The Time Keeper

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had a hard time getting hooked to this story during the first half of it. Maybe because it has something to do with my current personal experiences. Maybe simply because I was not in the mood to read this kind of story. I found it slow-paced and a bit boring during the beginning. I was not as touched as "Tuesdays With Morrie" or not even "For One More Day". The last part, somehow, redeems the novel. Like most, if not all, Mitch Albom books I've read, it boasts of life lessons-- the importance of family and the value of time.

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Papa

It was the first Sunday of March and the promise of summer was broken by an early morning downpour. The sky was crying. It would be the last day that I would see my father's body. Did he like rain? I am not sure. I know he loved nature. He always made sure the birds that visit our house get their small parcels of bread. There are many aspects of my father that I didn't know. Some of them were revealed through the words and memories of his friends, relatives, people he loved and people who love him.

Consistent to his personality, the sun shone while a group of people went to the crematorium, where we would eventually get his ashes. He never wanted to make other people suffer for his benefit. He was a kind-hearted man, probably the kindest I've ever known.

A week before that, I remember watching one of his favorite television shows with him. I was lying on the sofa and he was stroking my hair. I will miss those moments. Those simple, yet treasured memories that will fill my heart with longing. Our home is not complete without him. I woke up earlier and felt like everything that happened was a blur. I could write a book describing the kind of life he lived. That is just from my perspective. I know that there are others who also grieve because we lost a man who touched a lot of lives. These people also have their own fond memories of my father.

He will always be loved. He will always be remembered. He is already missed. Papa, wherever you are, I know you are happy. Thank you for teaching me more lessons... Life is fleeting. Life should always be treasured, no matter how deep I get in my daily routine. Do not always worry about the little things because life has its way of taking care of itself. Relationships should be treasured. It always pays to be kind to others. Thank you for the life you lived. I am grateful for having a father like you. I wish I could have told you all of these when you can still hear me, but I am sure you still know how I feel. I know you will always guide us. Have fun on your next adventure, Papa! I love you very much!

Silver Linings Playbook

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't believe that I am typing this with Kenny G.'s "Songbird" playing in the background. I'll probably play "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (original version) in a while. When I feel optimistic that my life will end like a movie with a happy ending, I read the pages and I feel like reality just punched me in the gut. When I feel like I'm stuck in a rut, I read the pages and hope for silver linings. Maybe I am neurotic.

Aside from the songs I mentioned, I also encountered a lot of literary classics in this book - "A Tale of Two Cities", "The Great Gatsby" and "The Catcher in the Rye" to name a few. It also reminded me of the different levels of fanaticism and its effects on the fanatics. I got few pointers on American football (I have no idea how it is played!) and general psychology.

I notice that I love reading books with "special" lead characters. I love Pat's story as much as I love reading the point-of-views of the narrators from "Flowers for Algernon", "Perks of Being A Wallflower" and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time". Maybe I do have a penchant for people with flaws - flawed yet true to themselves.

I've seen the movie. I applaud the actors and I believe they are well-chosen. But I think the main characters, especially the male protagonist - Pat Peoples, could have been developed more. The movie is very loosely based on the book, but I still had my own expectations when I started reading it. Reading this book is like reading Pat's diary. The way he thinks is simple yet fascinating. I would consider this story a light read but embedded with heavy emotions. I bawled in the end. Matthew Quick wrote a funny, witty, refreshing and very atypical love story. Don't get me wrong, I love Jennifer Lawrence and gorgeous Bradley Cooper, but the book just did it for me.

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Life of Pi

Life of Pi by Yann Martel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first half of the book left me laughing with the witty writing. On the other hand, there are times when it gets too wordy for my taste that I get bored. The second half of the book is a different story. There are more twists and turns. Pi's philosophical musings help, too. I have seen the movie and I believe it is one great adaptation of the book. =)

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The Rise of Nine

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

WARNING: May contain SPOILERS.
WARNING: May contain SPOILERS.
WARNING: May contain SPOILERS.

I have read three books of the Lorien Legacies and so far, this is the book I really want to see being adapted into a movie. I started reading the book and even though its pace is fast and the story is action-packed, I couldn't help but procrastinate. When I got to the middle part though, I couldn't let it go. I wish I could read straight up to book 6 and know who indeed is Pittacus among all the Garde and who would end up killing Setrákus Ra.

I like the way the author does not forget that these are alien kids who are similar to human teenagers. They probably have hormone rushes, too. I like the way Seven kissed Eight and then said, "There's no time like the present!" I like the way Four finally found Sarah. I hope they also find Sam, so Six can have her share of the love bug. I am also interested who Nine would end up with and how they would be able to find Five. Is Five a he or a she? Is there still a living Cêpan left to help them?

The thing about reading a book series is that there is a possibility for the author to lose his grip on the story. There are instances when a reader gets lost in a lot of useless information and unimportant characters. I hope this author would keep the momentum going and would formulate an ending that would not be a disappointment. I have high hopes for this series. As long as the books maintain their being unpredictable, I believe they will remain appealing to its readers. =)

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