11 Question Meme

Wow! It’s been a long while since I have done a meme; a meme which is non-books related but more on yourself and your life. I love reading other readers’ answers, and yeah I love playing along too. So, when the lovely Trish tagged me for this, I just knew I wouldn’t say no. Here goes…

Rules:

1 You must post the rules.

2 Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.

3 Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.

4 Let them know you’ve tagged them!

Trish’s questions:

1. What app do you love above all others? Not an app person? What about website?

I love the greatness and the fun of apps, but seriously I don’t seek them and I will download those which are useful to me. I do download some games sometimes, but not many though.

2. Describe your dream profession (sky is the limit).

I don’t know about you, but I suppose dream profession changes as we get older, or am I the only one who think of that? When I was a child, I dreamt of becoming a scientist. When I reached adolescent, I dreamt of becoming an architect because I think people who created those beautiful skyscrapers are such a genius! When I stepped out to the society to work, I wanted to become a graphic designer (well I was an Arts student during my high school time). Due to that interest, I pursued a part-time course while working in my second job but didn’t venture further. At that time, I was thinking that interest and career don’t mix, but perhaps I was wrong. Right now, if you ask me about my dream job, I will just say, be my own boss. Ha!

3. Appetizers or dessert?

Definitely dessert!

4. If you could be BFF with any fictional character, who would you choose?

Wow, so many to choose from and yet my mind is blank at the moment.

5. I say BLUE. What immediately comes to mind?

Beach. I just want to take a vacation, right now!

6. Favorite song to blast and sing in your car with the windows down?

Probably some songs from Debbie Gibson or Bananarama. I’m a fan of the 80s.

7. What fashion fad makes you hang your head in shame?

I don’t know, maybe jeans in loud colours, like bright orange or lime green?

8. What are your thoughts on 80s Hair Bands--specifically Monster Ballads?

Not a huge fan, but I don’t hate them either.

9. What is a book you wanted to throw across the room? What is one you wanted to hug?

Perhaps the book which I’m reading right now – Asylum by Patrick McGrath. Don’t get me wrong, the writing style and the plot is great! In fact, I’m enjoying reading it. It’s just that I couldn’t understand why a normal, psychiatrist’s wife would want to get involved with a mentally disturbed patient. Bored? Love struck? I don’t know. I suppose I’d find out why the more I read it.

As for the one I wanted to hug, I’ve to say it’s A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. It is such a tender yet a powerfully, thought-provoking story I’d read in a while. That said, I also want to hug Connor O’Malley, the boy who is faced with his own personal demons and came out strong in that story.

10. Imagine you are an aerobics instructor--what song must be on your playlist?

Relight My Fire by Take That.

11. What's for dinner tonight?

No idea. It’s always grocery shopping on a Friday night so we usually eat out. I guess it’d have to depend on the malls we decide to go and what eating outlets they have over there. I’ve got a feeling that I may have a Veggie Delite sandwich and cream of mushroom from Subway this evening, hehe.

Bonus: What's your favorite go-to lipstick (including color)

Revlon lipstick. Mauve colour.

And here are my questions:

1. Who’s your idol? It can be anyone and don’t have to be a celebrity or a public figure.

2. If you can be someone famous, who do you like to be?

3. What are your favourite TV shows or movies?

4. Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Why?

5. Popcorns. Sweet or salty? Why?

6. Facebook or Twitter? Why?

7. What are your pet peeves?

8. Where do you like to go on a vacation?

9. Your most wonderful memories you had last year.

10. What’s your favourite holiday?

11. Finally, I couldn’t resist asking a bookish question: Would you read a book which has received lots of hype and positive reviews, even though the storyline isn’t what you like to read?

I’m tagging:

1. Violet

2. Naida

3. Wendy

4. Iliana

5. Natalie

6. Sandy

7. Staci

8. Ti

9. Gautami

10. Carrie

11. Ryan

Harry Potter Meme

(Photo credit)

I found this Harry Potter meme at Rebecca’s and Tasha’s blogs and thought it sounds fun (originally from Tif Talks Books). Plus, I am feeling nostalgic now that the Harry Potter movies instalments are over but I know he and the rest of the characters will stay in our hearts forever.

When and Where (when you first discovered the series): Believe it or not, it was actually the first movie that made me take notice of this series. Till today, I still regret that I didn’t read the books first before watching the movies.

Favorite Character: Hermione Granger. She is intelligent yet humble, and not to mention she is furiously courageous and loyal too!

Most Hated Character: Delores Umbridge and Bellatrix LeStrange. Both women are different characters wise but they are equally annoying and hated.

Favorite Book: Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. I thought the premise is very, very clever!

Favorite Movie: Can I say I loved all of them?

Rank the Books (1 = favorite, 7 = least favorite): Can you believe that I haven’t read the whole of the instalments yet? As to date, I have only read till Book 4 and I think one reason for this is that I didn’t feel the rush of reading the books after having watched the movies. I know, the books are supposed to be better and more detailed but… oh well. I guess it is a matter of time that I will get to the rest of the books.

Most Memorable Scene: Professor Dumbledore’s death. How could a wise and humble man like him (and not to mention being Harry Potter’s mentor) be dead?

What You Will Miss the Most: The characters, as well as the anticipation of waiting for the new book or movie to release. Oh the excitement!

What You Are Looking Forward To (even despite the end): Pottermore. And I hope J.K. Rowling will write a new series quickly!

* * * * *

Now that we are on the topic of Harry Potter, I saw a Lego box last night while shopping for a shirt for my daughter for her school play. I wanted to buy it because it has a Harry Potter theme but then I was hesitant because the price said S$129.90. My husband shook his head at me and said, “Well, it’s a Lego. What do you expect?”

Ended up we left the store empty-handed, except for the shirt we bought for my daughter. But the thought of having a Harry Potter Lego never leave my mind, so earlier this morning I visited Lego’s website and found the same model which cost US$49.99 excluding shipping and handling. I will then make a decision whether or not to buy it after getting a response from their customer service regarding the shipping cost outside the US.

5 Books Meme

I noticed this bookish meme has been circulating around the blogosphere (meme originated by Simon of Stuck in a Book) and I decided this is too fun to let it pass so there you go. Plus, I figured I haven't been posting too many book reviews considering I have been slacking in my reading (thanks to my shortened commute time ever since I moved office last November and my lately addiction to Gardens of Time, one of the games featured on Facebook) so this little meme helps to fill the void, even if it is only for a day.

1. The Book I'm Currently Reading:

In The Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami. Don't you just love the cover and the title, but let me tell you that there is nothing pleasing or cute to the story. Set in the backstreets of Japan and with a plot that evolves around the sex industry there, this psychological thriller never let your attention wavers even though you know the places where the author take you isn't pretty.



2. The Last Book I Finished:

Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon (my review here). This is one of those wonderful classic which I would never get tired of reading it over and over again. What makes this retelling tale a wonderful reading experience to me is the writing style and the two narratives so it is refreshing to read the other side of the story from Princess Margrethe's point of view aside from the mermaid's.

3. The Next Book I Want to Read:

I have a long list of books I want to read but I suppose I will choose this book for now - A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. I don't think I have ever read a negative review of this book so I really look forward to reading it (I'm just waiting for the right mood to strike).

4. The Last Book I Bought:

The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto. I fell in love with this author's prose and writing style after reading Kitchen and Goodbye, Tsugumi. Also, there is just something about her stories that will make you pause and think about them.

5. The Last Book I Was Given:

Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax. This book was given to me by a publicist for review. I read The Accidental Bestseller and Magnolia Wednesdays by the same author awhile back and enjoyed them so I can't wait to see what is in store for this one.

My Thoughts on 'Inception' and 'The Last Airbender', Plus A Fun Meme

I'd have watched Inception way earlier after reading all the rave reviews about it, but the screening time just wasn't right according to my schedule as my preference was to catch the movie after getting off of work. Anyway, my husband was off of work yesterday for an errand and I took the afternoon off so we could catch this movie, finally.

Where shall I begin? Let's start with the reviews I had read. Have you ever read some of the reviews that said it is best not to know anything (and not even the plot) prior to watching this movie? Believe me, it is so true! Most of the reviews I read stated something like 'don't be too quick to judge what you've seen' and 'to expect the unexpected'. With these perceptions in mind, I stepped into the cinema with a curious mind and waiting for any surprise to fall onto me.

I don't want to mention about the plot, as I'm certain most of you must have watched it by now, and plus I don't know to spoil it for anyone who hasn't watch this yet. Let's just say I was totally blown away by the creativity and the quality of the story. I also felt that the cast had all done a great performance, in particularly to Leonardo DiCaprio. I'd also watched his performance in Shutter Island and I felt he had a way of playing tortured characters. I was also in awe of the visual effects, and the concept between surrealism and well, reality. Suffice it to say that Inception is both a smart and a thought-provoking movie, and I'd highly recommend it if you haven't watch it! (5 stars)

We later went to watch The Last Airbender at another cinema in the evening, this time around with our 6-year-old daughter. I don't think I'd ever watched two movies in a day so I really enjoyed every moment of it. I've to admit I'd no intention of watching this movie initially, but both my husband and my daughter were quite keen about it (she and my nephew are fans of the Avatar animations) and I didn't want to be a spoilsport.

I knew it isn't fair to compare Inception with The Last Airbender due to the difference of genre and so forth, but I've to say I wasn't really hooked and/or intrigued by the plot at all. Don't get me wrong, I do find the mythical world of the four elements (Air, Water, Earth and Fire) to be interesting and I think the visual effects are commendable, but I'm afraid to say I don't really care about the characters. Aang, the Avatar reminds me a little of a Shaolin monk who knew all his Kung Fu moves, and I find Jackson Rathbone's role of Sokka, a member of the Water tribe to be somewhat annoying at times. In a nutshell, this movie is about war and disharmony among the four element tribes and only the Avatar has the power to bend all the four elements and keep the balance in the world. All in all, I find this movie satisfying but I can't say I liked it. (3 stars)

What movies have you seen lately?

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I found this fun meme over at Iliana's blog and couldn't resist playing. The key is to fill in the rest of the sentence with a title of a book read in the past year.

In school I was: Bloody Good (Haha)

People might be surprised I’m: Dancing with Ana (Anyone knew me well knows that I’m no dancing queen)

I will never be: The Billionaire's Bride of Vengeance

My fantasy job is: The Actor and the Housewife (OK, more like an actress)

At the end of a long day I need: Song of Renewal

I hate it when: Mr Darcy Broke My Heart

Wish I had: Wings

My family reunions are: Private

At a party you’d find me with: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Hey, it’s a costume party after all!)

I’ve never been to: Revolutionary Road

A happy day includes: The Love Letter (from my husband of course)

Motto I live by: Wait Until Twilight

On my bucket list: Chicken with Plums

In my next life, I want to be: The Piano Teacher

I hope you'd join in the fun! Let me know if you are playing so I can go read your answers!

A Film Meme

Ceri at Not in the Pink tagged me for this fun meme.

* Name a film that you have seen more than 10 times.
Walt Disney's The Little Mermaid and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. My 6-year-old daughter never get tired of watching those, and the same goes to Barney & Friends. We have a few VCD collections of the latter.

* Name a film that you’ve seen multiple times in the cinema.
I only watch a film once in the cinema, no matter how much I like it. I would rather use that money to buy the DVD.

* Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a film.
John Cusack.

* Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a film.
Jim Carrey. (After I have typed my reply, it then struck me that Jim share the same initials as John, haha.)

* Name a film that you can and do quote from.
Oh no. I'm bad at memorising quotes.

* Name a film musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs.
I rarely watch film musicals so I can't think of any.

* Name a film that you would recommend everyone to see.
Spirited Away. I love this Japanese animation! Great plot and great imagination!

* Ever walked out of a film?
No, I always try to watch till the end. I hate not knowing what happened, even though if I don't like the film.

* Name a film that made you cry in the cinema.
I know this may sound corny, but watching Jack and Rose profess their love to each other while struggling to stay alive on a sinking ship made me teary-eyed. (Titanic)

* How often do you go to the cinema (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)?
Sadly, I rarely go to the cinemas nowadays (due to family obligations) but I do go once in a while if I want to watch the film badly. I watch more DVDs as compared to catching the films in cinemas as it is cheaper and convenient (not to mention more comfortable at home).

* What’s the last film you saw in the cinema?
Avatar in 2D.

* What’s your favourite/preferred genre of film?
I have no preference. I will watch anything as long as they piqued my interest.

* What’s the first film you remember seeing in the cinema?
Wow, that sounds like a long time to me, haha. Seriously, I have no memory of the first film I saw in the cinema.

* What film do you wish you had never seen?
Hmm...that's a hard one! Maybe My Bloody Valentine in 3D. Yikes!

* What is the scariest film you’ve seen?
Ring (Japanese version) and Shutter (Thai). Don't watch them when you are alone!

* If you could be any character portrayed in a movie, who would it be?
Ah... so many choices. I love reading butt-kicking heroines in books so maybe Lara Croft will be it.

* Last film you bought.
(500) Days of Summer. I loved this movie!

* Last film you watched.
Avatar in the cinema, and (500) Days of Summer in DVD.

* Five films that mean a lot to you.
~ Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs - Just because this is the very first movie my daughter watched in the cinema.

~ Spirited Away - I love this animation so much that I will never get tired of watching it.

~ All About Love (再说一次我爱你)

~ Clash of the Titans (Not the latest one but the original released in 1981. I was merely a child then and I remember I was so mesmerised by the story and the effects! I was so happy to be able to find the DVD last month!)

~ Harry Potter (the series that got me hooked to the books!)

I am not going to tag anyone but please feel free to tag yourself if you are keen to play!

Bibliomania Day (And a Meme)

I read from Veens' blog that March 20th was in fact Bibliomania Day. What's a Bibliomania Day, you may ask. Well, here's the quote from Veens':

On March 20, 1990, Stephen Blumberg of Ottumwa, Iowa, was arrested for stealing over 23,600 books worth $20 million and weighing 19 tons. So look out for a the "bookey-man"!

Like many book thieves, Blumberg was also a book lover. "It was his habit to read constantly through the night, cat-napping, waking, reading, dozing, waking, reading again, never fully sleeping.

(click here to read more of Stephen Blumberg, taken from 123people.com)

Veens also tagged me for this fun meme:

#1: Are there any books you would like to beg, borrow, or steal?

Yes, too many of them!

#2: Are you addicted to trips to Borders or the public library?
I'm definitely addicted to visiting the bookstores! In fact, I always make sure to visit the bookstore at least once a week, since it is so conveniently located near my workplace. Ha!

As for public library, I'm sad to say I have never been to one for years (I can't recall when), but that's because I have enough books at home to keep me busy for years, and plus I don't think I'm able to return those books on time (with work, family commitments and so forth).

#3: Do you have a way to remember what books you have read?
I don't keep a list of books I read during my pre-blogging days, thus this blog is a great way for me to keep a record besides getting to know more friends around the world who share the same passion with me!

#4: When did your love of books begin?
It all started when I was in primary school. The first two authors who got me hooked to their books are Carolyn Keene and Enid Blyton. And as for the rest, as they say, is history.

#5: What is a favorite book?
If you ask me for a favourite book, I'm afraid I can't tell you much since I have too many of them on my list! But I can tell you what makes the list of my favourite book: great characterisation, a plot that blew me away and also that it is able to evoke emotions in me. But that is not all, for I also look out for the author's prose and voice. All in all, I love reading books that make me think.

#6: Do you still have in your possession a book borrowed, but not returned to its rightful owner?
I am relieved to say all the books I read in the past have already been returned to their rightful owners (not that I borrow a lot nowadays. Refer my answer to #2).

#7: What's the most in library fines you have owed?
I always make sure to return all library books on time, but of course there were some occasions I failed to do so. I think the most I paid is 60 cents.

#8: Do you loan books out to others?

Yes, I do but not often since most of my friends do not like to read (that's why I love this bookblogging community so I can always talk about books with you all).

I tag the following friends for this meme:

Julia

Alice

Ceri

Darlyn

Naida

Tuesday Memes

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.
• Let the book fall open to a random page.
• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
• Please avoid spoilers!

My teaser for today:

He looked down at the ghost, and at the same time the dead man lifted his head and his eyes rolled open. But where his eyes belonged was only a black scribble.

(Pg 61, Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill)

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I was tagged by Andreea of Passionate Booklover for this fun meme.

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Share your ABC’s
3. Tag three people at the end by linking to their blogs
4. Let the three tagged people know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website
5. Do not tag the same person repeatedly but try to tag different people, so there is a big network of bloggers doing this tag

Available or single? Married
Best Friend? Jennifer T.
Cake or Pie? Cake. I'm a cake lover!
Drink of choice? Water and green tea
Essential item for every day use? Cell phone
Favorite color? Blue
Google? Google all the time
Hometown? Singapore
Indulgences? Books and handbags
January or February? Hmm... it makes no difference to me
Kids and their names? 2 daughters: Wei Lin and Kai Lin
Life is incomplete without…? a family
Marriage date? 15 May 2003
Number of siblings? One younger sister
Oranges or apples? Apples (wait... I love all fruit!)
Phobias and fears? Heights and lizards
Quote for the day? "Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." ~ Dalai Lama
Reason to smile? Family and anything that makes me happy!
Season? Autumn (I'm getting tired of summer all year around)
Tag 3 people?

Amy @ Amy Reads Good Books
Ceri @ Not in the Pink
Mari @ MariReads

And anyone else who would like to play!

Unknown fact about me? I'm a vegetarian (since two months ago)
Vegetable you hate? Beetroot
Worst habit? Procrastinate
X-rays you’ve had? Chest
Your fave food? Too many to list! (I love Subway's Veggie Delite - with lots of honey mustard sauce! Will have it at least twice a week!)
Zodiac sign? Sagittarius

Penmanship Tag

I was tagged by Alice for this fun Penmanship meme.

Here are the rules:
1. Write down who tagged you.

2. Answer these:

• your name / username / pseudo
• right-handed or left-handed?
• your favorite letters to write?
• your least favorite letters to write?
• Write “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

3. Tag five persons.

I'm tagging Violet Crush, Sandy, Beth, Naida and Trish.
Please let me know if you are playing! :-)

6 Happy Things Meme

I was tagged by Sandy for this Six Happy Things Meme. (Thanks, Sandy! This is fun and not to mention an easy one to play.)

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. List 6 things that make you happy.
3. Post the rules and tag six more people.
4. Let your tagger know when you have completed your mission.

So here are a few things that make me a very happy person:

• Spending time with my family
• Travelling
• Reading
• Blogging/Writing
• Shopping and visiting bookstores
• Getting mails from my best friend (or better still, to see her in person again! After all, she is living in PA! Too far away from Singapore!)

Now my turn to tag six more people (I am tagging the following friends who have not played this yet):

• Julia from Julia's Books Corner
• Nymeth from Things Mean A Lot
• Trish from Trish's Reading Nook
• Violet Crush
• Kristy from Just Another Blogger
• Dar from Peeking Between the Pages

... and anyone who is interested to play! Leave me a comment so I will come visit and read your answers! :-)

Musing Mondays - Christmas Book Buying

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about Christmas book buying…

In these last few days before Christmas, I'm sure there are plenty of us scrambling to get our last minute shopping done. Are you buying any books for friends or family (or even yourself)? Do you expect to receive any bookish gifts from others - books, or book-related?

Although I would love to buy books for my family and friends, I won't be buying books for them since most of them are non-readers (except my bookblogging friends, of course). However, not all of them dislike reading at all; for instance my husband does not share my passion for reading fiction novels but he does read books which are related to his job. Since I do not have knowledge in that area, I don't buy books as gifts for him and moreover, what I buy may not be of his liking.

For me, I love buying books for myself anytime. And although my family and friends know I am a booklover, they usually don't buy books as gifts for me (except gift cards) because they know I would prefer to buy them myself, and moreover what they buy may end up duplicates for me.

How about you? Do you buy books for your family and friends?

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Note: As much as I love chatting with friends or readers via Cbox, I regret to say I have to take it off my blog after some consideration after seeing someone misused it. Although I find the act amusing, I hate to mislead my friends and readers who mean more important to me. Nevertheless, I would love to hear from you so please feel free to email me.

Treat and Generosity

What is the best book you ever bought for yourself?
And, why? What made it the best? What made it so special?

I was in for a surprise when I checked today's BTT and saw there are two sets of questions being asked. What a nice treat!

I could not answer the first question because I think most of the books I bought are pretty good, or else I would not have spent money on them! If I have to answer this, I would say that buying hardcovers are the best because I rarely buy them and I view them as treats or rewards for myself. Usually I would only buy hardcovers when they are on sales or if they are written by my favourite authors.

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Do you give books as gifts?
To everyone? Or only to select people?
How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?

I love the idea of giving books as gifts. Books provide knowledge and entertainment, and I am sure any booklover will appreciate these. As much as I love reading and buying books, I understand that not everyone shares the same passion as me, so I make sure to get books only for those who loves reading.

Besides being a giver, I love being the receiver too! I always get excited whenever I get books in the mail or as a gift from someone. Nothing cheers me up more than getting books; and the more the merrier!

Musing Mondays - Reading on the Go

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading on the go…

I always like to have a book with me at all times – call it a nerdy grown-up security blanket – and rarely do I leave the house without slipping one into my bag (even if I KNOW I’m not going to have a chance to read it). Do you take a book with you? Do you take whatever book you’re currently reading, or do you have a special on-the-go book? And do you have a preference for a these types of book (paperback, hardback; short stories; poetry etc)?

I always bring a book with me wherever I go, unless it is a very short trip (i.e. buying takeaways from nearby food outlet etc). I always take the public transport, so not only I could pass the time but I could catch up on my reading too. And I always take the book I am currently reading. I rarely buy hardcovers so most of the books in my pile are paperbacks. Not only they are cheaper, but they are easier to carry around wherever I go. I only read my hardcovers at home, and I have the habit of removing the jackets as I read since I do not want to wrinkle them.

How about you?

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Friends are like family; they are a part of our life.

2. When it comes to health; it's best that we eat healthily, exercise frequently and not to take it for granted.

3. I'm ready for Christmas.

4. Elizabeth Arden's 5th Avenue is one of my favorite perfumes or aftershaves or smells.

5. The oldest ornament I have is probably nothing; I tend to have a short memory and who knows, I might have thrown it away.

6. Take some black tea and condensed milk, mix it all together and you have teh tarik. (I'm craving for a cup now.)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on my reading and watching my favourite drama serial on TV, tomorrow my plans include household chores and doing groceries and Sunday, I want to spend time with my family and, rest and relax!

Time is of the Essence

1. Do you get to read as much as you WANT to read?

2. If you had (magically) more time to read–what would you read? Something educational? Classic? Comfort Reading? Escapism? Magazines?

Reading time is very precious to me. With a full-time job and two young daughters to look after after office hours, finding some time to read can be real challenging. Therefore, I appreciate every seconds of my reading time. I make full use of the time travelling to and from work to catch up on my reading, and occasionally turn down lunch offers from coworkers. They are very understanding as they know all of us need some personal time to ourselves sometimes.

Well, if I have more time to read, I will read just about anything! But my priority will be my TBR pile. There are so many books in that pile that would probably last me for years!

Musing Mondays and Teaser Tuesdays

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.
• Let the book fall open to a random page.
• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
• Please avoid spoilers!

My teaser sentences for today [Dewey:The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter (Pg 13)]:

By now it had been twenty minutes since I pulled the kitten out of the drop box, and I'd had plenty of time to think through a few things - the once common practice of keeping library cats, my ongoing plan to make the library more friendly and appealing, the logistics of bowls and food and cat litter, the trusting expression on the kitten's face when he burrowed into my chest and looked up into my eyes. So I was more than prepared when someone finally asked, "What should we do with him?"

"Well," I said, as if the thought had just occured to me, "maybe we can keep him."

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How long do you wait after finishing a book before you pick/start another one? How many books do you have planned ahead or do you pick up random books from your tbr pile (if you have one)? Do you review right away or keep reading and come back to it later?

I always start reading another book immediately I have finished a book. It is choosing what book to read next is the question. Most of the times, I choose and read books accordingly to my mood, and I do not plan ahead for my reading because I know I may not stick to it anyway. Maybe this is one reason why I do not complete some of the reading challenges; I might have the interest of reading them upon the time I signed up for the challenges, but time and mood just got in the way. I suppose I need to restrain myself from buying more new books before I finish those from my TBR pile but oh, it is so hard to do so! As for reviewing, I always try to do it right after I have finished a book because that is the time my memory/opinion of the book remains the clearest.

Musing Mondays - Holiday Reading

With the holiday season now upon us, how does it affect your reading? Do you have more, or less, time to read at Christmas? Do you read Christmas themed/related books?

I suppose the holiday season or any other occasions do not really affect my reading. I read as usual and if opportunity and time allows me to do so. As for Christmas themed books, I would like to read them with the festive season just around the corner, but again this has to depend on my reading mood and whether or not if that book has sparked any interest on me. I bought some related books since the past few years but just have not got around to reading them yet, perhaps I need to read some of them this year!

What about you?

Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.

Now, you may have noticed that the global economy isn’t exactly doing well. There’s war. Starvation. All sorts of bad, scary things going on.

So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?

This can be about books, sure–authors you appreciate, books you love, an ode to your public library–but also, how about other things, too? Because in times like these, with bills piling up and disaster seemingly lurking around every corner, it’s more important than ever to stop and take stock of the things we’re grateful for. Family. Friends. Good health (I hope). Coffee and tea. Turkey. Sunshine. Wagging tails. Curling up with a good book.

So, how about it? Spread a little positive thinking and tell the world what there is to be thankful for.

First of all, I want to wish all my American friends a Happy Thanksgiving!

Generally, I am thankful for everything I am and I have! I am happy and grateful of my family and friends (especially Jennifer T., whom I feel we are more like sisters than best friends and despite of the long distance!) who are always there for me whenever I need them. I am thankful that I have a job and that my superior is understanding and treats me as an equal.

Before I end this post, I am also thankful to my bookblogging friends for their friendship and their never-ending book recommendations (although my wallet is complaining!), and then of course to all the writers out there, without them we will not have any good books to read!

Teaser Tuesdays

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.
• Let the book fall open to a random page.
• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
• Please avoid spoilers!

My teaser sentences for today [Fangland by John Marks (Pg 30)]:



High atop the wagon, on a bed of aromatic hay, rode a coffin roughly the shade of Clemmie's oxford cloth shirt and about half the size of an adult human being. This was the funeral procession of a child.

Musing Mondays

From this week onwards, MUSING MONDAYS will be hosted by Rebecca from Just One More Page.

How do you feel about wide-spread reading phenomenons - Harry Potter, for instance, or the more current Twilight Saga? Are these books so widely read for a reason, or merely fads or crazes? Do you feel compelled to read - or NOT to read - these books because everyone else is?

I remember those moments when I walked into the bookstores and found many young children queuing to get their copies of the Harry Potter books. I was not a HP fan then, but my initial thought was it is a good thing that these children have not given up reading (given with today's electronic games and all) and that this series must be really good to generate such crazes. It was only through curiosity that I watched the first movie and thought it was interesting. Being a booklover, I always think that books are a better source of storytelling and are more descriptive so I began to seek out this series from then onwards. It was also through this series that started my passion for children/young adult books.

As for the Twilight Saga, I started reading this series before all the hypes. I have yet to watch this movie but I am definitely looking forward to watching it soon. So what do I think about these reading phenomenons? Naturally books which are most read and bestselling often make it to the big screen, which in turn may inspire some non-readers to read the books. And I think it is always a good thing to spark anyone's interest in reading.

Honesty

Suggested by JM:

I receive a lot of review books, but I have never once told lies about the book just because I got a free copy of it. However, some authors seem to feel that if they send you a copy of their book for free, you should give it a positive review.

Do you think reviewers are obligated to put up a good review of a book, even if they don’t like it? Have we come to a point where reviewers *need* to put up disclaimers to (hopefully) save themselves from being harassed by unhappy authors who get negative reviews?

I do not think a reviewer is obligated to put up a good review of a book if he/she does not like it, no matter if it is a free copy or not. If the reviewers are always giving good reviews, then what is the point of writing reviews in the first place? A good reviewer writes in a constructive manner, but this does not mean he/she is slamming the author in a negative way. Reading is a subjective matter and anyway, readers are entitled to their own opinions.

At this point, I do not feel a need to put up a disclaimer since I always try to make an effort to write reviews in a constructive manner. Most of the times, I will ask the authors to send me a synopsis of their books (or I visit their websites to check on them, if any) so that I can make a decision whether or not if I want to review them.