Flip Through the Year: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2012 is to read a book each week for the rest of the year. Writing about it will hopefully keep me motivated to read more! Feel free to recommend a book you love!

 

 

No, no, no, no, no. NO. No.

Uglies is one of those books I’ve constantly seen on library bookshelves or in bookstores but never bothered to read. From the most predictable blurb on the back, “Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that?” to the most revolting first sentence “The early summer sky was the color of cat vomit,” I just couldn’t bring myself to ever read this book. However, I caved. I went on Amazon and Goodreads, read the reviews and was convinced that I would always wonder what this book that has been sitting on all those shelves was about. I wasn’t convinced enough to pay full price (thank god) but nevertheless.

The main character of the story is a girl named Tally Youngblood who is about to turn 16. In her world, turning 16 is life changing because that is the age when everybody undergoes an operation to become beautiful. Your face becomes perfectly symmetrical, your eyes big and sparkling, perfect pout, perfect body; nothing is compromised. However, a few weeks before her birthday Tally meets a new friend, Shay. Shay doesn’t desire to become pretty but instead wants to sneak away to a secret community on the outside. After Shay runs away, the authorities force the worst ultimatum upon Tally; find Shay and bring her back to the city or never turn pretty. Throughout her journey, she learns a dark secret about those who turn pretty and her perspective on the world she lives in begins to change.

I’m actually disappointed not because I have to write a bad review but more because I decided to read this book in the first place. I like to take pride in the fact that I usually pick out great books. The first 2 nights, I read about 50-something pages but had to put the book down both times because the story wasn’t getting anywhere. Today, out of curiosity, I had to keep reading just to see where the story was heading. So I stuck it out and finally reached the end. There was no excitement, no real depth to the characters and no mystery. My imagination just couldn’t get into that zone where I slip into a different world. Simply put, the story could have been great but was poorly executed.

In all honesty, I would not recommend this book. I don’t understand how it has received more than a 3 star rating or great reviews even but that’s just my opinion.

Does anyone else who has read this feel the same?

Flip Through the Year: Books To-Be-Read

I had some time on my hands this week, so I went a little crazy on Amazon and purchased some books. I’ve been slightly literature deprived and felt this was a more justifiable form of online shopping. These were ordered a few days ago so the expected date of delivery is supposedly mid-June. However, from past experiences it usually takes about a month so we’ll see how this goes.

Anyway, here is my recent book haul!

Beautiful Creatures Trilogy by Kami Garcia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delirium and Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matched by Ally Condie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank by Ellen Feldman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m really excited to start reading these! Some of the genres are a little different from what I’d normally pick out but I thought I’d give them a try. Stay tuned for future reviews and let me know if you’ve read any of these books before! 🙂

Nomads and Wi-Fi: I’m back!

Well hi there.  So before anyone prepares to laugh in my face about how much of a mess I’ve been with this resolution of writing a blog, I’d like a chance to defend myself. Obviously I have not fallen off the face of the earth. Though I may be somewhere underneath the weight of my textbooks and the some-hundred pages of reading I’ve been slammed with. Basically, the past 2 months have been a change in pace. I’m now back in Tokyo and have been dealing with moving dorms, going back to school, struggling to get internet, finding time to write, feeling inspired to write, feeling lazy et cetera et cetera.

However, before simply diving in, I think I’d like to take some time to personally apologize to my blog. I have not been attentive and committed as I’d promised and fully take responsibility for the time we have been apart. We are now in the process of making up and hopefully, with time, we will be able to work through our issues and put this behind us.

Alright, diving in.

I just want to put this out there and say that I believe that I was a nomad in my past life. Why? Well, since you asked… For the past 19 years my family has been moving to a new house/apartment/city every 2 years like clock-work. And now, living in Tokyo, this would be my third time moving since I got here. Which would be less than a year and half ago.

On second thought….

My campus doesn’t really have a student dorm so I have this wonderful stressful option of finding a place of my own, anywhere in the city. Miles away from school, walking distance from school, anywhere. My last place was easily an hour train ride away from campus, so logically I wanted to move somewhere closer. Luckily I found a dorm that is 15 minutes away. “That’s great!” you say. Well sure. The problem was I didn’t exactly think the entire thing through. I don’t have a car and there are no moving trucks for the purpose of moving from dorm-to-dorm. My only means of transportation were train or taxi (which is not an option because I am a broke, college kid *cheers*).

“I have that book we were talking about 5 years ago! I’m sure it around that pile over there…”

I must’ve either been a very sentimental nomad or the crucial point of possessing little amount of stuff just didn’t translate into my present life. My recent move seriously gave me some perspective on how much STUFF I own. I mean, why on flippin’ earth do I have all this stuff and where did it all come from?? Yes, I moved all my belongings in more or less than 20 trips back and forth from one end of Tokyo to the other end by train. And let me tell you if, like me, you’re the type of person who tends to keep everything because “you might wear/use/need it later” or “it’s nice to have memories,” 2 hour train rides with bags that weigh about a ton may just be the trick to finally getting rid of all that crap you really don’t need.

BP: 4 weeks
Maybe being on MTV would’ve helped a bit.

With all this excitement going on in my life, I was also desperately trying to get Wi-Fi. This took a good month and several outbursts on my part. Being 19 (still underage) and living alone in Japan is so aggravating because a lot of things require parental consent. Like getting internet. Things are extremely bureaucratic here so it’s not at all surprising that there are like, 10 forms to fill out for everything you do. But this – to send the form overseas, have my parents fill it out and send it back, only to have it rejected because I filled out my own address and the entire form wasn’t in the same handwriting , send out another form, have it filled out again, only to have it rejected because I didn’t have a copy of my parents’ passport, wait another week to go back to the store because I am an incredibly busy college girl, go back and literally pray that there will be an end to this ridiculous cycle, and finally walk out that door with a router in hand – was a whole different level of insane.

Fortunately, though more delayed than planned, I am settled and ready to take on the rest of this semester and continue to write again.

On that note, ‘til next time! 🙂

Flip Through the Year: Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson

One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2012 is to read a book each week for the rest of the year. Writing about it will hopefully keep me motivated to read more! Feel free to recommend a book you love!

 

I actually borrowed this book randomly at the library. It caught my attention because the title reminded me of the movie Night at the Museum. If I remember correctly it was about toys running around creating havoc every night in a museum. I think that’s the one. Anyway, in other words, not very memorable. By then I was extremely turned off and ready to put the book back to its shelf. Thank god I scanned the accolades before putting it back or I would have missed out on “one of the funniest books to come out of Britain in years.”

The book is narrated by Ruby Lennox from the moment of her conception. She begins her story from an adorable exclamation “I exist!”  and takes us through her daily life in York. As she grows up she realizes there are missing pieces and family secrets which she has been excluded from. In come the chapters (or Footnotes as she calls them) which stories of previous generations are weaved through. By doing so, Ruby builds a clearer knowledge of her family’s history. While there are several laugh-out-loud moments, Ruby’s story is not at all light. There are tragic moments and dark secrets which make the book even more compelling.

Atkinson developed an extremely charming characteristic in Ruby which made her very likable. From the beautiful use of imagery to the perfect amount of humor, I thought this book was a surprising breath of fresh air. I absolutely loved reading this and am glad to have stumbled upon it – even by accident. For those who are looking for something different and original, this is definitely the book for you.

What have you been reading? 🙂

Flip Through the Year: Catching Fire & Mockingjay

One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2012 is to read a book each week for the rest of the year. Writing about it will hopefully keep me motivated to read more! Feel free to recommend a book you love!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I finally finished The Hunger Games series. I really want to say that the rest of the books were just as amazing as the first one but there’s just something about the Catching Fire which didn’t quite appeal to me. In my opinion, after all the excitement and adrenaline in The Hunger Games, the second book seemed slow at first; it quickly redeemed itself towards the second half though.

The main character, Katniss, develops admirably throughout the course of the series and I think Mockingjay really highlighted her growth and strength. She is able to face her faults as a person and really starts to take control to achieve what she believes in. The ending (especially the epilogue) was a little weak for my taste, and semi-predictable. That may be the only complain I have for this book.

I went through both books very fast. Right after I was finished with Catching Fire I picked up Mockingjay and was able to finish it in one sitting. Which was nice for a change.

The movie is supposed to be coming out soon and I’m so excited for it (I’m sure I’ve already said). I definitely have high hopes and am glad I went through the books beforehand. I highly recommend!

What’ve you been reading? 🙂

Kony 2012

 

Joseph Kony. Infamous leader of Christian terrorist group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), has been reported to have abducted over 30,000 boys and girls in Uganda in the past nearly 30 years, forcing them into becoming child soldiers and sex slaves. His sole purpose is to maintain his power.

 

Despite his heinous crimes and inhumane actions, he has yet to be found and arrested. However, because the majority of the world does not know who he is, Kony remains invisible

 

In order to spread this message, please take 30 minutes to watch this video and share it with everyone you know. Together, we can demand justice and change the lives of children who deserve to live and return home to their families.

 

 

I pledge to help make Joseph Kony famous by watching and sharing KONY 2012. I will use my voice to influence cultural and policy makers to raise the profile of the conflict. I will Stop at Nothing.

Sign the Pledge

Join TRI or Donate to Invisible Children

 

 

 

 

Flip Through the Year: A Thousand Splendid Suns

One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2012 is to read a book each week for the rest of the year. Writing about it will hopefully keep me motivated to read more! Feel free to recommend a book you love!

Khaled Hosseini in A Thousand Splendid Suns tells a heartbreaking story about two women, Miriam and Laila, living in Kabul, Afghanistan, who struggle to survive under the rule of the Taliban and the despicable treatment of their husband. They experience first-hand, the brutality and fears of war but are able to endure and overcome obstacles together through their remarkable friendship and love.

Ever since 9/11, Muslims and the Islam faith have been branded with a negative stereotype which has more than often been magnified by the media. While there are people who speak out in order to educate people of the differences between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and citizens of Afghanistan, scrutiny and collective racial discrimination is still common. After reading this book I find that I’ve been among those who have been ignorant of many things regarding this culture.

Hosseini does a wonderful job describing difficulties women undergo with each regime change over the span of some 30 years as well as showing the strength and tenacious spirit of Miriam and Laila.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is unforgettable, very powerful and had several moments where I was moved to tears. It is a book that will highlight acts of love, sacrifice and hope in the midst of the dark side of humans. There is something everyone can take away from this story and I would highly recommend it.

What have you been reading?

A Week to Shut Down

The amount of time you can spend on the Internet in one sitting is absurd. Being on vacation may contribute to a certain extent but I can spend hours reading blogs, watching a zillion videos on YouTube, or clicking aimlessly on Facebook. Facebook is the worst because you have no idea what you’ll find on there.It’s like a black hole where all things meant for procrastination cumulate and expands. But it’s basically my lifeline.

Considering my record, a No-Computer-Week seemed like the perfect torture challenge but I couldn’t find a way to ease up on my attachment. Coincidentally, my laptop overheated and crashed for the 3^rd time last week forcing me to reluctantly send it in for servicing. I wanted to hold on to it but over-heating was a slight understatement. It was like carrying a portable burner and laptop in one. So I mean, under any circumstances that can’t be good.

Basically that’s how my week sans Internet began. The first habit I immediately noticed was that I tend to turn my computer on first thing in the morning. I wake up, reach over my desk to switch on the power button and go through my morning routine as my laptop loads. It innocently starts with me checking my e-mails, flipping through the news, and just as I think I’m done, I wander into the danger zone. I start replying to posts on Facebook, commenting on pictures, and before I know it, I’m clicking links that lead me to other pages and it just gets out of control. My first morning was slightly uncomfortable. Confusing, maybe even. I didn’t really know where to start my day so I decided to begin with the far overdo task of cleaning my room. By that afternoon my clothes were hung, my desk beautifully organized, and my bathroom spotless. I then curled up with a book for an hour or two—looking up at my computer-less desk every now and then. It’s so shameful how bothered I was without it. Out of boredom I also hit the gym. I miraculously went to bed at around 11pm and was proud how productive I’d been. As the week went on, I found that I was getting less and less agitated at the absence of my laptop and instead felt refreshed and more relaxed. I was working out every morning, went to sleep earlier, and best of all had a clean room (double bonus for me)! Someone should seriously give me a gold star.

So the week came to an end, and I was called to go pick up my beloved computer and I was hit by a random spur of inspiration.

Last week had been something new for me and I definitely wouldn’t have gone through with it on my own terms. At the same time, I felt like I’d spent an entire week doing something of substance, I guess would be the best way to put it, and (though completely unintentional) I fulfilled a goal.

I feel ya, Kid

Therefore, I was inspired to do a health challenge each month. At the start of the month, I’m going to set a goal, and see how far I can go with it. I’m not a health nut or anything but I try to eat healthy, sleep, and exercise as much as my busy schedule allows me. And I’m sure many people can relate that it’s one of those things that don’t always come naturally. Check out my list for 2012 and stay tuned for my first post this week! 🙂

Flip Through the Year: The Hunger Games & The Red Queen

One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2012 is to read a book each week for the rest of the year. Writing about it will hopefully keep me motivated to read more! Feel free to recommend a book you love!

I’ve been waiting for The Red Queen (part of the Cousin’s War trilogy) because it hasn’t been in stock for a while and it FINALLY came this week. I bought what seemed like the last copy on the shelf, so lucky me! I was excited to start reading it but was already in the middle of The Hunger Games so I decided to put it on hold for just a bit.

I realize that with the movie coming out soon, The Hunger Games is being recommended left and right but I have to say, at the risk of sounding redundant, it is SO worth it. It’s not even just that. This book was probably one of the most exciting reading experiences I’ve ever had since Harry Potter – which says so much because I absolutely fell in love with the entire series. I was so captivated that it was almost physically impossible to stop. I mean, this book has been with me everywhere. Towards the end, it got to the point where I was reading as our car stopped at red lights.

I think what made this book really exciting for me was the fact that my imagination took off in a matter of just a few pages in. It was like being with the characters and feeling the action. I’m looking forward to the movie but have to admit that the trailer didn’t do much for me. I did watch it right after finishing the book, which could be why the impact wasn’t quite as strong. Nonetheless I’m definitely excited to see it and will also be picking up the next two books of the trilogy.

I was actually thinking about whether I should write this since it’s slightly unprecedented for me to finish two books in a week. But I finished The Hunger Games at such an alarming speed, that I actually had time to finish The Red Queen as well. The story line is essentially the same as The White Queen but the War of the Roses is from the view of the House of Lancaster instead of the House of York. (see The White Queen) The main character, Margret Beaufort believes she is chosen by God and is destined to become someone extroardinary. She often compares herself to Joan of Arc and sees visions of her while she prays. However, after her first marriage at 12 and giving birth to a Lancaster heir, she  struggles to take control of her life and have people acknowledge her as more than an ordinary girl. Before reading this, I was so sure that I would remain on the York side and continue to be resentful of the hardship Queen Elizabeth had to endure; yet, I found that I was able to connect much more to Margret in The Red Queen. There was a level of closeness and real empathy which I couldn’t quite reach for the York House.

If anything, both books were amazing, but The Red Queen, was the better book for me. Next on my list, the final book of the Cousin’s War trilogy, The Lady of the Rivers!

What have you been reading? 🙂

Something to Think About

I guess at one point in our lives, we go through the “grown-up” phase. Like the time when littler me walked around the house in my mom’s heels, while wearing her expensive jewelry and carrying her designer bags trying to convince everyone I was a “very important person” with a “very important job.” My real phase started when I was in middle school though. There was a group of high school girls sitting at the back of my bus and every morning on our way to school they would always do each other’s make-up while talking about boys and the next parties and occasionally complaining about their unbearable AP classes. I would enviously look back secretly wishing for the day I could wear make-up, talk about boys, and, well, carry around big binders. My extensive knowledge of high school life was disappointingly useless as the actual day arrived but that’s beside the point. The phase gradually faded out and a few years later I came to a point where I asked myself for the first time: “What’s the rush?”

Maybe it’s because I’m turning 20 in just a few months or maybe it’s from being back home, but I’ve been doing some reflecting. My mother always says that when we’re younger, we want to grow up faster, but when we’re older, we want to be young again. If asked, I’d always say that I wouldn’t do anything differently in my life but sometimes I wonder why I didn’t enjoy more of my time just being a kid. Why I tried pleasing people who didn’t care and took people who did care for granted. I wonder why I argued with my mother so much and why I gave up doing things I liked. There were times I chose my friends over family, didn’t apologize for my wrongdoings, or held endless grudges instead of letting go and moving on. Sometime between then and now, I started taking for granted that I would see my parents when I came home from school, that they would bail me out of trouble or that we’d always have time to hang out later.

My grandmother passed away almost 3 years ago, and being at her funeral took away the fantasy that my parents were never going to pass away. It’s a ridiculous, unrealistic notion to think that they’re going to live forever, but it was the first family funeral and it was like real life had slapped me in the face.

Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and focus entirely on the things that revolve around us. It’s easy to forget to thank the people who’ve been there unconditionally and it’s easy to assume there’s going to be tomorrow. It’s impossible to live a perfect life and we learn important lessons along the way. But to take a moment and let the people in your life know you love them, appreciate them and cherish them is something we should all learn sooner than later because to miss that chance would be the biggest mistake of all.