The Future Door By Jason Lethcoe

 

Book Description byBooksneeze.com

A mystery is afoot at 221 Baker Street, but will Griffin Sharpe be able to figure out the clues before the future catches up with the past?

When Sherlock Holmes moves out of Baker Street, a new tenant moves in—a mysterious woman named Elizabeth who has long been a fan of Holmes. When she discovers that Griffin and his uncle are also detectives, she becomes very friendly. So when Elizabeth goes missing along with a special invention, Griffin sets out to rescue her. But finding Elizabeth will take them on a race against the clock that bends time itself!

My Comments:

I have read "No Place Like Holmes" last year and was delight with the book. Hence I did not hesitated when I saw the second instalment of this book is being offered for review by Booksneeze. 

This second instalment did not disappoints me at all. In fact, I find it is better than the first book. Don't worry if you have yet to read the first book because you can still read this second instalment without reading the first book.

I like the way the author combine element of mystery with futuristic elements. For me, it's refreshing. It is certainly a page turner. I managed to finished this book in 3 hours.

Certainly recommend this book for kids around the age of 9 to 12 years old

I give this book 4 stars out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  . The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

New Moon (Twilight #2) by Stephenie Meyer

Synopsis by http://www.goodreads.com/

Shoot, I muttered when the paper sliced my finger; I pulled it out to examine the damage. A single drop of blood oozed from the tiny cut.It all happened very quickly then.Edward threw himself at me, flinging me back across the table...I tumbled down to the floor by the piano, with my arms thrown out instinctively to catch my fall, into the jagged shards of glass. I felt the searing, stinging pain that ran from my wrist to the crease inside my elbow. Dazed and disoriented, I looked up from the bright red blood pulsing out of my arm-into the fevered eyes of the six suddenly ravenous vampires.

Legions of readers entranced by Twilight are hungry for more and they won't be disappointed. In New Moon, Stephenie Meyer delivers another irresistible combination of romance and suspense with a supernatural twist.

The "star-crossed" lovers theme continues as Bella and Edward find themselves facing new obstacles, including a devastating separation, the mysterious appearance of dangerous wolves roaming the forest in Forks, a terrifying threat of revenge from a female vampire and a deliciously sinister encounter with Italy's reigning royal family of vampires, the Volturi. Passionate, riveting, and full of surprising twists and turns, this vampire love saga is well on its way to literary immortality.

My Comments:

I certainly like this book much better than the first book. Got it from the Big Bad Wolf Sale 2011. Brand new!

The book have a much faster pace and more action packed.

I like the way she put he empty pages to reflect the time passed in a zombified state. But the part about Bella's best friend alienated her does not really jibe with me.  If the author could have elaborated more on what happen it would be nice.

Anyway, I started to hate the character, Bella, in this book. Well, that is a good sign of success for the author, right? The ability to arouse readers emotions.

Why I hated Bella? Coz to me she was very self-centered. I felt that in the first book she used Mike to gain acceptance among her peers. Then in the second book she used Jacob to nurse her wounds. She is a "user".

Nevertheless, the story was well written and plot were well planned..at least for me.

Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

Weezie Foley is an antiques dealer. It's a week before Christmas and she is in a frenzy to decorate her little shop for the annual Savannah Historical District Contest.

Most of all, she wanted to beat her nemesis, Cookie and Manny. They have been trying to take away her business since they commenced business.

Things got worse when her decorations and things from her display went missing . To top it off,  she seems to be visited by some mysterious person.

Apart from that she is really looking forward to Christmas. But she don't understand why as Christmas draws nearer her long time boyfriend grow moodier.

I truly enjoyed this book. It's light, it Chrismassy and with a bit of intrigue. It warms my heart to read though Weezie gone through so many things and yet she managed to go on with a smile on her face.

For me, it's  well written and brings much cheer to me when I read it.

At the last few pages, the author have added some recipes, her Christmas Playlist and tips on keeping the happy in holidays. I love it especially the tips.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Long

Synopsis From Booksneeze.com

Three Amish women yearn for the perfect wedding.

"The Perfect Secret" by Kelly Long

Rose Bender has recently become engaged to handsome but somber Luke Raber. She agrees out of a sense of duty and a willingness to settle for solid friendship as a basis for the engagement. But as she watches her friend's excitement over her soon-to-be wedding, Rose wonders if there shouldn’t be more to her relationship with Luke. She begins to examine Luke and his life more closely and is amazed when she stumbles upon an exciting, secret side of him that engages her mind and heart.

"The Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller

Naomi Fisher has had great success at matchmaking her family members and friends. Now with her sister’s wedding right around the corner, Naomi wonders why she’s able to find husbands for her friends and family, but not one for herself.

"A Perfect Plan" by Beth Wiseman

Priscilla King has been planning to marry Chester Lapp since she was sixteen years old, and when Chester proposes on Priscilla’s nineteenth birthday, wedding plans begin immediately. What wasn't planned was all the problems the couple encounters as their big day approaches. A house disaster, a ruined wedding dress, and a sick attendant all make the couple wonder if God's sending them signs to call things off.

My Comments :

This is not my first time reading Amish fiction. In fact I have read "Amish Love" by the same authors which I have enjoyed very much.

This time, I was rather disappointed by Kelly Long's "The Perfect Secret". I feel that the story was a bit dragging. I wish the pace of this story is a bit faster.

As for "The Perfect Match" , it was fun. I am not sure how many of you would categories this story as fun but for me I enjoyed it. The character Naomi was a very charming lady.

Beth Wiseman's "A Perfect Plan" is not bad too. It houses many interesting things that would or may happen dring planning a wedding.

Despite some what disappointed by the first story, I find that the link between these 3 novella makes this book an enjoyable reads. It's perfect for those who are thinking of marriage.

Many thanks to the authors for thoughtfulness in adding a Glosary at the beginning of the book. It certainly helped me understand the story much better.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com   The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Flower Drum Song by C Y Lee

Synopsis from http://www.goodreads.com/

Originally published in 1957, The Flower Drum Song was a groundbreaking work of popular literature. An immediate bestseller, it inspired the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

This charming, bittersweet tale of romance and the powerful bonds of family tells the story of Wang Ta, who wants what every young American man wants: a great career and a woman to love.

Living in San Francisco's Chinatown-with his widowed father, Old Master Wang, who misses the old way of life in China, and his younger brother, who just wants to be a normal American teenager-Wang Ta becomes involved with a series of women as he searches for love and the American dream. Comic, poignant, and sexy, The Flower Drum Song is an astute portrayal of immigrants struggling with assimilation. This edition features a new introduction by David Henry Hwan

My Comments :

I got this from Subang Jaya Book Exchange Programme thanks to nylusmilk.

At first I have no idea why this book is so popular. Everyone that noticed this book was exclaiming "wow!".

After reading it, i know the reason. It's really a wonderful book.

It describe the crash of the old Patriarch trying to get his sons to retain the old Chinese culture and the pull of modernisation and western culture.

It also described vividly what was happening at Chinatown during that time.

The character, May Li and Old Man Li, added much charm in the book. It's refreshing to read of their naivety and how innocent they were despite that they have been in the service for General White before.

I like the story very much and I wondered Chinese girls at America during that time were as selfish as described by the character Chang.

Yes, this has certainly been an entertaining read for me. My only regret is that I was not born soon enough to watch the musical.

More About Boy: Roald Dahl's Tales From Childhood by Roald Dahl

Would you like to know a funny thing? I didn't know Roald Dahl is well know author of Children books until the recent years.

I have always had the impression that he wrote adult books. His first book that I read was a Hardcover book which housed 6 of his famous book - "Kiss Kiss; Over to You; Switch Bitch; Someone Like You; Four Tales of the Unexpected; My Uncle Oswald". I love those.

I bought More About Boy: Roald Dahl's Tales From Childhood from Book Tree not long ago. Obvious from the title, the story is about his childhood staring with his Norwegian father who travel away from his village and had become a successful man. His first wife pass away and during one of his trip back to his homeland, he married Roald Dahl's mother.

His father pass away when he was young but his mother held on with the family and believe that education British education is the best. He was sent to a boarding school till he graduated.

Reading this, I did not feel bored. I found that Roald Dahl could be an imp at times. His mischievous plots sometimes lead to the cane meeting his bum.

There are plenty of photographs and letters that his mother kept, printed here.

There were also School Report/Report Card from his school to his mother which mentioned that his "idea limited" "consistently idle: too pleased with himself" "I have never met anyone who so persistently wrote words meaning the exact opposite of what he obviously intended".

For me this is certainly and entertaining book.

Have you read Enid Blyton "Malory Tower Series" and "St Claire Series"? or  Elinor Brent-Dyer's "The Chalet School Series"? The stories about boarding school, pranks and the school master/mistress are fictional. If you enjoy them, then you will surely enjoy reading about Roald Dahl's experience with boarding school.

I give this book 4 stars out of 5. It's a keeper.

The Mango Season by Amulya Malladi

Synopsis from http://www.goodreads.com/.

From the acclaimed author of A Breath of Fresh Air, this beautiful novel takes us to modern India during the height of the summer’s mango season. Heat, passion, and controversy explode as a woman is forced to decide between romance and tradition.

Every young Indian leaving the homeland for the United States is given the following orders by their parents: Don’t eat any cow (It’s still sacred!), don’t go out too much, save (and save, and save) your money, and most important, do not marry a foreigner. Priya Rao left India when she was twenty to study in the U.S., and she’s never been back. Now, seven years later, she’s out of excuses. She has to return and give her family the news: She’s engaged to Nick Collins, a kind, loving American man. It’s going to break their hearts.

Returning to India is an overwhelming experience for Priya. When she was growing up, summer was all about mangoes—ripe, sweet mangoes, bursting with juices that dripped down your chin, hands, and neck. But after years away, she sweats as if she’s never been through an Indian summer before. Everything looks dirtier than she remembered. And things that used to seem natural (a buffalo strolling down a newly laid asphalt road, for example) now feel totally chaotic.

But Priya’s relatives remain the same. Her mother and father insist that it’s time they arranged her marriage to a “nice Indian boy.” Her extended family talks of nothing but marriage—particularly the marriage of her uncle Anand, which still has them reeling. Not only did Anand marry a woman from another Indian state, but he also married for love. Happiness and love are not the point of her grandparents’ or her parents’ union. In her family’s rule book, duty is at the top of the list.

Just as Priya begins to feel she can’t possibly tell her family that she’s engaged to an American, a secret is revealed that leaves her stunned and off-balance. Now she is forced to choose between the love of her family and Nick, the love of her life.

As sharp and intoxicating as sugarcane juice bought fresh from a market cart, The Mango Season is a delightful trip into the heart and soul of both contemporary India and a woman on the edge of a profound life change.

My Comments:

I like this book. It's rich with Indian culture and  tradition. On one side, "Priya" was Americanise but her root kept pulling her towards obeying the family tradition. I can understand why she kept delaying or unable to tell her family about her American "fiance".

The plot had kept me in suspense throughout the book. Even at the ending, the author still managed to knock me off my feet by the secret that she revealed. The author have pretty good sense of humour too. At some parts I can't help chuckling at the jokes that she slotted in especially Priya's brother whom deliberately avoid the family gathering by giving all sorts of excuses.

To me, this book is a light-hearted sort of book. Not one of those heavy and emotional novel. There is no killing the bride for not being a virgin and stuffs like that. It portray a middle class family where they are starting to open up to modern days influence and even the family Patriarch is not excluded.

A gem find for me from the BBWS 2011.

I rate this book 4 stars out out 5.

It's Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

Craig Gilner is a 15 years old teenager who is highly ambitious. He had his life planned out. He wants to succeed in life. And this means have to get good result in high school, get into the right college in order to get the right job.

He managed to get into the  Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School. However, the pressure become unbearable. He could not concentrate and he stopped eating. Suicide thoughts were constantly in his mind. His friends thought he is weird for he always carries flash cards around him.

Lucky for him, he have an understanding family. When he told his parents about his depression, they very very supportive and got help for him. Sent him for psychiatric treatment. He was alright for some time till he stopped taking his med.

One night the pressure was so hard that he dialed Suicide Helpline and he checked into the Hospital by himself. This is the story of his stay in the psychiatric ward where he met new "friends", which includes a transsexual sex addict, a girl who scarred her own face and self elected President Armelio.

I find that this book was very insightful. Probably because the author had spent 5 days in adult psychiatric in Methodist Hospital, Park Slope, Brooklyn 29 Nov to 3rd Dec 2004. The way it is written was sensitive and the issue touched here are common issues faced by teenagers today.

What I like is that the issue were dealt in a sensitive and respectful way. Not overtly emotional. For example, Craig did not look down on Charles when he found out that Charles is a transsexual person.

Am amazed at the standard of the health care there whereby anyone, even a 15 year old,  who is feeling suicidal can check themselves into a hospital to get help. It's very unlike here were we have to get all sort of "certification" before we can get any psychiatric help...by then we might have been a goner already.

However, I find that the ending was a bit too tidy. All well that ends well?

The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

Geoff Bofinger was a pastor until he was fired from the Ministry based on a lie which rocks the community. However, both Geoff and his wife Audrey were not the type that give up easily.

They start up a new business that blossom from their hobby. They opened up a Bakery. Helping them to run it was their son Ed. Life was challenging enough for them. Nevertheless, the family struggle to hang in there and face the storm that comes upon them.

One morning foggy morning, Audrey hit something when she was driving to work. When she got down and investigate all she saw at the scene was a  motor scooter and there was blood everywhere. The weird thing is that there was no body insight.

The motor scooter belongs to a local school teacher who happens to be the wife of Police Detective, Jack Mansfield.

As the case hits dead end, Jack was convinced that Audrey had something to do with the disappearance of his wife's body. He stormed into the bakery and took everyone hostage. Gave Audrey time to produce his wife body or else......

Audrey had to relay on her special gift and the help of two person of which one was an ex-convict while the other was a teenager to help her solve the mystery and save her family.

This book is a page turner for me as the storyline was well paced  and exciting.

The characters were well developed and believable. Each have their good and their bad.

What I like about this books is that Audrey have the ability to sense what other people is suffering. Something like psychic power. It makes the story feel more mysterious and thrilling.

I would recommend this for those who love to read a good mystery .

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Another germ...oppss...I mean gem from BBWS. (RM8 hardcover)

The story starts with a Peeping Tom Sheriff, snapping photos of naked sunbathing co-ed girls.He was "caught" by a mysterious stranger with a fierce dog. The mysterious strange was Logan Thibault, an ex-US Marine.

Logan have been extremely "lucky"during his tour of duty in the Marine. In fact, he was so lucky till his fellows Marine were kinda scared of him. His team members were killed and injure in the war. However, Logan again and again was safe.

His lucky streak begin on his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq where he picked up the photograph of a young woman. Nobody claims the photo. His best friend, Victor, believes that this photo is Logan's Lucky Charm.

When he came home he can't get his mind off the photo. Victor had cautioned him not to loose the photo else bad luck will come to him and that he owes a debt to the woman in the photo. Victor told him that he must go and find the woman in the photo to settle his debt or else things would never be balanced.

Something happened and it pushed Logan to start his search...on foot. He walked alone expect for his dog Zeus, search for the woman in the photograph. And when he finally found her, he thought he knew what he must do . But there seems to be more to it that what meets the eyes.

The woman in question is Elizabeth, a single mother to a delightful boy Ben. Her ex-husband  is still very possessive towards her. And Logan found himself falling for her.

This story really gives me the creeps... in a good sort of way. Why not? There a ghost, a pretty outspoken granny and a damsel in distress. If that is not enough to keep the page turning, I don;t know what will.

Gosh...how I wish I can tell you how clever the ending is but I guess it's better to read it for yourself. Its enough to say that the ending will bring out your tears or sorrow and tears of happiness.

Marrying Mom by Olivia Goldsmith

I picked up this book at the recent BBWS. Can't say that I liked all her books but since this cost only RM8, it was worth the risk.

The story about three siblings, Sigourney(Susan), Sharon and Bruce, who panicked when their widowed mother Phyllis decided to move to New York City from Florida. She was not the best mom in the world and had not been there for them when they needed her but out of the sudden, her conscience got to her and she felt the need to go NYC to help straighten their lives.

Sigourney changed her name from Susan coz it was too plain. She seems to have a hard time getting a man of her own and had always felt responsible for her siblings.

Sharon married a slobs who was too happy to stay unemployed while Sigourney help out financially with the kids educations and needs.

Bruce is gay and had hard time on commitment. His business is going down the drain.

When Phyllis decided to pay them a visit, they were horrified and worried that she will interfere with their life. Out of panic, the hatch up a plan to marry off mommy dearest to the next available man (preferably rich and can help them financially).

This may not be as good as The First Wives Club but it was sure entertaining and a hilarious read. Definitely pick you out of your gloom.

Some parts were a bit corny but hey...it does spice up the story.

The author sure had a lot of sense of humour and put in many punchline in this book.

I love it

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth

Synopsis from www.goodreads.com

Jeeta’s family is caught up in the whirlwind of arranging marriages for her two older sisters, but the drama and excitement leave Jeeta cold.

Even though tradition demands the parade of suitors, the marriage negotiations and the elaborate displays, sixteen-year old Jeeta wonders what happened to the love and romance that the movies promise?

She dreads her turn on the matrimonial circuit, especially since Mummy is always complaining about how Jeeta’s dark skin and smart mouth will turn off potential husbands. But when Jeeta’s smart mouth and liberal ideas land her in love with her friend’s cousin Neel, she must strike a balance between duty to her tradition-bound parents, and the strength to follow her heart.

My Comments:

I like this book. It's written in the voice of Jeeta and it have a very innocent ring to it. She is just beginning to discover life and that there is something more in life than getting married and having kids.

The author have put in many scene where Jeeta's character can bloom. There is very strong reference in the tradition and I love to read about the traditions in other country.

It's a very clean book. No inappropriate sexual reference not violence involved.

I would recommend it to young adults.

George Washington's Socks by Elvira Woodruff

Forgotten when I bought this book but I know it's from BookXcess bargain bin. RM3 only. Not bad ya?

It's about the adventure of 5 children. They were camping out at their backyard and reading a historical book on George Washington when they were transported back into time. They landed back into time where the battle at Trenton was to commence. Would they be able to survive and finds their way back to their own timeline?

I know this book is a bit "young" for me as it's actually meant for young readers. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the story very much. It's very detailed and helps the readers to think as they read.

Am sure you have swotted for your History papers exam. Cramming all those dates and events while hoping you will be able to write it out again during your examination. Well, this book really makes the events easy to remember. Not doubt its history mixed with fiction but surely with proper guidance, young readers will learn which is facts and which is fiction. They will sure to have fun for their history lesson.

In page 144, Matt said " I thought this was supposed to be one of the good wars. The rebels were supposed to be the good guys, but maybe there's no such thing as just good guys fighting bad guys. It seems there's good and bad on both sides. And you know, the funny ting is that sometimes they're really fighting for the same things. My friend Israel, I don't think that he was all that different from Gustav, except for the uniform. Maybe if it weren't for the different uniforms, they could have been friends, instead of ending up like this"

I love this part. Not only that this books gives history lesson but also lesson in humanity.

How I wish someone would write a book like this for my country's history. Maybe then, our kids would enjoy the History subject more. I recall some of my classmates hated History lesson. To them, it's a dead subject. Just have to memorise the facts and dates then write it out again during the test.

However, I like History lesson. It comes easy for me as I treat it as reading a story book.

Gordon Ramsay's Playing WIth Fire

Synopsis from http://www.goodreads.com/

Not a sausage. That is what Gordon Ramsay had when he started out as a chef, working 16-hour days, 6 days a week. When he was struggling to get his first restaurant in the black, he didn't think he'd be famous for a TV show about how to run profitable eateries, or that he'd be head of a business empire. But he is and he did. Here's how."In the beginning there was nothing.Not a sausage - penniless, broke, fucking nothing - and although, at a certain age, that didn’t matter hugely, there came a time when hand-me-downs, cast-offs and football boots of odd sizes all pointed to a problem that seemed to have afflicted me, my mum, my sisters, Ronnie and the whole lot of us. It was as though we had been dealt the ‘all-time dysfunctional’ poker hand.I wish I could say that, from this point on, the penny dropped and I decided to do something about it, but it wasn’t like that. It would take years before the lessons of life, business and money began to click into place - before, as they say, I had a pot to piss in.This is the story of how those lessons were learned."This is Gordon Ramsay at his raw, rugged best. PLAYING WITH FIRE is the amazing story of Gordon’s journey from sous-chef to superstar. In his no-holds-barred style, Gordon shares his passion for risk and adventure and his hard-won success secrets
.
 Gordon Ramsay has launched a string of internationally celebrated restaurants in London with ten Michelin stars between them, with his stable of highly talented chefs, and has restaurants in Dubai, Tokyo, New York and Florida, with more planned.The author of nine best-selling cookery books and an autobiography, Humble Pie, Gordon is one of the biggest television personalities in the UK with his hit shows, Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, Hell's Kitchen and The F Word.He was awarded an OBE in 2006.

My Comments :

I got this book from BookXcess more than a year ago. Didn't get around to read it till recently.

It's a pretty impressive book. Yes, I have heard of Gordon Ramsay and knows that he is a famous Chef but I didn't know that he is this impressive.

Reading this book made me realised why he is so successful at what he does. I think those who have aspiration to open a business of any type should read this book. The way he manage his restaurant business is very good.

For example, treating customers complaint as a source of feedback and way to improve on customers service. Following up with customers and the complaints. Then trying to make it up to the customer without loosing too much of foot ground. Some companies would just throw away customers' complaint letters instead of following up with the customer.

He also trained his staffs to pick up the phone within 3 rings. Also to give service with a smile. All these small thing goes a long way in turn a business into a successful one

At some part of the book he may sound cocky but can't fault him as he have talent. Even this book is not free from the "F" word but it was not too much that it hinders ones reading.

What I admire the most in this book is that not only that he put in good things about himself but also talks about his own short comings. It really impressed me coz normally people would also want to say good things about themselves more over it's in a book; recorded for perpetuality.

Hope to get my hands on his others books

Italian for Beginners by Kristin Harmel

I guess I am getting hooked with the Little Black Dress books.

In this book, Cat is younger sister is getting married and at the reception tongues are wagging about her. She is the eldest daughter and yet she is still single. Some aunts commented that she is too choosy and stuffs like that.

That is totally not true. She just had too many responsibility to deal with. Moreover, something happened in the past with her mother had affected her greatly as compared to her younger sister and father.

Deep down inside she was lonely and had wanted to have someone to love and to be loved too. Then a chance came. She was invited to go to Italy. Still she doubted. Her dad and bestie urged her on and a disastrous date gave her the umph that she needed to pluck up her courage.

Everything was confirmed and booked that is until her younger sister acted up.That was how she end up in Italy without much money in her name and no place stay after a blow up with her ex-boyfriend.

With no money and too ashamed to turn back home with her tail between her legs, she journey on.

It was a fun adventure reading this book. It gives a fresh and happier outlook in life. Gives hope that there are still some people out that who truly cares about you instead of just using you. And that all broken heart can be mended. And that bad things that happen are actually a blessing in disguise.

Yes, this is a good book to read when you are feeling down.

I think, among the 3 Little Black Dress book that I have read, this is the best.

Theodore Boone by John Grisham

News Flash!!

Just saw BIG BAD WOLF BOOKS' Facebook that the BBWS is coming in OCTOBER 2011

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

For those who know me personally, they would know that I have a love and hate relation with John Grisham books. Some I love to death. Some I would condemn.

When I spotted this in BookXcess, I was wondering if I should buy it or not.

The story is about Theodore Boone, whose parents are lawyers and he is inspired to be a lawyer and maybe some day a judge.

Theo is not your typical boy. Although he is only 13 years old, he knows everyone in the Court from the Judges, Policemen and the court clerks. He know tonnes about the law and frequently help his schoolmates with their family's legal problem.

And this is how he become entangled into the most sensational murder trial a Strattenburg. He is the only one who knows that a murderer is going to walk out of the Court a freeman. He knows that the man is guilty. The stakes are high and he won't stop till justice is served.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. It's a refreshing book written through the point of view of a 13 year old kid, although I must say that this kid does seems to be mature for his age. It's not impossible as nowadays kids seems to grow up very fast.

The suspense kept me up at night.It's full of suspense. For me it's something fresh and suit kids and adult from the age 12 onwards. 

Stories like this make me want to look into classes at CSI schools or get an exciting JD degree and bring criminals to justice.

No Place Like Holmes By Jason Lethcoe

Book Description From BookSneeze.com

The new resident in 221A Baker Street is about to give Sherlock Holmes a run for his magnifying glass!
When Griffin is sent to stay with his detective uncle at 221A Baker Street for the summer, he is certain that his uncle must be the great Sherlock Holmes! But Griffin is disappointed to discover that Holmes lives at 221B Baker Street and his uncle lives unit 221A. His uncle is a detective, just not a very good one. But when Griffin meets a woman with a case that Holmes has turned away for being too ridiculous, he and his uncle team up to help her. Along the way, Griffin shows his uncle just what it means to have true faith in God, even when the case challenges that. The woman claims that her husband was eaten by the Loch Ness Monster, but monsters aren’t real—or are they?


My Comments:

I have always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes stories and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to review this book by Thomas Nelson Publisher through their blogger review programme. As usual, I am not required to give a positive review. Just an honest review would do.

This books is geared towards young readers of the age 9 to 12 years old. It's well written and resonant the gentle teaching of the old school like respecting the elders. I really missed this type of books. The market is being flooded by too many vampires type of books for young readers and I think it is refreshing to get a hold of books that bears some of the former theme.

Adventures and excitement awaits readers of this book. It's certainly a page turner. At times, Griffin is portrayed more mature than his age. As usual with mystery and detective novels, this story has many twists and turns. Nevertheless, it is impressive how Jason Lethcoe managed to incorporate into the story, the believe in God, Prayer and a little faith can go a long without sounding to preachy.

One thing that I don't understand is why this book is classified as Non-Fiction. Aren't Sherlock Holmes a fictional character?

Overall, this is a good read worth 4 stars out of 5.

Kitchen Chinese by Ann Mah

Isabelle Lee is an American girl. Her parents were from China. In her heart she is an American but people around her viewed her differently.

She can speak only "kitchen Chinese" not proper Chinese.Her mother and Aunt, the typical Chinese, are forever pressing her to get marry and have children

When she lost her job and dumped by her boyfriend, she was at lost on what to do. Her best friend suggested that she need a change of scenery and among the suggestion was that she goes to China for a change.

At first she thought it was a crazy idea but when the situation become too pressing, she decided it's not too crazy after all and decide to go to China. After all, her elder sister, Claire is in China and  is a big shot lawyer there.

Hence starts her adventure in China. Claire found her a job in a Expat Magazine. She venture into the realm which she loves - food review. At first she was doubtful whether she could handle the work as her Chinese is not the standard Chinese. It's more of kitchen Chinese which she pick up from listening to her parents and aunts talking informally.

Nevertheless, Ed, the editor was willing to help her out. From there she rebuilt her life bits by bits. She got to know more about Claire. Seems that Claire have turned into a beautiful swan in China but is she truly happy?

Meantime, Isabelle love life seems to bloom too with two amazing guys at her heels. Who would she choose.

Usually, the books that I pick up which relates to China involves a lot of heartache and tears like The Good Earth and Peony's Love. I was expecting a similar type of story for this book. I was surprised that this is not such book

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it very much. It's refreshing. This story seems to be so normal, in a good way. The flow of the story was smooth and the plot were interesting.

The scene and characters felt authentic. It's like taking sneak a peek into the life of a real person. Ya, ya ..am a "Kaypoh" (busybody). It's fun to read about Claire and Isabella .

People say loves is blind and it was actually so here. There are times when I felt like reaching into the book and give Claire and Isabella a shake to wake them up.

Yes, this book certainly give a fresh breath of live on books related to China. There are just too many tearful books in the market right now. Maybe this will be a new trend for coming books that relates to China. Chinese descendants from all over the world going back to China and experiencing China. Stories being told from their point of view instead of the from Maoist Era.

Inspector Singh Investigates : A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree by Shamini Flint

This is the 4th book of Inspector Singh Series. This round the chubby and funny Inspector Singh landed in Cambodia. Got kicked by his "boss" to be an observer to the International War Crime Tribunal in Phnom Pehn.

When a key witness of the trial was murdered, Inspector Singh was roped in to help out with the investigation.

The authorities are determined to write off this murder as random acts of violence but knowing Inspector Singh, we know that he would certainly leave no stone unturned.

The investigation brings up a lot of heart ache and pain for everyone inclusive of Inspector Singh.

Before reading this book, I was really like "A frog under the coconut shell". I have no idea of Cambodia have such a violent past coz I never really bother to read up the country history and current event.

Frankly, I was horrified by the acts of violent against the so call "intellects" and their family members. The Khmer Rouge were so cruel against women and children. The scenes in this book were very vivid and descriptive.

I had a good laugh at page 137. Just too bad they didn't use the image of Ganesha statue and Inspector Singh side by side as the book cover. It would be very funny.

This is definitely a good read. Full of human and mysterious elements

Max On Life by Max Lucado

Max Lucado is a well known voice in motivating people working towards their goal as well as living a much more fulfilling Life. Max on Life is a very inspiring masterpiece from Max Lucado and it certainly does not disappoint.

Readers who happens to be lucky enough to get a hold on this book would find that this book is not only motivating, but provides some probable answer to some question marks that you may have at certain point in your life.

Thumbs up for Max Lucado's Max on Life. It is highly motivational, and anyone who needs a little bit of those boost that cannot be found anywhere else can be sure to expect that in Max on Life.

Max on Life ought to be rate 4 out of 5 stars simple for captivating and making the readers look on a much more positive side of life. This is one book that ought to be on everyone's coffee table. Max on Life would also make a wonderful addition to one's permanent library.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.