The Hunger Games

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Sha

The Hunger Games trilogy made up my last three reads for 2011. It is hard not to like the series and eventually get hooked to each and every page, hungry for what’s going to happen next. Fortunately, I got on the bandwagon late enough to have all three books with me, instead of having to wait for the next one to be written. I think I would have died waiting.

According to the numerous tweets in my twitter timeline, most people take just ONE weekend to finish all three books. But I’m not most people, so I took a bit longer. But it’s still the fastest I’ve ever read (slow reader here!).

Let’s get down to book 1:

The Hunger Games

First of all, you need to understand that The Hunger Games is not an eating contest.

It is actually an annual sadistic event in the city of Panem where each district has to “offer” two tributes (one boy and one girl) to the Capital. These 24 tributes will be thrown in a controlled environment where they have to do whatever they can to survive and be the last one standing. Yes, it’s a kill or be killed kind of situation.

Our protagonist is Katniss Everdeen, a fiesty little hunter, who doesn’t give a shit about rules. She has a best friend named Gale and a sister, Prim who is just 12.

The story starts when Prim’s name got picked to be the female tribute for that year’s Hunger Games. Thinking and knowing that her sister was way too young to be in such a harsh competition, Katniss volunteered to be tribute – even if it means a certain death. Together with her, the male tribute is the baker’s son Peeta set off to be trained for the Arena.

These are the 4 main characters that you will care about and cry over as the series goes on.

What’s interesting was how things were like in the Arena during the Hunger Games. A high level of survival skills, quick wit and street smarts are essential. There’s plenty of deaths, some twist and turns in this book.

Are you intrigued yet?

Believe me, this book will get you hooked! It is my personal favourite of the series, as most first-books-of-a-series are (mainly because they set the standard for the next book).

With the movie coming out in March, there’s still time for you to catch up on the hype! I am a firm believer that the book will always be better than the movie, and thus I always read the book first if there’s a movie coming out. But that’s me.

Here’s a trailer of The Hunger Games movie. It stars Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) and Liam Hemsworth (Gale)

Can’t hardly wait! I’ve never really imagine how Katniss looks like when I read the books but somehow I imagined what Peeta and Gale look like. And what I had in mind was so different than what’s in the trailer! I pictured Peeta as a goody two shoes boy, earnest looking and most sincere. I also imagined him to have an Irish accent for some reason. And Gale to have long dark hair (perhaps shoulder length), with a tough exterior because he’s had such a hard life – in a sexy and broody kind of way.

But oh well, my imagination makes up its own mind sometimes! Anyway, not gonna give away the plot for book 2 until after the movie is out! I have a strict no-spoiler policy. So look out for that post in March!

Hector and the Search for Happiness

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Sha

For the longest time, I’ve asked for nothing more than to be happy. Life experiences have attempted to rob me off my perfect bubble of “happiness”, and many a time, it did work. I’ve tried my best to not feel jaded and for years, all I’ve ever wished for was to be happy. But what does being happy really mean?

In this book by Francois Lelord, a psychiatrist by the name of Hector explores the world to know the true meaning of happiness. In his travels, he met people from all walks of life who have stories to tell. From these stories, and his own personal travel experiences, he comes up with a list of what makes people happy / what can ruin happiness

And the list is as below. I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of some of the things listed. Up till last year, I was making comparisons of my life to that of others (point number 1). How they’ve reach life’s milestones that are still somewhat out of my reach. And it made me very, very unhappy. But I managed to shake the feeling off last year, and focused on the here and now (point number 3) of my own life. Honestly, I’ve been happier since – because my life despite all the imperfections isn’t so bad after all.

1. Making comparisons can spoil your happiness

2. Happiness often comes when least expected

3. Many people only see happiness in their future

4. Many people think happiness comes from having more power or more money

5. Sometimes happiness is not knowing the whole story

Points number 7 and 10 are are also poignant to me. I guess all those years I’ve wanted to be happy without knowing what or how I was going to achieve it – and that brought on more unhappiness. As for point number 10, I’ve always believed that if you love your job, it isn’t really a job, it just become a part of your life – almost like a hobby where you get paid. And years back when I was on the hunt for my first job, I told myself that my happiness comes first – that I need to be happy where I work, and with what I do. Money shouldn’t ever compromise that.

And today, after grasping that belief over the years, I’ve finally found a job that fits both criteria.

6. Happiness is a long walk in beautiful, unfamiliar mountains

7. It’s a mistake to think that happiness is the goal

8. Happiness is being with the people you love; unhappiness is being separated from the people you love

9. Happiness is knowing that your family lacks for nothing

10. Happiness is doing a job you love

Not too sure what it feels like having my own house and my own garden, but I can definitely relate to being loved for exactly who I am. And let me tell you, it’s the best feeling ever. In a society where perfection is key (actually that applies in my own head too), it’s almost a heaven-sent gift when you’re loved as you are – turning your mere imperfections into the ultimate perfection.

Ditto on point number 15, new experiences (be it on travels or on an everyday basis) makes you feel so glad to be alive.

11. Happiness is having a home and a garden of your own

12. It’s harder to be happy in a country run by bad people

13. Happiness is feeling useful to others

14. Happiness is to be loved for exactly who you are (People are kinder to a child who smiles)

15. Happiness comes when you feel truly alive

Truly agree with point number 18. I’ve always gone against societal conventions and as long as I know that it is not illegal nor harming anyone else, why shouldn’t go ahead with how I live my life?

16. Happiness is knowing how to celebrate

17. Happiness is caring about the happiness of those you love

18. Happiness is not attaching too much importance to what other people think

19. The sun and the sea make everybody happy

Point number 20: a case of thinking if the glass is half-full or half empty. Sometimes a different perspective changes a lot of how we feel about things. Also, a little healthy competition is always good, but too much of it can poison everything.

20. Happiness is a certain way of seeing things

21. Rivalry poisons happiness

22. Women care more than men about making others happy

23. Happiness means making sure that those around you are happy

In a nutshell, Hector and the Search of Happiness is a very short, lighthearted book that could easily be a casual read. The tone is almost childlike, with vague details at some points where you’d need to think of what exactly the author is referring to in the present time and age. It is truly a cross between The Little Prince and The Alchemist. A delightful, almost magical read.

The Vagina Monologues

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Sha

vagina_monologues

I read The Vagina Monologues a couple of days back. Nothing and nobody warned me how it was going to affect me. In fact, I was hesitant to read it at first (I mean, who reads and writes about vagina anyway – well look who’s talking right now) but it was FP who urged me to read it. He told me that I need to find out more about myself.

And he was right.

I had no idea it was going to make me cry so many times. I had no idea that it was going to touch me in an indescribable way, and I certainly had no idea that it was going to make me realize what it really means to be a woman. It delves right to the very core of a girl – a forgotten, often neglected part of being female.

After reading this book, I realize that all women belong to a certain unspoken-of sorority. Right at our very core, we all share the same thing – something that we are born with, something that is ours and will always be ours. Yes, I realized after reading this that the vagina is in fact the very core of a woman.

I love how, when a 6 year old girl was asked what her vagina reminded her of, she answered, “A pretty dark peach. Or a diamond I found from a treasure and it’s mine”. That’s an answer that is so innocent and yet goes so deep down your soul, you know it’s true.

Two of my favourite monologues in the book are: Because He Liked to Look at It & I was There in the Room

Because He Liked to Look at It speaks about a woman who has always thought her vagina was ugly and was embarrassed and ashamed of it. I believe that most women feel the same way about her vagina, me included. So to have to read that this woman has found a man that simply adores vagina is truly touching.

This was what he said upon looking at her vagina, ” You’re so beautiful [...] You’re elegant and deep and innocent and wild”. Prior to this, he insisted of taking a look at it because this was who she is.

I was There in the Room will shake you emotionally, whether or not you are already a mother. It describes the birth of a child and the very important role the vagina plays in this process. How it changes from being “a shy sexual hole to an archaeological tunnel, a sacred vessel, a Venetian canal, a deep well with a tiny stuck child inside, waiting to be rescued”.

How it changes colours throughout the process and how it eventually became “completely exposed, mutilated, swollen and torn” and how a vagina is really like the human heart.

It was a short read really, if you minus the forward and the whole chunk about V-Day at the back. All I can say after reading it was, “Wow”. It has made me want to love myself even more, I feel myself embracing womanhood and so proud that I’m on this side of the human race. Many books have made me emotional but this book attacked the very being of me.

It’s a must read for all girls and women of all ages. Trust me. Some things to ponder on before you read the book: If your vagina got dressed, what would it wear? & What does a vagina smell like?

Twilight versus True Blood

Posted on May 6, 2009 by Sha

I finished watching the first season of HBO’s True Blood last weekend. It was really nice and brought a different perspective to the whole vampire hype. I discovered a lot of parallels between True Blood and Twilight as well as some differences. Let’s get down to it point by point.

Bill Compton & Sookie Stackhouse

The Leading Men – Edward Cullen vs. Bill Compton
- I thought Edward was broody, but Bill made Edward’s broodiness look like a little boy sulking. Bill was intense. Very, very intense. Hohoho. Me likey

- They both have become “vegetarian vampires” which means they do not feed on humans. While Edward hunts for animal blood, Bill goes to bars and order up a bottle of O- True Blood, a blood-like beverage that is manufactured by the Japanese.

- Edward doesn’t ever have to sleep, because vampires do not ever get tired. Bill hides in his underground lair in the daytime, taking his beauty nap.

- Bill sheds blood when he cries. In Twilight, vampires cannot shed any tears even when they feel really, really sad. Edward doesn’t cry, hehe.

- Both Edward and Bill fall for human girls – Bella Swan and Sookie Stackhouse respectively (both with powers of their own – more on this later)

- Bill has blood running through his veins. And this blood is useful in healing any kind of injures fast. In fact, vampire blood or V has become a very sought after drug in the series. Edward doesn’t have blood running through him.

- Even though Edward and Bill came from roughly the same time period, Bill speaks more like someone from an ancient past than Edward. I love how Bill speaks exactly like someone in the 18th century. So Mr Darcy!

- Bill was made vampire when he was 30. Edward is forever 17.

- Both Bill and Edward are governed by a higher ranking of vampires at some point. Eric (the oldest vampire) ruling over Bill and the Volturi ruling over Edward.

- Edward waits till marriage to make love with Bella. Bill doesn’t wait, ever

edbella

The Mortal Girls – Bella Swan vs. Sookie Stackhouse
- Bella is immune to any vampire powers that deal with her mind. Sookie can read the thoughts of other people (which can be very upsetting at times).

- Edward can read all minds but Bella’s. Sookie can read everybody’s mind but Bill’s. Though this might apply to all vampires, but it wasn’t proven in the show. So let’s just assume. Once again, it got so unnerving having this sudden role reversal. When Edward reads minds, it seems really cool and helpful. But for Sookie, she was traumatized more often than not.

- Both Bella and Sookie have more than one guy loving them. For Bella, it’s Jacob and he’s a werewolf (later on relabeled as a shapeshifter). As for Sookie, it’s Sam and he can shapeshift to a dog. Werewolf and dog = one big canine family. Familiar, much?

- Both Bella and Sookie were in apparent danger of being hunted and killed. Edward entrusted Bella to Jacob because he was the one other person who is capable to looking out for Bella while he was away even though he knows how Jacob feels. On the other hand, Bill trusts Sookie to Sam while he had to be taken away despite how Sam feels for Sookie for the same reason.

- Bella is clumsy. It wasn’t shown if Sookie is clumsy or not.

- Bella kissed Jacob. Sookie kissed Sam.

- Both Bella and Sookie are magnets for danger.

true-blood-bottle

Vampires in General
- Apparently in True Blood, vampires will grow weaker and eventually burst into flames and die if exposed to the sun. Twilight trumps True blood for this because vampires are even more beautiful in the sun (in Twilight). They sparkle and glitter. Oh lovely It took me sometime to get used to this concept of vampires not being able to be in the sunlight.

- In Twilight when you get turned into a vampire, you will suddenly become a million times better looking than when you were mortal plus heightened senses plus speed. In True Blood, you look the same when you become a vampire except for fangs, speed and a thirst for blood.

- In Twilight, the existence of vampires has to be kept a secret against all odds. In Trueblood, vampires seem to co-exist with humans, appearing on talk shows, going to bars and having rendezvous with humans

- In True Blood, vampires can be killed quite easily – unlike in Twilight.

- It takes 3 days in Twilight for you to be completely transformed to a vampire. In Trueblood, it takes one night and involve being buried in the ground.

Twilight Series – A Review

Posted on April 19, 2009 by Sha

Image taken from here.

This is long overdue since I’ve completed Breaking Dawn mid of last week. Actually, apart from being super busy, I was really trying to think of how to do a review of the series. Yes, I’m one of those bloggers who visualize how my post will look like / will be before I even start on it.

Come to think of it, I visualize every project I undertake before it even begins.

So here goes.

Twilight
This was THE book that got me so completely hooked and intrigued to the whole concept of Edward Cullen. A broody incarnation of perfection who is not only fast and strong but also glitters in the sun. What’s not to swoon about?

He was in fact “looking more like a Greek God than anyone had a right to”. *Swoon*

It steered me from the very convention that vampires can’t be in the sunlight because they will shatter to pieces. After reading Twilight, I find that old belief total nonsense. Vampires glitter and sparkle in the sun. Of course they do!

Edward is the very reason that this book is a sell-out. There’s something intriguing about him. Maybe it’s because he’s so unattainable. He is the forbidden fruit that Bella had to stay away from (but of course she didn’t, that stubborn cow). He is the epitome of perfection, in every sense. And that is why he is so appealing.

This book made every girl (not just teenagers lol) want to jump in front of every car, in hopes of being rescued by Edward. Or being pursued by a broody vampire who is so attracted to the smell of your blood but wouldn’t hurt you for anything in the world. Or being carried on piggy back by Edward and “flying” through the forest. Or wanting a guy with a silver Volvo car

In short, this book practically made Edward the most perfect eligible bachelor. Ever. And it leaves you wanting more. It even makes you want to be a vampire.

New Moon
Of all the four books, this was the book I took the longest to complete. I think it’s because it was draggy. So draggy.

Why draggy? Because Edward wasn’t physically there in the books. The only interesting parts I liked were when Edward’s voice came through Bella’s thoughts. Nonetheless I pushed myself to finish the book because it’s only from finishing this book that I will be able to know what happens next.

Edward left Bella upon an incident which made him realize that Bella will be in constant danger if he continues to be in her life. She will always be like a bait for his family members (who are not strong enough to control themselves from being allured by human blood). It pains him to leave her, but he did it for the greater good. Or so he thinks.

This left Bella to be depressed after he left her crying in the forest. I could hardly believe it when he did that. She was depressed for months, until one day she reacquainted with Jacob Black.

This book is mainly an introduction to the other supernatural existence in Bella’s world – the werewolves. It brought them under the spotlight and we learned more about them. I found Jacob to be a boring replacement for Edward and this book mostly entails about Jacob – which was probably why I found it boring.

It didn’t bother me much, until Jacob did the unthinkable which almost caused Edward to be killed (and this is pretty bad considering vampires are supposed to be immortal). I was horribly pissed off with stupid Jacob for driving Edward to such extremes.

This book also introduces us to the equivalent of the Mafia in the vampire world. Okay not really, but that’s how I feel about them after I’ve read the whole series. And upon meeting them, Bella has put herself in the spotlight and they’ve given Edward the ultimatum of turning Bella into a vampire or else she’d have to be dead. This has to do with all the shroud of secrecy that the world of vampires are supposed to be in.

In a nutshell, a pretty draggy book – until Edward comes into the picture.

Eclipse
Apart from Twilight, this was my favourite book in the series. I totally enjoyed this book from beginning to end.

Well except for the parts where Bella was so damn stubborn. I mean if Edward Cullen tells you not to do something, is it so hard to understand? Is it so hard to do what he says? It’s Edward for god’s sake!

Other than that, this book was a pleasure to read. Because it maximizes Edward’s power to read minds and this got interesting when he and Jacob got into close proximity. it was really hilarious at some points. It made the fight for Bella much more apparent and brought it to another level.

Jacob did kiss Bella twice. The first time, Bella punched him and that resulted in a broken hand. The second time was more real and made her realize that she was in love with Jacob too! But Edward did the most magnanimous thing ever and didn’t even blame Bella.

Bella was thrown into a whirlwind of confusing emotions. Edward or Jacob? Jacob or Edward? Would she be able to let go of Jacob after she turns immortal? Can she bear to hurt Jacob like that? But on the other hand, can she live without Edward? No, Edward is her whole existence. She chose Edward over Jacob for that very reason.

This book was all about protecting Bella from Victoria, and from the Volturi – whichever comes first. So the vampires and werewolves become one force in order to protect Little Miss Bella Whoops. Edward and Jacob brought Bella into hiding, while the rest of the Cullens and werewolf pack focused on the fight in other areas.

All in all, the best read since Twilight. Though Bella seems confused and frightened at being the future Mrs Cullen (I know, silly girl right?). She’s a bundle of nerves in this book. Though I think the main focus and stars of this book were Jacob and Edward (and Seth! I love Seth!). This book actually made me like Jacob more than I did in Twilight and New Moon.

Breaking Dawn
Ah, the finales of finales. I’ve read plenty of reviews that hated this book. I personally liked it. Before anyone says I’m liking this book blindly, haven’t you noticed that I didn’t like New Moon at all?

So anyway, here’s a list why I liked Breaking Dawn.

1) Edward and Bella got married. Even though the whole wedding thing was too rushed, it was nice to see them get their happily ever after. Bella even got to do a “human experience” that she didn’t want to miss once she turned immortal.

2) Jacob’s view point. A portion of this book was written from Jacob’s point of view. I found this extremely enlightening because it helped me get to know Jacob a lot better. And from this, I liked him even more. It also helped me understand the concept of werewolves and how everything worked in the world of werewolves much better. His portion in Breaking Dawn is one of my recommended highlights in the entire series.

3) Bella became a vampire. We finally get to live vicariously on how it would be like to turn into a vampire. All this while, Bella has observed Edward and the other Cullens, but we do not know truly how it is like to be a vampire. It will make you want to be a vampire too, because upon turning into an immortal, you would inherit supermodel looks and the grace of a swan and a voice that sounds like gentle bells. Oh, you’d also notice every detail with 10,000 times your usual clarity and your sense of smell, sight and hearing is completely heightened. What’s not to love?

4) Edward and Bella have a child. No, she’s not an immortal child though you’d think otherwise when you look at her. She was conceived and born while Bella was human. So, Renesmee (their daughter’s name) is half vampire, half human. She has the perfect, beautiful physique of a vampire but has a beating heart and blood flows through her. She however, prefers to be on a “blood diet” as opposed to milk. She is a wondrous child (though she nearly killed Bella during the pregnancy and birth). She has the reverse of Edward’s special talent and that itself is an amazing thing ever.

5) Jacob found his endless happiness despite the fact that Bella is now forever with her Edward. I am really thankful for this, because I was really starting to like Jacob. It would be painful if he would be emo for the rest of eternity.

6) The series got a happy ending. So what if nobody died? Is it bad enough? Would you rather see any of the Cullens die? Or Jacob? Everybody is happy at the end of the series. Yes we all thought there was going to be a big war and someone might die. Someone did die, but nobody too important to grieve about. I would say that the Cullens and their witnesses outplayed and outsmarted the Volturi. That in a sense, is victory. Nobody has to die for it to be as impactful as Harry Potter.

All in all, a good read. Tied up many sub plots. It could have been better (I guess) but I don’t have much complaints. My favourite book is still Eclipse, tho.

Gifts for the Invalid

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Sha

So, today turned out to be a day full of gifts!

When I finally returned to my office for work today, I saw several extra things on my desk.

There were:

1) Chocolates
2) Pop Mie (Indonesian Cup Noodles) in 3 different flavours
3) Twilight in Bahasa Indonesia.

Guess which one practically made my morning the most

Number 3, without a doubt. I knew that it will be on my table this morning but actually seeing it was a totally different sensation altogether! Hehehe.

The first thing I read off this book was: Pertama, Edward seorang Vampir.

Vampir! This is going to amuse me to no end to be reading about Edward and Bella in another language. I’m sure they’ve kept Edward’s charm and perfection intact. Thank you Nico

(this is where FP will poke his head in and ask, “Where’s your Twilight Ten-Year Series?” and then go on strike with a I Hate Twilight picket sign)

It just so happens that today is FP and my 71st month together. Yeap, just one more month to our 6 year anniversary. Time really flies

He got me my present yesterday, and it wasn’t meant to be a surprise because I wanted it as a present because I am sick. Sprained ankles = no joke, u know?? So I’ve been badgering him for a gift just because I was.. am momentarily an invalid. But since he gave it to me on our monthvesary, it can be a gift for both occasions.

I am gonna steal his photos from his Flickr account for this. I tried taking photos of it but photos turned out real bad so here it is.

Behold my erm.. Canon 5D Mark II (yes I don’t know what this means lol)

Of course it’s not a real camera! I don’t know how to operate a dslr to save my life! It’s a cheaper and more practical version of the camera. It’s a..

Thumbdrive! Love it! hehehe.

It’s so adorable, don’t you think? I love, love, love it! Now, if only it comes with s strap (like a lanyard). I would wear it round my neck and pretend its a real camera. LOL. It will not only be a chic accessory, it’s handy if I want to store things on the go!

But, turns out there’s no way to hang a strap anywhere. Like who would dump this in a big back full of knicks and knacks like mine and risk getting any piece broken?

It’s a camera! Of course it needs a strap, just like any other self respecting camera.

Why didn’t Canon think of this when developing this product?

Thank you so much FP <3

.: asylum for the sane :.

where rainbows end.

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