Steps In Reviving my Blog - I transferred

This summer, I want to revive the place where I can talk about books with no one stopping me - my blog. I made my transfer to wordpress. I've also changed my blog name from IvanBookworm to Rumpelstiltskin and Co. 

rumpelstiltskinandco.wordpress.com

Visit the new blog and find out why I transferred. My blogger posts are also there, too.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

What I like about this book is the title. I know you do, too.

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. 

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it. 

Swoony, sweet, all-airplane scenes, cheesy conversations – this was my first impression for The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. I know you do too, I really like the title of the book. Statistical probability? – that seems to be a mathematical phrase.

I’m pleased that the book has these sweet moments that make you swoon for a fraction of a minute. At least they make the prose alive. It also has the heavy problems that make each character as if they are real beings in dreadful situations. However, their actions failed them.

A beautiful plane so small compared to
the sky. (source)

I really would like to love the book. But there were points that I cannot simply ignore and its forbidding me to like the story. Oliver was too mainstream. We’ve been to many books with perfect British guy - cool, handsome, attractive accent and kind with sense of humor. It is becoming so common to contemporary literature. On the other side, Hadley’s actions were just for a daughter with a dad marrying another girl beside her mom. It was natural for her to despise the other women. But her actions when it comes with Oliver, they were too unrealistic. You don’t go after a complete stranger; add the factor that she was in another country. A 24-hour plane ride is not enough to tell yourself you’re in love with your seatmate.

On the positive note.

Throughout the book, I really like the ending. No biased statements or anything else. I just simply love it. I love how things became settled for both Hadley and his father about this new marriage thing. It’s lovely. And I wish all stepmoms are like Charlotte.

In My Mailbox -14-

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Good day! fellow readers and swooners and travelers and adventurers - okay, that's enough. I just miss you all after my VERY long absence from the blogosphere. It's been a hectic month. But now, hey! I'm graduating high school! Finally! And that will mean more reading this coming summer.

And now for the IMM, I have three books for you. And yes, I've been in constant desire to read them.

Sorry for the Sepia effect. I just love it. 

Alamat ng Gubat by Bob Ong (locally published book)

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney

I can't wait to read these titles and share them to you. It's been a long time since my last post. Please bare with me, I just miss you all. 

In My Mailbox -13-

It's been a long time since I have posted an In My Mailbox post. Phew! Schedules are so hectic that I don't have time either to read or to post. Luckily, I found some minutes to today where I can post an IMM post. So here it is...

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 

by John Boyne 

If you start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy named Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at fence. Fences like this exist all over the world. We hop you never have to encounter one. 

I'm very curious what's the fences all bout. What is the fence in this book? Why is it all over the world? This book has so many questions for readers and that makes me interested to this book. 

That's all for now, Ciao! 

The Reason for Absence XD!

As you might notice, I didn't post anything this past weeks. Anything - reviews, teasers and other memes. I was so busy the past week that all I want is to sleep after I got all my work done.

Two things that have been eating my time were our research thesis and website coding; both are projects for some of my subjects. And the heck, it's not that easy to do a thesis or even to code a website.

But this past few days, I sorted it out and budgeted my time. I'm now reading The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas by John Boyne. So far, I'm liking it. Oh by the way, this is the first novel I borrowed from our school library! That's an achievement. I hope to finish this before Monday so I can put up a post.

For now, ciao!

TGIF! Buy or Borrow...

TGIF! is a bookish meme hosted by Ginger of GReads.

Where do your books that you read came from?

Do you prefer to own a book or have it on load?

---

I never got an ARC from publishers or authors and is not in a hurry to get them. At the first place, I do not blog to get ARCs. I actually never knew them until I started blogging. So, most of my books I read came from bookstores, some were borrowed and rarely from the library. 

The Bookstores

There are only three bookstores were I get my books - National Bookstore, Fullybooked and Booksale. Among the three, I buy most from National Bookstore. I have this "Laking National Card" where every peso I spent in the store counts for 1 point and 1,000 points is equal to 10 pesos. Accumulate it all and I can buy a book! Second is Fullybooked. I love the interior design of each branch of this bookstore. You can really feel the books and the bookish atmosphere. Their branch in Gateway mall have floors with texts from different books. Last but not the least, Booksale. I rarely buy books from them as they are all second-hands. But when I'm short in budget I usually visit them. One book I was proud to discover in their store was Blackbringer by Laini Taylor, one of the best fantasy books out there.

The Library

Here in the Philippines, we do not have proper public libraries, mostly are school-owned. I rarely borrow from my school's library. That's a shame on me as I am second in position after the librarians there because I'm the president of the club that organizes the library. Shame on me! But yes, I rarely borrow. Most probably because the titles there are mostly deep and educational like The Illiad and the Odyssey, Beowulf and Sherlock Holmes. But when I as kid, I have my library card stamped all over from the tons of books I borrow from them. 

Owned or Borrowed?

I prefer to own a copy for myself. I like the feel of having something in possession. Yes, I also borrow books and I like doing it but I still prefer having my own copy. Not just to fill my bookshelf but I want to share it to my future to be wife and kids. I would like to sit in a couch while having coffee and say, "Come here my boy, it seems you have a little problem. Come and read this, it might help you." LOL, things like that. 

How about you? Do you like to borrow or own books? 

DISCLAIMER: TGIF image is owned by GReads. 

Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

If you were to ask me what I prefer, day or night reading, I would choose night. Why? Because it's the time where everybody is sleeping and everything is at peace. I can focus more on what I'm reading when it is night time. You see, I'm very easy to be distracted. I don't want the noise of the day when I'm handling a book.

However, reading horror books at night time? Oh my, that should have a consideration for day time reading. I just finished The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney at exactly 12: 36am. Not to mention the scenarios like me looking over the window to see if someone is looking at me from the outside, me covering my whole body with a blanket to be "ungrabable" by ghost. Revenge of the Witch can make the horror out, but it seems there's a huge problem. here....

For years, Old Gregory has been the Spook for the county, ridding the local villages of evil. Now his time is coming to an end. But who will take over him? Twenty-nine apprentices have tried - some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. 

Only Thomas Ward is left. He's the last hope, the last apprentice. 

This a good book. But it can be better. 

Turning the first pages of the book, I was very delighted of the characters, the setting and their life style. They live in a farm. There are only villages, no cities yet. Have I told you that when I moved out of our house, I want to live in a suburban and near the sea? Neh? Now you know. 

The first part of the book was engaging. I learned the difference between a ghast and a ghost. Some scenes are very familiar with today's horror tactics - like creaking woods, walking sounds, thuds. But the book told it in some ways that make you feel the creeps.  

The culture was also very rich. I don't know what's the basis of Joseph Delaney for this book, but the way of life, the job of a Spook and how a Spook work, it's all perfect. It makes its world real. It's not just "Okay, to defeat a witch you must let her eat her own apple." It's beautifully crafted.

But I have some serious problems with the book. 

The character development of Thomas Ward was so weak. Though there are some, I see Thomas what he was in the beginning as the same as what he was in the end. He's brave from the start. There were clear text evidences that he has a strong personality and desperate when needed. He's clever but sometimes not from beginning to end. I don't know but I just can't see a new Thomas - shaped and molded by the hardships he have been through. 

The book also lost its momentum at the end. The ending was so easy and predictable. One factor probably was the very obvious clues that make you already know what's going to happen. And the book as so wordy. More on explanations rather than action. Maybe 3/4 of the book was only explanations. If you will say that "Well, because we are not familiar with it so they should explain and that's why." Well, actions can also explain. And much more entertaining. 

I know many enjoyed this book. I also enjoyed it but for the sake of criticism, we cannot let our emotions override the facts. We view things differently. 

I would like to give a four-star rating but the ending really disappointed me so I think three-star is more reasonable. Well, three-stars doesn't mean bad at all. For me, three-starts means "good". 

Yes, yes, I will try to read the other books in the series. I still want to get goosebumps and mini-heart attacks when reading this at night. 

Happy Reading! 

IMPORTANT

Not-so-positive reviews are not personal attack to the authors. Reviews are purely made for the criticism of the book and are base on facts.

DISCLAIMER: Book photo is owned by Goodreads. 

TGIF! Recommend it!

TGIF! is a bookish meme hosted by Ginger of GReads

Which book from the last 10 you've read would you recommend to a friend?

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Dear friend,

I cleaned and rearrange my bookshelf days ago and came across some books that I want you to read. I have two for you today and there are my personal favorites. Hope you like them, too.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 

This book really taught life. It's about growing up and how to understand the changes we are going through as we change everyday. It's a very motivating read and very inspirational. The writing is also a win - written in series of letters to an unknown recipient. This is also about "first-times." 

Matilda by Roald Dahl 

One thing we can treasure as we grow up are the sweet memories of our childhood. Good for you if you have a childhood not bounded by the internet as what we have now. Matilda reminded me of all the humors and pranks I did when I was still a small thing in this big world. I'm sure it will do the same to you, my friend. 

I really enjoyed them so I hope you, too

Love always, 

Ivan 

DISCLAIMER: Book photos are owned by Goodreads

Teaser Tuesdays: Revenge of the Witch

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB ofShould Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!]

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch

by Joseph Delaney

"I snatched up the candle and shrank into the farthest corner. Thump, thump, nearer and nearer, came the sound of heavy boots. Who could have been digging down there in the darkness?"

page 45

This is really spooky! 

DISCLAIMER: Book photo is owned by Goodreads

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

There are some books that leave you to keep think about certain matters. About why the characters did that. About things that you have learned. About how beautiful the book is. I finished reading Perks at midnight and left me with those questions. To simply say, the book is one of those inspiring and beautiful read. 


Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is navigating through the strange worlds of love, drugs, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", and dealing with the loss of a good friend and his favorite aunt.


I honestly don't know how will I be able to post an effective review for this one. This is always happening to me whenever I've read sometime worthy. I also learned so many things in this book that I will try my very best to apply it in my life.


First of all, as a growing teen-ager, I've been able to relate to Charlie. I hope I have a friend like Charlie. We all have gone through the times when we ask why and how things happen. It's a part of growing up. But there is a difference between growing up physically and growing up mentally. When was ask why and how things happen, what are their importance and why we should care about them, it's growing up mentally and that's the real deal. But when you just copy what the grown ups do and call yourself one, you never have grown up. You remain childlike. 


The novel was written in a series of letters from Charlie for someone who he doesn't know or met personally. He talks about his life and friends. Patrick, Sam, Mary Elizabeth, Craig and Brad. His family. These were the times we got to know Charlie and relate to his life even more. I know that not everyone can relate and that's normal. But for me, this book is something that grabs. 


It's full of thoughts and lessons. I already told you about one and here's another one. When the whole world seem to be against you and that no one is there to support you, keep hoping because it will be over soon. It will be. And friends. Yes we sometimes misunderstood them but they are actually a vital part in our growing up years. Without them we will not learn things that our parents and teachers don't want us to know. We will not be able to learn how to take risks and learn from it. 

But I don't understand Charlie why he always cry. I think it's part of his mental disorder that make him more emotional. 

Try to be a filter when reading. Do not just mind the character development and how grand the setting is. Mind also the thoughts that say something important. I'm not saying that development and setting is not important but they are just a part of the work, how about the other parts? We all should mind all the elements.  

Oh, I'm becoming wordy again. But that's it. That's what I think about this novel. I will certainly recommend this to everyone. I'm actually planning to give this to a friend that I know can relate to it very well. 

I heard that Perks was adapted to a motion picture and I can't wait to see it in the theaters. Especially that Emma Watson is Sam. I will definitely watch it. 

The top picture is a WIN!

(Book 3 of 2012)

TGIF! 2012 Must Reads

TGIF! is a bookish meme hosted by Ginger of GReads

Which books are at the top of your list to be read this year? 

(new or old releases)

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Most of my anticipated reads this year are old releases so please tell what do you think about them. 

The Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

I've been hearing a lot of readers saying that they cry buckets of tears with this book. So I want to try it. The synopsis in Goodreads didn't catch my interest, actually, but I know that there's more in this book. 

Finnikin the Rock by Melina Marchetta 

Readers opinions are divided in this one. They said that this book is very vague some said it very Marchetta and so it's good. I want to see it by myself.

Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta

In this book, they said that Melina Marchetta regain what's lacking in Finnikin the Rock. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

OMG John Green! That's all I can say. 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer Smith

The title really grabs my attention. And the fact that it was set in a 24hour airplane ride, it's very interesting.

************

and because it's 2012, I cannot let this post pass without me listing my... 

2012 Must Watch Movies 

Sherlock Holmes II

Last month, I went to Araneta Coliseum to watch Disney on Ice. Before the show, all I can see it Sherlock Holmes II trailer in the hanging screen. I watched the first one and I'm really eager to watch the sequel!

The Hobbit

I love Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit. OMG! I cannot wait for this especially seeing the trailer! 

The Hunger Games

What's new? All have been waiting for this one. I want to see Katniss fight.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower 

Emma Watson! Logan Lerman! Perks! This is MY most must watch film of the year!

Titanic 

I love Titanic. When I was a kid and that this film was still in VHS, I always watch it. Not to mention how hard it is since then to fast forward a VHS to the sinking part. 

Snow White and the Huntsman

This! I don't know about Kristen here but I want to watch it. 

That's it. So how about you, what are your must reads and watch for 2012? 

DISCLAIMER: Images of the books are owned by Goodreads. Images of the movies belong to their respective owners. 

Follow Me in Twitter!

Hello guys! This is just a quick post. I would like to say that I revived my Twitter account for this blog and you can now follow and have a chat with me!

Follow @IvanBookworm
Just click on the follow button and you're done! Thank you in advance. See ya'h there. 

Teaser Tuesdays: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB ofShould Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky

"So this is my life, and I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be."

This book is really a good one. You should read it.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

It's not my intention to but I find it interesting so I borrowed Matilda by Roald Dahl from a friend once she have brought it in our school. I said to myself, "Well, it's still not very awkward for me to read a children's book, right?" And as you might want to know, I really want to go back to my childhood and because it's very impossible, I'm doing things child-like. Actually, in the following weeks I'll be watching Disney on Ice. XD! Can't wait!!!

The Trunchbull is no match for Matilda! Who put superglue in Dad's hat? Was it really a ghost that made Mom tear out of the house? Matilda is a genius with idiot parents — and she's having a great time driving them crazy. But at school things are different. At school there's Miss Trunchbull, two hundred menacing pounds of kid-hating headmistress. Get rid of the Trunchbull and Matilda would be a hero. But that would take a superhuman genius, wouldn't it?

I haven't yet read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Dahl and they say that it's better than Matilda. Well, for me Matilda is a very nice children's book. It's fresh and full of wits. Matilda, especially, is exceptionally smart and can do telekinesis. Her parents ignore her and that's the most unwanted thing you want your parents to do to you. However, Matilda can manage and enjoy herself by making her parents crazy by putting superglue on his father's hat and more. 

I found myself laughing every time Matilda does something crazy that makes her parents jump and act childish. But the book is not just about making fun of people, it also discussed the problems of different people. It shows helping, caring and loving. But of course there's the Trunchbull to ruin everything. This headmistress is like an ex convict and turned to a school master the next morning. 

One thing that distracted me was the book seems to lose its momentum at the end of the book. The story becomes out of the nature of the book and becomes very predictable. But of course children will not know that. All they need is the fun of reading. 

The book has illustrations by Quentin Blake on almost every page. I found some of them ridiculous so I decided to share them with you. 

Look at how small Matilda is! The book is even higher than her! 

Ms. Trunchbull 

And Matilda and Ms. Honey live happily ever after. 

(Book 2 of 2012)

DISCLAIMER: Images used in this post are owned by the Ivanbookworm and blog. 

TGIF! Reading Resolutions

TGIF! is a bookish meme hosted by Ginger of GReads

What are some of your reading goals for the new year?

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I'm starting my 2012 pretty right and I have already finished three books! Wow! I think this year will be more reading than the previous one. Last year, I cannot have the time to read because of the hectic school schedules and a lot of exams. But this, I'm practicing Time Management to give way to free time. :) 

1. Be a filter not a sponge - It means to read with comprehension and application. Learn something deep and learn to extract what the story is trying to say indirectly. Not a sponge that let the water stay in for a while then drain it. It this case, let the thrill and excitement and the characters for a while then let the words be forgotten. 

2. Explore more genre - I like YA and Contemporary because I can relate to the stories they tell. However, life is too short to be locked on a single part of literature. I want to explore more like classics and historical. It seems that they are very interesting. 

3. Have more time to read - I spend so much time in the internet even though I know I'm not doing something. So this year, I will control myself to spend my spare time in books rather than the internet. (LOL, I really hope so!) 

4. Socialize more - I want to meet other bloggers. I'm very interested in learning about other people especially when we have something in common. I will try to "participate" this year. 

5. Not to judge a book by it's cover - I admit it! 

I will not have a very long list as I want to succeed to all my resolutions. How about you, what are your reading resolutions this year?