Book 46: Love Walked In

Title: Love Walked In

Who wrote it: Marisa De Los Santos

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:

- A tale of a 11 y/o girl losing her single parent mom
through mental illnesses, while her dad's girlfriend
offered her shelter and comfort through
life's storm; and how their bond developed
over time, despite the awkwardness of this
relationship / friendship...

What went through my mind:

- As the first published novel,
this was a very sophisticated and
well written story : 0
She has some creative usage of
vocabularies, detailed and delicate
images laid out before the readers eyes,
and the character developments of the
people involved are excellent.
i was very impressed and felt drawn to
the story & all its characters.
I feel like i know them all personally,
and that i'd love to be their friends /
family members : )

- The theme of this novel is pretty unique,
and its optimistic worldview (while being realistic)
is quite encouarging and made this novel
all the more lovable : )

I really liked how the story does not
end on a happily ever after note,
but it doesn't make life TOO HARSH
for them (& us readers) to bear either : D
I felt some soothing comfort / warmth
brewing in my heart, for it brings a sense of
peace & hope to my life : )

Favorite Quotes:
- "If you have to ask, no way are you
ever getting the answer you're looking for...
If you have to ask that question in order
to keep him... he's already gone."
(Pg. 96)

- "Be not afraid of parenthood;
some are born parents,
some achieve parenthood, and others
have parenthood thrust upon 'em."
(Pg. 106)

- "The problem with me is that
I like to work; I like to do
what I do well and completely;
I just don't have a calling. Not yet, anyway."
(Pg. 121)
* That summarizes my life up till now.
Thanks a lot!

- "I don't think love is blind,
but wanting to be in love,
that's probably blind." (Pg. 174)

- "Maybe with true love, you see
(the mistakes/imperfection)
and you love anyway." (Pg. 182)

- "Happiness isn't what happens when
you whistle along, pretending
bad things don't exist..
Happiness is earned, like everything else.
It is achieved." (Pg. 271-272)

What came out of this:
* Reminder: Look out for this author's
second book! : D I can't wait!!

Why Should you read it, too?

It's a very heartwarming story : )
If life is not treating you too well now,
reading this shall lift your spirit a little...

Book 45: Magic Bakery (魔法蛋糕店)

Title: 魔法蛋糕店 (Magic Bakery)

Who wrote it: 張小嫻 (Amy Cheung)

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:

- 11 inter-connected short stories
touching upon the various aspects of
romantic relationships, from puppy love
in high-school to long lost love & loneliness --
while a lot of them evolve around
desserts / bakeries...

What went through my mind:

- What can i say? One can never expect
something too deep / moving from this author,
but her stories are always easy to read & relate;
i guess in a sense, it's commercial & easy enough
for most teens / college age crowd,
which explains the level of popularity of her books.

I guess i would have liked this book a little better
if i were still in high school...?!

- The elaborate & alluring descriptions
of German cakes definitely increased my
interests in tasting them one day : D

- The author is observant that
there is a direct correlation between
desserts & romance : 0
how both bring people sweet memories
& desire to revisit the experience in the near future : )

Favorite Quotes:
- "愛情讓我們愛上自己、懷疑自己、
恨自己、憐憫自己，也了解自己。"
(Romantic love allows us to fall in love
with ourselves, second-guess ourselves,
hate ourselves, pity ourselves,
as well as understand ourselves.) (Pg. 5)

-"有人說，男人離不開舊愛，
女人無法拒絕新歡。"
(It has been said, men cannot forget
their previous relationship(s),
women cannot reject their new pursuer.) (Pg. 200)

What came out of this:
* Goal: Look into German style cakes! : D

Why Should you read it, too?

A super easy read, and it's somewhat
fun to be a total bystander
to some romantic drama at times ; )

Book 44: Knife (刀)

Title: 刀 (Knife)

Who wrote it: 重松清 (Shigematsu Kiyoshi)

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:

- 5 Short stories evolving around the topic
of BULLYING -- portraying the thoughts,
beliefs, emotions of the victims & their families,
as well as the interactions among the
bullies, bystanders & victims.

What went through my mind:

- Since this is a Japanese novel,
it inevitably operates within the
Japanese school system,
as well as traditional Japanese beliefs,
like Men have to stand up for themselves --
hence victims are seen as weaklings even by
their own parents --
which is quite sad for some kids,
because they simply cannot get help
anywhere despite the cruel acts that
are inflicted upon them.
I can't help but imagine how it's like
in America? I heard that there's bullying
here too... '_' how do kids deal with that?

- The novel mentioned that some kids choose
not to report to the teachers & pretend that
all things are fine when they're with their parents --
i cannot imagine that if i were in their shoes : 0
Why would i choose pride over protection?
mmm... or am i too trusting / hopeful?

- One of the interesting ideas this book
mentioned was that some victims actually
look up to their bullies...
They admire the bullies' self-confidence,
strength, braveness... exactly the qualities
these victims themselves lack!
Recently, i come to meet a new friend,
of whom i realize evoke similar emotions
in me -- i hate it that she bosses me around,
invades my personal space & privacy,
is rude and disrespectful...
yet at the same time, i can't help but wonder,
what if i were as confident as she is???

Favorite Quotes:
- "個性不合的夫婦還可以
離婚，但是個性不合的父子
該怎麼辦才好．．．。"
(If a couple can no longer
get along with each other,
they can pursue divorce;
but what can a parent and a child do,
when they're in situations like that?) (Pg. 129)

-"長期住院的孩子．．．太過習慣
放棄及忍耐．．．或許是他們已經
沒有追求什麼或夢想的力氣了。
還是，因為出院這個最大的夢想
被封鎖住了？"
(Kids that are hospitalized for a long time...
are too used to persevering and giving up
on things... Perhaps they've already lost
the energy to pursue after anything,
let alone the desire to dream.
Or better yet, their biggest dream --
to be discharged from the hospital
is deemed impossible?) (Pg. 168)

- "因為我很努力，
所以才有辦法忍耐。"
(It's only because I'm trying really hard,
that I'm able to persevere.) (Pg. 184)
* This is almost like my motto!

What came out of this:
* Insight: A better understanding of
the insider world of BULLYING,
as well as how culture affects
family relationships /friendships.

Why Should you read it, too?

This is a very well-written book
with a realistic approach on the
specific issue, while bringing hope
to the readers despite the brutal topic.

Book 43: Daalder's Chocolates

Title: Daalder's Chocolates

Who wrote it: Philibert Schogt

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:

- A coming of age story of a chocolatier --
a detailed account since his miserable childhood,
all the way to the very last moment of his life.
Topics like gourmet food / horrific taste,
bad parenting / desperate childhood,
stubborn human nature / revelation & repentance
are examined thoroughly.

What went through my mind:

- This novel felt longer than it is...
which is another way of saying,
it's not the most interesting story i've read,
& there're parts of it i really had to endure

as opposed to enjoy '_'

- The main character Joop Daalder
was definitely not a very lovable character
until the very end... : /
which makes it hard for the reader to get
really immersed into the story,
since it's easy to get agitated at
people like him -_-"
Sad to say though, he's a very
realistic character......

- By portraying the MegaDeli
(a giant modern/gourmet supermarket)
forcing small stores out of business,
both by force & $$ compensation,
the author touched upon an important issue
that needs to be addressed more by our media.
By looking at this from the small business owner's
point of view, it indeed involves injustice done
to them, which consumers like us might not
think much about, when we go enjoy ourselves...

Favorite Quotes:
- "The main reason they
(people) bought chocolates
was to impress each other."
(Pg. 9)

- "I taste, therefore I am."
(Pg. 70)

* woah! i'm so gonna quote that!

- "While chocolate revealed its flavor almost
instantly upon contact with the tongue,
and kept revealing its flavor until the moment
it was swallowed, nuts had to be chewed
for some time before their flavor
was released, and then that flavor
disappeared again and a lot of junk
was left behind on your tongue and
between your teeth." (Pg. 89)

- "The more delicate the balance,
the more intense the ecstasy...
that moment of perfect ripeness
is also the very moment the process
of decay sets in. In that fleeting moment,
ecstasy and melancholy coincide." (Pg. 117)

- "...it's better to say good-bye to a chocolate
the moment you have finished making it.
What happens after that
doesn't matter anymore." (Pg. 124)
* Now this is true wisdom...
Sometimes i do feel over-protective over my food,
like wanting to see every single piece
consumed and nobody wastes anything 0_o"
I guess it's held so close to my heart
that the ego could get hurt
when it's not appreciated : 0

- "Nothing creates greater distance
than the sight of a fellow human being feasting
on something you can barely get down
your throat." (Pg. 197)

- "Talking with your mouth full
wasn't impolite to your listeners but
to your taste buds." (Pg. 232)

- "Did this always happen in marriages -
that a wife admired her husband less and less
and mothered him more and more?
And that a man behaved less and less
like a prince and more and more
like a child?" (Pg. 254)

What came out of this:
* Desires: There're some really
alluring food writing in the novel...
so i wanted to eat some really smooth
chocolates and ripe peaches afterwards... *_*

Why Should you read it, too?

If you liked chocolates, it's a fun read : )

Book 41: The Love at 7-Eleven (7-ELEVEN之戀)

Title: 7-ELEVEN之戀 (The Love at 7-Eleven)

Who wrote it: 蔡智恆 (Zhi Xing Cai)

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:

- 8 individual Short stories consisting of
various (post) college-age characters,
weaving realistic portraits of life through
familial/romantic relationships & friendships.

What went through my mind:

- You know how sometimes, after reading a book,
you remember next to nothing about the story,
but the intimate feelings & self-revelation
the book brings you?
This is one of those books : )
The stories themselves seem pretty simple
and straight-forward...
sometimes it might even appear amateur...
But in a way, it's like drinking
a clear, pure glass of water.
You might not call it tasty,
but it leaves you a satisfying aftertaste.

Favorite Quotes:
- "帥哥與美女一樣，
你愈證明你是，
你就愈不是。"
(Handsome men are just the same
as pretty ladies,
the more you have to prove you are,
the more you're not.) (Pg. 153)

-思念是用腦子想；
相處是用眼睛看。
可以思念的感情總是比較美．．．
因為腦子容易美化．．．"
(You use your mind to miss someone;
while you watch with your eyes
when you're together.
A relationship that requires you to
miss that person with your mind
tends to be more beautiful...
because your mind is likely to
paint a prettier picture than
the reality...) (Pg. 140)

What came out of this:
*Nostalgia: I miss those days back in h/s...
when we hung out at 7-11 everyday
after school : 0

Why Should you read it, too?

If you'd like to pick up an easy/light-read : )

Book 39: No Country for Old Man

I got this from the library 2 weeks ago,
but haven't gotten around to read it.

Then it was the Oscars...
& they got the BIG script awards / Best pictures!
So i figured, this book can't be too bad, right?

Title: No Country for Old Man

Who wrote it: Cormac McCarthy

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:

A combination of crime / drug dealing /
police investigation / cunning & brutal murders /
$$$ = this fictional but realistic story!

What went through my mind:

- Although the whole story evolves around
the crime concerning a missing bag of $$
after an incomplete drug deal,
i feel that the core of the story is a
"coming of age" story of the investigator.

He receives the most in-depth character
development, even more than Moss,
who took the $$$, and Chigurh, the psycho killer.

- Indeed, the self-confession like essays
preceding every chapter of the story
portray a bigger picture than the crime story plot
itself. It demonstrates how it's not the ongoing
events that make life meaningful,
but our memories and reflections upon the past,
which enable us to realize who we are.

- I'm not the kind of reader/writer that enjoy
a lot of exposition / detailed descriptions,
so McCarthy's style bugged me a bit...

But at the same time, i felt like i was really
watching a movie, since he describes every
single move of each character in precise details.

Can't say it's bad at all... it's just not my preference.

- In order to create various persona for the characters,
McCarthy used very distinguishable 'language'
when each of them speak.
I'd say it's successful, except the ones
with a very heavy Southern Accent
(goin' -> going; nothin' -> nothing; set -> sit...)
bothered me from time to time,
because it's unclear at times,

esp. to an ESL NYC person like me '_'

Favorite Quotes:
- "It takes very little to govern good people...
And bad people cant be governed at all." (Pg. 64)

- "People complain about the bad things
that happen to em that they dont deserve
but they seldom mention the good.
About what they done to deserve them things.
I dont recall that I ever give the good Lord
all that much cause to smile on me.
But he did." (Pg. 91)

- "One of the things you realize
about gettin older is that
not everybody is goin to
get older with you." (Pg. 216)

- "...there was nothin to set a man's
mind at ease like wakin up in the morning
and not havin to decide who you were.
And if you done somethin wrong
just stand up and say you done it
and say you're sorry and get on with it.
Dont haul stuff around with you." (Pg. 249)

- "Every moment in your life is a turning
and every one a choosing.
Somewhere you made a choice." (Pg. 259)

- "All the time you spend tryin to
get back what's been took from you
there's more goin out the door." (Pg. 267)

- "... sometimes people would rather have
a bad answer about things than
no answer at all." (Pg. 282)

- "It's a life's work to see yourself for
what you really are and even then
you might be wrong." (Pg. 295)
** My favorite quote!

What came out of this:
*Goal: Watch the movie : )

Why Should you read it, too?

If you liked the movie / are curious like me : b

Book 34: Dark Maze (黑暗迷宮)

Title: 三色貓黑暗迷宮

(Dark Maze -- Tricolor Cat)

Who wrote it: 赤川次郎 (Jiro Akagawa)

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:
A group of policemen has been going after
a criminal who has killed 3 people.
On a fateful night, an almost-retiree fired his gun
in the dark, thinking that he had shot the criminal,
but it turned out to be a young policeman...

The scene was witnessed by the criminal,
and the retiree gave in to the threat of being exposed,
in exchange of helping the criminal escape.

Little did he know, the criminal would
lure his only daughter into a romantic relationship...

What went through my mind:

- Akagawa caught on to an essential trait of mankind:
do anything possible to cover up our mistakes.

If only the retiree was courageous enough
to admit that he shot the wrong person,
his family's life / his health / his dignity...
would all be so dramatically different.

In the same way, when we lie,
we often have to lie some more
to cover up the previous lies.
Sometimes, unnecessary serious consequences
result from what might seem harmless & best
in the beginning.

When will we learn this important lesson,
to tell the truth at all times,
even when the stakes seem high?

- This novel was a typical Akagawa one.

Quick read, fast pace,
an easy past-time entertainment.

What came out of this:

* Reminder: Be courageous in being honest!

Why Should you read it, too?

If you liked the other Akagawa books,
you'd like this one too : )

Book 33: Flies on the Butter

Title: Flies on the Butter

Who wrote it: Denise Hildreth

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:
Rose Fletcher was on her way to South Carolina,
her home from the distant past.
Along the long & winding roads,
memories and regrets of the past
came haunting her, while God uses
different people's prayers and gentle help
to bring her HOME... for the first time since childhood.

What went through my mind:
- The exposition / beginning of the story was too long,
the ending too abrupt & dramatic : (
The use of flashbacks was a bit too much also,
in my opinion '_' besides, the timeline is not
as clear as it could be, so sometimes it takes me
a few pages to realize which phase of Rose's life
it's describing 0_o"

- The portrait of how Southerners differ
from the Washington city people is quite
successful : ) Besides, it educated me
about what Southerners like:
Boiled Peanuts & Frozen Coke ; )
hehe... i find that pretty amusing.

- It's nice to know that someone out there
is attempting to incorporate Christianity/
the idea of God into their stories,
but i wish i could see more of that come out
from the story, as opposed to learning about
that from the label on the back of the novel.

Favorite Quotes:
- "You're going to have a thousand opportunities
in this life... to make good choices or bad choices...
when you make choices that aren't the ones you
know you should have made... if you come back
saying you're sorry, then He [God] will forgive you...
He looks at your heart." (Pg. 123-124)

- "Happy wife, happy life..." (Pg. 140)
* Learn the truth, GUYS!

- "No argument hurt anybody.
It's the silence and the secrets
that will do you in." (Pg. 141)

- "Let those flies have the butter,
and next thing you know,
they'll want your biscuits too.
You've got to be vigilant about
some things in life." (Pg. 223)

- "... life brings tough roads...
I've learned that storms don't care
who you are." (Pg. 259)

- "... the greatest fragrance comes out of a rose
only when it has been crushed." (Pg. 260)
* Same idea as... you can't really fully experience
Grace, if you've always lived a perfect life;
can't understand true humility,
if you've never been broken.

- "Eventually everyone has to break,
or they'll simply live their lives broken." (Pg. 263)
* Profound thought : )

What came out of this:
* Reminders:
1) Prayers make a world of difference.
2) Being broken is a beautiful thing.

* Goals:
1) Find the song 'Flies on the Butter' on Youtube
& listen to it, see why it touched the author so much.
2) Eat some boiled peanuts
& drink some frozen coke ; )

Why Should you read it, too?
If you've been running away from your past,
if you've been holding grudges against your family...
perhaps this book can lead you home...

Book 30: Naked

Title: Naked

Who wrote it: David Sedaris

Whom I borrowed it from:
Queens Library (North Forest Park)

What is it about: A collection of short stories
centered around a fictional family of David's,
creating a maddening / humorous /
half-believable memoir, constantly stretching
the reader's imagination, while subtly bringing up
questions about the true nature of humanity.

What went through my mind:
- Is this author crazy?
This question lingered in my mind the whole time.
- This book would have worked just fine
even with half its length.
- I have not read another book quite like this,
i'd have to admit.

- If he's not crazy, he must be very
observant and imaginative.
& i guess he's not that crazy,
given his superb literary techniques.
- It's amazing how the single literary trick:
Constantly creating climax/anti-climax
during the exposition of the story, aka
leading the readers on & surprising them
with twists & turns --
really made this book stand out from the crowd.

Favorite Quotes:
- "... the next few hours would pass like days
or maybe even weeks. Our watches would yawn,
the minute and hour hands joining each other
in a series of periodic naps." (Pg. 54)
* Such fresh, non-cliche expressions : )

- "Acting is different than posing or pretending.
When done with precision, it bears a striking
resemblance to lying. Stripped of the costumes
and grand gestures, it presents itself as an
unquestionable truth." (Pg. 105)
* Intriguing thought...?

- "It occured to me that everything we buy
has been poked or packaged by some unfortunate
nitwit... Vegetarians look at a pork roast
thinking about the animal. I'd now look at them
wondering whose job it was to package the
shallow Styrofoam trays. That's where the
real tragedy lies." (Pg. 170)
* Poignant & Observant : / & also sad...

- "Because I was lazy, I'd adopted the philosophy
that things just happen. It was much easier to
blame others than it was to take initiative." (Pg. 190)
- "I suppose we all bend ourselves to what
we perceive as other people's expectations..." (Pg. 220)
* Honest & insightful.

- "I had known people who said... to their parents,
"I love you," but it always translated to mean
"I'd love to get off the phone with you." (Pg. 240)
* ...... (speechless)

What came out of this:
* Reminder:
Being observant is one crucial quality for writers.
hmm... yes, even for the semi-crazy ones.
* Question:
Why do Americans like using foul language
in their writings so much?

Why Should you read it, too?
- If you want to enter an upside-down world,
where madness is common sense,
you should take the chance & pick up this book.


p.s. I borrowed 2 of his other books, too:
- Me Talk Pretty One Day
- Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
but i'll take a break from reading them back to back,
just so my brain won't be messed with too much -> damage.

Book 28: Life on the Refrigerator Door

Title: Life on the Refrigerator Door

Who wrote it: Alice Kuipers

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:
Mother and daughter leaving each other
notes on the fridge to communicate,
talking about various things in life:
boys, grocery, health, emotions, school, work...
then Mom found out that she has breast cancer...

What went through my mind:
- This novel was written in a very creative format:
Notes left on the fridge!
It's amazing how the character development
flows so smoothly, and i felt like being in Mom/
Daughter's shoes, back and forth,
as i read those notes '_'

- The notes are extremely realistic,
as they contain a mix of concerns --
asking for allowance, expressing concerns,
grocery shopping list, fights & apologies...
So real that it reminds me of my relationship with Ma...

Favorite Quotes:
- "Have I been a good mother?
It's the sort of question every mother wants to ask
but often don't get the chance.
Or they don't dare." (Pg. 190)

- "...I don't want a better mother.
I want you." (Pg. 205)
* may i be able to say and believe that 110%.
Someday.

What came out of this:
* Nostalgia: Various moments of me
spending time with Ma when we first came here (NYC)
came across my mind...
I guess God has a higher purpose than
what i made it out to be.

Why Should you read it, too?
Every daughter, every mom -- should read this!

Book 27: Goodbye, Murder! (殺人唷! 再見)

Title: 殺人唷! 再見
(Satsujin Yo Sayounara / Goodbye, Murder!)

Who wrote it: 赤川次郎 (Jiro Akagawa)

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:
13-year-old Yukiko killed her mom's boyfriend,
but she never regretted about it.
3 years later, she went on summer vacation with Mom
to the same location, and various people
around her are being attacked.
Yukiko also received threats,
hinting at the murder she committed.
Who's behind all these? What's going on?

What went through my mind:
- Like the rest of the Akagawa books i read in h/s,
this is an easy & quick read.
So quick that it's almost mindless --
not necessarily a bad thing, i suppose,
on a relaxing saturday afternoon : )

- I remember Fafa often criticized that
Akagawa's books shouldn't be categorized as
detective/mystery stories,
because it's not only playful and toned-down,
but that there are no real attempt in
involving the readers in discovering
'whodunit/howdunit/whydunit.'
Instead, it's more like telling a story
with twists and turns, but no fair ground
on which the reader can jump ahead and
win the race -- which is the true purpose of
reading this kind of novels.
Yeah, i guess i'd have to agree that this book
would be disappointing if that's what you're after.

What came out of this:
* Remember to take breaks in between
reading serious, non-fiction books,
so my mind get to take a break and relax ; )

Why Should you read it, too?
If you want to be entertained, this is a decent book.

Book 24: Blank Lens (空鏡頭)

Title: 空鏡頭 (Blank Lens)

Who wrote it: 片山恭一 (Kyouichi Katayama)

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:
4 characters: Speed, Cookie, Socks, Fish --
were frequent visitors of an online chatroom.
However, a program called 'Blank Scene'
happened to invade their systems one by one,
and they got lost in a foreign world,
while trying to escape from someone's vicious plan...

What went through my mind:
- Why have i been picking up books
that are both boring & confusing lately?
First 1984, now this???
If i didn't read the preface,
i wouldn't have known what the plot of the story is!

- I should give up on Katayama's books, seriously.
Whether it be his most famous story:
在世界中心呼喚愛
(Crying out Love, in the Center of the World),
or the other book: 世界在你不知道的地方運轉
(The World Operates without You Knowing) --
i never felt attached or attracted to the characters/plot.

This book was worse, in the sense that
all i experienced was confusion and
a very scattered collection of thoughts &
character developments.

Favorite Quotes:
- 「生活太忙，忙得忘了寶貴的心。
太累，累得沒時間體諒別人。」(Pg. 19)
(Life is too busy,
so busy that we forget our precious hearts.
Too tired,
so tired that we don't have time to care for others.)

- 「我們一方面想同他人保持距離，
一方面害怕孤獨。」(Pg. 187)
(On one hand, we want to keep a distance from others,
while on the other hand, we're afraid of loneliness.)

What came out of this:
* Reminder: Maybe i should do a little research
before picking up my next batch of books '_'

Why Should you read it, too?
I suppose if you're really into online chatroom /
internet browsing... you can pick this up as a quick read.

i gave up

After much mental struggle & debates with myself,
i finally decided to give up on a book
i was trying hard to read:

Yup. The famous classic -- George Orwell's 1984.

Perhaps my literature level is really low,
but i read 1/4 of the book, and i still had no clue (nor interest)
in what's going on.

The voice of the narrator is agitating,
the storyline unclear,
and there are no interesting characters nor developments.

i had a feeling that the only way
to understand what this book is about,
is to read sparknotes or go back to eng. lit. class to study--
neither of which i'm motivated to do
(nor do i think should be the right way,
if i were only reading a fiction for leisure?!).

Anyhow, therefore i made up my mind
to announce my first incomplete assignment
ever since launching The 365 Project: 1984.

Yes. Despite the fact that i was born in 1984.
Haa!

Book 23: The Feast of Love

Title: The Feast of Love

Who wrote it: Charles Baxter

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Forest Hills)

What is it about:

A movie-like story of how one person is
connected to another, then another...
which eventually brings everyone together back in full circle,
while describing their life and love stories.

What went through my mind:
- The writer has a very good style,
created lively and somewhat realistic characters,
the novel reads like a movie...
it's a decent literature piece all in all.
- i'd like to know the narrator more,
especially that he had an interesting set-up
in the beginning, as the guy who remembers everyone/
everything else but himself.
- I really wonder, has anyone heard of this movie???
Why haven't i seen anything like it?
Or is it a new movie in 2008? 0_o"

Favorite Quotes:

- "Everyone relationship has at least
one really goood day." (Pg. 17)

- "...a lot of men feel they have to prove
they're real men... I don't think that
most women have to prove that they're
real women." (Pg. 33)

- "...intelligence and quick-wittedness
have nothing to do with a talent for being
loved, or being kind..." (Pg. 62)

- "We live in a large city, populated only
by ourselves." (Pg. 84)

- "... discovered that the meaning of his life
lay in learning, friendship and love,
and service to others." (Pg. 176)

What came out of this:
* Reminder: Look out for the movie!
(Or is there gonna be one?
i'm still confused...)

Why Should you read it, too?
If you liked reading character development fiction,
it's pretty well-written : )

Books 17,18: Matriarchal Family (女系家族)

Title: 女系家族 [上、下] (Matriarchal Family)

Who wrote it: 山崎豐子 (Toyoko Yamazaki)

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Jamaica)

What is it about:

A matriarchal family in Japan,
with the Mom died 6 years ago,
and the Dad just passed away,
the three daughters are left to their own device
to divvy up the huge amount of inheritance;
Dad's young mistress is pronounced pregnant;
while the family 3-generation bookkeeper
attempted to cheat and grab as much $$
as possible.

A nasty showcase of power struggles
+ A demonstration why greed/lust never satisfy.

What went through my mind:

- This is one depressing story!
The reason why it's so upsetting ~ is that
it depicts the very roots of evil in human hearts,
that we're never satisfied --
we always want more, we think we DESERVE more.

Why should we get a penny less than our sister,
brother, friend, neighbor, enemy?!

Let's be honest... isn't that TRUE? : /

No wonder Apostle says,
"Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain"

- I did wish though, that there'd be at least
1 character who isn't bogged down by these traits,
someone that could be free of these struggles.

I mean, yeah it's realistic that there's no one like that,
but Come On, it's just fiction.

i'm okay with some fairy tale materials in it 0_o"

Why Should you read it, too?

The author of these books are considered
one of the pillars of the contemporary
Japanese literature realm.

It's worth reading if not only
for the extended researches devoted into the plot,
the excellent dialogues and the flow of the story.

Book 15: Crime Scene (臨場)

Title: 臨場 (Crime Scene)

Who wrote it: Hideo Yokoyama (橫山秀夫)

Whom I borrowed it from: Fafa

What is it about:
Yet another series of short stories,
this time more focused on crime scene investigations.
The main character throughout is an eccentric investigator,
who refused to be promoted to other officer positions,
and was nicknamed "The Ultimate CSI" by others.
His motto was:
CSI must pick up every single clue left
at the crime scene, or the victim/dead
would be sorrowful in his/her unjust death!

What went through my mind:
- I liked this book better than 'Face.'
The pace of the storytelling is faster,
and the main character more interesting.
- Who knew that plants, dust,
the way you open the door,
how long it takes for blood to dry,
towards which direction & how the body fell......
could all play a part in telling the truth,
as well as what kind of people they are?

Why Should you read it, too?
If you liked watching CSI (Miami/NY),
or just wanna gain some trivial knowledge.

Book 13: Face (顏)

Title: 顏 (Face)

Who wrote it: Hideo Yokoyama (橫山秀夫)

Whom I borrowed it from: Fafa

What is it about:
This book is composed of a series of short stories,
in which a young policewoman is the main character.
Aside from the various crime cases
that she participated in investigating,
power struggles among the reporters/
policemen & -women/
criminals & the public...
were also carefully portrayed.
On top of a suspense/detective kind of fiction,
this also reads like a social case study.

What went through my mind:
- Everybody has some God-given abilities : )
The main character specializes in drawing
portraits of the criminals,
according to the victims' verbal descriptions.
She has a co-worker that's really talented in
gun-shooting, so much so that she was chosen
to take part in trainings for the Olympics.
-> What are my special gifts,
and how am i developing/utilizing them?
- One of the book's focuses was on
gender inequality, esp. in the police force.
I can't help but wonder,
if God designed us men & women to be different,
yet the same (as humans),
then how are we to attain that careful balance?

Why Should you read it, too?
If you're interested in the topics mentioned above,
or just wanna pick up an easy read : )

Book 10: Meeting a Girl that Eats Cookies (遇上吃曲奇的女孩)

Title: 遇上吃曲奇的女孩 (Meeting a Girl that Eats Cookies)

Who wrote it: 周淑屏

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Jamaica)

What is it about:
Internet sharing photo blog
+ romantic relationships
+ cookies with various flavors
= teen-like drama?

What went through my mind:
- I guess i would have enjoyed this book...
10 years ago?
-The best part about this book is not the story;
it's the backstory of Mrs. Fields' life,
how her store came about,
and the recipes she provided *_*

What came out of this:
* Goal: Bake some cookies with the Mrs. Fields recipes.

Why Should you read it, too?
If you're still a teenager below the age of 15;
or if you're Cookie Monster.

Book 8: The Self-Sacrifice of Suspect X (嫌疑犯X的獻身)

Title: 嫌疑犯X的獻身 (The Self-Sacrifice of Suspect X )

Who wrote it: 東野圭吾 (Keigo Higashino)

Whom I borrowed it from: Fafa

What is it about:
This is a very well-written suspense/detective novel.
Since the beginning, the author showed us the 'whodunit,'
and the Math Teacher who lived next door to the murderer
offered to help discard the dead body,
because he fell in love with her since the day she moved in.

The story went on, to tell of the little progress the Police made
in investigations, while the Math Teacher's old friend came by,
& figured out some clues that the Police has yet to discover.

What went through my mind:

- The 'howdunit' was well hidden under layers upon layers
of twists & turns, but none of those was forced/illogical.

The author's creativity clearly shines through,
& as a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel till the very end.

- One of the main ideas the author tried to illustrate
through this story was "the Purest Love of all" --

Ultimately, his point of view somehow coincides with Christianity's,
that Sacrificial & Unselfish Love is by far the most amazing -

when someone lays down his life for another,
without asking for equal compensation nor even comprehension,
it reaches so deep into the core of our souls,

that we can't help but marvel at the precious gift presented to us,
& want to reciprocate in one way or the other --
just like the Murderer at the end of the story.

What came out of this:
* Reminder: Bear in mind that love is unconditional.
& if I were to offer sacrificial love, I'm not supposed to brag,
expect rewards / recognition, or demand others' appreciations.

Why should you read it, too?
Sometimes it takes a great novel to drive home
a deeper understanding of something bigger & more important.
I think this book's got something to offer,
with enjoyment & clever plots along the way : )

Book 6: Switch Circle Murder (人格轉移殺人)

Title: 人格轉移殺人 (Switch Circle Murder )

Who wrote it: 西澤保彥 (Yasuhiro Nishizawa)

Whom I borrowed it from: Fafa

What is it about:
The premise of the story is based on a 'Switch Circle.'
If more than 1 person step into this room at the same time,
an invisible wall would immediately appear to separate them,
then in split second their souls would inhabit in others' bodies.
The cycle will go on and on, until there's only 1 person left...

Due to an earthquake, 6 people escaped into the
'Switch Circle' without knowing what it is.
When the government agents discovered
these people in their contorted state,
they brought the group to a secluded mansion,
which is where the consecutive cases of murder took place...

What went through my mind:
-Modern Japanese suspense novels are quite
different from their American counterparts.
I feel that their plots are more sophisticated,
more variables exist in their stories,
& it's less about story-telling, more about
the readers figuring out the classic:
'whodunit,' 'whydunit,' 'howdunit,'
while the author attempt to trick the readers.
- The plot of this novel heavily relies upon the
'Switch Circle' set up, but it's definitely a clever & creative one.
The 'whydunit' turns out to be not that convincing for me,
but the explanations for the who & how are powerful,
& i am quite pleased with this book in general : )

What came out of this:
* Look out for other suspense novel
recommendations by Fafa!

Why Should you read it, too?
If you enjoy reading suspense novel,
this is one that's worth your time! ; )