Starfish (Starfish #1) by Lisa Becker | A Book Review

Lisa Becker is another author who sends me messages on Instagram every time she has a new book. I readily agree to read and review her books because they're always fun and delightful to read. Her characters are very real which most readers could relate with. 

Starfish is a rock star romance as described on the cover. I am not sure why but I really love reading rock star romances. I guess, it's a hidden fantasy of mine to end up with a rock star or some celebrity. I do have a few in mind. It's a situation akin to shooting for the moon but then what would you know? There are a lot of ordinary people who are married to rock stars and popular icons. Who knows, right? I am still single. What are the chances that I would actually end up with my favorite Korean drama actor? Dream on. Anyone can dream, right? Dreaming is free anyway.  Calling Lee Jae Yoon, Lee Dong Wook, Jung Il Woo.

Talking about rock stars, I've always had a crush on Alex Band of The Calling, Jason Wade of Lifehouse and Danny O'Donoghue of The Script. Aside from the fact that I love their songs and they're very talented, these guys are good for the eyes too. I've just started getting into K-pop too. Yes, I know, a bit late but I'm catching up. I really love CNBlue. I love alternative rock and their songs sound like that though they identify themselves as more of a pop rock band. I am so impressed by Jung Yong Hwa's ability to entertain and engage the audience in their concerts. He comes up with these ideas like playing the drums and have the other members do other things too. I would love to watch them play live if they ever come here to the Philippines. Jung Yong Hwa are you hearing this? I am actually listening to CNBlue while writing this review.

This is a story of Brad and Marin. Brad, obviously is the rock star. Marin is the ambitious intern who dreams of working for a big tech firm. Unfortunately, she ends up getting a four-month internship as the PR of a rock band who is hailed to be the next big thing - the Kings Quarters. I think Marin's job of being a PR girl for the Kings Quarters actually sounds incredible. Going on tour with the band is like a dream come true, right? I wouldn't refuse if I were presented with a rare opportunity as that. Aside from it being a new experience, it's also interesting to know if all the myths and popular beliefs about how the rich and famous live and breath would be true. I would take it as an in-depth investigation or an immersion. But not Marin, she wasn't very thrilled with the assignment. 

What I love most about the story is how Marin proved that she can be really good at her job. Yes, it wasn't what she really wanted but she ended up enjoying it even though it was a challenge at first, especially with the band members. In the end, she proved to be so valuable and essential to the existence of the band. Not to mention, she got close to the band members and yes, fell in love too. 

Brad is a very interesting lead male character. I find it refreshing to meet someone who would rather do coding on a computer than be in the limelight being a rock star. He'd rather have his inner nerd shine than bask in the fame and limelight. It's very humble and very endearing. Very few people would give up being popular than enjoy peace and quiet. It's very rare to find someone like that especially in this age of social media. Every one wants to be popular or want to go viral. Every one wants to take a shot at being an instant celebrity at any expense. 

This story tells of behind-the-scenes activities of what rock bands are famous for - yes, sex, drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, not all of the members enjoy all that. Some have grown tired of it. Some have outgrown it. Some just wouldn't grow up hence, the after parties are still a must. Of course, you can't exclude the people who want to take a bite of the popularity of the band and use it to their benefit. There's jealousy and intrigue and all other dramas too. 

I give this book 4/5 beanboozled jelly beans. This was a very fun read. It's like reading the real lives of rock stars with all the things that come with fame and money. It's not all that glorious as we are all made to believe. There could be conflicts and most of the time, not all bands are actually allowed to write the songs they want to write. Most of them have to conform to some marketing idea or branding image they have to portray. Yes, it's all about the money. This made me think about how western bands are way different from Korean pop or music idols. Korean pop idol aspirants have to train for years before they debut. A K-pop band or group has to live together in a dorm to develop team work among members. The size of the dorm would indicate how the group is doing. If they just started, they would be sharing a very modest or even a cramped space. They also have go through a lot and I guess, that keeps them grounded. Just like BTS, they were the underdogs. They were often bullied in reality shows they guest in when they first started. But look at them now. They endured all that and remained focused on their goal. They were the first ever Korean or Asian band to make it to the Billboards. It's probably one of the reasons why the ARMY would die for them because they've given their all (meaning they worked hard with no hanky-panky or no shortcuts) just to get to where they are now, yet remained humble. They don't feel so entitled as what some celebrities are. Sometimes they even forget they're celebrities. And yes, I like BTS. I root for them. Aside from being talented, they're also just ordinary people who worked hard to achieve their dreams yet never forgetting where they came from. 

When you feel like you can't go on, like there's nothing there for you...

Just remember: Laundry. Laundry is always there.

- Lisa Becker, Starfish -  

Thank you again, Lisa Becker for the review copy. I will be posting reviews soon for the other books you gave me. 

Other books by Lisa Becker: 

Clutch

The Subway Girl

Dear Future Self (review coming soon)

Links (review coming soon)

Circus of the Dead (Circus of the Dead #1) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

It's been a while since I last read a Kimberly Loth. I have missed her stories. They've always been so fascinating and intriguing. Waiting for the next book in the series was a pain and a form of torture. But it always ends up all worth the effort because it's always full of surprises that come from nowhere. I will always be an avid fan of her stories. And with this new book, I was reminded of how I have always enjoyed her stories. How her characters have made me hopeful and inspired in spite of all the hardships and stresses in the world. 

Circus of the Dead is just what it says. A circus full of horrors. Nasty clowns whose goal is not to make someone happy but miserable. A real deadly circus where there's always someone who ends up dead. There are ghosts and vampires too. It's not a place of fun, not unless you're a masochist or a sadist or think that seeing blood is fun. It's a place for the morbid and people who have a death wish. How Callie ends up in this horrible place is unfortunate. What was supposed to be a fun summer vacation with his Uncle in New Orleans, turned out to be a living nightmare she might not get out alive. 

This story reminds me of Stephen King's Bazaar of Bad Dreams. The only bright spot in the whole story is Callie who is full of spunk and will never give up. I guess, if it were someone of lesser strength and personality than she is, that person would have succumb to all the temptations already just to end everything. But not Callie. I root for her. Every attempt that she tries to get out of the island, I totally want it to succeed. Unfortunately, some greater magic is at work here that Callie has yet to understand in order to beat it and get out of the island and back to the loving arms of her family. 

I think the story is a bit relevant in this current time because with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are all like Callie, trapped in an island in New Orleans and finding a way to get out back to sunny California. And like some of the visitors of the circus, sadly, some people did not know that the time they spent at the circus, whether they were there out of curiosity or due to peer pressure, is actually their last time on earth. And like Callie, we try our best to stay alive in this forsaken island while biding her time until she can think of a way to get out for good.

The Circus of the Dead, just like the current pandemic reminds us of what's important in life. Family, friends and just the basic necessities. All else are unnecessary and we can do without. We will survive if we keep our wits and take one day at a time. And just like Callie, learn about the surroundings, the people and never lose hope. For Callie, she has to stay alive to get out of the island. She can't lose sight of that goal. She has to remind herself of that every day. 

I did enjoy the story even though it's a bit morbid and gruesome. But then again, every reader is forewarned. The title itself tells you that. Read at your own risk. But even so, as I have said, Callie's character is just so strong and she's a fighter. I think she was purposely lured to this place because there's something in her. I am not sure if she has a certain special ability of supernatural kind but she is special. And I would hate to say it but Samuel would rue the day he met Callie. I have faith that Callie will beat all odds and get out of the island and maybe bring back sunshine and hope to all the cursed inhabitants there also. But that's just me looking so far ahead. 

I give the book 5/5 gutsy fire dancers. This book is not for the faint and chicken-hearted. If you are a fan of Stephen King, you'll definitely love this story. If you've been following Kimberly Loth as I have, this is another story to be excited for. This type of story coming from Loth does not surprise me at all. With her talent of coming up with incredible and fascinating tales of adventures, I, in a way have expected she will likely come up with this one. I am excited and psyched as to what other horrors and blocks Callie has to go through in order to finally be back to the real world and be with her family again. I am also sure that Callie, with her mindset and attitude, will never let anything defeat her. She will find a way. I know she will. I guess, the best thing about Loth's stories are her characters. They're simply not to be messed with. They would find a way to beat the enemy or find a way to go around the obstacle. And I have a feeling that Callie's the type who can think out of the box. With that kind of thinking, I know she will outsmart Samuel. I bet on it. Watch out Samuel!

He's got that look that is dangerous but devastatingly handsome. The kind of guy who is sure to treat you like crap and yet, you run back to him because his kisses curl your toes. 

Not very good clowns unless their mission in life is to make everyone else as grumpy as they are.  

- Kimberly Loth, Circus of the Dead #1 - 

Thank you again, Kimberly Loth for the advanced review copy. I have missed you. I'm looking forward to the next books in the series. 

Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin | ARC | A Book Review

I got stressed by a customer I was talking to at work today so I baked bread. I've been practicing to bake bread without yeast. I got the recipe from Pinterest and so far, it has been good. Today, I still used half the recipe but then the bread turned out a little bit salty. I then realized that I used the full measurement for the salt in the recipe instead of half. Fortunately, the bread is still edible. I think I'm good. 

Beyond the pale is an idiomatic expression which means outside the bounds of normal or acceptable behavior. For me, this would also describe the kind of friendship the three main characters of this story have. Lennon Davies. Finn Jeffries. Brady Sterling. Outrageous and intolerable. Finn and Brady are bestfriends since grade school. In third grade, they met Lennon. She became the third member of the group. From then on, they were inseparable and have always been there for each other through thick and thin, but all that changed when something happened on the night of their high school graduation. These three went on their separate ways until their paths crossed again when Lennon's mom died. When Lennon goes back to Agua Mesa, Finn and Brady are bound to be there too. What would their reunion be like? Are things going to be like they were before? 

I remember feeling varied emotions when I was reading this story. It invoked a lot of feelings. I mostly felt for Lennon. She has a crappy home life. She doesn't feel loved by her mom. But I think, she also has the best friends in the whole wide world - Finn and Brady. These two would bring down the moon for her if she asks them to. That's how thick these three are. Their friendship is to be envied. 

Of all the books of Millikin that I've read, this is probably the most shocking and most surprising. On the first chapter alone, I already felt the tension, the apprehension and the drama that is going to unfold. I was pulled helplessly into the love triangle and the intertwined and complicated relationship of these three main characters. I felt like their reunion is going to bring back old wounds, things that were left unspoken will be hinted at and things that were left alone or were swept under the rug will likely to be unearthed. I felt that electrifying and live tension in the air. It felt like I too was walking on eggshells. 

I would say that this story had me asking a lot of questions after it ended. I had this sudden urge to find and talk to someone who've just read the story and ask, "WHAT THE F%%% JUST HAPPENED?" (Yes, all in CAPS.) We have to compare notes. I had to go back to the last few pages or probably the last two chapters to make sure I got it right and that my reaction was justified. And I did get it right. I wasn't hallucinating or even imagining. That was the part that did me in. That was the part which made this book "Oh, so beyond the pale." Until now, months after reading this book, I still feel like at a loss. I still can't believe it. It made me ask myself, "what if I were Lennon, would that experience shape me to be a better person or mess me up more? Would it change the way I see life in general? Would I be thankful for it or would it make me loathe myself? These are just a few of the questions running through my head. At the same time, I was also in awe as to the lengths one would go in the name of friendship and love. And I don't blame them. If I were Brady or Finn, I would have probably done anything in my power to save Lennon from any more heartaches and desperation. I think, for once in our life, we all experience that one moment where we are called to do something beyond the pale. Something that is maybe beyond the bounds of reason. I call it something you do or a decision born out of a moment of temporary madness. Or if you're insane most of the time, something you do on a very rare lucid interval. Something you might actually regret but if you're asked if you would do it again, you would still do it without a moment's hesitation. It's one of those decisions which you might not ever dream of making but then you will commit to it again, a thousand times over because you know you're doing it for someone you love more than your life. I have once been on that kind of situation and I would say, if I had to go through that again, I'd still do it - a thousand times over. Just like a hero willing to go through that painful and gruesome death over and over again even in the next lifetime, only because he knows that the sacrifice would be so worth it.

With that said, I give this book 5/5 Lincoln's. The five-dollar bill is so significant in this story because it somehow marked the start of that unbreakable bond between Finn and Lennon. Who Lennon ends up with is also one of the many questions I asked. Who could the lucky guy be - Finn or Brady? I had my own bet and how I came up with that was by imagining "if I were Lennon", which actually happened a lot in the course of reading this story. I think, you won't get the full experience of this wonderful tale if you've never ever felt like you were actually Lennon. It's a requirement. At some point, you not only need to empathize with Lennon but you have be her in order to fully understand the dynamics between the characters and the essence of the story. You have to experience Lennon at some point and only then are you allowed to judge how and why the characters are who they are. If you were just a bystander unable to partake in the intimate experience, then you have not fully grasped the intention of this book. So yes, it would take a while for you to debrief after reading this. You will end up with a lot of questions as I have. And believe me, you will try to analyze the events of the story like it's the most important thing in the universe because you have to make sure that you understand what's really written between the lines and what has been implied. Yes, this is probably one of the best-written stories that had stayed with me days or even months after because I can't seem to get over it. It sticks with you like that stubborn gum in your shoe that you can't seem to wipe off.

Maybe that's how life goes. Perhaps we aren't a collection of the hearts we break, the love we fail into, or the experiences we have. We start out whole, and as we go through life, we carve out pieces of ourselves and leave them behind. Maybe we pick up the pieces of others, and stitch them onto us, until we are a fabric made of everyone else.

- Jennifer Millikin, Beyond the Pale - 

Thanks again, Jennifer Millikin for the ARC. I had a great time reading this story and I think this is your best story yet. 

Leah and Rhea (Spell #1) by Melissa Hines Helms | A Book Review

It's the fourth month since this pandemic has wreaked havoc and in a way, rearranged and disrupted our lives. I lost work for about two months and fortunately, I got reassigned to a another project about two weeks ago. That is something to be thankful for in this time of chaos in my country because of government officials doing a bad job. Instead of prioritizing the need to resolve and end Covid19, they are playing gods and flexing their powers to suppress freedom. It's a very sad reality. It's like another dictator is sitting in his throne and anyone who dares speak a wrong word will be thrown out to the dungeon or will forfeit  his life. 

In the midst of all these stressful events happening, I'd still like to think that good will always triumph over evil. That my country, no matter how horrible the situation its facing, is still a land of people who will fight for freedom, equality and end corruption. Like all the heroes who came before us, I believe this little archipelago in the Southeast is still home to a lot of men and women who will never ever let this country and our brave ancestors down. And I am one with that fight even if sometimes I want to just go and live somewhere else, if only migrating to another county is that easy. The events in my country are discouraging and you can't help but think about a very dim future. But as always, Filipinos are optimistic and we often look at the brighter side of things. We are also too forgiving which is also a curse because most of us tend to forget the wrongs done in the past and some of these perpetuators of those wrongs are again back in the government pillaging the country's coffers for personal gain. 

So, with the stress that's leeching all the positivity everywhere, I decide to just read books, listen to uplifting and relaxing music and watch K-dramas or movies that are projecting good vibes. Leah and Rhea is one. These two fairies will go against the mighty and powerful witch who put a spell on the whole forest. These two little beings will risk their lives to save the forest and their animal friends. Yes, this might be another David and Goliath story but it's a lot cuter and kid-friendly. 

Lea and Rhea are twin fairies who never discovered what their magic were. Their parents became stars in the sky when they were young. They never had anyone teach them about magic so all they have to do to survive is use their wits and of course, fly. That, at least, is something very useful for a fairy. 

This is a really good bedtime story for kids. It speaks of the bond of sisters, friendship, risking one's life for the good of the many and bravery. The story is not so unique but it got its point across. Good will always triumph over evil and nothing is really over until you stop trying. Our two friends, met very helpful and interesting characters along the way in their search to find the ingredients to reverse the spell of the evil witch Matilda. These characters are Khuno and Bunny who are rabbits; Win the Winking Willow Tree, Felda, Matilda's sister who is fortunately the good sister and the last older fairy; and finally, another fairy who can't talk - Troy. These characters helped the sisters make the reverse potion, bring back the whole forest to life and ended Matilda's reign of terror.

I actually enjoyed reading this book. I remember, I was a bit down and I wanted something to cheer me up. This book did it. It somehow uplift my spirit. It is so straightforward. It is so easy to read. It is also like a coming of age story for both of our fairies. These two fairies who don't know a single magic and has never left their forest has to reverse the curse that Matilda cast on the whole forest. As a consequence of ripping out the reverse spell from Matilda's book, Rhea was also affected by a curse. To save everyone and her sister, Leah and Rhea had to go separate ways to continue on their quest. These two had never been separated their whole lives so it was a very scary thing. But they each succeeded in their own task - Rhea to prepare the reverse spell and Leah to find the last and elusive ingredient for the spell to work. In the end, the evil is vanquished and the whole forest woke back to life. 

I give this book 4/5 pairs of colorful fairy wings. If I were a kid, I would surely love this book if I have read it when I was younger. It was very straightforward and all the language and tone of the story was very fitting for young audiences. If I have kids, which I still don't, but in the future, I would surely tell them of this tale. There were no very violent or gruesome scenes. It was filled with exciting adventures, if only the fairies were not pressed for time or fighting for their lives. I think this would make a good animation. I really had fun reading this book and it somehow made me forget about my worries, if only for the moment. I was rooting for the twin fairies to succeed and that only happened because these two refused to give up even if the odds they were up against were too much for them. This too applies in real life. You can't give up unless you give your all. You can't say you will fail if you haven't tried anything. And if by chance, you really fail, at least you gave your all. That alone speaks volumes. You won't look back with regret because the greatest tragedy is not moving an inch when you know you could have done something even if that does not guarantee the results. That's life. Nothing is guaranteed. You do your best and if you fail, you get up and try again. 

I could not find any quotable quotes in the story but I will let you in on how this story came about. This story came to Melissa when she was doing her undergraduate studies and was working part-time as a nanny for an adorable four-year old girl named Grace Farver Needlman. Grace had a terrific imagination as most kids do and Melissa needed to come up with engaging stories everyday for their drive home from preschool. And that's how Leah and Rhea's adventures started.

Thanks again, Melissa Hines Helms for the review copy. Sorry the review took ages. 

The Artisan Heart by Dean Mayes | A Book Review

Happy New Year everyone! May the year 2020 bring in more blessings and adventures. May the new decade be filled with abundance and love. 

Christmas and New Year was a bit solemn for us because my brother-in-law had to be admitted to the hospital. What we suspected as just a spike in blood sugar and a slight stroke turned out to be a tumor in the brain which is blocking the fluids from draining and is growing near the brain stem. He had to undergo an operation immediately than risk a coma. Thankfully, we were able to borrow money for the operation. He was operated on the 26th to put a shant on his brain to drain the fluids and to lessen the building pressure. Another operation will be performed in a few days to remove the tumor which is benign and is just level one when tumors are concerned. Apparently, there are four levels or stages. At least, that's one thing we are thankful for and that we found it early, least he would just drop down into a coma while in the loo. That's how critical the situation would have been. We continue to pray that the next operation would be as smooth and there would be no complications and that he would make a faster full recovery. So, for those who will be reading this, please help pray for my brother-in-law. Thank you in advance.

When I chose this story as the first story to be reviewed for 2020, I did not have any conscious reason except that this should have been reviewed last year. After telling you about what our Christmas and New Year's celebration were like, I realized that this book has a lot of relevance to our experience mostly because the story is about a doctor. So, my telling you about my brother-in-law's case is actually a good introduction to this story or about the main character - Dr. Hayden Luschcombe.

Hayden is a very skilled pediatrician. He can easily spot things that most doctors would miss, thus is a very valuable asset to the hospital he works for. But after a very painful betrayal of his wife, he lost his cool while attending to a burned child at the emergency room and had an altercation with the child's father. He was suspended and might lose his license to practice. It was like Hayden's whole world came crushing down on him. His marriage is in shambles after he caught his wife cheating and now his career is lost as well. Worst, he had nowhere to go. No friends to find solace or comfort. His last and only resort was to go back to the one and only other place he knew - Walhalla. His hometown.

I had to reread the earlier parts of this story that led to Hayden's misfortunes. I had to make sure I had it right. What was imprinted in my consciousness was the part where Hayden spent in Walhalla after he lucked out, which is probably most of the story and the most amazing part. It turned out, life has a way of working out and for Hayden, it was Walhalla. Walhalla, along with its very kind-hearted people, had helped Hayden get back on his feet and rediscover his first love - woodworking. Aside from being a very good doctor, Hayden is a very skilled wood worker. It was in Walhalla where he found the strength and the inspiration to get his hands working again and create wooden masterpieces. It was also the place where he comes to terms with his past and his present and eventually, consider plans for his future.

Aside from Hayden, the two other inspiring characters in this story are the mother and daughter pair - Isabelle and Genevieve Sampi. Isabelle is a very talented baker. She could bake delicious and mouth-watering goodies. While reading this book, I could imagine the delicious aroma of bread baking and I can't help but miss the relaxing and uplifting mood baking brings to me. It's a very good form of stress relief which I have missed badly. I haven't done a lot of baking lately. But last New Year's eve, I got to relive the high of baking again because my sister asked me to make a banana cake when she saw that we had too many bananas that had gone too ripe. They were leftover from the hospital given by friends who visited. 

One very memorable scene in this story is how Hayden and Genevieve first met. It was a very hilarious one. The pint sized Genevieve packed a very mean kick and Hayden's unfortunate groin could attest to that. Also, Genevieve is deaf. She was so surprised that the doc is really good at sign language. These three souls (Isabelle, her daughter and the doc) turned out to find solace in each other and fix whatever is broken within themselves. As fate would have it, Walhalla is definitely the "Valley of the Gods" as it is called because these three people have found the healing they needed to start life over. 

This is a very touching story which tugged at my heart in so many different ways. I emphatized with Hayden. With him losing it and going ballistic with the parent was to me a very classic human reaction. I can understand his frustration and if I were in his place, I would have done the same thing. I would have creamed that abusive father till he admits to what he did to his own child. But then, society and values require us to be the bigger man, damn it! To be rational in a very frustrating situation. What the heck, right? But then, with the doc ending up in Walhalla, a place where he remembered he was loved, was a way for him to find hope once again.

Love, hope and that dreams do come through if you work hard enough, are the main themes of this story. In spite of the very unlucky start of Hayden, with his marriage and career ending, he found comfort and hope in the welcoming and very kind arms of Walhalla. He then resolved to fix his messes, starting with his parents' cottage. I guess, for some of us, whose issues aren't as tangible or the damage can't be literally fixed or put back together, we have to start the healing with the things that we can manually do something about. With Hayden, it was the cottage, then his dad's last wood work and then when he felt better enough about himself, he started fixing his life. The story tells us to take one thing at a time because to take on everything at once is too overwhelming. Instead of making things better, we may end up doing more damage. No one came back from the ashes in one go. Even the phoenix requires time to build strength and start the embers before rising to its rebirth. One step at a time because healing is gradual. It doesn't take overnight. It's a slow process. For others, much slower, depending on the person's drive to make things better and how much the emotional, physical and mental damage is. And it doesn't hurt also to have people who believe in you. That no matter how much you messed up, they believe that you can pull through because they've seen you when you were at your best. They have faith that you are a lot bigger than your messes. You can be better. You can do a lot better.

I give this book 5/5 doctor's bag. It's a very good story of starting over and doing what we truly love. And it couldn't be just one thing, but we could be passionate about many things. Just like Hayden, he doesn't have to choose between being a wood craftsman and a doctor, he could be both. He could do well with a chisel and a stethoscope. He's skilled at those two things. He could heal people with compassion and create works of art with wood with a passion. He could be an artisan doctor. He only has to be reminded of the joy that woodworking brings to him and from there he could feel better. To learn to forgive himself and start over. With that in mind, I hope that whatever our misses in 2019, we leave it there. We start over this year just like Doc Hayden, Isabelle and Genevieve and make a better life than the one we had the previous year or the years before that. To just aim to be better. Cheers to new beginnings and to living life with a passion and living our passions. If you have not found your passion or anything that makes you feel so alive, then find it!

What we were as children doesn't necessarily translate to the people we are now.

- Dean Mayes, The Artisan Heart - 

Thank you again Dean Mayes and Netgalley for the review copy. Sorry, this review took a whole year to come out. Happy New Year!

Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet by Igor Martek | A Book Review

Happy Sunday everyone! Wishing you all have a relaxing weekend. September has ended and  October is here. Meaning, Christmas is right around the corner. September was my birth month. I am thankful that I am way past singing "Wake me up when September ends." Life is a lot better. I am looking forward to the next year because I have a few good things lined up and planned. True, another year has been added to my age but I'd like to think that I am wiser. I've mastered the art of tolerance even when the situation tests the limits of my sanity and patience. I've also mastered indifference so as not to get overly stressed over situations I have absolutely no control of. Good or bad, that's a totally another discussion.

So, anyone of you watched Aladdin already? I've watched it online but haven't gotten to finish it. From what I've seen so far, it's good. Why am I asking about the movie? Well, the title of the book for this review is saying about a magic carpet which automatically makes me think of Aladdin right away. But this book does not speak of magic or genies or flying carpets but rather the land where all those are from - the Middle East. The land rich with oil, of desert and of sandstorms and for people from third-world countries, a land of opportunities.

Ricky, a Filipino, the main character in this story represents a lot of Filipinos who left their homeland in search of greener pastures and better opportunities. For Ricky, that's Hong Kong and then Kuwait. In this story, Ricky, represents the better lot of Filipinos who made it big and became successful in their career abroad. He's successful in his career which landed him a chance to work in Kuwait. His sister though isn't very fortunate. Like all other educated and college graduate Filipinos, his sister ended up as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Much worse, she was mal-treated by her boss. 

The story centered around Ricky's inability to see things beyond what they are. I feel sorry for him because he can't seem to see if people are telling him the truth or not. Or maybe, he hasn't just grown mature enough to see how he's easily manipulated, especially when it comes to the women in his life. In fairness to him, he exactly knew what he needs to do but I think he lacks the conviction to actually do it. That's the biggest flaw in his character. 

Ricky and Breeze' relationship, right from the onset, is obviously doomed to fail. Ricky had no idea that he was actually targeted by Breeze because she thought with his position in the company, he could easily be the ticket who could take Breeze and her family out of poverty. Breeze manipulated him and took advantage of his feelings for her. When he seemed to be not useful anymore, she dropped him quicker than a hot dimsum. 

I especially hated Breeze and the people she represents. Yes, poverty allows us to do things out of necessity and desperation but there should be limits. Breeze' obsession with escaping her poor life just knows no bounds. She'll do just anything, even cheat, lie and do much worse if it means she could wear expensive clothes and expensive things. The sky is the limit and nothing could stop her from getting what she wants. Oblivious Ricky was no match for her.

What I liked about the story is how Ricky came to realize his losses after Breeze dropped him. He realized what Breeze was after all along and he also realized his worth, what he can do and the things he needed to do which he should have done before. The story ended with a very happy note, with Ricky and her elder sister from Hong Kong reunited in the Philippines. They can work on the dreams they used to talk about as kids and finally have the lives that they deserve, not dependent on another person who he thought could add meaning to his life but by leaning on and repaying back the love that had helped him become successful in his career. Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet reminds us of the most important things in life. Love, family and friends. Sometimes we try to look for love elsewhere, only to find it in our simple beginnings - in the care and dedication of our siblings and family, and the time to return the same love, nurturing and comfort they've given to us when they badly need it. And this is true enough for Ricky. All the success in the world, the large salary he's getting and all the rich people he comes in contact with could never silence the one thing his heart has kept telling him to do. It was time to man up and be the man in the family. Finally! Good job, Ricky.

I give this book 4/5 flying carpets. How the author explained why the story was called Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet is probably the best part of the story. The insights into the Muslim and Arab culture is also very educational. I was so disappointed in Ricky's character the whole part of the story and I even wonder how he'd be able to redeem himself. I could easily overlook his failed relationship with Breeze. He was just too trusting and he refuses to see what's been nagging him subconsciously. But his sister is a another story altogether. He knows he needs to do something for his sister, Eunice and he knows it's absolutely within his power but he just simply put it off. The breakup with Breeze was actually the best thing that happened to him because it opened up his eyes to the most important things. Family.

I was actually thinking of using lychees but I really hated Breeze' character so I don't want to use the lychee as an allusion to her though the story about the Lychee Park is a good story.

One thing I also noticed and I also read it in one other review, is that the story was lacking a little humor. The story was a bit too serious and a little light touch would have made it a lot better. I enjoyed it but a sprinkle of little fun and sunny parts would have made it more. Probably, a little less sad because the part about the flying carpet need not only be the one happy thing about the whole story altogether.

One character in the story who I really like is Walid. He's Ricky's friend who is rumored to be a bastard son of a Kuwaiti royal. I like his honesty. He has no qualms about stating the bullshit and admitting to his faults and the faults of his people. Here are one of the things he said:

That's what's wrong with us. Our wealth is a curse. It prevents us from doing anything for ourselves.

Truth is never what you know. It is how you know. Real truth is a journey. It transcends the fizz of details that come and go along the way.

 - Igor Martek, Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet -

Thanks, Igor Martek and Netgalley, for the review copy. I was very curious to know if you were a Filipino. I actually had to Google it. Thanks for being able to find the life of Ricky a good subject for a book. I know Ricky represents a lot more than just being a Filipino working in the Middle East but thanks for giving a life to his story and sharing it with the rest of the world. More power to you and I hope that you write more stories such as this that captures real-life and its struggles. 

Chronicles of the Anti-Christ by J.M. Harrison | A Book Review

I actually had a hard time starting this post. It's not that I don't know what to say about the book but it's more of saying something that will eventually lead to the story. What recent event would somehow relate to the story? I could actually think of one. The recent incident in the sea involving a local fishing vessel that was allegedly intentionally hit by another fishing vessel but albeit bigger and belongs to a foreign nation who's not supposed to be fishing within our territorial waters. This is currently a very hot issue since our head of the nation clearly stated in his interview that we should just let them be if we don't want another world war. Who wants one, right? But there should be other ways in which we can insist our sovereignty and rights without resulting to firearms and violent means. It doesn't have to end in a war. Anyway, there's a lot that could still be said about this topic but it's also causing me headaches. So, I'd rather not delve deeper into it and it's probably more suited to another platform. But I am thankful to those who are standing up and protesting in front of the embassy of that foreign nation. Go on and never stop until they hear our voices. We are done being ignored and treated like we are insignificant. And to all those lawmakers who are also fighting for our government to make a stand, please don't ever tire of fighting. If there's a need for every Filipino to rally and make a stand, then let's do that. 

Chronicles of the Anti-Christ, how does the above relate to this book? Well, it's about fighting for what's right and just. Fighting for what's good, even if you are pitted against a very powerful opponent. Never lose hope. Just keep fighting! 

This book talks about the anti-Christ. And guess where that anti-Christ would come from? From whose seed would that person rise from? Make a guess. If you thought of Hitler, then you are on the right track. From all the conquerors, dictators and villains that have ever lived, I think Hitler is hailed the most vicious, greedy and evil. He killed millions of Jews and more. So, this story's proposition that the next anti-Christ would likely come from his bloodline is not too far out. It's actually the mostly likely possibility. I do agree.

I can't exactly remember if I read this book in one go or I stopped somewhere. All I could remember was how the story held some truth and the likelihood of it really happening. I hope never. That possibility ever becoming a reality is very grim, even if this was set in the US. The likelihood of another dictator and lunatic plotting world domination as his life goals is a very dark future. I hope it doesn't ever come true even if it won't happen in this lifetime. I hope the world would never again know of any dictator or megalomaniac dead set on having the world for his own or for any other self-serving purpose. It's dreadful to just even think of it and this story clearly paints that horrible picture. 

But with the way things are happening, especially with my country, it's not going to surprise me if another dictator comes into the open and proclaim his life's mission. At the same time, I'm also hopeful that there will be brave men and women, just like in this story, who will resist and find ways to outwit the Goliath and foil his grand plans. There will always be people who will risk their lives to expose the conspiracies and evil plans just to save many more. My country is a land of heroes, from Lapulapu to Dagohoy, to Bonifacio, to modern nameless Filipinos, who are fighting for justice and equality every day. This little and may be insignificant country to some, will never run out of fearless men and women who will risk everything to keep our freedom and sovereignty. Even if we are beset by countless problems from all directions, our faith, our hope even in the hopeless will continue to give us the strength of character to fight. Don't ever underestimate your enemy. Remember, the littlest ants sting the most.

So, again, this story painting the possibility of an anti-Christ is not far from reality. It's very believable. Harrison paints a dystopian America in this book but also very remarkable and very brave characters who will also stop at nothing to keep this new anti-Christ's plan from ever coming true. This is a very engaging story which will make you fear the worst but also hopeful because there are people who will save the day. And like most stories, the good always wins. No matter how battered and wounded, the hero will keep rising to his feet. He will fight to his last breath. This story also illustrates that no matter how formidable the enemy could be, but if all people, no matter how common or lowly, if they band together and stand up for one common goal, then the possibility of defeating the enemy is not impossible. There is always strength in numbers. And when more than two heads are working, then better and brighter ideas are likely to come out. 

I give this book 3.5/5 phoenix. The two main characters here - Jacob and Arianna represent real people. Jacob, who's too close to Martin Voors refuses to believe that he could be the evil incarnate hiding behind a very charismatic persona. Arianna, a fearless reporter who survived a rape and still, she never let that deter her from getting to the truth. These two characters made the story hopeful and I root for them. Sometimes, beating the enemy also requires beating him at his own game, breaking the rules and sometimes even a gentle persuasion or blackmail would do. Desperate situations call for even desperate and crazy measures. 

I cannot consider myself a true Christian.  I have done  too many things that cannot be forgiven even by Christ, but I sympathize with them. 

- J.M. Harrison, Chronicles of the Anti-Christ - 

Thank you again, J.M. Harrison for the paperback copy. Sorry, it took 48 years to post this review.

The Debt and The Doormat by Laura Barnard | A Book Review

It's a long weekend because of the July 4th. I work for a US company so I also enjoyed the long weekend.  I was feeling under the weather for the last two days so all I did was binge watch Korean dramas and movies. I was planning to write my very overdue book reviews but was feeling so uninspired. I have written very few reviews this year because when I get home from work, all I want to do is sleep. And on weekends, all I want to do are activities that do not involve brain function. Don't get me wrong, I love to write but it has been quite hard for me to find the time to really sit down and channel my emotion and thoughts. I guess, when you feel like you lack sleep and so stressed, it's a bit hard to focus. And I take writing my book reviews seriously. I need to be able to capture the emotions I felt when I read the book and convey it to the readers (to a few who read this blog). So, here I am again, trying to speak my thoughts. 

So, The Debt and The Doormat, I received this last year. I also read it last year, just haven't gotten around to posting a review. I was supposed to review the other books but it turned out I didn't have any pictures yet so I have to just review another one. I chose this book because this was so fun when I read it. This is a romantic comedy set in the UK. Yes, the voices of the characters when I was reading this were in British. 

The main character of the story is Poppy. Honestly, I am not sure if I like Poppy. Her character is not exactly the most admirable book character I have encountered but she had her good points too. Most of the time, I feel sorry for Poppy, especially with her obnoxious Mom. She can't seem to be honest with her Mom or if she did try, she was brushed aside. Yes, it seemed like it's so easy for people to not take her seriously and walk over her. Poor Poppy. Even her best friend, Jazz, seems to not take Poppy seriously sometimes, though she loves Poppy dearly. 

All in all, this was a fun read yet there would be times that you would feel irritated with the way the characters are acting. Sometimes you want to knock on their heads to put sense into the them. Poppy and Jazz' characters are not exactly lovable but you will feel like you want to get involved in their lives and help them. That's how the story was to me. I felt like wanting to be one of the characters and tell Poppy to stand up for herself and tell Jazz to grew a pair and start becoming a responsible adult. Good thing that these two actually developed and become better people by the end of the story. But a lot has to happen, mostly to Poppy, to make her see that people have been walking all over her and she just let them. 

One of the most delicate situations in this story was the one involving infidelity and the people involved are related to Poppy. She had caught the cheating couple and the dilemma is to tell the partners of these two what's going on. If I were Poppy, I would have told my brother. The truth will surely hurt and maybe destroy their marriage but I won't stand and just let my brother be made a fool. 

I think the flaw in Poppy's character is that she was unsure of herself, which most of us are also. But then again, even so, we have to know our strengths also. We have to know our values. What things do we love most and we should stand up for those things. We shouldn't let people just trample on them or destroy them. Somewhere, we have to draw the line where being nice and being such a pushover ends. But then, some people don't even realize that they've been taken advantage of. That they've been made a doormat. I guess, if I were one of Poppy's friends, I would have told her already. Of all the characters here, only one person was honest and cared enough to tell Poppy. It was Ryan. I would have done the same thing Ryan did. I would tell Poppy over and over how she's encouraging people to walk all over her. She should push back. I know her heart is in the right place but sometimes you have to tell people off. I am just happy that at the end, it all worked out for Poppy.

I gave this book 4/5 doormats. As I have said, Poppy is not the best character I've ever read but the whole book was entertaining that even if I have to read it again for the second time to make sure that I write my review right, it still felt like reading it for the first time. It was as entertaining as I remembered it. And that means a lot to me because I don't exactly reread books. To me rereading books either mean two things- one is I didn't understand the story or the book wasn't very memorable. The other is there is a need for me to read the story again because I badly needed to be reminded of how the story made me feel and I needed to feel that emotion in that very moment. There are stories that I have to reread because I needed to feel good about myself. I very rarely reread books. I reread this book because I am unsure of some of the details. Again, not liking Poppy's character so much, I had to be reminded of why I felt that way. With that said, I am not saying that this is not a worthy read. It is. I enjoyed it so much and the fact that Poppy's character bothers me so much is in itself evidence that the story got to me. Me being involved in Poppy's well-being is saying that I do care for Poppy although I wished she were firmer in her convictions. 

Maybe it won't be that bad to fancy someone a little bit. It might actually be good for me. He might be like medicine to me, a bit of a remedy. I just hope he doesn't turn out to be poison.

- Laura Barnard, The Debt and The Doormat -

Thank you again, Laura Barnard for the review book. 

All the Hidden Pieces by Jillian Thomadsen | A Book Review

It's halfway of May already. It's summer here in the Philippines and it's scorching hot. We haven't been to the beach yet. My summer did have a good start. I went to Korea last April and it was spring there but it felt like it was still winter. The air was still freezing cold. I had a blast though. I had a lot of first experiences in South Korea which I will treasure for the rest of my life. I felt so alive and it's been quite a while since I've felt like that. 

So, this book is a suspense-thriller. At first glance, you may think that it's a bit of drama. I thought so. The title seems to suggest that some secrets are about to be uncovered. Major drama, right? Well, not too far out. This book is really a revelation. There's family drama, I give you that. Yes, secrets are about to be revealed and more.

I know I've said in my previous posts that I am a mystery, suspense, thriller fan. It's my favorite genre. The guessing game and the excitement keeps me glued to the stories. And being such a big fan, I have become familiar with some of the things that come with thriller stories. I then start to formulate my own theories as to how the rest of the story will unfold or who the killer is or what the big mystery is about. Unfortunately, in this book, my experience and great affinity with mysteries wasn't very helpful. This is a very riveting story and a few suspects were thrown in but were actually too far from what really is going on. And that's the best part. I love that a story could throw me out of my wits and keep me wondering. And at the end of it all, I was flabbergasted because it was totally different. It's a satisfaction every reader loves, to be thrown out of the loop, yet the ending is way way much better for it. I crave that kind of high. This story delivered it all with much gusto and much more.

Nothing could have prepared me for this story. The blurb may have been a bit longer than usual but there's more to it. You would think that it has summarized the story in all its essence but you are very very wrong. There's more and much more. I love it! That's why it's good to read blurbs to at least know what you're walking into. But it's much more satisfying, like ice-cold water after a parching walk under the sun, to read each page and find out that there's a great deal more to know. It's an adventure in itself going through each page and be more confused and horrified that all your theories had to be scrapped. It's a great satisfaction to realize that the author is a master and has played you cruelly in her hands. Cruel because you can never figure it out for yourself. 

I had the time of my life reading this book. I never put it down. I had to finish it if I wanted to maintain my sanity. I need to find all the hidden pieces and where each character fits into the story. The ending was so far out of my thoughts that it was a relief and really satisfying to finally know. Ah, what a great adventure it is having to accompany Detective Hobbs and be as astounded as she is when the truth finally hit her. It was wow! 

I can't say enough how I have enjoyed this story and how I was confused and bewildered by the turn of events. I was actually happy to be confused and be out of my wits figuring it out. It's one of the best things about this book. You will never know. So, I gave this 5/5 puzzle pieces. Everything just fits perfectly.

There was something about accepting an apology so many years after the fact that made it insufferable. It was like the nominal payment of a library fee many years after the book had been destroyed in a horrible fire - long after the fine was written off.

- Jillian Thomadsen, All the Hidden Pieces - 

Thank you again, Jillian Thomadsen for the review copy. I'm looking forward to your next stories that would make me confused yet satisfied at the end.

Be A Better You by Inte and Chiara Alfonso | A Book Review

It's been a while since my last post. April had been a very busy month both at work and in my personal life. I went to South Korea. It's been a while also since the last time I got to travel abroad. I'd say, it's one of the most memorable trips ever. There were a  lot of things I got to do and experiences that are bound to help me face whatever challenges ahead. The best thing is I got to be the best version of myself again. 

Be a Better You is a book I won in Goodreads. It 's a self-help book in finding yourself, being a better version of yourself and how to be just better in whatever aspect of your life. The things written here are not new. I'm sure, you've heard and read them already but what's different is it's given in small and very practical doses. No lengthy explanations or examples, plus really really cool artworks for each nugget of wisdom. 

I think the most important nugget of wisdom that I want to share from the book is about loving one's self. I know I don't think I love myself enough. I have to remind myself that putting myself first is not wrong and loving myself is not being selfish. I think the author also agrees that this is the most important thing because he put it in the very first part of the book. It's first and foremost and above all else, because if you love yourself, then you are secure and confident in everything you do. You're sure of yourself that you don't have to feel jealous or envious of others' success or fortune. You'll feel happy for them instead. I say that I don't love myself enough because I have self-esteem issues. I grew up so shy and so unsure of myself. Being bullied didn't help too. I felt like I was an easy target for ridicule and insults. I don't know why. I mostly keep to myself. I have friends but only later in life did I really get to understand what real friends are. Real friends make you feel better about yourself. They help you be better and accept you no matter who you are. There are no conditions. They love you for all the good and the faults and through the happy days and the difficult ones. That's why, I don't exactly spend much on material things but rather on experiences. I wanted to be enriched by traveling and meeting new people. Reading helps a lot too. Clothes and jewelry does not make a person but kindness, humility, integrity and respect for others do. So, here is the quote:

Therefore the most important thing about love is that you love yourself. Why is it important to love yourself, because once you love yourself you know what love is and then you know how to love others. 

To love yourself is to learn to be happy with yourself and let the inner energy within yourself shine and radiate out. 

Like the above quote says, if you are happy, you mostly likely want people around you to be happy. Misery loves company. If you are miserable, almost often, you would want people around you to be miserable as well. Most of the time, more miserable than you are. That's why some people would try so hard to pull people down with them because they are so unhappy. Seeing people happy is an eyesore to them.

Be a Better You is a very concise and easy to read book. It's very handy and very practical. It doesn't talk of very technical concepts. It is a very good guide to living everyday life and how to be a better person each day. Lastly, I do agree with what the author says about having things to live by, mainly principles to follow. This is very basic and as you try to follow each principle everyday, it will be so ingrained in you that it would be second-nature. 

So, with that said, I give this book 3.5 paper cranes. Why paper cranes? Because the cover is that of an origami crane. I know of a story wherein if you make a thousand paper cranes, whatever you wish for will come true. I think this story also symbolizes what this book stands for. That if you practice to be better everyday, then nothing is going to stop you from achieving your goals, reaching your dreams and be the best of what you can be. No one becomes a champion overnight. Constant practice is the key. Practice makes perfect. Everything good and fulfilling comes with hard work.

Thanks again, Inte and Chiara Alfonso and Goodreads for the book.