Just Me

THE LOST SYMBOL BY DAN BROWN
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Date of Publication: September 2009
Summary:

The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order).

Fact: When it comes to Dan Brown's book, I just buy it and read it. No need to glimpse at the summary. Whatever he writes, I'm sure I'll like it.

I don't think I can say anything that other people haven't said about this book. I loved the puzzles and the transformation and the action in this book. I have never been a great fan for horror, mystery, or thriller books since... well, I don't feel any of the emotions that these books should evoke. With Dan Brown, I actually feel the impatience wanting to know what's going to happen next especially when he keeps leaving the reader hanging at every chapter. Again, I just love how he ends each chapter with a hook.
And I especially like the revelation of the square order of eight. The arrangement of the symbols to turn it into a pyramid and the staircase is just.... unbelievable! That is not to say the many interpretations for that particular picture or whatever you call it.

However, the reason I didn't give the book 5/5 is because... first of all, I was baffled to find out that the Lost Symbol is actually the Bible. It was... I don't know... I guess it's just me because I'm not a religious follower and the idea of God is not... the way other believe, let's just leave it at that.

Furthermore, I find the idea of thinking positive thoughts, believing in one's "divinity" can actually affect's the world's action is a little too far fetching. Maybe I'm just a hard headed, narrow minded person like Peter said who just can't accept new ideas, but Dan Brown convince me about the human's super ability. That's not so say that I don't believe that human can advance unbound... I'm just saying that his revelation is too much for me to take in.

However, I'll admit that this novel has a strong influence on shaping people's thinking. I like the lesson here more than one in the Da Vinci Code. A lot.

The good: lots of knowledge to be gained, lots of ideas to be learned and considered here. Dan Brow does not just tell a story, he's showing the readers new ideas that people should ponder upon. Great Great Great book.

It could have been better if: there is more explanation about how man is actually the God. For some reason, when I read about this, I wasn't quite convince. I guess I'll read it again. And the science of it is quite stunning but when Katherine said she's seen proof that cancer cells actually turn to normal cells just because people think that way... really?

And the extra dimention Dan Brow mentions in this book. Based on what I learn, there are actually eleven dimensions. Not ten. Am I missing something here?

DEVIL'S CUB BY GEORGETTE HEYER

The Marquis of Vidal is a bad lot a rake and seducer, reckless, heedless, and possessed of a murderous temper. He is known by friend and foe alike as the "Devil's Cub." Yet as the handsome and wealthy heir to a Dukedom, he is considered a good prospect on the marriage market. Vidal currently has his eye on the young, lovely, and unintelligent Sophia Challoner, and Sophia's greedy mother is more than happy to encourage his dubious attentions. The colorful and eccentric characters fall over each other's plots, get involved in very peculiar coincidences, engage in colorful derring-do, and generally make life difficult for each other.

LINGER by MAGGIE STEIFVATER
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date of Publication: July 13, 2010
Summary:

Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

Fact: when I first bought this book, I thought it- like Linger- will be a heart-felt love story. Well, I was only partially right.

I don't think I have ever read young adult novel more beautifully written than Linger. I could feel the emotions for each character. LINGER unlike, SHIVER is a lot more serious and... well, sad. It dwells into the true meaning of love and loss.

In this book, Maggie tells more about Sam, his family, his life before he turned into a wolf, and especially the pain and the joy after he had regained his human form. Likewise, Grace in this book develops into a new person, more daring... more brave to do what she wants instead of listening to her parents and live quietly like she has always done all her life.

Cole, the new character, I think, is the most broken of all. A celebrity, famous and rich, he has everything he wants with a flick of his finger. Yet he has made too many mistakes in his life and tries to run away from it. Telling from four different points of views, the book tells how each of the characters, Sam, Grace, Cole and Isabel tries to cope with their personal problems.

The one thing I love the most about this book is how the characters are portrayed. I think LINGER has more emotions and feelings than action. And I love that. I want to be in people's heads and know what they are thinking and how it affect their lives.

*******Spoiler******
When Grace is dying, I could feel the pent up emotions Sam, the pain, the fear... everything with him even addresing it once. There was no tears, no hysterics in Sam's or even Grace's part yet somehow Maggie perfectly captures the horror of slowly painfully watching the one you love slipping away from you.

Not many books can affect me emotionally there has only been one. But reading LINGER, I feel the pain, the frustration, the fear... so much I wanted to hit something to vent the emotions out!
****End of Spoiler***


LINGER is a great read. I'd recommend it to everyone. However, be warned that LINGER's theme is rather heavy and depressing for readers under 13.

LINGER TRAILER:

THE LAST HELLION by Loretta Chase
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date of Publication: April 1998
Book Description:

A ferocious conflict of wills...

Vere Mallory, the Duke of Ainswood, has everything--he's titled, he's rich, he's devastatingly good looking--and he seems determined to throw it all away. Disreputable, reckless, and wild, the last of the Mallory hellions is racing headlong to self-destruction...until a mind numbingly beautiful blonde Amazon knocks him off his feet--literally.

An incendiary passion...

Lydia Grenville is dedicated to protecting London's downtrodden. Dissolute noblemen like Ainswood are part of the problem, not the solution. She would like him to get his big, gorgeous carcass out of her way so that she can carry on with her work. The problem is, Ainswood can no more resist a challenge, especially in female form, than he can resist the trouble she seems to attract.

If they can only weather their personal firestorm...
they might survive the real danger that threatens all they hold dear.

This book is well on my list of "favorite books of all time." I can't seem to find a single negative thing to say about this book... well, maybe except the part that she smokes. Once or twice when the situation requires since Lydia is a journalist therefore has to mingle on bars to seek for information.

Loretta does a splendid job is always with the conversation and the shocking twist at the end.

The chemistry between the characters sound real and not forceful like other books that I have read, not to mention that the heat from their passion alone sizzles the pages. I found myself laugh out loud, frown, and gasp as their relationship progresses. The part that really capture my attention is their relationship. Neither of them knows how to deal with marriage, especially Vere- he doesn't even think beyond the wedding night, but they are willing to stick together and sort things out. Just like how people would do in real life. I found that fascinating since most of romance books I read ends in a marriage. This book starts with one.

I'd recommend this book to all those who love romance and virgins.

HUSH, HUSH by BECCA FITZPATRICK

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

First glance, gorgeous, gorgeous cover, not only that the real cover is even more gorgeous with its glittery surface.

With the intention of giving no spoilers I'll have to make this very short because if I babble on I'm going to give everything away. The thing I love most about this book is the conversations. They sound very realistic. I found Patch's lines, though short, completely capture the reader's attention. Patch is portrayed as a bad boy and hides a dark secrete. The author does well by using words such as "a hint of a smile played on his lips" or "a small grin" but never let Patch actually smiles.

Nora on the other hand is an ordinary girl, who I can very much relate to. First is because she cares about her grades and never give too much thoughts about boys. That's me. Or at least that's how I think I am. I also found Nora and admirable character. Instead of succumbing to Patch's charm, she tries to figure him out. She tries to resist and keep a straight head.

The chemistry between them is... just... sizzling. I haven't read a YA book makes me toes curl like this one before. Most of time, YA books have very little chemistry between both characters. I guess that's how authors keep them PG-13 (?), often time I have to read more than 1/3 of the book for them to even meet a second time. Not with HUSH, HUSH. It has enough of romance to keep me go "awww...." and wanting to read more.

And I love how there are feathers printed randomly on the pages. It's cute!

The only thing I'm not so agreeable about this book is that Nora and Patch fall in love a little too fast. Through out the book, Nora keeps thinking that he's wrong, he's not good for me, I can't be near him, he scares the wits about of me. But near the end of the book, it rushes to say that Patch is in love with her. Sure, he flirts with her, but he... I don't know, I just find that there is not enough evidence that really shows he is in love with her. He might be interested in her more than other females but in love... ? That's a little too quick.

I wish Becca had write more about their first kiss. After all, it is Nora's first kiss. But oh well.

I still love it. Can't wait til the next book!

I'd recommend this book to EVERYONE.

and oh, let's not forget the trailer!

CRACKING THE AP BIOLOGY EXAM 2010 EDITION - THE PRINCETON REVIEW

Finally! I've been dying to do this although for some reason life keeps getting in the way.

The first thing I'd like to say about this book is its thickness... or lack thereof, to be exactly. The AP Biology book might as well be the second lightest of all the Princeton Review books right after the AP Psy. Nonetheless, it is the LIGHTEST of all the AP Bio prep books that I've had my hands on. The one for Barron's is HUGE but no more informative.

This book presents the information in a logical order going form the big picture to the small details. Looking the index alone can prove that.

But the one thing I LOVE LOVE LOVE about this book is that it SHOWS you how to memorize stuff. I remember a chapter about human anatomy in which you have to memorize all the hormones and what they do... Other books (I've read 4 different ap prep book on the anatomy sections) just tell you what they do and expect you to memorize everything from scratch. I mean, at the time, sure. But remember, the ap exam is not just about the human hormones. They can't expect people to memorize stuff out of the blue, especially stuff you're likely to not use AT ALL in real life. That's when this book helps because it shows you mnemonics to memorize.

GATOR PIT is how you're supposed to memorize the hormones like AHD, LH, FSH... How, you'll have to read the book and know.

When I read this book, I feel like I'm actually LISTENTING to someone talking to me instead of reading the dry and coarse words. I feel like they understand student's pains of having to memorize the stuff and try to understand or at least memorize as much as they can.

And oh, let's not forget about the quizzes at the end of each chapter. For some reason, THAT is so rare in other books. I did a review wayyy back about chem and I have to say only 2/5 ap chem books I had have the quizzes. Is it too hard to think of 5 questions for each chapter? I think not.

On the other hand, I would say that although informative, the quizzes at the end of the chapter for AP BIO are not as great. Often times there are questions about info. that is not presented in the chapter which leads to confusion. In addition, even if you get the answers right, I'd suggest you go to the answer page and look at the explanation. More often than not, the explanation gives you more detail on that particular area. I think Princeton could have done better given the fact that this book is still very thin.

In the end, it is the fact that reading this book got me a 5 on the AP exam. I remember having TWO questions on the ap exam that are exactly like the info present in the book. Needless to say I was thrilled because all I had to do is write down the info I've already memorized well (I'm a bit of a visual learner myself).

I wanted to do a review about AP Physics but unfortunately I didn't use the princeton book for Physics; our teacher asked us to use another green cover book which was printed in 2005. It was a big mistake. A VERY BIG MISTAKE because I got a 4 on the ap exam but I feel like I haven't learned anything in that class.

If you have to get one thing about of this loooooong review this is it:

If you're a high school student and you're taking ap classes. I don't care what it is and who teaches you, please please please stick with the Princeton Reviews. I promise you won't be disappointed.

That is, if you actually try.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call: the elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum. Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher. Solving the enigmatic riddle, Langdon is stunned to discover it leads to a trail of clues hidden in the works of da Vinci…clues visible for all to see…and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.


Langdon joins forces with a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and learns the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—an actual secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and da Vinci, among others. The Louvre curator has sacrificed his life to protect the Priory's most sacred trust: the location of a vastly important religious relic, hidden for centuries.


In a breathless race through Paris, London, and beyond, Langdon and Neveu match wits with a faceless powerbroker who appears to work for Opus Dei—a clandestine, Vatican-sanctioned Catholic sect believed to have long plotted to seize the Priory's secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle in time, the Priory's secret—and a stunning historical truth—will be lost forever.


In an exhilarating blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, symbologist Robert Langdon (first introduced in Dan Brown's bestselling Angels & Demons ) is the most original character to appear in years. The Da Vinci Code heralds the arrival of a new breed of lightening-paced, intelligent thriller…surprising at every twist, absorbing at every turn, and in the end, utterly unpredictable…right up to its astonishing conclusion.

I wasn't so hot on this book when I picked it up mostly because I'm not into mystery and thriller and what not. In fact, I picked the book up and put it down then never thought of it again until yesterday when my friend lent me this book.

I spent the WHOLE day today just READING this book. I love how each chapter ends with a hook and it keeps you reading. Dan Brown's book always starts with something explosive like, someone dies or something explodes but this one is just... unique. I love the conversation and the occasional French conversation. It's entertaining even thought my French sucks.

The one thing I love most about this book is that it's fast-paced. Unlike Stephen King or Dean Koontz books, Dan Brown explodes out with action and keeps movie. Other mystery books... I have to practically force myself to read the first ten chapters before I actually get into the book. This one just got me right in the first chapter.

Besides the HUGELY gorgeous plot, I love you Dan Brow drop a few interesting facts like the one about PHI and Mona Lisap's painting where the horizon is lop sided. I wonder how much research he did to write that book. In the end, the one thing that startled me the most is *****SPOILER ALEART****** is the revelation about The LAST SUPPER.

An art lover myself. I used to gaze at the painting many times but I NEVER see a single woman in that picture and when I read this book. It's just like, BAM! right there! In your face! I love how Dan Brown just throws facts in your face, facts that are so obvious but for some reason, not many people realize.

Over all, it's a GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT book. I'd recommend it to everyone. Well, except middle schoolers since they are quite hard to follow sometimes, especially with the French names and conversations.

Springbreak!!! WOO!!! (and to think that I only finish 2 books is...depressing but hey, I got some stuff done for school so it's not even half as bad.)

First off, Bought: the Greek's Innocent Virgin by Sarah Morgan.

Summary:
At Angelos Zouvelekis's command, café waitress Chantal will play the part of his bride-to-be. He will shower her with exquisite jewels and silks.and she will repay him in kind!

He wants his recompense in the bedroom! Angelos worships Chantal's body, although he thinks she's a devious gold digger. But his arrogance is shattered when he discovers Chantal is a virgin..

Angelos bought this innocent, and now he intends to keep her - whatever the cost!

I can't really say much about the bookcover. I don't know. It's just... different from the other bookcovers that I've seen over the years. I'm not saying I don't like it or anything. The background is nice... but that's pretty much it. I just... can't comment about this type of cover. My appologies.

I finished it in one sitting [and lying] as soon as I got the book. Seriously, I just got hooked by the title. Overally I really, really love the characters. They're well built. The story is very shot but I think I know a lot more about the characters than other books that go on and on for pages about the surrounding and minor characters. I especially like the heroine. She's strong, she's determined, and she is VERY stubborn. She wants to be independent from the hero and even thought they're having a relationship, she never ever wants to take money from him.
I think I like this story because I can relate to the heroine. This is how I ( and I believe many other women) want to be like. We don't want to be dependent on our husband financially.
The hero on the other hands amuses me throughout the book. I enjoy reading about heroes whose lives are so organized and suddenly someone sweeps into their lives and turn everything upside down. The hero found himself at a loss whenever he looks at her and he also admires her for her strong will, but I guess what I like the most about him is that he loves him so much he doesn't know what to do with himself (or "the time when they're not in bed" --> taken straight from the book).

In the end, I really enjoy reading about about this book although some would think that the plot is pretty typical. I totally agree with that. But hey, typicality is nice sometimes. This book is a perfect example!


AND LASTLY, is a few personal news. I got the replies from all the colleges that I apply to. Well... I GOT ACCEPTED TO ALL OF THEM! INCLUDING UVA! HOW SICK IS THAT! So yeah, I'm still undecided about whether I should go to UVA or VCU (because of some personal reasons) BUT I'm going to see both colleges tomorrow! YEP. That's it!