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Monday, July 27, 2009

The Difference between you and me


AUTHOR: Kathleen DeMarco

Meet Josephine O'leary, call her Josie. Pretty, nice body, 28 years old and ambitious. Although she has has graduated law and is a lawyer, she wanted a life in hollywood. she knows she can't act nor represent any talent so she aspires to be a producer.

Then there's Carla Trouse, 41 yrs old, over educated, intelligent, cynical, speaks her mind (lol sounds family isn't it.. hehe) She's jobless and her cousin Philip practically finance her life until a life altering situation turned her life around.

I bought this book simply because its on sale and the cover amused me. It reminds them of two particular sisters... hehe. anyway, the book revolves around the life in hollywood. How people play the game as Josie clearly placed. Part of josie reminds me of myself. The way she views hollywood. Clara also reminds me of myself. Broke, cynical about life, can't keep her job longer enough to be promoted coz no one actually like her honesty about corporate matters. Bottom line is, in the end, both girls have changed for the better. They learned from each other. Josie learned that socializing with people are not enough to be on top of the ladder. Clara learned that its better to shut up and then get ahead of the people and surprise them.

The book is well written not for bestseller material but it better then most on the bestseller lists. It tackles about ambition, pursuing once dream but then ended up with something far from your dreams and goals. I really didn't expect I would like the book much as I did. But its worth a read.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Rose Labyrinth


Author: Titania Hardiei

got the collector's edition of this book. to be honest i bought the book because of its nice packaging and in the middle of the book it got me to work on the documents that the book came with. I hope the publisher just didn't thought on putting in the document along with the book.. i hope they also included the gold and silver key that came with the documents.

If your into the de vince code thing and twilight minus the vampire and the supernatural creatures.. then this might interest you. i can bet my money to it that if this goes to the big screen it would be a block buster just like de vince code and twilight Well i say this because truth be told in where i am these books just got famous when a movie version of it came out.

Story is just simple, two brothers. There mother just died and the youngest son tried to solve the family secret. Which in the early part of the book this yougest son died. Now the elder brother is trying to solve the death of his younger brother. This took him to a treasure hunt in searching for something that eventually lead to his own love story. Yes people there is a love story in this book. Its like piecing together a story that happened centuries ago when some planet alignments happen and a crossed between time trigged the very events in the book.

Honestly, i really didn't like the book, although I enjoyed the mysteries and the historical info that the author wrote in its pages. And whoever designed the author's book has a good idea. He made the book into something inter-active coz the puzzle in the story? it came with book.. As i said it would be more fun if they include the gold and silver key to unluck all the mysteries in book.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

SNUFF


Author: Chuck Palahniuk

Honestly, here's another book i picked up because i was expecting some steamy sex in its pages. However what i got is a glimpse about Hollywood and the porn industry. Chuck Palahnick is the author of the "Fight Club" which was turned movie years back starring Brad Pitt. He is also the author of "Choke" which recently turned to a movie as well. Now "Snuff", I won't be surprised if one day there will be a movie born out of it. It is described as "an absurd dark comedy about damage people..." as The Seattle Times printed. Indeed, the narrator's of the story are damaged. The story is all about a porn star who is getting old and would like to break the world record of serial fornication by having sex with 600 men on camera in an attempt to raise her career or at least give her abandoned baby a fortune. Now indeed this novel introduces damaged characters. Meet Mr.72, sort of 19 years old he claims his the abandon child of Cassie Wright the porn star. Mr.137, who is tagged as a "FAG" coz he has a sitcom before about gay gang bangs. His attempt to raise his career is why he signed up for one of the 600 men. Mr.600 is an aging porn dude as well. Which is later known as the father of the abandoned child of Ms. Wright. And there's Shiela the private assistant of Mr.Wright.

The story actually takes you to the porn world. From porn actors to hollywood actors to the information that Hitler was actually the one who invented the Blow up doll. coz he doesn't want his nazi trops to have sex with slaves while at war coz he wanted to preserve there german sperm for german eggs. ROFL. (believe me guys i checked it in google. at first its just the author making it up to make the book more interesting. But YES its true. its hitler who created the blow up dollys. LOL) There are a lot of fun facts you would learn in the book. Like Marilyn Monroe actually submered herself on ice in a tub before public appearance so that her breasts and butt will look perky. And she also purposely cut short the other heal of her shoes to make her butt sway more while she walk. I googled some of the facts that were mentioned in the book. They are all true. or atleast google lead me to sites who could back up the author on what he has written in the book.

The book might sound like it doesn't makes sense, but it does. Its full of lessons in life. One thing I do when i read books is i write down the lines that hit me hard, lines that actually makes sense or tell you the lessons in life. Like, "it only takes one mistake..., no matter how hard you work or how smart you have become you will be always be known for that one poor choice." And there's the.. "You do porn..., when you already abandoned all hope." Stories about people who made mistakes in their lives and try to redeem themselves but since because of their mistakes people tend to see there mistakes over the good once they have done. People who wanted to reach there dream and ended up to be porn stars coz they needed the money. Life isn't easy, i learned it not after i read this book. The book simply tells us that nothing is sooo perfect in hollywood. As the saying goes, no pain, no gain.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Marrying for Money


Author:Chris Manby

The book is set in the high classed suburbia in New York state. This is actually chick lit novel and i'm not really into chic flicks that much. considering my money problems these days, i wondered hey! a book about two sisters from london who are dead broke went to the u.s.a and tried to date the multi-millionere single men. One was a stock broker who seems to be married to his cellphone as is egotistic and an asshole. i seemed to like him over the softwere tycoon that ditches his date to kill some wizard in an online game.

its a great and fun book to read. you get to know how bitchy those heir to the parents business acts around. the parties they throw the things they do to get what they want and the people they step on in getting it. but in the end there are still lessons to be learned.

Well to be honest i picked up this book thinking maybe i should be marrying for money to get rid of the inherited debt i got when my mom passed away. *sigh* oh life :(

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Brother Grimm


Author:Craig Russell

Nice book, the first book i read about serial killers. i always had a fascination with the fairy tales collected or written by the grimm brothers. and since i was pissed off in my previous company's payroll people. Until now 3months after my back pay isn't ready. i know i can't cut them and diced them up because of their stupidity. s0 i settled in reading a book about a serial killer who kills his victim based to his favorite grimm fairy tale.

I also find the killer an artist in this book. How he masterfully crafted the art of killing people then arranging them to look like people from the book covers out from the book. For example the one whom he killed and placed in the glass tower. She was a vain actor so he killed her and laid her to rest like Snow white. He doesn't kill randomly, he killed people whose life styles fit the fairy tale he will put them into. In reading this book, its quite a challenge for me its setting is in Germany the government offices that are involved in this book is in german so its hard to pronounce. but putting that aside, the book is nicely written, thrilling and i like the concept. They are lessons to be learned here specially for parents and thats...

"Society creates their own serial killers, by treating a person unkindly and cruelly in his childhood. and each time we discriminate a person, slowly we are making a killer or even a terrorist."

Friday, July 17, 2009

Help, Wanted: Desperately


Author:Ariel Horn

And i found myself yet again reading another chic lit book. why i may ask myself. the answer is i read books whom i can relate too, i read paranormal books coz i like the paranormal world, and this book definitely hit me right in my head when i found it at BestSellers bookstore. A college graduate to be looking for a job after college. don't get me wrong when i graduated a job was already waiting for me and its now my current profession. in relation to the book its a story about Alexia's road in my finding a job, any job in new york so that she can be with her boyfriend. i read the book thinking i will get some few lessons in how to get your dream job, instead i learned that whatever country you are in, landing in a job that you really dreamed off has a thin line in crossing over granny goose's world. yes, its true when we apply jobs we tell a lot of bullshits just to get a job and earn money and get to buy the things we want. but yet we never asks if we really like our job.

this book is great for college students who are lost and need to find there selves in society's corporate food chain. The book tells what its like to be rejected, and how telling bullshits in job interviews and telling the truth is a lot different and that sometimes we just need to stop and think if that is what we really want in our life.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Archie? Getting Married?


OMG! I was actually going over the 2009 Comic-Con schedule and above all the activities about Marvel and DC comics turned to live action movies. Whose who are attending the comic-con. What are the line up of movies that warner and disney has for the sneak preview, one certain activity caught my attention: "ARCHIE PROPOSES TO VERONICA!" wtf? it looks like the veronica-archie-betty love triangle will finally end. According the to reports this comic is set out to be released on August 19, 2009 with 32 colored pages 'Archie #600'. A lot of archie fans have mixed reactions on this coming soon comic release. Some liked it, some wanted it should be Betty and some saying that with archie married the context of the comic will be lost. For years now Archie Comics have became part of almost everyones childhood. These teenagers in highschool going about thier teenage life. Each of the characters representing a student cliche role. And after years and years in thier student life and have them finally graduate from school. Looks like the owners of the Archie comics called upon, acclaimed superhero movie producer Michael Uslan to write this very special tale that has been branded as an Archie story of the century.

I for myself has been a fan of archies back when i was in grade school and sometime in highschool. Right now aside from collecting books i'm also into graphic novels (which btw i'm planning to include my graphic novel reviews in this blog of mine sometime in the futre.) I am still fond with the archies, like c'mon i practically grew up reading this comic. So, as i collector myself i think i'll go ahead and call my local favorite comic store and have them grab me a copy of this... Coz I'm sure any comic collector of Archie won't miss in grabbing one. I am interested on this new plot for the archie comics. A lot of question has been asked... Will the wedding push through? Is this some kind of a joke or a hoax? Or maybe within the story line something goes wrong and there will be no wedding in the end? There's only one way to find out. Reserve a copy now and don't miss a chance to know what it will happen to Archie's proposal to Veronica.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

30th Manila Book Fair 2009

Yes! Fellow book worms its this time of year... *drum roll pls* The 30th Manila Book Fair.... *goo goo eyes* great discounts once again and OMG! its also the time of the year that National Book Store will go all out sale. This is my que to save money for this big event. Last year I actually blew php5000 worth of books in the book Fair and same with the all out sale in NBS. I mean I couldn't let this event let it pass. We're talking about almost 90% books and publishers direct prizes. Not to mention seminars about self publishing, writing workshop, local Book Launchings, local book signing and author appearance, Live Musical Performances, Cooking Demonstrations, and my favorite the Cosplay Competitions. I wonder if I will join this year. If I have the money I need to have my costume ready like right now. Mmmm... I have the perfect book to cosplay. Hehehehe... Anyway, its also a good place to promote this book blog of mine.

This year MIBF, is turning 30th so it looks like they have something special in store for us. So, if your into books and wants to buy them in publishers prices or with huge discounts. Mark your Calendar on September 16-20, 2009 · 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM ; Exhibit Halls 1-4, SMX C
onvention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. And Don't miss this once a year event.

Below are some pictures I took in the 2007 and 2008 Manila Book Fair

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SEE YOU THERE THIS YEAR!

Friday, July 10, 2009

LKH - Merrideth Gentry Series

Faes, Sidhe... Unseelie - the dark side of the sidhe, Seelie - the shining throng of the side people. Unlike LKHamilton's AnitaVerse, In her Gentry series its all about the fae, the inter political play within sidhe and the human society. Just like in the ABVH, in this world the sidhe's are legal citizens of the united states. As long as they won't go into civil war with each other and that they won't let human's worship them again as god's then they are welcome to stay in u.s. grounds.

Story started when merry was summoned by his aunt, Queen of the Unseelie court, Andeas, Queen of Air and Darkness. She told marry that she will be stepping down as queen. That who ever gets her a grandchild first, will get the crown. The race will be between marry and the Queen's son and merry's cousin Cel. Cel, is a lunatic perse that would make his mother, andias.. look sane. And we are talking about extreme BDSM here. That sometimes Andias gets carried away that her BDSM activity turns into something that you can watch in any saw movie. Now, since the story revolves around merry and cel getting pregnant, expect a lot of sizzling fae sex in almost all the pages of the book. If Anita blake series fan complained about the recent sex marathon in its books. In the gentry series, on its first book its been sex sex sex already. WOW.. *giggles* talk about all kinds of kink, i think you can almost find it here. However, Merry has been a busy girl trying to get pregnant, shes also busy trying to defend herself. Enter Frost and Doyle, the queen's Darkness and Killing Frost. Best Ravens (queen's personal body guard). They were given to merry by the queen for her safety. Unlike any monarchy politics, there are a lot of sidhe that doesnt want her to be the next week, afraid that it will be the death of thier race if a half human half sidhe will claim the thrown. So... assasins is always at bay. Then there's her cousin who will do anything just to get the thrown. Then later in the books, Taranis, king of light and illusions and King of the seelie also wants marry to be her queen since he heard that marry was able to give back a sidhe's godly powers that they have lost millions of years ago.

Underneath all those sex, fae politics and sex again. Not only am I hooked up to the series because of its sizzling sex but also that fact that LKHamilton did a lot of research about the sidhe people. (thats celtic mythology for you) The great hunt, the nightmere, every sidhe folklore she put life into it in modern times. And just like her ABVH series, This series is I think closer to truth when it comes to celtic myths and folklores. Some might think its a waist of time, that its just all about sex. No really if you see pass the sex in the story.You could find loyalty, friendship and love in the context of its story.

I love this book, this is #2 best paranormal series in my list. #1 is her Anita Blake Series. ^_^ I am so addicted to LKHamilton that my lick of frost book copy is a collector's edition. Well almost all my LKHamilton's are 1st editions. What's so special with Lick of Frost is that my copy is autographed by LKHamilton herself. *sighs dreamyly*

The next installment of the series will be coming out in November. For now the series is in its 7th volume, 8th including the one to be release in november.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Son of the Witch


After 10 years from GMaguire's Wicked novel about the life and times of the wicked witch of the west, comes the sequel on what became of Oz after Elphaba died in the hands of dorothy and the wizard has gone back to his world. In this book, Leir, the Son of Elphaba (well he isn't much sure if he is just yet) has gone to a journy to find his childhood friend which is his half sister. Also in the setting of this book, Glinda the good witch is stepping down as the matriarch of Oz and is in search for a new emperor for Oz.

The story started on where Wicked ended. Upon the death of Elphaba Lir went in search for his half sister whom took him to Oz and the convent of St. Galinda. The exact convent where elphaba gave birth to him and where she took refuge when she felt lost to herself. Along the journey he met a girl and the scarecrow and the brother of Elphaba. He even seek audience with Glinda in asking for the whereabouts of his half sister. In his meeting with Galinda, it is indeed shown in this scene on how Glinda valued Elphaba as her friend. By the sight of elphaba's hat and broom she became emotional and demanded where Lier got it. There in that conversation she believed that leir is her friend's son and decided to help him search for his half sister. As she said and i qoute "its the least i can do for her" refering to elphaba.

Political struggle between neighboring towns and religious differences had become quite rampat when the wizard was kick out from Oz by Glinda. Animals are still forced to live in hiding or became slaves. Lier became the symbol or image of the Animals which elphaba tried to establish. If the first book shows on how Elphaba was fighting for a cause on her own. In this 2nd installment it shows how people thought about her and how many people and Animals believed in her cause. In this Lier took advantage of his connection to elphaba in able to search for her half sister. Also, whenever Lier meet people who are allies of elphaba, they seem to treat Lier as if he is carrying on the legacy of what Elphaba was fighting for.

I could not really pin point what the lesson learned in this novel. But for me it makes sense since i read wicked. This is the time where unexpected people gets to be in an unexpected positions. It is about fighting back and carrying a legacy of a person who was branded to be wicked. Its sooo much true in reality... sometimes you have to die in a tragic death in able for people to see what you were trying to do. The book ended with a graffiti on a wall stating "Elphaba Lives". I hope it simply means Elphaba left a legacy in terms on what she was trying to fight for. Not like in the musical where she actually staged her death. That would really turn me off on this series. I like it the way it is. I think in this series the line from dark knight movie is very true "Its either you die a hero or live long enough to be the villain." In this case, elphaba live long enough to be the villain.

GM Wicked series is one of the best series I have ever read. I would highly recommend people to read this. ^_^ A good book for high school students to make it as their book report in their literature class.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

MINION


author: L.A. BANKS

This book has been with me for almost a year now and I just read it coz I don't have any more books to read and I've been cutting back with my expenses. *sigh* Anyway, I have been eying this vampire series ever since i'v seen it beside LKHamilton's Anita Blake Series in the book shielves of my favorate bookstore which is BESTSELLERS - Robinsons Galeria (They have friendly staffs there compared to other bookstores). Usually the cover of the book will be the reason why I pick the book up and then the over view written at the back will determine if the book is worth a read, worth the money or its just plain crap. This series has been around before twilight is, and I have to say Bank's vampires are unique and it won't make Stoker roll in his grave laughing or cry in his grave... ROFL, well I think you know what I mean.^_^

So, enter Damali.. Vampire huntress... known as the Neteru. A Neteru is only born once in a millienia. He or she is the champion of heaven to battle the forces of evil/darkness. Marlene, here adapted mother took care of her and trained her when the time comes when she will be a fully grown Neteru. Banks, vampires as I mentioned is unique, he made them the generals of the dark lord which si lucifer and placed them on the last canto of hell (according to dante's hell). They are the most highest ranking creatures in hell and they are not a pretty vampire like lestat or Jean-claude when they transform into their real figure. They are demon like or something. Like Stoker's Dracula crossed to the nesferato. However, even if this falls to the "OMG! not another vampire novel series." I still like this coz Banks created a whole new breed and vampire politics and life style. Like incorporating vampire concepts with gangwars, mafias, triAds, yakuzas and the like. And they are not all that bad, they actually work to balance between light and darkness (banks doesnt use the term good vrs. evil).

But i only have one complain in the book and its not related to the story line. Its the way Banks wright the book. As an african american writer living in an african american community she uses slang words that is popular with the african american culture. Not all people could understand those slangs. When I was reading the book its like i'm watching a movie created by people from the bronks or the hood. And to be honest it annoys me. Really, coz its hard to analize her story line and then struggle to understand the words. And I think that's the reason why her book doesn't get to be #1 NYtimes bestseller because of that. Almost all vampire series gets to be number one one time or the other but with this series I think that's the series.

After reading this book which is the first book of Bank's Vamp Huntress series which is now running 12books in all and another book in the works which is supposbly the last of its series and a comic adaptation by Debel brothers under Marvel same with Anita Blake series. I categories her book as a good read. Nice new concept with vampires that still stay within vampire norm. But i'll stick in buying 2nd hand books with this series. I don't see it yet that its worth my money to spend on its new ones.

note: damali's comic adaptation kinda look like Anita with bronze skin.. lol well it makes sense since its Brett Booth who is doing the art work and every AVH series fans know that it was BB who first drew the Anita comic under debel brothers.