Follow Friday (Feb. 25)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View.
This week's feature: Nakesha of Totally Obsessed!
This week's question: Share your current fav television show! Tell us a bit about it...
I'm torn between The Vampire Diaries and Glee. I adore both so much (I don't think 'adore' is the correct word...but whatever). Hehe. Now come to think of those two, I realize I also love Merlin by BBC. But, right now I'm totally in Glee mood! I guess I've been glee-d. I seriously cannot get Glee's rendition of Blame It (On the Alcohol) out of my head after the last episode. I guess the cuteness of Sam Evans helps contributing to my addiction.

What's your current fav television show?

Seven Facts Award

First and foremost, I'd like to thank Kate Evangelista of Reads, Reviews, Recommends for giving me the Seven Facts Award. Now, I didn't expect this at all and I accepted it with open hands and heart. Thank you thank you thank you! You're such a wonderful blogger and person, Kate.

Things to do to accept this award:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog.

2. Post seven random facts about yourself.

3. Pass on the award along to 15 other worthy bloggers.

Onto the seven facts, I must say that I'm not that interesting. Possibly one of the most boring persons to walk the earth. Hehe. Anyway, here we go:

1. I'm a law student, in my final year. But, I still haven't got a clue as to what I want to do with my life after law school.
2. I'm a big supporter of Real Madrid. If there's a local peña for madridistas, I'd totally sign myself up.
   
3. I'm totally addicted to Glee and Sam Evans (isn't he the cutest and dorkiest guy on TV, as of now?)
4. I couldn't speak or write proper English until I was 14.
5. Knives freak me out. I have wild imagination running in my head every time I see a knife or someone mentions it.
6. I love languages. It saddens me that I can only speak/understand 3 languages.
7. I love frozen yogurt, especially green apple flavored.

And now I pass this award to the following 15 blogs (in no particular order):

Lazy Girl Reads

Book Lover's Hideaway

Rachel Morgan Writes

Freda's Voice

As the Pages Turn

Emma Michaels

Confessions of a Readaholic

Gone with the Words

Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf

Playing Librarian

Unputdownable Books

Starry Sky Books

Booked On a Feeling

Book Journey

Tribute Books Mama

Teaser Tuesdays (Feb. 15)

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

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
• Share (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!

This week, my current read is 'City of Stars' by Mary Hoffman. It is the second installment of of the young adult series, Staravaganza.

Georgia is an ordinary girl, living in London with her mother, stepfather and bully of a stepbrother and coping with the difficulties of growing up. But all that changes when she buys a tiny figurine in the form of a winged horse and suddenly finds herself swept up into the world of the Stravagante. Her talisman, the figurine, transports her to Remora the Talian parallel to Siena, Italy.

My teaser: Dreaming of a city with flying horses was one thing - even if it turned out not to be a dream and the city was real. But coming face to face with someone from her own world, someone she knew to be dead - that was something else again. (pg 76)

In My Mailbox #1

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted at The Story Siren every Sunday. The aim is to share the new stuff we got for the week with other participants of the meme. Books don't have to literally come in our mailbox. The idea is just to share what's new on our book stacks.

Here are what I have in my mailbox for this week.

Title: Rampant (Killer Unicorns, #1)

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Publication Year: 2010

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

Astrid had always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one of the monsters attacks her boyfriend—thereby ruining any chance of him taking her to the prom—Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient cloisters the hunters have used for centuries.

Title: City of Stars (Stravaganza, #2)

Author: Mary Hoffman

Publication Year: 2003

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

Georgia is an ordinary girl, living in London with her mother, stepfather and bully of a stepbrother and coping with the difficulties of growing up. But all that changes when she buys a tiny figurine in the form of a winged horse and suddenly finds herself swept up into the world of the Stravagante. Her talisman, the figurine, transports her to Remora the Talian parallel to Siena, Italy.

Title: The Blue Noon (Morning, Noon and Night, #2)

Author: Robert Ryan

Publication Year: 2003

Genre: Historical Fiction/WW2

East End chancer Harry Cole is consumed with a burning desire to transcend his social class and when WW2 breaks out he joins the British army in France and reinvents himself as the suave Captain Mason. He becomes involved with an attractive French nurse, who persuades him to set up and run an escape line. As the debonaire Captain Mason, he helps dozens of soldiers to safety, including one Airey Neave. But when his true identity is discovered by the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Harry is faced with his toughest moral dilemma - the acceptance he craves at the cost of betraying his comrades-in-arms. Meanwhile, back in London, Neave is furious that Harry had the gall to impersonate a British officer and sends instructions to apprehend Harry at all costs. Harry realises he is involved with forces far more ruthless and devious than he could ever have imagined.

Title: After Midnight (Morning, Noon and Night, #4)

Author: Robert Ryan

Publication Year: 2005

Genre: Historical Fiction/WW2

In 1944, a Liberator bomber pilot writes a letter to his daughter on the occasion of her first birthday, he posts it moments before embarking on a mission in Northern Italy. Tragically he never returns and neither the wreckage of his plane nor his body has ever been found. In 1964, Linda Carr resloves to find out what happened to her father on that terrible night. She employs the help of Jack Kirby, a Mosquito pilor during the war and a man with his own inner demons. What Jack and Linda discover in their journey deep into uncharted mountain regions where they attempt to piece together the fragments of their personal stories, is more dangerous and life-changing than anyone could ever have imagined.

What's in your mailbox this week?

Review: City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

Title: City of Masks (Stravaganza, #1)
Author: Mary Hoffman
Publication Year: 2002
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

One moment Lucien is in this world and the next he is transported to the 16th-century city of Bellezza, a world that is filled with deception, treachery and glamour. At first it feels as if only his mind is visiting Bellezza, but Lucien soon discovers that he is in fact a Stravagante - someone who, with the help of a talisman, can transport himself in time and place. Lucien may be the one person able to save Bellezza from political intrigue surrounding the city's ruler. But there is always the chance that he will get stuck on the other side of time, never able to return to his own world.

My two cents: Finally, I got to read this book! It had been on my wishlist since I first saw it. It offers a really wonderful premise - a parallel dimension of our world. The country of Talia is both like and unlike the Italy of this world and exists in a parallel world similar to a 16th-century Italy. In this alternate universe, magic as we know in our world is science and science as we know is magic.

Lucien, our protagonist lives in 21st-century London and is ill with cancer. But, one day after falling asleep hugging a new notebook given by his father, he found himself in Bellezza, a city in Talia with his illness gone. It was in Bellezza he discovered the secret of stravagazing, an act which enables certain people to travel between the two worlds. These people are called Stravaganti and Lucien is one of them.

The description of the city as well as of the Bellezzan culture are very well-detailed by the author. There are masks, mandolas (or known as gondolas in our world) and politics of the court. The similarities and differences between Bellezza and Venice are very well compared. As someone who doesn't know much about Italy and its history, I found myself drawn to the culture and the beauty of it. It kinda motivates me to read more on Italy especially on Venice, very much like how Lucien was motivated to learn as much as he could about Venice after his first visit to Bellezza.

Most of the characters are likable. The depiction of Lucien's parents as parents struggling to keep their cancerous child alive felt very realistic. Lucien's mentor and master in Bellezza, Rodolfo does not lack of depth either. However, I found it difficult to relate to the Duchessa and to understand the motives behind her sometimes ruthless action. But she is, no doubt, very clever and a great schemer and doesn't hesitate even a bit to do anything to protect the city and the people she loves.

Though the book is a part of Stravaganza series, it certainly stands on its own and the author ends Lucien's story on a beautiful note. You don't really need to read subsequent books to find out what happened to Lucien and the people he has come to love.

My only complain is there seems to be no clear explanation as to what Stravaganti do and why they do what they do except that they can travel between the worlds and they have to guard the journeys from the people with oblique motives. Maybe there is some explanation offered in subsequent books and I'll try to read them to see if there is any.

All in all, a very enjoyable read. Something light for a change after all the WW2 novels I've been reading lately. I'm certainly looking forward to reading the second book, 'City of Stars'.

My verdict: 4/5

On My Wishlist #3

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City which runs every Saturday. It's where you list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. To participate just head on to the said website.

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It's been some time since I had a wishlist. Though I still haven't got hold on the books from my previous lists, here I am with a few more books. I seriously can't help keeping my wishlist from growing. And this time, I'm in a historical fiction mood.

"Dying Day" by Robert Ryan Ever since I finished reading 'The Last Sunrise', I can't help thinking about this book. I've looked everywhere for this. Even BookDepository does not have it in ready stock. Wonder where can I look next. Hmm...

Description: Laura is determined to track down her missing sister, but is in danger of getting caught up in a country on the brink of the Cold War.

She is waiting on a street corner in Piccadilly, London, with a Colt .32 in her handbag. Laura McGill is desperate to find out what happened to her sister Diana. Both were Special Operation Executive (SOE) spies during World War Two. One night in 1944, Diana was flown into occupied France but never returned. Could she still be alive?

James Hadley Webb, the man who sent Diana on her final mission, is now a spy in Berlin. Despite attempts to stop her, Laura travels to Germany to confront him and soon becomes caught in the crossfire of a bloody turf war fought between the East and the West for control of the city.

"By Fire, By Water" by Mitchell James Kaplan I have to admit, Spanish Inquisition is not really something I know by heart. In fact, my knowledge on the subject is very limited. A friend suggested this book a few days ago...and from the reviews, it does sound good. Time to delve into another one of most talked about historical periods.

Description: Luis de Santángel, chancellor to the court and longtime friend of the lusty King Ferdinand, has had enough of the Spanish Inquisition. As the power of Inquisitor General Tomás de Torquemada grows, so does the brutality of the Spanish church and the suspicion and paranoia it inspires. When a dear friend’s demise brings the violence close to home, Santángel is enraged and takes retribution into his own hands. But he is from a family of conversos, and his Jewish heritage makes him an easy target. As Santángel witnesses the horrific persecution of his loved ones, he begins slowly to reconnect with the Jewish faith his family left behind. Feeding his curiosity about his past is his growing love for Judith Migdal, a clever and beautiful Jewish woman navigating the mounting tensions in Granada. While he struggles to decide what his reputation is worth and what he can sacrifice, one man offers him a chance he thought he’d lost…the chance to hope for a better world. Christopher Columbus has plans to discover a route to paradise, and only Luis de Santángel can help him.

"Revolution" by Jennifer Donnelly I never intended to read this book. But that was before I knew what it actually is about. The premise sounds promising. And the reviews are good.

Description: Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Historical de Tour Genre

Second Reading Challenge for me! Yeay! This time it's Historical de Tour Genre Reading Challenge 2011 hosted by Bitsy Bling Books. Go here to check the full entry for this challenge.

Since I'm already doing Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011, I figure, why not take up this challenge as well. After all, I enjoy reading historical so much!

The challenge is open throughout the year, from January 1 - December 31, 2011.

Goals with this challenge:

1. Since this is a tour, the idea is to read at least one book from each sub-category. Of course, it'll be the envy of all if we read more and can do multiple 'laps' around the track.
2. The books do not have to be selected ahead of time. They can be added as we go. Also, if they are listed upfront, we can change them, no bigger. The idea is to have fun. The books can crossover into other challenges, because let's face it -- our eyes would fall out of your head otherwise.
3. It can be joined anytime between now and the later part of this year.

I will post the list of the completed books in this post as I go along. ;)

1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

(Historical Thriller)

2. Hannah (Daughters of the Sea) by Kathryn Lasky

(Historical Fantasy)
3. After Midnight by Robert Ryan
(Historical Thriller)

Follow Friday (Feb. 11)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View.
This week's feature: Ruby of Ruby's Reads
This week's question: What is your favourite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man?
I don't know. Really. I like both. I really can't choose between the two. But, if I REALLY have to choose, then it would the strong silent type. I like guys who would only say something when it's absolutely necessary. I guess it's because I'm talkative and a good listener would do me good. But, he does have to be strong. A woman does need her man to protect her. ;)

Meet Me On Monday (Feb. 07)

This week I'm trying out new meme, Meet Me On Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old. Every week, 5 get-to-know-you questions are posted so that we can copy and paste into our own Monday post. Head on to Never Growing Old to participate.

This week's questions are:

Did you watch the Superbowl? Nope. Having come from outside the USA, I never really know what the Superbowl really is.

What is the last book that you read? 'Wishing Upon a Star' by Martina Reilly. A good read and I enjoyed it so much.

What is your favorite kind of cake? Hmm, I don't really eat cake. But, if I have to take my pick, it would be cheesecake. I love cheesecake so much especially blueberry cheesecake. And occasionally, I'd get cupcakes with coffee frosting. They taste so good.

Do you snore? So far, no one has ever complained. So maybe nope.

Do you play an instrument? Nope. I wish I do though. I played clarinet for a while in elementary school but I just stopped when I went to high school. Currently, I have to make do with enjoying my brother's guitar playing. Maybe one day, I'll ask him to teach me basic guitar.

What are your answers?

Review: Wish Upon a Star by Martina Reilly

Title: Wish Upon a Star

Author: Martina Reilly

Publication Year: 2006

Genre: Chick lit

It's hard for Lucy, being the sister of supermodel Tracy Gleeson. It's hard because Tracy is gorgeous and Lucy feels distinctly average; Tracy is famous and Lucy works as a receptionist in a vet's clinic; Tracy has just landed a part in a major Hollywood movie and all Lucy has ever wanted to do is act. Worse than that, Lucy's daughter wants to get to know her father - only Lucy never told him she was pregnant. So, against the advice of her best friends and her doom-laden mother, Lucy begins the search to trace the boy she has tried so hard to forget...

My two cents: This is the first book from Martina Reilly that I read. At first, I was a bit hesitant to read this. I rarely read chick lit and I didn't know what to expect from the author. I just bought the book because it was on a good bargain. Anyway, I decided to give it a try and I'm delighted that I did.

It's a really fun read and a quick one too. I finished this in 5 days. It's funny, witty, sad and eye-opening all in one. Credit has to be given to the author for combining all these without losing the pace and manage to keep things interesting.

The book follows the main character, Lucy as she deals with her day-to-day life and regrets of the past. The story of the past is told in the format of Lucy's diary and the present is told from Lucy's POV. To be honest, I don't really know how to describe Lucy. She's sometimes funny and witty and sometimes passionate and emotional. For most part of the story, I felt sorry for her and kept hoping that she would have a happy ending. But, she did become a bit of a bitch towards the end. Maybe it was necessary since it was this occasion that finally opened her eyes. Before, she never really knew what she wanted, except that she wanted to be an actress. However, a little taste of popularity changed that. She finally realized that everything she ever wanted and wished for, she already had.

I found the portrayal of the characters to be really believable. The vet Lucy works for portrays everything wrong with stereotyping. There is no rich vet with fabulous sense of fashion in this book. Lucy's best friends, both Gray and Maddie, are very likable. Lucy's parents are hilarious, especially her mum with her remarks. Lucy's daughter, Fainne is very clever and has some of the best lines. The story might be about Lucy's search for the father of her daughter. But, there are so much more than that. It is also about sibling rivalry between Lucy and Tracy. And also the self-discovery and self-realization by Lucy following the search.

One thing I don't really like is that there are too much usage of the 'f' word. I can't help but feel that the book can do without so much of it. But halfway through, it seemed to tone down a bit.

I'm hoping that this won't be the first and the last time I read something from Martina Reilly. I'm already eyeing 'Something Borrowed' and 'Wedded Blitz' from her. I'm really glad that I discovered this book.

My verdict: 4/5

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011

This is my first ever reading challenge. Maybe a bit late, but I hope not too late. Hey, it's only February.

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011 is hosted by Historical Tapestry. There are 5 levels. And my aim as of now is to reach 'Struggling the Addiction'. 10 books to reach the level. Whew!

The challenge runs from January 31 - December 31, 2011.

Books I've finished for this challenge:

1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
2. After Midnight by Robert Ryan

Teaser Tuesdays (Feb. 1)

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

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
• Share (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!

This week, I'm reading 'Wish Upon a Star' by Martina Reilly, an Irish author.

It's hard for Lucy, being the sister of supermodel Tracy, especially now that Tracy has landed a part in a major Hollywood movie and all Lucy ever wanted to do is act. Worse than that, Lucy's daughter wants to get to know her father - only Lucy never told him that she was pregnant. So, against the advice of her best friends and her doom-laden mother, Lucy begins the search to trace the boy she has tried so hard to forget...

My teaser: But my dreams were shattered. And I had to blame someone and that someone was him because he'd given me hope in the first place. (pg 70)