I felt kind of lost at the beginning because it has been a while since I have read the fifth book, Misguided Angel, and I forgot so...moreI LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
I felt kind of lost at the beginning because it has been a while since I have read the fifth book, Misguided Angel, and I forgot some of the details. But, the way that the story was written really got me so hooked with this book. Melissa de la Cruz has always been one of my favorite authors, and I praise the way she gave life to her stories. She was able to keep the excitement in her Blue Bloods series, which pushed me to continue reading her books. I have given up on some book series that I used to classify as my favorites, but Blue Bloods has its gripping factor that keeps me hanging until the end.
I would definitely read the last book in the Blue Bloods series, Gates of Paradise, after I read the spin-off, Wolf Pack. According to the reviews that I have read, it is better to read Wolf Pack first so Gates of Paradise would make more sense to the reader.(less)
I was a bit hesitant at first to read this novel because the last time I have tried Cecilia Ahern's book I was not satisfied with the ending. I am awa...moreI was a bit hesitant at first to read this novel because the last time I have tried Cecilia Ahern's book I was not satisfied with the ending. I am aware that most people enjoyed P.S. I Love You, but it did not stand to my expectations. I saw Thanks for the Memories at a seasonal book sale, and the synopsis at the back of the book was pretty impressive so I decided to buy it. It turned out that my intuition was right, and this this book was really good. There was no dull moment for me while reading this book, and I got entertained from beginning to end. I praise Ms. Ahern for her ability to make a fantasy seem realistic. There were some life lessons embedded in the story that made me think about my own life. I really thought that the main characters would not end up together just like what happened in P.S. I Love You. I was relieved that my preconceived idea was wrong. I also thought that my favorite character would die, and I was already prepared to break down to tears, good thing I was also wrong with that matter.
I think I found my new chic-lit author. I was longing to read novels written by authors like Sophie Kinsella, but most books I see seemed to be too serious or too mature for my taste. Now, I think I am going to try more of Cecilia Ahern's works. (less)
I have finally finished this book. It took me a while to read this because of my school demands, and not because the story was not interesting. I am n...moreI have finally finished this book. It took me a while to read this because of my school demands, and not because the story was not interesting. I am not really a big fan of classic books because I thought that they are too serious and boring for me. However, upon seeing The Lizzie Bennet Diaries web show on YouTube, I got interested with the plot so I decided to read the book. How glad am I when I found a copy on a seasonal book sale near my place!
I admit, I kind of struggled in reading the book at first because the sentence structures were not what I am used to. Some thoughts were too deep for me to grasp easily. But, as I progressed with the story I finally got used to it. There were just some times when I tend to read a passage without actually understanding every word of it, I just assumed the gist of it. Probably I would not understand the entire story if I have not watch TLB and Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice.
I liked how the lead female, Elizabeth, was portrayed with a strong character. The way the love story progressed was not annoying, and the book was not only centered in Lizzie and Darcy's romance. Other social aspects were also discussed such as family and reputation.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I probably will not read another classic book for a while. I missed reading YA books, so I will devote my time for them in the meantime. (less)
This book made me think about sex and prostitution differently. It was very sexual, but not in a Fifty Shades kind of way. This was more about finding...moreThis book made me think about sex and prostitution differently. It was very sexual, but not in a Fifty Shades kind of way. This was more about finding one's self. I liked the way the story was written. I did get bored at some parts, though. But it was a great story overall. This is my first time to read a novel by Paulo Coelho. I was worried before that his stories would be too serious for me and I might not enjoy it, but I did enjoy it after all. (less)
"We had a beautiful magic love there. What a sad beautiful tragic love affair..."
While I was reading this book those two particular lines from Taylor...more
"We had a beautiful magic love there. What a sad beautiful tragic love affair..."
While I was reading this book those two particular lines from Taylor Swift's Sad Beautiful Tragic song kept playing in my head.
I really did not want to read The Fault in Our Stars before because I thought it would be so depressing and the feel would be very dark since it was about cancer patients. However, my friend kept insisting that I should give it a try, and she even lent me her copy just so I would read it.
Here are my random comments:
1. I have only read the first chapter and I got instantly hooked. I liked how the character were introduced: simple yet remarkable.
2. Even if the build up of the love story was pretty fast I did not find it nauseating or corny. On the contrary, I thought Augustus and Hazel's love story was really touching. At first Hazel did not want to take their friendship to the next level because she feared that she might shatter Augustus when she finally succumbed to cancer. But Augustus was so insistent, and he even used his "wish" to fulfill Hazel's greatest dream. Their personalities jived together and they understood each other in a way that no one could.
3. I found the way the characters play with names amusing: "Support Group Hazel", "Just Hazel", and my favorite was the way Augustus always call Hazel with her full name, "Hazel Grace". It was like their own version of terms of endearment.
4. I was expecting heavy drama, so I was so glad when I discovered that it was not. Even if the main characters were suffering from cancer, they were still trying to live a normal life, and they had a somewhat positive outlook in life. I especially liked Augustus. His optimism and vibrant mood was so infectious.
5. This book gave me a glimpse of how a person with cancer deals with life. Usually if I know that someone is terminally ill I tend to look at them with pity. But because of this book I realized that these people wanted to be treated normally and they do not want to be pitied. This story was really an eye-opener for me.
6. Even if I knew beforehand that the death of one of the main characters was inevitable, I still got shocked when it happened. I guess I did not expect that to happen at that part of the book but later.
7. I'm not sure if the author intended to shorten the length of the chapters while the story got nearer to the death scene. But I found it symbolic that the time was really running out before cancer totally killed one of the characters.
8. Most memorable quote:
"The world is not a wish-granting factory" -Augustus Waters
Overall, I am glad that I decided to read this book. It was a great way to start my new year. I liked the way John Green told the story, simple but thought-provoking and inspiring. I think I am going to read his other works.
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars. The story wasn't like anything I've read before. More detailed review to follow. I just need to gather my thoughts fir...moreI'm giving this book 3.5 stars. The story wasn't like anything I've read before. More detailed review to follow. I just need to gather my thoughts first. (less)
I never thought I would actually read this book. I've seen it a lot of times in bookstores and I've heard mixed reviews about it so I got curious and...moreI never thought I would actually read this book. I've seen it a lot of times in bookstores and I've heard mixed reviews about it so I got curious and decided to read it when my friend lent it to me. I'm still not sure whether I consider this a good book or not. I had mixed feelings while reading it and until now that I'm done I still couldn't organize my thoughts. So I decided to just jot down the good and not-so-good points for me:
Good This isn't the first erotic book I've read but it was the first one that I've read from start to end without skipping any page. I actually got caught up with the story-- but not in a perverted way. I wanted to know the why's and how's of things.
Not-So-Good I've read a lot of bad reviews about this book stating that it was just like the porn version of Twilight. I didn't believe it before but there were so many resemblance to the characters from the said book... But then, I found out that it was originally written as a fan-fiction of Twilight. A Goodreads friends sent a copy of it to me and I saw that the names were just changed. Kumikitang kabuhayan nga naman!
Good But even though the characters were very much alike to Twilight's, Fifty Shades of Grey had a very different kind of plot and circumstances. Heck, this is an erotic book, need I say more?
Not-So-Good I got so annoyed with Anastasia towards the end. She asked for it despite Christian's warning, and when he gave in she ran amok! I actually prefer Christian's character than hers. I'm so tired of reading books whose female protagonists have a very low self esteem and think of themselves unworthy to be loved by a "prefect" guy. Way to go to boost the morale of women!
Good I've read far more brutal/weird erotic stories than this. I've also encountered the idea of BDSM when I read Stieg Larson's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo so I wasn't really surprised with how the sexual aspects of the story were conducted. In fact, I started laughing when Christian told Anastasia to research it on Wikipedia because that was exactly what I did the first time I've heard about the term BDSM, so I got a pretty good idea what Anastasia saw in there. Mind you, it was pretty out of curiosity that pushed me to Google it before. The only thing that shocked me was the idea of having a written contract between the Dominant and Submissive, plus a list of rules and regulations. I didn't know that that's how it works. Oh well... what do I know except from those I saw in Wiki?
Not-So-Good The most horrific part for me in the story was when Christian and Anastasia had an intercourse even if she had her monthly period. Freaking shit! That was just so disgusting and unsanitary!She could've said no but she was just too addicted with Christian to refuse. I think it was even mentioned that they were entangled together with Ana's blood all over them. That was really, really gross!
Good Christian Grey could've been the perfect poster boyfriend that almost every girl dreams of, except for his sadistic and very eccentric sexual nature. He was very thoughtful, rich and well-bred. Oh wait, on the second thought he was too controlling, over-protective and jealous for my type. Oh well, everyone has their own idea of the perfect man.
I'd like to end my review in a positive way so I'll stop my comments on a good note. I guess I did enjoy this novel because I couldn't stop reading it and I have the urge to buy the entire trilogy. This is not for the faint-hearted or over-conservative people. I don't care if many people didn't like it as long as I enjoyed reading it. I'm giving this book 3.75 stars.(less)
I don't usually give a 5-star rating on a book, but I did this time. So how did I arrive with the decision to give it a perfect rating? I observed my...moreI don't usually give a 5-star rating on a book, but I did this time. So how did I arrive with the decision to give it a perfect rating? I observed my own manner in reading it. It's been a while since I've read a really gripping novel that made me alter my usual reading routines. Normally, I would only read late at night until almost dawn because that's when my mood picks up. I also don't read when I'm surrounded with awake people and I prefer to be alone in the bedroom with my book. But I surprised myself when I read Tempest and I broke all my reading rules. I read it even if it was only three in the afternoon (which was considered really early for me since I wake up around 1 PM) and I only took short bathroom and snack breaks in between until I had to put the book down to eat dinner with my family. Then I'd continue reading it until around 3 AM and I had to sleep by then before my parents woke up. I also read it even if I was surrounded by my noisy family and I even took it out with me during our family picnic. I was torn between reading it fast to see what will happen with the story; and slowing down my pacing so I wouldn't reach the ending and sullenly wait for the sequel to come out in 2013. That was how I knew this book deserved to be given a 5-star rating for me.
The first time I saw this book in Chapters I was instantly captivated with the cover design. I'm a sucker for great book covers and that's what usually draws me to check out a book in GoodReads. The description at the jacket flap also made me curious. It said that the plot revolves around a boy who can time-travel but cannot alter anything thus not disturbing the space-time continuum. It was very different from my prior notion of time traveling which really made me decide to read Tempest. Good thing I found a copy of it at the library so I got to read it for free.
Here are my other random comments:
1. I was hooked from beginning until the end. Contrary to some comments I've read here in GR, which stated that the first few parts were boring, I found the entire book to be exciting. In fact I had a hard time putting the book down when it was time to sleep. It was really gripping and intriguing.
2. I enjoyed the love story parts. I didn't find it cheesy at all. The characters were very open to the topic of sex which usually makes me cringe or uncomfortable whenever I read books like that (see, I'm pretty conservative). But this time I even surprised myself by taking it easily and open-mindedly. Well maybe it was because the characters were both 19 years old, which was considered to be an adult age, that made it acceptable for me--- or maybe, I'm just becoming more mature now and my inclinations are changing.
3. I also enjoyed those parts when Jackson started "courting" the 2007 Holly again. I kept on laughing during the poker match when Holly and Jackson were making bets against each other.
4. When Jackson got stuck in 2007, I felt like I was also trapped. I felt desperate like him when he tried to return to his home base in 2009 but failed. However, I thought his cover stories were really unrealistic that if I was his dad I would definitely not believe him.
5. This book didn't revolve only with the love story. There were issues of family, grief and trust. Those scenes which involved Jackson's twin sister, Courtney were really emotional. Whenever the young Courtney asked Jackson about what she'd look like in the future I also felt sad and speechless like Jackson because I knew what really happened to her in 2005. The card that Jackson made for her was really touching and I was like "aaawwww..."
6. My most favorite part was in Chapter 32. This was when Jackson finally got a glimpse of the real nature of his Dad behind the over-protective facade he always wear.It was really heart-warming.
7. The story reminded me of the TV show Heroes. Jackson was like the male version of Claire Bennet in the sense that they were both assignments of their Dad. I could totally picture Kevin Meyer as Mr. Bennet.
8. One good thing that came out of Jackson being stucked in the past was that he became more mature and more careful with his decisions. I appreciated how he respected Holly and how he didn't want to take advantage of the less cautious 2007 version of her.
9. On the down side, I still don't fully understand the mechanics of time-travelling. I don't get the idea of different timelines, half jumps, full jumps... Where did the Enemies of Time come from? How come they have the Tempus gene? How did Jackson made those full jumps accidentally? There were many technical stuff that I couldn't comprehend. Hopefully everything will be clearer on the next book.
10. I just didn't like the ending. Jackson's decision reminded me of Edward Cullen. He thought he was doing the right thing for everybody, but I thought it was selfish. He was in a relationship with Holly, which meant she got a say whether she wanted to be in or out of this whole mess.. Oh, well, maybe that has to happen to give premise to the sequel.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book. Unfortunately, I had to wait until 2013 for its release. I've also decided to buy my own copy of Tempest when its paperback version is out (it's cheaper than the hardbound). I have no regrets in reading this book.(less)
I was torn between hating and liking this book. I got bored from the start until somewhere on the middle of the story. I could not point out exactly w...moreI was torn between hating and liking this book. I got bored from the start until somewhere on the middle of the story. I could not point out exactly why, but Brie (protagonist) totally annoyed me for the most part of the book. She was too whiny and overly-dramatic for my liking. I get that she was grieving with her own death and breaking up with her first love, but the way she was depicted in the story sounded like she was a self-centered brat.
Why have I bought this book in the first place? Remember the saying "don't judge a book by its cover"? Well, yeah, I did not heed that warning. I got so attracted with the book cover, especially when the cover jacket was removed revealing the oh-so-lovely deep shade of purple covering (my favorite!). The book title was also intriguing--Catastrophic History-- very dramatic and intense. The summary at the jacket flap was really interesting. I have never heard of the case of "literal broken-hearted". I thought it would be cool to read a story about that so I decided to give it a shot.
Here are some of my opinions:
1. What is up with all the "mom" jokes? They were neither funny nor witty at all!
2. I did not like the chapter titles. I thought they were too corny. I was familiar with most of the songs used, but putting them as titles sounded cheesy to me.
3. I thought that the foundation of Brie's and Jacob's relationship was very shallow.
4. Brie really went too far when she jeopardized Jacob's shot to have his Princeton scholarship, and also when she messed up with Sadie's Facebook status. I mean, if I were her I would not to drastic things until I have proven that they were having an affair. Yes, there were rumors about them, and Brie saw them together at the beach, but those were not enough to prove that Sadie and Jacob were a couple. The have not professed their love to each other, and they never kissed. Besides, Sadie and Jacob were really close friends for a very long time. It was normal for them to be there for each other during their time of grieving.
5. I had a feeling that Sadie and Jacob really did not have a romantic relationship right from the start. I just thought that it was because they were related. I did not expect the actual reason to be like that.
6. Brie acted like Jacob was the only guy in the world. For goodness's sake, they were only 15!
7. The only moments I felt emotional were those parts where Hamloaf, the dog, was present.
8. The only time I probably liked Brie was when she started to realize that she may have gone too far with her revenge. But just when I was starting to warm towards Brie, she started to be bitchy again. Patrick was trying to explain to her, but she just kept on cutting him off. Girl, you should learn to listen from time to time. You are not always right. You do not know everything!
9. The revelation part was kind of expected already. It was kind of like Fallen (Lauren Kate) or My Name is Memory (Anne Brashares) in the sense that the guy and the girl were lovers in the past life, then the guy waited or searched for the girl in their next life, but the girl could not remember him, and the guy blamed himself for the death of the girl.
10. Maybe I kind of like the story, but I just did not like the way the story was told, and I hated Brie's character. The plot was promising enough to make me finish the book. The latter parts of the story were actually pretty interesting.
Lesson of the story:
Do not be assuming. Do not do drastic actions that could hurt a lot of people just out of pure anger with no concrete basis.
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