REVIEW

I was looking for a light contemporary read and a cure for my Beautiful Disaster withdrawal when I stumble on this masterpiece by Tammara Webber. I heard of its positive reviews as well as recommendations from people like me who also loves Beautiful Disaster and can't get enough of it while waiting for the next installment so once again I curled up in bed and began flipping through pages and was done reading in less than 4hours.

Easy surprised me right from the get go. I was so engrossed with the story and had a hard time putting it down. Sweet but not too cheesy..mature but not too adult.. Its a perfect contemporary romance book to read and It was definitely an "easy" book to read!

I must admit that I wasn't to keen on having sexual assault as a subject on this book because in all honesty that is a difficult matter to be discussed and I was afraid that Webber will have a hard time incorporating it into her love story but she did surprised me. Not only was Webber able to weave a good story but she was also able to create characters that readers can easily relate to. Take for example Jacqueline, the female protagonist. Yes, we know she was almost a victim of sexual assault. She was able to experience dissappointment with what happened with her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and the fear of almost sexually assaulted but she did not back down. She doesn't let what happened in her life dragged her down. Instead, she uses these experiences to make herself stronger and Webber was able to succesfully let us experience the changes Jacqueline did to be the woman she was meant to be. On the male protagonist part, well what can I say? Lucas or Landon Maxfield is the epitome of  the saying don't judge the book by its cover. Yes, Lucas has entered the field of my own list of romantic literary heroes I can't get enough with. He's the tattooed, mysterious emo kid that is tough on the outside but is soft, romantic and intelligent on the inside and I can't get over what he did on the Starbucks counter when he leave his number to Jacqueline (spoiler)? I mean it maybe a common scenario to others but for me that's where I fall in love with him. Okay enough! I am literally fan-gushing here.

I will probably go on and on mentioning about positive adjectives that most of you had already heard of about this book but one thing is for certain, it is a MUST READ! Even though I was not surprised on the revelation about Lucas and Landon because in all honesty I was able to guessed it way before the big reveal but it still doesn't change the fact that this book was beyond my expectations. It is not about a feel good romance book but it is also about identity, self-awareness, confidence, resiliency and trust. 

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match. Goodreads

I'll be honest, if its not because of Fifty Shades of Grey, I would not encounter this book and would not have a sleepless day and grinning like a Cheshire cat the next. Being toted as the counterpart of FSOG for the young adult readers, I knew I had to read this piece, a thousand pages that I didn't put down for four damn hours not minding that the little veins in my eyes are already red and my head ached. I was so in love with it at the beginning and was an emotional train wrecked after. Blame it on me for being a hopeless romantic but I gotta admit that this is one of the best romance book I've ever read. 

It's so easy to say why I loved it. The characters on this novel are well developed. They have secrets to hide and some demons to fight away and even though its not that easy to leave their past behind, they made an effort to at least learn from it. But among them, Abby was someone I connected to. We both date bad boys (hi bby!) tattoos, frats, drinking, partying-those kind of guys. We both share the same apprehensions about dating them at the start, afraid of getting hurt and broken up. And we both fall into the allure of a bad boy. I can't blame Abby though there is really something about bad boys that makes me (or us) fall head over heels with them. Speaking of Travis, I fell in love with him. Yes, he maybe a violent person but if you dig deeper into his layers of toughness, you will notice a caring and loving person willing to give up everything for his beloved. He's a dangerous man to be involved with but he's so persistent in proving to Abby and to the world how much he had change and willing to change all for the love of his life. Oh how sweet!

If I would sum up their beautiful with a touch of disaster relationship it would be this:

I know I'm fan-girling here but I can't help myself if I go gaga over this book. Do you know the feeling of not expecting anything and when you are surprised that something turned out good you go mad and crazy of happiness? This book perfectly describe it to me. I love this book. I can't get over with it. I know, because I saw my copy again while writing this review and I had the urge to read it again for the third time.  

P.S

Dear Jamie McGuire, you created a beautiful book about love that evoked emotional reactions from me - both positive and negative. You're characters are flawed but perfect at the same time and I can't wait for the next installment Walking Disaster to come out some time next year  because it will be written on Travis Maddox's perspective that would be AWESOME!

REVIEW

Released on October 2, 2012, I got my copy on Oct. 4,2012 and finished reading it on Oct. 5th. The Mark of Athena picks up where The Son of Neptune left off wherein the Greek demigods onboard with their new ship The Argo sailed unto Camp Jupiter. I don't want to divulge any additional information anymore what happens at the end of The Son of Neptune but after reading this book my first reaction was Why? Why did you make that cliffhanger Mr. Riordan and have us wait for another year for the next installment? ugh!

Fans of The Heroes of Olympus series and Rick Riordan will be 100% satisfied with this 3rd installment. Of course, this book still has the element of heroes fighting random monsters and plenty of Percabeth (Percy + Annabeth) moments. Honestly, I am more of a Jason + Piper team but I won't object for Percabeth romantic moments. But mind you, those two couples are not the only one that spiced up this book because there's a brewing love triangle between Frank, Hazelle and Leo and they contributed to most of the humor scenes and the best lines on this book. Damn! I think I like Leo already. He's the coolest character among the seven.

If you have read The Percy Jackson series before, we know for a fact that the chapters are written on a certain person's point of view. So in this third installment, we would be able to see the real characters beyond their pretenses. It's a good thing to know that they already matured and cared for each other in spite of their differences.

Finishing the book makes me conclude that Annabeth is definitely one of the seven and I was thinking that Nico is not the person we thought he was. As much as I like Nico, I have this premonition that he is working for the enemy. I mean, he knows both camps exists and he had visited their locations but he did not mentioned any of this to his friends. How weird was that? The only thing I was sure of is that he loved his sister Bianca too much and maybe his death created a dark hole inside that's starting to build and is waiting to be released. 

Nonetheless, The Mark of Athena did not disappoint me. I was amazing and was beautifully written. The sad part was that, I have to wait for next year for The House of Hades and perhaps will re-read every installment again before it come out to refresh my memory. Waiting for this book to come was torture and now I have to endure it again for the 4th installment.

Anyways, going back, Shatter Me is a Young Adult novel set up in a dystopian world. I like the idea of a girl locked out from her society because she is different. She was imprisoned because she killed a child - accidentally. She is special in such a way that her touch is torture. But to be honest, I'm not sure if I would like Tahereh Mafi's heroine. I thought she was a strong girl that will remind me of Katniss Everdeen but she's whiny, naive and is easily being absorbed and dependent on Adam. She doesn't have any depth into her character. I'm not sure if Mafi intended her personality to be like this but I was expecting more from her considering that she's the main protagonist. If its not for the first person view type of writing, I would have thought this book is about Adam and/or Warner.

Another thing that I noticed about this book was the plot. It's a typical YA dystopian world with rebellions, hunger, corrupted government and a perfect girl falling in love with a boy. In short, there was nothing special or original about it. I was expecting something more because the synopsis promised something special in there. It was a bit disappointing on how it turned out. The story was a lame and dragging. I was hoping that there would be a number of scenes that will display Juliette's capabilities to make us reader's feel more drawn to her. Actually, the second part of the book was on Julliette and Adam's endless kissing which I don't actually mind but in this case it drags the whole story from what makes her special. Apart from that, I was laughing inside while reading the last few chapters. It was really confusing. Come on? Seriously, Is this YA dystopia or Marvel Comic's X-Men? Juliette kinda remind me of X-Men's Rouge though.

That all being said, I finished this book with a lot of questions in my mind. I still don't understand why Warner wants Juliette so much. I wanted to know if its only her touch that is fatal or her skin? I wanted to know why Warner and Adam are immune to her touch. I want to know how did Adam survived if he was shot and leaved with a pool of blood on the street. So many questions but that maybe one of things that I like about this book. It makes me crave more for what's going to happen. Hopefully, the sequel that will be coming out next year can answer my questions and confusions.

Overall, this is a great book in a sense that you will not be bored while reading this. In spite of misgivings and some confusions, you can't help yourself to flip through pages until you realize that you're done. If you want a book that you cant put down, you can grab a copy of this. Even I enjoyed reading this.

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love

I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.

The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.

I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame

A couple of months ago I fell in love with Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall which I blog about HERE and since I had just finished reading The Hunger Games earlier last year and loved it, I was desperate to get my hands on another dystopian novel. So when I scout bookstores on what to read next I picked out these two goodies. Honestly, I didn't have any idea who Lauren Oliver is. I just picked this book because it was on the BookSellers Lists in National Bookstore and the pretty cover attracted me.

I'm a sucker for romance story. That has got to be one of my favorite genre to read and reading the summary written on the back of this book, I was intrigued and started reading it right away. Right after I was done with Delirium I began to read Pandemonium right away and thus started my journey into Lauren Oliver's Love-Free dystopia world. Though love and romance as a topic can easily becomes a boring and forgettable book plot. These series proved more than that. Oliver's novels about love - teenage love was well written. I admit, I had a lot of hesitations in reading it and some expectations at that. I don't want to be reminded of my high school days reading Sweet Dreams Romance pocket books. But upon reading the first few chapters of Delirium, I become addicted to it. I was expecting that it will become too predictable but Oliver proved me wrong. She was able to successfully craft a beautiful dystopian world that is not too far from what we are right now which makes it much more real (If you love dystopian novels like me you would know what I'm talking about).

Another thing that I like about this is the fact that it wasn't just a love story. Sure, there was the concept of a girl falling in love and fights their love against all odds and in the end she lost him (Delirium) and she met another boy and fell in love with him (Pandemonium) and love triangles. But it doesn't only focus on romance between two opposite sex but other relationships as well like family and friendship. 

But what I really like most about it? the ending. I noticed that Oliver is so good at making endings that left you want for more. It was such a cliffhanger experience that makes you want to grab the next book. Sadly, the third installment Requiem will not be released till next year. 

The perks of being a Wallflower is a story about what it’s like to travel that strange course through the uncharted territory of high school. the world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends. of sex, drugs, and the rocky horror picture show. of those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up - Amazon

Way back in High School, I was once a wallflower. I was one of those kids that people don't usually notice. I can only count my close acquaintances on my fingers and trust me they are not more than ten. I did not volunteered to join clubs and organizations and if I do have one its only because it was a requirement. Yes, I was once a cheer dancer that performs every Sports Feast but then again I only did it because of grade requirement. I'm a loner and my only comfort were my books and going to our school's library on my free time. I don't mean it to get your pity or something I was just this little shy girl back then and my insecurity did not help either. That's the reason why when I saw this book promoted on MTV, I downloaded my own copy right away. Its not because of the movie that will come out starring the ever gorgeous Emma Watson and mister Percy Jackson himself Logan Lerman but because of the word wallflower. I wanted to know if this can also be my own life story.

Perks has to be one of the books that I can relate to. The story is just too beautiful and realistic and in most part I felt what Charlie (protagonist) went through being a wallflower once. At first, I did not expect to get carried away having read The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, I'm not sure if I would like the "Dear Friend here's my problem"  and "Dear Diary guess what happened to me" approach and the first few chapters did not help either but Charlie is easily the most honest and insightful narrator that I can think of. Stephen Chbosky was able to create a perfect character in Charlie. His innocence and naivety from the start is what makes him endearing and I like the fact that even though he had tasted teenage experiences, he is still this little boy from the start who wants everyone to be happy. 

Stephen Chbosky also did an admirable job in making me believe that I (as a reader) was the "friend" that Charlie confides to. He did an excellent job in writing plain and simple language even though this book tackles complex and heavy themes like drugs, teenage pregnancy, sexuality, depression, suicide, domestic violence and abuse. And he did not only concentrated on the main character too because his supporting casts are equally interesting and can stand on their own as well. 

What I also like about this book is its endless life lessons on a quotable quotes. Every chapter has group of words that catches your attention and makes you want to highlight it with a marker or put it in your journal. These are my favorites:

Perks is one of the books that I read too late. Nevertheless, I still love this book so much that it earned a special spot on my shelf. Though some would say its not the perfect coming of age book for teenagers it can still tug at your emotions and will take you back to your teenage years and you can't simply put this down.

For months, Cosmo keeps on recycling their cover girls and I was kinda annoyed with it. Don't get me wrong, I love Cosmo!  Even if the same faces graces their cover page, I will still shell out my Php125.00 to buy this magazine because of its monthly content. So  it is a breathe of fresh air when I saw Kapamilya actress Julia Montes on the cover. She looks stunning in her pink outfit. Even though, she doesn't look like her age (she's only 17!). She's too pretty to look at far from her Going Bulilit days. And you should definitely read her life story! That one can passed as a telenovela plot.

FHM

Talking about "breathe of fresh air" this one's definitely way over the top - literally. I mean, Who's that girl? I know she's pretty and a dead-ringer for actress Lovi Poe. Is she sexy? I don't know. I don't usually buy this magazine but if you want to know if she's worthy to be the country's leading magazine cover girl maybe you should buy it to see if she's all worth it. One thing that I admired about the cover though is that it doesn't look like a sexy magazine. I'm used to FHM's full body photos with their girls in sexy lingerie or swimwear but this one focuses on the face with a tiny bit of flesh. If not for the words Sexy Movies are Back screamed at you, I would probably think this is a beauty mag.

You gotta admit, this girl is cover worthy. I mean, who can say no to an Angel Locsin ?. I don't have a copy of this magazine right now but looking at this reminds me of an online game or a cover of a Japanese Manga or a cosplay act. The concept was just too good to be ignored. Hats off to Rouge! You're new to the publishing world but for months your covers promised bigger things to come. 

This is just half of the whole cover page featuring Bench 's muses garbed in jeans and white tee. The concept screams plain and comfort can also be sexy. But honestly, I'm not sure I like this one. I don't know if its with the styling, the photography angle or too much Photoshop but I can't recognize these girls! I have to take a second maybe third look to be able to match a certain name with the faces on the cover. Yes, we can't deny the fact that airbrushing is a necessity when it comes to magazine covers but personally, I like to look at a magazine cover girl with their natural beauty standing out rather than enhanced with too much Photoshop. It makes them much more like a real person to me.

Celebrating their first anniversary is one tough act to follow considering that not too many Magazine for Men can achieved this feat in the country's publishing world and who can perfectly embody this than Mr. Tough Man himself Daniel Craig aka James Bond. I don't much about this mag considering that I usually bought magazines that caters to female needs and home and living but I noticed that Esquire has the same cover concept with all their issues. Same plain background and I don't mean it to be a bad thing but in fact I definitely like it. No bright colors, loud graphics and not too much Photoshop. Its simply elegance and concentrates more on the man on the front and the content.

REVIEW

I read this book over a rainy afternoon, curled-up in my own bed with my pajamas and blanket covering my toes that were starting to feel the coldness of the day. I was already done reading Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy a couple of months ago and this book was recommended to me by my office mate who mentioned that this is like the Grey Trilogy but with better writing. Intrigue, I downloaded this on my iBook app and started reading it right away.

The narrative is about two emotionally flawed and scarred people - both victims of sexual child abuse that met and started a highly-charge sexual relationship with each other. They both knew and agreed to themselves that they are aware of their physical attraction to each other but they can't commit to a proper relationship because of past experiences that had tainted their future. But things got pretty intense when they began to spend more time with each other.

Since I had already read the Grey Trilogy, this was not the first time that I encountered a sensual and erotic kind of book.  Nevertheless, my heartbeat still sped up and I began to catch my breath as I began to read chapter 1 till the end. The coldness that I felt was gone and was replaced by a warm feeling reminiscent of the days when I started to read my first ever erotic fiction (50 Shades of Grey). As much as I enjoyed and loved the Grey Trilogy, I began to appreciate this book not only because they have a similar feel and flow but also because of the characters that I hate and love.

Fifty Shades of Grey VS Bared to You

Not much differences can be said between the two male protagonists, Gideon Cross and Christian Grey. They are both self-made billionaires, emotionally flawed, possessive, dominant and a good-looking fellow that can make all girls swoon (including me). But the two female ones, Eva Tramell and Anastasia Steele are so totally different from each other. Whereas Steele is an innocent virgin and naive, Eva is a bomb. Being a victim of sexual child abuse, Eva is a fighter. She knows what she wants and will find ways to get it. She admits her weaknesses but also know her strengths. You can't help but admire her personality - no wonder Gideon Cross is totally smitten over her.

I tried hard to ignore comparisons between the two series but again you can't really help it. All I know is that Sylvia Day's latest book is a joy to read and can't easily be put down. It may have the same feel with Fifty Shades of Grey but it can also stand on its own that is enough to let you realized that this is not a copy-cat.

I'm not a lawyer nor a law student but I definitely heard the phrase Ignorantia legis neminem excusat or Ignorance of the law excuses no one and what it means which is for me, any person who is unaware of the law may not escape liability for breaking the law.

The past few days, the whole country was shaken up when a new legislation was passed. Republic Act No. 10175 or more commonly known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 promises to protect us citizens from the people who would do us wrong (e.g. hackers, identity theft, cyber bullies) via digital means. It was also created to safeguard the integrity of computers and other communication devices as well as the confidentiality of the available information and data. Any forms of abuse, misuse or any other illegal acts will be punishable under the law. Sounds good right?

Yes, this legislation has its own good purpose that will benefit us but we cant ignore the fact that this same law also threatens to take away our freedom to say anything we want and our ability to enjoy the wonders of technology. As Sen. Guingona III (one of the senators who are against this) said:

Spot.ph summarizes the new law's questionable parts briefly explaining it and listed it into its own 10 Scary Things about the Cybercrime Prevention Act . It will give you insights on what this law was all about including the punishments one would likely face if found guilty.

Despite protests against the new legislation, the government as of yet, showed no signs of backing down. In fact, it is already starting to protect some government owned websites against such thing. As shown here when I try to access one:

Once again, our government exercises a new way to control us. Preventing us to exercise our freedom of speech? that's not a solution to make this country a better place to live in. No one, not even our government can stop us from exercising our freewill. I heard that there are some lawmakers that are trying to review provisions under this new law but while waiting for news about it, I'll go ahead and download some movies and books online.