...About Eat, Pray, Love

Image from here

 There's gonna be loads of long overdue book reviews. Scratch that, all my posts are long overdue posts. Ahaks, what can I say, I put the 'pro' in 'procrastination'.

So here it goes.

It took me days to finish this book. Like 5 days. partly because I was reading it at work, so I couldn't go through so many pages at time. Plus the fact that it's a slow book.

Don't get me wrong, it's a nice book. Not fiction though, more like autobiography-ish. But the story kinda like unfolds slowly. You sort of actually go on a journey with the writer. If I could afford it I would love to do what the writer did, take a year off and live abroad in 3 different countries, learn a new language.

Some of the stuff the writer went through is a bit out of this world. I can grasp the eat and love part of the book, but not the pray part. It's just too weird for me, if you've read it you'll get what I mean.

This is a great book to enjoy the leisurely pace.

Now all I have to do is watch the movie and compare the hell out of it.

...About Backlog of Posts In My Head

I have so many blog posts composing itself in my head. Mostly reviews on books I've read recently. And I've read quite a number of books lately. Just haven't found the time to do it yet.

I want to write a proper review with a piture of the book (well it's MY proper way of doing it) but I'm not with my pc for these few weeks, so all the words are just floating around in my head.

So here I Am writing about writing. How silly does that sound? OK, get on with your lives people! Go ahead and click on the X on the top right hand corner of your screen.

Ok byez

...About Guilty Pleasure

How is it that I have to think 10 times before I buy clothes or other apparels (most of the time ending up not buying anything) but I only have to think twice before parting with my money for books? Bookworm much?

 Damage from the recent Popular Book Fest at KLCC.

This is from my Mom, She bought it online ages ago.

Lotsa books to dive into. Woo-hoo!

Have books, will travel.

...About: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2

So comes the end of the 7 part (well 8 actually) movie installation of the Harry Potter series. No, it's not as epic or emotional as the release of the last book, but it was still something. And yes, I iz so kiasu I had to watch it on it's release day.

I have to say, thankfully this one was not disappointing. I have to admit, Part 1 was better, but Part 2 is still good, wasn't bad at all.

I'll try to go through the movie in sequence of the events that I have comments about. Part 2 open with the closing act of Part 1 - Voldemort taking the Elder Wand from Dumbledore's grave. The conversation between Harry and the Gringotts goblin and Ollivander the wandmaker was quite decent I must say. Not as how I remember pictured in the book, but it was ok.

Breaking into the Gringotts, this scene was quite long in the book. It was nicely done in the movie without being dragged too long. I especially liked the scene of the ride down to the vault, the 'Thief's Downfall'. The escape from the bank on a dragon was not as dramatic as I felt it was in the book, but it was good enough.

The significance of the Horcrux items were not explained in the movie, like how it's an item significant to each house of Hogwarts, items belonging to each of the House founder. But they managed to make up something to incorporate in the movie to justify how Harry knew what the items were, the Hufflepuff Cup and the Ravenclaw Diadem (cause I sure don't remember Harry being able to 'hear' the Horcrux in the book)

Ok, I know I sound like total Potter head right now, but that's how it is, skip this post if you must.

The trigger sound that was set off when Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade was amazingly exactly how I imagined it in my head! But they left out the part where Harry casts his Patronus. Nevermind, forgivable.

The most magical scene was the one where the Professors and Ron's mother was putting  protection spells on the Hogwarts castle. Beautiful.

The number of Death Eaters shown were crazy, I did not imagine the group to be so big.

The fights scenes were ok, nothing to shout about. Heart feeling scenes were attempted, like the one where Tonks was holding her hand out to Lupin, not emo enough though. Scenes that did work was the one where they showed who had died. Tugged my heartstrings even though I know who dies.

The killing of Prof Snape, now I remember it taking place in the Shrieking Shack in the book, correct me if I'm wrong. But oh well, the main gist of that scene is Snape giving his memory to Harry anyways, and that part was not left out. Too crucial.

When it got to the scene where Harry died and went to King's Cross, I went "Aha! so they decided not to do the nude scene!" Ahaks, not a bad thing to leave out, I ain't complaining!

The killing of Nagini and the duel between Harry and Voldemort was not how I remembered it, but it was okay. Didn't have time to reread book 7 anyways, can't recall everything (yes, I usually reread each book before watching the movies)

Super love the fact that they put in the scene where Ron's mom mouthed off Bellatrix before killing her! Kudos!

Closing scene was not as paramount as portrayed in the book, but it was ok.

All in all, it was not bad, not as good as Part 1, but it was good enough.

Potter Heads unite!

...About Fuel by Jeremy Chin

In my last post about books, I mention that the last book I read was very good and that I'll write a review about it soon. Well, now is soon.

Fuel. This book. When it first got shoved into my hands - by my mom - all I did was read the prologue. And it got me interested. The whole idea of the story in the prologue was a great way to present the essence behind the actual story of the book.

Because I think this is a very good book, I'm going to try my very best to actually write a review. Bare with me.

The main character, Timmy, a Brit, a successful man. Lost his parents when he was young. Never opened up his heart to anyone. Very into running. Been training for most of his life.

He has 2 goals in life. To nail his dream job is the US, and run the NY marathon. He doesn't take part in any marathons, he just trains, and plan to one day take part in the NY marathon and win it.

Then one day, he does lands his dream job. But he also falls in love. He made a choice between the love of his life and the dream job in US.

Turns out, the love of his life, Cambria, also runs. They trained together and made plans for the NY marathon.

Finally in NY, both excited for the marathon. On the eve of the marathon, tragedy struck, leaving Timmy devastated.  This book has a tragic ending. No cliches. Nice, but tragic ending. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I like Jeremy Chin's style of writing. Straight to the point sentences. Not much flowery sentences. Even when he's describing something, it's sharp and clear.

Here's my interpretation, Timmy, who's been training all his life for the marathon, only to lose his fuel for life - Cambria - in the end, runs the first and last marathon of his life, ending it as well, because he has lost his fuel to carry on living.

Will definitely pick up and read any other titles by this author.

Good job man.

Fuel- The Book FB page
Jeremy Chin's homepage.

...About Books I'd Like To Delve Into Soon

I haven't read a book in a long time. The last book I've read was at least one and a half months ago. Which by the way, I forgot to write about. It was quite a good book. Will put up a post on that soon (no promises though)

On the few occasions that I find myself out and about and in a bookshop, I always come across books that I want to read, but by the time I reach home, I'll forget what the books were. So, a google-ing we will go.

First up, number 1 on my fave author list, John Grisham.

image from http://www.jgrisham.com/

Second, one by John Irving

image from john-irving.com

Third, just because I've read the rest of the Shopaholic series, one by Sophie Kinsella.

So here's to hoping these books will turn up at my book hunting grounds soon! I haven't paid RRP for a book in years!

Have you read a book this month?



...About: keeping The Dead by Tess Gerritsen

This book was recommended by a friend. I've never read any books by this author, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Now, the storyline is good. You can tell that a lot of research was done to come up with this book. The story telling however, leaves something to be desired. Ask any bookworm and they'll tell you a good book is one where you feel like you're in the story, the images are right in front of you, characters and scenes are clearly describe til you can see it in your head. This book does not have that effect.

The story is about a serial psycho killer who kills and then preserves the bodies, mummification is one way. The preservation process is described, gruesome. But you don't feel a connection to the story and the characters. There were a few moments that I went "Ok, who is this person again?" because I couldn't remember which character is which. That has never happen before.

I picked up another book by this author, and sad to say, it had the same effect. The story is good, but the story telling not so. Won't be buying anything by this author again anytime soon.

...About Additions To My Mini Library

Oh yes, one of a few of my favourite thingss.


More books! Oh yeah!

After a marathon of chick lits a while ago. I thought I ought to stay away from bimbo fictional characters for a while before I actually become one.

So picked up some non chick lit stuff.

Mom bought me one of the Tess Gerritsen and Nicholas Sparks for Christmas. Thanks Mom!

I picked up the rest at the flea market. Bargains! Found another Tess Gerritsen book there, so I thought why not.

Will review one of her books after this.

Anyways, have you noticed how bloody thick the Nicholas Sparks book is? I only noticed while I was queuing up at the cashier. "Hmmm, I don't remember seeing this title so thick.."

 

Then I read what the covers says...... oh no wonder lah...

Imagine that, Large Print. Like insulting my chinky eyes only -_-

Moving on.

Am looking forward to adding this book to my collection. Waiting for it to pop up at the right place. I refuse to pay retail price!

 

So how many books have you read this year?

...About Books vs Books

 vs

It doesn't take a genius to know who won.

...About The Devil Wears Prada

The movie and the book.

Ok here's the thing, I've watched the movie gazillions of times (and I obviously love love love it) I don't know, I think I have a thing for shows that has make-overs in it's plot.

Picture from here

So after thinking long and hard, seeing the book in front of me for so many times, I finally decided to shell out the cash and buy the book.

I think the screen play writer for the movie did a hell of a job re-writing the story for the movie. Cos the book, is nothing like the movie. DISAPPOINTMENT. It was - for the lack of a better word - BORING. The only reason I could finish the book was because of my curiosity. I was trying to find the similarities.

The movie is so much more exciting. Better drama, better characters, better crisis. It was just way better than the book.

It's so different, even the main character's personality is different.

For the first time ever, I vote for the movie.

...About Recent Book Buys

I think, every year, the most things that I buy in quantity, is books. What can I say, I'm a boring person whose hobby includes reading >_<

Anyways, bought these 2 books like 2 weeks ago.

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks, which is on my want list. This book is not as good as his other books that I've read. The really heart touching part of the story is towards the end. All in all, okay lar. If you've never read his books, I would say skip this one, read his other books.

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. LOVE LOVE LOVE the movie, never read the book, so I finally bought it and read it.

While I was getting these books I asked myself "Oi, do you really need more story books? Aren't there other books that you're supposed to read?" But oh what the heck. I've finished reading them anyways. Let's just hope I don't find anymore books this weekend.

There's another book that I bought, a puzzle book, can't find it now. Thanks to the mess. Oh well.

Happy Reading people.

...About : Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

pic from here

For this title, I actually watched the movie first before reading the book. Only because I had access to the movie first.If you watched the movie but have yet to read the book, trust me go read the book.

pic from here

I'm not saying the book is better than the movie (which is usually the case) but this time,I feel that the movie AND the book were equally good. Both good in their own way.

They have different endings. Totaly different. Like, total opposite.The movie's ending was sweet, and kind off predictable. But the book, the ending is so so so heart breaking.

I noticed that the sequence of the significant events in the book has been rearranged in the movie. But it still delivered the message and impact the story intended.

I think the casting for the movie was perfect. I just love Amanda Seyfried. She's pretty in an unconventional way, and not stick thin skinny. She has a body type many girls can relate to. And Channing Tatum - HOT. 'nuff said.

Nicholas Sparks, to me, is the ultimate tear-jerking-love-story writer.Seriously. I am soooo collecting all his books.

Go read the book! Or if you hate reading, get the movie and watch it.

Box of tissues on standby please, don't say I didn't warn ya!

...About The Presents.

Ok so, I'm only putting this up now, cause I waited for everything to be in my hand so I can post the pictures up here.

Ok, first of all, Thank You all for the presents!!!! It was like I turned 21 again. I put up my wishlist for fun, not expecting anything, ok lar, I was kinda expecting at least one or two things from the list.

So here goes,  what I got for my birthday from my lovely friends and family!

Funky socks from Neoh.

Edamame toy from Hisako. Now my puchi-puchi won't be lonely ;p

(all the way from Japan)

Ok, the La Senzas are from Mayo and Jin, but I don't remember which is from who, cause they both came together.

From Miki, also from Japan :)

I found this at the flea market!! Haven't paid my mom back though >_<

Harajuku Music 10ml perfume from Wei Lee, this came as a total surprise.

From my sistah!

From my mommy. GREEN YOGA MAT!

And last but not least....

From my other half.

DOMO ARIGATOGOZAIMASU!!

...About The Associate by John Grisham

I have to say, for the first time ever, John Grisham has failed me. This book was - for the lack of a better word- boring.

The build up of the story didn't go as high as his other stories did. And that made the ride down oh-so-not-thrilling. But I do think it will make a good movie. The build up will look better on screen rather than written in a book.

Ok so, the story is about a law student who's been blackmailed to work in a mega law firm to steal information. At the end of the day, he tries to find a way out. How? Well, you gotta read the book to find out.

I think I'm so bad at reviewing. I never really write what the books/movies are about, but mainly just what I think of it.

Well, this blog IS called This Is What I Think.

...About Book Shopping

I did not plan to go book shopping mind you, but there were so many that I wanted. So I thought, what the heck! And at very low prices too!!

I am ssooo not gonna tell you where I bought them, or else the next time I go there no more books for me!! Hey, you gotta be selfish to get ahead in life man!

Damage done by me and my mom after only hitting one shop. >_<

At the end of the day (it was sunday by the way), I ended up with this loot

With less than Rm100 spent. :) not bad eh?

Books, food for the soul.

I have enough books to last the whole week but my exam is on Friday. Baaaagus.

...About My Books

Yes, bookworm I am. Although I do not have as much books as I'd like to have, I definitely have quite a number.

 

 Please ignore the top two tier, cause the left hand side are random stuff. An the right hand side are work related.

See the ones on the right, the ones lying horizontally? Those books are from back when my brain had more synapses and grey matter. Now all my brain does is receive receive receive.

 

All fiction.

What I'm supposed to study for my job. Extra knowledge. Non-fiction. No excitement. T_T

 

 These are the ones closest to my heart, the ones on the top most shelf. The complete 7 books series of Harry Potter. With Tales of Beedle The Bart.

Yes, I was born in the year of the Tiger, but not taking UPSR this year and I read Harry Potter. So sue me.

 

Of Collection

Here's my Bento stash so far.

None bought by me. All courtesy of my mom >_<

Not to forget that I have yet to start bento-ing.


Here's some new addition to my reading list.


Toodles.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Written by Khaled Hosseini. Author of the best selling book The Kite Runner. If you've read The Kite Runner, found it good, but have yet to read A Thousand Splendid Suns, I'm telling you to go out, buy, beg, borrow, or steal a copy now.

This one is so much better. I cried reading this book, a few times. The other times that I've cried reading a book was while reading A Walk to Remember and when Sirius Black died.

This book is about the lives of two women - Mariam and Laila - before and after their paths crossed. Set in Afghanistan before and after the Taliban ruling. The hardship they went through is unimaginable. The brutality and discrimination.

Values of trust, family, friendship, love. What it is like to be a woman in their country.

I can't put into words how I feel about the book, I'm so not good with reviews. So go get a copy. I can't do justice to it.