Book Review: Confessions of a Fallen Angel

There were two things from this book that caught my attention as I was heading out of the bookstore a couple of weeks ago. Number one was the book cover: I loved the design. The second was the opening line:

“Dying was the easy bit. It was during my life after death that things started to go wrong. A conspiracy of coincidences perhaps or else maybe some higher power was having a laugh at my expense. But when I returned from the other side I brought something fearful back with me.”

I didn’t buy the book immediately of course (purely because I was already heading OUT of the bookstore and had put my credit card to good use with an extensive amount of book purchases already), did some research and found a couple of positive reviews on the book, including one from Valentina’s Room which made me decide to buy it and read it a week after I saw it at the bookstore.

Confessions of a Fallen Angel is a debut novel by Ronan O’Brien who specialises in criminal law in Dublin (which probably helped in the development of a very violent character featured in the book called Norman who seems freakishly real). The book talks about the life of Charlie who, after a near death experience at the age of ten from a severe asthma attack, was able to foresee the deaths of the people closest to him. Charlie grows up with the guilt of not being able to save the lives of those he loves and the heartbreak and bereavement is truly moving (especially with Ashling’s death).

This book is very character driven and is narrated from Charlie’s point of view. It addresses death and the emotional complexities he faces after the passing of those he loves. There are times when I get really frustrated with Charlie’s self destructive behaviour but he was a really nice guy and I wanted to know what happened to him and that encouraged me to read the book till the end. The only REAL problem that I had with Charlie’s character was that he hated Little House on the Prairie... (Seriously, how can anyone hate that show, anyone who grew up in the 80’s would know that this show was THE best series, next to Dynasty of course!... and maybe V. Okay I’m digressing...)

Overall, Confessions of a Fallen Angel offers a light and easy writing style. What I like the most was the humour, Charlie can be pretty damn funny when he wanted to be but I thought that the self pity bit was too lengthy. Unlike other books that provide an ending with love conquering all fear and providing positive inspiration to move forward in life, this book had a very morose closing. Overall, Confessions of a Fallen Angel was an ok read but I was a bit disappointed with the lengthy description that felt like it went on forever.

What Kind of Reader Are You?

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Fad Reader
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Found this quiz at Beth Fish Reads blog.

Guess I’m not an obsessive compulsive reader after all! But this quiz turned out to be true for me. I do wish I had more time reading my growing collection of books that won’t even fit on my shelf anymore! Sometimes I wonder if I am more of a book collector than a reader.

Any hoots, if you decide to do this quiz do share with me what kind of reader you turn out to be. xox

Book Review: An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love: The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given

Richard Carlson author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff died prematurely of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 45. An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love features a letter that Richard had written to his wife Kristine Carlson on their 18^th wedding anniversary.

In his letter to Kristine, he outlines what he feels is important to him in life. The points made by Richard Carlson is something that we all know is important but sometimes get too caught up with the unnecessary things to actually take time to do. I could relate to this book because I too share the same views.

This book is a quick read, outlining things that you may already know deep down but never take the time to appreciate. Read it if you can just as a reminder of things that we already know but often forget.

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Here are some quotes from the book that I’d like to share my thoughts on:

• · “If I had an hour to live, I’ll tell you who I wouldn’t call. It wouldn’t be my stockbroker, my financial planner, my banker, or my CPA”

• · “Likewise, I wouldn’t be checking in at the office to see what last minute projects I might be able to check off my list!” 

My two cents worth: I don’t have a stock broker and like most of us, my financial planner would be the bank calling me reminding me that the cheque is a few days overdue. I do however have demanding clients. Don’t get me wrong, they are nice people to work with really but they get caught up with the pressures of deadlines and meeting targets that they often turn crazy, sometimes down-right nasty. Yet, these are the people that I work hard for until the wee hours of the morning, missing important family dinners or functions that really matter. If I left this world, I doubt they would mourn for me. Maybe they’d be shocked but would later ask the Management, ‘who would be taking over her role?’ That’s just the way it works. As I grow older I realize that family matters more and that should be the priority.

• · “I also wouldn’t be calling anyone who owned me any money, or anyone who had wronged me in any way during my lifetime”

• · “With the time I have left, I choose to allow my thoughts to rest in total peace, right here, right now in this precious moments”

 
My two cents worth: In life you often meet new people, some nice, some not. I used to get very upset and take things personally when an unfair comment or action is targeted at me. It sometimes kept me awake at night where I’ll question the situation or why so and so is doing this or that to me. I’ve realized now that I should let go of things and people that I can’t control. I made a conscious decision not to fret or lose sleep over such matters. At the end they do not matter, they will not be among those I would call before I go.

• · “The ‘rat race’ is an illusion, and so unnecessary.”

My two cents worth: “The ‘rat race’ is an illusion” is my favourite quote from this book because I can’t help getting caught up with the day to day deadlines that I often forget the more important things in life; to slow down, build relationships, doing things that I’d love to do.

• · “I would never put off so easily and so often, what I knew, deep down, I really wanted to do. God, if I had only known what a mistake that was.”

• · “I’d say things like, ‘This is a really busy time,’ as if, somehow, next month was magically going to be less demanding” 

My two cents worth: I’m guilty of this. Sometimes my mother would call while I’m in the office and I’d say I’m too busy to talk to her for even a minute or a good friend would call for a meet and I’d say no to a quick cup of coffee because I just have to finish up a proposal for a client (that eventually ends up in the bin anyway). I guess all we need is a couple of minutes to take time off for those who matter, because you'll never know when you'll be able to talk to them next.

So at the end of it all, the question still remains: “If you had an hour to live and could make just one phone call, who would it be to, what would you say... and why are you waiting?”

I’d call my mum who is my best friend, my fashion critic, my food critic, my physician, my consultant, my partner in crime, the best chef I’ve ever met, my confidante, basically my everything and would miss her terribly if I left this world. I know I don’t say it enough but I do love her dearly.

Book Review: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

I’ve been holding off reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle for the longest time. I think it was the size and the weight of the book that scared me. I also knew that it would be a heavy read and that I needed quality time to absorb the details, so I waited for the long holidays to convince myself to start reading the book.

The first debut novel from David Wroblewski garnered rave reviews from readers as well as from Oprah’s Book Club. With all books that receive such high praises, I am always doubtful and weary of the reviews which can sometimes be overrated.

The story revolves around Edgar Sawtelle who lives an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in Wisconsin, raising and training a fictional breed of dogs that are unique in every way. Edgar is born mute and uses sign language to communicate to his parents and the dogs.

With the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar’s uncle and the sudden death of his father, Edgar’s peaceful life is destroyed. With the loss of Edgar’s father, Claude assumes control of the farm and also the affection of Edgar’s mother, Trudy.

Certain that Claude is responsible for the death of his father, the grief stricken Edgar tries to prove Claude’s guilt but his plan unfortunately backfires. Edgar is force to run away into the wild with three other Sawtelle dogs; Essay, Tinder and Baboo, where he learns the value of the dogs as companions.

The story of Edgar Sawtelle is a book filled with great characters that you can’t help but really feel for them be it human or dog. Due to the depth provided on Edgar’s thought and emotion, you can’t help but feel his grief, loss and frustrations. Edgar became a character that I can’t help but love. Although there were short chapters on the dogs, there was also a clear understanding on Almondine’s feelings and fierce loyalty to Edgar.

It was mostly an interesting read but there were some parts of the book that provided way to much detail and took too long to end. However the storyline will pick up again with an introduction of a new character or an event that will keep your nose glued to the book which more that makes up for those unnecessary pages.

I wasn’t too wrapped up with the book especially when it went on too long on the details but when the story picked up again I just COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. I’m glad I didn’t give myself 1001 excuses not to read this book especially not letting the size and weight of the book get to me (although my handbag looked liked I was carrying a Christmas turkey in it when I brought the book around with me). Overall, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is a good read and worth taking the time to absorb.

Friday Finds, 2 Jan 2009

I thought I’d be a bit more pro-active this year with my blogging efforts and have decided to join some of the blogging events going around in the blogosphere. I’ve decided to take part in Friday Finds which is hosted by Should be Reading. Good way to catalogue interesting books that I’ve found and may want to read in the future. I keep writing down interesting titles on pieces of paper and always end up losing them. So here’s my first Friday Finds for the year:

Books for the week:

Confessions of a Fallen Angel by Ronan O’Brien

For more details on the book, click here plus I also found a positive review on the book from Valentina’s Room.

You Suck by Christopher Moore

I found the title of this book interesting. Apparently it’s a funny read. For more information, you can check out Christopher Moore’s site. I also found a useful book review from The Plot Café on the book.

Yoga School Dropout by Lucy Edge

I thought this was an interesting book about an advertising executive (like me) who goes to India in search of spiritual tranquillity. Other similarities I may have to the character? I too am a yoga school dropout! Definitely reading this one this year… P.S I love the book design it’s so colourful and hippy like. Anyway, for more information visit Lucy Edge’s site.

P.S. If you have read and reviewed any of these books, please feel free to send me the link. I'd be more than happy to put it up for you. xox

Mamma Mia- Istana Budaya, 27 December 2008

“A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!”

It was truly a trip down the aisle I’ll never forget, dancing down the aisle of Istana Budaya that is! I held off watching Mamma Mia the movie because I wanted to see the musical first and I’m not sorry with my decision. I’ve heard the movie is great but singing to the tunes of Abba live at Istana Budaya was so much better.

Believe it or not we booked our tickets the first week they announced that the musical troupe were coming and even then we ended up with crappy seats. (P.S. They should have a law against tall people sitting in the front row! Throughout the three hour show I had to crane my neck whenever the person sitting in front of me moved, I think I came out from the theatre looking like a giraffe). The tickets were so hot it was apparently sold out within days.

I’ve always been an Abba fan. My mum is into Abba and she used to (and still does) sing along to all their tunes when it played on the radio while I was growing up. Plus, my girlfriends and I used to visit clubs that played retro music, so naturally it brought a lot of memories singing along to their songs. The only thing missing was the alcohol and me and my girlfriends standing on a chair pointing at each other when we sang along to Dancing Queen… (he he, yup those were the days…).

The storyline was simple and worked perfectly around the music. A friend who had seen the movie said that the storyline was better in the movie compared to the musical. I honestly wouldn’t know since I haven’t seen the movie yet. But I suppose that makes sense seeing that you could fit in a better flow of the storyline in the movie compared to a small theatre stage with a limit of three hours per show.

A musical for all ages, I believe Mamma Mia has successfully bridged the gap between the young and old. Attended by people from all walks of life from all generations; what made it fun was that everyone knew the tunes, sang and danced to the music. Definitely an experience to remember and I’m not sorry I spent almost RM300 on the tickets. It was WORTH IT! A feel good musical that can make even the saddest person come out of the theatre dancing and singing.

Here’s a preview of what the musical is like if you haven’t seen it yet. This was one of my favourite scenes when Donna and the Dynamos performed for Lisa’s hen night:

I actually bought the music CD after the performance and have been playing it in my car since the day I got it. My boyfriend says that if he hears it one more time, his ears will probably bleed out (ha ha nice try but I’m still going to listen to the CD hon!). I doubt I’ll ever tire from any of their songs, well not yet anyway… they’re just so easy to sing to.