Hello! My name is Chie. I am likely to be the girl you'll see whose eyes would bulge out of their sockets at the sight of a book store and be seized by waves of epileptic shock whenever there is a book bargain. I'll probably be the one pushing you out of my way to get through the book bargain bins and tediously combing through the pile. (I forget my manners when it comes to books). I am tone deaf and have two left feet. But I would endure the embarrassment of a performance in exchange for books (terms and conditions apply). I have created this blog in order to find kindred souls. Those who would gladly share the same passion for books and reading because although reading is solitary task most of the time, it's no fun having no one to ramble to after..
Synopsis: An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life - until he meets the girl of his dreams. Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into some kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who has captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in-love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read... and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love - and face the hardest decision of his life.
Review: It amazes me how a male author can write such a beautiful love story. Maybe it is because majority of the romance novels are written by women. Whatever the reason, I congratulate Nicholas Sparks on his ability to make me fall in love instantly with a fictional relationship.
The novel is written in first person by the protagonist John Tyree. There is something intriguing to me about a male protagonist in a love story. I guess it's a side I don't usually see. I love the vulnerability in Sparks' male characters, even in Dear John where we are presented with what could be a stereotypical macho character.
What I would consider to be Sparks' greatest triumph with this novel is his handling of John's father. It is honestly and beautifully done for me, in some ways, John's relationship with Savannah. Sparks ability to tell a story within a story especially through his portrayal of character relationships is wonderful to read.
My biggest issue with Sparks' books is the way he manages to make my heart ache. I always read one of his novels with a box of tissues close to hand. It is difficult sometimes to even enjoy his books because of his unshamed handling of human weaknesses.
What begins as a summer romance develops into a mature relationship in which choices that affect far more than just a love story. This novel built me up again. I give it 4/5. I was unable to put it down once I started reading. Except of course to refresh my tissues.
Synopsis: Landon is a sixteen-year old high student of Beaufort High School, North Carolina. Being a son of Congressman, who he rarely see in their house is normal. Being with his friends Eric and Margaret are even normal for him, for he used to be with them since grade school. But being the Student Body President is another thing, whilst signing up for Drama Class is definitely not his thing. Jamie Sullivan is surely the last girl in the world Landon wanted to marry but absolutely not the last girl to ask as a date for the school's homecoming. As Landon's world becomes closer to Jamie's, he'll find a plan he never thought fated for him.
Review: I stumbled upon reading this love story book. A risk indeed to read a different genre especially when it exempts among the genres you always think about. Thus, it doesn't just take twenty gulps to risk for it but takes time and sweat to decide the dillema whether to give it a shot or not. Lately, I decided to widen my braced genres and I thought this book is worth the risk to try. So as a love story as the title represents, I am afraid that the further words I will emancipate may loosen up the tightness of the statement I previously, in my reviews professed.
I was sure then before I tried that I wouldn't like this book, though I was in the mood to read this kind of book. The moment I fixed my eyes onto the surface of the first page of the book's prologue, my feet as if set foot onto the world of what I was reading. I became the main character. Marvelous really it is to say how amazing the approach of the main character's perspective to me as a reader. Truly effective. A perfect thing to add up is that the perspective used in the story is from a guy's character, considering that it gives perfect justice to how guy thinks, utters and acts.
The story composes of just simple elements: the typical story of ugly duckling that turns into swan; typical story of a jerk guy who fell in love to the swan; and a typical story of a man who'll do anything for love. The magic of how it turned out to be good is the summation of all those factors. Moreover, Sparks really used the overused concepts perfectly during the shifting of events, which of course a positive move for the book to become better.
I was told that the movie is way better than the book. Granted, for I am one of those unfortunates who hasn't watched the movie yet. Yes, I did not itch to watch the movie the moment it had been shown in cinemas nor did I eagerly wait for it in movie cable channels. But I am very much glad, for I think choosing to read first the movie over over watching the movie is one way or another, a smart decision.
I honestly admire Sparks for writing down the solid description of Jamie Sullivan, yet unknowingly behind her image is a great mystery. That despite of the best answer a normal person could offer to the reason of her action, there is still hidden truth behind it that alters the nearest possibility.
The greatest thing I liked about this book is the profound messages of the story behind what are written, though some are already given. I like how faith works at Jamie, that even though everything has been taken from her, she dignifies how her faith still remains. I was also touched at how simply a very kind person could turn oppositely to what they were. There is even presence of the true effects of love, which it leads the in-love human to think either sane or insane. And the story, in a way, emphasises how humans should give attention, importance and deeper understanding on the things that surround them not until it's too late. And the best of all is how faith can bring out the miracle to the surface out of the deepest pit.
I admit that that there were many times the book led me on the verge of tears. For I reckon that this book, no matter how cold-hearted I am, is no wonder a heart-moving one.
Synopsis: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
One of the best books I've ever read. Very highly recommended. Motion sickness be damned. John Green broke my heart into tiny little pieces, this little book would be my Kryptonite.
The Fault In Our Stars introduces Green's first female protagonist. Hazel Grace Lancaster, who was diagnosed with a Stage IV Thyroid Cancer at the age of 12. By a medical miracle, she is now 16, but remain terminal knowing that one day, the cancer will come back to claim her. During a cancer support group meeting, she meets the enigmatic Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor who is instantly drawn to her. Cautious but also curious, she starts spending time with Augustus, inadvertently changing her life as she knows it. Conventional stories of cancer victims focus on their inspiring hope, faith, and strength. Forget that. At the end of the day, most of us would not be radiating sunshine if we were afflicted by the big "C". Anyone who has seen a loved one go through the pains of cancer or any other terminal illness can attest to the horrible impact that it has on patients. John Green recognises this and allows his characters to express the truth about mortality. His honesty on how patients feel on the day-to-day basis and the roller coaster of emotions they go through is authentic and leaves the reader with the very essence of what it is like to deal with the horrors of canciti. This was the first time I have had the pleasure of reading John Green's work and I am in love with his writing. He creates the most amazing, multi-dimensional characters that shatter the boundaries of a simple paper page. He is this incredibly intelligent man who writes incredibly intelligent things that makes you really think and wonder. And he has the ability to break hearts and mend them back together, in the most crooked way possible. There were lines that made me laugh out loud. There were lines that I had to highlight and re-read. There were lines that captured the feelings that I have but that I could never put into words. You should know that this book will make you cry. Alot. This book made my heart ache and my eyes burn with tears. There was just so much emotion in the pages of this book that it was so hard not to feel them. But it is so very worth it. It's a beautifully honest story about death, more importantly life. It will stay with you long after you read it. Have you read this book? What do you think of it?
Synopsis: An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life - until he meets the girl of his dreams. Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into some kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who has captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in-love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read... and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love - and face the hardest decision of his life.
Review: It amazes me how a male author can write such a beautiful love story. Maybe it is because majority of the romance novels are written by women. Whatever the reason, I congratulate Nicholas Sparks on his ability to make me fall in love instantly with a fictional relationship.
The novel is written in first person by the protagonist John Tyree. There is something intriguing to me about a male protagonist in a love story. I guess it's a side I don't usually see. I love the vulnerability in Sparks' male characters, even in Dear John where we are presented with what could be a stereotypical macho character.
What I would consider to be Sparks' greatest triumph with this novel is his handling of John's father. It is honestly and beautifully done for me, in some ways, John's relationship with Savannah. Sparks ability to tell a story within a story especially through his portrayal of character relationships is wonderful to read.
My biggest issue with Sparks' books is the way he manages to make my heart ache. I always read one of his novels with a box of tissues close to hand. It is difficult sometimes to even enjoy his books because of his unshamed handling of human weaknesses.
What begins as a summer romance develops into a mature relationship in which choices that affect far more than just a love story. This novel built me up again. I give it 4/5. I was unable to put it down once I started reading. Except of course to refresh my tissues.
Synopsis: Landon is a sixteen-year old high student of Beaufort High School, North Carolina. Being a son of Congressman, who he rarely see in their house is normal. Being with his friends Eric and Margaret are even normal for him, for he used to be with them since grade school. But being the Student Body President is another thing, whilst signing up for Drama Class is definitely not his thing. Jamie Sullivan is surely the last girl in the world Landon wanted to marry but absolutely not the last girl to ask as a date for the school's homecoming. As Landon's world becomes closer to Jamie's, he'll find a plan he never thought fated for him.
Review: I stumbled upon reading this love story book. A risk indeed to read a different genre especially when it exempts among the genres you always think about. Thus, it doesn't just take twenty gulps to risk for it but takes time and sweat to decide the dillema whether to give it a shot or not. Lately, I decided to widen my braced genres and I thought this book is worth the risk to try. So as a love story as the title represents, I am afraid that the further words I will emancipate may loosen up the tightness of the statement I previously, in my reviews professed.
I was sure then before I tried that I wouldn't like this book, though I was in the mood to read this kind of book. The moment I fixed my eyes onto the surface of the first page of the book's prologue, my feet as if set foot onto the world of what I was reading. I became the main character. Marvelous really it is to say how amazing the approach of the main character's perspective to me as a reader. Truly effective. A perfect thing to add up is that the perspective used in the story is from a guy's character, considering that it gives perfect justice to how guy thinks, utters and acts.
The story composes of just simple elements: the typical story of ugly duckling that turns into swan; typical story of a jerk guy who fell in love to the swan; and a typical story of a man who'll do anything for love. The magic of how it turned out to be good is the summation of all those factors. Moreover, Sparks really used the overused concepts perfectly during the shifting of events, which of course a positive move for the book to become better.
I was told that the movie is way better than the book. Granted, for I am one of those unfortunates who hasn't watched the movie yet. Yes, I did not itch to watch the movie the moment it had been shown in cinemas nor did I eagerly wait for it in movie cable channels. But I am very much glad, for I think choosing to read first the movie over over watching the movie is one way or another, a smart decision.
I honestly admire Sparks for writing down the solid description of Jamie Sullivan, yet unknowingly behind her image is a great mystery. That despite of the best answer a normal person could offer to the reason of her action, there is still hidden truth behind it that alters the nearest possibility.
The greatest thing I liked about this book is the profound messages of the story behind what are written, though some are already given. I like how faith works at Jamie, that even though everything has been taken from her, she dignifies how her faith still remains. I was also touched at how simply a very kind person could turn oppositely to what they were. There is even presence of the true effects of love, which it leads the in-love human to think either sane or insane. And the story, in a way, emphasises how humans should give attention, importance and deeper understanding on the things that surround them not until it's too late. And the best of all is how faith can bring out the miracle to the surface out of the deepest pit.
I admit that that there were many times the book led me on the verge of tears. For I reckon that this book, no matter how cold-hearted I am, is no wonder a heart-moving one.
Synopsis: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
One of the best books I've ever read. Very highly recommended. Motion sickness be damned. John Green broke my heart into tiny little pieces, this little book would be my Kryptonite.
The Fault In Our Stars introduces Green's first female protagonist. Hazel Grace Lancaster, who was diagnosed with a Stage IV Thyroid Cancer at the age of 12. By a medical miracle, she is now 16, but remain terminal knowing that one day, the cancer will come back to claim her. During a cancer support group meeting, she meets the enigmatic Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor who is instantly drawn to her. Cautious but also curious, she starts spending time with Augustus, inadvertently changing her life as she knows it. Conventional stories of cancer victims focus on their inspiring hope, faith, and strength. Forget that. At the end of the day, most of us would not be radiating sunshine if we were afflicted by the big "C". Anyone who has seen a loved one go through the pains of cancer or any other terminal illness can attest to the horrible impact that it has on patients. John Green recognises this and allows his characters to express the truth about mortality. His honesty on how patients feel on the day-to-day basis and the roller coaster of emotions they go through is authentic and leaves the reader with the very essence of what it is like to deal with the horrors of canciti. This was the first time I have had the pleasure of reading John Green's work and I am in love with his writing. He creates the most amazing, multi-dimensional characters that shatter the boundaries of a simple paper page. He is this incredibly intelligent man who writes incredibly intelligent things that makes you really think and wonder. And he has the ability to break hearts and mend them back together, in the most crooked way possible. There were lines that made me laugh out loud. There were lines that I had to highlight and re-read. There were lines that captured the feelings that I have but that I could never put into words. You should know that this book will make you cry. Alot. This book made my heart ache and my eyes burn with tears. There was just so much emotion in the pages of this book that it was so hard not to feel them. But it is so very worth it. It's a beautifully honest story about death, more importantly life. It will stay with you long after you read it. Have you read this book? What do you think of it?
