The Calligrapher's Daughter by Eugenia Kim

Basic plot

Born as a girl with no name, Najin Han soon found that being a woman with a brain in twentieth century Korea was taxing. Always a disappointment to her esteemed calligrapher father, she found comfort in her mother's unconditional love and her own unbreakable spirit and hunger for knowledge. As times grew hard and dangerous with the advent of Japanese occupation, Najin uses all her wits and bravery to survive. Even when faced with hardship upon hardship, obstacles, bureaucracy and the unforgiving oppression from their hateful new masters, somehow Najin must hold on.

What I like about the book

I went through my Korean drama phase a couple of years ago, especially enjoying the period dramas. I found the culture and customs refined and quaint albeit complex at times. This book describes the yangbans (aristocrats) of the period in vivid brush strokes akin to the beautiful calligraphy of Najin's father. Life at royal court was also included. The central character was very interesting, a girl then woman who struggled to balance her proper upbringing and duty to family with her impulsiveness and frees spirit.

As with most books of this genre, I found the pace somewhat slow. Nothing actually happened and even if they did, they took a painstaking amount of time to unravel.

A quote I liked from the book

There is no blame, and so no need for forgiveness

Rate: 4/5

Virgin Earth by Philippa Gregory

Basic Plot

John Tradescant the Younger found himself in Virginia. Son of the King's gardener, he was there by order of the Queen to find new and unique plants to bring back to the English palace gardens. Instead he found himself in an unforgiving land, where people were too busy surviving to appreciate anything of beauty let alone cultivate it. John soon finds that his journey and his life both in the new world and old fraught with difficulties, obstacles, war and loss. Torn between his loves, his principles and his service to the King, John discovers that people are more difficult to tend to compared to his beautiful blossoms and lush trees.

What I liked and disliked about this book

This sequel to Earthly Joys was as good as, if not better than the original. The language was fluid and painted a vivid picture of both the unforgiving new lands of Virginia and the hard English countryside in turmoil. This story managed to capture the entitlement felt by the early white settlers in their dealing with the land and also the natives who simply regarded as savages and treated like animals. Switching from Virginia to England every few chapters also made the book very interesting as the reader not only follows John's exploits but also that of the family he left behind. It also explores the concept of love and loyalty, and how circumstances can make the most principled of men to be torn with indecision. My only grouse is that in getting to the ending, which I thoroughly did not agree with, the book seemed to drag a little. However, this was probably due to the fact that the author wanted to stay true to the timeline of events that occurred in England at the time. It was also very interesting to learn the history of England during the reign of Charles I. 

A quote I liked from the book

You would have to decide, without advice from me. I do not want a man with half a heart.

Rating: 4/5

Please don't make me go by John Fenton

Basic plot

John Fenton's life is hard. Mostly because his father uses him and his mother as punching bags. Pushed to his limits he finally stood up to his old man, only to find himself torn away from his home and sent to a place where all young delinquents find themselves, an 'approved school'. Even the horrors of his life at home paled in comparison to what St Vincent had to offer. John Fenton endured unspeakable situations and found that surviving was an almost impossible task.

What I liked and disliked about this book

The language used in this book is very simple, and straightforward. Everything was told almost in a matter of fact way that made each unbelievably atrocious event that he suffered seemed even more horrifying. Knowing that the story is a true one left chills down my spine. It also shows how easily some kids can slip through the cracks and how easily bad things can happen. The main character comes off as so very human, with his own faults and merits, surrounded by people or more aptly, monsters, in authority. Beware of the strong language, swear words are strewn over each page. The ending was slightly too abrupt but since the main focus was his journey, the author probably did not put much emphasis on the destination. 

A quote I liked from the book

"I don't get bullied. I fight back."

Rating: 4/5

Nefertiti by Nick Drake

Basic plot

Rahotep, a young Medjay detective from Thebes is summoned to the new capital Akhetaten. In essence, it was a death sentence for if he failed to complete his assignment, he and his beautiful family would be killed. The Great Changes have plunged the whole of Egypt in turmoil as the old Gods were banished to make way for the Sun God. At the helm of this new religion was the most famous and beautiful woman of the ancient world, Nefertiti, and her husband Akhenaten. However, Nefertiti vanishes just days before the biggest celebration of the new capital is about to take place. Rahotep has only ten days to find her or be sent on a one way trip to the Otherworld.

My full review here.

Rating: 4/5

Bossypants by Tina Fey (Audiobook)

I haven't actually picked up a book in over 2 months. For me, that is a very long time. It has been really hectic lately, and trying to squeeze in some recreational reading has been impossible. After prompting from both a close friend and my boss, I decided that I would finally give in and try listening to an audiobook.

I'm not exactly sure what I have against audiobooks but I guess it's mostly because growing up, I had always thought audiobooks were for children, really old people, the blind or illiterate. I realize now that this was a misconception. Audiobooks were in fact invented for people like me, people who love to read but simply do not have the luxury of "switching off" the rest of the world and doing so.

Deciding what my first audiobook would be was fairly easy. My friend recommended Bossypants and I thought it would probably be as good a choice as any. First of all, there are a few things I have to state. I do not watch 30 Rock. I know it's a breakout comedy that has a truckload of Emmys, and I have seen a few episodes. I find the humour too coarse and myself unsuited to watch it. Secondly, although I know who Tina Fey is I have not seen the Sarah Palin SNL sketch or watched her movie with that guy from The Office. So although, I knew who the author was vaguely, there really was no reason for me to listen to this book other than there was no other book in particular that I wanted to listen to instead.

I listened to this book early in the morning during my quietest but busiest time (5 am- 6 am) while I hung the laundry out to dry, ironed clothes and folded laundry. After 6am my house becomes a chaotic tornado of trying to get three kids ready before school. 

The experience was quite enjoyable. It was multi-tasking without feeling like an octopus. It was also nice that my quiet time was less quiet. 

The book itself was good. It was a biography of an interesting woman who was also funny. Of course, I did not agree with many of her opinions or views but her comic way of telling her own story was very enjoyable. Perhaps her greatest asset was her ability to make fun of herself. 

In the end I am glad that I tried this out despite my reservations. The only probable downside is, now the tiny voice in my head sounds exactly like Tina Fey!

Rating: 4/5

Man and Boy by Tony Parsons

 

 

The basic plot

Harry Silver is a lucky man, the problem is, he doesn't know it. Or appreciate it. One foolish night and his perfect life is down the drain. Only then does he begin to realize what is truly important in life.

Rating: 4/5

My full review here.

The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama

Basic plot

Mr Ali did not like being retired. It was boring. So he set up a marriage bureau. What better way to find the perfect match for people than to consult Ali's Marriage Bureau for Rich People. Especially since everyone has so many specific requirements. Yes, consulting Mr Ali was a sure way of finding the perfect spouse, even when you're not looking for one.

Rating: 4/5

My full review here. 

This book was lent to me by Mynie.

Lost Girls by Robert Doherty

 

 

Basic plot

Somebody messed up. Seriously. When a sniper team deep in the jungles of Colombia are left for dead while serving their country, nobody knows what really happened.

When a string of unrelated brutal murders and kidnappings occur, it seems that the story did not end in Colombia after all. What is worse than a psychopath? More than one. Who also happened to be military trained assassins with a thirst for revenge.

The only people who can stop them? An equally elite group of people who work for the Cellar. A division of the government that supercedes the other alphabet soup of CIA, FBI, NSA. They race against time to save innocent lives against a very well prepared enemy.

 

Rating: 4/5 

My full review here.

Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve

 

 

Basic plot

Gwyna, a girl-child, is inexplicably thrown into an unbelievable life as page to Myrddin, as a boy no less. She travels in Arthur's army as he marches through medieval England, conquering lands and fighting the Saxons. Soon, Gwyna discovers that Arthur, the warrior and saviour of the land is very much different from Arthur, the man. She learns that not all stories, however grand, are to be believed.

 

Rating: 4/5

My full review here.

Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy

Basic plot

Four strangers on holiday in picturesque Greece, all escaping from their problems and past, are thrown together after the sleepy seaside town of Aghia Anna suffers a great tragedy. Thomas, a professor from America, Elsa, a drop-dead gorgeous German journalist, David, a young man from England and Fiona, a nurse from Ireland find themselves quickly forming an easy friendship with each other and the locals. As the town bands together in sorrow, these visitors also find strength in themselves and each other to face their own internal struggles.

Rating: 4/5

My full review here.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Basic plot

Christopher John Francis Boone is brilliant at maths and physics but he just can't figure out people. Even animals are easier to understand. When he finds the next door neighbour's dog, Wellington, murdered with a pitchfork, he decides to emulate his favourite logical detective Sherlock Holmes and find the killer. What starts as a test of boundaries for this special 15 year old autistic teen turns into a truth seeking journey in a world he does not really understand.

Rating: 4/5

My full review here.

This book actually belongs to Lydia  who has been kind enough to lend me this book as part of her book swap project.  Siti has also posted a book swap list on her blog. I am delighted that there are book lovers out there who, like me, want to share our passion for reading with others.

A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hossaini

 

Basic plot

The story is set in Afghanistan and tells a tale of two girls, with lives so different and yet destined to be intertwined. Mariam is a "harami", an illegitimate daughter of a well-off cinema owner in Herat. By birth she is an outcast, though her optimistic nature fails to entrap her in the lowly stature that society had decreed for her. A tragic event sends her to Kabul, where life only gets harder. Laila is a carefree girl of cultured parentage who spends most days with her best friend Tariq. Soon, their playground turns into a war-zone and Laila loses everything only to find strength in someone who has carried more than her fair share of burdens.

Rating: 4/5

My full review here.

This book actually belongs to Siti who has been kind enough to lend me this book as part of her book swap project. Lydia  has also posted a book swap list on her blog. I am delighted that there are book lovers out there who, like me, want to share our passion for reading with others.

Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones

 

Basic plot

Matilda is a 13 year old girl who lives in a remote island ravaged by war. Her only constants are an overbearing mother and an eccentric self-appointed teacher, Mr Watts, who introduces her to Pip. By reading aloud from Charles Dicken's classic novel Great Expectations, this strange white man, sparks a change in the community of which he is an outcast. As her life becomes more uncertain and perilous, Matilda takes comfort in a world so different from her own but draws strength and parallels from this great literary masterpiece. Souls are awakened, imaginations ignited but horror also looms in the future.

 

Rating: 4/5

My review here.

This book actually belongs to Lydia  who has been kind enough to lend me this book as part of her book swap project. Siti has also posted a book swap list on her blog. I am delighted that there are book lovers out there who, like me, want to share our passion for reading with others.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman || Review by Dr Yati

After recieving an e-mail from my friend Dr Yati, I realized that in setting up my virtual library (of real books), I had left one out. Last week I lent her this book because she asked me to choose a book I liked but was slightly different. When she gave me her review and mentioned she could not find mine, I also started searching for it only to find that.. I can't find it anywhere. So here is Dr Yati's review of the book. 

lev grossman has written a typical current fantasy story of a coexisting world of magicians in which brakebills is the ivy league equivalent. BUT he inserted within an edgier and punky-gothic adult theme. oh. but wat pains me is its thin-veiled reference to the chronicles of narnia. fillory is essentially narnia,  from the adventres of the chatwins. water as the medium of transfer to the next world. the netherlands sounds like the wood between the worlds in Narnia. i feel like lev grossman has tainted my childhood fantasy story, beautiful narnia becomes 'inky dark'. the protagonists dabbled with wine and free sex, no exploring of sunshine lit forests.... no innocence in this story. it is a harry potter for adults.

 

but then again as the dean puts it quite reasonably: “Can a man who can cast a spell ever really grow up?”  

I enjoyed the book too. Rating: 4/5

Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy

Basic plot

In a quaint Irish town called Rossmore lies a the answer to everyones prayers and wishes, well, sort of. Deep in Whitethorn Woods is a well dedicated to St Ann (mother to Mary/grandmother to Jesus). Many people believed that the well was capable of making the wishes of the townsfolk come true. Almost as many as those who thought it was just a load of superstitious pagan nonsense. The town is split in half when a new road set to bring progress is planned to go right through Whitethorn wood and St Ann's Well. The lives of the people of Rossmore and their stories are full of surprises, and the well, may be magical after all.

My full review here.

Rating: 4/5

This review is part of Cym Lowell's Book Review Party Wednesday.

A Stranger is Watching by Mary Higgins Clark

Basic Plot

Two years after the brutal slaying of his wife Nina, Steve's wait is almost over. Ronald Thompson will be put to death for the heinous crime. The only problem is, he did not do it. With the clock ticking on the much publisized execution, the real killer strikes again. This time, kidnapping Steve's son Neil, and his new lady love Sharon. It is a race against time, to save the people he loves most, stop a wrongful execution and apprehend a cold-blooded killer. Oh, there's a bomb in New York City to defuse too.

My full review here.

Rating: 4/5

This book review is linked to Cym Lowel's Book Review Party

Destinations by Sheila O'Flanagan

Basic book description

This book is a collection of short stories that revolves around the lives of regular commuters on the Dart (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) system. Destinations reveals the inside track on the lives of ordinary commuters and uncovers the hidden links that lie beneath the surface of 'anonymous' city lives.

Two evesdropping passengers learn more than they bargained for; an office-party fling has unforseen consequences; a suburban housewife is forced to face her estranged mother- and her thorny past; an office worker finds her commute to work livened by the daily daily sightings of a handsome stranger; a hot date with the office stud gets off to a disastrous start... is there light at the end of the tunnel? (from book jacket).

My review here. 

Rating: 4/5

Shall we tell the President? by Jeffrey Archer

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Basic Plot

John was the classic 'rebel without a cause', with his life in a downward spiral and no "future" he decided to enlist in the army, for lack of anything better to do. Stationed in Germany, he found army life non-remarkable. Everything changed when he was back in the States for his annual leave and he saw Savannah for the first time. Thus began an incredible story of love, separation and sacrifice. 

Read my review here.

Rating: 4/5