Book Review - Whoopi Goldberg Book

I first bought this book by chance when I went to SSTwo PJ the other day. Like I said, I need to read at least one book a month - novels are the best, but I do try to squeeze in other reading materials as well. I was not looking for Whoopi Goldberg's book titled "Book" in particular, but I am happy that I actually bought it. Let me tell you what got me to buy it in the first place. I read the back and thought it was not much of a help so I just flipped open a page and the first thing I read was this :

How can I pass up a book as funny as that? 

This book is like the author herself. Quirky, witty and quite unpredictable too. There are some very insightful pages, from how Whoopi viewed life and the things going on around her while some pages are about her own interpretation of life, religion and everything else. There are certain things that I sometimes think about myself, certain questions that I find myself asking once in a while and certain aspects that I also feel quite at a lost or at crossroads that are touched in this book. This is a book for normal people going through normal things and making mistakes and learning through it. And it doesn't hurt if you laugh out loud on how closely related it is to your own life.

I actually brought this book all over the place in order to finish it. Which is why, as you notice, I haven't update my blog for the past few days. I had been busy filling my free time reading. It had been great to finish this book because now I can move on to another. LOL! Although this book does not give you advices like the Dalai Lama or give you 10,000 new insights like the encyclopedia, it does leave you with a little lighter heart and maybe a lingering smile too.

I enjoyed this book. I'll give it 7/10.

Come join me and read at least one book every month! You never know there might be some exceptional gems in between a few pages out there!

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MONICA

Times Opening Book Fair

I love books. I need to read at least one book per month. AT LEAST. If not, I can actually feel my brain turn into a square. Can you believe that? I don't know how I can feel that but I think I do, most of the time. I would try very hard to try to slot in one book every month. It's just me, I have been bookish since I was two years old. Yup, I started reading since I was exactly 1 year and 8 months old.

A few days ago, B-bunz and I went to this newly opened Mall in PJ, SSTwo Mall because I read that Times Bookstore is having an Opening Book Fair with fabulous discounts and offers. I don't usually pass up sales. I missed the last MPH Warehouse Sale so I try to make it up with this one. I'm not a Times cardholder (I only have MPH member card) but I don't care as long as I can get my hands on some books. And when some of them costs as low as RM3, I'd be crazy to say no.

I actually did not give up pestering B-bunz to come with me to this new Mall since I am not so sure where it was. As always, B-bunz never disappoint me and try very hard to give me what I want. The funny part was, although I was the one who insisted on coming to this place and walked around to find books for myself in more than 2 hours, I only bought FOUR. B-bunz on the other hand, got himself THIRTEEN books which brings the whole total to RM170. LOL! I have quite an influence on that boy don't I?

 

I love how cheap they are and at a good quality too. Wait, I don't read those Criminal Mastermind books. They're definitely not mine. Guess the four out of all the above that belongs to me!

 

Look! These are Hardcovers and they're sold at RM10 and RM8 respectively. Aren't they fabulous?? I can't wait for MPH warehouse Sale this 2011! I'll make sure to get some really good deals! Do you guys love to read too?

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LADYJAVA

The People's Queen

Last weekend when we went out to The Gardens, I just had to drop by MPH for some books. Everyone bought a book because of my superb influence. LOL.. I love to read and I think it is just wonderful if I am able to make my brothers and B-bunz to love reading as well. The only thing is, I don't have to try hard because they've all just love reading since forever. B-bunz and I even tried our hands in writing. Funny, we both do very well in genres that we love. I'm good at Romance and he's good at Fantasy.

I bought this book - The People's Queen by Vanora Bennett.

Well, I must say, the material in this book is a little different than what I'm used to imagining Alice Ferrers is like. I've always envisioned her as this no-pretty nobody of peasant bloodline who managed to be a powerful woman at one point because she managed to crawl into the King's bed. Well, truth is, she was a scheming little slut who should've stopped when she's on top, it's just that I never think of her as a brilliant businesswoman collecting estates actually. Though now come to think of it, recalling the timeline and the things she made for herself, on her own, I have to admit she's pretty brilliant. I also always saw Katherine de Roet as this sweet girl who was out of a Convent at a young age, then got married and became John of Gaunt's paramour because of love. But then, who am I kidding right? I'm just a soppy little hopeless romantic at heart.

It's the 15th century and everybody but everybody is trying to make the most money for themselves. It was, after all right after the Black Death. Everybody is trying to make ends meet. If they can't con each other then they try to con the King by being their consort. Seriously, why would Alice become a paramour if it wasn't for the money and power? He was, at the time, already in his 60's while she was just 25! And John, although I've always envisioned him as this handsome prince who is just so perfect amongst all his brothers, he most certainly is not. He's got flaws, many flaws indeed. Plus, having lots of bastards by other women does not mean Katherine de Roet is any different than any of his other paramours. She's probably just lucky that after 20 years and her bastards (with John) have grown up and his wife had died, he chose to marry her instead of marrying his other women.

So, is that love? Maybe. Or it could also be an action born out of fear. Fear of dying alone.

Oh, but is it wrong for me to imagine that it might also be love?

When I read Anya Seton's book Katherine, it wasn't hard to imagine that it was all about love. Of course, it was a Historical Fiction book and just like Vanora Bennett, hers too was just a Fiction, although my dreams are dashed by Miss Bennett's portrayal of John of Gaunt as a promiscuous moron along with another 90% of the people in Court at that time. Yeah well, I can't deny the truth. There were many royal bastards then. Maybe they're afraid another wave of Black Death might return so they went and sleep around with as many different women they could find.

Well, maybe it's true. It's a dog eats dog world out there. The 15th century is no different than the 21st century. It's all about the money. Only money talks.

But a hopeless romantic girl like me can still fantasize, right?

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LADYJAVA

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Right. I know this is a children's book. Please don't laugh at me. But sometimes when I'm super duper bored, I just read whatever I can get my hands on. Surprisingly, these books didn't let me down.

So yeah, I AM one of those "reluctant readers" of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. But after reading one book - The Last Straw - I sort of liked reading it and the "reluctant" is slashed off the sentence. I finished one book in a day, in less than 3 hours actually. And although I would like to deny this because of my matured-age (LOL!), most of the things Greg Heffley (the main character) experienced and questions are pretty much the same things I kept asking myself in my younger days. So, how can I hate this book since it reminds me of myself - right?

Now, did you know that they made a movie out of this book? No? Visit here. Now this is something I would love to watch. Hopefully it'll be as funny and adorable as the book itself.

In truth, I didn't plan to buy these books at all, but one day I was at a flea market and I saw that one book costs RM18 when the original price (if you go to MPH or Popular Bookstores) would cost around RM29.90 or RM24.90 the cheapest. Plus, they're all brand new and still wrapped in plastic. So, instead of finishing Mary Buffett's book on investments (I will still have to get on with that one of these days) during my "recuperating" time, I decided to buy and read these books instead, after hearing all the hype it's caused and see for myself if they are any good.

And because I bought four at one time, the dear seller sold them to me for RM60 only. Mathematically, that means RM15 per book. What a bargain right? The seller also gave me his phone number and offered to get me any other books that I might be looking for at a cheaper price. How cool is that?

Seller : Can I know your name?

Me : I'm Bella.

Seller : No kidding. I'm Edward.

Me : HAHA. Seriously?

Seller : Yeah seriously. Have you read Twilight?

That was funny. He'd help me coz he's Edward and I'm Bella. LOL!!

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MARIUCA

Randomness

Those who knew me knows very well how I despise baby dumpings and all the social issues that had arise lately in this country. Although I get a little awkward around kids (no idea why), I am very protective towards them. Maybe it's the fact that I am the first child in the family and ever since I could remember, I had been very protective over my brothers. 

B-bunz once told me how he envies the way I am with my brothers. I am a little stern with my brothers but I take care of their well-being most of the time, especially when we go out together. Believe it or not, my brothers are above 21 years old but when they want to hang out to watch movies at the mall or whatever, they always want me to come along. Why? Coz I make sure everything's in order and I'll take care of their needs (food, drinks, etc) all the way. What they do is just walk.

So yesterday evening, when I opened Yahoo! and read this news - on the Malaysian teenagers who threw a baby in the dumpster right after giving birth to the child - that they're sentenced to jail for their offence, I couldn't be more happy. Serves them right. I think TWO years is just too short a time. What if the baby had died? What if no one saw the girl passing the baby out of the toilet window to her boyfriend who's waiting outside? They should not give lesser sentence because the baby lived. They should give MORE sentence because the baby will have to live for the rest of his/her life knowing what his/her parents had done to him/her. Talk about traumatised for life.

Anyway, earlier yesterday I was not in a very happy mood. I had waited for hours for someone but to no avail. My blood was boiling then and I just started my car and drove to the Mall. No, I did not shop. I know retail therapy is the best but when you're on limited funds, retail therapy will be I-need-a-therapy session instead. So, I went to the place I will always feel comfortable in, the bookstore - BORDERS.

As I was reading page by page of a very thick book on Cleopatra, someone from Borders spoke to me and invited me to join this book signing happening right then in Borders. I agreed immediately because I was trying quite unsuccessfully to keep my spirits up the whole time. So, I went to the designated area and sat right at the front row.

Who is it featured in this book signing? None other than Mary Buffett herself.

Mary Buffett

Aha! Who is this Mary Buffett you ask? Well, she's only the former daughter in-law of Mr. Warren Buffett who is also the SECOND richest man in the whole wide world!

So there I was listening to talks on how to invest smartly not in stock markets but in companies. 

I loved it. Honestly, I don't read Investment books apart from the book by Azizi Ali. However, Azizi talks about property investments but Mary talks more on the how-to's of investing in companies.

After the 30 minutes or so talk and Q&A session done, it was the book signing session. Funny, before my turn, Mary spoke vigorously with the others who asked for her signature but when I came to her, she just gave me her cute smile and spoke to me so soft and sweetly, "How are you today dear? What is your name honey?" I felt so loved with that sweet voice. LOL! Right after that, she signed the book for me, took photos with me and even gave an excuse for the problems that my cheap-ass camera was making right then.

Don't she have the cutest smile ever?

Now, for you guys reading this, if you want to invest, make sure you know what is it that you're investing in. Do a lot of research because at the end of the day, it is your hard earned money that you'll be investing. Do not trust a broker or remisier 100% because these people trades on short-term trading or investment types. If you ever dream of being as rich as Warren Buffett who gives out $10,000 to each of his children and spouses on Christmas Day, this is what you should do :

1. Be Humble
2. Be Hardworking
3. Be Patience
4. Can Wait over time

But of course, work those machines in your brain and study, study, study too!

I was so happy after the book-signing session until the next glitch came along. Somebody kissed my car. In the closest meaning of the word.

I Kissed A Girl (sang by the car kissing mine)

I don't know if I should laugh or cry.

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MARIUCA

So long since I read fiction novels

Photo courtesy of Google

Three days ago, I started with Lauren Weisberger's novel titled Everyone Worth Knowing which in my opinion was just a normal type of novel but which I still finished just because I had bought the whole box set of six novels at a cheap price and after reading two other novels from the same set that sucks badly, I thought maybe Lauren might be able to cheer me up a little. Sadly, she could not.

I totally dislike the Phillip Weston British billionaire who allegedly is an international player but is actually gay. Seriously, can't she turn him into a hot straight guy with stretchy limos that transports him everywhere instead of riding on a scooter? A SCOOTER! What billionaire goes to a costume party riding a scooter? And I hate it that he always ends his sentence with "love". I wonder if Lauren ever had British friends? Every time when I read Phillip's sentences, I imagine Katy Perry's fiance's (Russel Brand) voice and his scraggly looks and skinny body. Honestly, I do not have any problem with Russel Brand, I actually think he's rather funny but can I imagine him ever acting in a movie as a billionaire with girls throwing themselves at him? No way.

So yeah, TOSS this book. Although, I do love the cover. I just love shoes, what can I say.

Photo courtesy of Google

Then, there's the second book which I just finished it today, one whole day. It's called Markham Thorpe by Giles Waterfield. I bought it when I went to The Gardens for the CLEO Beauty Workshop the other day. Actually, I bought two books that day. This first book was pretty cheap considering it's in hardcover and quite thick. So, I bought it and found it was quite good and managed to finish it one whole day. 

I liked the tag. Servants Know Everything. Never Trust Them. Never Fall In Love. The tag was already making me interested and then when I saw the price I thought I could afford to get this and another book too. At least I'll have two books instead of one. (There was actually another book that I was interested in too but the price is both these two books combined, so I had to keep a raincheck on that one). Ellen reminded me of someone I know, someone who is also the type who likes to read and sometimes wishes her life would be like the characters she read in books but when real life is presented to her, she knew she had to make the best out of it for herself and her family. It's sad that James Markham wasn't much of a man. It would've been great if he had taken control and actually married Ellen if he really loved her like he said. 

But then again, some men are weak. And under certain circumstances, some women can be very strong indeed.

For this book, I'll probably give 6.5/10. 

Photo Courtesy of Google

And the last book is called Blood Royal by Vanora Bennett. Some good friends can vouch for the fact that since I turn into adulthood, I had very much loved to read Historical Fictions compared to my favourite romance genre back in school. Maybe I've outgrown the lovey-dovey romance genres. Maybe I saw that in the real world, you can't get the fairy-tale happiness ever after life. There's always something or some one that would dash it away. But I have to admit, I do sometimes buy the Mills & Boons novels when I see no one's watching. LOL!

When I read the first few pages, I recalled the name Thomas Duke of Clarence, Henry IV of England and Catherine de Valois. Ahhh.. Yes, we're speaking of the forefather of the Tudor lineage, the King who avenged on Richard II for banishing him from Court after his father, John of Gaunt's death. Yes, it was Henry of Bolingbroke and his father's story - John of Gaunt and his last wife, Katherine de Roet was one of the best royal love stories I had read. Since I had always loved reading the English and France histories, how can this not be a great read for me because I was so in love with Anya Seton's Katherine since many years ago.

I haven't finish this book yet, it is a 580 page novel and I have limited time. I will try to finish it in the next few days and hope to update what I think about it here.

*   *   *

I was trying to recall when was the last time I read so many novels at once.  It had been a long time, that's for sure. I usually had to read at least TWO books per week - minus academic books. I have a full four tiered shelf full of books and still adding and counting. Maybe I had been too engrossed on other things, sometimes things that does not concern me or required my involvement. I think I had involved myself on too many affairs that I am unaccountable for and in between that I lose a little bit of myself. Come to think of it, when I had slowed down doing things I usually do for myself, my progress start declining. So I think it's best for me to be my own self again. Being a little guarded and cynical won't kill anybody right?