Non Sum Qualis Eram: September 2012

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

HUSH, HUSH: A SACRED OATH A FALLEN ANGEL A FORBIDDEN LOVE Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

THE STORY: The story was told by the main character's perspective, Nora Grey.

THE CHARACTERS: I definitely enjoyed all the characters here, including Nora, yes! Haha. She is a typical over-achieving highschool girl. I think she was really brave. Her bestfriend, Vee is so cool, she is obsessed with a lot of stuff, shopping, boys and drama. As for Patch? He'll definitely be added to my list of favorite fictional characters. He was very H-O-T!!!

MY THOUGHTS: I heard a lot about this book, and I know about book called Crescendo but I didn't know that Crescendo was actually Hush Hush's sequel, until I read this.

You know what I like about this book? Nora's paranoia. Those paranoias were the reason why I couldn't put this down. Indepth, well-explained and enthralling.

I give 4/5 stars. I love the story, yes, definitely but I was looking for something I couldn't explain up to now, probably because the book doesn't have the originality at some point.

For Becca Fitzpatrick, you rock girl! You're a wonderful writer!

Monday, September 24, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

MISS PEREGRINE's HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN: It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow--impossible though it seems--they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

THE STORY: The book is about the point-of-view of a sixteen-year-old Jacob Portman who has been raised hearing stories about his grandfather Abe's childhood. I can say that he has grown up as an avid admirer of Abe. But as he grew older he began to doubt his grandfather's tales as mere castle in Spain. Then the sudden death of his grandfather shake Jacob's world to a core and send him on a journey to find the truth regarding his grandfather's youth.

THE CHARACTERS: The main character, Jacob, seemed to lack depth. He came across as spoiled and unappreciative. Though the other characters are exceptionally written from Olive a.k.a The Levitating Girl, Millard the invisible, Emma probably the Girl on Fire, Bronwyn the one who's incredibly strong, Enoch the boy who can bring the dead back to life, to Hugh the boy who has bees living in his stomach.

MY THOUGHTS: Originally, I was planning to buy a copy of The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan when I went to NBS, but didn't find a copy of it. So I decided to buy this book instead, since I have been eager to read this book since it came out.

As for me, It wouldn't fall on horror category, let's say, more of a paranormal mystery. I definitely love the vintage photos, I think it made the story. I thought, it's very original of the author to make a story out of all these old photographs. He did a great job of linking them all together.

I'll give 3/5 stars. Because I was a bit disappointed that the book was not what I had expected. I am not entirely blaming the book itself. From what I heard and read, I expected this to be a creepy novel, surely it did have it's creepy moments, yes, but after the grandfather's death, that creepy feeling fades.

The book ends with clear plans for a sequel. And I will probably read it.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a good read especially for someone who wants to read a fantasy novel with a touch of horror. Reading with a vintage photographs makes every turn of the page a surprise.

Thanks, Google for the images! :)

Friday, September 14, 2012

The Lucky One

Country's leading bookstore, National Bookstore is currently having a 'Weekly Signed Treat' for us booklovers! Every week, there is a particular book to be given away to one lucky winner! Previously, they gave one signed copy of Pittacus Lore's, The Power of Six, also Hilary Duff's, Devoted. Fated by Alyson Nöel, Chris Colfer's The Land of Stories and a lot more. This week's prize is a signed Copy of Pacific Rims: Beermen Ballin' in Flip-Flops and the Philippines' Unlikely Love Affair with Basketball by Rafe Bartholomew.

Yes! It's easy and free to join. You just need to like National Bookstore's Facebook fan page, follow @nbsalert on Twitter or click here to know more: http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Book-Store/72546266913?sk=app_228910107186452

It starts every Friday and ends every Thursday. Winner will be announced soon after.

So you're asking why I am saying this? Well, I am blogging this because actually I already won, not once, not twice but four times! Lol! And believe me guys, the prizes are real, I mean I got the books already and they were all signed. HAHAHA! Sooo cooool! :)))

Here are some of the pictures:

FATED (Soul Seeker series)

Signed, Alyson Nöel.

Happy Accidents by Jane Lynch. The Glee star herself and an award winning comedienne!

Signed, Jane Lynch.

I love reading books. Especially when you get the book for free. All those books are hardbounds, so maybe their prices ranges from 600 to 1000 plus bucks or even more, plus they were all signed by some of my favorite authors. Cool, eh? ;)

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Missing the Dogs

My sweet, dear dog died recently. *sobs* Maden for us, Bubbles for Ayie. We couldn't decide what to name her, anyway, yes she died last Friday. What made me really cry was, we didn't know the cause of her death. And it makes me more sad because I was not able to keep a single picture of her.

She was not much of a watch dog. Although she acted herself to be like one. She protected our house just by barking, to warn us if there is someone around. I am not sure what she thought the threat from them was but that was her one focus, to protect us from. And she did it well! No one ever attacked our house.

I know Maden was not the world's brightest dog, not like Four's Bernie Kosar, not like Lassie or Rin Tin Tin but she could be like Hachi, the way she loved me, the way she loved us.

I believe in these:

"All dogs go to heaven,because, unlike people, dogs are naturally good, loyal and kind." ― Annabelle, All Dogs Go To Heaven (1989)

"The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's." ― Mark Twain

So imagine, all those dogs or pets you have ever had and loved waiting for you in heaven. Gods! that is already heaven!

So to all our dogs in heaven, you guys will forever live on in my heart and memory.

Usher the Golden Retriever

Sylver the Great Dane

Rottie the Rotweiler

Rikka the Dalmatian

I miss you guys! I know we'll see each other again someday. And that makes me smile. :)