Bout of Books 17 TBR

So whatdup, Internet? Back here to announce that I'm officially joining the 17th Bout of Books read-a-thon! I think I've been doing so for a few years since but I always fail to finish my TBR. (no shame) So what exactly is the Bout of Books?

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 22nd and runs through Sunday, August 28th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 17 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Without further ado, here is my TBR pile.

1. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (major excitement!)

2. Winter by Marissa Meyer (mentally and emotionally prepared for this finale)

3. Red Dragon by Thomas Harris (the famous Hannibal series, I might continue the series if I like it)

4. Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz (2nd book of the Blue Blood series)

5. Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz (3rd book ^)

6. and some current reads: (depends on how much I read this weekend)

    - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

    - The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

    - The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

It looks like I have a lot of reading to do!

S/

Review: On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft

On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has become my writing bible the first instance I read it.

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot."


Stephen King is no stranger to the publishing world. I have not come across anyone who does not know Stephen King or any of his works so I rather not have his Wikipedia page summarised here. I shamefully admit that I've only read two of his books (among 30+ novels published) - Carrie and Misery. My excuse was that I was too afraid to read them. But since reading this memoir, my interest on his works grows.

This is an excellent book on guidance to write. I personally find it extremely helpful. Stephen King shared insights on his working process and anecdotes on his journey to become a successful writer. In this book, you would find some dos and don'ts - tips on writing. King's take on non-fiction writings was a joy to read, especially alongside his natural wits.

On Writing is incredibly insightful and a must-read for any writers.

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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: Killing Sarai

Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

HOLY CRAP. Can I give this a 6-stars instead?

I do not know how to begin review about this book (or series). IT'S (in this occasion, FUCKING) AMAZING. I couldn't put this down, I clenched my fist the whole time reading every pages, every lines. The story was so incredibly fucked-up in a way, but you just can't help reading it.

Warning: It contains very serious social issues and adult contents.

I ran out of words describing how well written this is and I have yet to finish till the latest series. (I'm should be ashamed.) The plot is well crafted, every pages keeps you on the edge. The character's survivor instinct drags your soul out. You couldn't help to feel for her, worried endlessly for her, knowing in every turning page danger would fall on her.

It has been a while since I ever read something so incredible and satisfying. Definitely recommend to any readers who enjoy thriller, dark romance and assassination topics.

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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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Regarding 'insta-love'

Many readers hate the idea of 'insta-love' in the plot of a book. It's unbelievable, superficial and annoyingly retarded. Well, how can someone fall 'deeply' in love with someone right when they met each other. This concept of 'insta-love' also reportedly known as 'love at first sight'. Despite the strong hatred against the whole idea of insta-love, I beg to differ and let me recount you on my perspectives.

Yes, I agree that it's highly superficial and unbelievable to read about insta-love in a book, especially romance and contemporary. Every readers could hardly accept the idea of falling in love at first sight because it's deem to be 'lust' instead of 'love'. Writing this post shows that I'm on the other side of the fence. Firstly, I am a believer of 'love at first sight'. My belief has nothing to do with the magical power of "imprint" like one mentioned in Twilight. I believe in 'first impression'. One is attracted to another, higher chance is, due to their appearances. (Don't start bashing me in the comment section. Let me explain further.)

Every's perspective regarding anyone is different. In other words, everyone has totally different taste. Some may think she is pretty and some do not. This explain the 'insta-love' in the story. People hate to read about the main character being unaware of her beauty or what not. Having the hottest male in the line falling heads over heels for her is annoyingly out of the world - superficial. Or, having a main character who's flawed but the hottest male character falling for her deems unbelievable. Truth is, that's how first impression works. It can be said that the main guy has strongly different taste in a particular female. He might like it non-model-like. Society's views of beauty does not represent everyone's view.

Despite having said everything above, I do want to add that, a well-structured/written book would be able to articulate a seemingly-believable insta-love story. It may hide the fact that there's the existence of an 'insta-love' but not outrageously 'eye-rolling'.

Nonetheless, I want to stress again that the plot line of 'insta-love' isn't as bad as most readers think it is. It's driven by perspectives and first impressions. I think you're pretty, let's hang out, get to know each other and be a couple. It's usually how every plot line plays out.

Disclaimer: everything mentioned above are my ideas and please don't feel offended or what not but I do welcome different ideology.  

Review: Curse of the Sphinx

Curse of the Sphinx by Raye Wagner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I signed up for Raye Wagner's email subscription in exchange for a ebook copy. :D

Let me put it out there that it was a disappointment. When I first heard of this book from peruseproject's channel, I was beyond excited and almost ordered a copy from Amazon. I couldn't contain my excitement but it was a huge let down. (My reading mood was not affected by my finals.)

Curse of the Sphinx is a Greek Mythology-ish romance YA novel. I really enjoy the mythology aspect of the novel but the whole plot was plain boring. The story could be replaced by any paranormal romance out there, add the essence of Greek Mythology and publish this book. It was unoriginal, the plot I mean.

It was a let down because the starting of the story was well-written. It kept me hook to the story, it was fast-paced. Not after Hope went to the new town, Goldendale, things start to go flat. The usual story of a new girl in a small town, a few bitches in her class, no friend wanna be alone and the hot guy who flirts with everyone but only want her. Really?

Not to mention, some of the writings are really childish. I understand it's YA but...

Apollo! She hated him! Hate wasn’t even a strong enough word. How dare he?

Who even talk like that?

The only thing which kept me reading it was the Greek mythology aspect. Well, considering this is my first time reading a Greek mythology fiction, I'm impressed with the world building and used of characters.

p.s I'm sorry I'm bashing on your book here, Raye Wagner. This is my honest review so please don't hunt me down.

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