Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Finished: Oct. 30, 2012, 2:09 am

Okay... I'm going to make this review as short as possible. I'm getting sleepy. *yawns*

First, I would like to thank the author, Veronica Roth, for making such an amazing trilogy for me to be in love with-- I still haven't finished it (the third book hasn't come out yet)--but the first two books captured my heart.

Before reading it, I thought I wouldn't like it much because of the reviews I've read about Insurgent not being as good as Divergent. (I even thought of not buying it, partly because of the price, haha.) But I'm completely wrong. Not only did I liked this book, I loved it.

However, Mr. Cliffhanger's still right there at the end of the book, waving and smirking, where every series reader expects him to be. Not that I hate cliffhangers (of course I know the author needs them), but nothing would be more disappointing than reading a book with a cliffhanger in it and the next book in the series isn't released yet. You understand my feelings, right? :|

What I like: the characters, the concept of the story, the conflicts, unexpected betrayals, and most of all, the surprises in every chapter's ending.


All I have left to say is, Expect the unexpected. You won't regret buying this book.

Oh my, it's already 3:00 am--exact. o_O I should sleep now. Good night. *shudders*

Wait, is that what you call short? Hahaha. :D

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

  My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read from October 13-26, 2012


*Spoilers ahead*

The book was great though it seems to be lacking something. I enjoyed reading City of Bones especially the last part: it was full of action. There's just something that I can't get over with-- Jace and Clary being siblings! I never even thought that Jace was the short form of J.C., which stands for Jonathan Christopher--Valentine and Jocelyn's son. But seriously, Ms. Cassandra Clare, is this some kind of joke? They're supposed to be a couple right? I'm really wondering what will happen next..

Movie release date: August 23, 2013

*I'll edit this review and make it longer when I have time

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finished: July 16, 2012, 8 pm

This book deserves a review.

What I liked about Harry Potter is, as you progress, the books get better and better.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is amazing! For me, it's absolutely better than the first two books! Packed with action and surprises, PoA kept me reading for a few hours, unable (and not wanting) to put the book down.

Also, I like the author's writing style. JK Rowling really knows how to describe characters well and create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. And the plot is, without a shadow of doubt, perfect.

HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban is certainly a great read; I assure you that.



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Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Read from August 6-18, 2012

A little bit disappointing. You see, nothing much really happened. The book's mostly composed of Katniss's depressive thoughts and self-pitying. I hate Katniss in this book, she's just too self-centered, gets furious with everyone, and I don't understand why she kissed Gale if it's Peeta who she really likes. Also, the book got me confused. Like, I was reading a certain page and I find myself asking, "Who's this?" or turning the page back and reading the thing all over again, just to understand what happened. I know a lot of people love Mockingjay, and reading this review will make them somewhat annoyed, or even angry (I hope not). Remember, we all have different opinons! I'm not saying Mockingjay is bad; for me it's just a not-too-good-not-too-bad-either book. Despite everything, I would still give this a generous 3 stars because Suzanne really did well in Catching Fire. Also, the song The Hanging Tree did give me the creeps! :]

Bloody Bookaholic: The Highly Anticipated YA Fall 2012 Giveaway!!

Bloody Bookaholic: The Highly Anticipated YA Fall 2012 Giveaway!!

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




This is most possibly the WORST (or best depending what you go on) cliffhanger I have encountered in all my reading days. <--- She's right. Despite the cliffhanger, I would say that I like love this book better than the first one. Catching Fire is very suspenseful and exciting, and there's a time it made me really nervous while reading it that I literally felt my heart beating really fast. However, unlike reading Harry Potter, I had the difficulty picturing the book scenes in my head. Nonetheless, overall the author did a fantastic job of writing this book.

In addition, I would like to include in this review some of the lines that I wouldn't forget ***MINOR SPOILERS***:

“Then I get it, what it means. At least, for me. District 12 only has three existing victors to chose from. Two male. One female... I am going back into the arena.”

“We had to save you because you're the mockingjay, Katniss," says Plutarch. "While you live, the revolution lives.”

And finally, the last line, which made me jump (the cliffhanger I'm talking about):

“Katniss, there is no District Twelve.”

CAN'T WAIT TO READ MOCKINGJAY!!! :D

A Visit to the MV Logos Hope

Last February 21 was a holiday (San Pedro day) so our school decided to visit the MV Logos Hope, the largest floating book fair in the world. It has over 5,000 different titles and 400,000 books onboard. The ship has five areas: Welcome, the Book Fair, Journey of Life, the Theatre, and the International Cafe.


On the Welcome area, we were greeted by Ina (if that's how you spell it), one of the friendly crew of the Logos Hope. We were made to watch a 2-minute video presentation, which gives visitors an overview of the whole ship. After that, we get to see the crew cabin and an illustrated history of GBA Ships.

Then we proceeded to the much-awaited area: the Book Fair!!! It contains a wide range of books shelved in different genres. Also, all books are priced in what they call "units". Shelves have conversion charts so you can know the price of the books in your country's own currency. Good thing 100 units is equal to 100 pesos, so I didn't have to look at conversion charts every minute! The books are cheap compared to the price of local bookstores. The lowest price is 25 units, while the highest is 1,000 units. I bought a copy of Nancy Drew mystery: The Secret of the Old Clock for 250 units (250 pesos).

The Book Fair

More books

The Book fair has an area where you can get a good deal of textbooks, because the BAG is what you're going to buy, then you can get free textbooks, anything you want. The blue bag costs P500 pesos with free 3 textbooks, while the white one costs P250, and you get one free textbook.


Next to the book fair is the Journey of Life, where you will listen to the story of the prodigal son in his journey through life, while looking at the pictures on walls as you walk through the area. The story teaches an important moral lesson about life.

If you're hungry after an hour of browsing books, there is the Interenational Cafe selling different delicious snacks! The Cafe sells popcorn, ice cream cone, coffee, tea, chips, and many more. The only thing is, they are a bit expensive.

Photo courtesy of Synz Memoir

Before leaving, we get to take home free books (YAY!). The visit was really memorable, and I had fun!  I'm hoping to visit the ship again. Maybe next year.

For those who want to go to the book fair, the MV Logos Hope is still in Manila until March 13. Children ages 12 and below doesn't require any entry pass, but for adults 13 and up the entrance fee costs P20.

Empower Me

I. Nobody knows how weak I am, better than you;


Nobody sees all of my needs, better than you. 


And nobody has the power to change me 


From what I was born to be 


Jesus be strong in my weakness, empower me.




Chorus:


Empower me like a rushing river flowing through the sea 


Lord send your Holy Spirit flowing now through me 


Till I'm living as your child victorious and free 


Send the power of your love empower me.




II. Nobody's eyes see through my soul better than yours; 


Nobody sees all of my needs better than yours.


And nobody has the power to lift me 


To reach through eternity


Jesus break through all my defences empower me.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Diary of a Young Girl contains the diary entries of Anne Frank while hiding during the World war II.

Anne Frank's family lives in Germany and were forced to move to Amsterdam for safety. They hid with the Van Daans and Mr. Dussel in the "Secret Annexe", a top of an office building where Otto Frank's (Anne's father) workers work.

To pass time, Anne reads different books and writes in her diary (named Kitty). She records various happenings in the Secret Annexe, from quarrels with the Van Daans to her times with Peter in the attic.

They hid for more than two years (1942-1944) until their hiding place was discovered and they were arrested. They were transported to different concentration camps until each had to face death. Otto Frank, the only survivor, went back to Amsterdam after the war, found Anne's diary and decided to publish it.

I enjoyed reading the book because I can relate to Anne Frank as a young person who is often misunderstood by everyone. I also admire Anne's courage and firmness of character, and learned many things from her. Anne Frank is a truly remarkable person from whom even older people can learn.



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Insomnia by Kristine Ong Muslim


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Insomnia is a collection of poems written in blank verse form. I like the way how the author, Kristine Ong Muslim, uses a unique writing style that slowly paints a picture in the reader's mind. I personally liked the poems "G is for Gillian", "Twenty years of searching for little teddy", "No Possibility of Waking Up", and "The Missing Girl". After reading this book, I became more interested in poetry. I can say that this is a book of poems worth reading.

My special thanks to the author for giving me a copy of her book.




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Keep on the Firing Line

1. 
   
2. If you’re in the battle for the Lord and right,
   Keep on the firing line;
   If you win, my brother, surely you must fight,
   Keep on the firing line;
   There are many dangers that we all must face,
   If we die still fighting it is no disgrace;
   Cowards in the service will not find a place,
   So keep on the firing line.
   • Refrain:
     Oh, you must fight, be brave against all evil,
     Never run, nor even lag behind;
     If you would win for God and the right,
     Just keep on the firing line.
3. God will only use the soldier He can trust,
   Keep on the firing line;
   If you’ll wear a crown then bear the cross you must,
   Keep on the firing line.
   Life is but to labor for the Master dear,
   Help to banish evil and to spread good cheer;
   Great you’ll be rewarded for your service here,
   So keep on the firing line.
4. (Not included in the video):
5. When we get to heaven, brother, we’ll be glad,
   Keep on the firing line;
   How we’ll praise the Savior for the call we had,
   Keep on the firing line;
   When we see the souls that we have helped to win,
   Leading them to Jesus, from the paths of sin,
   With a shout of welcome, we will all march in,
   So keep on the firing line.