Posted on January 31, 2017 in Books
I think I got this book from some of the recommended new and critically acclaimed lists I get. I like children’s and YA literature even after all these years. The cover art looked interesting so did the premise about the relationship between a fox and his boy owner.
I am not sure if I was expecting too much from this novel, but it did not impress me as much as I wanted to. I have been reading a lot of nonfiction lately and hoped this novel would break it up. It did not quite do that. The book has a heavy anti-war theme which felt a bit overdone. Maybe it’s because it’s been awhile since I read a YA book with such an overt theme. Every chapter basically said how humans are stupid when it comes to war. The ending was anticlimactic in a way. Heartfelt but less than one would think in a story about a boy and his fox.
Having said that, it is by no means a bad read. The main characters are interesting and all develop pretty well. I really liked Vola who is a supporting character and mentor in the book. I also enjoyed the illustrations by Jon Klasen. There weren’t enough of them!
I’d recommend this to children. It’s not a classic for me, but nice enough to read for younger readers.
Read January 24-25, 2017.
The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin by Charlotte Cho
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Posted on January 29, 2017 in Beauty & Skincare, Books
As I have taken on skincare more seriously as a hobby the last few months, I decided to read this book.
I have always had an interest in skincare so wearing SPF, moisturizing, and keeping out of the sun have been habits I have employed since I was a teenager. As I am Asian, a lot of the little quirks and beauty care in East Asia does not surprise or shock me.
What is nice about this book is that if you truly unfamiliar with Asian skin care and beauty, this is a good initial primer on it. I knew most of the information in the book from other sources on the internet, but it is collected here in an easy to read and cutely illustrated book.
There is a very cute section about travelling to Seoul as well. I really liked the book, but I would not necessarily follow the product recommendations. Charlotte Cho does own a curated beauty store so there are incentives for her to sell products she and her company import from Asia. Still, I recommend this book if you have an interest in skincare.
Read January 19-20, 2017.
Posted on January 19, 2017 in Books
This was my first book of 2017 and the first since I started my new job. I have been busy and tired with work and the holidays to read. I really missed it. This was a good book to go back to reading. It was short, easy to read, and relatively light for a memoirs.
I have followed Ripert for a few years. I have seen him on Bourdain’s shows and Ripert’s own internet shows. I like his calm, collected, and effortless manner. I found this memoirs a quick read. It engaged and even shocked me at one point. Veronica Chambers who wrote the book from Ripert’s stores did a very good job. I do feel the book was almost too short in a way. It ended when Ripert left France. Does this mean there are plans for a sequel? I feel like there should be more and I’d have been interested to hear more about his friends and family.
In terms of chef memoirs, this was another good one and I wish it had been longer.
Read January 16-18, 2017
Posted on January 4, 2017 in Monthly Movies, Movies
Dark Shadows (02 10 2016) – I was feeling under the weather and nothing was on. I am over Depp and Burton films, but I do like Eva Green and Michelle Pfeiffer. It was an alright movie. Meh.
Maleficient (02 10 2016) – Only watch 2/3 of this film. I like Angelina Jolie.
The Vow (20 11 2016) – Romantic drama staring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams. This was only interesting to me because I like the actors, but plot was a bit thin and slow.
The Secret World of Arrietty (24 12 2016) – REWATCH. Oh Ghibli.
Finding Dory (27? 12 2016) – Enjoyable sequel. There are many worse sequels out there.
Zootopia (01 01 2017) – Most of the movies I’ve been watching lately are meh, but this one was definitely one of the best. One of the most subversive and well done animated movies I’ve seen in a long time. I really hope there is a sequel.