A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'll force my younger cousins to read this one.

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The Note by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Note by Angela Elwell Hunt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was in a ship already when I got to the climax of this book. I was with my father during that time, and with a figurine called St. Uriel - my brother's angel. We were headed home and all fast crafts were in crap-mode and hence I had the chance to finish the book right there.

In The Note, an airplane crashed and a note was left signed 'Dad'. In my head I imagined what would my father do if we'd face the same terror in that ship. Would he write a note too? Nah, I bet he'd try to save me knowing I can't swim. He'll forget Uriel and fight for both our lives.

T- I love you. All is forgiven. Dad.

That was what the note said. I began thinking, if I would be given a chance to write a last note, what would be in it? I guess I'll write to my mother. I'll tell her that I'm fine. I'm fine, I love you. Perhaps I'd really write that had the ship sank.

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The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen

The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Haha, alright, it's quite funny.

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Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've seen the movie before reading the book. I don't think I'd understand it much though if I didn't see the movie first.

The book was consistently sad for me. I am not sure if it was all due to the fact that I know it doesn't have a happy-ending or it's just Ishiguro's way of narrating. There was a different kind of sadness though. It wasn't the kind that I felt pass through me...I only felt pity for the characters. The 'sadness' didn't really came to me.

I did not understand why and how it was possible that I couldn't relate to this certain kind of emotion. But when I reached the part where they came to Madame and several revelations pushed through, I sort of thought that maybe it was because the characters weren't exactly humans...just sort of modeled and was trained to be one of us. Perhaps, Ishiguro was trying to make the characters be 'limited' or something. Well if that is the case, I think the author had a success.

It was a good concept though. It might be possible, even. Although, if in the future, something like this would happen, I'd hope to not be able to witness such reality. My sympathy might translate to sadness successfully.

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An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think the book had a pretty awesome concept, but somewhere it made me gave it four stars instead of five. I think it's the part where Lindsey started to sound or look like a vain person, who's really self-centered too. I was supposed to give three stars, but because she was honest, it felt ok to give it four.

Ok, I don't really like Colin, but his mind's pretty interesting. Wait, very...very interesting. I think he'd be a great friend to talk to. I find his character very intriguing.

My favorite is Hassan. He's super cool, and super funny. I think Green made a genius move by creating him. He balanced the whole novel.

I did not expect K-19 to actually be... well her. It was a cool move, because it's just sort of nice that Green thought about making K-19...her.

And also I liked that Lindsey is Colin's first Lindsey, and Colin is Lindsey's second Colin.

Right, this is a lame review. Haha.

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Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This one exhausted me.

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The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This part of LOTR gave me all sorts of emotions.

Book V marked the beginning of the Return of the King. In this part, Pippin and Merry were separated. Pippin goes to Gondor with Gandalf, while Merry remains in Rohan with Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas with their new found friends, Theoden, Eomer and Eowyn.

ROTK tapped almost everything a story could possibly tap. Overall, it is a magnificent fiction that tells heroism, romance, friendship, the good and evil, and others.

Aragorn, the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor had proven his quality to Middle Earth. He had gathered his courage to face Sauron. He led people to battle, and healed those who were ill. He was the perfect King. Tolkien did not do an exaggeration, in my opinion, when it comes to Aragorn's character. I think, he simply believes that this is how a King should be like.

Faramir, the steward of Gondor had also proven himself by being so consistently gentle. I admired that quality of him for even if he had the right and chance to be ruled by anger and hurt inflicted by his father, he preferred to remain steady instead.

Eowyn's my favorite hero though. I'm not taking her at the lead spot because she's a woman, but because she surprised me the most. I thank Tolkien for letting somebody like Eowyn exist in LOTR. In most stories, women get let behind, and always had the role of those who should be protected. I like Eowyn's guts and her ability to have more than just guts.

Merry and Pippin's friendship brought a different kind of emotion to me. It's good that Tolkien proved that they're no less than Sam and Frodo's. Whenever Merry thinks about Pippin and Pippin about Merry, I feel great and wonder, can this be for real? And at the Battle of Pelennor Fields, when Pip found Merry, and told him he would take care of him, it was really beautiful, it was so weird and yet...well beautiful. And I started to wonder where Frodo and Sam could be and how they're doing, even if I knew well they'll all survive, I just can't help but forget I knew all about that.

Sam and Frodo were just as great as Pip and Merry. I really admired Sam's loyalty to his Mr. Frodo. And even if Frodo had his grumpy moments, I feel great every time I'd read "sorry Sam, it's the ring...". I am glad he's aware every time his tone changes to rude. Also, if Sam wasn't there at Mt. Doom with him, all would have been in vain. There would've been part 2, I think. If not, it would've been a disastrous ending.

Eomer also made a great impression. Since I've always wanted an older brother or sister, I did not skip a word from his lines. He was such a good character and when he thought Eowyn was dead along with his King, I was so affected by his line: death take us all. It's like I could hear him and he's just the kind of character you'd want to comfort.

Gandalf was consistently awesome and strong in this part too. He's a very important asset and it's like he represented the race of everyone who's not from the line of men. Maybe his existence is the reason why Tolkien thinks it's not necessary to involve most of the Elves and Dwarves in the battle. Middle Earth had Gandalf and his Eagles so... :)

Gimli and Legolas didn't make much appearances, only when battles are happening and such but they were still both so cool and whenever they're mentioned, the story feels lighter. I'm not sure if that's because Gimli's just really funny and witty or is it because Legolas just so cool and elvish.

I also found my favorite chapter in this part of LOTR. It's "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields". This is the chapter where Theoden died, and Eowyn killed a Ringwraith. This was the chapter that affected me the most, as proven by how many pages I folded.

I do know I didn't do justice in reviewing ROTK but well one does not simply get over the fact that Frodo is now separated from his fellow hobbits especially from Sam. T_T

That's all. I just- well I'll just end it here. T_T

P.S.: ROTK is my favorite part.

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Movie: Gravity

source: IMDB

5 out of 5

The story was a simple survival story set in an extraordinary setting. 

Dr. Stone was separated from her comrades after a disaster met them in space. Shortly, after minutes of rolling into space, she was joined by veteran astronaut and together they went back to the destroyed shuttle only to find that they were the only survivors.

What happens when you get trapped outside Earth? It was the same as being trapped in water with no means of going above the surface.

Dr. Stone was lucky enough that she was found by colleague Matt Kowalsky. However, misfortune remained to follow her.

With a low level oxygen to support her, they need to get to another shuttle to get one. Time wasn't at their side, nor was Matt's resources.

They were both close to surviving, entering the shuttle and all, however, Stone who was hanging literally by a single strand seemed bound to be left alone. Matt, seeing how bad the situation could be for both of them if he won't let go, decided to do the ultimate sacrifice, leaving Stone alone, as he drifted away, and into the unknown.

Stone made it inside the shuttle, but it wasn't still easy. There was a fire, and there had been a problem with her parachute. When she went out to fix it, another disaster befell on her. Nonetheless, the woman succeeded in doing what seemed to be the impossible.

However, she faced a serious trouble in the near-end of the film. She has a trouble with the landing. She cannot get anyone from Earth to answer her calls. Instead, a chinese man who seemed to be having fun with his dog was the one she was hearing. Slowly, Stone closed her eyes and she seemed to give up, saying that nobody would pray for her if she dies here, having a child who is dead already anyway.

But at the spur of the moment, Matt returned and with that playful attitude still. He told Stone to get it together and to do something to survive. Stone insisted that the fuel left is for launching only, but Matt said that she could use it for landing as well. Stone said her landing always turn out so bad. But Matt said she should still try.

Just like that, Stone opened her eyes and realized it was just a hallucination. Matt wasn't there, he never is coming back just like their other colleagues. But she had enough motivation to keep going and try anything that could work, even with the Chinese-charactered keys before her.

She was able to land on Earth, and she made it out alive safely.

In my own opinion, Gravity is the kind of sci-fi that is rich in vocabulary (seriously, half of their terms were foreign to me) and strong on the plot. What made me remain sitting on that cinema is the fact that it kept me guessing whether she'll make it or not. One moment you'll be convinced that she will make it alive, but in the next it'll confuse you once again. It was amazing how it all happened in just less than two hours. It was, of course, one of the most impossible things to happen in human history, but the movie was so convincing you'd doubt the impossible. :)

Movie: Legends of the Fall

source: IMDB

5 out of 5

It begins with a narration by an Indian, One Stab, about the Col. Ludlow's decision to leave the war and have a quiet life. Col. had three sons: Alfred, the oldest - too old even for his age, Tristan, second born - reckless and whom One Stab believed would live a short life but turned out to live the longest and Samuel, the youngest - his two brothers would do anything for him.

The story picked a fast pace and Samuel was shown to be returning from his mother's place with a fiancee named Sussanah.

When Alfred saw Sussanah, he showed signs of admiration she did not return. But when she saw Tristan, she sort of showed hints of admiring him. It then became evident when they were caught by Alfred on the night before the three left for war being intimate and too close.

The three went to war amidst everyone's being against it. Samuel wouldn't back down and he wanted to prove his quality, hence there was no stopping him. The two brothers went with him and sworn to protect him.

However, it must've been fated to have Tristan witness his death, his horrible death in the hands of the enemies. Samuel went on to the battlefield without the two and hence, his defeat. Tristan found him caught up by wires and his eyesight was defected by smokes. The enemies were at that time preparing to launch a series of shots on his body. Tristan was nearly there to shot the two soldiers but time wasn't kind. Samuel was killed by several bullets. Tristan quickly avenged his death by killing these foes. However, the fact that Samuel died greatly had an impact on him.

After that he became a man who thirsted for his enemies' bloods. He would come back to the camp with scalps of his enemies tied as a necklace around his neck. The other soldiers wouldn't say a thing about it. Alfred left the camp and Tristan remained, claiming that he could not go home yet.

Alfred fell for Sussanah who was robbed of a husband. Sussanah remained passive, dropping hints of waiting for Tristan instead. When Alfred was nearly successful, Tristan returned.

Jealousy got the better of Alfred and thus his war with Tristan silently brewed. Sussanah helplessly fell for Tristan and at this time Alfred had decided to go to Helena to make his name. Tristan though, couldn't seem to get over Samuel's death and had been constantly blaming himself for it. Hence, he left and went to those places the map hadn't tap yet...those places that belonged to people who were never mentioned in books and such. He wrote to Sussanah that she must marry someone else as he is dead already (metaphor). Sussanah grieved for this. It was then at that time when Alfred decided to run for congress and in Sussanah's despair-time, he asked her to marry him.

When Tristan returned, his bond with his father grew stronger. Sussanah was married to Alfred already. Tristan then once again saw Isabel Two, who was almost like a sister to them three. She had grown, and Tristan married her. They had two children, the oldest was a boy whom they named Samuel.

Sussanah was very jealous of this and even admitted it so.

Tristan was at that time, building his family and rebuilding their business. He started ignoring the law and had transgressions the authority disliked. On a day when they just intended to threaten him, a stray bullet hit his wife. Revenge was planned. This became successful. The authority came back to him, not for an arrest, but this time, to permanently get rid of him. He was about to be killed when the Col. showed up and fired his gun to the two men who were to assassinate his son. But him, being a crippled already, was doomed to be defeated by the third man had Alfred not been behind a wall with a gun on hand, loaded with the bullet that killed the one who would've finished off Tristan who stood in front of his father to catch the bullet.

Alfred was again accepted by his father after he showed that he would still choose Tristan and him amidst his place in the government.

Tristan lived a long life and was killed by the bear whom he wanted to kill so bad when he was a kid. One Stab said this was a good death.

Notes:

I liked this one. I am not a fan of Brad Pitt but this and Troy were really good. He did well in this movie and I think he's meant to have the role of a solo murderer.

I say that the only thing missing in this movie is the nice script. Brad Pitt did not have much lines, and his lines weren't strong enough to be quoted. But then, his character was silent type so, perhaps that'd justify it.

All in all, the fact that it tapped almost all types of situations makes it worth watching and worth reviewing.

Movie: Your Sister's Sister

source: IMDB

3 out of 5

The story begins when Iris' boyfriend's (her best friend's bro) first year death anniversary was being celebrated by their circle of friends. There it was revealed how messed up Jack (best friend) had been in the past year. Iris then thought of a plan to somehow get him back on his feet - she sent him to her father's house on the island to do some meditation, and to think his life over.

Unknown to both of them was that the Iris' lesbian sister, Hannah, was also there for an alone-time. Apparently, through a conversation with Jack over alcohol, it was found out that she had just walked out of a long-running relationship.

The night went deeper and just like any Y.A. cliche, sex happened between a lesbian and a lost soul through the effortless help of alcohol too.

When morning came, Iris came and Jack, out of concern thought they should keep the matter a secret. Hannah at first didn't get it why but played along according to Jack's command.

Hannah sort of showed signs of being comfortable about coming out, however, she was stopped by Iris' confiding one night. Iris claimed to be in love with Jack, but the fact that he's the brother of her dead boyfriend is stopping  her from pushing her feelings through.

However, conflicts began to rise between the sisters and the truth just had to come out.

When Iris innocently dropped the truth about her sister's wish to have babies, Jack had a hint that something more than sex might've happened that night. Although Hannah assured him that they used protection, he wasn't able to rest his case. He checked the used condom and found out it was a 'rain shower', to use his term.

At the same moment, Hannah told Iris that she did have the intercourse with Jack. This devastated Iris. Iris confronted Jack about it, and Jack told her about the 'rain shower'. Hannah defended herself by telling him that he wasn't even supposed to know about it.

Jack. being a guy with still the right amount of sense asked them to make up with each other. He said he won't be able to live knowing they had misunderstandings because of him. He left the house and the two sisters had quiet days.

Hannah apologized and Iris accepted it. The two reconciled while at that moment Jack was having his breakdown on the road. Perhaps it's coming to him - the looking at his life.

He went back to the sisters and did his speech, just like most cliches. And they became happy. The ending was open-ended: will Hannah have her baby?

Notes:

The movie was quite alright for me since it could happen in real life minus the scripted lines and the speed of recovery. Let's face it that it wouldn't be natural if there's going to be a girl as nice as Iris.

Personally though, I do not hate Jack. I liked his line that goes something like: "You will never understand how I feel about my brother." He was trying to say at that time that Iris could have loss, but not the kind of loss that he had when his brother died, and that's something she would never really understand. I think he was trying to make a point that we may lose a friend or disconnect but never could we understand real loss if we won't experience the death of the person who was important.

I didn't find Hannah's character very agreeable because I simply think she's a bitch. I mean, I did not feel much sincerity from her and she (and Jack too for this matter) does not deserve Iris' kindness.

Iris was sort of stupid and that's not the kind of girl you'd want to become. However she maybe have a strength of a different kind by being the nicest piece.

Gakuen Alice (Alice Academy) by Higuchi Tachibana

Gakuen Alice



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The story begins in a scene where Hotaru Imai is set to leave the town to enter Alice Academy. Her best friend, Mikan Sakura, felt like she was being abandoned. But however many protests she did, Hotaru still pursued to enter the academy, leaving Mikan a note behind via a turtle mail (her invention).

Mikan cannot accept this, thus she went on her own to find this Alice Academy for geniuses like Hotaru. Her efforts were not all in vain, for she indeed, was able to find the academy.

When Mikan stood outside the academy, a teacher (sensei) greeted him, but not to encourage her to step inside, instead, to drive her away. This teacher, Narumi, possesses the Pheromone Alice and he could order anyone by attracting them. However, when he tried his alice to Mikan, he failed and this confused him. Meanwhile, his original task was quite forgotten and thus a disaster suddenly followed.

An explosion interfered with Narumi-sensei and Mikan’s conversation. Apparently, a student with the Fire Alice, Natsume Hyuuga, is trying to escape again. This is the first meeting of Mikan and Natsume, the main protagonists of the story.

Nonetheless, after trying to stop him for several times, Narumi was successful in his appointed task. He brought Natsume inside, and Mikan too, for he felt that maybe Mikan’s an alice.

When Mikan was left alone with unconscious Natsume, she looked at her photos with Hotaru and hoped that she’d meet her in this campus. However, in the middle of this reminiscing, Natsume was suddenly awake and attempted to burn her hair. But during this time, his alice did not work as well, like what happened to Narumi’s. Ruka Nogi, his best friend, appeared with an eagle and crushed to the window to fetch him and escape the teacher’s nagging. Just in time, they went away before Misaki, another teacher and Narumi came.

This first encounter wasn’t at all pleasant, in Mikan’s perspective and she started to despise this trouble student.

Later on, Mikan was accepted to the academy, and she met Hotaru. Hotaru showed no signs of appreciation for this at first, but as the story progressed, she too seemed happy that Mikan chose to follow her.

The reconciliation of the two brought many changes in the academy. First, in the class of Natsume. Iinchou, the president of the class, welcomed Mikan who seemed to receive too much bullying from everyone else. She was an outcast and everyone, especially Sumire (a.k.a. Permy) disliked her, accusing her of untruthful stuffs like ‘just wanting to level with geniuses’, because she cannot really show her alice – something she doesn’t know and understand yet.

Although Narumi and the other teachers were already certain, they still did not say anything about it. This put Mikan in a rather difficult situation and thus her being accepted by the class is close to impossibility. Natsume, being a genius and arrogant at the same time thought it would make sense if something could explain why he wasn’t able to use his alice on their first encounter. He challenged Mikan to prove her being an ‘alice’ through surviving the forest that was rumored to be evil.

Mikan, being a persistent girl, answered to his challenge and took Hotaru and Iinchou with her. In the forest, she met the moving Bear and several other odd animals. The test was simple, she have to go in, and get out. However, having the fact that it is impossible due to their limited force, Hotaru thought of a brilliant idea – dragging Ruka Nogi along. She thought it’s quite of use because Ruka has the Animal Pheromone alice. Using blackmails, Ruka joined them. This reached Natsume and did not please him. His only friend, Ruka, shouldn’t be used for ridiculous things.

However, Ruka had already saved the company when Natsume arrived to the place. He was so mad at Mikan that he lit a fire large enough to turn everyone into ashes. Mikan felt terrified of this and as much as she wanted to do something, she doesn’t know what it is that she was supposed to do. The realization happened when she caught a sight of Hotaru being surrounded by fires. She immediately had the will to stop Natsume from producing more. When she pushed him, something miraculous happened and even Natsume was surprised. The fire was extinguished.

Mikan did not understand at once how but Narumi explained everything to her. She was the Alice of Nullification and has the ability to repel any attack.

This made Mikan glad, and because of this, she could stay inside the academy.

The story went on with lightness until several truths unfolded. It all started when Natsume was kidnapped by Reo – a ‘terrorist’ with the Voice Pheromone Alice. He was saved by Mikan and Sumire and after that, things happened bit by bit, making the story heavier, and more dramatic. It was at that point too when Natsume started to show weaknesses in terms of his physical strength. It was then explained that he was one of those with the type called Life-Shortening Alice.

As the mysteries unfold, it was revealed that Natsume, along with several other protagonists like Tsubasa (Mikan’s friend, she calls him Senpai; Shadow Alice), and Tonouchi (Amplifying Alice) are doing dangerous jobs for the school, and this type of job causes Natsume’s life to shorten for he has to use his alice a lot.

But however dangerous the job is, Natsume cannot give it up. He has his personal reason, and that is his sister whom was kept somewhere in the academy. Even if it will mean that he’s going to die, he would risk to save Aoi Hyuuga, also an Alice of Fire.

Natsume’s past was told in several chapters. It was narrated by his best friend Ruka. They were younger and were outside the academy. Ruka was at that time living with his parents who were, as described, rich people (almost royal). He later met Natsume and Aoi in the school and became friends with the two. He also found out that the Hyuuga siblings live with their father, who was an Alice too. Their mom had passed away. Like the Nogi family, Hyuuga family also moved from town to town, escaping the academy, preventing their children from being captured by the school.

Natsume was feared by his classmates even before. He wasn’t a very cheerful child but is overprotective when it comes to his little sister Aoi. Unlike Ruka who has bodyguards all the time, he fights for himself when he needs to. However one time, Ruka was all alone and was being captured by the people from the academy…and Natsume came to save him. From then on they became the best of friends and a thing or two changed Ruka’s mind. His mom, who was the most overprotective of all, also saw this change in Ruka and accepted that his son had grown-up.

Ruka and Natsume would’ve escaped the school forever if not for one awful incident. Persona (a.k.a. Serio Rei), who was the Elementary School Principal’s pawn, was sent to meddle with the capturing. He gave Aoi a stone that would encourage her alice to burn the whole town. And just as he expected, the whole town did burn.

Narumi and Misaki were the ones in-charged at that time with capturing Natsume but they resent using such measures to get the child. Narumi wasn’t able to stop Persona from this devilry and thus, the tables turned.

The whole town detested the alices. When Natsume admitted a crime he did not commit, he was hated more by the whole town and said awful things to him. Ruka stayed by his side but this was something Natsume would never wish. He pushed Ruka away so he won’t be involved in his dark world.

The academy was then visibly in-touched with the incident. They took over Aoi’s case and used her to blackmail Natsume. Since he had no other choice but to abide by the orders for the sake of Aoi, he entered the academy. When he stepped inside the car that will transport them to the academy’s grounds, he found Ruka inside. Ruka, apparently, had decided that he shall come with him and will not let him be alone ever again. As the car went away, Natsume’s father came running after him but since he wasn’t allowed to see him before his leave, Natsume did not even dare look back. Ruka held his hand and they settled to face what’s about to come.

Inside the academy, Natsume grew colder and wouldn’t associate with anyone except Ruka. He kept on doing the deadly missions in hopes of finding his lost sister.

This frequent using of alice took its toll on him to the point that he would always be found coughing blood and staying at the hospital.

By the time the past of Natsume was revealed, they had already been quite good friends and Mikan’s cheerful aura gave him a reason to keep on living at least. It was implied that he started to fall for Mikan during the dance, and Christmas balls.

The signs of Natsume weakening began to be very visible when the incident with the Z happened.

Hotaru was shot by a woman who was believed to be a member of Z. Because of this, they needed to get the antidote to cure her.

Mikan, having a firm decision that she will find the antidote herself, went with Ruka, Natsume, and Tsubasa to get the antidote, and also, Iinchou’s alice which appeared to be missing, and was believed to be ‘stolen’ by the same organization.

Through a so-called warphole, they were transferred to another place. Later on they met the organization responsible for all the incident. Mikan did not, however, expect that she would have to face somebody whom was connected to her. Yuka – the woman with the Stealing Alice was faced by Mikan and Mikan showed her great disgust for this woman specifically, claiming that she’ll never forgive her for what she had done to Hotaru.

However, this doesn’t seem to make any sense for now but Yuka helped Mikan get the things she need and sent the company away safely. Mikan did not understand, but Tsubasa seemed to be enlightened about the mysteries of his friend.

Going back to the present course, the class of Mikan started to be friendly towards one another. Even Permy seems to be warm, although she would have her moments still at times. Nonetheless, the fate of the academy seemed to change while everything else drifted as well.

The plot began to play with several kinds of ups and downs.

When Mikan found out about Natsume’s past, she was with Ruka, Youiichi, and Hotaru searching for him who apparently fled to find his sister Aoi in the lair of the Hime-sama, the Middle School Principal, she has the Barrier Alice. Her place was supposed to be surrounded by a barrier so that alices won’t be used or would be leveled. This is because that place was a prison. At the underground was Aoi…being held as a hostage by Persona, by the orders of the Elementary School Principal.

The three separated to look for Natsume. Mikan then, either by luck or skill, found Aoi. Apparently she can’t see and was brainwashed. According to Aoi, Persona treated her with kindness because he is his brother. This disgusted Mikan and explained to her that Natsume Hyuuga is his brother and is now searching for her. To this, Aoi responded with confusion for she doesn’t remember anything about Natsume.

When they all found each other, Persona also found them, giving no chance for Natsume and Aoi to properly reconcile. Mikan tried and tried to make Aoi remember about her brother, and Ruka.

Persona, being a cold-hearted owner of the Alice of Death, hated all this fuss. Mikan saw he attempted to snatch Aoi again and she stopped this. Tough luck though, because Persona without a mask is lethal. His bare touch could kill a living.

Mikan started to show signs of being infected by death. However, a strange thing happened. She was able to survive and defeat Persona. The incident brought several other mysteries about Mikan’s alice.

Several theories were raised but in the end it was cleared that Mikan possesses the Alice of Stealing. This aroused several questions, but one stood out: Why does Mikan have the same alice that Yuka of the Z possesses?

The manga veered into another flashback via Nodachi’s alice – the Time Traveling Alice.

The teacher brought Ruka, Natsume, Hotaru, and Mikan into the past when the war began in the academy and it was decided that Mikan should leave with Yuka – who was revealed her mom. Because Mikan cannot seem to accept, neither could her friends digest this, they asked for a proof that Mikan’s mother deserves to be trusted. Thus, they traveled through time.

The story of Mikan’s mother, Yuka, started inside the academy when she was abandoned by her cold-hearted parent. Little Yuka pleaded for them to not leave her all alone in the academy, but her parents were promised a large sum of money they cannot refuse. This arc also implied that they didn’t like to keep the young Yuka with the Stealing Alice as she causes more inconveniences than benefits.

Yuka thus grew up in the academy, but she grew up as one stubborn kid – always that kid who was trying to escape in any way she can. No teacher can make her open up, and she grew colder each day with her rebelliousness.

Then one day, a man named Yukihira entered the academy as a teacher. He is the little brother of the High School Principal who possesses the alice that can detect alices even through just photographs. Yukihira was detected to have the alice of Nullification only when he was already in his twenties and is already fit to be a teacher. He was assigned to Yuka’s class and was informed about the rebellious kid.

Yukihira is good with kids, and thus taming Yuka seemed such a piece of cake. The two became good friends even when Yuka left elementary division.

Among the many good deeds of Yukihira includes being nice to Serio Rei, or Persona, who was at that time was kept in prison due to his alice that he can’t control. Because Yukihira has the alice of Nullification, it didn’t bother him to get touched by Rei.

Yuka, on the other hand, became livelier as she grew older, and developed feelings for her teacher Yukihira. But these weren’t exactly revealed at once. She met then Narumi who was already friends with Misaki. She and him became real good friends too and later Narumi helplessly fell in love with his Senpai Yuka. This is where the chain of changing the fates began.

Yukihira was the first teacher who showed a different side. He was kind, he was good to the kids, and he doesn’t like seeing them do the academy’s dirty works. Yuka realized that her teacher is right, and because of this one thing lead to another.

The Elementary School Principal, who was revealed to not be in the body of a child in Yuka’s time in the academy, had worsen his malice and greed. Due to this, he even became so close to forcing Yuka to marry him…all for the sake of her Stealing Alice. Yuka of course couldn’t agree with this because she was in love with Yukihira. This angered the Elementary School Principal and so he plotted Yukihira’s doom.

The Elementary School Principal involved his greatest weapon, the most lethal Serio Rei in this scheme. He made false claims and this enraged Rei, and thus not even the Nullification of Yukihira could save him. He was killed before he could make it back to Yuka’s side to escape with her.

At this time, Yuka had gained many friends already, and this include the Hime-san who had a brother named Shiki, who also developed feelings for Yuka. The Hime-san had a ‘maiden’ named Kaoru who had the Memory Manipulation Alice, it is a life-shortening type too. She became one of Yuka’s bestest friends amidst the odd mix.

When Kaoru graduated, she continued to look after Yuka and made her promise that they will meet outside the academy after she graduated too. Yuka agreed to this. However, she didn’t anymore wait for the graduation and instead, when she learned about Yukihira’s death, her immediate decision was to escape before the Elementary School Principal would come back to harm her…and her child, Mikan.

Yuka left the academy after saying goodbye to Narumi who cannot stop her. Narumi, being the cold hearted kid way back, was asked by Yuka an important favor. She asked him to stay in the academy and help the younger ones from the inside…at that time, Narumi and Yuka had already met the young Subaru Imai, and Sakurano, whom, in Mikan’s time were juniors already; Subaru, being Hotaru’s older brother.

When Yuka found Kaoru, she’s already nearly about to give birth to Mikan. Yuka found out that Kaoru was also pregnant, and that child is going to be Natsume Hyuuga, the alice of Fire. Yuka did not want to involve Kaoru in her messy life, and so she went away…and left Mikan to a complete stranger, to the person whom Mikan calls Jii-chan or grandpa. After that, she disappeared with Shiki who had the same alice as his sister, the Hime-san, the alice of Barrier, and continued to become terrorists, not with the Z, not exactly, but she and Shiki did things on their own.

When Kaoru was killed by the Z people, Yuka wasn’t able to accept it. She cut her hair and styled it like Kaoru’s and swore to continue what Yukihira and Kaoru willed to do while they were alive – to protect the children from the darkness that the academy holds.

Mikan saw it all. Her father’s death, their first meeting, their parting…everything. Natsume saw it all too – and it convinced him at some point that the hand he refused to hand to somebody else could be safe in Yuka’s caring. Hotaru understood that Mikan will do this decision knowing her mother did sacrificed for her.

When Nodachi was done showing them the fractures of the past, they return to the academy’s time only to find that the war had began. In this terrible war, Luna Koizumi, who happened to be one of the closest friends Yuka had during her schooldays, had joined the Elementary School Principal’s alliance, claiming that it is out of jealousy and hatred for Yuka, because Yuka gets love without trying, and that the Elementary School Principal was the only person who had been there for her ever since.

This war caused Yuka’s death. She died fighting for the children, and right in front of Mikan. On the same day, Mikan had to stand watching both her parents’ death as if it was a part of a movie on screen. This made Shiki step out and against the Elementary School Principal. Carrying the dead Yuka, he made deals with the Elementary School Principal…deals he knew the villain won’t refuse.

Shiki became the Middle School Principal, as according to the deal. He also took Mikan into custody. Mikan was sealed inside a building with barrier made by his own alice. Mikan’s lessons were taught to him directly by her uncle, the older brother of Yukihira and the High School Principal.

When Christmas came, everybody wondered what kind of life must Mikan be having. The whole class wanted to see them. Hotaru had an idea that they will send their messages through books of the Grimm Brothers…the Fairytales. This was an indirect insult to Natsume whom she accused as not fit for a prince because he had been wasting his life by staying with the Dangerous Ability even if he was given the chance to stop doing the missions. Ruka understood him though, thinking that he’s doing it to have the free pass in private buildings…in hopes to find Mikan.

Tsubasa also kept the truth about him staying in the Dangerous Ability for fear of having the children worry, and also for Misaki.

However that Christmas ball, Shiki who holds the control of the barrier lowered his guard and let Natsume and Mikan have a Christmas magic. Natsume found Mikan, and he climbed to her balcony. They exchanged alice stones, and that day, their intentions, feelings, became clearer through admitting by words with only the moon (and Shiki too though he decided he shouldn’t watch any further) as their witness.

However all magics stop, like all Christmases end after the 25^th. Natsume had then a firmer decision that no matter what happens, he will not stop unless Mikan is out of that isolated place.

The peace the academy felt left when another war came. This time it was a war started by Z’s Reo whom was the kidnapper of Natsume from before. Apparently, the plan was to murder the Elementary School Principal. But Reo, being an idiot, fell to this. Narumi, however, came to murder the Elementary School Principal himself. However, when he was about to really do it, it was revealed that the boy he was holding was just another clone of the villain. Narumi was shot. But Reo got him out of the place using his bodyguards’ alices.

As the war went on, one by one, the allies of the villain betrayed him. Persona betrayed him after seeing that Mikan cured his closest friend – Nobara, the feared Ice Princess. Persona swore to protect Mikan. Luna also betrayed, although she did not really leave the Elementary School Principal.

Mikan, at this point, had her alice all used up. She exerted a maximum effort and her alice perished. This was all to stop Natsume from using his alice any further. She was afraid he would not make it anymore. But Natsume lay unconscious. It was a tough luck since only the healing stone could do the trick this time. But without anyone who has the alice Mikan possessed before – the Inserting Alice, Natsume was fated to die.

There was one little hope that flickered though. When Mikan’s uncle handed him a stone that had her alice in it, he said it was possible to regain her alice. But when that happens, she could only use her alice once. She did not hesitate to do this. She successfully inserted the healing stone to Natsume. However, no beat could ever be heard from his heart still.

Hotaru saw her best friend’s despair and decided that she would take the matters to her own hand. She made Nodachi take Natsume and him back to the past. Her older bro Subaru went with her. She left Mikan a promise…she promised she would bring Natsume back alive.

But since Mikan wasn’t anymore an alice, it was decided that soon she would leave the academy. A hard decision was also made in order to protect her…her memories are going to be taken from her. Everything that happened, everyone she met, inside the academy will be forgotten by her. Mikan pleaded, but the academy cannot grant her this wish. It is for her benefit as well.

Of course those friends of Mikan cried. Even Sumire did. And Mikan’s last days in the academy was spent for Lessons About Memories where they talked about the most memorable things that had to do with Mikan.

On Mikan’s last night in the academy, she was visited by Hotaru. She was so happy but then, it was obvious that peril is upon them. When she asked about Natsume, Hotaru asked her to not question her just this time. She had promised, and she will fulfill her promise.

Mikan woke up and found that Hotaru wasn’t gone. Ruka, who was visited by her that night too, thought it was a dream. But seeing the item Hotaru left him that was instructed to be given to Mikan ‘someday’, he confirmed to himself that it really did take place.

The last chapter ended with Mikan about to get out of the academy with Mr. Bear who apparently was given to her with the approval of her uncle. The bear though, was instructed to protect her, and to never ever move once outside the academy’s grounds. Mikan is going to forget him as a moving bear anyway and it would surprise her if she’d see a moving bear.

The academy Mikan left was in peace. Jinno became the new Elementary School Principal. Narumi became the head of the Dangerous Ability class. The rest maintained their positions.

Meanwhile, Hotaru had made a choice her brother can’t accept. Nodachi also disapproved of this but Hotaru had made up her mind.

According to the rule of Time Travel, you cannot change someone’s fate…but when Hotaru couldn’t accept this. She was already determined to do everything for Mikan. ‘You cannot change someone’s fate’, but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t possible. Nodachi later on admitted that it is possible but it has consequences. The person who will alter the fate will be forgotten by everyone. Your existence in everyone’s memories in exchange of altering the fate. Hotaru willingly accepted this. But Subaru would not let her alone. Thus, the Imai siblings did the impossible…they altered the fate of Natsume Hyuuga.

Hotaru was holding an alice stone that belonged to Natsume. It was orange, so it was assumed that it was Mikan’s. As a rule, if you’d get your alice back…you will get your memories back. Hotaru hopes that when Natsume meets Mikan again…and her alice would be restored to her, her memories would be restored…

Note:

The manga doesn't end here.

I Changed the Challenge to 100

Since it's only August, and I think I'm not gonna die soon yet, I decided to challenge myself harder.

2013 Reading Challenge

Almira has read 63 books toward her goal of 100 books.

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63 of 100 (63%)

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The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

5 of 5 stars

In this part of the book, I noticed how Tolkien was so creative when it comes to his characters. Each has their own special thing that makes them different from everyone else.

Although the fellowship was disbanded and Boromir was slain by orc-arrows, the company remained true to their duty. The elf, dwarf, and man, remained together and decided to track the two halflings - Pippin and Merry, who were captured by the orcs. In the capture, the hobbits showed their strength and intelligence.

New characters were introduced as the book progressed. Pippin and Merry met Treebeard, or the Ent, or Fangorn. While in other tales, trees are believed to be the wisest because they're one of the oldest, Tolkien did something else. He made them strong, strong enough to face Saruman's Isengard.

The King of Rohan - Theoden, and the siblings Eowyn and Eomer were also introduced, along with the servant of Rohan and traitor - Grima. I personally adored Theoden here because his decisions indeed belonged to a king, and how he formed his words define his authority very well.

Gandalf also appeared at last, as a white wizard this time, cloaked in white and stronger than ever. He was the symbol of hope, for me. I hurried to start this part just to see him alive again.

While in the movie Aragorn was still full of doubt, I see how he's coming out of his shell in this part, leaving the ranger for most of the time, becoming the king he was supposed to be, more and more.

Legolas and Gimli had been close friends, so it seems, and even promised to take a trip together (oh how my heart melts ;)) But while reading their friendship, I sort of got anxious to come to the part where Frodo and Sam would show up again.

And my waiting wasn't all in vain. When the two dear hobbits showed up, another creature joined them. Gollum, or Smeagol, who had a lust for the Precious. Honestly, he makes me laugh for most of the time. Every time I come to the parts where he delivers his lines, it was as if I could hear him, even his hisses. We swore! We swore on the Precious! Haha, he's one of my favorites, but not because of that, because he seems so terribly confused for most of the time. If I hadn't seen the films, I'm pretty sure I'd support Frodo's beliefs - that he shall return, and will be cured of his lust for the Precious.

Sam proved his great quality as a friend to Frodo this time. I cannot believe that one could do what he had done - stick-up with his master. Even when Frodo is getting weaker, and harder to manage, he keeps on accompanying him, always believing that it is the One's devilry and not his master's. For most of the time though, I pitied the three - Frodo, Sam, and Smeagol.

There was another new character who'd be significant in the following parts, I believe. Faramir, Captain of Gondor. I was so awed by the strength he showed and he indeed showed his quality: the very highest. It is important to remember that he is the little brother of Boromir who was the first to die.

I expected this part to be sort of boring, but then, it was unexpectedly rich with plot, and always, full of surprises.

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The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

5 of 5 stars

I feared to read the book for several reasons: first: it might make me all excited and thus I shall feel the extreme urge to read and read until I reach the third installment; second: Tolkien's world is like a maze, and I hate mazes, I hate everything I don't know by heart; third: the movie was too beautiful, and I was afraid that the movie will be one disappointing thing to me after I'm done; fourth: I might cry (haha).

However, since the whole package arrived to me as a present from my parents, I decided to read anyway. It was amazing, from the first page to the last of this first installment, that is the one word I could say.

I had heard from several people that the book might be boring because of the slow phase - this wasn't really true. Perhaps, it was due to the fact that the movie had been faster, and had cut days to shorter lengths.

The Fellowship of the Ring told a great deal about trust, and camaraderie. All the characters are special in their own ways.

The four hobbits seemed smarter in the book, especially Merry. It amazed me how he's like Pippin's older bro. I can't help but picturing them like that. In a way, Merry's like the brother I've always wish to have.

Pippin on the other hand was really consistent in his playfulness. He's smarter in the book too, but he seems to be Gandalf's little pest. It's both adorable and sad whenever he gets scolded, the poor thing. What's funny is that he seems to never let it bother him for a long long time.

Sam is the kind of friend I wish I have; Frodo is one lucky hobbit. He talks in the simplest way, but I am glad that he likes poetries and stories, and elves. His verse about Gandalf's fireworks really made me smile. He showed a great deal of loyalty to his Mr. Frodo, and that just made me send a message to my own best friend.

Frodo, oh what can I say more about the fiercest hobbit of them all? He's a darling, and I cannot praise him even more. I've always believed that authors base their characters on somebody, because that's what I do with the craps I write. I think Frodo is somebody close to Tolkien, and I'm now dying to die and meet him in Middle-earth just so I could squeeze out the answer from him.

The old wizard, Gandalf the Grey, reminded me much of my grandfathers, wise and...old, alright. I think he's a representation of a respectable man who was so loving and caring he need no magic to prove it. When Gandalf fell in Moria, I still became sad even if I knew it was going to happen anyway and he'd return anyway. I can't help it, it's Gandalf. He's one of the reasons why I wanna read right away the Two Towers.

As for Gimli and Legolas, they sure are surprising as well. Gimli wasn't as playful as he was in the movie. He was sort of more respectable, and wiser, especially when he was in Moria. And when they arrived in Lothlorien, I was thankful he and Legolas finally became real friends. I had never been so happy. Legolas was one great elf and he have my respect, even if his folks let Gollum away.

The proud lord of Gondor, Boromir...is somebody I cannot hate but also cannot like. It pains me that he was so persistent in taking the ring to Gondor, and yet I knew two evils drove him to be that way: his Father and the One Ring.

Last, but not the least, Aragorn, the lost king of Gondor. He is one exceptional character and I was like, stunned with the way Tolkien described him. He had my respect even during the time when he's still Strider. He was so humble, and kingly, just like those in the fairy tales I grew up with. Yet, there is a great deal of strength in him, and man, he could lead. There's nothing better than a man who could lead.

When I reached the last page, all those fears I stated above were washed away. And when I looked at the maps, man, I wasn't lost at all. In fact, it's as if I could live there.

I think Tolkien is one hell of a storyteller. I can't wait to start Two Towers.

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Notes from the Underground & The Double by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Notes from the Underground & The Double by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

5 of 5 stars

Damn it, this one gave headaches...and stomachaches - from laughing.

Dostovyesky's a man who likes to think so much, I think. His lead character has natural queerness, and we could be friends, in fact, best of friends.

If all men would think like this man, well I don't really know, I'll have a hard time picking who's the best lol.

Seriously speaking though, it's easy for him to be disagreeable, but at some parts, I can't help but agree in his views. The book didn't really follow a plot like the usual ones, but it was consistent in telling thoughts freely.

After 10 years, or more, I shall re-read the book and see if I'd still feel the same for the lead.

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A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

5 of 5 stars

It was so nice to read something so light after such a heavy feeling. T_T I almost wanted to go back to ten years before.

I think, Frances Burnett is one hell of a story-teller, she must've been a good child herself. I feel ashamed for not remembering she's the author of The Secret Garden, the first novel I've read that was authored by her.

I didn't also recognize that this is actually the novel where 'Sara, Ang Munting Prinsesa' was based. The movie altered a few, but it maintained the Sara Crewe Burnett created. It was proven in the story that Burnett indeed loved to read, and maybe, just maybe, we have similar tastes. She liked The Count of Monte Cristo, it was funny and damn entertaining how she made Sara Crewe such a darling intelligent girl to have all her imaginations so strong that the attic was considered a Bastille, and she and Becky, prisoners, Miss Minchin - the jailer.

It was so simple, and I think this should be included in Reading classes for elementary students. Had I met this book while I adored dolls, I might've turned out differently. Lol.

All in all, I love the story, and everyone. It's a good read especially after a bad day, or after reading heavy books.

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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

5 of 5 stars

When my favorite character died, I suddenly wished the story was told from his perspective. I kept on wondering - What if Heathcliff told the story? Is his mind that brutal? Although Ellen Dean told the story with justice for all sides, it still didn't give a great detail of how that man's mind works.

I think Bronte is quite exceptional. Given the fact that this is not the kind of home she grew up with, it was amazing how she managed to weave her characters. I, honestly, enjoyed it despite the darkness and sadness that enveloped the story.

Emily's character were all sad in their own ways. But I noticed they were all sad because they loved somebody so deeply. I blame Catherine Earnshaw for that - had she chosen Heathcliff and not 'status', the story would direct to another ending. But of course, Emily's plot made everything entertaining and the book was hard to put down. Such a shame this was her only novel. I would've read another from her right away.

All in all, it seems to tell a story about love, but more than that, it is a story about a great kind of love - for family, honor, important people, and to one's own self.

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Impossible Dreams by Patricia Rice

Impossible Dreams by Patricia Rice

3 of 5 stars

I had the book in my shelf since 2nd year high school. I remember well because I bought it from my allowance.

I would include it in my read-a-thon entries but truthfully, I never read it fully. When I saw it again, dusty and all, I decided to try again.

It's a positive book, a proof that no dream is destined to end in a graveyard.

The romance part did not at all disturb me as it was told in a descriptive yet not with too cheesy adjectives. The involvement of children and the goal to help them added wholesomeness to it, that made it easier to read and it increased the friendliness of the characters.

A thought lingered as I reached the last part: had I read this book with understanding and eagerness before, would any of my dreams be called impossible?

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The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

4 of 5 stars

The book reminded me of some film (local) that I watched way, way, way back.

So there's such potion that auto transforms you as somebody else. I never thought the story was all about some chemical. It kept me guessing, and I never was able to guess it right.

All in all, it's weird and Stevenson's very descriptive. However, I liked that he revealed it all in one great bang. That didn't let me sleep at once last night.

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

4 of 5 stars

I've read a novel way back that was all about Sleepy Hollow, but either nobody had added it here yet or it's my imagination... The novel was about this family who returned to their hometown and since then wild stuffs happened. It was said that Crane cursed before he died that if his rival's descendant shall return, he would too.

Anyway, as for Irving's work, it's a nice back-up story. It's cool, and I intend to visit this place, lol.

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The Last Leaf by O. Henry

The Last Leaf by O. Henry

5 of 5 stars

Today I wrote about Liam again and remembered the story of the Last Leaf. I thought he'd like it, more than I did.

I read this one again, and sort of liked it even more...more than how much I liked it way back high school.

It is a story of not giving up, it was very positive. O. Henry did quite a good job, and people should read his work.

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Summer's House by Eric Gabriel Lehman

Summer's House by Eric Gabriel Lehman

5 of 5 stars

After years of ignoring this book, I finally had the interest to read it.

I was about to enter college when I bought this book. I sort of didn't want to feel bored while waiting for the professor thus I carried this with me as I stood near the door, ignoring the rest of my classmates (I don't know them...yet).

Anyway, I didn't like the book way back, simply because I cannot understand it. As I progressed, I noticed I underlined lots of words before. Now, I simply wonder why. I also tore a page from it, and I don't remember why. Perhaps I simply got mad before.

The story opens with a mysterious write-up. It's like a diary. Every chapter begins with an entry. I never understood the connection until I met all the characters and the 'connection'.

Raymond, 'Ray', had just got out of high school. Along with his graduation was the fact that his parents are about to lose their marriage. It appeared though, that this did not matter much to Ray. His character evolved to a boy in a raging puberty stage, curious and often in love. He would sleep with males, and would find it pleasurable. He would fall for a woman, and still feel pleasure from it. I simply find him confusing, but that made him entertaining. Until the end, I did not understand him.

Lester - the arrogant family man. First born. Successful, supposedly. Richest of the family, supposedly. But time came when he made all the wrong decisions and there was nothing left but failure. He was one hell of an annoying guy. He's Ray's uncle, and I supposed Ray did not like him as well.

Jerome - the writer, often a poet, thief of secrets, and canned goods. He works for Lester. When Lester found out he was stealing from him, naturally, he got mad and their friendship came to an end, or at least that was what Lester wanted. Jerome is in love, or was, with a woman named Agatha, who later on met Ray. Agatha speaks in her sleep her secrets which are made up of stories and bitterness. Jerome thought he should write it. When Agatha found out about his Journals, she kicked him out and later met Ray, who ended up kicked out too due to reading what Jerome had written.

Their common denominators were secrets and failures. Ray tried to keep his desires for men a secret, but then failed and was later found out by his dad. Lester tried to keep his business' bankruptcy a secret, but then failed and was later left by his family, and 'inner circle neighborhood'. Jerome, tried to keep the secrets he had gathered in a journal, but then failed to keep it going smoothly so his Agatha won't find out.

The book reminds me of the Department of IT in PUP. ;)

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The Stranger by Albert Camus

The Stranger by Albert Camus

5 of 5 stars

The lead character looks nuts on the surface but he showed so many shades in the middle to last part.

He got me wondering on the first few pages when he was in his mom's funeral. He did not express that he loved her, but I did feel that at one or two points in his life, the woman mattered.

He never showed any signs that he was rushing or trying to accomplish anything. His kind of character implied a zero sense of ambition. But on many pages, he seemed like a lost man - a wanderer, thinker, philosopher - but would take none of these labels.

The last two chapters were obviously the best since Camus obviously exhausted a lot of my brain cells. The book requires open mindedness, else, you'd find yourself hating the whole novel. There were some parts which I found were disagreeable but Camus has a way of stating his points.

It is one hell of a tragedy, and yet, not sad at all for me. There was not much to feel, as I was left wondering why the thoughts and views stated make sense when they shouldn't.

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