The Time-keeper by Mitch Albom | A Book Review

I borrowed this book from a friend who is going through a hard battle. Reading this made me understand his struggles more and even shared in the experience. He let me get a glimpse of what he has to go through and he was right in saying that he would rather be broke. I didn't pity him but it was empathy I felt. Getting to know him, in a way, gave me a feel of how it is to be in his shoes. And they are uncomfortable.  It made me realize, in spite of the struggles and the lack of a few things, I should still be grateful that I am not wearing his shoes because I am not sure if I would survive. I realize he is a much stronger person than I am.

Reading a Mitch Albom always generates a melancholy feeling. After reading a few of his books and add in this one, I came to the conclusion that the name Mitch Albom equates  to melancholy, even sad. But at the end, it would be like a transcending experience. Just like reading the books of Paulo Coelho, you will feel like you have found a new nugget of wisdom that could not be found elsewhere. 

Honestly, of all the author's books, this is probably the book that I love the least. I don't hate it. It's just OK. I don't think it's as great as the other books I have read. I think the first two parts of the book were very solemn and slow. Solemn because it felt like the story was tiptoeing, like it was unsure. It was very serious. It was like a teacher giving a lecture and you have to listen very attentively or else you won't be able to pass the pop quiz after. It's as if there's no room for humor or sarcasm or witticism. Silent because it's voice is too weak. I am tempted to find something else to read but since the book isn't too thick, I carried on. I know, at the end of every Mitch Albom is a great life lesson and I don't want to miss it.

The ending made up for the earlier parts which were not as engaging to me as the final third of the story. Contrary to the first two thirds of the book, the ending made a bang. It was all I was waiting for. The symphony of a well-rehearsed orchestra performing its finale song for the performance of the night. And the life lesson that I have been waiting for made its appearance and looked me in the eye.

Of the two characters that Father Time had to help, I can find myself in the young girl who found that her life is without meaning. When I was younger, I actually thought that getting to thirty is too far. It is still a very long way. Would I ever reach that age? And now, I am past that age and I realized I have gone past about half of a normal person's lifetime. It's as if I don't know what to do with my life anymore. I think I am years too early for a mid-life crisis. People usually have mid-life crisis in their forties. I don't want to end my life, I am just frustrated. I have a lot of things I want to do like travel, new hobbies, and new experiences to try, but I feel like I am not prepared to face the problems that came with adulting. I feel like my plans only considered and anticipated things up to my twenties, I did not take into account reaching this age. Honestly, I even thought I'd die in my mid thirties. Well, I am not out of the woods yet, but I realized I don't want to die yet. I want to grow old but I also don't want to grow old alone, bitter, and miserable. I'd rather end where I am in my finest. Just like what artists, celebrities, and other successful people say, "Better quit while you are on top than when you are at your lowest or weakest." I would like to leave this life filled with great experiences I had than being beset with disappointments and sorrows that had slowly eaten my zest for life. 

I give the book 3/5 egg timers. The story is a classic Mitch Albom complete with a life lesson at the end and an experience that you don't get from any other book. But I was not so engaged in the first two thirds of the story. I was looking for something but could not exactly tell what it is that I was looking for. I had great expectations about the book because of the author but unfortunately my expectations were not met. The lesson of the story, just like the end of every fable, is to make use of time wisely. Live life to the fullest and that is putting the things that matter most first, like family and friends. This story puts things in perspective, just like every other Mitch Albom story I have read, which is also one of the few merits of this story. The other life lesson is hope. That no matter how dark times get, there is always hope. And I fervently believe that but sometimes just getting small sparks of hope is never enough. I have reached a point where I need a full blazing forest fire. Small sparks won't do for me anymore. I need something bigger and more tangible. 

There is a reason God limits our days.

Why?

To make each one precious. 

- Mitch Albom, The Time-keeper - 

The Smallest Thing by Lisa Manterfield | A Book Review

I have been MIA for about three weeks. I have another endeavor which I'm trying really hard to work out.  I am currently home away from home and I am hoping that this is going to be the break that I have been waiting for. I am praying that the Lord will have mercy on me and finally grant me this fervent wish.  I have asked the help of all my prayer warriors and from all the angels and saints in heaven to help pray for me also. 

One other reason which contributed to my being MIA from the blogging and the book world is that some keys on my laptop (technically my brother's which I borrowed) are not working. And they turned out to be the most used keys. What a pain it is! I have to resort to using the on-screen keyboard which is not as easy as the usual. I think it would take me a very long time to finish this review.  So, I might as well get on it.

Oh, did I mention that this review was supposed to be due the first day of August? Yes! I am way past the very dead deadline.  I have sent an email to ebooksforreview.com of my challenge. And this has been truly testing my patience and resourcefulness.

Like the story, we would never know how the smallest thing could affect or alter an aspect of our life. Just like the on-going challenge I am experiencing. I never thought that I would ever have this kind of problem and it affects me greatly because the laptop is my partner in this blogging and book reviewing lifestyle. I felt handicapped by this. The Smallest Thing is about a 17-year old girl who can't wait to leave her small town and live and breathe London. Until, a series of deaths in the neighborhood lead to more complications and heartbreaks. If you ask me, what happened in this book was not really a small thing. It was very huge and had affected the life of the main character Emmott and her small town deeply, that made her grow into a mature and selfless woman. 

I can relate to Emmott very closely. I think we have been all under a similar situation where we made plans for our future and have painstakingly and religiously took care of the details but then by some fortuitous event abruptly change all those plans. And all those other backup plans we prepared for such eventuality don't even apply. And the most heartbreaking thing of all, is we are forced to change the direction we are heading. We are not only forced to alter our plans but scrapped it all and do something else. The exact opposite. Even, start over. And much to our surprise and relief, everything works out in the end.

The story is very realistic. It truthfully mirrors real-life. Like how diamonds are made, we too have to undergo a similar process of polishing by going through high pressure and extreme temperatures to bring out our shine and be the best of what we are. We become strong because we have been tested and have survived situations we thought we could never get out alive. And like in the story, the simplest gestures often mean a  whole lot to others. Yes, a random act of kindness goes a long way. It gives hope to some. And for some people, they just need the tiniest spark.

My only wish was that it ended with a clear note on Aiden. He was key to the change in Emmott's character so it's just fair that his character should deserve a better picture of how he turned out in the end of the story.   

I give the book 4.5/5 Big Ben Towers. This is a very unassuming book but it packs a punch. It may say small but it would fill your heart with overwhelming emotions. Emmott started out as a typical teenager who can't wait to spread her wings and be her own person, like we were all were. Then, ends up doing the opposite because it was the right and the best thing to do. The situation demanded that she think beyond herself and she rose up to the challenge.

 

I don't have much to offer--a friendly face, a kind word, and a simple human touch, the smallest thing--but it's better than nothing.

- Lisa Manterfield, The Smallest Thing - 

Thank you again, Kathy of ebooksforreview.com for the copy. Sorry for the delayed post.

 

Sad Girls by Lang Leav | A Book Review

Sad Girls

by: Lang Leav

Publication date: May 30th 2017

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming of Age

“Your first love isn’t the first person you give your heart to—it’s the first one who breaks it.”

Sad Girls is the much anticipated debut novel from international best-selling author Lang Leav. A beautifully written and emotionally charged coming of age story, where young love, dark secrets, and tragedy collide.

School is almost out for Audrey, but the panic attacks are just beginning. Because Audrey told a lie and now her classmate, Ana, is dead. Just as her world begins to spin out of control, Audrey meets the enigmatic Rad—the boy who could turn it all around. But will their ill-timed romance drive her closer to the edge?

This is my first time to read a Lang Leav. I have heard that her previous books of poetry were a hit. I was so thrilled when I was approved by Netgalley to review this book. This is her first novel. Finally, I will be able to experience her writing prowess.

Which do you want to hear first? Good news or the bad news?

I will start with the good news because I think the bad ones would likely overpower the good ones. Yes, I have a few good reactions to this book. I also want you all to read this whole review, so starting with the bad things will likely lead you to not read through the rest of this post.

The one thing that I could clearly remember was painstakingly rooted to the pages. I was, in some bizarre way, unexpectedly, wanted to finish the whole book. I wanted to get to the end. I wanted to know how all this turned out. And I am giving myself a pat in the back for making it through the last page, even if my subconscious was telling me to just let the book go. I ended up finishing this at 3am. I get an "A" for patience and perseverance.

I also like the concept of a"toolbox". It means we are all like a toolbox. We add in stuff and build on it. The more tools you have, the more you fare in life. This made a lot of sense to me and I am actually thinking of applying this school of thought.

I'm trying to wrack my brain for some other positive things to say.
...
...
...

Sorry, I can't seem to find anything more. Let's just go ahead to the not so positive things I have for this book. First, the lack of emotional connection. That's the most important thing for me. For the author to be able to reach out and touch the readers. To make me feel like I am an active participant in the story. That I have a stake in the outcome of the events and how the characters were changed or evolved in the story. I kept trying to locate that elusive string that tugs at my heart in this but unfortunately, could not find a single thread. I am not sure why. The main character, Audrey, went through something tragic and traumatic, but I just can't seem to empathize with her. In some way, her character even felt disconnected to her own experiences. And until now, I can't seem to fathom why.

Second, how the story ended. I think it was not right. It can't be! Audrey and Rad, didn't feel like two main characters in a story worthy of emulation or inspiring at all. These two did not make amends for all the hurt and pain they have caused. Yes, they never intended everything to turn out so badly and for lives to be lost resulting from their actions or inaction, but I can't seem to swallow that they just let everything be. There was no resolution. I don't think they deserve to be together yet. Rad should have paid the price for what he did or failed to do. And Audrey should have been the one to move Rad to do the right thing. Audrey should have owned up to her part in all of it also. I think their characters have both been tainted because of what happened and the lack of redemption at the end of the story was just so frustrating and horrible. I can't accept it.

Third, I don't know how the characters came to be created but I think they were the worst I have encountered ever. Main characters are supposed to be inspiring and models of transformation and survival. No matter how flawed and how bad they were at the start, in the end there should at least be some kind of "Eureka" moment where one of them inspired the other to be selfless and even offer him/herself up as the sacrificial lamb just to make amends for all the wrong done. I think, there was only one "Eureka" moment in this story and it was for Audrey which turned out to be a false-alarm. In Audrey's moment of clarity, she came to realize the impact and the magnitude of what they had done but then it evaporated just as quickly as it appeared. She resolved that she could not ignore her and Rad's love and their idea of moving on and starting over is just so twisted. Bury everything and just move on. Do these two have a conscience?

Fourth, this story repeatedly talked about love. The real, all-encompassing, forgiving and great love but it portrayed it in such a distorted way that I hope no one will ever mistake it as a good example. I think there are a lot of ways this book could have ended which would have resolved all the questions of morality, values and other factors. A better ending could have saved this and I would have at least felt that all is not totally lost.

And lastly, I simply do not want to comment on the rest of the characters. I think they should have been given more interesting personalities and more exposure. After all, the title did say sad girls, right? Plural. It seemed that this just focused on one sad girl--Audrey. In some ways, some of the characters were bad examples and simply did not help in the formation of the two main characters' well being and outlook in life. 

I am really sorry but I think this book gets 1.5/5 sad faces. I am so distraught to give this rating. It was just sad how this book turned out. I did hear a lot of disappointed reviews about this but I assure you, I was not in any way influenced by them. I tried to be as objective as possible, even though it was easier to just not write a review at all. I think, this book failed me. Maybe like everyone else, I will favor her poetry books better. I have about two of them lined up in my TBR.

You are a toolbox, and you have to add stuff to it and build on it. I think the more tools you have, the better life gets.

- Lang Leav, Sad Girls - 

Thank you again, Netgalley for the review copy. 

 

The Tribulations of August Barton (August Barton #1) by Jennifer LeBlanc | A Book Review

The Tribulations of August Barton 
by: Jennifer LeBlanc 

Publication date: October 25th 2016
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, New Adult

August Barton could never have mentally prepared himself for his freshman year of college: not only has his anxiety increased, but his parents are divorcing, his new roommate thinks Augie is the biggest nerd in existence, and his grandma, a retired prostitute named Gertie, has taken to running away from her nursing home. Augie just wants to hole up in his dorm room with his Star Wars collectables and textbooks, but Gertie is not about to let that happen. What ensues is a crazy ride including naked trespassing, befriending a local biker gang, and maybe-just maybe-with Augie defeating his anxiety and actually getting the girl.

 
This is a coming of age story of August Barton. Finally, he has the confidence to come out of his shell and do the things he never thought he would ever do. Of course, his new (mis)adventures were courtesy of his very cool and lively Grandma. What a hoot this book is. An absolutely enjoyable story that will let you forget your worries temporarily with all of Grandma Gertie's stories and antics. This story just proved that there's nothing wrong with hanging out with old people, some of them may just turn out to be just what our soul needs--a taste of adventure and penchant for breaking the rules.

One thing that struck me in this story was Grandma Gertie's character. She is not ashamed of her being a former prostitute. I think she is even proud that she was the "Floozy of Freemont Street". I guess her saying that was without malice but with a conviction that she did her best during a very hard time. Hard times call for desperate measures. She rolled with the punches to survive. A very admirable trait. She also said that being a prostitute, she also tried to help the men who came to her. She listened to them and helped them navigate the issues and problems that beset them. To her, she did not just offer physical relief but also sorted out the emotional and psychological needs of her customers. But I am not advocating that it is okay to be a prostitute. 

In a way, I could relate to August. I was once shy and very unsure of myself. At times, I still am. I feel like I wanted the floor to swallow me whole, especially in very awkward situations. I did not have a strong self-esteem growing up. I never wanted attention directed at me. I would gladly hide in the shadows and be the one behind the scenes. So, I found it very easy to associate with August and how it feels to be in an environment outside of the comfort zone. Unlike August, I did not have a highly-spirited grandma who would push me beyond the limits of my safety and comfort. Whatever confidence I found now and love for adventure, I painstakingly have to work through and it helped a lot being around people who made me want to be the  best of who I am. People who are oozing with positivity that I can't help but be like them.

I learned one new term or word in this story--Gerontology, which I never ever heard before. If it's the first time you heard this word, them welcome to the club. Gerontology means the study of caring for old people, how to improve the ways to care for them. And if you are wondering how that came into the story, then better read this book. When I found out the relevance of this word to the whole tale, I was very surprised and felt that it was still premature to conclude, but I was already drawn to this cute, unassuming and clueless August character.

I also loved the ending. It was a perfect ending of all the grand comedic endings of great proportions. I never saw it coming. I was absolutely tickled and it left me with a promise that more misadventures of August and Gertie and her cohorts are yet to come. More are coming and I am so so so freaking looking forward to them.

I give this book 4.5/5 toy cars. I adored the characters of this story. They were perfectly written with very unique personalities in mind that were very memorable. Every time I think about this story or one of the characters, I would surely have a smile on my face as I reminisce the hilarious and shocking (I mean it in a good way) situations in this book. I can't help but shake my head in disbelief, at the same time, be amused at all the funny and awkward situations August had to face, compliments of his Grandma and her daring accomplice--Tunes. There was never a dull moment in this story. I would love to see this in the big screen. I am sure this is going to be a hit and a riot! I was right! Just looking at the cover and the title of this book, it already said a lot and it holds a promise (aside from the very fantastic ending) that you will never be sorry for picking up this book.

...how time was as infinite as the space above. The future shortly became the past and one could never predict how things would turn out.

- Jennifer LeBlanc, The Tribulations of August Barton - 

 

 Thank you again, Giselle, of Xpressobooktours for the copy.

The Absence of Evelyn by Jackie Townsend | A Book Review

This story took me back to my trip in Hanoi, specifically the Halong Bay cruise. It was my first time to be on a cruise and I felt like big bucks. There were just about 20 of us in the junk and we felt like we owned the boat. It was only an overnight stay in Halong Bay after a tour of the floating villages, pearl farm and the big cave in one of the islands. We kayaked in tandem. It was an amazing experience except for the fact that Halong Bay is not exactly as beautiful as in the pictures. The water was not clear and there was even a smell which is not the same refreshing and revitalizing salty air you would usually breathe when at sea.

The Absence of Evelyn is a story of familial love. The love between sisters. The love between parents and kids. The love between mothers and daughters. The story revolved around three women--Evelyn, Rhonda and Olivia. Evelyn and Rhona are sisters. Olivia is the adopted daughter of Rhonda. The story will take you through the longing of Olivia for her real parents and Rhonda's getting to terms with the absence of Evelyn.

I always love stories about women--women's literature. There is always this poignant display of emotions when you talk about women. Our pain, disappointments, triumphs and struggles are always filled with more intensity and drama. I guess, it has to do with us women being emotional beings. We are drama queens at some point in our lives and even if we try to downplay some of these emotions, they still show and come up to the surface. It's in our anatomy. It's how we were made. We were made to feel and exhibit those emotions. We were made to share and spread these feelings out to the world. We were made to feel deeply and passionately about a lot of things, especially about things that we hold dear like family and friends.

At first, I kept asking who is Evelyn and what she is in this story. Then, as the dynamics between Rhonda and Olivia was explained it slowly became evident the role of Evelyn in their lives. She is the glue that held all the connections between Olivia, Rhonda, Carlotta and Marco. With her absence, it seemed that the link has been severed also. Some of them were left drifting like Marco, finding no reason to live. Others like Rhonda became scared and fearful of the changes. Olivia, on the other hand, was looking for that something to make her whole. 

I liked how one Skype call changed everything.  It prompted the series of events that moved all these people into each other's orbit. It propelled each person to reach out and in turn each one discovered what's the significance of the other. It was like playing connect the dots. It all starts and ends with Evelyn.

This is a very moving story of finding oneself. To realize that the one thing you were looking for was right in front of you. To find that there is someone or people out there who cherished the same things as you do and you have a common ground--a connection that could never be erased by distance or time. That knowing where you came from can actually lead you to finding the person you want to become.

I give this 4/5 junk boats. I was not happy with the ending. Not everything was resolved. Marco should have done something to make up for his shortcomings and for the time that were wasted. What happened to Marco's character made the ending incomplete. All the other characters in the story had been able to find solace but not Marco. I think it was so cowardly of him to not face his situation. I think he should have been thankful instead of turning his back. I wished there was a better ending for Marco. I think he too deserved some measure of happiness and peace after all that he has been through.

She stood, listening to the silence, a silence so unlike the one she knew--the desert--dried up and hollowed out, empty. But this silence was different. Full and lush and alive. She felt strangely attuned to it, the soft wind, like a howling animal.

- Jackie Townsend, The Absence of Evelyn -

 Thank you again Netgalley for the copy.

Trembling Leaf by T. L. Kole | A Book Review

I got this book through Goodreads. I am a member of Oprah's Book Club and one of the members who is also an author posted about giving her books for free in exchange for a review. I got this way back November last year but was not able to read it until last March. 

The Trembling Leaf is a story of a woman who had a hard life. She was deprived of a mother's unconditional love. Her self-esteem is so fragile. This is a recounting of her sad life as an eldest child, a teenager seeking to fit in, a woman working hard and eventually finding love but then got her heart broken. This talked more of the pains than of triumphs.

The main character Yasmine, grew up disillusioned and hungry for a mother's love and attention. Her manipulative mother preyed on her to coerce her to do her bidding. Her father was her only source of comfort and strength at home. She grew up believing she's ugly and unremarkable. This insecurity has taken a deep root in her being that even after she found the love of her life, this insecurity kept popping to the surface and eventually led her to leave her husband instead of working out their marriage.

The story was written in  a way that it alternates between the retelling of the past in a form of a journal entry and the current time. This goes on from the beginning until the last part that there were instances where in I was confused whether I was reading about an event in the not so distant past or the current. That was the main issue I had with this book. I thought the retelling of her childhood was unnecessary but in the last part, it suddenly became clear that it was essential for the whole story to work. Though, I wished it was not so excruciatingly long. I think, the narration could have been more engaging.

The long narrative that lead to the current life of Yasmine, as I said, was justified because it strongly established the character flaws and personality of Yasmine. In short, there was only one thing that Yasmine was unable to do to change her life. She was powerless to change how her mother treated her but she had every power to make her marriage work. She should just have confronted Jack about whatever was bugging her and all her pains and fears after that should have been needless. She let her insecurity get the best of her and ruined her marriage because she refused to believe that she deserves happiness just like everyone else. She thought that by running away, it will make her problem and issues disappear. 

At least, the issue about the misunderstanding was resolved in the end, but only years after  which was too late but then the closure was what she needed. A lot of things have happened to Yasmine and Jack's individual lives in the years in between. 

I give this book 2/5 journals. I felt like this could have done better. The idea was good but the delivery, in a way, did not really appeal to me. It somehow failed to connect to me. There were a lot of passages here that contain wisdom and truths about life. That was one of the good things about this book. Also, I really love the prayer by Mother Theresa. It simply summarized how we should live our lives. So, here it is. It's one great code to live by.

Mother Theresa's Prayer

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others would destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. 

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. 

Thank you again, T. L. Kole for the copy. 

Hide the Elephant by Jonathan Dunne | A Book Review

This is my first time to read Jonathan Dunne. I got his book as a member giveaway in Library Thing.

You may ask, is this book talking about a real elephant or just a metaphor? Like the famous elephant in the room? 

This story is about Mick Munroe. He works at the zoo and is the keeper of the elephants. One of his charges is Sinbad, a 42-year old Indian elephant which is also the oldest elephant in the world. Sinbad is his best friend. Sinbad listens to Mick's stories and concerns. Sinbad according to Mick is a very good listener.

This is a very touching and heroic story of Mick and Sinbad. Mick is suffering from Alzheimer's and a depression that he was trying to deal, after the death of his wife. His only way of coping with the depression is working and caring for the elephants. Until he was forced to retire because he forgot to lock the enclosure and Sinbad got loose. After finding out that the person who took his place was a relative of the B**** in HR and having two hamsters in grade school was the only experience of caring for animals, Mick hang around the zoo in the hope of taking his job back. Then, Sinbad got hurt and what was supposed to be just a visit to his old friend turned into an elephant-napping.

This story talks of desperation and of loss. Mick's deep love and concern for his friend of 30 years--Sinbad, lead him to desperately save his friend from being abused and to spend his last lucid moments with his best friend, before the traitor Alzheimer finally take hold of his mind for good. These two's trek to the countryside turned out to be unexpected exploits of heroism. Their eventful journey and hilarious experiences had made them an inspiration to many.

I liked that the story ended with the unlikely pair as heroes and finally finding a home where they can both live and eventually die free and in peace.  

I give this story 5/5 Indian elephants. This is a poignant story told with humor that will make your heart bleed. This is indeed an "Idiot's Guide to Hiding a Humongous Elephant in Plain Sight". Definitely, a worthwhile read that explores friendship and loyalty between humans and taxiderms. This is like the human mind's last stand against the inevitable clutches of Alzheimer's before it finally takes over. Well done Jonathan Dunne!

Alzheimer's doesn't change your personality -- it makes you forget your personality.

- Jonathan Dunne, Hide the Elephant - 

Thank you again, Jonathan Dunne and Library Thing for the copy.

Gizelle's Bucket List: My Life With a Very Large Dog by Lauren Fern Watt | A Book Review

This is one heart-wrenching story between a girl and a very large dog. My eyes were gushing out with tears like a faucet. I have had the same experience as Lauren so I can relate very much to the story. I also lost a very good dog, though the circumstances were a lot different with what happened in this story. I was much younger than Lauren when it happened. I was in Grade School. Daisy was a mix between a Labrador and AsPin (Asong Pinoy, native breed of Filipino dogs). She did not die of a disease but all the same, all deaths, no matter what the cause, are all heartbreaking. There is no way to downplay the hurt and loss and the longing and emptiness that came after.

I think I signed up to review this book because of the dog on the cover. I am a dog-person. I always preferred dogs over cats or any other animals. Dogs are just smart, sympathetic, loyal and instinctive beings. They can smell your mood even a mile away and will be there just as you need them to be. When you are sad or had a bad day, they will cheer you up. If you are happy, they will share in your happiness and multiply it. They love unconditionally.

This story reminds me of my one and only dog. We never got any other dog after Daisy died because my mom would not want us to go through the same pain of loss again. Even more so when that loss was due to selfish people who have no care for other forms of life, especially animals. Daisy was killed by our neighbors because they wanted to eat meat. Asusena is the Filipino term for dog meat. Daisy had a golden orange fur and was big and healthy. Our jobless neighbors had been just biding their time to get a hold of her. Animal rights protection was not yet popular in the late 80's and 90's.  In as much as I remember the gory details of Daisy's death, I can also still vividly recall the happy and glorious times we had together. I think I was able to survive being bullied in Grade School because when I get home, she was there waiting for me bounding and full of energy. She would kiss all my cares and tears away. She made me forget whatever happened to me at school when I get home.

I always believed that the personality of the owners often manifests on their pets. Vicious pets are likely to have been maltreated or neglected by their owners while good ones are well-cared for and loved. So for me, a good dog always equals a good dog parent, because if you are a pet owner who cares and values your pet, you will make sure that it is clean, disciplined and tame.

The best and the most hilarious part of the story was the one where Gizelle was dragging the soccer goal with her. It was so funny. I was laughing out loud. I can still picture it in my head.

I bow to Lauren for being the best dog mom ever. She has done great for Gizelle. And if good dogs go to heaven, I am sure that Gizelle has put in a lot of good words for Lauren. I think she has done all that she can for Gizelle on this world and has made her as comfortable and happy as she can be. If all pet owners are like Gizelle, then there would be no need for the city pound or animal control. All pets would be happy and well-cared for.

I give this book 5/5 pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. This is a very inspiring story of giving back the unconditional love and unfading devotion our pets have given us. In spite, of what happened to Daisy, I still want to have a dog. One of these days, when my financial conditions are a lot better, I will adopt a dog from the pound. 

If you are a pet lover or not, you should read this book. There is a lot to learn from the relationship between Lauren and Gizelle.

I guess, when you bring a dog into your life, you are setting yourself up for a heartbreak, aren't you?

- Lauren Fern Watt, Gizelle's Bucket List - 

Thank you again, Lauren Fern Watt and Netgalley for the review copy.

The Sister Pact by Stacie Ramey | A Book Review

It's been a week since my last post. I have read quite a few books since but haven't been able to post any reviews. I have been feeling kind of down lately. And to top it all, my phone had gone bonkers. The LCD is not working and the service center can't repair it since it will be phased out. So, I will be DIY-ing it. I had to order the tiny screw drivers online so I could open the phone. Yes, I fancy myself a technical support girl. I actually worked as a TSR for an internet service company for almost two years. I help customers setup and troubleshoot their internet connections -DSL, WIFI and there was even dial-up. I'm crossing my fingers that I could get my phone to work again with the help of videos from YouTube.

Sister Pact is the third book that had me crying straight in a row. I had no idea I would have puffy eyes for three straight days. It was a very cleansing exercise. It's been a while since I cried really hard. The first of these books that had my tear ducts on overdrive was of course, Love and Gravity and the second was a story about a dog's bucket list which I still need to post a review. The book was like Marley and me. I bet, you cried while watching that movie too. Hatchiko was the most heartbreaking movie with a dog, for me.

I got this book as a prize from the author's giveaway. Thank you so much, Stacie Ramey for this very amazing book. This is one of the most touching reads ever. I think my blanket was wet with tears and snot because of this book. This had me weeping because of the deep and raw emotions it portrayed --love, disbelief, guilt, pain and heartache. I think this is similar to Colleen Hoover's Losing Hope but I think this book is more painstakingly heartbreaking. Probably, because the voice of the story is coming from a sister. The special relationship between sisters. The pact between sisters. 

I also have an elder sister and I can easily step into the shoes of Allie, the baby sister. I also admire and look up to her. When I was younger, I used to want to go with her when she went out with her friends. I always wanted to tag along but was not always possible. I can't remember ever fighting with my sister when we were younger. It seemed like we always got along or maybe she was just so patient with me or I was just being a very obedient little sister. I think she was probably the first person who treated me like a real adult growing up. I think she was the one who taught me to be responsible. And now that we are grown up, guess what? Almost all of her friends are my friends too. Yes, I am now an automatic plus one in her meet up and dinners with friends, even though she is now married and have two kids. 

So, it's not rocket science to feel so drawn and involved in this story. Having a sister for a best friend is the greatest ever. I for one, would do anything for my sister. I have once given up a job in Manila to move back to Cebu so I can support her and I would do this a thousand times over just to be there for her. And I think that was what this story was saying. A sister would do everything for another. That is just how sisters love each other. Allie wished she was able to do something for Leah. The excruciating pain, tormenting guilt and being blind-sided was too much. There were a lot of what-ifs, if-onlys, and should-have- beens that Allie wished she could have done for Leah. She wished she could have eased whatever Leah was suffering and fought with her whatever it was that she was battling with. It felt like a part of her had gone with Leah when she left. Like she was sawed in half and the half that was left was no longer useful or functional. 

I also know how it feels like to be Leah. How it felt like to be smothered in darkness and feeling like it's never letting up. To be powerless and weak. To be consumed by desperation and the only way out is to think of ways how to put an end to the torment and say goodbye to the suffering. To wake up to mornings yet still felt like the night was never over.

I give the book 5/5 lip balm. You should read this book. It reminds me how fortunate it is to have a sister and thank God we are close. If we weren't, I think I will try to get us closer after reading this. Yes, we have friends who are like sisters but it still couldn't compare to having a sister for a best friend. The affinity by blood, ensures that no matter how bad things will go, someone will always have your back. And even if they have given up on you, they still can't just leave you because you are family. Family is everything. When everyone else leaves, your family will have to stay whether they like it or not. It's not a choice. There was never a choice. Love bonds them to you and you to them. That's how it should be, ideally.

This one feels as if it's about pain. A driving rain kind of pain. Relentless. Unyielding.

She said sometimes that the darkness is so heavy, she couldn't see a way out of it. 

- Stacie Ramey, The Sister Pact -

Everything Beautiful and Other Stories by Jeremy Mark Lane | A Book Review

This is a collection of nine short stories. I got this ebook copy from Library Thing. Thank you again, Jeremy Mark Lane and Library Thing for the copy.

At first, I can't find or understand what's common about all the stories. Yes, the title says everything beautiful but I can't seem to see it as a common denominator in all the stories. Some seemed to be just stories. Some I didn't even get what it was trying to convey. Maybe, it was too short to understand or maybe it was written in a way that is not to be taken literally. There are some stories that I ended up asking what it wanted to prove or say. Some sounded like ramblings. They sounded incoherent at all to me. But the last three stories of the collection were the best ones. Finally, something that would at least allude to the title so it would not be in vain.

My favorite stories in the collection were --Souls in the Wind, Shape and The Pebblestone Five. These three were really touching stories. They were indeed beautiful. These three made up for the feeling of the let down I felt after reading the first two stories which never made sense to me. These three stories were about family, relationships, and abuse in all different forms. They have strong and brave characters in them that transcended their weaknesses and ended whatever suffering or injustice that was witnessed or endured. Each story embodied a character that you can't help but admire and be inspired.

I give the book 2/5 stars. It was OK. I would have written off this book as non-sensical because they did not spark any interest or reaction except confusion or indifference. If not for the last three amazing stories it would have been a futile effort on my end. It would seem the author have not made any connection to me. Thankfully, the three made it worth my time.

Some quotes from the book:

Back then, it was an eye for an eye. Then Jesus comin' round, you say all that changed, and now it's all about forgiveness. Sounds real convenient if ya ask me.

 - The Peeblestone Five -

It's a terrible thing to live a lifetime regretting something that happened one minute. It's a terrible thing.

- Shape -

Armor For Orchids by Diana Anderson-Tyler | A Book Review

I signed up to review this novel. I think I saw this on Instagram. Thank you again, Diana Anderson-Tyler for the ARC.

Armor for Orchids is a Christian novel about four women. Their journey to rediscovering their faith, finding new friendships and support, through the beauty, uniqueness and strength of orchids.

In this book, you will meet four different women who were brought together through a movie. A life of an old pastor who resigned from his church because he committed adultery was made into a movie. While the movie was being made, Marissa, Charlotte, Elise, and Poppy, meet in a serendipitous way and became close as they found God, the chink in their armors, their strengths and new meaningful friendships. 

I can relate a lot to this book. This mentioned a lot of truth about human weaknesses and tendencies which in some ways I am guilty of. This book talked about recognizing and accepting our frailties and asking God to give us the strength and equip us with armor to fight it. To learn to accept our fears and forgive ourselves. Each character in this story has gone through something that broke her heart leading to the loss of faith in God and in oneself. By the power of the Holy Spirit, through Poppy, each woman was given hope and where to find strength to let go, to forgive and to accept.

I like the analogy and comparison of women to orchids. Like orchids, women are beautiful, strong and can thrive anywhere they are planted. Each has her own strength and has to harness it in order to survive and flourish. 

I found the pace a bit slow, thankfully it picked up in the last few chapters.

I give this book 4/5 orchids. There are a lot of very valuable quotes here that are right on the bull's eye. They sort of simplified some of life's mysteries. In a way, this book gives hope. In one way or another, I think each of us has been like each of these women. And like all these women, may we find the source of our strength to continue living and find hope, even the littlest spark. To find our armor as we battle life's storms and blows.

Here are a few quotes in the book that I found very inspiring.

From Diana Anderson-Tyler-

Doubt can be a harbinger of something good.

A born perfectionist, always made mountains out of molehills. The slightest bump in the road, the faintest disappointment, and the pettiest criticism would feel like a boulder bearing down on her. 

Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers.

Everyone of us is capable of having our entire lives toppled by a single problem.

Did he understand how it felt to want to learn more about Jesus one minute, and then curse his name the next?

Most people shrink back from wind and rain simply because they don't know how strong they were made.

Be an original in a world full of copies.

...but the hardest things are typically the most worthwhile ones.

The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

Some people come into this world with silver spoons in their mouths. Others were born with the hounds of hell snapping at their heels.