Hey humans! How did you like my newest book review? Absolutely fangirling over that book, sorry.
Anyway, I'm here to announce that I will be on an Adventure starting from tomorrow. I'll be going to Taiwan.
"But you already went there like, two times."
Yes Biatch, Taiwan is my 3rd home (2nd home is Thailand). It deserves to be visited countless times.
So, I'm not sure if I'll be able to blog during my time at Taiwan, as I might not bring the laptop, and I don't know if I should sacrifice precious time there to entertain you losers (no joke i love u all pls don't go away)
This time, it will be different. In 2012, I went during the end of Summer, so it was seriously hot there, just like Malaysian weather, but this time, I'm going at the start of spring. And according to that TVBS uncle, it's around 12 degrees celcius there. Hella cold. I'm excited to be experiencing cold weather but I'm also afraid that I'll freeze to death and take crap photographs. Because I want to take nice photographs. But I'm afraid I'll take crap ones. I don't know what it has to do with the weather there, but I'm just saying I'm afraid.
So, I guess this is just some sort of reminder, to please read my blog, eventhough I won't update it recently. Eheh.
ohgoshimsolamesomebodyplssaveme
So, in celebration of Taiwan, here are some photos from my last trip! :)
Yeah. Ended the stream of photos with a finger lickin' good one.
So, I hope this satisfies your hunger for Noel.
I'll try my best to blog, but till we meet again! :)
Title: Blue Noise Author: Debra Oswald Publisher: Random House Australia Genre: Contemporary Pages: 271 Release Date: 2009 Book Source: A bookstore near my house which isn't there anymore Goodreads
Behind the Book: Ash is drooling over a guitar - the one he can't afford - when he meets Charlie Novak. One jam session later and Charlie convinces Ash to play in his band. But it'll never work. Bands never do. Erin is wandering down a corridor at school - overthinking things as usual - when she runs into Charlie. Literally. The guy is a fruitloop, with his weird hair and hyperactive rantings. When Charlie invites her to be the band's keyboard player, Erin can't get a word in to say no. She's a classical pianist. It'll never work.
But maybe this time things will be different. Maybe blues music is just what Ash and Erin needed.
In Front of the Book:
I don't think the two models represent Ash and Erin well, as they don't look like that in my head, but it brings out the whole theme of the book: Music and Young Love. Which is pretty cool. And who can resist a boy holding a guitar? And I really like the font of the title. It just fits okay?
Review:
I'm just going to tell you right off that I love this novel to bits. I felt like Ash in the guitar store when I saw this book. I could see it, use it, but it wouldn't be mine because it was expensive (this book was RM49.90 wtf). But somehow, I owned this book and it was the best thing ever.
This book is about music. But it isn't just about music. It's also about friendship, young love and breaking free (starting to sound a bit like HSM oops). And I like how Debra Oswald wrote the story, navigating between Ash and Erin, so I could get inside both of their heads.
The plot was fine. I couldn't find anything wrong with it. I loved how the band progressed, how they started from a practice session to something big. I just rooted for the band all the way.
I realize now that some people might find this book a bit dull, as Debra is quite detailed in describing the little things of each of the characters, but I think that's what makes the book unique. Through the little details like Charlie's family and his interactions with them, Erin's clumsy thoughts, and also Ash's fascination with guitars, it made me fall in love with the characters. When the plot twists came (although it was considerably predictable), I cried and I felt angry. I was that into the book.
Now let's talk about the characters.
Erin Landers didn't come across as annoying to me. Sure, she was shy and she couldn't express what she was thinking, but I loved her still the same. I especially understood when she thought: "..., piano felt like a habit , something she kept doing because she didn't know how to stop." Because as a fellow piano player myself, I had this dilemma too. I connected with Erin. And she was such a dork sometimes, but it stuck with me because I am a dork too. Besides, she wrote a song and I'm really jealous.
Ash Corrigan. *deep breath* Where do I start? He's the sensitive type. He cares about his mother, he cares about Charlie, he cares about the band. And it really doesn't hurt that he is also madly good at guitar, and is always challenging himself to learn more riffs and licks. Which I really admire. Obviously I ship Ash and Erin hard. But i also ship Ash and Noel hard because I love Ash.
I think the romance played out nicely, just the way I liked it. Not too quick, and with lots of cuteness. If only I was Erin T.T
This book filled 14-year-old Noel with lots and lots of musical dreams, it pushed Noel to practice Blues riffs (although she still sucks at it), it made Noel want to form a band (she actually did, it's called Black Roses and we died off, as expected). So, yes. I have mad love for this book.
Rating:
Five feathers because mad love
Quotes:
"Ash believed there was a lot of luck involved in which family you were born into. It was like buying a ticket for a lucky dip. Some kids got winning tickets and some got dud ones."
-I really like this line because it's just so whimsical.
" 'Spaghettification' is a proper scientific term. It's the process that happens when an object falls into a black hole. The forces in the black hole split and stretch the object until it becomes a series of long strings of atoms, like the thinnest imaginable pasta. "
-Well. I smiled at this. So it gotta mean something.
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I hope I didn't sound too fangirly here. I just love this novel a lot. I still love it even though I've read it 5 times (not lying). I hope all the music lovers out there will give this book a try, and maybe let it inspire you too.
Sorry I didn't get to update about my Thailand trip, or about Christmas, or about Chinese New Year. Yeeeah. Mostly because the festive ones are all the same? We feast and feast and feast... So all the photos are of the same nature. Just food. I don't think you would be interested in that. Sorry.
Anyway, I'm here to update about something more exciting than food!
On the 23rd of February, I met a very special friend.
Here he is (or she, I forgot to ask, but let's just assume he's male and extremely attracted to Noel hmm?)
I actually met him while working. And when I posted a photo of him and I on instagram, and immediately comments flooded in:
Charmaine: Wowwww why your job so cool? What are you working as?
I was quite overwhelmed.I suppose I should answer these questions.
Yes, that is a real owl. No, I didn't apply for Hogwarts with it because I've never read the series. And yes, Joyanne, the things those talons could tear apart. Yes. And lastly, the question, the particulars of my job, I work part-time for a PR company. And as we were on a road show at Seberang Perai, we bumped into this beauty quite my chance.
Since that is cleared. Now LOOK AT THE PHOTOS OF ME AND MY BEST FRIEND
And then he perched on my arm asdflkdsjaflsdkjfa
But when we tried photos, he kept being a dork and looking around in fascination.
The cutest thing that happened between us was when he was perched on my hand. I was petting him and I asked him: "What's up?" And he did the 'Wassup' head thing back to me!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HE UNDERSTANDS ME
:)
Infinite happiness when I finally met my friend in person.
Okay, I suppose it doesn't sound special when I type it out, but it just felt like feathery bubbles rising up to my head and popping to infinity.
Here are some owl gifs so you can see why I love owls so much
Title: The Fault in Our Stars Author: John Green Publisher: Penguin Books Genre: Contemporary, YA Pages: 313 Release Date: January 10th 2012 Book Source:Joyanne Ling Goodreads
Behind the Book: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
In Front of the Book:
I don't find it special. I'm numb from seeing it all over tumblr + instagram. I don't thing it portrays what happens in the story in a smart way either. Maybe the clouds are for the deceased in the story (which is quite a lot, trust me) but I don't find it cute or quirky. Bleh. Review:
To be honest, I was actually reluctant to pick up The Fault in Our Stars (or tfios as the whole internet refers it as) because I've heard many things about this book and since the movie is coming up this year, I didn't want the movie to wreck my imagination, thus me picking up this book. Besides, my inner hipster was skeptical at all the hype over this book. I didn't want another Twilight.
As I started the book, I was extremely confused to the point of frustration because I kept reading Hazel's voice as John Green - accent, puff and all (I blame vlogbrothers). And it was just so awkward. But then that lasted for about 10 pages and my brain switched back to Hazel Grace and everything was cool.
I suppose I like Hazel Graze. Her narration made the book light and sarcastic, even though she had a bleak future. Her view of the world is unique and and she has a lot of depth (and death) for an average sixteen year old portrayed in YA novels. I also liked reading about how her parents dealt with her sickness and their relationship dynamics in their family.
I didn't really like Augustus that much. *GASPSHOCKHORROR* He was sweet and cute and seriously funny (just like Hazel) but I didn't think the love story in the book was believable. It honestly seemed a bit far-fetched for me. But of course, I don't have cancer. Or a boyfriend.
Saying that, I felt sad towards the end, when the plot twist was revealed. But it wasn't bawl-my-eyes-out kinda sad. It was just a blue melancholic feeling that had my mind in turmoil because I saw it coming thanks to tumblr and the rest of the internet. I suppose by being funny, I got quite attached to the characters of the book and it was sad to detach in the end.
I put down the book with feels because John Green just had to end it on that note, didn't he.
Honestly, I enjoyed myself reading this book. But it wasn't as phenomenal as expected. I would like to say I enjoyed the death and cancer part more than the romance part but that would make me sound like a sadist (but it is the truth). I just found the romance cute and fluffy, which was okay. And I think that the book is very quotable, but it kinds of puts me off reading some of the overused quotes: My thoughts are stars I can't fathom into constellations. (I actually tweeted this before, and I didn't even know it was from the book!) and of course the cigarette metaphor.
This book makes you think. And that's so much better than just the romance. So it's worth picking up. Can't wait to get my hands on his other books.
Rating:
I give it four feathers
Quotes:
"... because there is no glory in illness. There is no meaning to it. There is no honor in dying of. "
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Anyway, I would like to tell everyone that since I'm finished with this book, I'm giving it away. Yeah. Just giving it away for no reason. So if you would like to have this book, please do leave me a comment and we'll work things out.
*UPDATE THE BOOK HAS ALREADY BEEN CLAIMED BY SOMEONE*
Here's the trailer + poster for the TFiOS movie. Can't wait to watch it! :)
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How did you like my first review? I'll try to do more in the near future, maybe even doing regular reviews. Tell me how I can improve myself or even debate with me if you want. Maybe you should suggest me new books to review, I will try my best to get these books into my hands (but preferably not new books, as new books are expensive).
On 8th of February, Homosapiens with Boobs (plus some boobless ones as well) got together to celebrate Chinese New Year.
They had an extremely insane schedule, jumping from one house to another and then deciding things at the very last minute.
So Noel being cool and all, met them for dinner at The Mines where we spent deciding what to do and didn't do anything at all. Yay plans.
Anyway we went to Shelvin's house in the end where the boys watched football and played flappy bird. Har dee har.
Okay, I'll get to the interesting bit soon.
Hehehe we're like so cool and cute.
Anyway, as we were warned, there was nothing to do at Shelvin's house. So we dilly-dallyed for a bit and then SUDDENLY WE DECIDED TO CELEBRATE RAJA JOHANNES'S BIRTHDAY WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO
(She probably saw it coming)
THEN WE HAD LIKE A PHOTOSHOOT AND WE LOOK SO FABULOUS SO SCREW YOU
Fabulousity cannot be hidden away
THEN WE FLEW SOME A LANTERNS IT WAS SO MAGICAL
YAYYYYYYYY
I THINK I SHOULD TELL YOU WHY IT WAS SO MAGICAL. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME I FLEW LANTERNS BUT WHEN WE WERE LETTING IT GO, WE SHOUTED, ALL TOGETHER:
"Amen!
Amin!
Amitofo!
Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ!"
At that moment, we were united, wanting our wishes to float up to the sky, into nothingness. When we were panicking about what to say when we set our wishes free, we instantly compromised with saying all our religious full stops.
And it was wonderful.
At that moment, I felt Malaysian.
So yeah. Harmony. Through a lantern.
You should try it sometime.
My feed, be it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, is filled to the brim with Valentine's Day love, or more accurately, Valentine's Day thirst.
When I was in school, I had slight anticipation for Valentine's. Namely because the clubs sold special treats which is delivered to the recipients class, so you could be agonized throughout the day waiting for your treat to come from your special someone. Of course, it may just be a silly prank your friends pulled off you (trust me, I've done it myself), or it could just be a heartwarming message from your friend. But usually the pretty ones get loads of presents and me, usually none. So my anticipation was mostly based on me getting to eat my friends' treats. Yeah.
I remember when I was in Form 1 (13 years old), I remember seeing a Form 5 girl from morning session leave the school with a huge bouquet of flowers and tailing behind her, was her friend holding a bunch of presents and a teddy bear for her (I assume it was the girl holding the flowers as the bouquet caused her hands to be full). So my witnessing probably nurtured my anticipation for Valentine's Day since then. You can read all about adolescent hormonal Noel during Valentine's 2012 here: I RANTED ABOUT MY STALKERS AND CAM-WH*RED (Slightly unrelated to the topic here but it gives you a picture of Valentine's Day in SMK SK)
But now that I have left school and the hormonal rush has reduced (slightly), Valentine's Day to me is just an opportunity for other people to make money off you in this Lovey-duvvey, mushy-wushy season. And I suppose you should really celebrate this event in the name of true love, even if you don't have a true love at the moment. Which is why I dug through some of my parents' old photographs. The story of how my parents met each other is actually a rather bizarre and funny story. A story that I will leave until another time. But the story of my parents marriage I suppose I can tell now.
Look how dorky they are
My parents got married on the eve of Valentine's Day. I don't really know why they chose it, but it just so happened. As it is now, 13th of February 1993 was also during the Chinese New Year period. They had a proper Catholic church wedding where my grandfather gave my mother away. Then after that they had the Chinese wedding thing where they invited family and friends to feast. Pretty much the usual stuff. But the most unusual part was that my parents refused to do a wedding photoshoot because my Mum said: 'It's such a waste of money and time to hire a photographer to shoot us. The fuss is not worth it. And what happens to the wedding photos in the end? They end up hidden, under the bed. It's just not worth it." Instead, they put on their wedding suit and dress, and started photographing each other at their new house, which is the house that we are still currently living in.
And I even found a selfie among other odd photos. My parents took a selfie 21 years ago as part of their wedding 'photoshoot'. My parents are so cool. So today marks the 21st anniversary of my parents. I asked them what they were going to do, they just shrugged and blew it off. They never really celebrate it anyway. I want to end this post with some words of wisdom from my Mum:
" Getting married isn't about the grand event on the wedding day. Getting married is living together with a with a person for the rest of your life. "
