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.
• 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!

I'm considered a latecomer to the Mockingjay party since I've seen so many reviews already posted over the blogosphere. It fondly reminds me of the days when the final instalment of the Harry Potter series or the Twilight Saga was being released, and all the waiting (and not to mention the anticipation and the overall reading journey) always make me very excited.

Anyway I'm currently at Chapter 5 and I wish I've the luxury to read this book at home right now and not to think of work and anything else. But of course that is a wishful thinking.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Of course, I hate the Capitol, but I have no confidence that my being the Mockingjay will benefit those who are trying to bring it down. How can I help the districts when every time I make a move, it results in suffering and loss of life?

(Pg 12, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins)

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Marg and Claire that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

I think I was pretty lucky to have borrowed the following books last Friday:

1) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (This is one of the most coveted books among many readers! And as I mentioned before I'm waiting impatiently for my copy to arrive but till now there's no news of it. When I found this in the library among the new arrivals pile, I almost squealed in delight and needless to say I had to grab it! I just couldn't believe my luck! I read a few pages that evening and wished I could read it in one sitting but alas, family calls and I didn't have the chance to read it over the weekends. Anyway, I hope to receive my copy soon so I can return this to the library for other readers to enjoy!)

2) Sleepless by Cyn Balog

3) A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

4) Illyria by Elizabeth Hand (I have Ana to blame for getting this book! )

If you’re not enjoying a book, will you stop mid-way? Or do you push through to the end? What makes you decide to stop?

I used to read books till the end before my pre-blogging days (and not to mention before those TBR piles are increasingly growing out of control), and even if I do find some parts intolerable I will skim through them but rarely give them up. However, I can't find myself doing the same now as I used to before because there are too many books for me to read and catch up on, and being a working mother I always have to find time for my reading and those little time here and there are very precious to me, thus I can't force myself to continue reading the book if it doesn't interest me.

That said, I'll still give another chance for the book though and if I still can't get through another two chapters, I'll have to say goodbye to the book and hope that next time around, I might pick up the book to read again but of course that will have to depend on my mood. The few reasons that make me decide to give up on a book are: the writing style; the plot isn't going anywhere and is dragging; no development of the characters etc etc.

What about you?

I had a dream last night that nearly sent me into a panic. Dreams can be funny at times, and sometimes things happen in dreamland where you knew you wouldn't do them in reality and at times they seem so real that you begin to wonder if you've thought of those things without accepting/realising it.

Anyway, I dreamed of selling away my books and among those piles was a series of books that I haven't read but knew I'd love (I couldn't remember the series name or the author). I didn't understand why I did that, but nevertheless I had brought a friend along so she could help me with the sale and everything. There were several customers, and I didn't keep track who was buying what until at the end, I realised the series that I wanted to read were gone. I asked my friend about them and it's funny that she got the number of the customer who had bought them (don't ask me how or why because at this point, everything sounds so illogical to me). I called the number, but no one picked up the call. After several attempts, someone finally answered. The girl who bought my books said she couldn't return me the books and at that point I woke up from the dream. It may sound funny to you, but it's a horror to me, LOL.

Speaking of books, I'm still waiting impatiently for my copy of Mockingjay to arrive! There are times that I regretted pre-ordering online and this is just one of those occasions; the bookstore which I visit regularly already has their stock up on shelves. The reason why I didn't decide to buy Mockingjay from them is because most of the times their new arrivals didn't arrive on time. I suppose this time is different since it is Mockingjay! Oh well...

So, that's my musing for you on this Friday morning. I hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!

This story is set during the 1850s of San Francisco. 17-year-old Camille Rowen is the daughter of a sea captain and while other ladies her age care about stepping into the glittering society, her main interest remains travelling aboard in her father's ship. However, her father wishes her to take on the role of a proper lady so she is set to marry a young man whom her father has businesses with. As much as Camille likes Randall, she doesn't feel any sparks with him and this makes her wonder if she has any feelings for him.

During her last voyage to Australia before the wedding, she stumbled upon a letter addressed to her father. It was sent from her supposedly dead mother and Camille couldn't understand why her father had kept this secret from her all these years. Needless to say, she felt cheated and angry. However, there is a reason behind her mother's letter and her father intends to follow her wishes and that explains their route to Australia, where her mother is now residing. Camille has learned about a map in her mother's possession but what she didn't know is this will lead them to a magical stone which is believed to be able to bring a dead person to life. Unfortunately, they are not the only one who knew about the map and the stone but what most hurt Camille's heart is she has lost her father to a storm.

Saddened by this, she travels to Port Adelaide with the company of Oscar, a young sailor who's been her father's assistant all this while ever since her father had took him under his wing many years ago. Camille and Oscar have been drawn to each other way earlier, but alas their status difference stands in the way and moreover Camille's father needs Randall's financial assistance to help getting through all his financial woes. Now with Randall so far away and the adventure and mishaps set in front of them, these have further brought Camille and Oscar closer. Camille has hoped to find the magical stone first before the others so that her father could be saved, if the legend is true.

Everlasting is an interesting adventure story with a romance element to it, however I felt this story didn't captivate me as much as I had first anticipated. Let me start off by saying that I absolutely liked the plot. I found it fascinating; it reminds me of a treasure hunt story but it was to my great disappointment that the hunt didn't happen until towards the last quarter of the story and it felt rushed in my opinion. I could feel there was absolute attraction between Camille and Oscar, but it wasn't intense and most of the times they seem to have different opinions during the adventure which of course isn't a bad thing in my opinion, but at some point it had made me doubtful about his intention.

Another thing I felt disappointed is that there wasn't much explanation about her mother's disappearance and it is rather more of a telling than showing method. Also, I felt there wasn't any closure regarding her relationship with Randall towards the end although deep in my heart I knew that things weren't worked out for them with all the things that had happened. I wanted to love this story, but overall I was just disappointed due to the above reasons. That said, please don't let my opinions deter you from reading this book, after all it is a matter of personal reading preferences and opinions.

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.
• 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!

A sudden beam of amber light rolled across the surface. Camille held the map away from her as the amber beam surged over the upper right corner, illuminating letters that hadn't been there a moment ago. They sparked and smoked anew, burning into the leather.

(Pg 221, Everlasting by Angie Frazier)

I'm late for this week's Booking Through Thursday. Anyway, it's been awhile I have participated in it and I find this week's questions to be fun. Here goes:

1. Favorite childhood book?
Nancy Drew.

2. What are you reading right now?
Everlasting by Angie Frazier.

3. What books do you have on request at the library?
I don't have the habit of requesting books at the library, morever they charge for books request.

4. Bad book habit?
Does buying books and not reading them counts?

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
i) Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson (which I'd reviewed lately)
ii) Everlasting by Angie Frazier
iii) Walk of the Spirits by Richie Tankersley Cusick

6. Do you have an e-reader?
No. I'm not into e-books anyway.

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
I've no preference, but the most I can read is two books at a time.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Yes! I've started to read more genres now as I used to read romance and thrillers during my pre-blogging days.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
The Diving Pool by Yoko Ogawa. I find the lead character and the story to be disturbing.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
I'd read a few good ones this year:

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, Faithful Place by Tana French, Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, Blankets by Craig Thompson, Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters.

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
It depends on my mood.

12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Romance, thrillers (including horrors) and YA.

13. Can you read on the bus?
I can but not for a long period of time, otherwise I'd get dizzy. However I've no problem reading in a train though.

14. Favorite place to read?
My living room sofa.

15. What is your policy on book lending?
I only lend books to friends who I know will treat them with care.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
Rarely and not if I can help it.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
No, unless they are textbooks.

18. Not even with text books?
See above.

19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English and Chinese.

20. What makes you love a book?
A great plot with great characterisations. I also love books that are emotionally charged and that they make me think.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
See above.

22. Favorite genre?
That's a tough question because I have a few favorite genres.

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Non-fiction.

24. Favorite biography?
I rarely read biography.

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Yes.

26. Favorite cookbook?
Any cookbooks on vegetarian dishes.

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L. Weiss (non-fiction)

28. Favorite reading snack?
Chips.

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
I can't think of any as I try to avoid reading too many reviews on an overly-hype book.

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
Sometimes. I don't often agree with critics but I do trust reviews by my favourite blogger friends.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I always feel uncomfortable giving bad/negative reviews but then again I feel I should state my honest opinions.

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?
Japanese (not only for the literature but for mangas as well).

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov.

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (it's a chunkster, that's why).

35. Favorite Poet?
I don't read poetry.

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
Four, though one can borrow up to 6 books under the library policy.

37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
A few times.

38. Favorite fictional character?
Harry Potter.

39. Favorite fictional villain?
Voldermont, without a doubt.

40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Any books that I'm currently reading at that time.

41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
I couldn't recall myself not reading a book for a long time.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon but that's because I didn't realise there are zombies in it.

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
TV and/or music.

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
Pride and Prejudice (the one featuring Kiera Knightly since I haven't watch the BBC version) and Atonement.

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Twilight (I've to say Robert Pattinson doesn't fit the the image I've had of Edward Cullen, haha).

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
Too many times that I've lost count.

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
I try not to.

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
When it doesn't interest me anymore and/or the story drags.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
Yes, I do but it's hard when you've a limited space to store all your books.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
I keep them but I do some weeding occasionally.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
Not really.

52. Name a book that made you angry.
I can't think of any at this moment.

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
Out by Natsuo Kirino.

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
Away by Amy Bloom.

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Romance.

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.

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 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!

ISBN-13: 9781416990659
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Published: May 2010
343 pgs
Source: Library




I'm sure many of you have came across such a book that will move and warm your heart and that wonderful moment still live even it has been days after you have finished reading it. Morgan Matson's Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is such a case for me.

Amy Curry's life is never the same again ever since her twin brother Charlie has gone off to North Carolina for a rehab program but the worst hit was her father's death due to a car accident. She has been living in California all the while until her mother moves to Connecticut for a teaching position, leaving her alone to finish off her junior year of high school and then she'd start her senior year in Connecticut later. It'd be easy if things are being left off that way but one day her mother decided that she wants Amy to drive cross-country style to Connecticut and has made arrangement with a family friend's son to travel with her.

Amy has no recollection of Roger Sullivan despite her mother's assurance that they knew each other when they were younger, but she went along with her mother's idea if that makes her happy. They shouldn't have any problems or worries since her mother has pre-planned the itinerary and have made hotels arrangements for them, but they decided to make a detour to Yosemite and they think it'd be an experience to visit the National Park. However, it doesn't just end there. Eventually they decided not to follow her mother's pre-planned itinerary and made more detours to Colorado, Kansas, Graceland and Kentucky until her mother is furious about her and cuts off the access to her credit card, leaving both of them on a tight budget and all. But that doesn't seem to worry Amy and Roger as they have never feel so happy and at ease in their life. It is also at this moment that they start to get to know each other more, and though Amy starts to develop feelings for him she isn't sure if he feels the same since she thinks he still misses his ex-girlfriend.

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.
• 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!

There were mountains in the distance in front of us and mountains in the distance behind us, but mostly there was just a huge, open, deserted landscape, cut down the center by the two-lane highway. And nothing else.

(Pg 79, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson)

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers get to share the books that came into their house last week.

I bought and received the following book from The Book Depository after reading so much rave reviews about it:

1) How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway (I love reading about other cultures and don't you think the cover is lovely?)

What books came into your house last week?

I mentioned this on Facebook last Friday but I want to share this good news here again: My daughter has gotten a place at the primary school after the balloting!

I know this may sound silly but believe me I have never felt so nervous (and excited) just waiting and praying our number to be called! (I don't recall being that tense waiting at a dentist office but that's another matter...) And the best thing is, a few of my daughter's friends (they are all in the same kindergarten class) got into the same school too so at least she has got company! Well, I want to thank all my friends who have sent your well wishes to me! I really appreciate them all!

"I'd gladly sell my soul to Satan for a year of freedom," cries impetuous Rosamond Vivian to her callous grandfather.

In most cases, when there is a villian to the story, there is bound to be a hero. Rosamond got acquainted with Father Ignatius when she took refuge in the convent where she's known as "Sister Agatha". Rosamond began to develop feelings for him towards the end but his position as a priest is the obstacle. Although A Long Fatal Love Chase can be classified as a gothic thriller, I see the author had also emphasised a strong feminist element to the story as we can tell this from Rosamond's thoughts right from the beginning. She craves for freedom, and she has no fear in obtaining what she wants. I was definitely in awe of her courage and persistence, for I don't think most women during her time would do the same as what she did. Below passage is one fine example that demonstrate her believing in feminism.

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.
• 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!

His manner changed, the malicious merriment came back to his eyes, the imperious accent to his voice and the masterful expression to his face. "That I cannot promise. I must know where you are, but I will not molest nor betray you till the time arrives. Go where you like, assume what disguise you choose, do what you please, except die or marry. I'll stand off and watch the play, but I must follow. I like the chase, it is exciting, novel and absorbing. I have tried and tired of other amusements, this satisfies me and I am in no haste to end it. Upon my soul, Rose, it gives a new interest to life and makes my wooing wonderfully varied and delightful. Now I am going straight back to Paris while you lose yourself again, and in a week or two Baptiste and I will take the field for another harmless hunt. Are you too angry to say adieu?"

(Pg 194, A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott)

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Eva and Marg that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

It seems like Lady Luck was smiling at me last Friday as I managed to borrow the following books which I've been coveting for a while:

1) Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

2) Everlasting by Angie Frazier

3) Walk of the Spirits by Richie Tankersley Cusick

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers get to share the books that came into their house last week.

I received The Night Watch by Sarah Waters from Sakura of Chasing Bawa; a giveaway win for her 1-year blogiversary. (Thank you, Sakura! Once again, congratulations on your blogiversary and I'm glad to know you through this bookblogging community!)

Finally, I received The Versatile Blogger Award from Naida and Iliana and I couldn't thank them both enough! I always enjoy reading their blogs and they are very talented too! (How I wish I've Naida's crocheting skills and also to be able to make those beautiful journals like the way Iliana does!)

Now the rule of the award is to list seven things about me and to pass it on to 15 friends. Here goes:

1) When I was a teenager, my favourite pop groups are Bananarama and New Kids on the Block. I also love songs by Debbie Gibson and Tiffany. (I still have all their cassettes, though I doubt they can be played again. Anyway where can one find a cassette player these days?)

2) One of my favourite subjects in school is Arts, besides Chinese language that is.

3) If I've some spare time, I'd like to learn Japanese.

4) I love most fruits, and I know dragon fruit are nutritious but I don't really like it as I find the taste bland (I heard from the fruitsellers that those with pink flesh usually taste sweeter than the white ones).

5) My first ARC is an anthology titled Bad Boys to Go by Lori Foster, which I won it from her contest.

6) I don't really like sewing, but I do like cross-stitching (though I haven't done so for years). Go figure.

7) I go for hair rebonding every once a year because I have natural wavy hair.

As always, I have difficulty naming just a few blogger friends as I feel everyone of you deserves this award. If you like, do share some of the seven things about you so that I can get to know you better?

In regard to the primary school registration, my husband received a call from the primary school this morning that there would be a balloting this Friday since the number of children registered exceeded their limit. Thus, I'd be away this Friday to witness the balloting. *sigh* I'd appreciate it if you could send some good vibes our way!

Sam and Grace seemed to have much more time together this time around, but unfortunately for Grace, this was also the time when her parents started to care and to take note of her whereabouts. They weren't pleased to see Sam and Grace being with each other most of the times, and their sudden and overly concern has infuriated Grace. But there are certainly worse things to come and once again, Sam and Grace have to fight to be together for an unexpected circumstances have drove them apart.

Hope everyone has a great week!

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.
• 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!

I have had no thought other than this: stay alive.

And to have had only that thought, each day, was heaven.

(Pg 15, Linger by Maggie Stiefvater)

Thank you everyone, for your comments on my post last Friday. For the school registration for my daughter yesterday, we were the 20th in line when we arrived the school at about 8.30am (the registration started at 8am). Anyway we'd only know the result on 13 August since the registration is still ongoing and it will end tomorrow. There will be a ballot if the number of children registered exceeds the vacancies, so at this moment I can only hope that that will not happen. Please continue to keep your fingers crossed for me!