Melody
WorDS On WedNEsdAY


Word for 22 August: salutary

Definition:

  1. Promotive of, or contributing to, some beneficial purpose; beneficial; advantageous; as, a salutary design.
  2. Wholesome; healthful; promoting health; as, salutary exercise.
Adverb: salutarily
Noun: salutariness

Synonyms: salubrious
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Dangerous Love
Melody



ISBN: 0091897300
Pub. Date: February 2005
Format: Paperback, 352pp
Publisher: Random House UK




I am always intrigued with theme like obsessive love or forbidden love as the plot of a story. And this explains why I picked up this book without hesitation after reading the blurb. And to top it off, my curiousity was piqued by the cover where it stated 'A gripping memoir of romance and murder'.

Kate, the narrator was an undergraduate when she first knew Tim Franklin. She was only twenty, while Tim was a mature man in his fifties. They were both students at Exeter University. One evening while they were drinking in the pub, Tim told Kate that he was a lifer (a person sentenced to or serving a term of life imprisonment). Kate thought he was kidding at first, because he gave her the impression he was such a charming and charismatic gentleman. He further told her that he could be recalled anytime should he done anything, but he stressed to her that he didn't mean it to happen and that it was all an accident. Kate believed him because he was quite popular in the university and that most of the students kind of respect him.

Anyway, Kate fell in love with Tim. But as time went on, Kate found out he was not what she thought he was. He became possessive, and he wanted to control her life. And when she threatened to leave him, he showed signs of suicidal and thus, Kate was forced to stay with him until one day things just got out of hand and Tim ended his life.

It was in the later part of the story that Kate narrated how she began to dig into his past and learnt he had an unhappy childhood, and how his obsessive and controlling behaviour led him to adulthood. The story slowly unfold when Kate found out that he was married and later how he was involved in another relationship but ended in a tragedy when he killed her, although he claimed he was defending himself.

No matter how sick Tim is, it shows how he views and handles love differently from the others, and unfortunately it ended up in a tragedy. I have never read anything like this and all I can say is Dangerous Love is one stunning memoir.
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Scary Movies
Melody
Randomness

Week of August19: Scary Movies
I love scary movies. I always have. There's nothing like a good old fashioned scary movie. The original 'Halloween' is one of my favorites, simply because I don't think there's anything scarier than Michael Myers chasing after Jamie Lee Curtis. And just the simple factthat he's wearing that creepy mask...that being said, list your top 5 favorite scary movies, and don't forget to say why you like each.

Till next time...

Ooh, I too love scary movies. Although I belong to the "easily-scared" type, still I can't resist the temptation of watching them. My top 5 favourite (and the scariest) movies is as follows:
  1. The Ring (Japanese version)
  2. Shutter (Thai)
  3. Ju-On (Japanese)
  4. Dark Water (Japanese)
  5. The Eye (Chinese)
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Friday's Feast - #156
Melody


MENU

Appetizer
Describe your laundry routine. Do you have a certain day when you do it all, or do you just wash whatever you need for the next day?
Yes, I do have a certain day for laundry. I do my washing twice or three times a week, depending on the loads.

Soup
In your opinion, what age will you be when you’ll consider yourself to truly be old?
Probably at the age of 60...

Salad
What is one of your goals? Is it short-term, long-term, or both?
To be able to do something I like and don't have to worry about it financially. And it has to be long-term of course! (Hmm...probably writing part-time and enjoying life as it is)

Main Course
Name something unbelievable you’ve seen or read lately.
I'm currently reading a memoir - Dangerous Love by Kate Lock. Why the narrator is involved with a lifer (a person sentenced to or serving a term of life imprisonment) who continues to treat her badly is beyond me.

Dessert
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how happy are you today?
7. Hey, it's Friday right?! LOL. Would be a 10 if it's Saturday, hehe.

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Monogamy
Melody
Booking Through Thursday
One book at a time? Or more than one? If more, are they different types/genres? Or similar?
(We’re talking recreational reading, here—books for work or school don’t really count since they’re not optional.)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!
And, of course, you can answer any time you want–it doesn’t have to be on Thursday!

I used to read one book at a time, but my reading habit changed ever since I noticed my TBR pile starts to grow until they can't fit into my bookshelves anymore. That was when I start to think that if I don't speed up my reading, I will probably take forever to finish those books. And so I tried out by reading two books at the time, and I find it acceptable as long as I read two different genres so I won't get confused over the plots and the characters won't clash with one another. However, my reading also depends a lot on my moods, or when I am very engrossed with a certain book that I will devote my attention to it.
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Thank You, My Dear Friends!
Melody
I think internet is one of the most wonderful inventions, because it brings the world so much closer. Because of this wonderful invention, I get to know a lot of friends through the internet.

I think it was 1997 (or is it 1998?) that I first began exploring ICQ. At that time, it was very popular and of course I was hooked to it. It was during that time that I get to know Jennifer (By the way, she's from America). We will 'chat' online and throughout the years when the ICQ trend fades away, we continue to 'chat' through snail mails and/or emails. I am most touched when she flew over to visit us in 2006 for her honeymoon. She is now my best friend (we even treat each other as part of the family, and that shows how close we are).

I guess I have carried away with my ramblings, but I'm just trying to emphasize how wonderful internet can be because you don't have to travel to know more friends. And due to this, I also get to know several wonderful friends through blogging.

Now I want to thank Alice for giving me the Nice Matters Award. She is one of the sweetest bloggers/friends I met through blogging and I am very glad to know her. Thank you, Alice!

And that's not the end of it, I have also received a Thoughtful Blogger Award from Kristy. What a double sweet surprise all in one morning! Thank you so much, Kristy!

Before I end this post, I would like to give these two awards to Jennifer, Julia, Alice, Wendy, Kristy and Kathy!

Thank you, my dear friends! You ladies rock!

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What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?
Melody
Who Should Paint You: Andy Warhol

You've got an interested edge that would be reflected in any portrait
You don't need any fancy paint techniques to stand out from the crowd!

More Info on Andy Warhol.
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The Forest House
Melody


ISBN: 0451454243
Pub. Date: April 1995
Series: Avalon Series, #2
Format: Paperback, 414pp
Publisher: Roc Trade

This is the second book of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon Series.

Sets in Roman Britain, Eilan is a druid girl who is raised as a priestess. She rescues Gaius Macellius, a young man from a hole trap one day while out with another priestess, Dieda. They brought him home and healed him, not knowing that he is actually a Roman who bypasses their territory.

The druids and romans are enemies; and although Gaius has druid blood from her mother, his father however is a powerful officer in the Roman legions. It goes without saying that Gaius and Eilan aren't meant to be together, especially not when Eilan has taken her vows to become a priestess and her ability to serve the Goddess.

Though the theme of a forbidden love isn't new, the author has done a good job in creating engaging characters and I could feel their intense emotions through the narrative. This is a wonderful fantasy not to be missed in my opinion.
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Melody
WoRdS oN WEdnESdaY

Word for 15 August: felicitous

Definition:
  1. Happily applied or expressed; appropriate; well suited; apt
  2. Happy; delightful; marked by good fortune.
Adverb: felicitously

Noun: felicitousness
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Ratatouille
Melody


ISBN: 0736424393
Pub. Date: May 2007
Publisher: Random House Children's Books


I saw this trailer when the hubs and I went to watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but too bad it will only be released on 30 Aug over here. I told him I will watch it with or without him when the day arrives, because knowing him he will only watch the animations on DVDs. But I have got the hunch that he will follow me in the end though, hehehe. Anyway, I saw this book during a trip to the bookstore one day and decided to pick it up. And I was glad that I enjoyed reading it, despite the story is short and it is meant for children (OK, please don't laugh).

Remy is not your typical ordinary rat. Well you see, he has a sharp sense of smell and taste, and on top of that he loves to cook, not to mention he is also a great cook too and he dreams of becoming a gourmet chef one day. But how could he be when he is viewed as the dirtiest and most unhygiene thing to be seen in the kitchen! However, his fate is about to change after he flees from an old lady's house when she threatens to kill his family and he ends up in the Gusteau's restaurant.

Linguini got a job as a garbage boy in Gusteau's restaurant, through a letter left by his mother Renata who happens to be the great chef's old flame. He died shortly after the fine reputation of his restaurant is tarnished after a scathing review by France's top food critic Anton Ego. However, he left Linguini a will but only Skinner, the head chef knows about it and he will think of every possible way to get rid of Linguini.

The thing about Linguini is he doesn't know how to cook. One day he accidentally ruins a soup and just when he is about to make a remedy, he is shocked when he finds Remy adding up spices and making the soup. Unfortunately Skinner noticed the rat and he ordered Linguini to get rid of it. But Linguini has a soft spot for Remy, and to top it off he knows how to cook so they decided on a plan. Remy gets to stay but he will help Linguini to cook. The only way he could do is to hide himself inside Linguini's hat and gives him instructions through tugging at his hair.

Soon, everyone came to know about Linguini's skills and this includes Anton. And Skinner is going to ruin Linguini's plan after knowing his little secret. So, what do you think the people will react if they find out the whole truth? And do you think Skinner will get his way? I am not going to spoil it for you, but I definitely have a great time reading the last few chapters, and have laughed out loud on several occasions. I just can't wait to watch the animation!
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Pan's Labyrinth
Melody
I was totally blown away with this Spanish fantasy! However, I would like to stress that this isn't suitable for the young children because of some swearings and the graphic violence.

The story is set in the 1940s where the Spanish Civil War takes place. Ofelia, a young girl together with her pregnant mother moves into Captain Vidal's shabby house, who is a military officer fighting with the guerillas.

Feeling unloved by her new stepfather and lonely at the new environment, she likes to dream of fantastical creatures and creates their tales. One day, she frees a magical insect unknowingly, and this tiny fairy follows her home. Later in the night it leads her to a labyrinth where she meets a faun which informs her she is actually a reborn princess from the underworld but she needs to accomplish various tasks to return to the world where she belongs.

While she competes with the hideous giant toad for the keys and get pass the horrific Pale Man for the dagger, she is also worried for her mother who is having a difficult pregnancy but they are glad to have Mercedes, their housekeeper who helps them although she is secretly spying for the guerillas.

The movie switches between the conflict of war and Ofelia's fantastical adventures until it reaches the climax when she tries to escape with her newborn brother and is held at gunpoint by her stepfather and it is at this same time that the faun instructs her to shed his brother's blood to seal the task.

I find there is something similiar between Mercedes and Ofelia as both are willing to sacrifice for the price of freedom. And although some might scoff at having to read the subtitles, it doesn't really bother me at all and I really enjoyed watching this imaginative dark tale and the great performance played by the actors, especially the roles of the evil Captain Vidal, Mercedes and not to mention the young Ofelia.
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New Moon
Melody






ISBN: 0316160199
Pub. Date: September 2006
Publisher: Little, Brown Children's Books


Well, what should I say about New Moon? I have been looking forward to reading it after being hooked to the first book, Twilight. It is this book that has made me fallen in love with Edward Cullen, although he is a vampire, and a very charming one to boot.

However, in New Moon, I was very, very disappointed to note there is only a slight mention of Edward. Although Stephenie Meyer has done a great job in weaving a great suspenseful paranormal story, New Moon doesn't captivate me the way Twilight does.

Bella celebrates her birthday with the Cullen family but a small papercut accident puts her in danger as some members couldn't resist the smell of blood, although they have sworn off blood. To ensure Bella's safety, Edward decided it is best for them to leave town and to end their relationship, although it pains him in doing so.

Devastated over his departure, Bella is depressed until she finds good friend in Jacob Black. However, Jacob has romantic feelings for her, and to make things worse, he isn't what she thinks he is. Bella is shocked when she later finds out the truth about Jacob, and on the other hand she is trying to escape from Victoria, the evil vampire who vows to kill her in return of Edward killing her lover during the last installment. Jacob protects her fiercely, and it is after this episode that the story began to speed up and it gets better when Bella finally meets up with Edward, only to find he is in grave danger and she has to race against time in order to save him before it is too late.

Although this second installment isn't as good as compared to the first one, this book is focusing more on Jacob and this is where we get to know his inner thoughts and how he struggles to be a 'normal' person. And I like the way how he protects Bella. There are also some scenes that makes my heart goes out to him. I can't wait to get a copy of Eclipse and find out more.

Note: Alice, it was a pleasure reading with you once again. I'm hoping we will read Eclipse together soon.

Other Bloggers' reviews:
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Coffee Time?
Melody


Week of August 12: Coffee time?

Are you coffee addicted? Tea addicted? How many cuppas per day? Black, cream, with sugar, without sugar? How do you take it?
Till next time...

Well, although I love drinking coffee, I'm not really a coffee person. I love drinking teas more than drinking coffees, and I have several types of teas in my drawer (e.g. Gold Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Green Tea etc), and of course chrysanthemum tea for its cooling effect especially on a hot day or if you have a sore throat.

I drink two tea bags daily, and it's so convenient because you just have to add in boiling water and that's it. Moreover, it's good for health too.
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Friday's Feast - #155
Melody
Friday's Feast



Menu


Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of pie?
Although I love all kinds of pies, but apple pies are still my favourite.

Soup
Name something that made you smile this week.
My daughter offered me a candy, even though she only has three left in her pockets. (It's a sweet gesture to me because she loves candies so much)

Salad
What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid?
Switch on the air-conditioner, although I wish I have a pool.

Main Course
You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home. Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up?
This one is easy! I need to re-decorate our study room! I need more bookshelves since my books are piling.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: My _________ says __________, but I __________.
My hubby says the length of my hair is fine, but I think it's time for me to go for a haircut.
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Multiples
Melody

Do you have multiple copies of any of your books?

If so, why? Absent-mindedness? You love them that much? First Editions for the shelf, but paperbacks to read?

If not, why not? Not enough space? Not enough money? Too sensible to do something so foolish?
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!
And–you can play any time; it doesn’t have to be Thursday!

Yes, I do. In fact, I have a few duplicates in my pile. It isn't that I love my books so much that I buy duplicates of them (although I admit I really love my books), it is just that sometimes I can't remember if I have bought them (I tend to have a short memory), and another thing is the publishers reissued an older book with a new bookcover without explaining it wasn't a new book. So of course I grabbed the book without looking at it carefully, happily thinking my favourite author has released a new book until I reached home and found the same book in my pile, but with a less attractive cover. Well, I can always return the book if I rented it but I can't do anything if I bought it at a bookstore. Thereafter, I make sure I don't buy duplicate copies by checking their publication dates printed inside the books.

Although I have no issue of buying the same book with a different cover, I don't do it because to me it is a waste of money and I'd rather spend that money on a new book, or try out a new author.

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Happy 42nd Birthday, Singapore!
Melody
I won't be blogging tomorrow as it'd be a public holiday for all Singaporeans. We are celebrating Singapore's 42nd birthday! Happy Birthday, Singapore!


Pictures courtesy of www.ndp.org.sg .

(Please logon to this site for more details of the event)

Labels: 4 comments | edit post
Melody
WoRds oN WeDNesDaY


Word for 8 August: efface

Definition:

  • To cause to disappear by rubbing out, striking out, etc.; to erase; to render illegible or indiscernible; as, to efface the letters on a monument, or the inscription on a coin.
  • To destroy, as a mental impression; to wipe out; to eliminate completely.
  • To make (oneself) inconspicuous
Adjective: effaceable
Noun: effacement, effacer
Labels: 0 comments | edit post
Unread Authors Challenge
Melody
Another book challenge, how exciting!!! I decided to join the Unread Authors Challenge hosted by Sycorax Pine after getting a nudge from Debi and reading Wendy's post. (OK ladies, I gave in! LOL.) This challenge will run from September to February.

Another reason I love participating in these reading challenges is not only I can speed up my reading (oh the excitement and not to mention fun), and also I get to know what the other participants are reading and exchange views etc. Anyway, here's my list:
  1. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
  2. Damnation Street by Andrew Klavan
  3. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
  4. The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek
  5. The Wrong Man by John Katzerbach
  6. Secret Story by Ramsey Campbell
Alternates:
  1. The Girls by Lori Lansens
  2. Sayonara Bar by Susan Barker
  3. Saving Caravaggio by Neil Griffiths
  4. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
  5. Hit Parade by Lawrence Block
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Miscellaneous Ramblings
Melody
Right now, my shoulders feel like there are a dozen of heavy rocks settling on them. Why? Because I'm feeling stress. Over what? You might ask again. Well, have you ever organized a company's event (i.e. an Annual Dinner & Dance) for about 800 staff including their spouses? And on top of that, how do you feel if you are the main co-ordinator, and that means all the committee members will have to feedback to you and leave you to co-ordinate with the rest? And then again, we have to discuss about the seating arrangements (oh yuck! This kinda reminds me the time when I planned for my wedding dinner but minus the 550 guests from the list) I used to think it isn't a tough job, but now I'm thinking otherwise.

Onto the brighter side, I'm enjoying reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (yes, I'm way behind time, hehe), as well as New Moon which I'm currently reading it with Alice. Eclipse, the sequel to New Moon will be released on 7 August (that is today!!), so you can be sure I'll be checking out this book too. What else? Next I'm also looking forward to reading The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes with Julia, and also reading Hidden Agendas for the 2nds Challenge hosted by Joy from October through December. I feel excited just thinking about my upcoming reading schedule, hehe.
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What Form Would Your Patronus Take?
Melody
(Please click onto the image for a larger version.)

I found this quiz from Library Girl of Musings of Library Girl.

Find out by taking this quiz here. So what is yours?
Labels: 3 comments | edit post
Friday's Feast - #154
Melody
Friday's Feast

Menu


Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you?
8. I always make sure to say "Please", "Thank You" or "Sorry". I believe you have to respect other people first before they do the same to you.

Soup
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
I heard this from a co-worker. A staff has replied an email to the sender, not realizing she had clicked onto 'Reply to All' on the list. When someone asked her about the thing she had replied, she innocently asked that person how come she came to know about it.

Salad
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
Hello Kitty. I have always like this cartoon character since I was in Primary School.

Main Course
Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had.
It has to be my Arts teacher during High School. Not only she is funny, but she looks like a student too. There was a time she told us her favourite colours are 'red, white and blue'... and after then, everyone began to use these colours in our arts assignments, hehe.

Dessert
Complete this sentence: I strongly believe that ______________________.
... a person will succeed if he makes an effort to do so.
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Letters! We Get Letters...
Melody
Booking Through Thursday

Have you ever written an author a fan letter?
Did you get an answer?
Did it spark a conversation? A meeting?
(And, sure, I suppose that e-mails DO count . . . but I’d say no to something like a message board on which the author happens to participate.)
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Yes! I think I have written to a few authors like Anne Stuart, Lori Foster, Kathryn Smith, Kat Martin and Janelle Denison several years back. At that time, they are kind of like celebrities to me (after all, they must be something if they can write and sell their books!); moreover I was really hooked with romance genres then. I wrote them emails, and all of them responded. You can imagine how thrilled I was when some of them offered to send me signed bookplates, bookmarks etc, despite that I'm not living in the U.S. I was really touched by their gesture.

Nowadays, although I don't write to my favourite authors like what I did last time, but there are times that I do have the urge of doing so, especially after reading a great story and I just want to tell them how much I enjoyed reading it and so forth. But in the end, I didn't. I guess I have outgrown it, hehe. But I will definitely share my thoughts when writing the book reviews and will rave about them if they are good, I guess that's what I have been doing now.
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Melody
WorDS oN WeDneSDaY

Word for 1 August: expeditious

Definition: Characterized by speed and efficiency

Adverb: expeditiously
Noun: expeditiousness

Synonyms: prompt, swift, speedy, fast, rapid
Antonyms: slow, leisurely, deliberate
Labels: 4 comments | edit post
10 Countries You'd Lke to Visit
Melody

It is tough to narrow to ten countries, after all there are so many places that I'd love to visit. So far, I have only been to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. And honestly, I wouldn't mind traveling to these places again if I have a chance. So right now, my top ten list will be those countries that I have never been before:
  1. USA
  2. Europe
  3. Japan
  4. Greece
  5. Egypt
  6. Taiwan
  7. Sweden
  8. Holland
  9. Mauritius
  10. Brunei
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In Your Eyes
Melody



ISBN: 0804120056
Pub. Date: June 2004
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group


Finance whiz Alex Miller decides to end his relationship with his lover. He isn't interested in committed into a permanent relationship in the first place, and he thinks Sydney Raines will understand but she thought he will change his mind in the end. So now he is stuck with her as her firm helps to oversee some of his projects.

Genevieve Monaghan is a talented artist. When Grace Miller, a friend asks her if she is keen to take up a project to paint for the new children's wing in a Boston hospital, she accepts it since her companion has moved away and she is in need of a studio space and Grace has kindly offered to her. The only thing she doesn't expect is, she has to work with charming and good-looking Alex who seems to be getting on her nerves yet she is attracted to him at the same time.

On the other hand, Alex is attracted to a rollerblader he saw at the Central Park, and he is attracted by her simplicity and natural beauty. Imagine his astonishment when he realizes she is the same person who is hired for his project.

Although they are different like day and night, but still this won't stop the attraction from growing between them until it sizzles with intensity.

This is a sweet story about two different people falling in love that will bring a smile to your face.

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Bookshelf Meme
Melody
Found this meme over at Kristy's blog.

Quoted: "The rules are to provide a list of books that you have on your shelves to see if anyone can learn about you from them - but not just any books. They have to be books that you've actually paid for, nothing given, borrowed, stolen, or whatever."

Well, sounds pretty easy isn't it? Here's mine:
  1. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
  2. The Black Swan by Mercedes Lackey
  3. Blood Lines by Eileen Wilks
  4. Bridge of Dreams by Chaz Brenchley
  5. Captive Dreams by Angela Knight
  6. Damnation Street by Andrew Klavan
  7. Flint by Paul Eddy
  8. The Ghost Orchid by Carol Goodman
  9. The Girls by Lori Lansens
  10. Hover Car Racer by Matthew Reilly
  11. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
  12. Losing You by Nicci French
  13. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
  14. The Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko
  15. On Thin Ice by Cherry Adair
  16. Out of Control by Shannon McKenna
  17. The Pact by Jodi Picoult
  18. The Black Jewels trilogy by Anne Bishop
  19. The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
  20. Sayonara Bar by Susan Barker
I think I will stop at twenty. I wonder what does this list say about me...hmm...
Labels: 7 comments | edit post
What Colour Is Your Brain?
Melody
Your Brain is Orange

Of all the brain types, yours is the quickest.
You are usually thinking a mile a minute, and you could be thinking about anything at all.
Your thoughts are often scattered and random - but they're also a lot of fun!

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about esoteric subjects, the meaning of life, and pop culture.

Wow, I don't think I have that quick a mind. Although I confess I do think a lot, even though some of them aren't really important, hehe. And yeah, I love to daydream. :P

Labels: 10 comments | edit post
Harry Potter Mania
Melody

Week of July 29: Harry Potter Mania

OK, so I've been hooked on Harry Potter books like so many others and this week's meme will be about 'The Boy Who Lived'.

So do tell, are you hooked on Harry Potter too? Do you prefer the books or the movies? Have you read all the books yet? Do you plan to?
Till next time...
Yes, I'm hooked to this series, however it is the movies first that got me started. I bought the whole series of the book when the last book was out and I'm currently reading Book 3: HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It was fun reading it after having watching the movies, and well there are several scenes that you can't find in the movie version and that's why reading the book is essential, although I'd say I enjoyed watching the movies too.
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Best Moustache-Twirling
Melody

Well, after last week’s record-breaking number of responses (92 last time I checked–an all-time BTT record), I was tempted to use this week’s question to ask what you all thought about Harry Potter 7–but since a decent proportion of you weren’t going to be reading it at all, that seemed unfair. So instead . . .

Who’s the worst fictional villain you can think of? As in, the one you hate the most, find the most evil, are happiest to see defeated? Not the cardboard, two-dimensional variety, but the most deliciously-written, most entertaining, best villain? Not necessarily the most “evil,” so much as the best-conceived on the part of the author…oh, you know what I mean!

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

The murderer in Birdman, written by Mo Hayder. (Sorry, I'm not going to release the name for fear of spoilers.) He is the most cold-hearted, ruthless and evil villain I have read so far. The way he handled his victims are horrific and even thinking of it now still send shivers down my spine. His famous signature - to have a little bird sewn into the victim's chest after he had horribly mutilated them. It's a very dark story, and also the most memorable crime thriller I have ever read to-date.
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Astrid and Veronika
Melody




ISBN: 0143038079
Pub. Date: February 2007
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)


This is a story about a friendship between two women, young and old, and how their encounter with each other changes their life after they have bared their souls and exchange their life stories.

Veronika is a 30-year-old writer. She moves into a quiet and small village in Sweden, hoping to find some isolation and also to devote her time in her writing. She then meets her neighbour, an older woman, whom the village considered her a "witch" because she doesn't mix around with people and they think she is a little strange.

Astrid, the older woman, has been watching her new neighbour behind her curtains the day she moves next to the house, until a day Veronika didn't come out of the house. After much hesitation and out of curiousity, she decided to stop by Veronika's house to have a look and found out she was sick. Although Astrid isn't used to playing hospitality, still she helps Veronika with cooking her meals although she appears to be discreet.

After this incident, their friendship starts to blossom and they become close friends. It is during this time that they began to talk about their past, as each has their own emotional story to tell. The things they had shared are basically about their relationships; e.g. Astrid being rejected by her grandfather as a child, how she came to lose her true love and then spending her life miserably after she was married to a man she didn't love. Veronika, on the other hand, leaves her boyfriend and falls in love with a New Zealander when she met him in a pub one day, but their relationship didn't last and she grieves.

Linda Olsson has written this story with a beautiful poetic style, as she switches the characters' POV by chapters so that the reader is able to get a glimpse of the individual character's thoughts.

What also makes this a captivating read to me is the unique friendship between the two women despite their age gap and different social backgrounds, and how their individual life experiences have changed their mindsets through sharing and learning from each other. There were times that I felt sorry for the characters, but in the end I was simply touched by their courageous for moving on with their lives.
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Melody
WorDS oN weDnESdaY


Word for 25 July: itinerant

Adjective:

  • Passing or traveling about a country; going from place to place; wandering; not settled; as, an itinerant preacher; an itinerant peddler.

Adverb: itinerantly

Noun:

  • a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment; "itinerant traders"

Synonyms: wandering, nomadic, migratory, unsettled, roving, roaming; peripatetic

Antonyms: settled

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To My Blogger Friends...
Melody
This morning, as usual, I clicked onto Alice's and Kristy's blog and I was surprised and honoured to note they had nominated my blog for the Rockin' Girl Blogger. Thank you, ladies, for thinking my blog rocks. One of the reasons why I like blogging is besides writing my reviews and thoughts, I get to know some great friends along the way! Thank you, everyone, for being a friend to me. :-)
I know I'm supposed to nominate 4 blogs but believe me, I have a hard time choosing them because there are so many great blogs which I think they rock too, and I don't want to leave any one out.
To all my blogger friends, this award is for you. :D
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Twilight
Melody





ISBN: 0316160172
Pub. Date: October 2005
Publisher: Little, Brown Children's Books




This has got to be one of the best YA novels I have ever read in my 'thirty-ish' years! I love reading paranormal stories, thus I didn't hesitate to pick this up after reading the interesting blurb.

17-year-old Isabella Swan moves to stay with her father in Forks, Washington, where rainfall is common in this little town as compared to her mother's place in sunny Phoenix. She struggles to fit in initially, but what intrigues her greatly is the attractive yet strange Cullen family, in particularly Edward Cullen who happens to be her lab partner in class. Bella (as she prefers to be called) is attracted to Edward, but she doesn't understand why he is unfriendly and avoids her like a plague at times. On the other hand, Edward is also fascinated with Bella, but he keeps his distance from her until the day he saves her from a truck accident.

After this incident, Bella insists to find out more about him. She later finds out Edward is a vampire; and though Edward warns Bella to keep a distance from him, still they can't fight off the attractions they have for each other. Bella doesn't care if he doesn't belong to the human race, but little does she know she is putting herself (as well as her family members) at risk after they discover another clan of vampires and they want Bella's blood badly.

The story starts at a slow pace in the beginning; this is where I learn about Bella's family history and why she ends up staying with her father in Forks. Thereafter, the story begins to pick up its pace after reading the part she has met Edward, and how it changes their life after knowing each other. I was very much attracted to Edward despite he being a vampire, he is so very charming. But what most attracted to me was the way he protects Bella even though deep in his heart he wishes her to be his own.

Stephenie Meyer has written a wonderful debut story with a bite and I will be looking forward to reading the sequels New Moon and Eclipse.

Other Bloggers' reviews:
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Friday's Feast - #152
Melody
Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how much do enjoy watching sports on television?
3. I'm not into sports, however I don't mind watching gymnastics.

Soup
If you could completely memorize any one work of fiction, which one would you pick?
There are so many great fictions to choose from. I don't think I'm able to settle on just one.

Salad
What is your favorite breakfast food?
Cereal & milk.

Main Course
Name something fun you can do for less than $10.00.
I can't think of anything right now except movies, hehe. I love watching movies with a box of popcorn in hand.

Dessert
How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?
So far I don't have any problem falling asleep because most of the time I feel tired after work, and then I will play with my daughter (nowadays she wants us to sing her nursery rhymes) before going to bed.

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Just Wild About Harry
Melody

  1. Okay, love him or loathe him, you’d have to live under a rock not to know that J.K. Rowling’s final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, comes out on Saturday… Are you going to read it?
  2. If so, right away? Or just, you know, eventually, when you get around to it? Are you attending any of the midnight parties?
  3. If you’re not going to read it, why not?
  4. And, for the record… what do you think? Will Harry survive the series? What are you most looking forward to?
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Believe it or not, I haven't read the Harry Potter series...yet! (Go ahead, laugh at me if you want. LOL.) Now take a deep breath and hear me explain. When the first book was released, I suppose this will be a book for children/young adults so I didn't pay much attention to it. (And don't get me wrong, although I do enjoy reading YA fictions but at that time, I was more into romances, horrors and thrillers novels.) Now if you ask me, I will tell you how much I regret not reading them earlier!!! However, I had watched the movies and loved all of them!

OK, even though I haven't read the books, but surely I want to see Harry survive the series, after all he is the hero of this series, and in my opinion heroes are supposed to live and have a happy ending! On the other hand, I too don't want to see Hermione or Ron die, and I would love to see them being together.
And before I end my reply to this topic...read this: I'm seriously thinking of getting the whole series next! :P
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2nds Challenge
Melody
It was through Debi's blog that I found this exciting new reading challenge: 2nds Challenge hosted by Joy.

How to participate: You pick 3 books by authors that you have only read once and would love to go back for a second helping. It runs from October through December. (Please visit Joy's blog for more details.)

Anyway, here's my list for this challenge:
  1. Hidden Agendas by Lora Leigh (After reading Dangerous Games, I was hooked with her sexy Navy SEAL heroes);
  2. In Search of a Distance Voice by Taichi Yamada (I enjoyed reading Strangers because it is both intriguing and haunting);
  3. The Secrets of a Fire King by Kim Edwards (I was mesmerized after reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter because it was such a moving story).
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The Ultimate Harry Potter Personality Quiz / HP and the Order of the Phoenix
Melody
I found this quiz over at Lisa's blog. (By the way, we got the same result!) I like Hermione Granger, because she is not only intelligent but a brave girl too.


By the way, the hubs and I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last evening. I bought the tickets the day before, knowing that there would be a huge crowd if I bought it at the last minute.

Anyway, I have heard some negative reviews about the movie before watching it, and although I have to admit it wasn't as great as compared to the previous instalments, but still we enjoyed it. And since I don't read the books, I couldn't make any comparison between the two versions. And gosh, I'm amazed at how much the crew members have grown over these years! Just look at Daniel Radcliffe...he has grown to be a fine good looking young man.

Picture downloaded from Yahoo! Movies

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Melody
WoRDs On wEDneSDAy

Word for 18 July: unctuous


Adjective:
  • Of the nature or quality of an unguent or ointment; fatty; oily; greasy.
  • Having a smooth, greasy feel, as certain minerals.
  • Insincerely or excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech; marked by a false or smug earnestness or agreeableness.

Adverb: unctuously

Noun: unctuousness, unctuosity

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Books I Bought
Melody
I have nothing much to blog today; however I would like to share some of the books I bought during lunchtime earlier, hehe.

They are mostly literary fiction books. Here's what's new on my TBR pile:

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson

Fragile by Niki Shisler

I bought the first two books because recently I have read great reviews about them (I couldn't believe I gave them a miss when they were first released! But come to think of it, I wasn't really a great fan of literary fiction books then, but now I am. :D) I have also decided to read Astrid and Veronika after finishing Twilight and In Your Eyes.

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Are You an Alpha Female?
Melody
You Have Many Alpha Tendencies

You're not a total alpha female, but you certainly know how to - and like to - get your way.
You're forceful without being intimidating. You're confident without being vain. A perfect mix.
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Friday's Feast - #151
Melody

Menu


Appetizer
What is your favorite fruit?
This is too tough for me! I love most fruits!


Soup
Who is someone you consider as a great role model?
My mom. She taught us to be a good person since young; and she had a kind and generous heart.


Salad
If you were to spend one night anywhere within an hour of your home, where would you choose?
Our neighbourhood library! Ha!


Main Course
Name something you do too often.
This is easy. Read!


Dessert
Fill in the blank: I really like ___________ because ____________.
I really like to read because it's my passion, not to mention it also helps with my vocabulary and spelling too.


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Exit Strategy
Melody


ISBN: 0553588192
Pub. Date: June 2007
Publisher: Bantam Books


For readers who have read Kelley Armstrong, I am sure you are familiarised with her Otherworld series. But do you know that she is also writing a completely new genre? Crime thriller, that's what. I'm so excited about it. I love reading stories about strong heroines, no matter if they are assassins or policewomen.

In this case, Kelley delivers a great new voice in Exit Strategy, where we get to meet the protagonist, Nadia Stafford as the female assassin. Or to be exact, she's a contract killer, and she does her 'assignments' for a Mafia family. Actually, Nadia isn't really borne to be a killer, and she has the blood of a police's family. She used to be a former cop, but was out because of a scandal.

But when the Helter Skelter killer committed several murders and made to the news, her mentor, Jack approaches her and asks if she wants to take on this mission. They later find out that this killer is also formerly a hitman, and is now turning to a serial killer. Hence, it becomes a killer versus killer mission for them all. As Nadia plunges deep into the assignment, she doesn't know who to trust anymore.

I was completely engrossed in reading Exit Strategy due to the tight plot; and that Kelley is great in keeping up the suspense until the end. The protagonist is one tough heroine, and I like that about her. I understand from Kelley's website that there will be a second book after this.


Other Bloggers' reviews:
Musings of a Bookish Kitty
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Celluloid
Melody

1. In your opinion, what is the best translation of a book to a movie?
2. The worst?
3. Had you read the book before seeing the movie, and did that make a difference? (Personally, all other things being equal, I usually prefer whichever I was introduced to first.)
And, by all means, expand this to as long a list as you like. I’m notoriously awful myself at narrowing down to one favorite ANYTHING. So, feel free to list as many “good” or “bad” movie-from-books as you like. (Heaven knows that’s what I’ll be doing….)
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!
I seldom have the time to watch movies nowadays (although I'd love to do so), and even if I manage to squeeze some time for them, I'd usually go for blockbusters (and would watch the others on DVDs). As for movies made from best-selling novels, well I'm a little skeptical about them. Because it is impossible to extract everything from a book to a movie due to time constraint, thus much of the details will be missed. Another great thing about reading a book is, you can leave everything to your own imaginations.
I remember I was excited when Da Vinci Code movie was released because I enjoyed reading the book. But after watching the movie with my hubby, I was greatly disappointed. As for the hubs, he didn't understand some of the scenes so I had to explain to him (you see, he doesn't read novels...well unless they are computer related, ha!).
However, there were a few times that a movie made me want to read the book, i.e. Eragon and Howl's Moving Castle. I liked the movies, so I bought the books (they are still lying in my TBR pile). Although I have yet to read them, but I know I will enjoy them more because of the details.
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What Kind of Cake Are You?
Melody
You Are a Marble Cake

Eclectic, inventive, and peaceful.
You are never willing to accept what's "normal." You live to push the envelope.
You find it hard to make up your mind. You prefer to have everything you want, right away!

Hey, I do accept things that are considered "normal", and I don't live to push the envelope. That's all wrong... but I have to agree that I do get impatient at times. Hehe.

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Melody
WOrdS oN WeDnEsdAY

Word for 11 July: aspersion
  • A damaging or derogatory remark; slander.
  • The act of defaming or slandering.
  • A sprinkling with water, especially in religious ceremonies.

Synonyms: censure, reproach.

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