The Witches

Book of the moment: The Witches by Roald Dahl


credits:myreadingbooks.blogspot

Lately I was in the mood for Roald Dahl with nice quirky illustrations by Quentin Blake. Don't ask me why, I have no idea... just felt like reading good old Roald Dahl.

If memory serves me right, I've already read The Witches before. I also vaguely remember there was a movie on it. You have to understand that these happen many many years ago.

My colleagues registered surprise when they saw me reading Roald Dahl and asked how old am I! But I think Roald Dahl books are classic.

I was quite enchanted with the way the witches were presented in the story. And maybe because it was supposedly a children's book (here I contradict myself), I was kind of expecting a happy-ever-after kind of ending. Though I read the book before, I seriously don't remember how it ended. To me, the ending was somewhat of a "cliffhanger" of sorts. I kept expecting something to happen to change everything back to normal, but nothing of that sort happened.

Despite everything, The Witches is a truly captivating book!

Nobody Owens

Book of the moment: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

credits:wikipedia

I finally got round to reading this. And it was really good! My very first Neil Gaiman book and I like his writing style, simplicity at its best, injected with black humour.

I haven't had this kind of experience while reading for a long time. It was like I was transported into the world of Neil Gaiman's and went on an adventure on my own. Like I'm one of the ghosts in the graveyard, witnessing Bod's adventure as he grows up.

This may be known as a children's fantasy book, but it's in no way childish. The many different characters are interesting and unique, with a character of their own. Characters not just kids can relate to, but on a different level, adults as well.

Just one word, ENCHANTING.

Valentina & her Crap Car

Book of the moment: A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka


credits:amazon

I have been hearing great reviews about this book, so I was very excited when I finally laid my hands on it. I was expecting much more hilarity since there was so much comments about the humour of the author. Hence, admittedly, I was slightly disappointed.

Even so, I totally enjoyed the read! It was interesting and very unique. Since I'm more accustomed to UK novels, someone like Marina with a Ukraine background gives a rather nice and interesting perspective. The writing style is also unusual in that rather funny, interesting way.

I am now tempted to check out Two Caravans also by the same author.

Scandal in the City

Book of the moment: Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City by Holly Denham


credits:amazon

This book is a SCREAM!

I've always wanted to do that. You know, the way critics like to comment on those very hilarious, interesting books? This is definitely one of them who deserve such a "criticism". The story tells itself through email correspondence between different people, and ohhh how very realistic! In fact, it reminded me very much of the emails shooting to and fro between me and 老婆at work.

Plus, there's also different perspective when the angle occasionally changes to someone else's inbox.

Though a very thick book, I had alot of fun reading this! And then to my horror, I realised there's a prequel to this book, called Holly's Inbox! I was slightly miffed that I'll be reading in reverse chronologically order, but never mind... some of the greatest works are shown in reverse (think Star Wars)...

So there, I'm so getting my hands on Holly's Inbox! I can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book!

The Duchess

Book of the moment: The Duchess by Jude Deveraux


credits:amazon

Pretty interesting but I think after some time I'm getting all my characters mixed up, since they are more or less described in the same way, the heroes being tall, dark and handsome with dark curly hair, cleft chin, and thick mustache. But seriously, that is really not my definition of good looking guys. In fact, somehow I find that kind of heroes, rather... corny!

Anyway, it's the typical, marriage for money and status. Not very convincing sometimes and quite easily forgettable.

There should be better Jude Deveraux books around.

Velvet Promise

Book of the moment: Velvet Promise by Jude Deveraux

credits:amazon

Please pardon me, but I'm in the mood for Jude Deveraux of late.

This must of one of her most conniving book I've ever read, not that I've read a lot of her books. So much double crossing, so much misunderstanding, so much betrayal and lost trust, it was almost too much for me to take.

I like that it is set in an era where there were countess, earls and the likes.

But so many twists and turns, twists and turns, ups and downs in the novel left me rather drained. I can't say yet whether I like this, but I can't say I don't dislike it and it's definitely one of the better books I've read of late. There are the other velvet series which hopefully I'll have the chance to check out and maybe get to compare them a bit, though I won't be surprised if there'll be more double crossing in the other velvet stories.

The Mulberry Tree

Book of the moment: The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deveraux

credits:amazon

Interesting... the concept is there but it could have been better.

Too many characters, like the Golden Six, where at the end of the day, only one or two of the six really served their purpose in the story. Plus it gets confusing after awhile...

Quite some redundant bits as well... Seriously I think Jude Deveraux might be better off writing about those tall dark handsome Montgomery guys then trying her hand at mystery thriller type of novels.

ひみつ

Book of the moment: Secrets by Jude Deveraux


credits:amazon

Something quite unlike what Jude Deveraux usually writes. Firstly there's no handsome guys by the name of Montgomery. Secondly, the story is not set in medieval times. Thirdly, there's no hot passionate sex.

Quite refreshing for a change, but I think Jude Deveraux need to work harder on writing about secret agents and stuff for the story to be more exciting.

Despite everything, it's been fun reading!

Kiss Me Quick

Book of the moment: Kiss Me Quick by Julie Highmore


credits:amazon

Interesting. A book offering perspectives from all the different characters. It is rather amusing as you'll get to see how certain events are being viewed differently by the different characters.

Though, there might be a little too many characters for me to deal with and sometimes I forget who Alice or Stefan or Erica is.

Quite a fun read. I'll surely check out more of her books next time.

I ♥ NY

Book of the moment: I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk


credits:amazon

Another of those too-good-to-be-true novels, where the heartbroken girl gets to move on with not just one(!), but a few hot guys!

Often times when I read these books, I get the feeling that the poor deluded author is trying to realise some sad desperate dream of being wanted and loved, and being so pretty and hot (think Stephenie Meyer a la Isabella Swan).

Humour wise, I think I've read better ones. Sophie Kinsella is still my all-time favourite British novelist!

I guess in the meantime, it's a can-do book, since I'm reading just for the sake of wanting to read a book.

Wolfblade

Book of the moment: Wolfblade by Jennifer Fallon

credits:jennifer fallon

Finished this rather thick book within two days because it's quite enticing. Especially if you're someone who loves reading Fantasy like me. Though not as good as David Eddings, it kept me occupied and entertained.

Shall start looking for the 2nd book of this trilogy.

Hui e, haumi e, taiki e.

Book of the moment: The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera


credits:amazon

It was a short read, but a fantastic one. I cried. There were a number of times where the simple love in the novel tugged at my heart and the tears just came easily. It was simple, touching, and impressing. I love it. When I finally finished reading, I felt melancholic somehow. I know there's a short film on it and I would love to lay my hands on them!

Christmas presents

It's time to open our Christmas presents. After watching Twilight, I thought I might get the book for myself and check out what the fuss was all about. I haven't bought a book in ages.



Presents for myself. Somehow it made me really happy!! (^@^)



Present for Baby! Her fav toy toy in three different flavours~~~! ♥

Jellyfish + Spade = Fun!

Book of the moment: Never hit a Jellyfish with a Spade by Guy Browning


credits:amazon

Makes you laugh out loud.