Paper Wonders

Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

2011-09-22T04:17:00.000-07:00

Water's Edge, a lawyer named Tom Crane suffers a recent loss when his lawyer father drowns. This leads him to his hometown of Bethel to close down his father's law practice and he gets caught up in various webs. Of course, I cannot reveal anything to you people because that would just spoil everything.

The story, in all was sound and there was flow. But unfortunately, it lacked the general energy needed for any piece of fiction to be readable. To me, it was a bit of a disappointment. I can see that Whitlow tried to give his story emotion and he does attempt to make the readers connect with Tom but his attempts were not quite successful. This novel did not really stir up any emotions and the overall feel of the book was a bit of a let down for me.

The plot was sound but it was a somewhat dull plot. Even though Whitlow tried to spice things up with various twists and turns it didn't really work. Character development was another thing Whitlow should work a bit more on. The characters were all rather boring except for Tom's late father's assistant, Bernice. She was the only one with any real personality. I know most of the characters were supposed to be respectable Christians but they were all too goody-goody and dull. Not many of them had color and the ones that did had some rather dull colors, to be honest. Dialogue was also rather standard but it wasn't up to the standards of being called original. The descriptions Whitlow provided are pretty good. He was rather concise and direct and that's quite a good thing. The scene's were also pretty good and realistic but there was nothing there to set Bethel apart from any other small American town you might read in books. Personally, I though the Painted Rock thing was a bit of a cliche.

Overall, the message was a good one but it did not inspire me much. It was a path well-worn and that makes it normal and the oomph of it all was just not there. Perhaps someone without any faith at all would find it a bit more inspiring? But one who has been raised faithful would not feel the message's effects. Perhaps a little, at most. In terms of entertainment it was not such a success. It fits a typical law genre and that makes it a bit of a bore. It's a nice story, but that's all it is. It's nice.

Frankly, I was let down. I expected a bit more from a back cover blurb that made it sound so intense. So yeah, I wouldn't go about recommending it. Someone in need of a law genre piece might like it but this is just not my cup of tea. Not at all.

Rating: 4.5/10

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Dogs of Babel

2011-09-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

This book was quite something for a debut novel. Carolyn Parkhurst's debut work is intriguing in quite a number of ways.

Basically, the book's main character, Paul Iverson, loses his wife. What makes it worse is that he does not know whether it is a murder, a suicide or an accident and he attempts to find out from the only witness. His dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Lorelei. The book follows his attempts at giving Lorelei the gift of speech. Another strong point of this book is the abundance of character personality. Parkhurst is talented in bringing out the human nature of her characters and it is nothing short of magnificent. Paul Iverson is extremely human, with his flaws and his strengths. Parkhurst shows how human he can be when he becomes confused and blinded by emotion. My favourite character happened to be Paul's wife, Lexy. Her spontaneity and color gives the book the refreshing breath of spring air it needs. Another delight is the dog, Lorelei herself. Parkhurst captured the canine behaviour quite well.

Even though it is a great effort for a debut novel but I must say it is a bit draggy in some parts. In certain parts of the book, Paul muses a bit too much but I suppose it would be more accurate since he is a grieving man who's lost his mind shortly after losing his wife. This would be an excellent read for someone looking for depth, twists-and-turns and sticky substance. It is dark in some places, bright and heartwarming in others.

If you have spare time on your hands and you're looking for a casual read to kill time or a before-bedtime chapter, this is one book you can hold onto when you're in bed, wrapped cosily in your Snuggie.

Rating: 7/10

The Truth of the Matter by Andrew Klavan

2011-06-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

The Truth of the Matter is Andrew Klavan's third instalment in his Homelanders series and it is a pretty good one. There's suspense and quite a lot of action and gripping moments and Charlie West is quite a character. Not often do you see such a religious main character with such a strong faith and high moral values. This book is mainly about how an amnesiac Charlie tries to figure out that gap in his memory. And Andrew Klavan does it quite well.

Although a good read, it is not exactly the best book out there. It has some great parts where it makes you gasp and writhe, but they don't last. It is basically a roller-coaster of sorts. It takes you up, then down, then up, then down and so on. This is perhaps to get a high one minute and a breather the next, but truthfully, it usually leaves the calm parts feeling a little flat.

The characters were rather interesting though, Charlie West is a likeable, patriotic American whose sense of duty to his country is admirable. The other characters were also interesting in their own way but a few were perhaps a bit bland. The overall plot of the book sort of worked but it's not a story you would reread once every month like I usually do with many other books I've read.

The overall message was inspiring though and it makes you want to protect what you love and believe in, to keep your faith strong. This book is quite entertaining and a good book to read through every once in a while. But more than that it starts to get dull.

Though it may be a fun ride, like a roller-coaster, it starts to turn become bland after the third ride. I would lend it to someone and if they like it, they can go buy one for themselves, but I wouldn't exactly recommend them to buy one immediately.

Rating: 5/10

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

http://www.booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781595547149

Books for Christmas?

2010-12-21T02:09:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year and everyone's out buying presents. But what if you forgot to get something for a bookworm friend? Here's a list of good books that might just do the trick

1. The Graveyard Book
Morbid and sad at times, it's hypnotic and spell-binding. Not exactly full of action-sequences, but still unbelievably interesting nonetheless.

2. Fallen
Kind of like Twilight but minus Bella's irritating complaining of how two boys are fighting over her. Very exciting and dramatic but with a couple of tender moments.

3. Sweetheart from Hell
Comical and delicious in its own way, May-Zhee Lim will make you laugh out loud with her astoundingly funny jokes. Definitely for those who want a good laugh.

4. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
The first book in the best-selling series, this is great if you're thinking of giving it to a younger reader. Fast-paced without getting rushed, it has the magic it needs to grip you until you finish everything.

5. Life of Pi
Suitable for all book lovers, it is sad yet filled with hope. Pi Patel is a wonderful character to share the journey with. Having a tiger along for the ride is another bonus.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

2010-10-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

This book is about the lives of two very different men from two very different parts of society. Yet, they are somehow the same. I guess that’s why the title’s ‘Same Kind of Different As Me’, eh? Anyway, it’s about how religion can connect people so strongly; and how even now, racism is still very prominent even in such a modern, developed country like the United States.

Now, I love books, a whole lot. But this one, this one’s different. This book is one of the best I’ve ever read! It’s just so absolutely amazing!

It was so inspiring, so enlightening! An absolute breath of fresh air! Ron Hall and Denver Moore are such delights! They write in such a way that makes it feel as if you know them personally, that they are close friends of yours and the book’s actually a letter to you.

And they do make you think, even about the little things in life, like waking up. They make you see things differently; everything gets cast in a new light.

Hall and Moore know how to grab onto your attention in a vise-like grip. Not one page was filled with a dull moment. The emotions they evoke bind you, making you continue reading.

Next, they presented their thoughts and ideas in a very respectful and patient manner, they did not sound preachy at all! This great gift they have is one that even some more-experienced writers lack.
So yeah, I absolutely recommend this book! It is totally worth your money so go out there and get it now! Now! Now! NOW!

Rating: 10/10

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9780849919107

Skulduggery Pleasant

2010-06-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

Frankly, I bought this book because a lot of people were saying what a good book it is. And I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. It really is an extremely entertaining book. It had a lot of factors that would make for an entertaining read and Derek Landy is amazing.

The book starts with Stephenie/Valkyrie inheriting most of her uncle's fortune. Then, not long after that, the skeleton detective makes an entrance and they Stephenie's stubbornness forces Skulduggery to take her on adventures. The characters are lively, they have witty comments (especially Skulduggery) and there are a lot of interesting ideas from Landy that makes this book a refreshing member of the fantasy genre. It's a very fun, colourful book, and it will be a wonderful book to start your child on reading.

Although it's a very nice book, it doesn't have a lot of depth and adult readers who are looking for more substance would be disappointed. I recommend this book for younger readers who are looking for a nice, light read with likeable characters. Teenaged readers would also find it entertaining but if you just happen to be over 25, this book is not for you... Unless you happen to have the heart of a child to appreciate it.

So, if you are young (or young at heart), pick up this book as soon as possible because it is a jewel of a find. It's fun and nice and filled with funny moments to put a smile on your face. But if you're looking for something Dan Brown-ish, then you're looking in the wrong place. It is after all, a children's book.

Rating: 6/10

A Girl Like Moi: The Fashion-Forward Adventures of Imogene

2010-02-01T03:25:00.000-08:00

When I first saw this book, something about it pulled me in. Perhaps it was the magical air of it. Or it might just be kismet. Either way, I got the book. And then, more magical things happened. I fell in love with the extremely communicative way of writing, the ultra-creative illustrations and Imogene, the main character in this beautiful book.

Let’s start. The book is a wonderfully divine thing all on its own. Beautiful colored illustrations in the book makes the whole thing all the more stunning. Tiny paintings of adorable dogs, petit fours and the like appear here and there throughout the book to surprise you. They aren’t pictures you might compare with Mona Lisa, mind you, but they look more like sketches out of a designer’s sketchbook. Thin lines and colored in feverishly, not bothering to keep inside the lines, just a rough sketch. And since this is a book set in the wonderful world of fashion, the idea is all the more brilliant and inspired. And also, the pages are glossy! How many chic-lit books out there can you find that have glossy pages? So that’s a big bonus.

Other than that, the book also has a magnificent storyline. We start with Imogene narrating. And then, her irresponsible actions get her into trouble. Her reckless spending puts her in debt, and she must do all it takes to pay back. She goes through trouble and trials, but she comes out a changed girl. The problems she faces are a bit clichéd, and the storyline can be a tad predictable but the well-placed jokes coupled with a good plot and the uber-cool illustrations, this book is saved from the throngs of bad chic-lit and totally worth it. Plus, it also has hidden tips and rules here and there that apply to all things fashion. Like what to do during sample sales, or what does it mean to be a fashion-lover who gravitates toward Prada, anything fashion, this book has it all.

So, if you’re wondering about this book, I say give it a go. There’s a lot you can learn from this book, and trust me, when I say a lot, I mean it. Apart from fashion info, you even get to learn tiny snippets of foreign languages! So that's also a plus for parents who want their children to learn something when they're reading. This is also solid proof that fiction books are not rubbish.

Rating: 8/10

The Host

2010-01-16T02:03:00.000-08:00

Ah... The Host. A novel by one of the most successful authors of our time. She wowed us with her Twilight saga and I have no choice but to admit that I was one of the suckers who fell for her vampire-human love story scheme. But say what you want because those books were brilliant. But let's focus on The Host for now, shall we?

It all starts with Wanderer, a soul put into a host named Melanie. But Melanie refuses to disappear and they get annoyed with each other. But they soon form a bond and they go looking for the man they both love.

Now, it's a pretty good book and it really is an extraordinary idea. But it's not perfect. The Host is a bit slow at first. Meyer takes too much time to get to the interesting part when Melanie/Wanderer get to the human colony hideout. The parts that made this front half readable was the flashbacks of Melanie's memories. But other from that, the book's first half isn't something that would make you wanna' turn to the next page. But, if you're patient and decide to read it through till the end, rest assured you will be rewarded for your waiting. So, when you reach the second half, you'll immediately realize that it was worth the wait.

So, this is a very good read for the patient type and for those who like Stephenie Meyer's work what with her forbidden love affair storylines. So I liked this novel only when I reached the second half. So, to the people who decide to give up after the first half's excruciatingly slow tempo, hang in there! Your patience will be rewarded. Overall a good novel that will leave you feeling happy for the alien at the end.

Rating: 5/10

Twilight

2009-12-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows about the Twilight saga, but is it really that great? Well, when I first heard about it, I was really shocked that this series actually achieved that level of success so quickly. But it was not without reason, the Twilight series is amazing. But for now, let's focus on Twilight, the first book in the series.

The first book mainly starts with Bella Swan just moving to Forks, Washington. Then, her life starts getting interesting. She meets the impossibly good-looking vampire, Edward Cullen and falls in love with him. Bella just happens to be the one exception to Edward's mind-reading ability and so, Bella turns into the puzzle he just has to solve. Then the story starts to take interesting turns. I think I'll stop here because some of you might not have read it yet and are planning to.

Anyway, it's basically a romance novel with a vampire for the hero and a "plain-looking girl" as the heroine, what more do I have to say? It's a great novel, and a prefect read if you're planning on taking a long journey.

Rating: 8/10

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You

2009-12-17T00:47:00.000-08:00

The title of this book really is a mouthful, but very telling. As all spy fans know, it's a line used in quite a few spy flicks. I think one of them may be an old James Bond movie but that's not really my area of expertise.

Anyway, this may be a book with spies in it, but it isn't exactly your typical spy thriller where the main character is an excessively good-looking man in his twenties who goes around the world and foils the bad guy's plot while managing to get the girl in the end. Nope, this time the main character is a plain-looking girl (or so she says) and only 15. Cameron Morgan aka The Chameleon (her odd nickname due to her spyish ability to stealthily blend in) does not go around the world foiling villainous plots, she's just a student at the Gallagher Academy, a prestigious girl-school for geniuses.

A bit after one quarter through the story, when she is on a mission in the town near the school, she meets a boy who sees her. And because no one ever sees her when she does not want to be seen, she is intrigued. Cameron, or otherwise known as Cammie, falls in love with Josh (the aforementioned boy). Along with her friends' help, she regularly sneaks into town to meet up with Josh. Where will this relationship go? I'll save that for you guys to find out. :)

I think that this book was really a light, entertaining read. But the bad news is, it was kind of short for me at only 284 pages. But overall very entertaining, it was even optioned for film by Disney! I seriously recommend it if you want something to read when you're spending a quiet weekend on the beach, but you'd wish you had a bigger book if you're stuck inside a log cabin that's been covered over by snow. Still a good read.

Rating: 7/10

Paper Wonders Is Now Fixed and Improved

2009-12-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

Hey all you bookaholics! This site is finally fixed! The comments box is now usable and you can post comments about the book being reviewed or even suggest a book to be reviewed! And furthermore, take a look at the sidebar. There's a brand new chatbox for all you booklovers to socialize! Okay, that's all for now!

But booklovers don't fret, there's going to be a new book review real soon! So keep your fingers crossed, it might be a favorite of yours!

The Last Vampire: The Last Vampire/Black Blood

2009-11-17T23:51:00.000-08:00

This book gave me a lot of trouble in the past few months. I lent it to someone and it somehow got passed around and I didn't know where it ended up, but weeks of hard work and investigation paid off. I got the book back. Why did I look for it like my life depended on it, you ask? Well, because it was out of print and a gift from my mom, that's why.

Now for the book review, this book consists of two parts. Book 1: The Last Vampire and Book 2: Black Blood. In book one, you can really see the vampire mindset in Sita, her cold calculations in the best way to kill. Like which foot to strike with, or how to kill her target. Then you get to see her softer side. Her love for those close to her and how she feels she must protect them. It also delves a lot into Hinduism because Sita just happens to be from India. The Hindu god Krishna also makes regular appearances and Sita's relationship with him is slowly explained.

In book two, you get to see a bit of change in Sita. She has found her old love only for death to take him away once more. Then with her mind set on revenge, goes to vanquish the evil vampire who has hurt her so much in so many ways. She saves the world in the end from a terrible fate.

Overall, this is a pretty awesome book. I loved it and it's a really entertaining read. Vampire and fantasy lovers are going to get a kick out of this and others will love it just as much. Get it, you seriously won't be disappointed.

Rating: 8/10

Charmed: The Brewing Storm

2009-10-12T03:54:00.000-07:00

I've looked back on what people wanted me to review and I've decided to go ahead with a request. A Charmed book adaptation of the hit series. I had to dig this one up out from under a whole stack of books in the dark. (Broken light at night, stupid light bulb...)

Anyway, let me elaborate on what Charmed is about for those non-fans out there. Mainly, it's about three hot witches who are good and fight evil. There.

About this book, this issue centres around the girls' attempts at gathering then protecting four powerful Elementals who are beings who have control over the four elements. They are supposed to gather at a secret location and hold an important ritual that determines the Earth's expiration date.

I've always been intrigued by the idea of harnessing the power of the elements and this book really connected with me. The four Elementals having their own special Element within their control were pretty cool characters and I particularly liked Muriel the Earthshaker. I found her fun and likable. But the demons lack substance and they play a pretty minor role in the whole plot. The only demon with any substance was Tempest, the main antagonist of this particular issue and it wasn't very much. He seemed weak and I felt indifferent towards him. No love, no hate.

As a final verdict, this was a nice book, not too shabby for a TV-series adaptation. Worth your money if you liked the Charmed series, but you might need a bit of explaining if you haven't been following the series at all. It had moments of humor, suspense, and it showed that age isn't a factor. A light read and quite reasonably-priced, an ideal air-travel book you can probably pick up at the airport bookstore.

Rating: 6/10

Life of Pi

2009-10-08T03:26:00.000-07:00

This book, I found intriguing, compelling, magical, rich, colourful, lustrous, witty, touching and a whole lot of fun. The book is divided into three parts, all different times of the protagonist's life. The first part is set in India, where we delve into Pi's childhood. The second part is floating on the Pacific Ocean, where we are in Pi's adolescence. And the third part is set in Mexico, where Pi is finally rescued.

During the second part, Pi tells his story about his time he spent on the Pacific alone with no one but a Royal Bengal Tiger, a zebra, a hyena, and an orangutan for companionship. Which all eventually die of some cause except for Pi and the tiger. They develop a relationship which lead them through the ordeal. The book is regularly interrupted by what seems to be reports by an unknown person on Piscine Patel. But these are brief. Anyway, the book is set in many colorful scenes and some of them have so much emotion in them that you feel as if you are there with Pi yourself.

An added bonus, the book is filled with much general knowledge and practically the whole book is a soup of insight. I thought this book was an enlightening read that has subtle but absolutely powerful touches on religion, companionship, and morals.

Just so you know, his book ends with a shocking bang and those few pages are so appalling that you'd reel from the blow.

In short, I thought this book was brilliant.

Rating: 10/10

The Graveyard Book

2009-09-30T02:38:00.000-07:00

This year, the Newbery Medal went to The Graveyard Book for the most distinguished contribution to children's literature. All I can say about that is that it's well-deserved.

I found The Graveyard Book a wonderful read, Neil made the story sinister yet heart-warming. It sounds impossible, but I assure you, Neil made it work.

Anyway, Neil brings you on an amazing journey, going along with Nobody Owens' life. You can't help but like Nobody and you start to hope things turn out better for him. He's heroic and brave, but still very childish and naive. Throughout the story, you start to see things from his point of view and you can't help but smile. Silas and Miss Lupescu are two more characters in the book that really strengthen the plot. I won't say too much in this review as to not spoil your reading experience, but I thought the ending was a tad morbid and sad.

At the end of the day, I thought the book was an extremely entertaining read and that it's worth every penny.

Rating: 9/10

A Seed is Planted

2009-08-04T00:51:00.001-07:00

Remember when you first walked into that bookstore, your fingers tingle as you run them down the spines of those new, beautiful books. You smell freshly brewed cofee in the air mingling with the faint scent of paper.

Then you pull down a copy and you know that it was the moment a love story was about to begin, with dazzling adventures and wondrous tales, you never get bored of this undying relationship. You need the constant presence, the wonderful relation, the feelings pouring out of the pages, filling your very soul.

Admit it, you were craving for more, you were begging for it, you were... addicted.

This blog is inspired by Malaysian author, May-Zhee Lim and by her 69 Books Project. (I still think she's hot and I don't give a damn what you think.)

This blog is about books and over the next few eternities I'm going to be posting book reviews by yours truly. So the seed is planted, let's watch it grow.