Statistics
Melody

There was a widely bruited-about statistic reported last week, stating that 1 in 4 Americans did not read a single book last year. Clearly, we don’t fall into that category, but . . . how many of our friends do? Do you have friends/family who read as much as you do? Or are you the only person you know who has a serious reading habit?

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 suppose this is a subjective issue as not all people has a passion for reading, especially when one views it as a leisure/hobby.

If you have read my last week's reply, you will probably have known that my family members are not avid readers. And the same goes to my friends too. A majority of them claimed that they don't have the interest of reading books for leisure, unless you are talking about women's magazines, hehe. There are times that I wish I have some friends to talk to about the books we read, or even share the anticipation of the arrivals of any new books and so forth. However, I am very grateful to have known several blogger friends around the world who are avid readers like myself, so I don't feel lonely anymore.

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Prom Nights From Hell
Melody
ISBN: 006125309X
Pub. Date: April 2007
Format: Paperback, 304pp
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers


I have chosen this book for the R.I.P. II Challenge (which stands for Readers Imbibing Peril) hosted by Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings. I am really looking forward to reading the other books for the various reading challenges.


The Exterminator's Daughter by Meg Cabot
Rating: 4 stars

Mary is on a mission to take down Sebastian Drake, for he is no ordinary human but a vampire. And what's more, she wants to make sure Drake is keeping a distance from her best friend, who seems to be "smitten" by him with his charms.

So she shows up at a club looking for Drake, but things didn't go well for her. Fortunately a fellow student at Saint Eligius saves her from committing something foolish. Although Mary is pissed off for not getting her aim, she is grateful that Adam saves her life. She begins to take notice of him, and wonders how on earth she has missed him in the first place.

The Corsage by Lauren Myracle
Rating: 3.5 stars

This is probably one of the creepiest tales I read amongst this anthology.

Frankie wants Will to take her to the prom. So she drags him and her best friend, Yun Sun to visit a fortune teller. She is hoping Madame Zanzibar will proclaim Will as her one true love so to make Will aware of their "destiny". But Madame Z didn't answer to Frankie's request, until her eyes rest upon an old and crumpled corsage which Madame Z desperately tried to hide. Frankie and the rest don't take no for an answer, Madame Z has no choice but to give in, telling them it would grant them three wishes but they have to be careful what they wished for. They dismissed it as a joke, but Frankie decides to try it on herself and asked for a date from Will. She got her wish, but the outcome is not what she has hoped for.

Madison Avery and The Dim Reaper by Kim Harrison
Rating: 4.5 stars

Madison isn't happy with her date at the prom. She thinks Josh is a jerk, and he asked her because of her father. She is thinking of leaving the prom without Josh when she stumbles upon a mysterious stranger who comes to her rescue. Madison hasn't never seen Seth around, but she has never met anyone like Seth and moreover she wants to spite Josh.

Unfortunately, Seth turns out to be a black reaper and he is there to take her life. Soon Madison meets more than one reaper, and Barnadas being one of them (although he is not a black reaper). Madison will have to stick around Barnadas no matter she likes it or not for he is designated to be her guardian angel.

I enjoyed reading this and am hoping that Kim Harrison will write a full length story on this.

Kiss and Tell by Michele Jaffe
Rating: 4 stars

Although this is my least favourite story amongst all, the good thing is the author has created engaging characters and their dialogues are witty which I find it highly entertaining. I also like the twist of outcome towards the end of the story.

Miranda is not your ordinary student. She is also a part-time driver (or chauffeur?) and she likes to do justice whenever she can help it. By the way, she has the ability of hearing things at a distance, and she thinks she is responsible for protecting Sibby when chauffeuring her. Sibby is opposites of Miranda; she loves fun and she adores boys. Then, bad things start happening and Miranda has to save not only Sibby but herself.

Hell On Earth by Stephenie Meyer
Rating: 4 stars

I admit I bought this book because of Kim Harrison and Stephenie Meyer. Stephenie Meyer has written a wonderful debut in Twilight that has got me hooked to the series, so I am very curious to know what she has written in this story.

Unlike the Twilight series (which has vampires and werewolves in them), Hell On Earth is about angels and demons. Sheba is the new girl in school, and a demon who loves to bring misery to others. So on the prom night, she created chaos to everyone. From ripping of the girls' dresses to romances turning ugly, she felt a sense of accomplishment every time she did something until she meets Gabe. And she doesn't understand why Gabe appears unaffected by the chaotic scenes around him. Feeling curious about him, she tries to figure him out but by the time she knows what he is, everything is too late for her.

I like the ending in this story. And I love, love reading stories with angels and demons in it. Overall this is a great anthology, I am glad I picked this up.
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Melody
wOrdS oN WeDneSDaY

Word for 28 August: pernicious


Definition: Highly injurious; deadly; destructive; exceedingly harmful.

Adverb: perniciously
Noun: perniciousness

Synonyms:
  1. harmful, detrimental, deleterious, destructive, damaging, baneful, noxious, malicious
  2. lethal
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What's Your Power Element?
Melody
Snagged this from Darla.

Your Power Element is Earth

Your power color: yellow

Your energy: balancing

Your season: changing of seasons

Dedicated and responsible, you are a rock to your friends.

You are skilled at working out even the most difficult problems.

Low key and calm, you are happiest when you are around loved ones.

Ambitious and goal oriented, you have long term plans to be successful.
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The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes
Melody




ISBN: 031294098X
Pub. Date: June 2007
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 416pp
Publisher: St. Martin's Press


I read this anthology together with Julia. But due to time constraint (I was stressed and busily preparing stuff for our Dinner & Dance then), I didn't finish the book on time with her. Please accept my sincerest apologies, Julia!

This story is about three sisters who each has their own magical powers. Dee, being the eldest, is able to shapeshift; Lizzie transmutes things (I grin whenever she mentions she wants to transform straw into gold) while Mare, the youngest girl is able to move things with her mind. Anyway, they are on the run from their evil aunt Xan who wants to steal their powers after she had killed their parents. And her plan is to send each girl her true love using her spell so that she will be able to attain their powers once the girls have fallen in love with their men.

And it begins when Danny James shows up outside Dee's door one day, claiming he is curious to dig into her past. Elric, the sorcerer meets Lizzie when she fails to turn straw into gold, so he is there to stop her from creating a disaster as she keeps on transmutes forks into bunnies. And finally Mare rekindles with Crash after he has left town for five years. Xan's original plan is to hook her up with Jude Green, who's the Vice President of Value Video! where she works, but things doesn't turn out the way she wants as Mare still can't get her mind off Crash.

Overall this is an entertaining story, although I felt it'd be better if each story stands alone as the collaboration of the three stories into a book can be confusing at times. However, I enjoyed reading Lizzie's story, after all it is written by Anne Stuart and I have been a great fan of her. Also, Jennifer Crusie writes engaging characters and her dialogues are often lively. I can't say much about Eileen Dreyer as I have not read anything by her until this.
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Dinner & Dance
Melody
I'm just glad the Dinner and Dance was over! Phew! Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the event (after all it is only held once in two years). But that was because I'm part of the Staff Recreation Committee and I have to oversee everything, and trust me that isn't really fun.

Anyway, we had a great time. I didn't get home until 12 midnight plus. All the committee members stayed behind even though the event was over to ensure any latecomers have received their prizes before we left for home. Gosh, we were all exhausted but we were glad that all the time and efforts we have spent are finally paid off.

For the Dinner & Dance I wore a Vietnamese costume (see below), while some of the other committee members were dressed as co-pilots, Korean, Arabian and Indian. I like the lacy material of my costume, and that I could move around easily because it is a pant suit. Initially this wasn't what I have chosen but most of the committee members commented that the design and the colour of the other costume all looks too plain on me. Anyway, I was glad I have chosen this, thanks to their feedbacks! I felt I have transformed into a Vietnamese girl with the straw hat, hehe. I have it hooked around the back of my neck most of the time and only have it removed when the dinner starts. After all, I don't want it to be an obstacle, hehe. (Hey Julia! What do you think of this costume?! LOL.)

I didn't win anything that evening; actually I was eyeing the 42" Plasma TV but unfortunately Lady Luck wasn't smiling at me. *sigh* Let's hope I will win something next time!

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STICKY POST: Win * Win * Win
Melody
Note: Please scroll down for more new entries!

Attention, All booklovers!

The Long and the Short of It is having a pre-grand opening contest in promoting their new website. The grand opening is 27 August and they have a lot of cool prizes to give!

The Prize (please visit their site for more details):

One lucky winner in the USA or Canada** will receive a wonderful tote bag!
** Due to shipping restraints, international readers will substitute a $30 gift certificate to Amazon.com

Here's how to win:

  1. Their reviewers have posted sticky notes about this contest. Just leave a comment on one (or more) of their blogs. Please comment only once on any particular blog. Multiple entries on one blog will be deleted.
  2. Subscribe to their newsletter.
  3. Tell your friends about their site and link to their contest on your own blog. Add your name to the Mr. Linky here and you'll earn an entry -- if you do a sticky post, they'll give you an entry for every day it's on the top of your blog.
Contest closing date: 26 August (Sunday), Noon, Eastern time

The winner will be announced on their website on 27 August at the Grand Opening party.

Good luck!!!
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What Are You Reading Meme
Melody
I know I'm not supposed to blog today, because our company is having a Dinner & Dance tomorrow and I have tons of things to follow up and make sure everything is in order. But I figure I need a break, so here I am. I found this meme over at Stacy's and Wendy's blog and decided to tag myself.

What are you reading right now?
I'm currently reading The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie, Anne Stuart and Eileen Dryer. The story is about three sisters who have supernatural powers and their aunt is trying to play matchmaker so that she can steal their powers from them.

Do you have any idea what you’ll read when you’re done with that?
I have two reading challenges coming up in September, so I will choose one of them from the lists depending on my mood.

What magazines do you have in your bathroom right now?
I don't keep magazines or any reading materials in our bathroom, because I don't like them being wet and dirty.

What’s the worst thing you were ever forced to read?
Any working materials/reports that need translations. Yuck!

Admit it, the librarians at your library know you on a first name basis, don’t they?
Well, not really, because I have not stepped into a library for a long time. However, the staff from the used bookstore that I frequently patronize do know my name, because I will usually call them up whenever I want to check out for any book.

What’s the one book you always recommend to just about everyone?
Hmm...this is tough. What I like in a book doesn't mean the other person will like it. But if I know that person well enough, I will also know his/her preference of books so I will try to recommend the same genre of books to her. But there were some occasions that I recommended some books to some friends and they happened to like it, and the feeling was so wonderful that I felt as if I have accomplished something great.

Do you read books while you eat? While you bathe? While you watch movies or TV? While you listen to music? While you’re on the computer? While you’re having sex? While you’re driving?
Depending on what kind of food I'm eating. It's fine if I'm eating a sandwich while reading, but it's a definitely no-no to me if I'm eating a bowl of noodles! And I can't imagine myself reading while bathing because I don't have a bathtub to lie back on, ha! I don't read while watching movies because it's so dark inside the theatre, unless you are talking about watching it at home. However I do read when the TV shows are boring or during the commericals break. I try not to read while listening to music because that will take away any one of the pleasure. And I don't read while I'm on the computer, unless it hang up on me and I want to pass the time while it reboots, LOL. Having sex?! What kind of a question is that? It's personal, you know, haha! But no, definitely no. This will be an insult to my husband. LOL! And I don't drive, so no problem here. ;-)

When you were little, did other children tease you about your reading habits?
No, not that I was aware of it.

What’s the last thing you stayed up half the night reading because it was so good you couldn’t put it down?
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. It was getting so intense towards the ending and not to mention a cilffhanger! I'm glad I have got a copy of the next installment Eclipse. But as my lists are full for the upcoming reading challenges, I will probably read this after the challenges, well...we shall see.

Right...now back to work!!!
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Indoctrination
Melody

Using a suggestion from Erin today:

When growing up did your family share your love of books? If so, did one person get you into reading? And, do you have any family-oriented memories with books and reading? (Family trips to bookstore, reading the same book as a sibling or parent, etc.)

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!

Since young, I am the only reader in the family. Although at that time my parents did emphasize to us about the importance of books, what their intention was to read more books and be knowledgeable in order to get good grades in school. However, both my parents are not avid readers; my father only reads the newspapers and occasionally some geographical books. In the past, sometimes my mother read novels but that was only when she wanted to pass the time. My younger sister doesn't share her passion for reading the way I do, so that leaves me being the only "heavy" reader in the family. Anyway, no one influences me about my reading; I just happen to love reading, that's it. Some people may find pleasure in things like food, computer games, etc but for me I find my pleasure in books.

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R.I.P. II Challenge
Melody
Wow, more reading challenges along the way! I tell you, these challenges are highly addictive. And although I tell myself I have enough books to read and I don't see there is a need to participate in any challenges just to speed up my reading process, but still they are so much fun and you don't feel alone as there are other readers who are also reading the same genre as you. Moreover, Debi gave me a nudge into joining this, so I gave in.

There are various "Perils" to choose from (please click here for further details), and I have decided to do "Peril the First", which is to read four books of any length, from any subgenre of scary stories that you choose. Here are my list:
  • The Resort by Bentley Little
  • Prom Nights From Hell by Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Lauren Myracle & Stephenie Meyer
  • The Doorkeepers by Graham Masterton
  • The Scent of Shadows (First Sign of the Zodiac) by Vicki Pettersson

And if time permits, I shall do the other "Perils". Well, we shall see how...

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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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