Review: The Wolf Road

The Wolf Road by Beth Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"We live in a world a' men and there ain't no good come out of telling' them they monsters. Makes 'em think they ain't done nothin' wrong, that it's their nature and they can't do nothin' to change that. Calling' 'em a monster makes 'em somethin' different from the rest of us, but they ain't. They just men, flesh and bone and blood. Bad'uns, truth, but men all the same."


This book is one hella ride on survival. It's red riding hood meets hannibal in the revenant. To be honest, it's not something up in my alley but I like the thrilling sensation of it. I find it a little difficult to read from a non-literate narration but that's what makes it so real. I can't say I enjoy reading it but I'm just feeling meh. I find that I refused to go back to the story every time I paused reading and I just wanted it to end. Thus, the 3-stars rating.

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Review: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"I found myself on Gatsby's side, and alone."


Reading The Great Gatsby was a lonely journey. Mr Gatsby was a lonely, very lonely man. I could help but feel incredibly heartache for him. Nobody's there for him when companionship is needed the most. His love for Daisy was nothing but a speckle of dust which was easily blown away by her. Daisy, the despicable whore, has eyes on money and anything with monetary value. "Her voice is full of money." Gatsby, for once, was on point.

If I'd say one thing I learnt from The Great Gatsby, it'd be 'people come to you when you're at your best hour but they aren't necessary your best companions'.

Something about classics which throw readers off with pretentious vocabularies and high-end wordings. Sometimes it's impossible to see why this piece of literature was labeled 'classics' when the story was as plain as my breakfast white toast. The Great Gatsby, as much as the powerful descriptions and narrative go, the story was too flat. As some point, I was put off by the out-of-topic narrations and strong double-shots-caffeine is needed to put me back into the story.

Asides, it was an eye-opening read. The powerful narration brought Gatsby to justice.

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Review: The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Handmaid's Tales is like a nightmare I'd gone through and glad that it doesn't happen in reality. Sometimes, I think dystopian should be sub-labeled under horror. The whole idea of a non-existing world can be intriguing to read about but it sure creeps you out if you were to place yourself in the characters' shoes.

"In your hands, she said, looking down at her own hands as if they had given her the idea. But there was nothing in them. They were empty. It was our hands that were supposed to be full, of the future; which could be held but not seen."


The Handmaid's Tale shows a world where women (the handmaids) are treated as nothing but "childbearing automates". The handmaids only have one duty - to bear child for the Commanders. They could go out to shop once per day, but under deep surveillance of the Eyes. They are, under no circumstances, to speak ill of the systems or disobey. The world of Gilead is sickening, demoralised and horrifying.

As intense as Orwell's 1984, Atwood's incredible world-building and words-building won my heart. As terrifying as the coup in Gilead goes, I could not help to be immersed in the powerful narratives by the main character, Offred. Offred's narratives help to bring readers in her shoes - walking the same paths, thinking the same thoughts. Plus, the intended word-play which proper terms can only be found in Mark Forsyth's The Elements of Eloquence all but blew my mind away.

"Myself, my obverse."


The scariest thing about this novel is not the plot which supposed to bring you to the different stages of fright but just the knowledge of being in that world - the world of Gilead. At this point, I'm awfully turning this statement fiction to a horror of Stephen King but fret not, it's not (at least not in the same way). The crazy revelations of this novel will make you realise what the world will become without the freedom of varies.

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Review: Still Here: A Novel

Still Here: A Novel by Lara Vapnyar
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

"The rest is silence. But does it have to be?"


I want to read a novel but all I read was the characters bitching about other people's lives. It was hard to get through the novel, I'm being utterly honest. It was hard not to think this is a novel instead of a diary of Vica, Vadik, Sergey and Regina. The story was so plain, mostly because it's filled with flashbacks and monologues.

"Now I think it's kind of inevitable, like one of the expected phases in your life. You get born, you go to school you get a job, you go to school, you get a job, you get married, you get cancer, you die."


Well, great job in summarising your own novel within a line conversation in your novel. All I ever read was death, death, death and death. I couldn't bring myself to connect to the characters. Their personalities were annoying, their lives were boring and even their names were confusing.

The only plus point about this novel is that the writings are fairly well done. Lara Vapnyar certainly has a "Jane Austen" vibe. I couldn't help myself highlighting some of her lines.

"No matter how misguided, that was real love."


Honestly, there isn't much to talk about. Sorry for my rants but when I read I am all about the story and this disappoints me. There isn't a point which push me to continue reading it except my needs to write a review for it.

It was a plain read.

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Review: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An incredible, powerful and impactful middle-grade novel by John Boyne.

I love stories which are simple yet filled with hidden meanings and sarcastic metaphors. "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is one of those stories. Bruno, a 9 years old boy, went home one day to find that his whole family was moving house. He didn't know where they were going but he knew that he was no longer in Berlin and he hated the condition of his new house. There isn't a summary fits for this novel as I encourage readers to dive into it without knowing what's going on. I'm sure you'll find your way.

You're reading from a mind of a 9 years old. I believe many things that he didn't understand, you would, unless you're a young boy as Bruno is. I like how the author use witty phrases like "the unforeseeable future", "Out of Bounds At All Time and No Exceptions" and describing her sister as "The Hopeless Case". It shows the author's sense of humour and also how a child portray something he doesn't fully understand in his mind. Bruno learned the way adults' talk, he mimicked the way adults talk.

"The thing about exploring is that you have to know whether the thing you've found is worth finding. Some things are just sitting there, minding their own business, waiting to be discovered. Like America. And other things are probably better off left alone. Like a dead mouse at the back of a cupboard." - simple, yet deep

The message the author trying to bring out regarding WW2 was impeccable. Bruno was an innocent bystander, who was caught up on the wrong side of the "fence". He couldn't and didn't understand "who decided which people wore the stripped pyjamas and which people wore the uniforms" . It was really hard to believe that some people were deemed wronged just because they were born as who they are.

The younger generation should be educated about the aftermath of the war, why it happened when it shouldn't. We shouldn't just blindly accepting knowledge (or whatever people tell you) and not further exploiting your thoughts. The conversation between Bruno and Gretel when Bruno asked about his sister about the fence stuck with me the most.

Gretel sighed and shook her head. 'With the other Jews, Bruno. Didn't you know that? That's why they have to be kept together. They can't mix with us.'
'Jews,' said Bruno, testing the word out. He quite like the way it sounded. 'Jews,' he repeated. 'All the people over that side of the fence are Jews.'
'Yes, that's right,' said Gretel.
...
'Well, why don't we like them?' he asked
'Because they're Jews,' said Gretel.

This novel was very intricate-ly crafted and packed with meaningful message about the Holocaust. The plot was well-written and the ending was 'a slap in the face'. I recommend it to anyone and certainly everyone.



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Review: Confess

Confess by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Contemplating between 4 and 5 stars.

Colleen Hoover almost never disappoints me until this book. I was slightly blown away for how bland is the ending. I believe she can do so much more for this book because I love the starting. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike this book but the ending has taken me aback. The complicates seem to be resolved pretty easily and not to mention, Owen seems too good to be true. Hey, nobody wants to read a real-life "fiction". :D

But but but. Man, I love the art aspect of this book. The confessions and art pieces totally blown me away. I love the flirtations between Owen and Auburn. They made me flutters and feels good all over again. Plus, the whole feels surrounding the book just blew me away even more. Don't you just like it when a book brings you to another world entirely and you don't wanna come back to reality? Okay, I may be exaggerating a little but the whole atmosphere about this book was almost indescribable. I love it so much. I feel that everything I said here doesn't do the book justice, so read it yourself.

I was so confident in giving it a 5 stars but half way through the book it blew off. But I still highly recommend this book.

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Review: The Martian

The Martian by Andy Weir
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After reading this, I know that science fiction ain't my thing. Most of the time, I couldn't imagine what the author was talking about. I was that bad in science, I even feel stupid saying out loud.

Well, this is for sure one hell of a ride book. I can't bring myself to read this book after putting it off so many times. The science terms and theories bored me, only Mark's wittiness kept me reading. I find myself drifting off whenever some theories are being explained (no matter how easy it seem).

I picked this book up hoping that I would shed some light on science fiction genre but I guess I would never go back there again. Nevertheless, it was an interesting read. The writings were supposingly easy to read but the science/space terms made it so complicating.

I would definitely pick this up again in the future when I'm more in mood to learn more.

For any space, astronomy geeks out there, this is a book for you.

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Review: Crazy Rich Asians

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It'd been a fun ride reading this book. Always been a pleasure reading Asian fiction. I like to constantly check on whether the facts written were truth or not and knowing more about my roots. There isn't a huge difference in both Singapore's and Malaysia's culture. Reading about it just made me feel so much "at home".

First off, I would like to congratulate Kevin Kwan for bringing such accurate informations about the culture side of Singapore (or even Malaysia). As I have mentioned there isn't a big difference on both countries' culture, either on food or language. I find myself laughing out loud when stumbled upon those swear words. They are basically what we always use. But I would not dare comment on the accuracy of the rich level of Asians.

I love how ridiculously fun to read about Asians, how insanely rich they are. It's almost impossible to imagine how crazy some Asians can be. It's also incredibly annoying to agree with the fact that some adult Asians are prone to be that stubborn and single-minded about their traditions.

I definitely want to give a shoutout to Charlie for he is the sweetest in the book. The plot was well thought off and some parts did surprised me.

Overall, the story is so much of a fun and easy read regarding Asian facts and fiction. Recommend to readers who like to know more about Singapore or ready to commit to a crazy mind-blowing roller coaster ride to the insane rich world.


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Review: What Lies Within

What Lies Within by James Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh boy did I take a long time to finish this book. I kept putting it off and on because I couldn't get into the story in the beginning. I would like to apologise for taking this long to finish this book.

"What Lies Within" is a thriller-science-fiction-ish book. It was suspenseful and fast-paced. The suspenseful plot would keep you reading until you have finished the story. The plot was refreshing and new; many occasions where I find myself in awe with what happened.

However, I had some slight problems with the first quarter of the book as it was pretty plain and I felt the story was being dragged for no reason. That was partly the reason why I couldn't get into the book as well as I should have. After that, I practically flew through (with occasions of assignments and heavy workload) it.

I also had problem with Shelly (the protagonist) because I don't feel attached to her. I constantly find myself questioning why did she do what she's doing and why would she even think that way? Maybe that's the perks of (usually) a female protagonist.

Overall it was an interesting and compelling read. Recommend to any thriller or even crime&investigation readers out there.

I've been sent a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: City of Heavenly Fire

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful conclusion to the Mortal Instruments series. Despite the awfully thickness of this book, it was a swift read. The storyline flows much better than the four middle books in the series, perhaps I was in the mood to read it. (I take back my words, City of Fallen Angels is still my favourite of all.)

-below are spoilers to the series and The Infernal Devices series-

As usual, this book is written in multi-perspectives narrations and some bits in third person view. This book introduces new characters, such as Emma Castairs and her "institute family". I feel that her POV was not serving any purpose, whatsoever, other than Cassandra's effort to introduce readers to her incoming new series, "The Dark Artifices". The other most complained POV was Maia's. Despite all the dislikes, I find her stories do serve more purposes that Emma's.

After 6 books, I still do not feel any attachments to Clary & Jace and I think this is the main reason that this series isn't one of my favourite. However, I do enjoy reading them and my favourite is still Simon. Oh, Simon, my dearest. Yes and the special appearance of Tessa and Jem. *in tears of joy* I can't help myself to squeal in excitement whenever their names were mentioned and find myself sharing a inner joke with the character 'yep, I know what ya talking about'.

I do feel that Jem deserves a paragraph of me thanking him due to his contribution to me liking this book. So, thanks Jem.

Every series deserves a beautiful ending and I would say this book does its justice. However, I do think that it's a bit too long and I would do whatever for some of its length given to The Ruby Circle.

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Review: The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair by Joël Dicker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"People think they love each other, so they get married. And then one day they discover real love, without meaning to or even realising it. It hits them right between the eyes. It's like hydrogen coming into contact with air: There's a huge explosion, and everything gets destroyed."


About 200 pages left and the story exploded. I did not see the plot twist coming. It grasped my attention back to the murder case, my eyes fleeing through the pages, wanting to know the story. Not to lie that at some point of the story, it was draggy and really dry. But my advice is read through it, it'll be worth it.

The way the author portrayed his story was wicked. You know that that person was not the murderer because there are still 200 pages left, but how? How can the story change? What is the truth? You know that the murderer is just in front of your eyes, but who?

Amazing, amazing suspenseful thriller written. A wonderful journey with the narrator, as he writes his story, you discover the truth. Twisted characters. Lies within lies; a book within a book.

Stunning read.


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[REVIEW] The Ghost Bride by YangSze Choo

Funfact: This is my first book written by a Malaysian author. *round of applauses*

The Ghost Bride is a paranormal (& romance) asian fiction which sets place in one of the states of Malaysia, namely Malacca. This book contains many hearsay customs and traditions of Chinese (of Malaysia) and supernatural believes. Personally, being a Malaysian chinese, I do still heard or lectured on various superstitions make known on this book.

Goodreads synopsis: "One evening, my father asked me if I would like to become a ghost bride..." 

Though ruled by British overlords, the Chinese of colonial Malaya still cling to ancient customs. And in the sleepy port town of Malacca, ghosts and superstitions abound. 

Li Lan, the daughter of a genteel but bankrupt family, has few prospects. But fate intervenes when she receives an unusual proposal from the wealthy and powerful Lim family. They want her to become a ghost bride for the family's only son, who recently died under mysterious circumstances. Rarely practiced, a traditional ghost marriage is used to placate a restless spirit. Such a union would guarantee Li Lan a home for the rest of her days, but at a terrible price. 

After an ominous visit to the opulent Lim mansion, Li Lan finds herself haunted not only by her ghostly would-be suitor, but also by her desire for the Lim's handsome new heir, Tian Bai. Night after night, she is drawn into the shadowy parallel world of the Chinese afterlife, with its ghost cities, paper funeral offerings, vengeful spirits and monstrous bureaucracy—including the mysterious Er Lang, a charming but unpredictable guardian spirit. Li Lan must uncover the Lim family's darkest secrets—and the truth about her own family—before she is trapped in this ghostly world forever.

First of all, I want to congratulate Ms Choo for writing such an epic story about the Malaysian customs (mainly focusing on the Chinese community), especially the afterworld of the dead. It was unbelievably mind-blowing and certainly convincing, as those are the beliefs that I have learnt of and practised since childhood. Believe it or not, acts of superstitious can sound really absurd but some may hold a few hands of truth. Enough scaring, what I'm trying to say it's that whatever written in this book is certainly what the older generations truly believe in and some were still practiced in the later generation.

Everything written in this book was so relatable that I couldn't help but to be convinced by the story. Many things which were written in this book seem to be the answers to those customs I've been asked to follow. Of course, there's no proof to what will actually happen after death but through our customs and beliefs, we believe in having an afterworld for the dead to wander around before their reincarnations.

I love every aspects of this book, from the story to the characters. However, I find the ending was quite abrupt. Another thing about this book which slightly annoys me is the usage of vocabularies. This was pointed out by my friend and I do agree with her. Some words are unsuitable. It's not that I'm afraid of bombastic words, but some actions need not be described with such "hard" words.

Apart from that mild problem of words usage, I'm quite satisfied with this book. I like that Li Lan has picked the right guy in the end. :D

Summer

I recommend this book to everyone - The Ghost Bride (other editions available)

[REVIEW] All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

When I first heard about this book, I knew it will be amazing, instantly. Historical fiction is not a genre I like venturing into because I tend to get bored easily. Strangely, I'm rather interested in the history regarding WW2. The summary of this book gives the vibe of romance but to my surprise, it's not. 

Goodreads summary: From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, a stunningly ambitious and beautiful novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. 

Marie Laure lives with her father in Paris within walking distance of the Museum of Natural History where he works as the master of the locks (there are thousands of locks in the museum). When she is six, she goes blind, and her father builds her a model of their neighborhood, every house, every manhole, so she can memorize it with her fingers and navigate the real streets with her feet and cane. When the Germans occupy Paris, father and daughter flee to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast, where Marie-Laure's agoraphobic great uncle lives in a tall, narrow house by the sea wall. 

In another world in Germany, an orphan boy, Werner, grows up with his younger sister, Jutta, both enchanted by a crude radio Werner finds. He becomes a master at building and fixing radios, a talent that wins him a place at an elite and brutal military academy and, ultimately, makes him a highly specialized tracker of the Resistance. Werner travels through the heart of Hitler Youth to the far-flung outskirts of Russia, and finally into Saint-Malo, where his path converges with Marie-Laure.
Doerr's gorgeous combination of soaring imagination with observation is electric. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, All the Light We Cannot See is his most ambitious and dazzling work.

All I can say is that ATLWCS is the most stunningly written fiction I ever read this year. The author, Doerr's writings was beautiful, almost enchanting. He could describe every vivid details as if he was presently in the book, alive with the characters. Everything felt so surreal and unbelievable. Of course, the story is amazing. The multiple characters' views regarding their current situations and feelings are coherently matched. 

This story is unbelievably lengthy. It's the only thing which distracted my love for this book. However, because the chapters are short, the reading process didn't seem unbearable. I took quite some time (not my usual speed) finishing this book. Even so, I couldn't help be amazed by the story. It's heart-warming to read, especially about Marie-Laure and her father's relationship. I love the miniature model building of the place they lived in built by her father. I love how her father trained Marie to memorise the streets and surroundings and not give up on her. 

It's crazy all the while I was reading this book, waiting for the moment for Marie and Werner to meet and later realised that it's not even the main thing of this piece of fiction. There seems to be something miraculous about the story which pulled me into reading it. The settings, the characters, the writings, the language, everything were so perfectly plotted and there's nothing much to complain about, even though I find Werner's ending surprisingly heart-breaking. 

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It's a beautiful, epic and miraculous read. 

Summer

PLEASE ORDER THIS BOOK: All the Light We Cannot See

[REVIEW] The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

I received this book from a Tumblr giveaway.

First impression - the cover is one of my favourite book covers. The photography is so stunningly beautiful. I believe this trilogy has the most beautiful and relatable book covers ever. However, they say 'do not judge a book by its cover and I find that idiom very suitable in reviewing this book.

Goodreads synopsis: Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.  

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. 

There is. 

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love. 

She’s wrong.

As I implied above, yes, this book is not in my favourite list. It's enjoyable but the characters are annoyingly perfect. If this were my first young adult paranormal romance, I might hug this book and rave about Noah. The truth is that Twilight is my first YA paranormal romance so this book didn't struck me as appealing as it should be.

First off, Noah is the problem and the sadly protruded problem is him being too perfect. If you have not guess it already, yes, he is another hot-i-dont-have-to-study-but-i'm-smart-becoz-i've-photographicmemory-skipclasses-pickfights-becoz-dont-touch-my-girl-hotbody-changedgirlfriendslikecloths-but-i-see-you-are-the-one guy. Everything else is self-explanatory. On the other hand, our main heroine, Mara Dyer is the damsel in distress for Noah to be attracted to and saved. Actually, Mara does not get on my nerves that much because of her paranormal-ness but Noah does. His character struck me as too perfect and no character should be perfect for the story to go on.

"You have to be an artist and a madman, a creature of infinite melancholy, in order to discern, at once, the little deadly demon among the wholesome children," he said, his British accent melting around the words, his voice smooth and low. "She stands unrecognised by them and unconscious herself of her fanatic power."

Who the hell will say something like that?

Secondly, I like the creepy and eerie feelings during the first 1/3 of the book but how did it suddenly projected to some flowery high school romance drama. I wanted to know what's going on with Mara and all that was told is Noah is hitting on Mara. The relationship was widely mentioned because this is in fact, a paranormal romance novel.

Look on the bright side, I did enjoy this book as it was a fast read. The chapters are left off as mini cliffhanger and you would be eager to read the next chapter to find out what's going on. I also really impressed with the idea of Mara's ability. It's not vampire or werewolf or magic or fallen angel but something unexplainable. That idea of supernatural power is not something you would easily come across in fictions, even paranormal fiction.

Seeing that I sped through this book but unwilling to continue (maybe next time) the series, I gave it a 3-stars. If you like paranormal romance and Noah is your type of guy, maybe you'll love this book.

Summer

pretty cover book: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

[REVIEW] How To Fall In Love by Cecelia Ahern

First off, this is my first Cecelia Ahern book. I admit I have not yet read PS, I Love You (her best selling book). A friend highly recommended How To Fall In Love to me while we were book-shopping. The story was captivating and I trusted my friend to give it a go.

Goodreads synopsis: She has just two weeks. Two weeks to teach him how to fall in love – with his own life. Adam Basil and Christine Rose are thrown together late one night, when Christine is crossing the Halfpenny Bridge in Dublin. Adam is there, poised, threatening to jump. Adam is desperate – but Christine makes a crazy deal with him. His 35th birthday is looming and she bets him she can show him that life is worth living before then. Despite her determination, Christine knows what a dangerous promise she’s made. Against the ticking of the clock, the two of them embark on wild escapades, grand romantic gestures and some unlikely late-night outings. Slowly, Christine thinks Adam is starting to fall back in love with his life. But has she done enough to change his mind for good? And is that all that’s starting to happen?

I'm a huge contemporary-romance reader and this book is the book for readers of my kind. It's romantic (obviously), adorable and heart-wrenching (not severe). It always touches me when the main character is acting as the third-wheel and helping the person he/she loves to get back to her/his lover. It's always heart-breaking and brings me to tear when the main character could no longer endure the pain and broke down. (I think this is kinda spoiler-y)

This story was written from the first person's view, Christine Rose. It's about how her life intertwined with the attempted suicide man she saved, Adam. Christine was broken (in a way) but that did not stop her from always reaching out to help others. Her father said she is always thinking while he and Chrstine's other two sisters do. I think that's what really touches me. I don't think it's her guilt towards  Simon Conway, it's her genuine kind heart which made her helped Adam all the way.

The other really interesting part was (what I called) 'the outburst'. I wouldn't want to spoil anyone reading this but I couldn't help to not talk about it also. If you're afraid of being spoilt or anything, just skip this paragraph. It was about the discovery of Christine's mother's suicide attempt. I was shocked to read about this part, when Christine was near to break down. The author played well at this explosive part. I felt that Chrsitine's trying to help because she had gone through it. She didn't want anyone to turn out to be like her mother. Also, Adam's sudden change of behaviour. That was really unbelievable, almost too fake.

This book was, to me, incredibly heartfelt. The references to self-help books are such a metaphor to tell us to follow our hearts and not everything can be formulated. A very satisfied 5-stars romance.

Summer

I hope you'll read this book: How to Fall in Love

[REVIEW] A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

I would never pick up an animal book/movie unless I'm practically stuck with it. Because I always cry reading an animal book or watch an animal movie. If you won't believe me, try watching Hachi. So, I was still traveling and I really need a book to read while waiting for flight and train. I saw this book in my brother's luggage and I thought "why not?".

Goodreads synopsis: This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose? Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

I never expect myself to love with this book and gave it a 5-stars rate because I thought it would be one of those normal reads. I was wrong, clearly. This book is written from a dog's perspective, yes, a dog's. It was so brilliantly written that I almost thought the author himself is a dog, ahem. This is a book where all my favourite aspects are in it. It's witty, touching and so surreal. 

I knew I would cry in the end and I did. I was so surprised with the plot twist and it made me cried a bucket. The story was so well craved and so well written. I did not believe the plot twist and I was tearing in joy. On the other hand, this book is adorable. The dog's innocence would make me laughed and smiled. The little comments about the cats and wagging its tail when its name is mentioned by its owner. I couldn't put the book down, the story just drew me in. Even though it was quite a small book but it felt so long. 

The reason I really adore this book is that it really does touched my heart. I once had a dog and it passed away a few years back. While I was reading this book, all the memories just flew back and they were all good memories. I don't know how the author did it but he did it. I'm convinced that he was a dog incarnation. 

Whether you're an animal lover or not, just go read this book. 

Summer

PLEASE READ IT: A Dog's Purpose  

[REVIEW] Sophie Kinsella European Weeks

I've read 4 books by Sophie Kinsella and so far, I've not rate any of them below 4-stars (not Wedding Night). I dare say that she's an amazing writer who knows how to grip my sense of humour. Additionally, I've been in the contemporary-chicklit mood and Sophie Kinsella just made all my days. There ain't no any particular reason for this double reviews mashed-up. Both books are from the same genre and author, thus, it'll be easier. 

1. Can You Keep A Secret? 

Goodreads synopsis: Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets: 
Secrets from her boyfriend: I’ve always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken. 
Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. 
Secrets she wouldn’t share with anyone in the world: I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. 
Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.…Until Emma comes face-to-face with Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her...

I'M SO INSANELY IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. The feeling was so attached that I had a book hungover again. I never expect it to be that hilarious and cheesy and embarrassing at the same time. And yes, I agree that it is indeed very cliché and predictable. However, this book is capable of making me laughing out loud in public in every turn pages. It was so freaking hilarious, how can you not-

Sophie Kinsella's writings has the power to make you feel embarrass for her main girl character. I don't know how she does it but all the time you'll feel like telling the character 'oh god no', I swear. Plus, it's no secret all Sophie's books are freaking fun to read. But, this book actually made me laughed out loud. Those little thoughts of Emma were just so funny. 

The relationship between Emma and Jack is the reason I could not put this book down. I practically flew through this book, during my brother's graduation ceremony (yes, I was reading while all the choir and speeches were on-going). I love how the story unfolds and how Emma deal with all the problems. 

I'm surprised I didn't have much to say for a book I rated 5-stars. Overall, it was fun and enjoyable read. The only complaint I've got is that "it's not real", and that's not really a complaint. 

2. The Undomestic Goddess

I bought this book from an Italian bookstore because I needed something to read after CYKAS? hungover. 

Goodreads synopsis: Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She's made a mistake so huge, it'll wreck any chance of a partnership. Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she's mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they've hired a lawyer-and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can't sew on a button, bake a potato, or get the ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope-and finds love-is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake. But will her old life ever catch up with her? And if it does...will she want it back?

This is not as fun as CYKAS? but it still have all the fun elements. This book still makes me laughed but not as much? However, Samantha's life is very much relatable to me (even though I ain't IQ 158 but I'm a pathetic law student). I would be almost a Melissa, still struggling in law school. 

No matter how I convince myself that this is just a fiction, I still wouldn't believe that a high-pay lawyer would choose to be a domestic worker. It's insane. I would prefer an ending of Sam being with  Nathaniel and helping him with his job or something, not being a domestic worker. But, that's the whole point of the insane plot of the book. 

Usually all law-themed fiction or movies made me uneasy, as if people trying to make fun of the subject, like the movie Legally Blonde. I do believe lawyers do get a life. However, in the Acknowledgements page, Sophie did mentioned that she'd consulted the real lawyer and such, so I guess the story ain't that fiction after all. 

Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the book very much and I highly recommend both books (in fact all Sophie's books). I've always loved a happy book. 

Summer

Nothing goes wrong with a Sophie Kinsella: Can You Keep A Secret? / The Undomestic Goddess

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

This book killed me. In every way possible. Ms Jenny Han, you've done a great job on that. *round of applauses*

I was introduced to this book by Regan (the booktuber: peruseproject). The title might sound cheesy but it's definitely not a cheesy book. It has its cute moments.

Goodreads synopsis: What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once? Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

This is not your typical contemporary reads. First off, the story is cute and "troublesome". I read the synopsis and it was immediately added to my TBR list. It was that intriguing. Not to mention, the cover was gorgeous to the maximum level.

This book technically has no flaws until the last page which literally made me so angry with Jenny Han. Please, why did you do this to me? OMG. I almost saw it coming and the last page slapped me into reality. If this isn't a duo-logy/series, I'm officially writing a letter to Ms Jenny Han insisting for an epilogue. I really don't mind an entirely new book just for an epilogue, just please give me an ending because there was none. The problems in the book aren't solve and I'm pretty annoyed and I couldn't sleep peacefully tonight without an answer.

Despite that pissful ending, I love this book. It was a fast read. The chapters spacing (whatever you call that) was so perfectly structured. It stops at the right time and begins with a good start.

DID I EVER MENTION THE GASTRONOMY? Jenny Han, despite everything I've written above, you're an amazing food-writer. I always have a thing for books which write about food, in details. I didn't see it coming from a YA contemporary fiction. It was a great surprise. The korean foods, the cookies baking and all those dinners. If Jenny Han writes like that in all her books, I'll eat all of them.

I stay quiet for all of ten seconds and then say, "Wait, were you wanting me to be quiet too?"
"No, I just didn't want music. You can talk as much as you want."

That was my favourite LaraJean-Peter scene. It was hilarious with cute-ness overloads. I love their cutesy moments. (on the repeat mode) I just love everything about this book except for the delirious ending. I love so many things I can't describe them in words.

I hope Jenny writes more about Chris. She's very interesting.

It would be a 5-stars if not for that ending. However, I highly recommend this book for anyone, especially contemporary readers. YOU'LL LOVE IT.

Summer

I bought it: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (new cover paperback) (hardback)
p.s My edition was out of order.

How To Love by Katie Cotugno

A bit of cheesy contemporary YA is good for health. 

Goodreads synopsis: Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he's never seemed to notice that Reena even exists until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated-and pregnant-Reena behind. 
After: Almost three years have passed, and there's a new love in Reena's life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena's gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she's finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn't want anything to do with him, though she'd be lying if she said Sawyer's being back wasn't stirring something in her. After everything that's happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

The most unique thing about this book is that it was written in a "before" and "after" in-alternative way. It's almost like switching POVs chapters but this was going back and forth with the timeline chapters. "Before" is the part before Sawyer (the main male lead) left; while "after" is the story happening after Sawyer unexpectedly reappeared again. The abrupt ending of chapters were catchy and readers will definitely be hooked to the story.

Serena (aka Reena) was the main female lead and this book was written in her POV. Reena was a smart, pretty, nerdy and typical girl-next-door. She has plans for her future and she knows what she's doing all the time. The only flaw she has, was falling in love with Sawyer, the in-a-mess, dysfunctional and wasted but hot (not appealing to me) childhood friend. Maybe I was a little bias but think of all the mess Reena had gotten into after hanging out with Sawyer. Even though I would say that it's a very typical characters' built-up plot.

What I like about this book? The feels. When I was reading it, I was pulled into Reena's mind immediately and feeling what she feels the whole time. The middle part (which I couldn't include as spoiler) made me cry. Okay, maybe I shed tears. I'm getting the same feeling when I read Death Angel by Linda Howard. (great book by the way) I didn't have that kind of experience as Reena but I cried with her as if I've gone through it also. Plus, usually if I cry for a book, I will give a very high rate for it.

The cutting of one star explanation. Why on earth did Sawyer date Ailee (the best friend) when he love Reena all these while? I don't seem to fathom the thought. I thought Sawyer was taking Reena as Ailee's substitute all along but then BAM. (wait, is this a spoiler?) Also, I didn't like when Sawyer dragged Reena down to his lowly pit of nothingness and Reena basically threw away all her studies being affected by him.

I guess this book was pretty close-to-heart and surreal it doesn't even show a sign of story-telling. It earns its star-rates. When I read this book, I like how real it feels. It reminds me of my favourite Chinese author, Sharon Rao (Rao Xue Man) and her books are written in a very touching and real (again) way. (Yes, that's the word. REAL.) There are flaws in characters, arguments about life, awkward situations and most importantly, no exaggeration. It feels insanely as if the same thing is happening to your neighbour or cousins or even friends.

The new cover is to be released next year 2015, heard from epicreads's Tea Time session.

A touching, heart-warming read,
Summer

Getting hold of the book: How To Love

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I picked up this book during my last Big Bad Wolf box-sale. (I will address more on Big Bad Wolf sale in my incoming post.) The sale with ridiculously cheap bargains and this book was just for filling up the space in my box. *It says RM8 (around USD2) on the cover.

I've never read a book by Lauren Oliver but I've been meaning to because I heard great things about the Delirium series and Panic. So when I saw this book in the midst of bargain books pile, I just grabbed it, even though the back jacket was torn.

& I did not regret getting this book because it was so SO GOOD.

Goodreads synopsis: For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—"Cupid Day"—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined.

I learnt that this is actually Lauren Oliver's debut novel in 2010. The writings are simple, straightforward yet not degraded, a typical YA style. Before I Fall is sort of a YA contemporary with a bit of paranormal (? I'm bad with genres) and psychological effect. It will make you reflect on yourself, a lot. (not a bad thing)

So, I REALLY LOVE THE STORY. Maybe most people will say it's predictable or sort but to me (who never ever predict a story), the story is quite captivating. When I first read the synopsis, I've been intrigued and busy schedule dragged my reading time until I've finally dived into the book. The idea of reviving from dead is not new but the plots are always different.

*I'm kind stuck writing this review. I think I should go for lunch first.*

Sam is one of the mean girls at school and she, of course, did what mean girls did in school. She bullied, dated hot guys, skipped classes, flirted and all with her friends (Lindsey, Elody and Ally) until she woke up from dead the next morning. Sam had to go through the same day (12th Feb Cupid's Day) again. She had known what will happen next, as the memories of yesterday (same day) is still fresh in her memory. This goes on for seven days and through the 7 days, she reflected on herself, on her friends and every events going on around her.

In my view, the reflective parts were so captivating. Sam is a mean girl but most of the things she did without thinking or she did it because her friends were doing so. Through all the same days she woke up from she found out pieces of new information and she realised she had to do something, to turn over a new leaf. Sometimes, an apology won't make much effect to the hurt caused.

Her relationship with Kent made me go fluttery all over.

He gives a half laugh. "I thought if I had a party, you would come."

Ah, Kent is so adorable and nice. (no fangirl-ing, okay) I was so happy Sam finally built up her relationship with him, like FINALLY. I was squealing all the time when they have this funny electric thing zapping on.

How do I convince you to read this book? It was a fun heart-warming contemporary and will leave you to your thoughts after you've finished the book.

Lovely 5-stars on Goodreads,
Summer

For an easy, reflective read: Before I fall - hardback (mine is) / paperback (on discount)