Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Bumped is an interesting take on what the future would be like and just how important teens would be. This is a book that a person with an average reading speed can can finish in about two days. The author’s witty writing style and clear differentiation of her characters personalities add to the thrill in reading the book as well as trying to decipher what the final outcome would be. But of course readers won’t know what really happens in the end unless they read the second book “Thumped”.

The only reason why I gave this book three stars instead of four or even five is because of the difficulty in trying to decipher the meaning of the “futuristic” terminologies used by the author. It would have been ideal if a sort of “term dictionary” was added into the book so readers can easily follow what they were talking about. It was in that period of deciphering did I lose tract of its content and at certain points even lost my interest in finishing the book. But once I got the hang of the terms I started liking the book all over again.

Bumped is a very interesting take on what the future holds and the lengths people would go through just to have children and keep the human population afloat.

Bedtime for Bonsai by Elaine Fox

Hi guys! I know I was M.I.A. for sometime and have not written a blog about my latest reads and I apologize for that. I was busy at work and needed some time to chill over the long weekend. One upside of that however is that I was able to read Bedtime for Bonsai by Elaine Fox and I have to say every page was worth it. I bought this little book for a steal from my ever favorite store Fullybooked and I really loved reading every last page.

Bedtime for Bonsai is a very light chic lit that would send your mind into a world of mystery, romance and the utter cuteness and happiness a little dog can bring to your life. Now, I know that from the title of the book it will seem as if this is a book about the life of a dog and not the genres I mentioned above but that is the complete opposite. This book revolves around the love that is created between two of the most unlikely of characters that is pushed along by the no less than the cute little dog found in the cover. This book shows how love can truly evolve from the most unlikely of places and placed a true meaning to the saying “never judge a book by its cover” ( or person as the case may be).

Props to Elaine Fox for writing a witty, humorous book filled with so much drama and passion. 5 stars for Bedtime for Bonsai.

Happy Reading bookworms! Till my next blog.

The Shoestring Club by Sarah Webb

As a result of me being unable to go to work since I’m sick I was able to finish reading The Shoestring Club by Sarah Webb and how I wish I did not finish it to soon, that’s how good it was that I never wanted it to end. Chalk one up for another easy read in the Chic Lit or Romance category of this self professed bookworm!

At first I thought that this would be another “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” kind of book but it wasn’t. In a way it captures a more mature audience who would understand a deeper understanding of what life’s trials really can do to a person and how a strong relationship with your friends and more importantly your family can really influence a person’s life.

Jule’s is truly a modern heroine as she struggles through her mother’s early death and dealing with the guilt which she has kept for so long.Along the way she discovers who she really is and her talents as a person that allowed her to be the beset person she can be. Ed is a bonafide example of what a jerk really is while Jamie is a true knight in shining armor. Pandora is the sister you wish you had. Bird as the best grandma in the world. Iris and Arietty are the two girls you would love to have around if you want someone honest and even straight to the point but can give you the best hugs and compliments when you need it.

The Shoestring Club tells a wonderful story of how family can make the difference between life and death, how sisters are truly the best of friends, how you should really not judge a book by its cover and how one single dress can change the lives of so many.

I therefore award this book five gold stars out of five. My sincerest praise for Ms. Sarah Webb and her amazing work. She is another author that I hope to meet one day.

Happy reading bookworms! 🙂

Books I’m Currently Reading to Reach My Goal….:)

So here are the three books I’m currently reading to reach by bookworm goal of 50 Books for 2012. What do you guys think?

Breakfast at Darcy’s by Ali Mcnamara

To all the Chic Lit fans out there Breakfast at Darcy’s by Ali Mcnamara is a must read! This is one book that will leave you wanting for more after you are reading it. I would not have discovered this book if not for my dearest friend who decided to randomly pull this book of the shelf of Fullybooked (my fave bookstore here in the Philippines) and made me read the synopsis. I was instantly in love with it after that. So thank you my dear friend for choosing this book for me. 🙂

By reading the book’s title your initial reaction might be “Shouldn’t it be Breakfast at Tiffany’s?” well at least that is what my brother said and I could not stop laughing after that. 😀 The title itself brings a note of nostalgia and the book cover surprisingly captures the essence of Breakfast at Tiffany’s but I assure you their stories are completely different. With its numerous twist and turns, romantic conflict and a mystery to boot Breakfast at Darcy’s is truly a work of art.

So if you are looking for something to read in front of a cozy fire this holiday season or even a light read under the covers of your blanket before you go to bed I suggest you grab a copy of this book. It is a decision you won’t regret! Happy Reading!! 🙂

 

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett is one book that has earned a permanent place in my growing personal library.

This book is a must read for teens and adults of all ages because it allows its readers to see the huge racial inequality that took place in the past. It is no laughing matter what the help had to go through just to ensure their family had bread on the table every single day.

As I was reading this book I found myself crying each time Constantine or the other help would share their stories. I have always known that there was a widespread of discrimination in the past but the stories shared in The Help made me so furious and sad for the people that had to endure it their entire life. But despite all the hateful comments and abuse they endured Constantine and her fellow maids still found it in their hearts to love the children and sometimes the adults they worked for.

I found the passion and determination of Skeeter in finishing her work a trait which is slowly disappearing in this fast paced world of ours. She is a true symbol of hope and strength for those who were oppressed.

If Skeeter were a true person I would have loved a chance to meet her and thank her for efforts. In this case I have Kathryn Stockett to thank for opening my eyes further to the realities of life. I only hope I can meet her someday.

29 of 50 Books for 2012

So here are the book covers of the books I’ve read so far. I’m 29 Books into my goal of 50 Books for 2012. Hopefully I make it!

Jane Austen In Scarsdal:Or Love, Death and the SATs by Paula Marantz Cohen

The only thing good about this book is probably the book cover but other than that I’m not a big fan of Paula Marantz Cohen’s take of the literary classic Persuasion by the great Jane Austen.

I understand that this book was as piece meant to pay homage to a fantastic writer but it pains me to say that this book did not give it justice. I was expecting the story to truly revolve around the love story of Ben and Anne but what I got were pages of endless rants from parents who want to get their kids into the best college. Every single chapter seemed to revolve around other issues rather than the love story itself. The characters were not all that memorable nor were their stories and issues. Also, this book ended to quickly without that made it seem as if the book was written in a rush.

I’m sure other people have their own opinion on this book and I respect that. But for me this book only gets one out of five stars.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

When I first saw this book on the shelves of my favorite bookstore here in the Philippines the first thing that came into my mind was that it was a children’s book considering the color and design of the book cover. Reading its synopsis for the first time I was immediately bored and never thought of giving it a second look. A couple of weeks later when I went to the Manila International Book Fair I found myself rereading its synopsis and I was completely intrigued at its contents that I decided to buy the book. To my surprise I finished it in less than two days, an occurrence that is quite unusual for me. (That just proves how good it is.)

As I started reading this book I found myself immediately drawn into the lives of Hazel and Augustus. It was very interesting how John Green was able to turn an otherwise gloomy situation to one which makes the reader feel a new sense of hope.

I found myself laughing in certain chapters and crying in others. I was able to see a glimpse of the struggles cancer patients have to deal with on a daily basis. But what amazed me more is their fight to live and experience all the wonders of the world despite their condition.

The Fault in Our Stars is a must read for any person who feels like fate dealt them a losing hand in life. This book made me realize just how good I have it and how beautiful life can be as long as I make the most of it.

One Hundred Gold Stars for John Green and his literary masterpiece!

Looking forward to reading more of his works.

Labels by H.C. Carlton

The caption “From the wild 1960’s to the sexy 1970’s they ruled the world of fashion” found in the books cover is a complete understatement of the contents readers can expect to find as they read Labels by H.C. Carlton. At first glance the title “LABELS” just does not seem all that interesting if you are a person who is not interested in fashion or even in reading chic lit. I on the other hand love both of those things, so indulge me as I write my very first blog-book review on this book.

Labels may seem like your average literary piece about fashion and life’s challenges judging by its cover photo and the title alone. But readers will be brought to a whole new realm in the first chapters of the book alone.

H.C. Carlton was able to create a world where people of our generation can capture a glimpse of how the fashion industry was divided, constructed and dissected from the 1960’s to the 1970’s. He was also able to show just how the fierce competition between high-end, luxurious and elegant fashion versus vibrant, over the top fashion to be the main style of that generation took its toll on even the most seasoned of all fashion designers and editors.

Through Mia he showed the elegant, dreamy and sometimes fairy-tale like side of fashion but with a dose of reality. Wayland was undeniably her fairy godmother (or godfather as the case may be) who in today’s standards can be categorized as a very supportive and loving uncle/friend. Now, readers may think that Mia is this typical shy, quiet girl but in reality she has a deep burning desire that needs to be released. She is one girl you would not want to mess with when push comes to shove.

In Mackenzie readers are exposed to the cut throat and often times trend setting side of the fashion industry. With her rebellious can do attitude readers will really be left in awe on how she is able to face every challenge that comes her way and still remain at the top of her game. But don’t be fooled by her harsh and tough persona because at the end of the day Mackenzie is a person with a true heart of GOLD!

And it is in dear Coral that readers will see how power and desire can either make or break a person within the fashion industry. Coral, in the most simplest sense is not your typical mom nor is she your typical fashion goddess. Coral is the greatest reflection on what society and their expectations can do to a person who simply wants to be the best at what she does.

With its numerous twists and turns, dramas, scandal and gossips readers will be left wanting for more. I know I do!

Labels by Harold Carlton has earned a permanent spot in my growing book collection.

*Note: I would classify this book to be best read by people 18 years or older considering its mature content.*