Chihayafuru | Anime + Manga Review

Source: Crunchyroll

About the Show

Chihaya Ayase has spent most of her life supporting her sister’s model career. When she meets a boy named Arata Wataya, he thinks Chihaya has potential to become a great karuta player. As Chihaya dreams of becoming Japan's best karuta player, she is soon separated from her karuta playing friends. Now in high school, Chihaya still plays karuta in the hope that she will one day meet her friends again.

• Publisher: ntv
• Videos: 25
• Year: 2011

WARNING! THIS POST IS FULL OF GIFs ;)

What their club room looks like during springtime

It's actually a storage room but they cleaned it up and rearranged things inside

Meet Chihaya (beauty in vain)

Kanade Oe fascinated *_* I think she had some mascara on or something since she got 3 eyelashes on this one she usually have just one or 2 haha

Meet Taichi, going back home together they met for the very first time at school all grown up

Even if they haven't seen each other for ages it's as if nothing much changed

Meet Arata

here's Arata with a failed high five with Taichi haha

Young Chihaya and Taichi playing around he said she's such a tomboy compare to her sister

Well said young Arata

Their 1st team tournament match with matching shirts so cute!

For some reason Shinobu reminds me of Rukia from Bleach maybe it's her hair or like character demeanor

powerful vibe

I have no idea what is Karuta and how it's played it looks very interesting and fast paced though competition style

My thoughts:

This series is so cute and I can't get enough of it! I watched it so many times now it always gives me that butterfly,fluffy feeling inside my stomach the love triangle and love interest is definitely something to think about at first I'm like team Chihaya x Arata then again as this story progresses especially in the manga now I'm like in a dilemma I also like Taichi he's smart,rich,nice, jack of all trades master of none as they say haha!

I think what attracted Chihaya to Arata is that he's so hard working and he got a dream and he gave her a mind opening experience something she's never forget that her dream should be all about her (just like the gif way above) as for Taichi he's very dedicated and he gave her that feeling of uncertainty sometimes like what is this? and that moment Taichi told her ( I won't say you gotta read it it's in the manga haha!) she was like dumb founded and because of that I feel like aha! Oh Chihaya now I kinda get it for this I really hope Chihaya and Taichi would end up together because of that moment she questioned herself and stuff definitely a game changer.

It's more tournament focused though although I really crave for intimate moments and Arata to show up oh boy! so many things yet to be revealed so if you're tuning in to this series and know what I'm talking about are you team Arata or team Taichi? that always seems to be the question isn't? haha

also the character developments are pretty outstanding this series covers friendship,love,slice of life and cultural stuff no wonder it won awards! I gave it 5 out of 5 stars due to its awesomeness! I'm really looking forward to Chihaya being Queen and her showdown with Shinobu also who would beat the master? Taichi or Arata waah! so freakin exciting! as for the next installment please publish it faster and more frequently haha

Fall of Five (Lorien Legacies #4) by Pittacus Lore | Book Review

Info. Source: Goodreads
Category: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction,Fiction
Format: Audibook
Language: English
Published August 27th 2013 by HarperCollins (first published January 1st 2013)
ISBN: 0062293397 (ISBN13: 9780062293398)
About the book:
The Garde are finally reunited, but do they have what it takes to win the war against the Mogadorians?

John Smith—Number Four—thought that things would change once the Garde found each other. They would stop running. They would fight the Mogadorians. And they would win.

But he was wrong. After facing off with the Mogadorian ruler and almost being annihilated, the Garde know they are drastically unprepared and hopelessly outgunned. Now they’re hiding out in Nine’s Chicago penthouse, trying to figure out their next move.(more)


My thoughts:

2 out of 5 stars it's ok

I knew it!although it has been awhile...dunno who is who and what is what this story is quite action pack yet it drags man...it's nice to know most of them are reunited/together survived the attack and all that then again they still don't know what they're doing,lots of training,shady stories,stockholm syndrome, lies,love triangle,some funny lines and happy go lucky characters, kickass moves,more legacies developing and shocking revelations! Take care and Good luck kids!

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Book Review

Genre: Fiction,Mystery,Crime,Adult,Thriller

Audio CD 15 CD's
Duration: 19 Hours 

Language: English

Isbn: 0385366752 (ISBN13: 9780385366755)

Published July 24th 2012 by Random House 

Read by: Julia Whelan & Kirby Heyborne

Quick Synopsis: (Source: Goodreads)

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer? (more)


My thoughts:

3.5  out of 5 stars!

At long last! I finally got around into it OMG this story! I find Amy disturbing actually she's an intelligent psycho bitch! I kinda feel sorry for Nick but his actions are well not good either. Their marriage became toxic and it got into them and they let it get into themselves.I guess this stuff truly happens when you stop trying,lack of communication,death of a loved one,someone sick in the family,stress etc. it adds up! your body,mind and spirit will take the toll. What I liked about this story is how it proves it's not always the husband who is the culprit. I hope the next 2 books would deliver some sense of justice.They all need a psyche consult asap!

Legend by Marie Lu | Book Review

Category: Young Adult,Dystopia,Fiction,Adventure,Action,Romance
Format: Paperback, 305 pages
Published April 16th 2013 by Speak (first published November 29th 2011)
Language: English
ISBN: 014242207X (ISBN13: 9780142422076)
About the book: (Source: Goodreads)
From different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths...

Until June's brother is murdered, and Day becomes the prime suspect.

In a shocking turn of events, the two uncover what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths to which their country will go to keep its secrets.


My Thoughts: 3 out of 5 stars
I love the cover!I like how Day and June's narrations differ in terms of color and font easy to read,.I finished this within a day.At first I thought Day's a girl and June's a boy haha I got a bit confused at first but finally got a hang of the idea it's actually the other way around.It started slow at first then the action picks up somewhere around the middle and the end. Their character description/appearance is like they're such beautiful people I felt like they're so made for each other you know even when they're so dirty never showered much,scavenging for food in the trash bins undercover or not and all that.The idea of this book is really nice and I find it a bit unique I haven't read anything like this before.Hopefully I get a chance to continue this adventure soon enough!

Maus by Art Spiegelman

Category: Biography,Non-Fiction, Graphic Novel,History
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 160
Language: English
Published: November 1st 1991 by Pantheon Books (first published 1986)
ISBN: 0394541553 (ISBN13: 9780394541556)
About the book:(from Goodreads)

A story of a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe and his son, a cartoonist who tries to come to terms with his father's story and history itself. (more)

My Review: 4 out of 5 stars
"No, darling to die, it's easy...but you have to struggle for life!" ~Vladek (p. 122)

His family's really lucky.I saw some traits of Artie's father with my dad.I kinda feel bad for Mala she tries her best to be close a lack/miscommunication perhaps.This is the first book I've read by Art Spiegelman and during German times as well as I usually watch documentaries or saw stuff at the museum.

In times like these I'm so glad and eternally grateful that I'm not born such tough and tragic past.It's quite disturbing to hear,read and listen to these stories in retrospect we could all appreciate and remind ourselves,count us lucky on what we have now and not take things for granted.
I like the illustrations and his writing style very interesting and refreshing take in storytelling(where characters are animals like cats:germans,jews:rats), an epic biography.

Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood

Category: Young adult,Fantasy,Historical Fiction,Gothic
Format: ebook,audiobook
Page Count: 278
Language: English
Published: July 20th 2010 by Balzer + Bray (first published 2010)
ISBN:0061802360 (ISBN13: 9780061802362)
About the book: (from Goodreads)
A dark, gothic tale of romance... and murder. In the right dose, everything is a poison. Jessamine has spent her whole life in a cottage close to her father's apothecary garden, surrounded by medicinal plants and herbs that could kill her -- although her father has never allowed her into the most dangerous part of the grounds... the poison garden. And so she's never had reason to be afraid -- until now.(more)

My Review: 2.5 stars

I actually got an ebook of it but opted. to tune in with the audiobook instead and that was a good decision since I got on with it faster than I thought and pulled me out such frustrating situations in the book that might perhaps hinder me to finish the story.

The concept was good I liked it due to the poison plants info. though it needs more work/improvement.Some character(s) nice though the lead young ones Jessamine & Weed seriously these kids needs to go out and learn some more esp. Jes, out there in the real world she's so love blind ugh and needs to go further her education.It's so weird weed's unknown origin,quite an odd fellow indeed those are mad times to be the likes of him I thought he has gone cray! to think he's with the friar and yet doesn't know to say grace or more stuff he should have known.Mr. Luxton is definitely asking for it! for things to go wrong,he's strict (I do understand what for) but oh men! There are lots to be done with these characters.

The story took an unexpected crazy weird I don't want it too happen though I kinda saw it comin that it surprised and shocked me still it's so annoying! AH!  >.<

It might take awhile for me to pick up the sequel though I wonder what would be Jes's final verdict.

The Ocean at the end of the lane by Neil Gaiman

Category:Fiction, Fantasy,Science Fiction,Coming of age,Contemporary
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 178
Language: English
Published: June 18th 2013 by William Morrow Books
ISBN: 0062255657 (ISBN13: 9780062255655)
About the book: (from Goodreads)

It began for our narrator forty years ago when the family lodger stole their car and committed suicide in it, stirring up ancient powers best left undisturbed.(more)

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

I'm so glad I took that trip to the bookstore for this.I waited for quite some time for it to be released.I'm so freakin excited! the suspense is killing me! and now FINALLY! I can actually read it YEY!.I took my time to I read,visualize and absorb everything in it.I can see it clearly being played like a movie inside my head (I truly hope and pray they would make a movie out of it).I really don't know how to convey my feelings after reading this book.Up to now I still can't believe it's over and that it's actually 178 pages long :O It's short,fast paced and such a quick enjoyable read.I noticed that there's like three title pages in it,First just the title,the back with his list of works, Second another title but now along with his name then the Third just the title (yet again) then comes the story.I don't know for some reason it feels so weird![I'm not sure if it's the same with the other copies(perhaps) I haven't check but hey we're talking about Neil Gaiman's work here so extraordinarily weird is noted and I welcome it  haha!] and after some time all the copies are G:ONE!

Anyway,the storyline,plot,twist and characters simple,well written and brilliantly told!I love the cover!the color,metallic like texture,everything! it all makes sense especially towards the end (I like when that happens). I felt like there was some sorta shutter island moment but not really as the kid now a man grown went back to the lane, tried to recall what happened,deviation from what truly happened it was quite like inception the layers of thoughts,the glamour and stuff.Though I must admit that there are some scenes that made me look back and be like what the heck just happened?! in half a page or heartbeat or so something's just...OMG!.I don't know which one's real or not real anymore it's truly a great fantastic mix!

Lots of quotable quotes as well one of which that I liked best:

"You don't pass or fail at being a person dear" ~Ginnie Hempstock (page 175)

and this one too! no matter how many times I read this line after his father's confession it never fails to make me laugh "for a fraction of a moment, my entire childhood felt like a lie". 

I actually learned a lot from this book and I can see some of myself in the kid sometimes being scared and all around his age (7) I love to climb trees around that time as well.He's really bright, nice,read lots of books and had lots of funny thoughts I highly enjoyed those moments.The Hempstocks, quite odd folks but I like them they're nice,talented and I would love to hangout with them,share stories perhaps ask, exchange some recipes and learn their craft(s).I also like the I told you so moments but no regrets in the end.It was worth it! I highly recommend it to everyone!

Don't forget to check out Amanda Palmer's (AFP) blog post: http://amandapalmer.net/blog/20130618/

it has a lot of wonderful infomation you surely don't want to miss! ^_^

A Calendar of Tales by Neil Gaiman and You

Category: Anthology, Fantasy
Format: ebook
Page Count: 31
Language: English
Published: February 19th 2013 (first published February 2013)
About the book:
This past February 4th, Neil Gaiman and Blackberry kicked off the joint #KeepMoving venture. For twelve hours, Gaiman released writing prompts through his Twitter account, themed for the twelve months of the year, with the intent of writing Calendar of Tales, a collection of new original stories based on his favorite responses. (more)

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars 

I love it! one of the most amazing collaborations of all time and best of all it's FREE!

http://acalendaroftales.com/

I love Neil's voice his narration was really nice.The illustrations made by various contributors to this project was indeed very wonderful it definitely binded all these beautiful and rich ideas of story telling that's absolutely top notch!

Thank you so much everyone who made this possible!

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness | Book Review

Category: Fiction, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover,ebook
Page Count: 215,124
Language: English
Published: September 27th 2011 by Walker Books (first published March 5th 2011)
ISBN: 1406311529 (ISBN13: 9781406311525)
About the book:
The monster showed up after midnight. As they do.

But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming...

This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth. (more)

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars
I'm immediately warped into Conor's world...I thought it would be scary but this was a different kind of monster.A psychological case yet in some ways real truly this story is about his way to cope with his life,other sort of changes and challenges he must face.I like the Yew Tree fact I learned a lot from it I didn't even know that it has some very amazing cancer healing properties and I love how the monster narrates each tale in which you might thought this but then you'll be proven wrong or convince otherwise.

It's really tough to have someone sick in your family.Conor handled it rather well for his age and proved that he's a strong kid in the making.A tear jerking story!

Dear Mr. Alien by Yannis Karatsioris | Book Review

Source:  Provided by the Author for review

Category: Fiction, Juvenile

Format: ebook
Page Count: 62
Language: English
Published: August 5th 2012 by Createspace
ISBN: 1478340576 (ISBN13: 9781478340577)
About the book:
Greek eight-year old, Paul, decides to start a correspondence through letters with an alien.Rumor has it that aliens will destroy the world by the end of 2012 and Paul has taken on the task to convince the aliens not to attack the earth, by describing all that he knows about our planet.(more)

My Review: 3.5 stars

Funny and adorable! I wish Paul wrote more letters.Since he's a kid I saw some typos here and there which I find very cute and charming.My favorite story/letter of his is when his teacher Mr. Nick asked them to write about three important things his final answer made me laugh that kid sure is something! lots of potential.I hope he'll continue to jut down his adventures,school life,all the things he wants to learn and share to others,just basically all the things he could possibly think of who knows it may lead to Mr. Alien Part II or something else I suppose?

The Best of This Is A Crazy Planets by Lourd Ernest H. de Veyra

Category: Non-Fiction,Essays
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 116
Language: English and Tagalog
Published:2011 by Summit
ISBN: 20111215 (ISBN13: 9772011121005)
About the book:
Lourd's various entries on everyday life's absurdities, This is a Crazy Planets mirrors Filipino pop culture in a way that is both humorous and endearing.(more)


My Review: 5 stars
Truly the best of his works! he's brutally honest yet hilarious at the same time.I like his choice of words and the wisdom he left his readers to ponder upon.The book encompasses various points in everyday filipino life from politics,hierarchy,words that should die,the origin of his name,certain celebrities he either like or dislike,transportation even urinals!

Whoa! this guy is unstoppable! for sure you'll know you're hella pinoy either by heart,ethnicity or by nationality when you read/can relate through certain things he talked about.

I love his youtube channel as well as his website google him if you must!

I chose this book as my first vlog book review because a very good old friend of mine Charmaine(a.k.a saybermemein/malupet) gave this to me which I considered as one of my priceless possessions.I'm such a noob and total newbie at this book vlogging thing so please forgive me >.<  show some support, subscribe,feel free to comment and tell me your thoughts about the book etc.

This is also somewhat my video response to malupet so yeah I hope I answered her question/s what I thought about the book. XD

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson | Book Review

Category: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 208
Language: English
Published: April 1st 2001 by Puffin (first published October 22nd 1999)
ISBN: 014131088X (ISBN13: 9780141310886)
About the book:
Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth.(more)

My Review: 3 stars

I'm quite shock that this book was labeled as a banned book and for some reason I've decided to read it. It's about a girl who was raped then decided in the end to speak and fight for herself (in her own way) hence the title but it's more than that actually you'll feel and experience those awkward moment and moment of hesitation she had during the entirety of the novel itself.I'm glad that she did stood up for herself,her friends and what she believes is right! though a bit short and quick read of a story I like how the main character developed all throughout.More power to you girl! and I do hope that whoever reads this book will feel empowered as well.

My favorite character was Dave Petrakis he's clever and stands up wheneever he thinks something's wrong with the picture he reminds me a lot of myself when I was a student lol :)) My Second favorite is Mr. Freeman (The Art teacher) he's nice,weird and let his class wonder and express things by means of art he lets Melinda explore and say things beyond what she's feeling and seeing experimenting lots of art forms it was really funny and engaging.

Will Grayson,Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan | Book Review

Category:  Young Adult,Fiction
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 310
Language: English
Published:  April 5th 2011 by Speak (first published April 6th 2010)
ISBN: 0142418471 (ISBN13: 9780142418475)
About the book:
Two teens with the same name, running in two very different circles, suddenly find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, and culminating in epic turns-of-heart and the most fabulous musical ever to grace the high school stage. (more)

My Review: 3 stars


I was really confused at first with the story line then with both Will Grayson's they're the same in a way that they almost think alike but in some ways different like their living conditions,environment,set of friends,school,district etc. I didn't quite noticed the change of fonts in terms of narration for I'm so focused in reading the whole story I thought it's just how they express themselves that time (like big letters for angry or small for neutral or normal tone)what I didn't know before that I know now is that both authors jiving in introducing these sets of characters that would collide in the middle of it all. When it comes with their perspectives in life,love,school,being a teenager and accepted in society they somewhat flourished and improved their character developed as time pass what I liked about this is that it's straight forward and gay! beware for it contains quite a lot of curses I'm surprised there's no censorship at all!:O

I thought about what if the other will grayson's friend didn't pretend to be a boy but simply a girl...would he still be gay? or would it be have another end result?

Tiny's production at the beginning was all about him (self centered)but in the end of course being gay and all the story turned out to be the most wonderful musical I've ever laid my eyes upon, very touching and romantic.

I somewhat identified some of myself with the characters a little bit of everything with everyone involved like Tiny's queer oddball moments and Will Grayson's silent thoughts. I may say it's full of teenage angst whatever you call it these days hormones? perhaps but we all know deep inside we'll surpass that level and just basically moved on with life.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins | Book Review

Category: Fiction,Young Adult,Dystopia
Format:ebook
Page Count: 275
Published:
ISBN: 0545227240 (ISBN13: 9780545227247)

Language: English

About the book:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.(more)

My Review: 2 stars

Everything was quite predictable to be honest though it was nice to read the continuation of it all.I felt how much pressure Katniss was bearing, all those pretentious star-crossed lovers effect took its toll which need more convincing power,relationship fallen and shaken,safety,security,family threathened and all that oh my goodness!

I like the arena this time it's a bit confusing at first but I got a hang of it.The Quarter Quell this time around is too much of a torture OVERKILL that's one way to put it for it extinguished the hope that's left or is it? There are some tear jerker parts for me it's always when somebody else's died for a cause like to save another tribute/others, for the greater good,good people with good heart and intentions.I love how they utilized the mockingjay either as a pin or whatever as a sign of which side you're on or either just to blend in to fashion statement at the Capitol and of course the watch of this year's Quarter Quell Gamemaker is to die for! it's so beautiful I wonder where I could get and avail one.

The ending was so much of a cliff hanger I hope book III is action pack.

Looking for Alaska by John Green | Book Review

Category: Young Adult,Coming of Age,Fiction
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 221
Published: March 3rd 2005 by Puffin
ISBN: 0142402516 (ISBN13: 9780142402511)
Language: English
About the book:
Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.(more)


My Review: 4 stars
First off I was greatly intrigued by John Green like who is he?what kind of books he writes and such I've searched  far and wide about his works this is one of the first I've ever own :)) I watched most of their videos via youtube (vlogbrothers) I must say that I am indeed a nerdfighter XD Nerdfighteria rules! I like the type of world they created that aims to decrease world suck!anyway,what I like about this book is how Miles found his great perhaps and I love how the story line was narrated in a before and after days countdown.There are some scenarios here that I saw myself looking back those awkward eerie teenage years and my great perhaps as well Oh good times! though it's kinda sad but quite predictable how it all ended.I asked myself the same question about the labyrinth and all that afterwards everything put together made a lot of sense...a very astonishing impact!

As far as character development goes they all got a long way to go Miles needs to open up more to people around him, participate and just be himself,The General what a funny guy! I'm not so sure about his ambrosia concoction for me dairy and vodka don't mix that well lol :)) Alaska,sure got some issues she needs to clear things up and accept the past in order to move on but....yeah I'm not telling you what happened next perhaps a friend that would help her snap out of it or share things with would somewhat help her out.The Gang being kids..teenagers and all got a lot of personality going on but they are definitely smart no doubt about it you just have to prepare,accept responsibility,care enough/much more even and know the consequences of your actions. I'd love to have a professor just like Dr. Hyde he's the type that would kept me awake,interested and patient enough to listened to every single word he said.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein | Book Review

Category: Children Picture books
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 64
Published: October 7th 1964 by HarperCollins (first published 1964)
ISBN: 0060256656 (ISBN13: 9780060256654)
Language: English
About the book:This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.(more)

My Review: 5 stars

It's sad,moving,touching and a very heart warming story about a tree who would give it all away for love and affection...heart breaking in a way because of such truth that made me slap myself and so I'd like others to open their eyes/slap themselves to wake up in such a dreadful nightmare in their life to see things clearly for this scenario happens in real life every single day and that sometimes we took things no matter how big or small for granted without us even knowing it so I'd advise all of you to read it, give it as a gift! purchase it! it's a short fast read and let this story be a lesson to us all ^_^

Madeline (Madeline #1) by Ludwig Bemelmans | Book Review

Category: Children's Picture book
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 64
Published: January 19th 1996 by Scholastic Hippo (first published 1939)
ISBN: 0590133373 (ISBN13: 9780590133371)
Language: English
About the book:
Madeline is one of the best-loved characters in children's literature. Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1940 and has as much appeal today as it did then. (more)

My Review: 4 stars

Well I personally like this book (who doesn't?!) the cartoons and real life movie adaptation are a keeper. I came across and started reading this book again after watching Anthony Burdain's show then I had multiple flashbacks lol ;)) this book is a total classic! the illustrations are so cute and the dialogues are simple to understand everyone should definitely read and expose themselves to the works of Ludwig Bemelmans! 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins | Book Review

Category: Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 374
Published: October 1st 2008 by Scholastic Inc. (first published January 1st 2008)
ISBN: 0439023483 (ISBN13: 9780439023481)
Language: English
About the book:
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. (more)

My Review: 2 stars

There are some parts of the book that reminded me of Hunter X Hunter (when Gon and the others are on the island thinking of an effective strategy how to take each other out,get the badge in order to move on the next round).Though the Hunger games is totally different the arena and gamemakers got all sorts of twist each one makes it more unique,believable almost possible in a way it's so engaging! The emotions,hierarchy,training,televised shows,hunting or be haunted,the food!,battle of survival,star crossed lover effect oh dear I love Peeta! he's a baker,funny,kind,generous almost all the traits you'll adore in a boy.After reading this book I totally understood what the fuss is all about,how thrilling,exciting,overwhelmingly awesome this would be on the big screen.There are also some points that I could somehow predict what's going to happen next like okay that's it but yeah every single time it somewhat throws me off.It's so real that I can't help but catch my breath,cheer on the characters,despise other disctrict's villainy plot in the end all is well hooray!well at least for now anyway...book two here I come!

Official Hunger Games Movie Trailer

Call Me Sonya Grey: A Young Girl's Poems About Death, Life and Adolescence by Sonya Tupone Lloyd

Category: Poetry,Non-Fiction
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 94
Published: December 8th 2006 by Tribute Books
ISBN: 0976507277 (ISBN13: 9780976507277)
Language: English
About the book:
Call Me Sonya Grey is a personal collection of poetic verse that is at once inspiring and challenging.(more)

My Review: 3 stars

This book made me thought and reflect about life the grey almost shadowy cover that made it looked like a memory, its magazine like pages,the content that's unique on its own dated back and forth through her childhood.Indeed it's very painful when you lose someone very dear to you it seems like your world stopped but in reality the world don't stop for anyone you have to move on and go on with your life it's hard but you'll get by.I like how every poem made its point or simply just conveying raw emotions at the moment page 49 titled Questions strikes me the most along with page 19,like a leaf and 41,the written word I can relate to some of it,imagined most,saw what it's like,empathizes with the whole content this made me reassess everything about me and other stuff I guess through this experiences will make us stronger and more determined in life.Thank you so much Sonya for sharing your story.

Brightest by Johann de Venecia and Joanne Crisner

Source: Publisher; Isshin Dream Publishing
Category: Children's book
Format: PDF
Page count: 48
Tentative Release date: December 2011
Language: English
About the book:
A story about a lost firefly catcher, trying to find his way home, and a broken firefly that had long lost himself. And how friendship and being there for each other made a difference in their lives.(more)

Note: I'd like to thank the following Isshin Dream Publishing, for letting me read and review their work,thank you so much Jho for this very lovely opportunity it's truly an honor I'm really glad to know you and many thanks indeed for introducing me to lots of magnificent people ^_^

My Review: 4.5 stars

Simple,cute and heartwarming quick read.Readers of all ages would enjoy reading this story picture book.The title definitely suits the story,the frame which surrounds the title is elegantly drawn,the font and size of the letters are easy in the eyes I like the illustrations the mushroom field setting in which I thought about Alice in Wonderland  is quite magical  I immediately dive in to that world and BY JOVE! that's the biggest firefly I ever saw O_O I mean like humongous! :O

The outline of the story is very relateable which is being lost that I believe most of us experience in life and sometimes finding a way out is no easy task.The moral lesson is pretty much laid out in a very straightforward in your face matter of fact manner whether you're down,lost/troubled try to smile,be optimistic and look at the bright side of things.A smile from you might find its way to others and ignite something within I enjoyed reading this book up to the last page though there's something quite lacking, a bit short and I'd like to explore more of the fantasy world and let the characters build and develop even more but all is well quite an ending.I kinda miss reading this sort of books these things and kids always reminds me the simple joys in life that I often forgot along the way sad but true.Anyway, don't forget to Follow Brightest at Facebook, along with Isshin Dream Publishing learn more about them through their Website, Twitter, Youtube, Facebook and Goodreads Account ^_^ you can also purchase a copy from Kcat Yarza.




My thoughts about the book trailer:
The song reminds me of this television show my brother and I used watch growing up "Hiraya manawari' (though the opening theme is different from this one but this got some sort of effect in me) it's very fascinating,there are different story being showcased every episode and it's full of moral lessons.I think it's really nice to let kids watch those kind of shows in which I think is running short these days that will teach kids good manners and right conduct.This also brought back some of my gamer days the song is really quite nostalgic I love it! I think it's the perfect choice as a background music,the transition of the slides,the way the book is presented is very nice and pleasing a great way to spread the hype.

I'd like to thank everybody behind this fantastic book good job guys! keep it up I can't wait to read more of your brilliant masterpiece.