Library Visit

Book Heaven : Hannover City Library, Germany

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I’ve decided to visit the Stadtbibliothek (City Library) because I’ve never been there ever since I transferred here in Hannover. I was hesitant at first to enter the building because I was shy and quite scared (Yeah! I’m always like that when I enter a building for the first time). So, after some few seconds, I’m inside browsing the shelves.

English books are located on the 1st floor (1.Etage) of the building. Most of them are classic books and they really don’t have a lot of other genres but it’s okay because I love the place.

I explored the floors and found my new favorite spot on the 3rd floor i think or 4th floor? I’m not sure. My new spot is near the windows.

I found this awesome Graphic Novel of Game of Thrones. I cannot bring it home because I still don’t have my library card, so I finished reading it there. It was totally stunning. I continued reading my book which I brought.

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I left the library around 6:30pm and took the tram to Fiederlerplatz. I dropped by to the second nearest public bookshelf from our aparment and left some of my german books for others can also enjoy them.

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It was an awesome day!

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Book Review

Book Review: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman

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Editon : Kindle (368 pages)
Publisher : January 2011
Genre : Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Source : Amazon
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Sixteen-year-old Min Green writes a letter to Ed Slaterton in which she breaks up with him, documenting their relationship and how items in the accompanying box, from bottle caps to a cookbook, foretell the end.

My Thoughts

“I’m telling you why we broke up, Ed. I’m writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened.”

The title says clearly what the book is all about. The reasons why Min broke up with Ed was written (as a letter) together with the items (which are also related to both of them of course) inside the box. Min drop it in front of Ed’s house.

This book (paperback) was on my wishlist last Christmas but unfortunately it’s not available. Well, I still got the other books so it’s okay. I admit that at first I got a bit bored specially when Min talks about the movies that she likes. I love watching movies but not those kinds. I also (somehow) don’t have any idea or clue on how they will break up then I’ve realized at the end that it’s very obvious. I’m so lame. Haha.

The plot is still interesting although sometimes it’s a bit slow. I’m always excited to see the next picture (every chapter starts with an illustration) so I read a bit fast. I think those were my favorite parts. I love books with pictures.I can say that maybe I cannot really relate myself to the story since my highschool “love-life” is not really colorful and I still have my virginity that time. But I’m still recommending this book.

My Rating
3starsDate Read : January 2013

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Journal

Find a guy who will buy you books.

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Am i the only one who prefer books over flowers? I mean when it comes to gifts on Valentine’s Days, Anniversaries and other occasions or just a normal day. I’ll be honest. I somehow don’t feel like receiving flowers though I appreciate their beauty and smell plus it’s a romantic thing to do, I’d still choose books.

I remember when Bennito (my fiance) gave me a bouquet of red roses on my birthday last year even he knows that it’s not my thing. I admit that it felt so good and romantic but at the end of the day, I still asked him: “Why you gave me flowers?” Kill me now. Haha!

I consider myself lucky because I’ve found the guy who understands my addiction for books. He gave me a Kindle so it’s easy for me to read the books that i want (english books that are not available here in our place). He go with me to the library and even got me a library card. I also like when he suggests a book and share his thoughts about it.  He don’t want to disturb me when I’m reading. He asks me if i want to look for a new book if we pass by a bookstore even he knows that it will take long. When we start living together, he bought me a bookshelf and helped me build it. He never get tired of buying me books.

I’m so lucky and blessed to have him, not only because of those reasons, but because he loves me and accepted me for who I am including all my flaws. I didn’t write this because he bought me new books which came today. I just feel so happy and I want to thank him. 🙂

I love you Benjamin! ♥

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Book Review

Book Review: The Catastrophic History Of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

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The Catastrophic History of You and Me

Editon : Kindle (400 pages)
Publisher : Penguin (2012)
Genre : Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Source : Amazon Kindle
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“You can obsess and obsess over how things ended—what you did wrong or could have done differently—but there’s not much of a point. It’s not like it’ll change anything. So really, why worry?” – Brie (chapter 9)

My Thoughts

This is about a girl named Brie who died after her heart got literally broken by her boyfriend, Jacob. To be more precise, she had a heart failure (acute congestive cardiomyopathy in medical world) and died. She ends up in a pizza parlor called “Little Slice of Heaven” where she met a guy in his leather jacket and 80’s style named Patrick. The book will take you to Brie’s afterlife experiences while going through the five stages of grief before she can finally rest in peace.

The author created a realistic and likeable characters in this book. Brie for example, is adorable, strong, sarcastic and selfish (at times). Her love to her family and friends is also undeniable. She made some unfavorable decisions during her journey through the five stages of grief which I think is understandable since well, she’s a teenager and a (dead) human. The good thing is she grew as a person (or spirit) during and after the stages. I like her love for the 80’s music which is very rare for teenagers nowadays. (80’s kid here by the way). Then there’s Patrick, an appealing, sweet and mysterious guy who became Brie’s guide in the afterlife and partner in crime during her “revenge” plan. And mind you, “love at first sight” didn’t happen between the two of them, not even “love triangle”. The revelation of his past is unexpected but it made sense through out the story. My favorite character in this book is actually not a person but an adorable basset hound named Hamloaf. He’s so cute and smart.

The chapter titles are clever and also the way how the story was divided into five parts made me fall in love with this book. The author knows exactly what her reader wants not to mention the unpredictable plot twists. A combination of paranormal, contemporary and fantasy, this book will make you think of what is waiting for us after death. What does it look like and how does it feel like. How painful and heartbreaking it would be seeing your family and friends continuing their lives without you. But thankfully, this book is not only about death, afterlife and goodbyes. It’s also about acceptance and moving on, living and loving the life you have while you still have the chance. Life can be full of lies, betrayals and revelations but how you handle and accept these things can make your life easier and more happier. Life is far too short to be sad and miserable.

This is a great book and I’ll recommend this not only to young readers who’s heart got broken but also to those people who’s having a hard time moving on. This one is a good book for you.

My Rating
5stars

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Book Review

Book Review : Guilt by Jussi Adler-Olsen

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Guilt

Guilt is the fourth novel of Department Q series by Jussi Adler-Olsen and this is also my first time to read a Adler-Olsen’s novel. I read this in english by the way and it’s also published as “The Purity of Vengeance” and “Journal 64”.

In 1985, Nete Rosen is happily living her life with her husband, until he meet Curt Wad again. Two years after the death of her husband, Nete Hermansen returns with her maiden name and with a plan. She will make her revenge to those people who were responsible of making her teenage life miserable. In 2010, Detective Carl Mork from Department Q which handles cold cases, investigates the disappearance of Rita Nielsen, owner of a brothel. Upon reviewing of the case, Rose, Carl’s new assistant, discovers a series of other missing persons disappeared at the same time as Rita.

This book was a gift from my fiance (who’s into mystery/thriller/crime novels) and he was the one who chose this book. He said the author is great and I guess he’s right.

What I like with this book is that I (and also the readers for sure) know already who’s responsible for the crime (missing persons) and the reasons after reading the few first chapters. It’s like I want to go inside the book and tell Carl and his crew about it but obviously, I can’t. And towards the end, I was surprised because the things i thought I knew was wrong. I wasn’t expecting that. Sprogo Island played an important part in this book and I’m glad because I’ve learned something about Danish history. This book can also considered as stand-alone but I think I still need to read the previous books because I, somehow, cannot relate to the incident that happened to Carl and his partners.

I can say that my favorite character here is Assad, Carl’s Syrian assistant. He’s funny, smart, mysterious because no one knows where he lives and eccentric. I’m looking forward to know more about him.

The story is entertaining and shocking. No wonder why Jussi Adler-Olsen is one of the great crime fiction author. Highly recommended.

159808525stars
Original Title : Journal 64
Original Language : Danish
Series : Department Q #4
Editon : English | Paperback (560 pages)
Publisher : Penguin Books (2014)
Genre : Mystery, Crime
Source : Bought by B from Relay Buch- & Presseshop
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Book to Movie

Movie Review : Divergent

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SPOILER ALERT! Stop if you haven’t read the book!

So I’ve finally watched Divergent and I’m not sure about my thoughts about it. I’m aware that it may be different or there’ll be changes like what “books-to-movies” are. I just finished reading the book last week and I really love everything about it. I know it’s a bit late but I still want to share my thoughts about the movie.

What i like in the movie adaptation

  • The dystopian Chicago.
  • The zipline. I would also like to try that zipline.
  • Jai Courtney as Eric. The character fits him very well though I’m expecting more piercings.

Important Parts that were taken out

  • The Visiting Day. I think it’s important because it somehow revealed some important things about Tris’ mother and about the simulation.
  • Al’s “affection” to Tris.
  • The scoreboard where Tris ranked number 1. The reason why Peter (with Drew and Al) tried to scare/kill her.
  • The part where Edward got stabbed in the eye. This showed how cruel Peter is. (The scene was deleted)
  • More of Four and Tris romance like when Four was drunk and flirty. Also their moment at the bottom of the chasm.
  • Tris’ Abnegation and Dauntless tattoo.
  • Will and Christina’s romance. I love these two.

Things that changed too much

  • Miles Teller as Peter. Not really a change but somehow disappointing for me. I expected more of him like Jai Courtney.
  • The death of Tris’ parents. Everything about it.
  • Tris went to Erudite to visit Caleb and also when Jeanine talked to her.
  • Shutting down the simulation. Seriously? What happened to the “techy” Four? And where the hell did the idea of Tris-injecting-simulation-to-Jeanine to shut down the simulation came from? Where is the hard drive that contains the data? I don’t know. Haha.

There’s still a lot but I only want to list all. Btw, I know I’ve mentioned that Theo James didn’t get much of my attention as Four, well, I’m wrong. I love his voice and how he talks. That’s it. The movie is okay but the changes are disappointing. I still choose to re-read the book than rewatching the movie.

My Rating
3stars

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Book Review

Book Review: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

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Series : Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2
Editon : Paperback (288 pages)
Publisher : Dysney Hyperion Books (2007)
Genre : Fantasy
Source : Amazon
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synopsis

The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan’s amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a “half blood” whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan’s series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that results in true page-turners that get better with each installment. In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book’s drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come.

my thoughts

“I am Thalia,” the girl said. “Daughter of Zeus.”

That line has made me more excited to read the third book. Grover was captured by Polyphemus (an evil Cyclops) and needs to be rescued. The tree of Thalia has been poisoned which made the magic walls of the Camp Half Blood open to monsters. The quest of finding the golden fleece (that can heal Thalia’s tree) was given to Clarisse but Percy, Annabeth and Tyson (a baby Cyclops, which happened to be Percy’s half brother) will also do the quest with the help of Hermes.

I love this book more than the first one. I think even if I didn’t read the first, I can still follow the story. It’s also good that Riordan included some background stories about the characters or names that was mentioned. It’s very helpful for those who don’t have a lot of knowledge about Greek Mythology (Ahem). My favorite character here is Tyson. He’s cute (not to mention that Douglas Smith played his character in the movie) and he likes Rainbow (a Hippocampus).

my-rating5 / 5 stars
Date Read : August 2013

 

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Book Review

Book Review : Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov

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Editon : eBook (288 pages)
Publisher : Adams Media Corporation (2008)
Genre : Self Help, Non-Fiction
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Why are men so romantic in the beginning and why do they change? Why do men take nice girls for granted? Why does a man respect a woman when she stands up for herself? Full of advice, hilarious real-life relationship scenarios, “she says/he thinks” tables, the author’s unique “Attraction Principles,” and an all-new bonus chapter, “Why Men Love Bitches” gives you bottom-line answers. It helps you know who you are, stand your ground, and relate to men on a whole new level. Once you’ve discovered the feisty attitude men find so magnetic, you’ll not only increase the romantic chemistry you’ll gain your man’s love and respect with far less effort.

“Being a bitch does not mean you lose your femininity. And it also doesn’t mean you overtly try to wear the pants in the house. It just means you don’t allow anyone to walk all over you.”

 My Thoughts

The title caught my attention so I’ve decided to add it on my to-read list and I also enjoy reading “self-help” books like this.

This book defined “bitch” in a different way. A bitch (Babe In Total Control of Herself) is a strong and independent woman who will not let anyone, specially a man, treats her like a “doormat”. The Author also wrote 100 Attraction Principles which are very helpful for women (us). While I’m reading this book I keep on asking myself if I’m a “nice girl” or a “bitch”. Well, I don’t know the answer until now. All I know is I’m sometimes a “nice girl” and a “bitch” most of the time.

This book is a perfect read for girls who are in a not-so-happy relationship and for those who always treated badly by their man. Time for you to stand up for your rights!

“Throughout life, people will try to shake your faith in yourself. When this happens, remind yourself that the only way they can succeed is if you allow it. When you walk down the street of life, always hold your head high and keep walking. Don’t ever let anyone shake your faith in yourself, because that’s really all that you have.”

My Rating
4stars
Date Read : April 2013

 

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Book Review

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

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Divergent

Series : Divergent #1
Edition : Paperback (487 pages)
Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books
Genre : Young Adult, Dystopia, Fiction
Source : Bought from Thalia Buchhandlung
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“Fear doesn’t shut you down; it wakes you up”

My Thoughts

I can’t help not to think of “Matched” trilogy my Ally Condie while reading the first two chapters of this book. I’m aware that almost everyone is comparing this to THG but I didn’t felt like that. I don’t have any idea about the story of Divergent though everyone (in blogospere) was talking about it specially before the movie came out. So i think i don’t need an introduction for this.

I personally enjoyed how Tris (Beatrice) evolved through the Dauntless initiation. I love the idea that she cannot be manipulated to do something or believe something that she don’t want to. I wish I can be somehow like her. Well i know that i’ll also choose Dauntless if given by chance but my result (on the quizz in the book) is Abnegation. Oh, just like her. So now let’s talk about Four. *sigh* Four *sigh* Haha! I definitely love this guy. I love the fact that he let Tris to know his weaknesses. for me that’s one of the characteristics of a real man. I have to admit that Theo James (who played Four in the movie) didn’t get much of my attention. So i’ll just keep on imagining another guy as Four. Some chapters made me cry specially the pages 443 and 471.

It’s a brilliant book that it kept me insterested in what’s going to happen on the next chapters. I also love the playlist specially the songs from Flyleaf. Kudos to Ms. Veronica Roth considering that this is her first novel.

I’m still waiting for the DVD to be available here and I’m excited for Insurgent.

My Rating
5stars

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Book Review

Book Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

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Editon : Kindle (240 pages)
Publisher : Vintage (2004)
Genre : Fiction, Contemporary
Source : Amazon
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Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.

This improbable story of Christopher’s quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years.

My Thoughts

Christopher, an autistic teenager, discovered their neighbor’s dead dog one night and decided to make an investigation (He’s a Sherlock Holmes fan) to find out who murdered it. During his investigation, he accidentally discovers the truth about his family. Siobhan, his friend, explains everything to him specially the different emotions of people.

I can somehow compare Christopher to Sheldon Cooper (of The Big Bang Theory). Both of them don’t understand human emotions and they both love physics and maths and I love their attitude. There are some parts of the story, I’m talking about the math formulas, that I had to read fast (didn’t read at all) because it’s MATH. Am i the only one? Haha! The story was unpredictable and it has a great twists.

All in all, the book is incredible.

“Sometimes we get sad about things and we don’t like to tell other people that we are sad about them. We like to keep it a secret. Or sometimes, we are sad but we really don’t know why we are sad, so we say we aren’t sad but we really are.”

My Rating
4stars

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