her emotions in public while Dylan is much more level-headed and prefers to stay in a low profile.

A few outings lead them to become friends, and it is one night while watching a show which revolves around romance and relationship and this got them started on discussing issues like getting physical without all the emotions attached. They then decided to make a pact to be sleeping partners but without those emotional baggage that comes along with it.

Things are going on fine between them until Dylan brings Jamie back home to meet his family, not to introduce them as a couple but as friends considering that Dylan didn't even bring his ex-girlfriend home. Jamie is awed by Dylan's family, for they made her feel at home and most of all, this trip makes her see Dylan in a new light. It makes her understand Dylan a bit more after seeing how he treats towards his father who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Dylan, on the other hand, started to have feelings towards Jamie although he wouldn't want to admit it, in spite that he is being accused of emotionally unavailable by his ex-girlfriend.

Dylan's sister thought Dylan and Jamie make a fine couple, but Dylan brushed it off and said they are nothing but friends. Being a cliché and all, we all know where this is leading to but still we want to see the chemistry sparks and their confession towards the end.

Friends with Benefits may have an old and cliché plot, but what I liked about this movie is the great chemistry between Mila and Justin, and not to mention their witty dialogues at times. Aside from these, I think supporting characters like Jamie's mom, Dylan's father and Dylan's gay colleague, a sports editor, all add entertainment to this movie and make it even more interesting. It was great having a few of those laugh-out-loud moments when you thought this movie is a tad cheesy, in which I wish to reiterate that I enjoyed watching the chemistry between Justin and Mila being onscreen lovers. Heck, I even have to admit that it was far off better as compared with No Strings Attached (starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher), another movie which has the same theme of friends became lovers and in my opinion, it somewhat lacks the poignancy and also that I felt the characterisations are a tad weaker.

And before I end this post, I have a question for you. Do you think a man and a woman can remain friends, especially in the long run?

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:56:00 +0000

In the mood for Chinese New Year . . .

Teaser Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:10:00 +0000

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

"Do you think I'm the Archon?" she whispered, almost afraid of what the answer might be.

"I think that there are better reasons Stephanie should be nervous right now."

Kim took her by the hand.

Then, with a cautious slowness, he covered her mouth with his own, gently relinquishing his kiss only so that the next one met her even more softly.

(Pg 94, Archon: The Books of Raziel by Sabrina Benulis)

Books Read in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:19:00 +0000

Here is a list of books I read in 2012. They are sorted in alphabetical order by the authors' last name.

Archon: The Books of Raziel by Sabrina Benulis

The White Pearl by Kate Furnivall

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Asylum by Patrick McGrath

The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook by Ben Mezrich

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman

The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele