Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho

Sunday, June 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho
Publisher: Knopf | 2013 (first published 2010) | 208 pages
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From Goodreads:

July 14, 1099. Jerusalem awaits the invasion of the crusaders who have surrounded the city’s gates. There, inside the ancient city’s walls, men and women of every age and every faith have gathered to hear the wise words of a mysterious man known only as the Copt. He has summoned the townspeople to address their fears with truth:

“Tomorrow, harmony will become discord. Joy will be replaced by grief. Peace will give way to war…. None of us can know what tomorrow will hold, because each day has its good and its bad moments. So, when you ask your questions, forget about the troops outside and the fear inside. Our task is not to leave a record of what happened on this date for those who will inherit the Earth; history will take care of that. Therefore, we will speak about our daily lives, about the difficulties we have had to face.”

The people begin with questions about defeat, struggle, and the nature of their enemies; they contemplate the will to change and the virtues of loyalty and solitude; and they ultimately turn to questions of beauty, love, wisdom, sex, elegance, and what the future holds. “What is success?” poses the Copt. “It is being able to go to bed each night with your soul at peace.”

Now, these many centuries later, the wise man’s answers are a record of the human values that have endured throughout time. And, in Paulo Coelho’s hands, The Manuscript Found in Accra reveals that who we are, what we fear, and what we hope for the future come from the knowledge and belief that can be found within us, and not from the adversity that surrounds us.

My review:

I don’t know why it took me so long to finish this book. It is a rather thin copy with a mere 190 pages. My copy was the uncorrected proof version. I began reading this in early April but only managed to finish reading it on June 13.

There is no storyline in it. Most of what you will read have been transcribed from the contents of manuscripts believed to have originated from the city of Accra, outside Egypt territory.

The story begins on July 14, 1099 in Jerusalem. Its people need to face the inevitable as they were waiting for the invasion by crusaders. Two choices were given to them – abandon the city or fight to the death.

While waiting for the worst to come, they took the time to sit down and engage in a sort of Q and A session with the Copt, described as a strange man who had left his native city of Athens to go in search of money and adventure when he was an adolescent. Believing him to be a learned man, the villagers gathered around him and asked him questions while listening to what he had to say.

The Copt spoke on defeat, solitude, self-esteem, change, beauty, love, sex, elegance, luck, miracles, anxiety, the future, loyalty and enemies. I can’t believe they even asked questions on certain topics in such a dire situation!

Anyway, it is just a book filled with advice that one could refer to, reflect or use in troubled times. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I think those who like to read self-help books might like this book. The words of advice in it certainly apply to everyone no matter young or old but there have been suggestions to gift this book to young adults and young graduates looking for a clear direction in life!

***Thanks to Random House for sending me a review copy of this book!

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Friday, April 5, 2013 by 1 Comment

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Publisher: Pocket Books | 2009 (first published 1999) | 232 pages
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Synopsis:

Charlie is a freshman.

And while he’s not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it.

Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mix tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But he can’t stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

My review:

This is just another of those books published way back in 1999 (when I was 12) that I’m only reading now. I first found out about this book when I heard about the movie starring Emma Watson. I haven’t watched it…I’m planning to watch it right after writing this review.

Cute book title but the story is far from ‘cute’. At some parts, it is dark and unfunny, something that some people might relate to especially if their growing up years had been tough. Even the book begins with the death of a close friend of Charlie’s.

The teenage years certainly are not easy but Charlie is fortunate to have found friendship in two seniors – Patrick and Sam. In the book, we read Charlie’s letters to a ‘friend’, written from Aug 1991 until Aug the next year. In his letters, he writes about getting to know step-siblings, Patrick and Sam, who try to guide him through life. Well, they guide him more on the basic things like getting through first dates, for example. In other words, Patrick and Sam were there for him when his own older siblings could not.

I’m not sure if I found Charlie a likeable character. He seems confused and tends to jumble up his thoughts in his letters. He likes to read and his teacher keeps giving him various books to delve into. Therefore, he would also discuss the books he reads with his ‘friend’, the recipient of the letters.

In short, this book is about loss, self-discovery, family, friends and dealing with the roller coaster ride of the teenage years. Read this with an open mind and don’t mind Charlie’s weirdness. You will find out why at the end.

I won my copy of this book from the Literary Blog Hop Giveaway held at Kristi Loves Books last year.

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The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Series: Chocolate War #1
Publisher: Dell Publishing | 1986 (first published 1974) | 191 pages
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When you read The Chocolate War, you feel sorry for the main character Jerry Renault and you also wonder why school kids can be so mean.

In the first chapter, we read about Jerry, a 14-year-old freshman trying out for the school’s football team. He is the new kid at Trinity, the private Catholic school for boys. Ever since his mother died in the spring, Jerry copes with grief while watching his father go about living a dull life.

In the next chapter, a conversation between Archie Costello and his stooge Obie takes place. Here, Archie is meting out ‘assignments’ for the chosen boys of the school while Obie takes it all down in his notebook. Both boys are members of the secret society called The Vigils who believes they are responsible in maintaining order at school.

A short while later, Archie’s help is sought by Brother Leon, who is the acting school headmaster (while the current headmaster is ill at the hospital) in selling 20,000 boxes of chocolates for the school. It is quite a burden as the year before, the students only needed to sell 10,000 boxes of chocolates at a cheaper price. Archie however agrees to the deal.

While the other students are struggling to sell their quota of 50 boxes each, Jerry surprises everyone by refusing to sell the chocolates. It was initially an ‘assignment’ by The Vigils for him to say ‘No’ when Brother Leon asked if had sold any chocolates. But even after the ‘assignment’ period was over, Jerry continued saying ‘No’ to selling the chocolates. Slowly his defiance influences the rest of the schoolboys who then became less keen in reaching their quota.

This worrisome turn of events gets Brother Leon hot under the collar and he reaches out to Archie for help again, but giving a warning to Archie and The Vigils as well.

Beware, this young adult novel is quite a depressing book and it does not have happy ending. It does not have a happy anywhere! Throughout the book, you will be aware of how lonely Jerry is even though he has found a friend in The Goober or Roland Goubert. Unfortunately, The Goober suffers from the aftermath of his ‘assignment’ given by The Vigils, causing him to lose interest in school and the football team. Therefore, in the days when Jerry refuses to sell the chocolates, he is seen as the school outcast and we don’t see him on friendly terms with anyone else. He also becomes the target of the school bully.

As for Archie, he is intelligent and very concerned with holding on to his power within The Vigils, at school and even among the teachers. I sort of admired Archie’s confidence, wit and his ability to handle almost any unpleasant or difficult situation even with the cunning Brother Leon involved. Still, one would shudder if such a Brother Leon exists in their school!

Book reviewers have described The Chocolate War as the best book ever written for young adults despite questionable use of language and content in it. It is quite well-written and it would have been a page turner for me if I could afford to spend hours at a time to read the book. I would not call it enjoyable but insightful and eye-opening, yes, definitely.

Now I’m going to watch the The Chocolate War film version and after that, to start reading on the sequel, Beyond the Chocolate War.

I received a copy of this book as a gift from Nylusmilk of The Literary Pursuit in 2009!

ETA: Nov 21, 2012: I just finished watching The Chocolate War and I’m a bit disappointed with the ending. It was not the same as the book! In spite of that, I love the song ‘In My Room’ by Yaz/Yazoo that was used in the movie. It’s so befitting!

Filed Under: Authors C, Genre - YA Realistic Fiction, Titles C

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Friday, September 14, 2012 by 2 Comments

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #3
Publisher: Scholastic Press | 2010 | 390 pages
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I’m going to say that this might not be a fair review for Mockingjay, the third book in The Hunger Games trilogy. It took me five months to finish reading this book. :p

There are several reasons that hindered me from finishing the book in a shorter time. First, it’s an e-book in my Kindle, which I don’t always have it with me. Secondly, I just was not interested enough in going back to continue reading where I stopped because well, it just wasn’t captivating enough for me.

Katniss Everdeen survived her second Hunger Games stint and she’s been whisked off to the mysterious District 13. Unfortunately, her homeland, District 12 has been completely destroyed but good news: her mother, sister Prim and best friend Gale survived the tragedy and they are with her in District 13. And another bad news: her new friend/boyfriend Peeta has been captured by the evil Capitol.

I’m going to skip many parts because I don’t remember much of the details. But I do remember that they plan to rescue Peeta from the clutches of the Capitol. At the same time, Katniss has been made the Mockingjay, a symbol of the rebellion against the Capitol. She wears make-up and dons an edgy suit to look all nice and pretty for the cameras which will capture Katniss at her fighting best. But is there more to it? Is she being used as a pawn instead? These are the questions that she (and the reader) is wondering.

For me, Book Three of The Hunger Games has not met my expectations. It lacked something. I’m not sure what but I think probably it is partly because Peeta is missing throughout the first half of the story. And even when he comes back, sigh…it isn’t much better. I’m just so glad to finally read the last page and move on to another book.

Perhaps my interest for the story has died down a little. If you loved this book, please share your thoughts and I might be able to see this book differently!

I’m still looking forward to the movie for the second book, Catching Fire , which is expected to be released in November next year. Such a long time away…

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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Sunday, April 8, 2012 by 2 Comments

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #2
Publisher: Scholastic Press | 2009 | 391 pages
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So this book is a continuation of The Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark of District 12 of the nation of Panem have won the 74th Hunger Games. They must now keep up the act as a loving couple to prove to the other districts and also the snakelike President Snow that they were not actually rebelling against the Capitol.

While Katniss tries to figure out her feelings and relationship with her long-time friend, Gale, she must appear to be in love with Peeta as they visit other districts during their victory tour. Most of the tours appear uneventful except for some but there has been talk that certain districts are planning uprising efforts against The Capitol.

Then there is the upcoming 75th Hunger Games which also happens to be the Quarter Quell edition that occurs every 25 years. To mark such an edition, there is a twist in the Games to make it different from the usual ones. And in this latest Quarter Quell, past victors from earlier Games are to compete again. Two tributes – one male and one female – from each district will be required to participate in the Games.

Since Katniss is the only female victor from District 12, she has no other choice but to be chosen. Her mentor from the 74th Games, Haymitch Abernathy, had been chosen as male tribute but Peeta steps forward, volunteering to take his place.

As the upcoming Games will have older and experienced victors, it will definitely be quite a challenge for Katniss and Peeta. How will they stay on top of the game? Should they form an alliance with others? Who should they trust? Will both of them survive the Games again this time?

After finishing the first book, The Hunger Games, I was very eager to continue reading Catching Fire to know what’s next. It has been a long time since I got excited over any series and I do not know why I waited so long to read this one.

I gave The Hunger Games a rating of three out of five stars in Goodreads but Catching Fire is much better. Four stars. No, I didn’t love it but it was gripping enough to hold my attention for hours.

There is a glimpse of the possibility of the existence of a District 13, which was purportedly wiped off the map after an earlier uprising many years ago. So that makes it more interesting when Katniss finds out about it. I was also wondering if she would make a run for it into the forest with Gale, Peeta, their families and hers since President Snow has threatened to harm them if Katniss is really the cause of the possible rebellion in other districts.

As for the love triangle, Katniss is torn between the two guys, Gale and Peeta, who are already in love with her. When Gale is around, Katniss is drawn to him. But if he is not around because of work or his injuries, she stays close to Peeta. Nevertheless, Peeta remains sweet and devoted to her.

There you have it. The ending of Book Two of the Hunger Games will definitely leave the reader wanting to know how it progresses. Now it’s off to reading the third and final book, Mockingjay!

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by 5 Comments

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Publisher: Scholastic Press | 2008 | 374 pages
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In the nation of Panem, its biggest city is called The Capitol, which is surrounded by 12 outlying districts. To show its power and domination over the 12 poorer districts, it forces them (the districts) to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. The children that are selected are called tributes.

During the reaping ceremony in District 12 for the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen, 16, volunteers to replace her 12-year-old sister, Prim, to be a tribute representing her district in the games. The boy chosen was Peeta Mellark, the baker’s son who once threw a bread to Katniss when she and her family were starving.

The two tributes of District 12 would be under the mentorship of former Games victor, Haymitch Abernathy. Haymitch however appears drunk at first but later tries to sober up to impart survival tips to Katniss and Peeta. Both tributes make a good first impression among the show’s audience, which will later help them to get sponsors. Sponsors will able to send gifts to the tributes if the latter needed something desperately during the Games.

Katniss and Peeta soon become among the attractions of the current Games as they appear as star-crossed lovers, thanks to Peeta’s ‘confession’ during his interview on TV about his forever crush on Katniss.

Soon after the Games begins, Katniss finds out that Peeta has ganged up with the Career Tributes, tributes who have trained their whole lives to enter the Games. Does this mean that Peeta was just putting on a show all the time, in the hopes of getting Katniss killed in the Games?

I only read the The Hunger Games book after I watched the movie twice! It was not on purpose that I watched it twice but I went to the cinema with two different people. :) Anyway, the movie was so good that I thought that I had better read the book fast. It was then that I knew why the book is such a hit with both the young adult and adult groups.

Although the movie version kept me on the edge of my seat, the book was only OK for me. The story in the book is, however, told from Katniss’ point of view, so I understood some parts of the story better. If only we knew what Peeta was thinking all the while! I also liked the conversations between Peeta and Katniss.

As for the said love triangle, was there one? Gale, Katniss’ hunting partner, only appears in the beginning of the book and after Katniss goes for training and the actual Games, she mostly mentions Gale in her thoughts.

Of course I found the idea of children killing children a disturbing one. Thank goodness it is only set in a dystopian society. Parents might want to think first before allowing their children to read the book and the sequels after that.

Sure, there are other themes in the story such as family, love, friendship, survival and the lack of compassion (???). I mean, how cruel is that for Panem to allow these teenagers to die on live TV, right in front of their eyes while they cheer on the surviving tributes and bet on the potential victor? It is quite sick, actually.

And so, it is up to several characters in the story to not be inhuman, thus rebelling against the cruel Capitol.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy, Catching Fire.

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