Book Review: One Hundred Names

I have not posted a review for some time, but this is not because I have not read any books. To be honest I have read several books from the last time I have posted a review. I just could not bring myself to write about those other books for some reason. Perhaps some other time I will. For now, I will write about this book entitled One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern because it caught my attention as a good book to start the year. I am intentionally writing vague descriptions of the characters and the plot because if I write anything too specific, the intrigue in the plot might be ruined for the reader. 


It has been a while since I read one of her works and I have to say that this book is one of her best, if not the best. As you may have guessed, the book has a list of names of one hundred people. But more than the people on the list, the book is about the reporter Kitty Logan who sets out to write a story about these people. After her career has taken a huge tumble along with her dearest friend dying, Kitty has been at a loss on how to go about herself. Meeting the people on the list could not have come at a better time for her. Not only did they help her resurrect her career, but they gave her a new perspective on life. More importantly a new perspective on people.


The book began at a slow pace for me that I almost gave up on it. But as they say, patience is a virtue. So I read along. As the book progressed, the story picks up and the mystery of the list is revealed as a story that her dear friend Constance wanted to write about. And as a tribute piece to Constance, she writes the story that her friend never got to write, which is about the people on the list. As Kitty tries to figure out what story was meant to be written about the people on the list, the reader is taken through her journey to get to know these people. And as she goes through her journey, it becomes clear what the story was meant to be. Each person had a life, and a story to tell. Kitty figures this out soon as well. The good thing about this storyline is that it teaches you to think with a different perspective. And I think this is a lesson everyone at a dead end needs. 


So because of the several people she needed to meet, of course there will be several stories. This branching technique in the book gives the reader various points of view on life without flooding the book with too many storylines that the main plot gets lost. On the contrary, the varying storylines from the different people acted as catalysts to the heroine's journey in getting through a rough patch in her life.  Since she had nothing left, she was determined to prove that she could be someone again. This takes her through her journey and gets her her life back again. Much like in real life, when you are in a rough patch or a bump in the road, you look for other ways to solve the problem. And more often than not these ways give you eye-opening moments.



                                       

                                                               One Hundred Names

                                                                             by

                                                                      Cecelia Ahern



The adventure that Kitty goes through as she uncovers the story might lead the reader to lose sight of her initial dilemma. But I think that was part of the point of going through all those trips. Sometimes you need to forget about yourself and think of others to find yourself again. After each of the characters' issues have been resolved, the heroine's personal conflict is left open--and honestly forgotten-- but a surprise by one of the names has solved it for the heroine. The ending was left open, but it implies that she has found closure for herself at least. 


In reality, you cannot just sit and try to resolve one problem alone while life passes by. You have to be along with the ride. One Hundred Names is about making mistakes and learning from them. It shows you how one person's action can influence others and vice versa. It is about teaching yourself and learning from others while others do the same from you. Simply, it is about how to pick yourself up and carrying on with what you have learned.


To those who have gone through or are going through a rough time in their lives right now, I say cheer up and move along because it will get better. This book merely shows you the reality that it will and that it does. You only need to see it. If you can't, then learn from Kitty Logan and try a different perspective altogether. 



To Ms Cecelia Ahern, I have forever been a fan of your work, and I think this is one of your most memorable and emotionally engaging books yet. For that, thank you.


To those who see this book on the shelves and are contemplating on reading it, I recommend that you do so because it will teach you more than you probably already know about life.



Dani

January 27, 2016 - 2:47pm

"A single stumble does not mean it is the end, but that something good is around the bend."

Book Review: Flipped

I will be completely honest. This is not the latest book that I have read, but it is the latest book that I have finished that I think has more morals and substance to it than any other contemporary novels. 


Flipped was written by Ms. Wendelin Van Draanen and published in 1996. So to have read it and seen its relevance to today's pre-teens is an indication that it is a good book to get kids to start reading about their new emotions. The book not only carries these lessons for kids but for adults as well.


Ever heard of the phrase "love is blind"? What about "don't judge a book by its cover"? These are age old phrases that will show the reader just how important it is to look beyond what you see first in a person. The book presents a juxstaposition between how these phrases are from both the children's perspective and the adults' perspective. The result is the uncanny moral obligation that results from what we call parenthood and adult responsibility. Simply put, adults or grown ups must know how to be responsible for what they say around their children. And in this book, this social setting presents another subplot, which is the family. The book not only shows how family ties affect children's social, mental, and emotional growth.


The form of narration is in the alternate. It takes on a "he said-she said" presentation in each chapter. This gives the reader a clearer perspective of what each character might have been thinking during those pivotal events in their lives, rather than just leaving the reader in the dark to surmise on his own. This style is especially helpful given that this is in a way a children's book.



                    

Flipped

By 

Wendelin Van Draanen

     

The book is a story-telling of how two neighbors grow up around in each other. Bryce just moved in and Julianna immediately spots him, finds him cute, and decides that she likes him. They were seven years old. Through the years Bryce grows irritable of how Julianna keeps acting towards him and around him, while Julianna, or Julie, kept thinking he was so cute and perfect. That is until one day, all her dreams about him were crushed when she saw just how much he really could care less for her. She decides then and there that she would like to like him less. It was hard because they always see each other in school, but she tries. Just as Julie decides to like Bryce a little less, Bryce is developing a curiosity for Julie and her family. And he just may be beginning to like her a little more.


Family is also a key subject here. Through the narration of the two characters, the reader and the characters discover that the two live in very different family set-ups. I am not going to elaborate on the matter because it is part of what makes the plot special. It is also part of the argument that our two heroes have while they discover more about the other person.


After a few debacles about chickens, eggs, yards, and basket boys, the two finally have an understanding. In the end, they decide that they need to talk about something else about each other beyond just what they see. 


It is a very short novel, but a very emotionally and thoughtfully engaging one. It is about the mental and emotional growth that children go through. It is a good guide for children just coming out of the first blushes of youth. But it can also be a good guide for the grown ups who don't mind looking at some life experiences with a little hindsight.

I grew not only to love the characters, but also to respect them. I especially loved how Julie grew up and how her thought process matured, realizing that family is more important than anything else. I also loved her relationship with Chet, Bryce's grandfather. I have always said friends come in different ages and sizes. 


So the next time you turn into the children's section of your local bookstore, don't be too quick to dismiss the books and grab this when you see it on the shelf. If you have not read it, I guarantee you will learn a lot more than you think you already know. If you have read it, then I guarantee you will remember just how it is you should be acting as a person.


I give this book 5 stars! 






Dani

January 16, 2015- 11:48am

Learn to live and love yourself before others ahead.

Book Review: The Bridgerton Series

For the duration of my summer vacation, I engulfed myself in reading a long-time series by Ms. Julia Quinn. These books have been published in the earlier part of the decade. They have been actually sitting in my bookshelf for quite some time now and I only got to reading them now. Why is that? For one, they are romantic novels. I came across this series as a teenager transitioning from high school to college. At that point in time it did not seem appropriate for me-- in my point of view at least-- to read romantic novels yet. I wanted to read them at a time in my life when I know I can fully appreciate them. My decision did not let me down.

      

                                                         The Bridgerton Series

                                                               by

                                                        Julia Quinn

                                      (Not in shot: Romancing Mr. Bridgerton)

The series comprises of eight books, one for each of the Bridgerton siblings. It is set in the early 1800's of high society England. Needless to say, the setting is filled with snooty conversations and demeaning comments from members of the ton. Who are they? Why they are only your everyday high-society neighbours and friends. And in that time, their opinions mattered because your reputation and your honor rests in what they say. That is until sometime in 1814 (or 1812) when a notorious gossip columnist appeared out of nowhere writing about members of the ton as she pleases. She spares no one and exposes everyone. Who is she? Well, that is a secret she will never tell, or at least not directly. It sounds a bit like gossipgirl, if you're familiar with that scene. And yes, it might be a bit like that, but spare the rude comments, the backstabbing, the run-about flirts, the flamboyant fashions, and the snide remarks. If there is one thing that the reader must remember about these books, it is that they are quirky humorous romances.

The books tell the story of each Bridgerton sibling as they go on their debutes into the marriage mart. One novel for each sibling. They are aptly named alphabetically from oldest to youngest: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. Each one looking very much alike the other, but each also has his or her own quirky Bridgerton mark. They all have the Bridgerton chestnut hair and beloved charm. They are also known to their friends and house servants to be rough with one another regardless of sex. Their mother Lady Violet Bridgerton, raised them on her own since her husband, Viscount Edmund Bridgerton died of a bee sting at the age of thirty-nine (39). Yes, a bee sting. Highly unusual, but people do die of bee stings.

The Story
I decided to write a single review for all eight books because it seemed quite repetitive and quite a spoiler to write a review about each one of them individually. That being said, I am giving the cue that there are certain similarities in the series that the reader might find exhausting after the fifth book. But do not let that get in the way when you read the series. Each one holds a unique telling of what each sibling is like when they fall in love, and when they are with their family. But just to give off a hint, there are plenty of familiar scenes or patterns you will come across as you reach the third book.

One of the familiar patterns in the plots is the presence of an innocent lady and a frivolous gentleman, or more generally known to the ton as a rake. For a more appropriate definition of what that is, please see the subscribed to definition of the ton in Lady Whistledown's Society papers. Where to find a copy? You'll have to purchase an edition once every Monday and Wednesday. They used to be delivered for free, but after two weeks they cost 5 pence a copy. Oh, and you'll have to be living in Mayfair to get the first scoop. And you'll also have to be living in 1814 Bridgerton London. Otherwise, you can get excerpts of the issues in these series.

Another familiar pattern is the light humour. For a book set in a very romantic time in England it was refreshing to read about contemporary thoughts and words from characters set in that background. Well the words were not precisely contemporary, but the jest behind them and the circumstances they were uttered in are.

The general plot is they meet, they like or dislike each other, but eventually fall in love. One of them is in denial of the fact that he or she loves the other, but still goes ahead and sleeps with him or her. After the very sensual scene, they discover a problem in the other's life that needs to be remedied if they will have their happy ending. Of course in the end, they do fix it, and they live happily ever after. Of course all of this is accomplished with the aid of seven meddlesome siblings, who know only how to show their love for each other through rambunctious terrorism and protective affection.

Oh, another commonality in the first six novels? Colin's unsolicited romantic advice. I believe there should be a column in their weekly paper dedicated to that. After reading this series, trust me, you'll think so too.

The Characters
In reading each book, a part of each sibling's personality is revealed. For example, if I were to describe each of them in two words I would do it as such:
Viscount Anthony Bridgerton is a tempermental control-freak. Benedict Bridgerton is a cheeky sensitive fellow. Colin Bridgerton is a mischievous romantic. Daphne Bridgerton is a friendly flirt. Eloise Bridgerton is nosy and hyperactive. Francesca Bridgerton is sly and seductive. Gregory is an annoying hopeless romantic and Hyacinth is vexing and diabolical.

Some traits they have in common are that they are highly competitive, sometimes impulsive, and very meddlesome.

As far as favorites go, my favorite siblings would be Anthony and Colin because they seem like the perfect duo of older brothers. Benedict is one too I'm sure, but I cannot tell because of the lack of his character's presence in the stories of his siblings. His, along with Francesca's, story seem to be the most detached from the others. That being said, these were my least favorite of the eight, along with Eloise's, the latter being my least favorite.

Out of the four younger siblings, my favorite is Hyacinth simply because she is spontaneous and reflective. Well she became reflective towards the end, at least. I also love the dynamics between her and Gegory, who was the only brother she could truly connect with. They were the youngest two and the closest in age. This seemed a pattern in their births as well. Anthony and Benedict were close since they were only a year and a half apart. Benedict practically served as Anthony's second. Colin and Daphne were quite mischievous together because they were only a year apart, with Colin being five years younger than Benedict. And because of this Daphne got the blame for everything that Colin did. Eloise and Francesca were gossip mongers together since, they were exactly a year apart-- born on the same day-- and Eloise was four and a half years younger than Daphne. So that leaves Gregory and Hyacinth making trouble together since Gregory is five years younger than Francesca, ten years younger than Colin, and only two years older than Hyacinth.

       

         The Bridgertons at the beginning of The Duke and I: fan art not mine; credits to the owner

Favorites in Plot

Out of the eight books my favorite would have to be the fourth, which is the story of Colin Bridgerton, just because I adore his character. I loved his story the most because out of the four brothers, he seemed to be the one who knew how to recognize when he already loved someone. In fact, out the four of them, he was the only one to make a marriage proposal. Of course Gregory made a proposal as well, but it was a little too much in the nick of time thing how that happened. I also love how the plot differed from the others in that it really swayed from the general pattern and gave the reader more to be curious about. I think this has largely to do with the fact that both he and his spouse Penelope have secrets that the other just happen to discover. The exciting part was how they would both deal with the revelations between themselves and to their families. My only problem with this novel is that it was not clear how Colin fell in love with her. Sure he asked her to marry him, and he showed her that he loved her, but it was never clearly illustrated why he did. Or maybe that was part of the novel. He did say so himself that he didn't know how it happened, and he just felt one day that it had always been there. Which brings me to the reason for my second favorite in the bunch.

The second novel, which is Anthony's story, has to be the most fun to read about given his stifling demeanor. In this book, we get to see just how much of a control-freak he is, and how his heart turns into jelly when he couldn't help but fall in love with his wife already. This is my second favorite of the eight because I love how it was shown how Anthony, the person that he is, falls in love with the only person whom he did not want to fall in love with, and how this challenged all his plans in life. I also fell in love with this novel because of the Pal Mall game. What is it? Well, it is a simple Regency version of croquet. But when played with the Bridgertons, nothing is ever simple. Infamous moments like this game are what made this book even more endearing. Another one would be the bee sting scene, and then there was the park dog chasing scene. You'll have to read it to know.

As for the rest of the siblings, the stories were tolerable, but for lack of better description, I think they became predictable because they all followed the pattern I mentioned, with the addition of more highly descriptive sensual scenes in some. It's a romance novel, so I can understand that. 

I would say that this pattern was broken in the last book, with Gregory because his was one of the most unusual stories. It was almost like a telenovela because of the dramatic "I want her but she's with someone else" problem they have going on. But even with that, the story managed to acquire a refreshing twist to it.

Storyline Critiques

Benedict's story was somewhat amiss within the first four novels. I would say that out of the first four, his was my least favorite because it seemed like his story was written just so he could have a story. It was a little too Cinderella themed, and a little too detached from the family as well. I got curious about his story while reading the first novel because he seemed to be the only elder brother who had no exposure, and no connection with Daphne. So I was a little disappointed when I read his story and found not much interaction with the other elder Bridgerton siblings. But the book held out a good story on its own, just not in harmony with the first four.

Daphne's story was the first novel. It was a breath of fresh air to read a romance novel with such a light humor in it. I immediately fell in love with the book and knew that I would love the series based on this first one because of how the characters interacted. I loved the fact that she always wanted to have a family and ended up marrying her eldest brother's best friend, who it turns out does not want what she does; and who ended up not being favorable to her eldest brother. This was the first dose of Bridgerton madness that I fell in love with. It also gave a glimpse of Anthony and Colin's characters which made me excited for their stories.

After reading Colin's I got curious about Eloise's since she suddenly departed at the end of Colin's novel. Lo and behold, that was where her novel picked up. I expected to be blown away by her story since she was one of the most exasperating siblings drawn up. But then her story took a turn for a darker and more serious tone. I guess that's a way to show how her character grew and a way to balance out her infectiously rambunctious vibe. But I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed that the quirky humor was lost in this book. I did not expect it since this was Eloise. I do like the fact, however, that the timeline here is immediately right after Colin's and is along the same line as Francesca's. I guess this was one of the only things I found entertaining in her and Francesca's stories. It's a little sad, but it's true. I would include Eloise's story for light reading if only for the scene where her brothers rampaged through her suitor's home thinking she was abducted and brutally beaten up. Plus there was the addition of Colin's unexpected appearances with his unsolicited romantic advice. It just really gave a good humor to all of it and to his own story.

Francesca's story, as I said, was very detached like Benedict's and Eloise's. Although if I would rank the three, I might rank this as third because the humor was practically completely lost here. Her story began with a dark and sensual note, but ended with a lovely romantic gesture. There's some relief to be found there, but this book just is not suggested for a bit of light reading, unlike the others would be. Actually, I would suggest all of these for light reading except this and Eloise's story. But I guess it wouldn't be her fault since she was hauled away to Scotland after her first marriage. That aside, the tragic tone of the book still makes it a good love story. The way that Francesca was confused about her emotions here resonated with how Anthony wanted to keep being in control of himself despite all else. The only other humorous and interesting bit was again Colin's unsolicited romantic advice while he took it himself. It was really fun seeing him be conflicted with himself.

Hyacinth's story came a year after Colin's, Eloise's and Francesca's. The most amusing part here? The part where she reads to Lady Danbury every Tuesday the now infamous Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron, and the "thcrumthious Thinclair tots" comment courtesy of Gregory. You have to read it to know about it. However, I do find her clear determination and levelheadedness admirable despite her rowdy nature. I have nothing much to say about the plot since, as I told you, it was already a bit predictable even the how and why they fell in love. But, I did enjoy the return of the quirky humor of the series. It was ushered in the beginning by Lady Danbury and the afternoon readings, lifted back up by the Smythe-Smith musicale, and maintained by Hyacinth herself. She is a story waiting to happen on her own, which is exactly why she is my favorite of the four younger siblings. Too bad Colin was not there anymore to give her or Gareth any unsolicited romantic advice.

Last but not the least is Mr. Gregory Brdgerton's story. A I mentioned, I would have loved this had it not been for the dramatic way that his story ended. Here is the gist of his love story. He was in search of love. He meets a girl, loves her, but she loves someone else. Her best friend helps him, but then he falls in love with her (the best friend). This would be good, except she is already going to get married in a few days, when she also fell in love with him. What are they going to do? I hear you say call off the wedding, which would be feasible except this was 1827. Back then doing that earned you a big mark of shame on your head, your back, and everywhere else on your body. And when that happened, nobody will want anything to do with you anymore. So how did they find their happy ending? Well, that is the story now isn't it. You'll have to read up to find out. Needless to say despite the dramatics of this last novel, I enjoyed its humor and the way that Gregory just couldn't help keep his remarks to himself. 

Recommendations

Would I recommend this series? Definitely! Just make sure you have ample time to finish it through and through, otherwise you will be itching to know what happens next while you're doing your work. 

Also, if you are looking for quirky quotable quotes, scan the pages of each book and you're sure to find an abundance. :)

And as a bonus, a new book was released by the author containing the second epilogue a for each of these stories. It's called "The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After". Too much fairy tale in the title I know, but don't shun it because you might find it more entertaining than what you're watching or reading now.

As my first series of romantic novels, I praise the author because even a decade after the first publication the stories are still relevant. They are romantic without meaning to be too much, but they are also perceptive in love without being too insightful about it. All in all, I would rate the series a four and a half out of five stars. :D

If only a network or a blockbuster producer would turn this series into movies or a miniseries. That would be delightful indeed.

Ms. Quinn, it might be too late to say this, but I absolutely love your romance novels, and am about to indulge in your latest series, the Smythe-Smith quartet. Who are they? Well, find out with the Bridgertons and the rest of the ton. Better yet, ask Lady Danbury. :)

Dani

June 15, 2014- 9:08pm

"Men are sheep. Where one goes, the rest will surely follow."

           - Lady Whistledown, The Duke and I by Julia Quinn; 

           - Gareth St. Clair, It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn.

Book Review: The Lady of the Rivers

Upon reading Philippa Gregory's "The White Queen", one of the most interesting characters I came across was the mother of the queen, Jacquetta Woodville. My curiosity of her was triggered from the beginning when she used the thread in the river. My hopes of her life being written were answered when this book was released.

Three things I expected to read about in this book were her transition from a girl from the House of Luxembourg to Duchess of Bedford, to the wife of Richard Woodville; how the Wars of the Roses began; and how she ended up always being beside Queen Margaret of Anjou. The book was satisfactory on all three aspects. In her usual charm, the author managed to draw Jacquetta perfectly as she was depicted in history. The interesting bit of her life was how she used her ancestral inheritance from the water goddess into her Catholic beliefs. This was a contradiction given her beliefs.

Her love story with Richard Woodville interested me most because, for a woman of her stature, I could not understand why she married him. Reading her thoughts and her actions, I began to understand why. Jacquetta Saint-Pol was one of the daughters of the House of Luxembourg, a House of France proudly descended from a goddess. She witnessed how cruelty was against women who spoke out. Her friend Joan of Arc, a young maid advocating for the French throne, was killed as a witch for going against the English and saying she had a vision from God that France had its own rightful king, and it was not the English. Seeing as how women could be so easily subjected to the will of men, she took advantage of her power and status and asked to marry for love after the death of her first husband. I admired her for this because of her strength and will to do what she wanted. She took control over her life even though this was not acceptable for women to do in those times.


                                   

 

                                                                     The Cousins' War:

                                                                 The Lady of the Rivers

                                                                                  by

                                                                       Philippa Gregory



Jacquetta was a brave and wise woman. She endured her first husband's commands of seeing and using her gift for the benefit of the throne of England despite not knowing for herself how to do it. She was doing her duty of obedience, as all women that time were expected to do, while at the same time rebelling in her heart. She did not do this through any open overt actions. She did this in her mind as her concern for the throne of England drifted to her concern for her own happiness. This should be expected of a girl of seventeen. Still, I can't help but admire her discipline and discretion in all of this. She was a strong woman, but she had the discretion not to display it in front of a patriarchal monarchy. She, along with other highly placed women of the court, had to be discreet in using their power. I admire her above all the other women in her time for this because she was able to perform her duty to the queen while keeping strong to her principles. Above all else she displayed fierce loyalty to her queen despite opposing the latter's opinions on affairs of state and matters of the heart. She was never misplaced in any of those at any time, up to the time of her death. Her strength and her discretion made her the beloved character that she is in the book.

Despite the lack of historical records and studies, the author was able to create a very real and strong person of Jacquetta Woodville in this book. It may be that history remembers her only as the mother of Elizabeth Woodville, wife and queen of Edward IV. But through this book, and the other researches that would go along with it, her story can be told. Perhaps this version is flawed, and perhaps it does not tell what and why she was the way that she was in those times; but it is a good place to start on it. This book not only shed some light and insight into the life of possibly one of the greatest women and influences in the history of England, but it also shed some light into the history of women, and of our beliefs as well. Because of this, I would say this book is by far the best of the series of The Cousin's War novels.

One of my favorite lines of hers was from her conversation with her daughter Elizabeth. I even wrote it down for me to remember it:
"I believe that a desire a prayer and a spell are all the same thing. When you lose something precious, and you go to the chapel and you kneel before the little glass window of St. Anthony and pray to him the thing that you need, what are you doing but reminding yourself that you have lost something and you want it back? And  what is that but calling it back to you?And so when I pray, I remember where I left it, and go back to find it. Is that answer to prayer or is it magic?... The prayer is just the same as a spell, which is just the same as knowing your desire that calls the thing back to your mind, and so back to your hand..."

My only disappointment is that I should not have read it after having read the three novels published before it. Yes this one is a prologue and tells a story in a different timeline, but some of the intrigue and mystery of how their lives would end up was lost in me knowing how it would all end for them. Still, that does not take away from the fact that this is a marvelous and insightful read. 

That being said, I would recommend the reader interested in this series to read this one first so that you would not spoil your appetite for what is to come in the succeeding timelines.



Dani
April 19, 2014- 12:38pm
"... sometimes you show yourself only your own desires. And sometimes-- though very rarely-- you can put your heart in your own desires and bring them about. Take the dream and make it come into being."
                      -Jacquetta Woodville nee Saint-Pol, The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars

Author John Green has made a blast into the world of young adult fiction novels back in 2012 with this book. Only recently have I had the chance to read it. To those of you who have read it, I'm sure you will relish the thought of the upcoming movie. And to those who have not yet read, much less heard of this book, you are missing a part of your heart.

This book is about two young teenagers who fall in love inexplicably in no time at all. Had it been this plain of a storyline, no adult would bother to pick up this book. But of course there is always a twist. In most teen novels it is always a supernatural twist or an essence of danger. Here the danger lies in both of them because they both have cancer. Yes, cancer. One has to constantly take Phalanxifor and the other has osteosarcoma. As the tag line goes, it is one sick love story. But don't feel too bad, because that is just what this book will make you see.

It starts off with the heroine narrating her life as a terminal cancer patient attending a support group. And then it hits you with the climax named Augustus Waters. And upon that chance meeting they bond over their favorite author and philosophical underpinnings of what it means to live and be alive. Hazel then experiences an illness related episode and gets rushed to the hospital. At that point, she thought nothing could ever be the same for her because of her impending death. And she was right, nothing would ever be the same because she and Augustus would fall in love. What happens after will just make your heart melt.

                      

                                                            The Fault in Our Stars

                                                                by

                                                          John Green

The author being male, I think this is a refreshing take on what teenage love stories could portray. The most interesting part about it was how accurate his writing of her narration could be. Though the lead characters have these illnesses, it makes you feel respect for them. It shows you that they are just normal people; that they also enjoy movies, food, humor, hanging out, video games, adventures; that they are just like you; and that they also fall in love. From the beginning to the end, this book never loses touch of the humor and tragic sense of living. 

From my experience, I could not help but laugh, smile and cry at most points of the book. I laughed because of the irresistible humor, I smiled because of the sweet sincere dispositions, and I cried because despite the lovable characters they are, I know that the tragedy they want to overcome will happen. As far as favorites go, my favorite character would be Augustus because of his optimistic outlook that is just infectious. And if I would fall in love too, I would want to fall in love with someone like Augustus.

Bursting with energy and emotions, this book will surely bring you to the edge of your seat and eat your heart out. You will start with your face grinning from ear to ear and end with tears in your eyes and a smile in your heart. The fault in our stars will bring out emotions in you and make you genuinely care.

Just an interesting add-on, I came up with a random playlist for this book. It's is just two songs, but believe me, they are enough to supplement your emotions while reading this.

1) Stolen by Dashboard Confessional

2) The Fault in Our Stars by Troye Sivan

And because it is Friday, this will be my first #flashbackfriday entry.

The newly released trailer for the movie "The Fault in Our Stars" starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort is now on YouTube. The movie hits theaters June 6, 2014, so get your hearts ready and your tissues stocked.

Dani

January 31, 2014- 3:30PM

"You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world,

But you do have some say in who hurts you."

      - Augustus Waters, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Book Review: Let It Snow

I bought this book about a year ago and only got to reading it now, the Christmas spirit bearing early on me and all. Three stories by three different authors juxtaposing the fact that one way or another we are all connected and responsible for each other. And that a little kindness on the season of joy goes a long way. But make no expectations of any deep epiphanies because this book brings a feel-good story whose purpose only seems to be to warm the heart. The book follows three story lines happening simultaneously after this train gets stuck in a snowstorm.

      

                                                        

                                                                   Let It Snow

                                                              by

                          John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

The story begins with our first heroine, Ms. jubilee. She opens the books with her shame of having to spend Christmas while her parents are in jail because of a shallow holiday family tradition. Her journey to another town brings her to spend an unexpected Christmas and cause a chain of events that changes the lives of others around her, including the heroines of the next two stories and her own. Jubilee had this perfect life back home and had everything planned out for the holidays, until her parents got arrested. All things went downhill for her there until she made this decision to take control and leave the train in the middle of a snowstorm. From there, her wretched holiday turned into the best one ever.

I cannot give away any more of her story than that vague description because narrating it would already give away much of it. In the end, let us just say that Julie (jubilee) may not have spent Christmas the way she planned, but spent it better than she would have.

Upon Julie's happy ending, we follow the story of four friends making a race towards the Waffle House for the chance to spend the holiday of their dreams-- with Cheerleaders. Only, one of them was not so ecstatic on the idea because she could care less about cheerleaders and more about her friend. Though our hero in this story was in denial at first, he later accepts the truth about how he felt about his friend the duke. It was a cheesy ending for them, but still sweet and merry.

Out of the three stories intertwined, this was my favorite. Mostly I think it is because the perspective was intriguing to me because it was a guy narrating. But also I think it is because of the way the realization unfolded for the both of them. It was very very cute.

The last story was of Ms. Addie. Her may be shallow but I guess for those out there having the same dilemma as hers, this could be the eye-opener they need or are looking for. The heroine here is presented as a self-absorbed and quite immature girl who manages to make every little detail about herself. After a little quarrel with her friends, she realized how she needed to do better for others. So then, she is out to the test when she forgets the errand about a teacup pig. As she panicked herself, it turns out all she really needed to do was not think of herself and think of others so she can see better.

Predictable and a little cheesy, but out of the three this story was the one with the most meaning to it. It especially sent in the needed holiday spirit and message that the book needed to make it truly a story one for the holidays, and not just one happening during the holidays. My favorite line or "quotable quote" came from this story line and was delivered by Mayzie, "Christmas is never over, unless you want it to be... Christmas is a state of mind."

A fitting book for the season, Let it Snow will bring out the joy and wonder of Christmas in you in unexpected ways. It lifts up your mood even on the gloomiest of days and brings out the smile you never thought you could have on that day.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! :)

Dani

December 27, 2013- 9:50pm

"Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful.

And since we've no place to go,

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!"

                 - Let it Snow, Frank Sinatra

Book Review: The Kingmaker's Daughter

In the White Queen we see her as the petite second daughter of Warwick. She was just another pawn in her father's schemes. Towards the end of that side of the story we see her rise into the throne of her father's making. Here, we read her story as Anne Neville reveals her tender hearted soul gradually hardened by her experiences on the battlefield.


Reading the first few pages I already knew what events to expect, having read the other two books of this war. What intrigued me then as I read this were three things: one, why did she not order her gown for the young prince's coronation; two, what was the nature of her relationship with Richard-- was it genuine or a strategy for both or either of them; and three, did she have a hand in the loss of the princes in the tower? I indulged myself in this book keeping those questions in mind and found that I got more answers to questions that I left unasked. More particularly, I was surprised to see how George's thoughts influenced her and her husband. I knew George was a green-eyed monster but I never thought he could run his influence deep into this young couple's minds. I was alarmed at this because this coupled with the fact that they were moving under the pretenses that the Queen, Elizabeth Woodville, was after their lives to secure her power on the throne was a dangerous formula for their decisions. This was a disconcerting dilemma they had that I think ultimately lead them to believe that they were doing the best for the throne and for their country. But I think if I were in those times, I would also think that, but I don't think I would have planned my life around it. Then again, these are different times.



                                   

                                                      The Cousins' War Series

 

                                           The Kingmaker's Daughter

                                                           By

                                                 Philippa Gregory





What I loved most about the book is the way the transition in Anne's life and thoughts were shown. If you could do a summary combined with her growth, you could paint her out as this little girl who was ruled with fear over her mother, and who could not do to be without her sister. After her tragic rise and fall at fourteen-- being married to the enemy then losing her husband at the blink of an eye-- she changed dramatically. She was still fearful of others but now she thought more strategically and more like how a queen would. Still, she did not lose her soft edge. The third part of her life, I would describe as her happiest and most dramatic. It is the happiest because she got most of what she wanted, and dramatic because she lost them all almost at the same time. 


I guess one part of the book I enjoyed very much was the bond between her and her sister. I think what's funnier even is I could see their relationship being very similar to the way my older sister and I are to each other. It was refreshing to think that part of someone else's life thousands of years ago resonated with yours today. As for her adolescent years, I enjoyed reading about her courtship and early marriage to Richard because it was wholesome and it was just a whirl of romance for a girl her age to have the boy she liked for so long be her husband. The only dilemma I had was on Richard's part. I keep thinking whether this was all genuine for him as we'll or just a tactical approach at getting her fortunes, or the best of both. Seeing as how he is a military commander I think it is both. In the latter part of her life I began to pity her. I pitied her for loving and losing her only son and her husband. I pitied her because she lived under a pretentious fear of Elizabeth Woodville and continued cursing her. I pitied her because she dared to go down the path that her father always did. I pitied her because in that moment of crucial advice to Richard, she chose to upscale her ambition, her father's ambition, over the welfare of England and their family. In that moment I think she was lost. With no guidance from her mother or her sister, she was lost. Still, I adored her for having a genuine heart and for being brave through the years of living in fear. I admire her for her courage to muster up herself despite her fears. And for this, I came to respect her. But, I also learned from her moment of weakness in morality that too much ambition on the wrong side can take you down. 


Needless to say that I loved her character here not much for her tactical thinking, but for her genuine heart and soul. She does have many weaknesses, her fears being the greatest, but I admire her because she learned to live through them. As for her husband Richard, I also grew to like him without much effort. The only problem I have is I cannot see through to his actions precisely. I could not figure out whether he was true to his words to her or merely playing his own games. But I guess in a way that is the mystery of this "sometime king of England".


As usual I commend the author for giving a voice, a very unique voice to this character in history. Not much is known about her but through this book, I think she did her character justice and shed new light into not only her life, but also her husband's and her family's.





Watch out for The White Queen series adaptation on BBC one :)



Dani

June 28, 2013- 4:17PM

Whatever you do

Whatever you say

Neither fear nor ambition

Should rule your way

Book Review: The Red Queen

                    "A woman of sense would always marry only for the improvement of her family.  
                               Only a lustful fool dreams every night of a marriage of love."
                                                                                     - Margaret Beaufort, The Red Queen


Margaret Beaufort was a woman who truly believed that she was a chosen child of God. She devoted her childhood and much of her life into hearing and obeying the will of God. Spending much of her life in prayer and solitude, she came across a dream that her son will be the rightful king of England. Believing this to be the will of God, she undertook every measure possible to make sure that nothing but this ambitious vision would be the future of her son, of England, and of her life.

From her childhood, she had been a sheltered girl. She spent most of her days kneeling in prayer and transcribing them from one language to another. She had a passion and enthusiasm for learning, a first of girls from her time. Because this was an unlikely behaviour for a lady in those days, her mother often reprimanded her of the dozens of questions she had on matters concerning her. This, I think is an admirable trait from her that was just out of her own time. However, though her thirst for knowledge is admirable, her selfish interests which she coats with the will of God for her have lead her down the wrong path of judgment.

As you would read from the novel, and probably in many of her historic biographies, she has called herself a child of God and that God speaks to her through her prayers. And because she sees the will of God, this must happen under any circumstances, regardless of the costs. In mirror to her admirable feminist trait, her devotion to God has seems to have led her astray instead of down the righteous path. From this depiction of her character, we will see how the greatest mystery of English monarch history was unveiled. Her obsession over her son's inheritance to the throne became, as she states, her calling as it is the will of God. And she continually compares herself with Joan of Arc. Because of these, she was lead to order the death of the princes in the tower, with the thought that her son is the rightful heir, as it is the will of God. It is a very skewed perspective to come from someone who calls herself a devout Catholic. I do not think thee character in the book realized that because her judgment was so clouded with ambition. She went as far as even passing on the blame to others, washing her hands clean of the act-- thus being the next Poncious Pilate.

Though her character was very distasteful, the people she encountered were a joy to come across again in this book. In its predecessor The White Queen, we were introduced to a host of these characters already but they were not really that memorable. Having them become central players in this book gives us a better perspective of who these people really were and how they acted in the time of the Wars of the Roses. In short, these two books acted in juxtaposition of each other. This book began in an earlier date, but merely to illustrate the mindset of the narrating character whose perspective we take.

Among these characters that were a treat to read about were her two husbands: Sir Henry Stafford and Sir Thomas Stanley. Sir Henry Stafford, I admire because despite being her husband when she was only fifteen, he treated her with great respect-- much more than she deserved in my opinion. As well, he was a worldly thinker. Margaret despised him for not going into war for their House of Lancaster and fighting for the cause of her son. But what she failed to completely see was his perspective on the matter, which is the same as the perspective of the commoners. He was tired of these wars and would rather fight for the usurping House of York under which England successfully thrived. No bloodshed happened for the sake of seating a king, and the English were kinsmen once more. Margaret could not see this because, as mentioned, she cared only for what she thought was the will of God. I admire Sir Henry Stafford for his worldly view. I admire him for being so warm and generous despite her unpleasant attitude towards him. Most of all I admire him for his thoughtfulness.

Sir Thomas Stanley, on the other hand, I admire for his techniques and strategy. They may not be as straight as a path should be, but they get him to come out on top always. Properly nicknamed by people as "the fox" he ans his family have the motto "Sans Changer", which many of the characters took to mean never changing their loyalty and allegiance. But upon being introduced to the character, you will see that this is true with regard for their family's own interest alone. Then again, aren't all these only about personal interest really? This was one thought I came across when I found some of the characters' actions tried to punish the Stanley's for their questionable allegiance(s). I would not do that to them because I think what they did is merely a strategy that none of the turncoats would do for fear of being discovered. In essence I think they are also turncoats,but the only difference is the Stanleys are very good at keeping that thought to themselves.

The Cousins' War Series

The Red Queen
by
Philippa Gregory

I came across several reviews of the book calling out Ms. Gregory for the horrid way that the character was. They mostly say that they despise Margaret Beufort for being a selfish little b*itch who hinks she is called upon by God to do His will. I would have to agree that I ended up loathing her character as well, especially after confirming that in this story line she ordered the deaths of the princes. However, I would not bash on the author. Instead, Mr. Gregory if you end up reading this, I would like to congratulate you for successfully creating such a character. Because of the way her perspective was written did I realize how far-fetched she was from Elizabeth Woodville. Though both were driven by ambition, you could actually see the differences in their precautionary movements and their strategies. Where Elizabeth Woodville mostly took preventive and pre-emptive measures, Margaret Beaufort took offensive measures.

So to those claiming they disliked the book because of the character, that is only proof that the author was successful in bringing to life in our minds a historical figure that none of us could probably even create. I applaud you for that Ms. Gregory!

As to the form of the book, I was less impressed by this If anything really I would rate the book a three out or five mostly for the content. The narration was my problem. Though I would admit that most of these parts would be hard to play out if not through narration, I still expected more interactions and conversations. This was one of the reasons that I got a bit bored of the book and so it took me two more days longer to finish that with its predecessor. The only comment I have is that I wished it had more dialogue. But I do understand that because it ran in about the same timeline as The White Queen, not much more could be said. However, I was interested in knowing more about what she was doing in those times since Margaret Beaufort was always away form the court's eye. Or maybe that was the point of the lengthy narrations? Because she spent most of her time in solitude and prayer, she had not many people around her to converse with other than the servants, whom she thought lowly of. Perhaps that was it, or maybe not.

But despite this, I still found the book entertaining and engaging especially the parts of Jasper Tudor. :)


I cannot wait for this book to be made into Season two of the BBC series. I hope they do make this into Season two. Again, if you haven't heard, BBC is taking Ms. Philippa Gregory's The Cousins' War series and turning it into a mini-series for television.


Here's the latest trailer:

And a little behind the scenes footage:

Shout out!
To Ms. Philippa Gregory, I will continue to support your books and I dare say I am now an avid fan. I swear fealty to your novels. ;)






Dani
May 20, 2013- 2:49 PM
"A man with the best cause to be true, 
the most untrue creature living. 
A man who had everything he asked for. 
Never was a false traitor better treated."


                                   -Richard III, The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

Book Review: The White Queen

Philippa Gregory is truly the queen of royal fiction.

The book follows the tale of young widow Elizabeth Woodville and her journey onto easily becoming the most powerful woman in  15th century England. Though her greatness was short lived, it was colored with the roaring tides of success and failure-- the most prominent being the loss of her two young princes.

The Cousins' War Series

The White Queen
by
Philippa Gregory

Quite uncommon today, her greatest feat is one of true love. Much like that of Prince William and Kate Middleton, she and King Edward IV married for love. They married despite other players in the field telling them it is unheard of a marriage between a king and a commoner. Though the men and women at court deny her of this great pleasure, they managed to hold the throne under their reign even as their own starts to consume them. This book tells the beginning of a story of the Cousins War, whose catalyst was Elizabeth's very marriage to the King. Though it had began even before they had met, it was as if fate had played with their fortunes over and over within the span of a decade.

This is a story of love, power, and lust for the throne. This is a story of great happiness that ends in tragedy. This is the story of England then, told by the women-- the queens. The invisible players in the field, but most definitely not insignificant, show just how much the influence of their mere whispers can change the course of men's judgment. Elizabeth Woodville was despised by many at court for they think the king married her for her sheer beauty alone. She is very ambitious and persistent and it shows in her actions. Not one to be left behind, she quickly placed her family into appointed power. Her actions stirred the game for the throne as she replaced the kingmaker as the most prominent influence in the king's decisions.

I'm fascinated by the additional mythical element to the story. No spoiler here, but I will only say that she incorporated well the legendary beliefs of gods and goddesses into her story telling and how witchcraft was adjudged those times. This also made me think that perhaps these gifts are real, but sometimes we choose to ignore them because we are afraid of them and of others' perspective when they find out.

Ms. Gregory's writing style, like so many other authors attempt to do, is by the first person point of view. In this book, this style helped so much in giving life to Elizabeth Woodville and all the other prominent women in history that time. For example, you wouldn't have known by reading history books that Elizabeth here was crushed by her mother's loss; or that she was persistent with what she wanted; or that she easily fell in love, just as her ancestor Melusina did. You also would not feel what it would have been like to be queen yet be called a witch and a b*itch behind your back by those who pretended to love you. The magnanimous part in this book comes from the fact that the author even captures the attitude of the speaker. Though many attempt to channel their stories through their character's perspective, only few actually achieve the feel of being in that character's shoes and mind. And for that alone I salute you Ms. Gregory! 


The first of a trilogy, I am already fascinated by the way Ms. Gregory brought Elizabeth Woodville to life. Not only her, but the other women who play central figures to the untold stories in history. I admire the way she pieced together bits of historical facts and created her own version of the telling. It is a magnificence that I will continue to indulge in until I get through the rest of the series.

Although I think I must hurry because the series is about to show a TV version! I am very excited for this because I was just imagining what it would be like to turn this book to a TV movie or series. I then thought back the the movie "the other Boleyn girl" also by the same author. It was a marvelous retelling that I just had to read her books!

As an addition, I gained insight on the game of chess and how mothers and women truly are the strongest people in the world. As we know, history is written by the victor, but these victors regarded are only the men. Why? Because they are the ones seen by the eyes going into battle and winning wars. I stated this once already in my previous entry, but I will say it again:

"Women are the strongest creatures, and mothers are the strongest of them all."




PS:

The BBC is turning this book series in to a mini-series :)
Here's a sneek peak of the trailer for The White Queen-- it will be a 10-hour season only

The Cousins' War

The White Queen

Enjoy! :)


Shout out!
To the illustrious Philippa Gregory, I adore your flair in writing historical pieces. I could only hope to master the written word as well as you, and channel the characters as perfectly as you could.

Check out her website here to marvel yourself more on the hidden history of women. ;)


Dani
May 15, 2013- 5:08 PM
Battles are won by men
whose decisions are made law
But it's the words of the women
that make these decisions grow

Book Review: Attachments

I wanted to kick myself in the gut after I read this book. An eye-opener if you will. 

It was quite a dose of a romantic fantasy and reality at the same time, especially the middle part. Beth's incidents reminded me of my freshman college days :D

If you've seen the movie "You've Got Mail", this is nothing like that. The only similarities they have is the use of the e-mail and that the guy and girl somewhat met in that avenue. Somewhat. But this is not just a love story of sorts. There is a romantic theme in the air, but more than that it is coming into your own terms as you live. 

It was the dawn of a new age and people were hoping for a splash of colorful changes in their lives. This is what Lincoln was hoping for after he moved back in with his mother, got a new job as the IT technician at their local newspaper, and finished school after XXX number of years. He was never really able to figure out why he liked school so much until it became clear to him that it was because he was stuck in his comfort zone. He was stuck there in every way that he could not live his life through the way he wanted it, and was never really able to get over his break-up with his high school sweetheart. After all, how do you really get on with your life after breaking up with the only person whom you really loved unconditionally, right? Well in his case, he started to fall in love again. Not with a rebound, but with a girl at work. She met him after he felt he was already in love with her.

Attachments
by
Rainbow Rowell

The thing about this book, it has this format that if it were turned into a movie, you would not know how the screenwriters would make up showing the other main characters on-screen. If they do get to do it, it would be interesting to see it play. But then again this is not a movie, this is a book. And a good one for those wanting to realize what life has else to offer them that they are missing.

Honestly this was the part that got me beat up that I almost had a panic attack. I had a pseudo- mini panic attack.I began to think that what if I'm making all the wrong choices at the wrong time. The what ifs just came pouring into my head that I just felt like drowning. Then I got to the part where this character Doris says "No sense staying someplace after you realize you don't want to be there." I realize this is not the gist of the book, or perhaps it is, but it was the most memorable line to me. I guess in this light you could say that the book was a coming of age-- sort of, in a social way-- story. Well, it is one if you're socially awkward at twenty-eight. :p

Now as for the lovely romantic end of it, I would say I ended up like a disgruntled movie-goer. The romantic end lacked more elaborate connection towards the end. Sure their emotions finally surfaced. But the way it was presented felt a bit rushed. More so on the way it ended. I don't mean to end on a sour note but I just felt that the ending could have used a bit more fine tuning if you asked me. I just felt like the characters were misplaced at that point just to make them fit the ending dreamed of. "I'm on deadline." I could almost hear the author, no offense meant.

Truly though, if you want a bad kick in  the ass or a wake-up call to your life, then read this book. If you have a crummy job or you just can't figure out what to do next, read this book. If you know what your goal is and what your next step should be but are just too afraid to say it or do it out loud, then read this book, please. I am begging you. You are doing yourself a favor. :)




Shout out!
To the author Rainbow Rowell, this was truly endearing though I wished it had more in the end. :) Still, doesn't change the fact that I learned from your words. :)






Dani
May 7, 2013- 10:51 PM
"Seek what the heart craves,
what dreams reveal.
Find what matters,
face what lingers,
embrace what fuels the soul"
                                -Hallmark bookmark :)