Review: Kiss Me Quick, Before I Shoot by Guy Magar

In memory of Jacqui Magar. 

I loved the romance aspect of this book. So informative but yet it grips your emotion.

Kiss Me Quick, Before I Shoot
by Guy Magar

Publisher: Sea Script Company 

Publication Date: April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-9828663-4-4
Genre: Celebrity, Memoir, Romance
Book Description:

Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot is a memoir about magic: the magic of making films and the magic of finding true love. If you love movies and you're a romantic at heart, this is your dream book.

"For me, there is no more magical a professional endeavor than making films," says Guy Magar. With production work spanning over 100 credits from shorts to TV shows to feature films, Guy Magar's behind-the-scenes stories range from his first producer turning out to be a Mafia assassin, to shooting in Egypt for the original series Battlestar Galactica, to directing a grunting Mr. T on The A-Team, to almost decapitating a young Drew Barrymore, and coming close to derailing James Cameron's career (or slowing it down as he proved way too talented for anyone to alter his storied destiny!)
Kiss me quick before I shoot was Guy's welcoming catchphrase to his wife Jacqui whenever she visited on-set, seemingly always just before he rolled cameras. And so this book is also about a deeper magic, the magic of finding your soulmate, your life partner.
But then, out of the blue, after 26 years into their marriage, Jacqui was diagnosed with leukemia. Guy put his film career on hold and his entire 24-hour life focus became to find the right, new cutting-edge treatment to heal Jacqui. 
This book is about daring to dream...and making dreams come true. Join Guy on a wild and thrilling rollercoaster ride as he shares the behind the curtain reveal of a Hollywood directing career, the intoxicating highs of finding and sharing true love, and the sweet triumph of survival and healing, all rolled into a unique and engaging memoir read which will become a favorite to curl up with (hot chocolate required) and to recommend to all your friends.

RATING

Four for the tenderness. This book really took me to where
it wanted to take me smoothly.

REVIEW

I really love the set of books that I read this time because even it's not in the mainstream industry these books still live to what a good book should be. These books deserved a public recognition because of it superb content. One of these is Guy Magar's Kiss Me Quick, Before I Shoot.

This book left me in my reading corner stunned and speechless as I came in its end. I know that this book is very wonderful but still no words can be heard from me nor words floating in my mind that will try to assess it. Wonderful is not enough I guess. For this book deserves more than that. This book deserves the a slot in the limelight of publishing and deserves to be marked as "A MUST READ OR ELSE YOU MISS 3/4 of YOUR LIFE" label.  

This is one of the books that I ever read whose emotion of the characters transferred to my physical being. This book is classy!

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Review: The Generosity of Strangers When War Came to Fornelli by Thomas A. Antonaccio

And after of months in idle, I had once again placed by fingers in review! Hope you read this book! Lovable character, heart-warming experience, and fantastic motivations. 

The Generosity of Strangers When War Came to Fornelli 
by Thomas A. Antonaccio
Publisher: Thomas A. Antonaccio
Publication Date: September 22, 2012
ASIN: B009FPS3FK
Format: eBook
Genre: Non-Fiction, War, Biographies
Book Description:

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is written in first person, free verse, and consists of a series of vignettes chronicling the real life experiences of a young girl and her family in war-torn Italy in the 1940s. The story is set in the town of Fornelli–a tiny hilltop community in Italy’s mountainous heart.

For Lucia and her family, life in Fornelli is anything but boring. Life is difficult, yet tranquil. But soon the war comes, and life in Fornelli is tranquil no more.

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is a true accounting from the eyes of Lucia, about faith, hope, and courage in the midst of war and its aftermath. It poetically conveys how even in desperate times people can open their hearts and rise above adversity.

RATING

Smooth, easy-going, and a light-in-the-heart novel.

REVIEW

This book, The Generosity of Strangers When War Came to Fornelli by Thomas A. Antonaccio, does away from the mainstream idea of how a war novel should be. This is different. I didn't expect this kind of presentation by the author. I thought that this is full of bombs, tanks, corpse and blood which, honestly, I hate very much. He did an unsual attack and doesn't turn out really as a war novel.

This book talks about the life of a little girl named Lucia (who turns out to be the mother of the author and the story of her in the early days) in times of war. Set in Italy, the author retells how the life of his mother's family, yes, it's a true to life story, in the greener side of it. True, that there's no such thing as "GREENER SIDE" of war but at least the author doesn't focus in the dark side. 

FORM

The kind of form that this novel has is so rare that we barely read other novels in the format (or I just haven't read so much). The form has its contribution in the development of the story because it opens a door for you  to connect with the character in the personal level. It also brings out the meaning that the author wants to tell his readers even by not telling it explicitly, word for word. The use of such form for this novel is justified. Not all writers can use a certain form with out justifying it to himself as to why he will use such. In the case of  Antonaccio, the form gives a more edge in his sword.

CHARACTER

The protagonist's name is Lucia, a little girl born in Fornelli, Italy. The way she was written and packaged was beautiful. A likeable and lovable character. Only few authors can make their characters likeable. Lucia, for me, tends to be my friend. I believe most of the people that had read this will relate to what I am saying. She is nice, friendly, and lovable. As I read the novel to it's end, the more I've been close to Lucia. I feel her fears, her desires, her craves, her need, her joy and all that she felt. A good and well written character makes your novel loved by your readers. I assume that writing of Lucia was prettily done because the author has a real basis to it, basis to how it behaves and all, looking it as if it is real.

STORY

The story is good yet I'm not satisified. At first, it doesn't give the feel of excitement to turn another page. No shocking and attention grabbing scenes. But as you go along, you will understand that the novel is not about the kind of work that you had in mind. You will to consider some things because of the nature of it. I love the story. I love how it flows. However, there are lapses that we may spot. Parts that you feel so awkward with and you will now start thinking why the author had written it that way. 

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I'm back and always be!

After I've lost the ebooks that I should be reviewing for this year, I'm happy to announce that I will be on this blog again reviewing books and featuring authors. :) That's right, Hail Gil on the move again... Later, I will be reviewing The Generosity of Strangers When War Came to Fornelli by Thomas A. Antonaccio.

Read the synopsis below. The review to be followed later.

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is written in first person, free verse, and consists of a series of vignettes chronicling the real life experiences of a young girl and her family in war-torn Italy in the 1940s. The story is set in the town of Fornelli–a tiny hilltop community in Italy’s mountainous heart.

For Lucia and her family, life in Fornelli is anything but boring. Life is difficult, yet tranquil. But soon the war comes, and life in Fornelli is tranquil no more.

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is a true accounting from the eyes of Lucia, about faith, hope, and courage in the midst of war and its aftermath. It poetically conveys how even in desperate times people can open their hearts and rise above adversity.

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THIS CAN'T BE

I HATE THIS!

ALL THE EBOOKS THAT I WILL BE REVIEWING WAS GONE! IT WAS LOST! GRRRRR!
THEREFORE, I GONNA START ALL OVER AGAIN! THIS IS BAD..

(sorry for the caps)

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Book Review: Point Deception by Jim Gilliam

Point Deception
by Jim Gilliam
Publication Date: Dec. 21, 2010 
Publisher: BookLocker

ISBN: 978-1-60910-620-1

Format: Paperback
Language: English
Genre: Fiction, Autobiography, Military
Book Description:

Surviving the mean streets of New Orleans in 1956, young Tim Kelly begins a young Indiana Jones style adventure by lying about his age to join the Coast Guard at fourteen.
Almost a decade later, Kelly transfers to San Francisco where he immediately runs afoul of his new executive officer. In lieu of a court martial Kelly volunteers for combat duty in Vietnam where three of his friends are killed in a friendly fire incident. Deeply mourning the loss of his friends, he releases his rage in an Air Force officer's club and is punished with a less than honorable discharge.
Back in the U. S. Kelly embarks on a new career as an undercover narcotics agent, entering the shadow world of drug and human trafficking sponsored by his old friend and mentor Rodolfo Guzman, a kingpin in the powerful Campeche drug cartel. His failure to check in with his handler alerts a team of Texas lawmen who embark on an illegal, clandestine, armed incursion into the sovereign territory of Mexico to either rescue Tim or recover his body. It is a bold and dangerous plan. Not even the most elite units of the Mexican federal police dared attack Rodolfo Guzman's hacienda--a renegade state within a state that did not answer to the Mexican government.
Will the rescue team arrive in time?
Jim Gilliam's novel moves like a freight train through a tight, spellbinding storyline. An engaging and fast-paced suspense thriller, Point Deception is a riveting page-turner, based on true events.

-Book Locker

RATING

REVIEW

Point Deception is a debut novel of Jim Gilliam. Like Tim, the author ran away from their home and joined the USCG (US Coast Guard) at the age of 14.

The novel wanted to show to its readers, especially to non-US citizens, that in spite of US over-whelming power in the world, US can't still end the illegal Mexican trades happening within US-Mexico border. This novel also shows mother-son relationship at times when a father is out or lost within the sight of the family. Independence is the value that is being highlighted and I love the way how the author portrayed this value. Another value that I like most is the heaviness of fighting for justice and for the betterment of many despite of the fact that Tim treated Rodolfo like his own father but still agrees to be an undercover narcotics agent against Rodolfo.

Though the author should have paid much attention to the military part (because this is I how see the book at first), but maybe, aside from the adventures and military actions, the author wanted to put importance on HOW the protagonist strives for independence to do the things that he really wanted to do in his life.

According in this book, the author also will be publishing a sequel to this. I am still looking forward to read his incoming book.

Good job.

Available at

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GIVEAWAY: Finding Your Road To Success by Patrick Daniel

 Finding Your Road to Success
by Patrick Daniel
Publisher: PDCA Publishing
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-0-9867060-0-4
Format: eBook and Paperback
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational

'Finding Your Road to Success - How to get there without getting lost' is a self-help motivational type book filled with many inspiring stories, famous quotes, great lessons, and personal experiences.

The book is interactive in the sense that it gets you thinking about your life. As you read, you find yourself analysing exactly where you are in your life, versus where you would like to be. And with each page you read, the more you will discover about who you are and what true success really means to you.

If you are looking for a book with great tips and tools on how to achieve ultimate success, then 'Finding Your Road to Success - How to get there without getting lost' is the book for you.

THE AUTHOR

Patrick Daniel is the author of 'Finding Your Road to Success - How to get there without getting lost', a self-help motivational and inspirational book aimed at shattering the notion that success is a myth.

Patrick became something close to independently wealthy by the tender age of 30. But what is even more admirable about Patrick is that he realized at a young age that true success is achieving goals that are more than monetary.

As a successful chartered accountant and owner of his own accounting company, the author's credentials are unquestionably well suited for this book.

'Finding Your Road to Success' is a must-read for anyone who needs a shot of optimism. "Life is filled with solutions, not problems" is at the core of Patrick's "glass half-full" attitude, and you'll find this attitude with every turn of the page.

JOIN Finding Your Road to Success FREE eBook GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Congratulations!!!

I am very happy to inform everyone that Hail Gil is now spreading its scope and has been accommodating  more readers and authors. There are a number of books coming in my door and a way impressive number of emails from authors telling that they want Hail Gil to host some book giveaways. ^^ Let's give everyone a round of applause.

Because of that, next week, I will post two book reviews and also two book giveaways! Isn't that wonderful? And hopefully I can convince these authors (who are giving their books away) to post a short word for you guys! (I bet they would.)

Hopefully, months from now, aside from doing reviews and giveaways, I would be able to host book tours as well! Woooh! That's a tough job, I guess. But all are possible with your help guys. Let's all have a momentous reading experience.

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HAIL GIL Plan!

Good Evening.

I am now currently planning to widen the scope of this blog and in attaining this I will incorporate more reader and book-lover features. BLOG TOURS and more GIVEAWAYS may be one of the features. I am really looking forward on this feat.

But for the meantime, do like my Facebook page and follow my Tweets so will remain updated.

^^

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Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzzane Collins

Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic

ISBN: 978-0-439-02349-8

Format: audio book
Language: English
Genre: Fiction, Dystopian, Romance

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

RATING

Four for the effortt

REVIEW

Well. What do we have here? A bloody skirmish among existing victors, and Peeta and Katniss is back again to compete and to survive to Quarter Quell. The arena was intellectually designed to arouse excitement for the people in the Capitol. This book really highlights the theme of independence, rebellion, and government.

Way to go!

Available at

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Book Review: Desert Harvest by Wando Wande

Desert Harvest
by Wando Wande
Publication Date: December 31, 2011

ASIN: B006OEVPB4

Format: eBook
Language: English
Genre: Fiction

When her mother walks out of the family, Mille struggles to raise her siblings at a ranch in the Sonoran desert. Of course, her father is no help. Everyone in town calls her mother a whore. How long can she cope before insanity swallows her whole?

Read here the bounty of the Desert Harvest. A short story.

RATING

Four for the effortt

REVIEW

Not the usual but reflects more or less about life.

I haven't laid my eyes on such work like Desert Harvest of Wando Wande. Though there are minor lapses but still a good story to read. I wonder what happen next? ^^

Available at

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Delayed Reviews

Gosh! Its been two Mondays now that I haven't reviewed any books. :( It's quite sad for my part but I can't figure out why I've done such miserable action. But however, I'll promise that I resume the doing reviews (especially that my Mom gave me a new cellphone where I can read my ebooks even I'm away from my PC). ^^ Stay tune for more books to be reviewed. :D Okay??

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Guest Post: Heather Huffman, Author of Jailbird

Writing Time Management
by Heather Huffman

I was recently asked during a radio interview how I manage my time as an author, a mother, an anti-slavery activist and a homesteader. Nights like tonight, when I’m a week behind on blog posts and I have a half-made chicken tractor sitting in my front lawn, it feels like I don’t manage my time well at all.

With so many proverbial irons in the fire, it’s crucial for me to manage my time well. I think most families feel that way these days. Here are the three things I’ve found to be the most helpful when trying to manage my exploding to-do list.

1) Track it all. It might sound overly simply, but it took me a few months of floundering and forgetting to figure that one out. Now I keep my current to-do list on a white board next to my desk, along with a whiteboard calendar I use to keep track of all the book promotions, interviews and blog posts for a given month.
2) Respect your writing time. Don’t let television, chores, or the tyranny of the urgent steal your writing time. It’s hard to find the time to write some days, but if you don’t fight to protect that time you’ll find that years slip by with nary a paragraph written. And don’t wait until you feel like writing to do it. I try to sit and write every day, even if I have no clue what I’m going to say when I sit down. I figure bad writing can be fixed, and it’s better than a blank page.
3) Say no. I’ve never understood writers who felt they could simply release their novel and have readers flood to them, especially given the how many books there are to choose from. I tended to err on the other side – if my book manager suggested something, I was game to try it. If she didn’t suggest something, then I brought it up. I found that I’d quickly overwhelmed myself.
Even the most organized person has their limits, and their will come a time when you can’t squeeze one more word out of your brain. Don’t push yourself too hard.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Huffman writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense with strong female
leads who refuse to lose hope. She sees her books as a way to not only entertain, but also to
raise awareness of the realities of modern day slavery. She shares the passion of her resilient
heroines to make a difference and so dedicates both her time and a portion of her book royalties
to organizations that fight against human trafficking.


Heather was born and spent her early childhood in Florida, but now calls the beautiful state of
Missouri home. Her greatest joy, aside from writing, is to hit the road with her three boys for
adventures unknown.
***
She is the author of Throwaway, Ties that Bind, Jailbird, Suddenly a Spy, Ring of Fire,
Tumbleweed and Devil in Disguise. You can find out more about her writing and charitable work
onwww.heatherhuffman.net

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Daily Quote 06/16/12

“There is no book so bad...that it does not have something good in it.” 

― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote

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Daily Quote 06/14/12

God is in the sadness and the laughter, in the bitter and the sweet. There is a divine purpose behind everything — and therefore a divine presence in everything.

-Neale Donald Walsch

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Daily Quote 06/13/12

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 

-Dr. Seuss

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Book Review: The Bridge of Deaths by M.C.V Egan

Thank you M.C.V Egan for the dedication you wrote on the copy of your book. Hope to read more of your works in the future. 

The Bridge of Deaths
by M.C.V Egan
Publisher: Author House
Publication Date: 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-1041-4

Format: Paperback
Language: English
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Mystery

Follow Bill and Maggie in London 2010 as they explore the events of August 15th 1939. When at the brink of World War II, an English plane crashed and sunk in Danish waters. Five deaths were reported: two Standard Oil of New Jersey employees, a German Corporate Lawyer, an English member of Parliament, and a crew member for the airline. Bill and Maggie find a conceivable version of the events.

RATING

4-star for the effort and time spent in making for this book! Kudos!

REVIEW

Well documented!

M.C.V Egan is the most hardworking author I've ever known. From the little piece of paper and photos to telegrams in year 1939, she compiled it with ease and smoothness. She has a very good research skill. Bravo! The story? Ms. Egan never compromised the plot of her novel though she embedded archive documents in it. Kudos!

Looking forward to read more of Ms. Egan's novels.

Available at:

Paperback                 Kindle 

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Guest Post: Gregory Allen, Author of Patchwork of Me

Summer Escapes

By Gregory Allen

People see these few months we get each year as a time to escape our usual daily lives and go on a vacation. They plan (sometimes for months) exactly where they want to go to create the best possible holiday/vacation they can. I’ll admit I’m always jealous of my friends that teach and get those months off. They will fight with me about how hard they work during the other months and they deserve to escape their classrooms; but secretly I am jealous I can’t spend every summer day in front of the television or immersed in a good book. But the rest of us must be happy with that one week we may get away or a long weekend to go to the beach.

Escapes don’t need to be held for those warm months when people like to shed their clothes and bake in the sun. There are so many ways one can turn off the daily routine and do something different throughout the year.

Watch a good movie. Turn off that phone, put in the latest DVD of a movie you missed when it was released and allow yourself to forget the world for a moment. Or actually get out of your house and go sit in that large dark room that smells of popcorn and be swept away by the latest blockbuster (or better yet – an indie film by an unknown filmmaker). Just do remember that silence is golden so for the sake of all: cell phones off!

Let yourself travel in a book. There is nothing like turning your back on the laundry piling up or the dishes in the sink to be transported somewhere else by the words of a well-loved author. Our minds are the best escape we have. We paint the pictures. We set the scene. We cast the characters. And we get to enjoy the moments inside those pages (or on your favorite digital reader) when it is just us and the book. Now more than ever, there are so many choices for excellent books out there. I personally love to discover a new author (thank God for social media sites) and try them out. See where they’ll take me and just let myself take a personal vacation for a few hours.

Live theater. I absolutely love it. I realize I have the luxury of living near New York and can get to a Broadway show (always with discounted seats, I might add), but that doesn’t mean others can’t do the same. Look in your local papers to see what the community theater in town is presenting. Or the high school. Or a touring company of a show. There is nothing like watching people perform live as you never know what may happen. And as you sense the audience around you and you all collective enjoy the experience, the escape you can get from it is well worth the price of admission.

So don’t always long for the good ol’ days of summer. Plan those escapes throughout the year so you allow yourself more chances to ‘get away’. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gregory G. Allen is the author of PATCHWORK OF ME, WELL WITH MY SOUL, PROUD PANTS: AN UNCONVENTIONAL MEMOIR, and CHICKEN BOY: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF A SUPER HERO WITH AUTISM. He has had short stories and poetry published in: New Town Writers' anthology Off The Rocks 14, Loch Raven Review, Muscadine Lines: A Southern Journal, The Oddville Press, Word Catalyst Magazine, Rancor'd Type, Home & Holidays and is a contributor of articles and blogs to several online sites. Allen has been in the entertainment business for over twenty years as an actor, director, writer, and producer and is an award-winning musical theater writer with over ten original musicals produced. Allen currently manages an arts center on the campus of a college in northern New Jersey.
www.ggallen.net | www.facebook.com/author.gregory.g.allen

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Feature: Ligo na u, lapit na me by Eros Atalia

Matagal ko na tong natapos (mga one week) pero ngayon ko lang i-post yung review ko para dito. Kinikimkim ko yung excitement na ma-i-post at sa wakas mapopost ko na. 

Ligo na U, Lapit na ME
by Eros Atalia
Publisher: Visprint
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 971926747x
Format: Paperback
Language: Filipino
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Satire

Paano mo malalaman kung hindi ka magtatanong? Pero andami-dami nating nalalaman kahit hindi tayo nagtatanong. Paano ka pa magtatanong kung alam mo na ang sagot. Pero paano ka magtatanong kung hindi mo alam kung ano ang iyong itatanong? Paano mo sasagutin ang tanong sa iyo kung hindi mo alam ang isasagot? Paano ka sasagot kung hindi mo alam ang tanong. (Kunsabagay, sa buhay na ito, madalas, tama ang sagot, mali nga lang ang tanong.)

Si Intoy, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, parang natuto na yatang magmahal pero hindi tiyak kung minahal ba sya o kinailangan. Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, parang Math problems, tama ang sagot, hindi nga lang maipakita na tama ang solution...

Narito, ang isang nobelang(?) may asim ng romansa, pait ng pagkabigo, tamis ng ligaya alat ng pamumuna at anghang ng kaastigan. Handa ka na ba?

RATING

:D

REVIEW

Ligo na u, lapit na me.

Isang obra na nagpapakita kung ano ang kasalukuyang estado ng kabataang Pilipino. Konserbatibo? Hindi! Sa librong ito makakapasok ka sa utak ng mga kabtaan at malalaman mo rin kung ano ang nasaisip nila kung ipahaharap mo ng iba't ibang isyu ng bansa (o sa mundo). Nagsisilbi itong salamin sa mukha ng indibidwal na kabataang Nopi. Walang palya. Isa itong manwal sa pagbabago na tinatahak ngayon ng mga kabataan sa bansa. Nasasa iyo na kung sasang-ayon kayo kay Eros Atalia.

May mga part ng libro na nakakabored, may mga scenes na hindi man siguro relevant pero I believe may significant reason naman siguro si Eros Talia kung bakit may mga ganon. Typos? Hmmm. Meron din. But still 4-star ang bigay ko nito dahil ito'y naka-ankla sa katotohanan at gusto lang ng manunulat na ipaabot sa karamihan ang snetimento nya ukol sa isyu/topic na nilalahad sa nobela.

Isina-pelikula rin pala ito. Click here para sa trailer
.
Isang kuwento ng romansa, pagkabigo, at buhay kabaatan.

Available at:

NATIONAL BOOKSTORE and other leading bookstores nationwide.

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Daily QUote :(((

:( sori.

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Daily Quote 06/06/12

“Loneliness becomes an acid that eats away at you.” 
- Haruki Murakami

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The Bridge of Deaths

I've just received (by mail) M.C.V Egan's novel The Bridge of Death. And as per my review policy sending me paperback.hardcover will be reviewed first than those who just send me ecopies. So next Monday, expect Egan's novel to be reviewed. ^^ 


Thanks.

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Daily Quote 06/05/12

"Your worst enemy, he reflected, was your nervous system. At any moment the tension inside you was liable to translate itself into some visible symptom."

- George Orwell

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Book Review: Storylandia 1-6: A Wappshot Press Journal of Fiction

I've decided to have a compress review on Storylandia's issues. ^^ I really had a fun read on all of the issues.

 Storylandia 1-6

A Wappshot Press Journal of Fiction

Publisher: Wappshot Press

Format: eBook

Genre: Fiction, Anthology

RATING

WONDERFUL!

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Daily Quote 06/04/12

"A baby is God's opinion that life should go on."

-Carl Sandburg

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Daily Quote 06/03/12

"Cowards at heart, as crowds always are when one solitary man stands up to them."

-Guy de Maupassant

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Daily Quote 06/02/12

We enjoy warmth because we have been cold. 

We appreciate light because we have been in darkness. 

By the same token, we can experience joy because we have known sadness. 

-David Weatherford

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Daily Quote 06/01/12

If helping the poor is a crime and to fight for their rights is rebellion, then I plead guilty as charged.

-Church People

*  *  *

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Guest Post: Jess Scott, Author of Literary Heroin

Commercial Romance and Self-Esteem

by Jess C Scott

My name is Jess and I’m a 25-year-old independent author/artist/non-conformist.

I write in many different genres, one of them being relationship fiction. I like to combat gender stereotypes with the stories I write. While most stereotypes are somehow based on fact, stereotypes become a negative thing when they limit self-development (i.e. when “identifying with a stereotype” becomes more important than being one’s true self).

The girls/females/women in my books tend to not be afraid to think, and/or have an opinion (which does not necessarily mean they’re self-righteous bitches—thinking clearly has nothing to do with how malicious one is, as a person). Having “a man” in their life is not their one and only aim in life. I’m not against marriage per se, though I’ve never defined my self-worth according to my boyfriend/other half/the relationships I’m in.

I have a copy of Fifty Shades of Grey, which was originally written as Twilight fan fiction. I’ve gotten a headache from the amount of times Holy shit! has appeared in the text of FSoG, but that’s another story for another day…

One of the passages caught my eye the other day, where Ana, the female protagonist, is talking with her mom over the phone:

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Book Review and Giveaway: Literary Heroin: A Twilight parody by Jess C. Scott

 Literary Heroin
by Jess C. Scott
Publisher: jessINK
Publication Date: 4/13/2012
ISBN: 978-1-4349-0998-5
Format: eBook
Genre: Fiction, Satire, Parody, Humor

Isobel's fanfiction dream comes true when Edwin and Jacobus materialize out of thin air. But the two hunks secretly have the hots for each other...

Excerpt:

Ms. Isobel Swann, the English teacher, looked at her star pupil.

"So, what did you think of Twue Wuv?" Isobel asked with a sweet smile.

"I learned that it's okay to feel the way I do: that my life has no meaning unless I have a boyfriend," gushed Stephenie, Renesmee's BFF.

Stephenie was overweight but enjoyed dressing provocatively. She thought the guys couldn't handle her. Most of them were scared off by her seductive ways and non-stop approaches towards anyone in class who owned a pair of testicles.

"A real man is like the perfect vampire-boy and all the perfect guys in Twue Wuv." 

(Jess C. Scott Site)

RATING

WONDERFUL!

REVIEW

A very entertaining piece of work by Jess Scott, where every detail of the Twilight Saga, and in YA in general, was sliced out letting the "true meat" be exposed for public viewing. This is the best parody I've ever read. High five!

I never left where I started and without interruption, I've read this half a day. Honestly! It leaves me struck. Jess Scott smartly chooses her words to really give an electrifying effect to readers when read. Literary Heroin is not only criticizing Twilight (and HG) but there's something more to it. This is a work that will instigate revolution against literary mediocrity and mundane novels, including disgusting fan fictions too. A movement against greedy publishers who are much more interested in making money than that of instilling true art to every book they publish. Jess Scott perfectly relayed his sentiments against poorly made books and mundane fan fictions.

I highly recommend this to all people who love books and who hate bad literature!

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Home Sweet Home!

I had just came home from an environment seminar held at Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental. No worries, I'll try to share to you what happened in the said 5-day seminar. :D It was really fun.

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Poll | Is Pacquiao's statement against gays rational?

It is very unethical to attack a certain race, country, culture, or society and embarrass them in media. However, did Pacquiao really embarrassed the LGBT (Lesbain, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender) community because of a statement that was only link to him and not really uttered from his own mouth? What I think is that, our LGBT friends had misinterpreted the news about Pacquiao condemning them. In the first place, it wasn't Pacquiao who recited or quoted a verse from Leviticus. It was a foreign columnist/writer who quoted such and not Pacquiao. So, there's no need for you, LGBTs, to hate the great Pacman. Alright? Chill bro! (bro? hmmm.^^) Sorry, there's a sort of confusion down here. Hehe. Anyways, let's check the last week's poll about this issue (see pic above).

Out of 19 respondents, 17 of which are in favor that Pacquiao is in his rational state of mind when he was misinterpreted about his statement against gays (LGBT sector as a whole). I can't say if this 17 people were molested (sorry for the word) or had a bad experience with our gay friends or they're just rational about their stand. But this was how the poll goes.

To clear the issue, it is not Pacquiao that our LGBT friends should hate.

For this week's poll question:

What do you want for PH to do to CHINA?

( ) Boycot CHINA goods

( ) Ban Chinese and everything from CHINA

( ) Force ASEAN members to teach CHINA a lesson

( ) Force UN to not allow CHINA "invade" Philippines

( ) Do massive diplomatic meetings and encounters

To vote, check the right pane of this blog (below the ANNOUNCEMENT section). 

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Quote of the day 05/24/12

One stumble is enough to deface the character of an honorable life.

-L. Estrange

 

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Review: Secret Feelings by Abdulla Kazim

 Secret Feelings
by Abdulla Kazim
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc.
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4349-0998-5
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fiction, Romance, 

Where do you go to find purpose and the inspiration to continue meeting life’s daily challenges? From his youth, Noordin Ahmed was filled with turbulent sorrow and self-pity. As a result of his cold past, he felt his life was not worth living, and he asked God to grant him death on his twenty-fifth birthday. But, God did not fulfill his request. Instead, Noordin came across a certain book, The Alchemist, which spoke to his heart about the brightness of life and the need to make it worth living. He decided that only one thing could bring about light and happiness to his cold, dark existence: the love of a woman.
So, Noordin set out on his quest to find love. A naïve, noble man who had never known the touch of a woman, Noordin first approached a co-worker in innocence, and she quickly rebuked his proposal of marriage. Next, he set his sights on a beautiful stranger, whose life was also lacking in love. Will Noordin be able to find what his heart seeks in the stranger Angeline? Will he find the courage to continue on his quest for love, even when his secrets and those of others are finally revealed? Read Secret Feelings, by Abdulla Kazim, to find out. (Dorrance Book Description)

RATING

Good.

REVIEW

Secret Feelings by Abdulla Kazim is one of the romance novels that tinges every nerve in my body. It makes me hate and love and laugh. Every character really grips in myself and like a coffee stain, it is very hard to get it away till now.

Noordin, one of the main characters, reminds me of a friend who is so desperate to have a love affair. He reminds me of a friend that I laugh about because he tries to court every girl he knew and I pity him for that. Really! He is so desperate that I fear him, for he also tries to get my love. So bad right? Like Noordin, a creation of Mr. Kazim, he makes me pity and hate him too. He is desperate to have a love affair but he is so slow in getting the girl he wanted. He won't speak up to the girl! Noordin makes me irritated. Honestly. If I will be asked, this is a good sign, for Kazim really got the emotion and the feeling of the reader. Other characters, Liv, Angeline and Sarah, also got my emotions. Good job there by Mr. Kazim.

But what makes the rating a little low is due to the fact that I, personally, was bothered as to how the words were arranged. True! It doesn't affect the story but it seems so awkward to me. However, everything is fine.

Available at:

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Quote of the Day 05/22/12

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”

― Marilyn Monroe

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