335 pages
Published May 1st 2007
Published by Algonquin Books
Finished reading on January 21, 2015
Genre Literary | Circus
Rating A+
Jacob, the Cornell veterinarian, took me on a whirlwind journey inside the circus and its eclectic menagerie, alongside the odd assortment of characters: Marlena, Camel, Kinko (Walter), Quennie the dog, and Rosie the Polish-speaking elephant.
Ninety-ish Jacob provided me with a poignant glimpse through the window of assisted living, revealing the juxtaposition o
335 pages
Published May 1st 2007
Published by Algonquin Books
Finished reading on January 21, 2015
Genre Literary | Circus
Rating A+
Jacob, the Cornell veterinarian, took me on a whirlwind journey inside the circus and its eclectic menagerie, alongside the odd assortment of characters: Marlena, Camel, Kinko (Walter), Quennie the dog, and Rosie the Polish-speaking elephant.
Ninety-ish Jacob provided me with a poignant glimpse through the window of assisted living, revealing the juxtaposition of sharp minds within frail bodies in geriatric care.
Despite his age, Jacob remained impulsive, unbounded by societal expectations, ready to embark on outrageous escapades like sneaking out and running away with the circus.
From the moment I opened the book, it elicited laughter, and as I turned the last page, I found myself teary-eyed, emotionally invested in the characters and their journey. This book was not just a read; it was a journey of attachment and emotion from start to finish.
360 pages • Done March 3, 2014
Published by HarperCollins • April 28th 2009
Young Adult • Paranormal • Necromancer, Werewolves, Witches
“The Awakening” surpasses its predecessor, moving with full momentum as the characters are continually thrust out of their hiding place. Amidst the unfolding chaos, a subtle romance brews between Derek and Chloe, an understated dynamic that adds depth to their interactions while leaving room for speculation about Simon a
Young Adult • Paranormal • Necromancer, Werewolves, Witches
“The Awakening” surpasses its predecessor, moving with full momentum as the characters are continually thrust out of their hiding place. Amidst the unfolding chaos, a subtle romance brews between Derek and Chloe, an understated dynamic that adds depth to their interactions while leaving room for speculation about Simon and Tori’s compatibility. The romantic elements remain light, but the eerie atmosphere intensifies with chilling scenes involving ghosts and zombies haunting Chloe. However, the portrayal of Derek in the Awakening video fell short of expectations, failing to capture the essence of the character I envisioned.
Overall, it delivers a gripping narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.
A repost from my old blog (the article on the Edudemic website has been removed).
It took me a while to gather my thoughts and come up with something worthwhile regarding this. My thoughts rambled as emotions regarding smartphone-savvy kids and education do not coincide with the conclusions gathered here, but I don’t dismiss the fact that this might be true for some students. In fact, I find it interesting that this survey would result in the conclusion that ‘students who use
A repost from my old blog (the article on the Edudemic website has been removed).
It took me a while to gather my thoughts and come up with something worthwhile regarding this. My thoughts rambled as emotions regarding smartphone-savvy kids and education do not coincide with the conclusions gathered here, but I don’t dismiss the fact that this might be true for some students. In fact, I find it interesting that this survey would result in the conclusion that ‘students who use smartphones tend to study more, and more efficiently.’ Eh?
I grew up in an age where technology and the internet were still in their initial stages. Computers were IBM and the coolest disks were floppy, three and a half inches in size. Cell phones were just being invented, and mobile phones were rare (the first time I saw one, it was a big analog Motorola that required you to carry a big bag). I bought my first cell phone out of college, from my first paycheck. Was I an efficient student? Did I study more without technology? Most of us certainly did.
I’m not in any way trying to compare what was then and what is now; what I’m just trying to point out is that having this kind of technology within a student’s reach has its advantages and disadvantages.
The infographic above exhibits the advantages, and given the easy access and the number of apps a student can access, any student can study quite effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately, the disadvantages can point toward the premise that smartphones, in all their glory and good intent, are also effective and efficient distractions for any student. The misuse is evident in the vivid picture above (to anybody who has school-age kids with cell phones, you know exactly what I mean).
So, I beg to disagree that having a smartphone makes a student study more. What I know for sure is that the motivation to study has to come from the innate interest of the student to learn, whether or not he/she has a smartphone. However, I do agree that any technology is an efficient and effective tool for anyone to become better students, as long as he/she has the discipline to use it to his/her advantage.
In this second installment of the Intertwined series, some of the questions I was hoping would be answered were addressed, though not entirely. I’ve learned that Mary Anne’s power is that of a Drainer, but its origins remain a mystery. The romance persists, and numerous new elements are introduced, making for a fast-paced narrative with plenty for the main characters to handle—including lots of teleporting, which adds to the excitement.
Here are the questions and thoughts sw
In this second installment of the Intertwined series, some of the questions I was hoping would be answered were addressed, though not entirely. I’ve learned that Mary Anne’s power is that of a Drainer, but its origins remain a mystery. The romance persists, and numerous new elements are introduced, making for a fast-paced narrative with plenty for the main characters to handle—including lots of teleporting, which adds to the excitement.
Here are the questions and thoughts swirling in my mind about this book:
Vlad, the original vampire and king and father of Victoria, is still alive but seemingly inactive. I’m curious about what will unfold in the upcoming chapters.
Mary Ann has finally come to understand her power as a Drainer, which poses a threat to all living things as she absorbs all energies. Is there a possibility she could learn to control it?
Who are the souls—Caleb, Julian, and Elijah? While the mystery of the fourth soul, Eve, being Mary Ann’s mother, is solved, what about the other three?
Caleb appears to be connected with the witches and harbors a strong desire for Marie, a witch. What’s the story behind their relationship?
I’m eager to uncover what Aden said to Dr. Hennesy during one of their sessions when the doctor hypnotized him.
In the challenge between Victoria and Draven over Aden, who will emerge victorious?
How did Aden become known as the Summoner and the beast tamer? What is the origin of his powers, and who are his parents? Although Victoria turned him in the end, they have exchanged roles—Victoria has the three souls, while Aden has the beast. What significance does this hold?
There are many questions raised in this book, and I hope to find answers in the forthcoming installments. How many books are there in this series?
The plot reminded me of X-Men and more. The hero, Rome, embodies Wolverine, while the heroine, Belle, channels Storm, with three other mutants rounding out the combination (earth, wind, fire, and ice). I appreciated encountering the hotheaded super girl persona, reminiscent of what I once aspired to be (during my animated X-Men TV watching days) – a blend of Jean Grey, Storm, Rogue, and Mystique (minus her facade) – endlessly daydreaming of becoming a superhero. The plot maint
The plot reminded me of X-Men and more. The hero, Rome, embodies Wolverine, while the heroine, Belle, channels Storm, with three other mutants rounding out the combination (earth, wind, fire, and ice). I appreciated encountering the hotheaded super girl persona, reminiscent of what I once aspired to be (during my animated X-Men TV watching days) – a blend of Jean Grey, Storm, Rogue, and Mystique (minus her facade) – endlessly daydreaming of becoming a superhero. The plot maintains a brisk pace, although my interest waned somewhat in the middle (I’m not sure why), but it regained its momentum intermittently. The love story sizzles (literally), and there’s an undeniable eroticism in the push and pull of the romantic scenes. The final phase of the book was particularly engaging, prompting me to revise my rating because it left me eager to delve into the next installment. I’m keen to witness Belle’s progress with her newfound powers and see if her struggles to control them will soon become as effortless as eating pie. I’d like to believe there’s more to her powers than initially expected and that mastering them could grant her the ability to fly. Overall, the book is quite captivating, reigniting my daydreams of my JeanTonic persona (yes, my superhero name). Yes, I’m definitely anticipating the second installment of this series.
“Reflections of A Wandering Mind” feels like revisiting some of the reflections I’ve had while growing up.
“Masks” reminded me of how my daughter perceives life. “Basement Tracks” made me reflect on how my daughter might feel when she’s at parties or with friends—a moment of freedom from everything, despite the consequences afterward. “1,000 Moments in 1 Second” made me ponder the “what ifs” of grief.
When thing
“Reflections of A Wandering Mind” feels like revisiting some of the reflections I’ve had while growing up.
“Masks” reminded me of how my daughter perceives life. “Basement Tracks” made me reflect on how my daughter might feel when she’s at parties or with friends—a moment of freedom from everything, despite the consequences afterward. “1,000 Moments in 1 Second” made me ponder the “what ifs” of grief.
When things and people in general don’t seem to understand you, you turn to the one thing that helps it all make sense—in your own world, writing down exactly how it was for you. And as you grow older, and perhaps wiser, you’ll revisit these reflections and see how they molded you to understand the trivialities and complexities of life. You’ll find wonder in knowing you survived all of it.
That’s the power of writing down your thoughts.
“Our tongues can’t compete with the rapid thinking of our brains, our words come out slow and slurred. The pen is our haven. There is a lot of fear buried into that little pen. It holds all of our agony, our torment, our blood and our heaven.” ― Coco J. Ginger
There was too much bickering going on, it was so distracting. It was a noisy book. I could have liked it more if not for the bickering. Just glad Neferet is finally exposed. The epic moments for me in the book was when Neferet and Silvia Redbird had a confrontation and the moment when Neferet’s origination of her deep seated anger was seen through the Seer stone. Those moments of Shaylin and surprisingly, Erik, was a breather. Other than that, I just wish for the final book.
There was too much bickering going on, it was so distracting. It was a noisy book. I could have liked it more if not for the bickering. Just glad Neferet is finally exposed. The epic moments for me in the book was when Neferet and Silvia Redbird had a confrontation and the moment when Neferet’s origination of her deep seated anger was seen through the Seer stone. Those moments of Shaylin and surprisingly, Erik, was a breather. Other than that, I just wish for the final book.
I was only a few chapters away from finishing this book when I read the reviews. It was strange because I actually agreed with some of the one-star reviews, but it didn’t really stop me from enjoying the book. Sure, it was light on dystopia, and there were parts that weren’t fully explained (like Marlee, the castes, history, the north and south, among others), but I suppose that’s why it’s a series, right?
So, I’ll allow myself to indulge in the worl
I was only a few chapters away from finishing this book when I read the reviews. It was strange because I actually agreed with some of the one-star reviews, but it didn’t really stop me from enjoying the book. Sure, it was light on dystopia, and there were parts that weren’t fully explained (like Marlee, the castes, history, the north and south, among others), but I suppose that’s why it’s a series, right?
So, I’ll allow myself to indulge in the world of gowns a bit longer and speculate on who will eventually be America’s choice (and America is a teenage girl, after all). This got me thinking –
Just because a book has a good cover doesn’t mean it’s a good novel. But having both a good novel and a good cover makes you want one on your shelf (yes, I’m buying a hardcover).
Just because you’ve read too many negative reviews doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a book. It just means that every reader has their own views, and you have to read the book before forming your own.
PD July 2008 | 390pp | 01.03.13 | A-
Paranormal/Fantasy/12-17 years
It took me a while to finally read this book since I have a weakness for pretty covers (which, by the way, often don’t do justice to the plot or story), but reading the plot reminded me a lot of the movie “The Sixth Sense”.
When I finally started reading it, about a quarter of the way through the book, I got chills because “The Sixth Sense” kept coming to mind, and to Armstrong’s credit,
It took me a while to finally read this book since I have a weakness for pretty covers (which, by the way, often don’t do justice to the plot or story), but reading the plot reminded me a lot of the movie “The Sixth Sense”.
When I finally started reading it, about a quarter of the way through the book, I got chills because “The Sixth Sense” kept coming to mind, and to Armstrong’s credit, the first few chapters were really strong (so gripping that I had to put it down, I was scared). However, this supposedly strong book hit a tedious plateau when Chloe entered the Lyle House, and that atmosphere persisted until the book ended (and I was expecting a climax), but sadly, the book ended with a cliffhanger. I think series often do that—to prompt more books in the series. That’s where the in-between stories come in, to expand on what’s left out in the book. It’s a good thing this is a trilogy.
I rated this as a good book with potential since I’m eager to see how Chloe develops her supernatural powers, what Simon’s true role is, and how Derek and Rae evolve in the series.
Then again, this scene keeps replaying in my mind—”I can see dead people, and some of them don’t know they’re dead.” When you read the book, you’ll see what I mean.
When one writes a list, what comes to mind?
Does it always start with likes and dislikes?
Mine’s a mixture of wants and to-dos,
of chores and priorities in listed queues.
Those that I needed to finish today,
and ones that are bound to be listed come what may.
Like the laundry that seems to be never ending,
and the kitchen that I use for family feeding.
Then there are some that I can cross out my list,
for once they are done they cease to exist.
Like calling to cancel a reservation,
or ta
When one writes a list, what comes to mind?
Does it always start with likes and dislikes?
Mine’s a mixture of wants and to-dos,
of chores and priorities in listed queues.
Those that I needed to finish today,
and ones that are bound to be listed come what may.
Like the laundry that seems to be never ending,
and the kitchen that I use for family feeding.
Then there are some that I can cross out my list,
for once they are done they cease to exist.
Like calling to cancel a reservation,
or taking an exam for certification.
And then there’s a list of the things that I want,
and some that’s exclusively all about rants!
One list includes all my favorite shows,
the other one lists all quotable quotes.
See my list is mundane, accounts of my chores.
There’s nothing special, it’s a little bit bore.
Yet it helps me a lot when crossing a task,
a sense of relief when I finish at dusk.
Do you list down your to-dos, too?
43 pages • Published July 28th 2012Finished reading on September 30, 2013Genre: Erotica | Historical• Rating: A+
OverviewSometimes a highborn Lady needs to be brought low… It’s the decadent, raunchy holiday of Bacchanal, and the Lady Lucrezia Grimaldi cannot find a man to satisfy her. Worse, she’s been saddled with the brutish Carlo Castellan as her bodyguard for the last night of Bacchanal. There’s only one thing to do: escape to the fabled House of the Se
43 pages • Published July 28th 2012 Finished reading on September 30, 2013 Genre: Erotica | Historical• Rating: A+
Overview Sometimes a highborn Lady needs to be brought low… It’s the decadent, raunchy holiday of Bacchanal, and the Lady Lucrezia Grimaldi cannot find a man to satisfy her. Worse, she’s been saddled with the brutish Carlo Castellan as her bodyguard for the last night of Bacchanal. There’s only one thing to do: escape to the fabled House of the Severille… The imperious Lady Lucrezia expects to sate herself by dominating some poor house slave. What she gets instead is the harsh touch of a Severille Master who will stop at nothing to make the Lady submit.
My Thoughts My thoughts? That’s it? Already finished? I thought there’d be more—a full story with the usual love-hate relationship. I was caught off guard by how short it was! The scenes were intense (I’m still frantically sweating), and I didn’t even realize I was reading erotica until I’d finished. Well, there it is—my first erotica read! Some scenes felt a bit over the line, but with Lucrezia’s bold attitude, it seemed fitting for her. I’m still at a loss for words—I can’t believe I just read an erotica!
323 pages
Published March 2nd 2010
Finished reading on September 4, 2013
Rating: A+
Age Range: 12-14 years
Genre: Young Adult | Witches and Demons
Overview –
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father–an elusive European warlock–only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-ni
323 pages
Published March 2nd 2010
Finished reading on September 4, 2013
Rating: A+
Age Range: 12-14 years
Genre: Young Adult | Witches and Demons
Overview –
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father–an elusive European warlock–only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.
382 pagesPublished on December 11th 2012 Finished reading on July 30, 2013Rating: A-Age Range: 15-17 yearsGenre: Young Adult | Paranormal
Overview –
No one is like Daemon Black.
When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well… There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.
But even he can’t protect his family from the
382 pages Published on December 11th 2012 Finished reading on July 30, 2013 Rating: A- Age Range: 15-17 years Genre: Young Adult | Paranormal
Overview –
No one is like Daemon Black.
When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well… There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.
But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.
After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.
366 pagesPublished August 14th 2012 Finished reading on June 21, 2013Rating: A-Age Range: 15-17 yearsGenre: Young Adult | Paranormal
Overview –
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
Something worse than the Ar
366 pages Published August 14th 2012 Finished reading on June 21, 2013 Rating: A- Age Range: 15-17 years Genre: Young Adult | Paranormal
Overview –
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
Something worse than the Arum has come to town…
The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.
But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…
361 pagesPublished May 8th 2012 Finished reading on June 5, 2013Rating: A++ Age Range: 15-17 yearsGenre: Young Adult | Paranormal
Overview –
Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. And then he opened his mouth.
361 pages Published May 8th 2012 Finished reading on June 5, 2013 Rating: A++ Age Range: 15-17 years Genre: Young Adult | Paranormal
Overview –
Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. And then he opened his mouth. Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me. You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don’t kill him first, that is.
MY THOUGHTS This is the only book I’ve given 5 stars to so far since I started reading YA this year. It was fun, and I was completely electrified. Grabbing the next one for another good fix.
@pensieve.thoughts Lyrics that inspired me • Leaves by Ben&Ben • Made in Canva • Ambot Sa Langaws #benandben #leaves #lyrics #relationships #seasons #ambotsalangaws ♬ Leaves – Ben&Ben https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js
Fate brought us together, but it’s our choice to stay.
Tune in for Love follows the lives of Mi-soo and Hyun-woo over several years, starting in the late 1990s. The film explores their relationship as they repeatedly meet and part ways due to various circumstances, against the evolving backdrop of Korean society and culture.
What stands out most is the film’s ability to evoke nostalgia through its meticulous attention to detail in music, fa
Fate brought us together, but it’s our choice to stay.
Tune in for Love follows the lives of Mi-soo and Hyun-woo over several years, starting in the late 1990s. The film explores their relationship as they repeatedly meet and part ways due to various circumstances, against the evolving backdrop of Korean society and culture.
What stands out most is the film’s ability to evoke nostalgia through its meticulous attention to detail in music, fashion, and the societal changes of the era. This backdrop not only enriches the narrative but also emphasizes the themes of timing, fate, and the profound impact of personal choices on their relationship.
The characters, particularly Mi-soo and Hyun-woo, are portrayed with depth and vulnerability, making their journey both relatable and emotionally resonant. Their story unfolds with a bittersweet tone that tugs at the heartstrings, leaving viewers reflective of their own experiences of love and life.
Fate brought us together, but it’s our choice to stay.
Tune in for Love follows the lives of Mi-soo and Hyun-woo over several years, starting in the late 1990s. The film explores their relationship as they repeatedly meet and part ways due to various circumstances, against the evolving backdrop of Korean society and culture.
What stands out most is the film’s ability to evoke nostalgia through its meticulous attention to detail in music, fa
Fate brought us together, but it’s our choice to stay.
Tune in for Love follows the lives of Mi-soo and Hyun-woo over several years, starting in the late 1990s. The film explores their relationship as they repeatedly meet and part ways due to various circumstances, against the evolving backdrop of Korean society and culture.
What stands out most is the film’s ability to evoke nostalgia through its meticulous attention to detail in music, fashion, and the societal changes of the era. This backdrop not only enriches the narrative but also emphasizes the themes of timing, fate, and the profound impact of personal choices on their relationship.
The characters, particularly Mi-soo and Hyun-woo, are portrayed with depth and vulnerability, making their journey both relatable and emotionally resonant. Their story unfolds with a bittersweet tone that tugs at the heartstrings, leaving viewers reflective of their own experiences of love and life.
I write to ease myself from the winding thoughts inside my head.
I write to make sense of all the things I’ve left unsaid.
I write to give myself alternatives.
I write to capture my thoughts before it leaves.
I write to make myself remember.
I write because I’d like to look back in September.
I write to give my mind some space.
I write to keep small memories from dwindling in a haze.
I write because I love to write.
I write because it keeps my sanity in a bind.
I write since it is m
I write to ease myself from the winding thoughts inside my head.
I write to make sense of all the things I’ve left unsaid.
I write to give myself alternatives.
I write to capture my thoughts before it leaves.
I write to make myself remember.
I write because I’d like to look back in September.
I write to give my mind some space.
I write to keep small memories from dwindling in a haze.
I write because I love to write.
I write because it keeps my sanity in a bind.
I write since it is my therapy.
I write simply because it makes me happy.
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