The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Another book recommended by my sister.

She never actually read the book, but she saw the movie and loved it. I had nothing to read so I decided to read this since she had it at home already.

I didn't really like it. Really, it was a little bit boring. I hate war and any books or movies related to it. Well... I guess it's not really about war... but politics?Anyway, not the type of book I like.

I liked the way the author wrote this book though... you can really feel what the characters are feeling. Like... whenever he said, "that's the last time I...". Really captures the moment... well I think anyway.

Seriously, not much to say about this book. Well, except for one thing. What the hell is up with all the butt raping? It's like the theme of the book!

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

I've never cried so hard after reading a book before. Heck, I've never cried after reading ANY book. Although I can't distinguish the reason as to why I was crying so much (hormones, fatigue, the book itself), I know for sure it was the ending that triggered the first drop of tear.

This is not the type of book I usually go for. I only read it because 1.) my sister already has it, so there is no purchase required and 2.) my sister kept recommending it. It wasn't too hard to get attached to the book since the subject is one that is very interesting: a 13 year old girl files a lawsuit against her parents for medical emancipation. But the thing that really got me hooked was the thing with Campbell's service dog. I really wanted to know why he left Julia and why the hell he has a service dog when he's not blind nor deaf. So halfway through the book I really just couldn't put it down because I was desperate to find out what happened between Campbell and Julia.

The most interesting relationships in this novel (imo) were between Anna and Campbell and Anna and Jesse. Anna and Campbell because Campbell ended up being Anna's friend despite his initial specifications that it would not happen; Jesse and Anna because as Jesse once states, on the surface they seem like polar opposites, but in reality they are very much alike.

Every time I think about the ending I feel emotional pain. I don't know if it's because I've lost ones I loved before as well. Or maybe I think about how much pain my loved ones went through when they lost their loved ones.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Completion time: November 1st to November 9th.

I somewhat had high hopes on this book until a friend commented on how he hated this book on Facebook. He said that this book lacked twists like other books by Brown. I tried as hard as I could to read this book without his influence, and actually enjoyed the book... up until the ending.

He was right, this book did lack the "OMG" element at the end.

The worst part is when they reveal what the actual "lost symbol" is. They build it up so much, saying how it would destroy the world and what not... and guess what the lost symbol actually is?

.....

Seriously take a guess....

... if you don't mind me spoiling the ending for you....

... here it goes...

.... almost there....

dary!!! oh wait, I didn't mean lengendary bahahahha...

K enough of the annoying bullshit. The lost symbol is the bible. THE BIBLE. Thanks so much for building it up and then completely destroying my hopes for something amazingly evil as the lost symbol.

Anyway, another friend of mine hates Dan Brown. He thinks that all of his characters well... actually has no character. They're basically walking encyclopaydias. But to be honest, I read his books for the thrill and suspense of a tv show or movie, not for their characters. and frankly speaking, although the ending of this book sucked, it managed to keep me reading once I got into it..

A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon

This book was recommended by a friend who's half British. Not that I have anything against the Brits... well that's a lie, of course I have something against them. I have something against everyone. Anyway, that's beside the point... the point is I didn't like this book, and didn't enjoy reading it... No offense to my friend. I mean he did me a favor by lending me this book when I was in desperate need for something to read.

This book is extremely mundane. So mundane that it's boring. It's not that mundane is bad... I mean, The Namesake was very mundane as well, but it was mundane in a way that it was heart breaking, and easily relateable (alright I know it's not a word, tever dude!) to my life.

While A Spot of Bother can possibly relate to my life as well... it's just boring. I guess maybe I just don't understand British humor?

Anyway, to explain how simple this story is... I guess I'll just have to tell you the summary. Here it goes:

The "main" character George thinks he has cancer although his doctor tells him that it's just eczema. His wife Jean has an affair with his ex coworker David. His gay son Jamie is dumped by his boyfriend Tony. His daughter Katie who has a very young son Jacob gets dumped by her fiance... shit I don't even remember his name... anyway, this "dude" dumps her right before the wedding.

The ending: Jean stays with George, Tony comes back to Jamie, Katie and the dude gets married, and we don't find out if George has cancer or eczema.

I know the author tried really hard to develop each person's character... I mean each "chapter" is each character's inner monologue... but I just can't connect to any of them at all. They just sounds really flat and... well kinda dull. Even Katie who's supposed to be somewhat fiery. The only part that interested me and is the easiest for me to remember is when George tried to cut off his "cancer". That was so... "American Psyco" that it was awesome.

Anyway, I still blame it on the fact that the book is too British for me... I don't blame my friend or the author at all for my dislike of this book.