And so I've read Before Ever After ( by Samantha Sotto)

There is so much talk about the Samantha Sotto (and her book)-- the first Filipina published by Random House New York, that its hard not to get caught up with the hype. I follow Sam on twitter and she sounds like a very nice person that I was a bit worried that I might be biased into liking the book. So before my expectation gets too high, I decided to make do with the ebook version since the book isn't available yet in Singapore, and read it as soon as possible.

As I type this blog post, my head aches with the little sleep I've had the past few days. I tried to read Before Ever After every little chance I've got, between working full day and my mommy duties. Its the type of story that is hard to put down. When I finished this morning, a part of me was sad that the journey is over, even if I did like the ending. But a part of me was relieved that I can sleep early tonight!

I love the journey of the story. I really like the historical pieces because I am fascinated with European history myself (currently obsessing with English Medieval history). I thought those portions were wonderfully written.

Its a romantic book and I liked Sam's take on (all kinds of) love but to be honest, I am currently too sleepy now to remember the quotes of my favorite bits. Nevermind, I plan to re-read this story once I get hold of the actual book. So that I can join Max and Shelly's journey once again.

Something Blue

So yey, I finally got to watch Something Borrowed, the movie based on a book with the same title by Emily Giffin that I previously blogged about.

Since I pretty much knew the story, the movie did not disappoint. I really enjoyed John Krasinski's portrayal of Ethan most of all (I didn't remember him to be that funny from the book) which made me re-read Something Blue, the sequel story. Ethan is an important part of that story as well, although its about Darcy this time.

I really do hope they turn Something Blue to a movie too.I really liked the sequel story better, even though Darcy's character in Something Borrowed wasn't the type you would root for. She was a selfish person then. However the sequel is set immediately after Rachel and Dex' story so it tells what Darcy went through as she realized her mistakes, tried to be a better person and how she finally moved on. The change in Darcy wasn't an overnight thing, nor was it perfect. But with time, distance and new friends, she did change to the happy person that she wanted and deserved to be.

I like the idea of people changing to be better persons, about growing up, and moving on. Am that kind of optimistic. I hope its something I'd always remember, that change for the better IS possible. For me, for the people around me.

I never want to lose hope.

Something Borrowed

Ok, on to a less geeky topic.

Last week I saw Thor with Bob and on the way in, I spotted this movie poster:

Went giddy with excitement! Something Borrowed is a movie based on a book with similar title by Emily Giffin. Read all of her books, liked all of her books!

Love The One You're With was the first book I read, followed by Something Borrowed

Although I must admit I loved the sequel, Something Blue more. But still, I would be catching this movie. Its about  being single in  your 30's, best friends with someone more "successful" and then falling for your best friend's fiance. Sound like a realistic mess, isn't?

I know some people who did not like the ending (won't mention it here for the risk of spoiling the story to anyone)  but I did,  and I love Emily's writing style.

Hmmm, I just realized I don't blog much about books which is weird given that its really my number one hobby since I was a kid. I have discount cards to Borders, Kinokuniya and Page One and they are all pretty well used. Goes to show how little I have been writing. Ok I think its time to change that!

Why I think I lived in England during the 16th century

I don't believe in past lives but I think I previously lived in England during the 16th century.

Not that I had flashbacks of that era (although when I was pregnant I had nightmares about the Tower of London) but more because of my love for the England's 16th century history. The Tudor period. The time of Henry the VIII and his 6 wives, Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I. It first came about during 2007, when I was pregnant, on my second trimester, and had the chance to visit Bob in Scotland. I remember picking up my first history book about Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I at the Palace of Holywoodrose bookstore in Edinburgh. My collection of history and historical fiction grew after that.

Some of my books :)

Bet that sounds very geeky but 16th century England is actually a very interesting time of history. Its full of action and drama, worthy of its own teleserye version. How women are discarded because they can't produce heirs (Katherine of Aragon). How people get killed because they are in line to the throne (Lady Jane Grey at age 16, can you believe it), or because the King wants a new wife (Anne Boleyn). How two people, cousins, vying for the same throne gets to be scared and wary of each other without ever meeting face to face (Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I). How England's Virgin Queen, Queen Elizabeth I, managed to be single during her entire life at the time when women rulers are unheard of, and women are used as pawns for marriages for alliances. I could go on and on.

The English have seen just about everything in their history, and that's only the 16 century!

Back to reality

Ok, am done Twilighting.

Finished the Twilight series yesterday morning (Sunday). Twilight (the first book) is the my favorite, Breaking Dawn -- the last book, is the most exciting. The entire saga isn't as complicated as Harry Potter's, and Bella's happy ending is much too good to be true for my liking, even for a fantasy book. But the story in each book developed interestingly enough for the reader to want to read the next one, until the last.

As I said, Edward is my favorite -- and because of him, I think I'll re-read the first book again some time in the near future (maybe when the movie comes out?).Though I think I need to rest my eyes for some time before picking up another book to read...

A rainy, Twilight weekend

It was a raining and raining over the weekend, and a bit disconcerting that it was not the usual hot and humid Singapore. I had a number of errands lined up but continuous rain deterred me and I ended up staying indoors except for doing the groceries and going to Church.

So I spent time with Bella and Edward and their love story.

I started the first book of the Twilight series Friday night, and was in the middle of the third book by the time I ended the weekend this Monday morning, 3am. I admit there were some dragging bits but Edward kept me captivated. It’s the first vampire book that I’ve read (didn’t know vampires are supposedly enemies with werewolves until Twilight) and Edward’s vampire bits didn’t bother me at all. I mean he’s good-looking, rich, sensitive, faithful, dedicated, and passionate about you – who cares if he’s a vampire?!?

I can understand how millions of girls are going crazy with this series. Heck, I’d like to be a vampire if I’d have an Edward. Haha.