Green Corner : Buy Used Books

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Buy a book from a second-hand bookshop

Green tips today is about buying second hand books. You know how I love books very vey much. hahaha...Before this, I used to buy second hand books but not anymore due to this reason. I must say that most of my collection came from second-hand bookshop. Why buy used books?

Reuse or recycle. Don't waste papers, papers are made from trees. If you recycle, you can help save the trees. The more we can save trees, the better quality of air we breathe. Basic knowledge, trees produce oxygen that we breathe.

Save Money - Tips for students. The bottom line for used and second hand books is save money off retail prices that keep getting more and more expensive. Especially for the university student. Buying books is very stressful time of the year. Sale of textbooks seems to be the perfect monopoly and apparently every student must have it. The only way to save yourself is buy used books or if you are lucky, you can buy the textbook from the senior :)


Benefit from buying used books (in my own experience)

1. Save more and more money of course.

2. Buried treasure...hahaha. Ya, it's true. Sometimes you might surprise what you can find inside the second-hand bookshop. Maybe a novel you loves when you were at the tender age but had forgotten, or out-print book you have been craved for years or perhaps a rare collection of books? Some of my collection are books I read when I was in college. Love the books very much but cannot afford to buy it at that time, so stumbled upon it on the second-hand bookshop is like OMG to me (hahaha)

3. Something wonderful. I don't know about you but used books is like something wonderful to me. Whenever I buy used books, it was fun to peek inside. Sometimes, the previous owner like to write something inside the books. Names, year they bought the books, place, signature...something like that. It was like you are holding a piece of history in your hand (haha). I have one book, where the previous owner wrote she/he bought the book at the Hong Kong's airport. My guess, the previous owner was bored and want to kill the time...hehe

Orait lah everyone, that's all for today. If anyone of you out there want to sell your books, sent me an email. If the price is OK, business is ON. hehehe...


PS : For Sumandak Kota Marudu...2 more days :)

Follow The Stars Home

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Title : Follow The Stars Home

Author : Luanne Rice

ISBN-10 : 0553581023

ISBN-13 : 978-0553581027

There appears to be a trend in women's fiction towards three-hankie reads, with terminal illness or other health crises as the main tear-inducing theme. Maybe it's a reaction against all of those wry, ironic Bridget Jones' Diary clones, or maybe it's the literary equivalent of Touched by an Angel. Luanne Rice's novels have become increasingly sentimental, moving away from the cosmopolitan relationship novels she favored early in her career. I'm not a big fan of this trend, but as long as authors as talented as Rice are participating, I guess I'll come along for the ride.

Follow the Stars Home tackles the gut-wrenching topic of parenting a child with severe disabilities. Dianne Robbins always dreamed of a having a big family and relishing the mommy role. Taught the carpentry trade by her father, she established herself professionally in her small Connecticut town as the maker of exquisite wooden dollhouses. One date with the town's new pediatrician, Alan McIntosh, was promising, but then Dianne was quickly swept off her feet by Alan's rugged seafaring brother, Tim. She chose the "dark" brother over the "light" and soon had cause to regret it. As soon as prenatal tests confirmed that the child Dianne was carrying was seriously deformed, Tim split, unable to accept a child who was less than perfect.

Now, almost twelve years later, Dianne gets by with help from her mother Lucinda, the town librarian. Her daughter, Julia, has spina bifida and Retts syndrome, a condition similar to autism. She cannot walk, talk, hold things or eat solid food, and her limbs are misshapen and stunted. She has had 13 surgeries since birth, and is not expected to live many more years because her underdeveloped organs cannot support her growing body. Dianne is an almost saintly mother. She loves Julia fiercely and rarely complains about her fate. She saves all of her anger for Alan, who reminds her of the spineless brother who left.

The catalyst for change is a twelve year old girl named Amy Brooks. Her mother Tess has been mired in depression for years, ever since Amy's father died in a boating accident, and the household is terrorized by Buddy, Tess's abusive boyfriend. Amy loves to hang around Dr. McIntosh's office, the one place she feels safe. One day, Alan has a brainstorm -- he wonders if putting Dianne, Amy and Julia together could be beneficial to all three. Dianne will have some part-time help and a chance to focus her maternal instincts on a more responsive child, Amy will have a mother substitute, and Julia will have a friend. Alan is happy to see a strong bond form between the three females, but he is surprised to find an additional positive side effect. These new relationships allow Dianne to finally realize that, although she once chose the wrong brother, the right one is still waiting for her.

The poignancy factor in Follow the Stars Home is off the scale. Just imagine eleven years of loving a child who can never say "I love you" or hug you. If Julia's condition doesn't grab you by the heart, add in the gradual recovery of a puppy who is beaten by Buddy in the name of "training" but later rescued by Amy. Then factor in Alan, the sensitive beta hero who has worshipped Dianne for years and finds a way to make her dreams come true with a grand, generous gesture. I'll defy anyone reading this to remain untouched.

Frankly, there are some times when Alan and Dianne seem almost too good to be true. Fortunately, the novel is populated by other characters whose complex personalities give it some spice. Amy Brooks is the primary example, as is Lucinda Robbins. The puppy and Dianne's cat Stella have important roles to play in the story. Even Tim McIntosh is given some depth -- true, he's a total rat for abandoning his wife and daughter, but Rice unerringly portrays the way he has rationalized his weak behavior, and he winds up more worthy of pity than scorn.

Follow the Stars Home is not subtle about its advice to cherish love and life each possible moment. It implores readers to move beyond their own pain and to reach out to others. As Lucinda says, "The biggest mistake any of us can make is thinking that love is a feeling, an emotion. It's not that at all. It's an action, a way of life." By the time you reach the final, surprising chapter in this novel, you will be ready for a great, big hug from and for anyone near and dear to you. Don't be surprised if you end up using their shirt sleeve to wipe away your tears. (source : the romance reader)

On the island, in the sea,

Northward of the gulf stream’s flow,

That is where we came to be,

In the spot where apples grow.

Trees of green and walls of stone

Fill the land that I can see

Anne played here till she was grown

Tell me, what will be for me?

Back at home, my mother cries

My father lives beneath the waves

Tell me, does the one who tries

to love, succeed at being brave?

You see, I’m just an apple girl

And someone came and picked me up

She polished me, just like a pearl

And set me in a loving cup.

In apple gardens, let me be

Beneath the stars and wind and sky

The constellations in the tree

I’ll love my own life, by and by.

~ from the book Follow The Stars Home by Luanne Rice ~

PS : Have a great weekend everyone :)

Digital Fortress

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Title : Digital Fortress

Author : Dan Brown 

ISBN-10: 0312263120 

ISBN-13: 978-0312263126

When the NSA's invincible code-breaking machine encounters a mysterious code it cannot break, the agency calls its head cryptographer, Susan Fletcher, a brilliant, beautiful mathematician. What she uncovers sends shock waves through the corridors of power. The NSA is being held hostage--not by guns or bombs -- but by a code so complex that if released would cripple U.S. intelligence. Caught in an accelerating tempest of secrecy and lies, Fletcher battles to save the agency she believes in. Betrayed on all sides, she finds herself fighting not only for her country but for her life, and in the end, for the life of the man she loves.

First of all, I finish reading this book at 3 a.m. The plot is interesting, that's why I keep turn to the next page till I finish it. Dan Brown is a big writer. His book Da Vinci Code sold like 'pisang goreng' (haha). Anyway, in the middle of this book I started to wonder, Dan Brown wrote a book like this??

- There are too many bla bla bla about software, computers and all that...

- Whoever touch or saw Tankado's ring had to die. For what reason, God only knows. Nobody knows what the ring all about, so why they have to be eliminated?

- It doesn't make sense, looks like the assassin doesn't plan his killing spree properly. He killed Tankado and doesn't have the time to take the ring from his finger (hahaha) and he chased David Becker to a great length only to be beaten at the end. I mean an expert assassin beaten by a language specialist?

- The most annoying one, repeated words

"Tankado called me last month"

Susan looked up. "Tankado called you?"

He nodded. "To warn me"

"Warn you? He hates you."

...and a lot more in the book :)

Also, some scene is not believable and I thought Susan Fletcher character is a tough one. I mean, she is a brilliant mathematician but the character she bring doesn't sound like her. Overall, I do have fun with the book but due to Brown's reputation I believe he can do better than this. 

PS : This is not a book review, just a sharing :) 

Love Stories

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Celebration of love with a love stories...

Title : A Lady At Last

Author : Brenda Joyce

ISBN : 0373771371

Raised as a pirate’s daughter, Amanda Carre has never been tutored in the finer social graces. Alone in the world, she has never depended on anyone, until fate intervenes in the form of Cliff de Warenne, who rescues her from a mob at her father’s hanging. Now she must set sail for England to find the mother she never knew, and her chaperone is an infamous ladies man...

He is also the greatest gentleman privateer of the era. Honor demands he see this beautiful wild child to London and into her socialite mother’s arms, and Cliff must deny any attraction to her. Aware that she is utterly unprepared for a debut in London's ton, his only recourse is to become her guardian and champion her transformation into a lady—and find her a suitable match. But with every passing moment, it becomes harder to deny an explosive passion—until Amanda makes her stunning debut and takes matters into her own hands. A lady at last, his heart is about to be tamed...

Title : Almost A Bride

Author : Jane Feather

ISBN-10: 0553587552 

ISBN-13: 978-0553587555

In this spectacular new romance from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather, fate deals one stubbornly single young woman and one deceptively heartless man a shocking hand in a high-stakes bet. But is love in the cards?

Jack Fortescu gambles to win, and this time his prize is not only his rival's lavish mansion but everything in it - including the man's beautiful sister! But when it comes to games, Jack has met his match...

Left homeless by her brother's escapade, Arabella Lacey has two appalling choices: pack her bags-or agree to marry the lunatic who's taken over her house. Why would such a handsome-and outrageously wealthy-man want such an unromantic arrangement? Arabella intends to find out, and have a little fun in the process at Jack's expense...iterally. As Jack discovers that his reluctant bride is no ordinary beauty, he feels a stir of admiration, among other emotions, that wasn't part of the bargain. Now he's the one with everything to lose...

Title : Dreaming Of You

Author : Lisa Kleypas 

ISBN-10: 038077352X 

ISBN-13: 978-0380773527

She stood at danger's threshold -- then love beckoned her in.

In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Fielding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven -- and into Derek Craven's dangerous world. 

A handsome, tough and tenacious Cockney, he rose from poverty to become lord of London's most exclusive gambling house -- a struggle that has left Derek Craven fabulously wealthy, but hardened and suspicious. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world -- with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But here, in a perilous shadow-realm of ever-shifting fortunes, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress -- and a world-weary gambler can be shaken to his cynical core by the power of passion...and the promise of love. 

Title : Honor's Splendour

Author : Julie Garwood 

ISBN-10: 0671737821 

ISBN-13: 978-0671737825

In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton-the Wolf-unleashed his warriors against Louddon's main. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he catured...but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast...as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for...Honor's Splendour.

Title : In My Wildest Dream

Author : Christina Dodd 

ISBN-10: 0380819627 

ISBN-13: 978-0380819621

Beautiful 17-year-old Celeste Milford is only the gardener's daughter, but she falls madly in love with the younger brother of the very rich and powerful Garrick Throckmorton the Third. Lady Bucknell, proprietress of the Distinguished Academy of Governesses and a family friend, assesses the hopeless situation and graciously offers to enroll and train Celeste as a governess at her academy. So Celeste leaves for London and Paris, protesting loudly.

Four years later, Celeste returns to Blythe Hall a poised, well-traveled, independent woman experienced with the intrigues of politics after a stint as governess to the children of the Russian ambassador. Hired by Garrick to be governess to his motherless daughter and niece, Celeste has a not-so-hidden agenda, for she plans to charm Ellery Throckmorton away from his fiancé. Garrick has no intention of letting Celeste's plans come to fruition and sets out to monopolize her time and seduce her away from thoughts of Ellery. Much to his surprise, Celeste enchants him, fills him with lust, and destroys his famous self-control. Celeste is equally stunned to find herself drawn to Garrick--and she begins to see Ellery in a less flattering light. But Garrick doesn't believe in love, and when Celeste's appeal threatens to overwhelm him, he's determined to send her back to Paris. Before he can do so, however, he'll have to resolve the question of who's leaking information about his spy activities. Could it be Celeste? And just how does she know so much about spying, anyway? 

Title : Promise Of The Rose

Author : Brenda Joyce 

ISBN-10: 0380771403 

ISBN-13: 978-0380771400

She is Mary, the beautiful daughter of the Scottish king—and an unwilling prisoner of the Norman invaders. The headstrong princess refuses to reveal her identity—even if it means sacrificing her virtue. But in the arms of a dangerous enemy she discovers a powerful passion and a powerful promise.

Brave and battle-hardened Stephen de Warenne is prepared to defend to the death that which is his by right of conquest— including the golden-haired captive who awakens his soul's most secret yearnings. For theirs is a passion that will not be denied—a magnificent fire that burns hotter and brighter than the blazing flames of war that engulf the land.

Title : Hadirmu Satu Kurnia

Author : Fariza Zuliana

Terbitan Alaf21 Sdn. Bhd.

Jazlan (Alan), seorang lelaki yang penyayang dan bertanggungjawab telah jatuh hati pada teman sepermainan sewaktu kecil hinggalah dewasa bersama-sama. Akhirnya Alan telah melamar Fidelya, (Delya) menjadi suri hatinya. Setelah bersama-sama melayari alam rumahtangga, Delya disahkan menghidap leukemia. Hancur dan sedihnya hati tatkala menerima perkhabaran tersebut begitu juga dengan Alan. Namun hidup mesti diteruskan jua. Sesungguhnya Alan adalah seorang suami yang tabah dan amat menyintai Delya. Dia tidak mahu kehilangan Delya buat selama-lamanya. Jodoh maut ajal di tangan tuhan. Akhirnya Delya menghembuskan nafas terakhir di pangkuan suami tercinta ketika azan subuh berlalu. Hanya lagu menjadi kenangan mereka. (Klik sini untuk ulasan penuh)

Title : Ombak Rindu

Author : Fauziah Ashari

IZZAH adalah seorang gadis yatim piatu yang kematian orang tua mereka akibat kemalangan jalan raya. Justeru itu, pak saudaranya, Taha mengambil tugas memelihara Izzah. Isteri Taha tidak senang dengan kehadiran Izzah dan menuduh Izzah membawa bencana dalam keluarga.  

Pak cik Taha banyak berhutang. Disebabkan kesempitan wang dia sanggup menjual anak saudaranya itu kepada seorang tauke kelab malam. Izzah terpaksa mengikut kehendak pak saudaranya walaupun hatinya tidak rela.  

Di situlah dia telah berkenalan dengan seorang pelanggan bernama Hariz. Hariz telah membeli Izzah dengan harga yang mahal dari tauke kelab itu dan membawa dia keluar dari neraka jahanam itu. Di atas permintaan Izzah, akhirnya Hariz berkahwin dengan Izzah tetapi dengan syarat semuanya mesti dirahsiakan. (baca seterusnya disini)  

PS : Enyoy your weekend

Books

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I like books
Big books
Little books
Happy books
Sad books
Books with pictures
Books with words
I like books

 

(Author : Unknown) 

 

PS : Auto Publish Entry. At this time, I know I am going to miss my books...sob sob

Eight Lives Down

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Title : Eight Lives Down

Author : Chris Hunter

ISBN-10 : 0593058607
ISBN-13 : 978-0593058602

Visceral and compelling, Eight Lives Down is the most exciting and nerve-jangling work of military non-fiction since Bravo Two Zero.

If fate is against me and I’m killed, so be it, but make it quick and painless. If I’m wounded, don’t let me be crippled. But above all, don’t let me f**k up the task.

So goes the bomb technician’s prayer before every bomb he defuses. For Chris Hunter, it is a prayer he says many times during his four-month tour of Iraq. His is the most dangerous job in the world — to make safe the British sector in Iraq against some of the most hardened and technically advanced terrorists in the world. It is a 24/7 job — in the first two months alone, his team defuses over 45 bombs. And the people they’re up against don’t play by the Geneva Convention. For them, there are no rules, only results — death by any means necessary.

The job of a Bomb Disposal officer is a lonely one. You are alone with the sound of your own breathing and the drumming of your heart in a protective suit in forty-plus degrees of heat. The drawbridge has been pulled up behind you as you advance on your goal. It’s just you and the bomb.

But for Chris Hunter, just when life couldn’t get any more dangerous, the stakes are raised again. (source : Amazon) 

- credit : lifeinborneo.com -

I said to my friend Biskut perhaps I will share a book about soldier's experience this week, so here we are...Seriously, I don't know how I am going to share the story. There also the hesitation. I am afraid some people might not like it or blame me for this because this is a real story, a bomb technician real experience while in Iraq. So please take note aaah, I do not support any party who involve in this story...

Let's just say that Chris Hunter (the bomb technician) is sharing his experience of what it was like to be terrified, how his family coped with his time away and the ever present danger of losing him, and how soldiers like him react to the pressures of the day to day grind in battle. 

I cannot imagine how anyone can live in place like that. Terrified, playing with death day and night. There is a scene where soldiers mingle with local kids. One of the kids asked if he have children and wanted to see how they look like. When he asked about the kids ambition, one of them said she want to be a doctor someday. I really touch by the answer, a place like that...still, kids never give up and believe someday they can achieve their own dreams.

- source : Google -

Moral of the story, appreciate where we are right now. We have beautiful and peaceful country. it is not easy to build the understanding with each other so don't do something that can ruin the long established trust. We have freedom here but don't take it for granted...Have a great weekend everyone.

Interested? Check the nearest bookstore or buy online on AMAZON, ACMAMALL, MPH ONLINE, TIMES BOOKSTORE and BOOKXCESS. Another suggestion, just go to the nearest library.

Its Arrived!

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Morning (with a sweet, wide smile)

Yeahhhh....the books finally arrived yesterday. Thanks Zezebel

Seriously, I think I am over the moon right now (hahaha). In a few days, will super busy reading the books. Just kidding :) Will take my time and enjoy every lines...

Will start reading Johanna Lindsey, one of my favorite. Her story is always cute and captivating...

Naaaaah, more books to add on my collection. I wonder how I am going or when will I have the time to arrange and wrap all the books (headache...hahaha) 

PS : See you all later...

Deep Freeze

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Title : Deep Freeze

Author : Lisa Jackson 

ISBN-10 : 0821772961 

ISBN-13 : 978-0821772966

Her biggest fan...her worst nightmare

 

When beautiful Jenna Hughes moves with her two children to a small Oregon town in bestseller Jackson's well-crafted romantic thriller, the retired movie star expects to start a quiet new life, but a psychotic fan's deadly obsession soon throws the tranquil community into chaos. One by one, women are kidnapped by a serial killer who hopes to mold them into the likeness of his favorite actress, and Jenna knows that it's only a matter of time before she's the next victim. 

Jackson (The Morning After) weaves together various subplots, including Jenna's relationship with her rebellious teenage daughter and the inevitable love interest with the rugged local cop, to create a fast-paced and surprisingly complex story. Unfortunately, the focus on the villain's absolute evil rather than on his humanity doesn't allow him to be as disturbing as he could be, but most of the other smalltown characters are more believable. 

The depiction of the protagonist, a woman who desperately wants her life to be as normal as possible, reaches an unusual depth, and the crisp, skillful language infuses every sentence with suspense. Despite some predictable moments and over-the-top torture scenes, this chilling novel about the high price of fame will keep readers riveted. (source : Amazon)

Hello everyone, its Saturday and book sharing is back :)

This is my first time reading Lisa Jackson. Jenna Hughes is an actress and a fanatic fan of her is on the loose kidnapping and turn the victims to Jenna's replica. It is a gut wrenching to read when Lisa describe step by step how the fanatic fan turn the victims to Jenna's look alike. Most shocking one, he is doing the procedure during the victim is fully awake and aware of the situations. The victims can feel all the pains but cannot move, let alone speak...can you imagine the torture?    

Sometimes, there are not so convincing plot or moments. Furthermore, I think there will be Part Two of this book because something happen at the last page...but overall the book is just OK to me.   

Interested? Check the nearest bookstore or buy online on AMAZON, ACMAMALL, MPH ONLINE, TIMES BOOKSTORE and BOOKXCESS. Another suggestion, just go to the nearest library :) 

Online Bookstores

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- From : cartoonstock.com -

Morning everyone...

Still no book to share today ( I will try my best next week)

Today I want to share where I normally go to buy my books. Ever heard Online Bookstore? haha...Yeah right, I prefer to buy books online. Why? Go and check yourself at the bookstores in town. The price is Rolling Stone...hahahahaha. Just kidding. The prices can make your eyes rolled to the left, rolled to the right. If my pocket is bottomless, I definitely buy the books without complaint. But if you have another option, why not use it right??

Before this, I have a favorite bookstore in Wisma Merdeka. They sell used books with an unbelievable prices. RM10 for one, RM15 for two and RM20 for three. That is the biggest temptation whenever I went there...hehehe. Sadly, they closed their store because they cannot support operating costs. Maybe I am the only one their loyal customer...hahahaha (perasan!)

After that, I migrate to another bookstore but with their 'outrages prices' I give up and dig the internet looking for another option. Without a credit card, it is a problem doing shopping at the internet. Finally, my pray answered. I found the right and trusted website ;

MPH Online 

This is my first online bookstore experience. The prices is OK to me. What I like the most about MPH is the delivery. Delivery only takes 1 day because they use courier (you have to pay for the postage). The also offer three payments method to choose from. You can pay via Credit Cards, Maybank2U.com internet banking or cash/cheque bank in.   

Acmamall 

I stumbled on this website accidentally. Waaaaaaaah...Cannot believe my eyes! They offer a very interesting prices. There also a section called Top Popular Books where all the books listed are 40% off! And books delivery is FREE in Malaysia. Actually, they shipped books from Singapore, so need to wait patiently for your order to arrive. Payment mode, please check here

Notes : Acmamall is an international online store selling over a million book titles and twenty thousand beauty products with over 450 beauty brands. Highly recommended!

BookXcess

Their motto, Read More For Less. A friend of mine introduce me this website. Their prices is super duper crazy! Great book with great prices. Check their website, you will know what I mean. If you are interested, check their website for term and condition :)

Note : Read Bookxcess Blog for book reviews and latest promotions.

- From : cartoonstock.com -

Okay, that's all. Did I give you a headache? Hahahaha....

The Nipper

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Title : The Nipper

Author : Charlie Mitchell

ISBN-10: 0007292597
ISBN-13: 978-0007292592

The heartbreaking true story of a little boy and his violent childhood in working class Dundee

Okay, novel of the week is “The Nipper” by Charlie Mitchell. This novel has been written based on his real life story. Since from his early childhood, the author had been abused physically and mentally by his father. “Dad has pressed a burning teaspoon on my face and he’s holding in there long enough to get a result – he’s scored a goal and he grins because he can see that I’m in agony as I’ve started screaming out in pain…..And it has only begun”.

I couldn’t tell you how it is felt like when I read his terrifying experiences. “Dad and Mum broke up when I was ten months old..” Poor Charlie who screamed in agony asking his dad to stop, yet it triggered his dad to give him more and more. It can long last for hours and he would just stop when he reached his goal. No one could help him because it was just him and his father in that house. “They are sometimes twelve-hour interrogation sessions, with nipping, bitting, poking in the eyes, and pulling clumps of hair from my head.” 

Charlie’s dad is expertise in manipulating others plus having different personality when he is sober; sometimes he could be funny and telling jokes. Charlie made the decision to stay with his father because his dad has toxicated his pure mind with such facts that his mum much worse if Charlie decided to live with her. 

Even he is just a kid; Charlie knew how to deal with his personal life. “When I’m at school and free of my jailer I put up a front to protect myself..I clown it up”. No one ever knew that deep within his veil, he is just a lonely child and living hell everyday with violence; pain, agony and blood.

“He drags me from one side of the room to the other, stamping on my head and picking things up from the table to hit me with, stopping every ten minutes for another drink.” “The punches are coming from all angles; kicks and knees are then added, and a few toe punts in the balls nearly finish me off..” Over and over again, Charlie got beaten; abused by his own dad and it continued for years. I wonder how Charlie managed to survive when there is no love; just fear, anger and pain.

When he grew up, drugs and drink became Charlie’s choice, and the violence that followed was caused by his decision to take them, as they would trigger memories of his childhood. “I don’t want to be in the negative limbo land of drugtaking and violence; I don’t want to be running all my life from a father whose anger has infected my mind and whose sickness has eaten into my soul; I don’t want to see that blackness behind the eyes when I stare into the glass.” His terrible childhood experiences devastated Charlie’s life where his Dad still has a strangehold on his soul. Anywhere he went and even in every action and decision that he made, that strangehold would affect Charlie. “So much for my new start, my new dreams, my new hopes, my new life…”

“I don’t feel guilty for saying what I said the night I walked out of his house when I was sixteen, when I told him I didn’t care less if he lived or died. When I was less than four years old I was in a tug between my mum and my dad. I told the judge I wanted to be with my dad. It was a bad choice, but then again, four-years-old kids aren’t very good at multiple-choice tests. And besides, I paid the price for my bad choice for years and years to come. But hey, that’s life.But that’s all in the past. I’ve got my life back and if there is such thing as karma – and I believe there is – all debts have been paid. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Charlie together again. But Sophie did.”

Finally, Charlie settled down with Sophie who he still believe that she was sent to him from heaven. He really glad and grateful that Sophie has came into his life and turned everything around. “One thing I know for certain: I will never treat my children the way treated me.”

When I think about him now I think he did love me, but that he was twisted, so any love he showed me quickly turned to hate, probably because he hated himself.

"Life is too short to be holding grudges or thinking about the past, and anyone from any walk of life can turn things around if they want it badly enough." Mitchell, C.

Interested? Check the nearest bookstore or buy online on AMAZON, ACMAMALL, MPH ONLINE, TIMES BOOKSTORE and BOOKXCESS
Another suggestion, just go to the nearest library.

Credit to my sister Jess for this book review :)

BTK

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Title : BTK - Bind, Torture, Kill

Author : Roy Wenzl, Tim Potter, L. Kelly and Hurst Laviana 

ISBN 10 : 0061373958 

ISBN 13 : 978-0061373954

For thirty-one years, a monster terrorized the residents of Wichita, Kansas. A bloodthirsty serial killer, self-named BTK - for bind them, torture them, kill them. He slaughtered men, women, and children alike, eluding the police for decades while bragging of his grisly exploits to the media. The nation was shocked when the fiend who was finally apprehended turned out to be Dennis Rader ~ a friendly neighbor, a devoted husband, a helpful Boy Scout dad, the respected president of his church...
 

What will you do, if a serial killer live just next to your door?

This book was written based on true story. I enjoy read crime's story but that doesn't mean I support what the criminals have done.

Dennis Rader eluded authorities for more than 30 years, killing in his neighborhood, and killing indiscriminately. One of the reasons it was difficult to catch him was that Rader did not have a "typical victim" like most serial killers do. He killed men, women, and children alike. The only facet connecting different murders was Rader's signature "binding, torturing, and killing" of all of his victims. Another reason why it was difficult to place Rader on the list of suspects was his societal standing: Rader was a Boy Scout dad, kindly neighbor, and the president of his church. He eluded his friends, family, church, and the police. The police managed to catch him only after Rader became too confident, believing that he forged a friendship with the main detective. 

Dennis Rader mug shot

Dennis Rader is an American Serial Killer and he was known as the BTK killer. If you want to know more about BTK, this book will answer all your questions, including the details about the murder and the investigators who worked on the case. A little advice from me, this book is not easy to read. Very disturbing actually but I manage to finish it. I feel sorry for the victims and the family. 

I cannot imagine how friends and family cope with their lose. I mean, they lost their love ones in a gruesome murder. I read in the book that some of the peoples never recover from their trauma. The past keep shadowing them, turning their life upside down. I cannot blame them...one thing I learn from this book is, everyone of us must have something/someone to rely on whenever we face the hardest time in our life. Something like friends, belief and God...     

Interested? Check the nearest bookstore or buy online on AMAZON, ACMAMALL, MPH ONLINE, TIMES BOOKSTORE and BOOKXCESS
Another suggestion, just go to the nearest library.

 

Related to this post :

• Dennis Rader 
• The BTK Story 

Almost Heaven

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Title : Almost Heaven

Author : Judith McNaught

ISBN 10: 0671742558

ISBN 13: 978-0671742553

In this classic novel of two willful lovers caught in a breathless adventure of deception and betrayal, #1 New York Times bestselling author Judith McNaught has created a powerful and unforgettable masterpiece.

 

ELIZABETH CAMERON
The Countess of Havenhurst possessed a rare gentleness and fierce courage to match her exquisite beauty. But her reputation is shattered when she is discovered in the arms of Ian Thornton, a notorious gambler and social outcast.

IAN THORNTON
A dangerously handsome man of secret wealth and mysterious lineage, his voyage to Elizabeth's heart is fraught with intrigue, scandal, and a venomous revenge. 

Destined for each other, yet wary of each other's motives, Elizabeth and Ian engage in a dance of suspicion and passion that tests the very soul of their star-crossed love. As a twisting path of secrets takes them from London's drawing rooms to the mysterious Scottish Highlands, Elizabeth must learn the truth: is Ian merely a ruthless fortune hunter at heart? 

:: Judith McNaught ::

OMG! Historical Romance is my favorite book. Hehehe…

And Judith MacNaught is one of my favorite writers. Seriously, if you want to read humor and heart wrenching emotion in one book try Judith McNaught because she is very good at it and be ready with a box of tissue right beside you. Also, she is the only writer who can make me keep going back and re-reading favorite parts.

Elizabeth Cameron and Ian Thornton fall in love almost at first sight. When Ian proposes for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, he had no idea that she was a Countess, and already engaged to someone else. Elizabeth's brother (her guardian) comes on time to save Elizabeth from marrying Ian, but causes a big scene. People at the ton find out about Elizabeth's behaviour through gossip and thus causing a scandal for her. 

2 years later, Ian and Elizabeth meet again. Ian treats Elizabeth hostilely, but Elizabeth endures it all, because she realizes that she still loves him, and vice versa when Ian discovers that he was trying too hard to get her out of his life. And so, this begins their quest for love…

I laugh and cried with the characters. This book is full of drama, really makes me crazy. Sometimes you feel want to slap the hero and yell at the heroin. At first, the story starts slow, then pick up it speed till the last page.   

I learn a lot from this story. If you face the worst in your life, never give up. Be strong, especially when a lot of peoples put their trust on you. Forgiveness…when someone you love betray you, forgiveness is the most impossible thing to do. But if you really love that someone, you must learn how to forgive, forget and how to build trust. Want to experience Almost Heaven? Give this book a try. Who knows, you might fall in love with your couple all over again. Hehehe…   

Overall, the whole story keeps you reading till the last page. Remember, this is not a book review because I think I am not qualified yet to review a book. I just want to share what I read and feel about it…

Interested? Check the nearest bookstore or buy online on AMAZON, ACMAMALL, MPH ONLINE or TIMES BOOKSTORE 
Another suggestion, just go to the nearest library.