Curious Corner Garage Sale , Amcorp Mall and Fahrenheit 88

Good morning!  Just noticed this Garage Sale announcement in Facebook by Curious Corner.

From their Facebook,  it seema that many items are on sale. Their price are low and with the sale it's gonna be even lower. Guess this would be a good time to make a trip to Curious Corner.

I have been eyeing these water bottles from my previous trips there. Seems like good quality . Going to grab some this weekend  and check out what else they have to offer.

For further information,  check out their facebook.

Big Bad Wolf Books -FIRE SALE !!

For those of you who missed Big Bad Wolf Sale Last December, here is your chance.

Saw in their Facebook that there will be a Fire Sale from 2nd February to 9th February 2015 . To be held at MIECC , Time 10am to midnight.

 

Price will be much lower

The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale , Ipoh 2014

 Omgh!!! Guess many Ipoh avid readers will be very excited. For the first time ever, The Big Bad Wolf Books Sale will be held in Ipoh.

Yea yea yea...what's so great about BBWBS?...guess only those who are excited about books will know. Come on.. fiction books are being sold mostly around RM8 per copy. That's like 75%-95% discount off the market price leh.

Those who are holding BB1M vouchers are sure lucky as BBWBS will be there before the vouchers expire and yes, BBWBS do accept BB1M vouchers.

Attention my "little horses" in Ipoh. Here is the map on  how o get to the sale.

Ahem ahem....don't forget to whatapps or FB me ya if you spotted any books that I might like......Thank you, Terima kasih , 谢谢 and धन्यवाद,.

So....do get ready...mark your calender...submit Annual Leave form...get ready a pair of comfortable shoe(you'll need it!) and most important of all...bring a trolley bag. No kidding leh. Don't be shy. Spare your arms from all the heavy lifting. Trolley bag is the way to go when you wanna "borong" . If you really cannot carry the heavy boxes, do not hesitate to "catch" any of the BBWBS staffs to help you to carry them to your car. From my past experience, the BBWBS Teams are very helpful guys and gals.

That's all for now...happy book hunting!

Big Bad Wolf Fireball Book Sale 15-23 February 2014

Good news!

The Big Bad Wolf Fireball Book Sale will be on 15-23 February 2014 at MIECC, Seri Kembangan

Time : 9am to 9pm

Great price slash as compared to last December.

Those books that were selling for RM8 last December will be sold at RM5 this round

Just one thing not so syok is that this round no more 24 hours sale.

So better mark your calender and get ready to grab those cheap books. No pantang on buying books as it falls after Chinese new Year.



For more news , do visit their Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/bbwbooks

Disclaimer : This is not a paid post nor did we receive goods in lieu. 

Banana Mom’s Guide To Preparing For Chinese School by Mimi Koay

Summary  From www.goodreads.com:

Are you a parent searching for a primary school for your child? Are you faced with the dilemma of which school to send your child to? Are you thinking of sending your child to Chinese school but you don’t speak Chinese at home? Now you don’t have to turn to forums or blogs for answers to your dilemma.

You can find the answers right here in this book. From choosing preschools to choosing primary schools. You will receive practical tips and know what to expect on orientation day and first day of school. Primary School Registration Procedures, School syllabus, Homework, Exams, Tuition, Dealing With Teachers. All this and more are covered in this book including How to Handle Differences In Parenting Styles with your spouse and the challenges you will face raising kids in the digital age.

Written by a parent for parents, everything you need to know about the challenges you will face as a parent to a primary school student, the next most important parenting stage you will face is here



My Comments:

For me this have been a valuable and insightful book as being a Banana Mom myself, I was undecided on which school to put my boy in when he starts primary one.

Naturally I would want him to learn an extra language but will he be able to cope with all the workload that Chinese school are famous for? Apart from that there are a whole load of pros and cons flying around.

From what I read here, Chinese Primary school is not that scary if there are support from the school side and the parents side.

I find that the part about school orientation, examination and tuition have been very helpful. Chapter 5 was very "scary" for me as there was a load of pros and cons listed there ...some of which I have not even thought of .

But overall, it had helped me . At least get a rough picture of what to expect should my son goes to Chinese Primary school.

Thank you very much to the author, Mimi Koay

Here are some links that may be helpful to those who are considering to send their child to Chinese school . The author is also giving a FREE chapter of the e-book for your reading pleasure.

1. Where to download free preview: http://dropify.com/mumsgathermg/book-previews/sample-chapter-banana-moms-guide-to-preparing-for-chinese-school

2. Url to buy the book:  http://mumsgather.com/banana-moms-guide-to-preparing-for-chinese-school/

3. Find her on FB: https://www.facebook.com/bananamomsguide

4. Chapters in the book:  https://www.facebook.com/notes/banana-moms-guide-to-preparing-for-chinese-school/chapters-in-the-book/162215003985462

Something Blue (Darcy & Rachel #2) by Emily Giffin

Synopsis from www.goodreads.com

Darcy Rhone has always been able to rely on a few things: Her beauty and charm.  Her fiance, Dex. Her lifelong best friend, Rachel.  She never needed anything else. Or so she thinks until Dex calls off their dream wedding and she uncovers the ultimate betrayal. 

Blaming everyone but herself, Darcy flees to London and attempts to re-create her glamorous life on a new continent. But to her dismay, she discovers that her tried-and-true tricks no longer apply--and that her luck has finally expired. It is only then that she can begin her journey toward redemption, forgiveness, and true love

My Comments

It was an "ok" sort of read for me. I have expected more of this book as I have heard good things about this author.

However, I was disappointed that 2/3 of the book have been about how self-centered the heroine, Darcy, is. I think that was a bit too much.

It was quite unbelievable based on this shallow character who was 5months pregnant being able to attract her Gynae to falls for her. It was a bit far fetch to me even in a chit lit.

Hence am giving this two stars out of 5 stars 

Something Borrowed (Darcy & Rachel #1) by by Emily Giffin

Synopsis by www.goodreads.com

Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. 

Rachel has always been the consummate good girl---until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. 

That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from.

 As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness.  

Something Borrowed is a phenomenal debut novel that will have you laughing, crying, and calling your best friend

My Comments : 

This have been an easy book to read.
 
Although Rachel was the third party in the relationship, but I find that I feel sorry for her. It was obvious that Darcy and Dex were not suited and it was such a pity that Dex took his own sweet time to decide on who he want to be with. I don't really like Dex.

Only one part which I find, not convincing is that how Rachel and Dex end up in bed. There was not much mentioned about the attraction between the two of them.

Overall I love this book because of Rachel. The character was very vivid and the crisis she encountered felt very real.
 

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

Synopsis by www.goodreads.com

THE BEST OF ME is the heart-rending story of two small-town former high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. 

Now middle-aged, they've taken wildly divergent paths, but neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever altered their world. 

When they are both called back to their hometown for the funeral of the mentor who once gave them shelter, they will be forced to confront the choices each has made, and ask whether love can truly rewrite the past

My Comments:

For me this is another one of his best book.

For those who are accustomed to Nicholas Sparks writing style, you'll won't find anything surprising in this book.  Story rather predictable. However, the emotions here are high. There seems to be no right or wrong when comes to love.

Same as many of his creation, this book will unfailingly make you sad. Not in a bad way rather in the sense of "what if"

What I like about this book is that it's not side-tracked by supporting characters.



Am giving this book 4 stars out of 5

A Triumph For Sakura by Jason S. Ridler

Synopsis and Book Cover from www.goodreads.com

Famed fight coach Ned Bangs was down and out, until he saw Sakura fight four deadbloods like a champ. The catch? Unlike Ned, she was human.

Under Ned’s guidance, Sakura fights from the street to the big time, gather fame and enemies as they reach the arena of Cascadia. Can they both survive when her courage fans the flames of a human revolution against their vampire overlords?

What cost will they both pay for a Triumph for Sakura.

My Comments :

I was contacted by the author to review this book. Initially I thought there is nothing new that any author can add on to the existing Vampire and human series but obviously I was wrong.

The author certainly put new twist in "A Triumph For Sakura". This book is like Hunger Games, Fight Club and True Blood rolled into one good novel. Very fast paced. The powerful against the weak. Will they be able to thriumph against a force that is so strong? 

Of all characters in the book, I think I like Ned best. Probably because of his flash back on the good old days before the undead become and elite race; and current time.

What I also love about this book despite all the fighting and everything, is that there are not much of foul language. In here, four letter words were being used at appropriate place. Yeah...I do sound snobbish but that's how I feel. I really hate it if nearly every page of a book being peppered with four letters words. Foul language doesn't really make a character in the book more macho.

Overall it has been a good read

I Am Second , Real Stories. Changing Lives By Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender

Synopsis from Booksneeze.com

There is nothing quite as compelling as a personal story—an account of someone’s life, radically changed.
This book is filled with some of these amazing stories.

 Across North America and around the world, hundreds of thousands of people are proclaiming a new anthem: “I Am Second.” No longer are they number one. These people have come alive to the truth that God has a plan for this world…a plan that specifically includes them. In this book you will discover their stories—some from notable people and some not so well known—who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ and are walking in radical obedience by putting Him first in their lives.

These stories are raw and real, dealing with the darkest moments of the human experience. Addictions, depression, infidelity, abortion, cancer, pornography, loneliness, jealousy, divorce, war…each story shows the redemptive power of Jesus who brings purpose and true joy to every secret place of life. Your story may not be included in this book…but you too can be a Second.

My Comments :

I have requested this book from Booksneeze to review a few months ago but had only managed to finished it recently. The opinion stated herein are just my humble two cents.

This is a wonderful compilation of real people experience and their stories. It's all about what they had gone through in life. All their hardship and trauma. These are not just your everyday people.Many of them are well know. Through all their trials from falling into substances addiction to being sexually assaulted, most of them had lamented how unfair life is. But then, they realised that they must have faith in God for he is First and we are the second. They must give their lives over to God for them to be able to overcome all their setbacks.



There are a lot of raw emotions involved here. I can't help feeling sad when I read some of it.

The one down side which I noticed here are the stories tend to be a bit short.


This would be a good read for everyone from young adults to the elderly for everyone will find some experience which he/she can relate to in this book. Hopefully, it can help those who are in need of spiritual guidance.



Am giving this book four stars out of five.

The Seeds of Time by Shamini Flint

I am a follower of this author's Facebook. I love her books especially the "Inspector Singh Series".

Last week, I saw the author posted up in her Facebook that she is giving this book away for free . 

Here is what she wrote :  -

Dear Readers,

FREE BOOK!!

Like many of you, I caught the environmental bug some time back. I belatedly realised that our lifestyles are unsustainable and our children are going to inherit the mess. In a panic, I began to write books (printed on recycled/sustainable paper) about endangered species and did a lot of school visits to talk to kids about environmental issues.

Approximately five years ago I wrote a book, an environmental fantasy, called The Seeds of Time, for children aged 9-12. I wrote it to try and inspire children, the next generation, to care about the future of the planet (partly because I'd given up on us adults doing the right thing by our kids). It did pretty well, selling over 10,000 copies and is still widely available in bookshops, on online sites and as an ebook.

From the blurb:

"Honesty Smith and Spencer Jones - two ordinary children on a quest to save the planet. But is it too late for the orangutans of Borneo and the polar bears of Alaska?"

This week, we here in South East Asia, have been engulfed in unbreathable, hazardous air from the burning of the rain forests in the region.

I've been irate as I watch my children red-eyed and wheezing, shut into one air-conditioned bedroom ... unable to go outside.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I was reminded of why I wrote The Seeds of Time in the first place.

To do what I can ... I've decided to give the book away for FREE (the entire book is downloadable from Goodreads if you're not a member, its easy to sign up and there's no cost or email me at shamini@shaminiflint.com to ask for the PDF). I would really appreciate it if you read it, give it to your children to read and generally spread it as far as possible. Please share.

I hope it makes a tiny difference!

Kind regards

Shamini

PS If any teachers/educators would like bulk sets of hard copies for the kids, please let me know and I will make the necessary arrangements (while stocks last!)

Synopsis from www.goodreads.com :

Features Honesty Smith and Spencer Jones, ordinary children who are on a quest to save the planet. This title features a story that ranges from the plight of the Orang Utan in Borneo to the Polar Bear in Alaska and tells how the young people and the animals team-up to save the world.

My Comment : 

In the beginning it was hard for me to get the hang of talking animals relating to modern time. Yeah, am too used to Enid Blyton's books where talking animals are used in relations to ancient time. Gradually I got the hang of it.


The story started slow, probably to let readers get accustomed to the characters.

I love the character, Honesty. I feel that she really brings out the charm of this book. It's not easy to resist peer pressure. Nobody wanted to be unpopular in school . It's wonderful to see how she react to t and how she learn from her experience


The pace of the story started to pick up when Honesty met Spencer. The two characters mixed well together.



Personally, I think this is a good book to give to the young ones to read. To get then started at an early age on the importance of taking care of our environment.  Sometimes it's hard for adult who is fixed in their habit to change but there are still hope for the young ones.

Am looking forward to read Book 2 of this series.

Inferno by Dan Brown

Synopsis from www.goodreads.com

Dan Brown’s new novel, Inferno, features renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon and is set in the heart of Europe, where Langdon is drawn into a harrowing world centred around one of history’s most enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces.

As Dan Brown comments: “Although I studied Dante’s Inferno as a student, it wasn’t until recently, while researching in Florence, that I came to appreciate the enduring influence of Dante’s work on the modern world. With this new novel, I am excited to take readers on a journey deep into this mysterious realm…a landscape of codes, symbols, and more than a few secret passageways.”

My Comment :

First, I would like to thank Cleffairy for giving me this copy of "Inferno" by Dan Brown to read.

It took a lot of patience to really start getting hang of this book. As usual, everything in the beginning was confusing and the short snippets of a chapter here and a chapter there did not help. Who is Provost? Why are there people chasing Robert and trying to kill him?

Plot wise it's pretty similar to Da Vinci Code and Angel and Demons, which I loved. It was full of suspense and thrill of the chase.

I find that reading this book feels "educational", not in a bad sense but rather it inspired me to google and find out more of the things that he mentioned in the book . For example, it made me want to read Dante's work. I have download Dante's work from Project Gutenberg. Hopefully I can find time to read it.

Also I learnt quite a few interesting facts such as the horrifying origin of Ring Around The Roses nursery rhyme.

I can't help feeling a bit upset at that ending. Let me give you a hint...it's something like what happen in Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)

Nevertheless am giving it full stars as I like the story very much. It's a book that inspire me to read more of other books and I can say that I've learn a lot of interesting facts and ideas from it. Aren't it wonderful to have fun while learning?

The Witches by Roald Dahl

Synopsis from www.goodreads.com

This Roald Dahl classic tells the scary, funny and imaginative tale of a seven-year-old boy who has a run-in with some real-life witches! 

"In fairy tales witches always wear silly black hats and black cloaks and they ride on broomsticks. But this is not a fairy tale. This is about REAL WITCHES. REAL WITCHES dress in ordinary clothes and look very much like ordinary women. They live in ordinary houses and they work in ordinary jobs. That is why they are so hard to catch." 

Witches, as our hero learns, hate children. With the help of a friend and his somewhat-magical grandmother, our hero tries to expose the witches before they dispose of him.

My Comments :

It had been ages since I last updated this blog. Not because of I have not read any good books but rather lack off time. Too many books, too little time. Don't you sometimes feel this too?

Was at Bookxcess on Mother's Day and being "kiasu" I bought this to make up to RM50 purchase so that I can get a Carnation and photo session. Yup...It's kinda hard to that many books to buy in order to make up to RM50 coz the books were so cheap. 

Spotted this book. I have heard of Bigfoot and Matilda but have yet to read them. So far I think I have read Roald Dahl's My Uncle Oswald and that is on juicy adult book. 

Feeling kinda mellow hence grabbed this.

Oh boy ...I did not regret snapping up this book as it was a pleasure to read. It's an imaginative easy read. I guess Roald Dahl gets the last laugh after all since his school Master had put nasty comments in his Report Card where he was said to have "not a scrap of imagination".

This book certainly not for definitely not for those "logical" people who likes to question the logic of turning kids into mice.


Apart from that the book was full of witty humor. Can't help smiling at how he described the reactions of some people over some mice. 

I give this book full 5 stars.

Confessions Of An Old Boy: The Dato' Hamid Adventures by Kam Raslan

Summary from goodreads.com

Dato' Hamid The Old Boy and civil servant who's been everywhere and seen it all (even though he never wanted to). 

Here he 'spills the beans' on his adventures dating back to the 1940s, from Kuala Lumpur to Monte Carlo, Los Angeles to Algiers, London to Temerloh Rest House and much more. 

Along the way, Dato' Hamid tussles with a beautiful seductress-cum-diamond thief in Switzerland; is corrupted by a ruthlessly ambitious Malaysian banker in London;and helps solve the murder of a billionaire businessman in an isolated mansion on the east coast. And all the time he wishes he were back at home tending his orchids and nursing his favourite cognac. 

Shameless, exciting and funny, Dato' Hamid's life and adventures chart the financial, political and amorous relationships that have made Malaysia what it is today. You ll never meet anyone quite like Dato' Hamid, but you'll know him

My Comments :

Bought this book for a song from the Big Bad Wolf Books Sale last year. It's a steal at RM5.

I really love it. 

The Dato Hamid characters was really funny and "lovable" with his idiotic blundering.

Behind a successful man is a woman as the saying goes. His lovely wife certainly lights up the stories here when she ride up to his rescue each and every time he got caught in some ridiculous situation of his own making.

The only part I did not really like is his so call "romeo-ing" . It was a bit dry. But that was just in the beginning. 

Love the last part of the book. It was so mysterious .

Am giving it 4 stars out of 5.

The Laughing Sutra by Mark Salzman

Summary :

Wei Ching was a monk from a monastery that have been destroyed by fire. During the fire, he had rescue many scrolls and sutra from the monastery and hence on made it his life work to protect them. But among all the sutra that he had accumulated, there is one sutra that elude his grasp, The Laughing Sutra.

It was said that the one who read and understood  The Laughing Sutra will have immortality.

Hsun-ching is a orphan that was saved from a certain death and was given to Wei Ching to raise. Initially Wei Ching was reluctant to take on the responsibility as he wanted to go hunting for The Laughing Sutra. However, it was not meant to be. 

In turn, Hsun Ching took on the task of seeking out The Laughing Sutra for Wei Ching. This task brings him to the mysterious Colonel Sun. Together, they travel all the way from China to Hong Kong and then to San Francisco in order to retrieve The Laughing Sutra. 

The journey was fill with hardship and danger. 

My Comments:

This is typical modern "Journey To The West" story plus "Tom Sawyer" all mixed together.

I must say I have enjoyed the story very much. The East meets West. It is very rich in the eastern culture. I like the part where the mysterious Colonel Sun appeared in Hsun Ching life in China, Hong Kong and San Francisco. Can help laughing when Colonel Sun was mystified by the modern days convenience like the Lift.

The pace of the book and plot was fast enough for me. The adventures was suspenseful

The only thing that I feel uncomfortable or not satisfied with the book is the part where Hsun Ching was force to join the Red Army. The time frame and things around there felt rather "brief" . Could have do without that part. Just write about the mystical part and their travel to Hong Kong and San Francisco would have been much better.

Overall am giving it 4 stars out of 5.

Theodore Boone: The Abduction (Theodore Boone #2) by John Grisham

Summary

 Theodore Boone, the kid "lawyer' is back in action. This time, his best friend April had gone missing from her bedroom in the middle of the night. The night before Theodore had just talked to her over the phone and the next morning she had gone missing.

It is up to Theodore and his friends to find out what had happen to April as the Police seems to be hitting the wall at every turn.
  
Would Theodore with his knowledge of legal system going to be able  save April in time? 

My Comments:

This is the second Theodore Boone's book that I have read. Not sure what this book official classification is but in my opinion it should be under Young Adult.

I have a feeling that this will be a whole new series of Theodore Boone's adventure that the author John Grisham going to write. Should be pretty exciting.

Just in case parents out there is wondering, I can say this book is pretty "safe" for young adults to read. It's something like Enid Blyton, The Famous Five. And may even inspire kids to wanna be a lawyer. 

The book have the element of surprises and Theodore is as cunning as a fox.It was sure a page turner for me.

Then why am I giving it only 4 stars out 5 stars? Well, it's because...I feel that it could still be better.

Now am looking forward to getting my hands on Theodore Boone : The Accused. I wonder what the boy is up to next.

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

Summary by www.goodreads.com


From the author who's inspired millions worldwide with books like "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" comes his most imaginative novel yet, "The Time Keeper"--a compelling fable about the first man on earth to count the hours. The man who became Father Time.

In Mitch Albom's newest work of fiction, the inventor of the world's first clock is punished for trying to measure God's greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time.

He returns to our world--now dominated by the hour-counting he so innocently began--and commences a journey with two unlikely partners: one a teenage girl who is about to give up on life, the other a wealthy old businessman who wants to live forever. To save himself, he must save them both. And stop the world to do so.

Told in Albom's signature spare, evocative prose, this remarkably original tale will inspire readers everywhere to reconsider their own notions of time, how they spend it and how precious it truly is.

My comments :

Received this book from a friend.

I have always liked Mitch Albom books as they are easy to read and meaningful. Unfortunately, I can;t say the same for this book. It took me "forever" to finish reading this. Most probably one of the contributing factor was that the book I've got is an e-book.

First of all the characters in this book were nothing really special and just doesn't "connect" . 

Dor, the Father of Time, was too busy inventing and discovering something to measure time till he neglected the world around him. Even neglected his own family. He only regretted it when he lost them.

The other two characters, Sarah and Victor, too did not shine and expected. They are just your average everyday person. One wanted love and acceptance and the other wanted more time . Both neglected to view what they were having in front of them.

The ending was rather predictable. 

However, I have to mention is that the word play and the flow of the sentence in this book is still as "delicious" as ever. I liked the way he uses words as he made them come alive.

Overall, am giving this book 2 stars out of 5 star.

Guilty Pleasures by Tasmina Perry

Synopsis in www.goodreads.com


In the world of the fabulously rich, fashion can have a very high price. 

Saul Milford, owner of one of England’s oldest and most prestigious luxury goods companies is dead, but who will inherit his estate? 

Saul’s niece Cassandra, editor-in-chief of glamorous fashion magazine Rive? Roger, Saul’s handsome brother with a demanding, scheming wife? Julia the art-dealer sister with a dark and brooding secret? 

All have their reasons for wanting the company. But only one of them will go to any lengths to secure what they believe is rightfully theirs. 

It’s a gilt-edged tale of lust, glamour and intrigue around the world’s most luxurious locations

My comments :
  
I should update this blog more but then recently I have been reading some books which I think rate around 1 or 2 stars out of 5 stars, hence I feel no point updating here. Actually am rather lazy.

However, I feel I should highlight this book. I bought it for just RM8 brand new from last year Big Bad Wolf Books Sale.

At first when I saw the book was so thick, I felt intimidated. Thought I may lose interest halfway. However, am glad to say this book is a real page turner.

I like the way the author introduced each character chapter by chapter and no all jumble up together. The story goes on from there on. No flash back here and there to confuse readers.

This is not just another Chick-lit but there are suspense too. Can't help noticing how the author artfully kept the suspense up to the very end before revealing the person who is plotting to murder for money. Oppsie...looks like I have revealed a bit spoiler. 

Anyway, this is a good book to read if you are tired of the usual no brainer Chick-lit. This book is just nice as a vacation reads by the beach or swimming pool.

For me, I rate this book 4 stars out of 5 stars.



 

Gold Diggers by Tasmina Perry

Synopsis from www.goodreads.com

Glamour, intrigue, lust and betrayal merge as New York billionaire Adam Gold moves to London. 

He’s sexy, single and about to come face to face with The Gold Diggers: 

Karin the jet-setting swimsuit entrepreneur, 

Erin the naive country girl who snares the job as Adam’s PA, 

Molly, a fading eighties supermodel with an expensive drug habit 

and Summer, her beautiful daughter. 

Who will succeed where so many other have failed – and what will they do to get him? From Monte Carlo to Lake Como, St Moritz to St Barts, Gold Diggers takes us on a heady journey through a world of sex, murder and betrayal

My Comments 


This is the first time am reading books for this author. Got it cheap from the Big Bad Wolf Sale. At first I not sure whether to but this book or not as it was very thick. Did not have the confidence it finish it. But seeing that it was only RM8, I bought it anyway.

What I like about this book is that the writing style is similar to Louise Bagshawe and Judith Michael. It's something like Chick-lit and yet the book have a bit of "meat" for me to chew on.

Most of the characters in the book have very shallow view of life with exception of Erin and Summer.

It was fun to read the spats between Molly and Karin. Molly being portray as very shallow, money minded and would not hesitate to"pimp" out her daughter if it benefited her. But I pitied her. It seems that she is always the second best in everything. All her evil scheme back-fired against her. It was hilarious.

What I don't like about this edition is that it have poor proof reading. Spotted several spelling errors.

Ones have to be very careful when reading the ending as it's link to what happen in the beginning of the book.

Overall, I rate it 4 stars out of 5 stars. This is my kind of drug.




 

Death Of A Red Heroine (Inspector Chen Cao #1) by by Qiu Xiaolong

Synopsis 

Inspector Chen Cao is an unusual character. He does not only investigate but also a poet and a translator of American and English mystery novels.

When the naked corpse of a woman was found in a canal, Inspector Chen was assigned to investigate the case. It turn complicated when it was discovered that it was the body of a "National Model Worker". On the surfaces, she seems to lead a model citizen life.

Inspector Chen got in trouble with different sections of the Communist Party when he start to unravel the mysterious death. Some section of the Party wants him off the case by all means. Whether it's by bribery or by darkening his reputation.


Would Inspector Chen be able to dodge the bullets and solve the case?

My comments:

I bought this book two years ago at the Big Bad Wolf Sale Preview 2010. I was lucky that year to have won a Pass to the Preview.

Many of you know that am a fan for books from Asian Authors. Hence, I did not hesitated to pick up this book despite its being 464 pages thick.

I must say, I enjoyed reading this very much as it's something "fresh"  compared to the usual sad stories or political stories that emerge from China.

What I love about the character, Inspector Chen, is that he is the underdog in the story. He is hindered from his investigation every turn he made and yet he did not give up. Instead he used the round about way to get to the bottom of the case.

What I dislike about the story is that the author spent too much time in describing Inspector Chen's personal life which I found a bit tedious. But am guessing the author is just laying the foundation for the subsequent instalment of Inspector Chen's series.

 am giving this book 4 stars out of 5 stars. It's good. It could have been excellent if the page count could have been reduced by editing some part about Inspector Chen personal life.