Hime's Bookshelf

I've had this book for more than fifteen years in my bookcase now; I bought this when I was a child, for English reading program at my school back then. However, sometimes I'd reread it again if I wanted some classic light reading. As an adult, reading the book makes you remember the thoughts and imaginations that you may have thought; toys that live during the night after we go to our bed, goblins in the ancient times, giants and pixies. Each stories weren't too long and yet memorable, and the fonts were large enough so the book would not look like 'too long and boring' to kids in 3rd grade and above that wanted to grow an interest in reading. 

Powerful. That's how I would describe this book. 

The story gave us an insight of life in Swat Valley before it was taken over by the Taliban, and how extremist views can gain massive followers in such short time and affected people's lives with fear. 

Malala is a hero - a symbol of bravery and courage of young females of modern times, and also a living proof of how parents support can bring children to the highest places. 

I picked up this book from a Big Bad Wolf sale. It had an interesting premise - spoiled Hollywood actress Paige Carson suddenly accepting a low-paying theatre job in London to challenge herself and to get away from the life arranged by publicists and trying to impress fans and the media. 

The early pages were lengthy and not quite interesting - especially the second part about the London lanlord, Ed. Also, Paige's transition between acting for film and theatre isn't clearly stated - most of the part in London only shows mainly about her life outside the theatre. 

Many parts of the book were also a bit confusing - the transitions between each scene and all. It's like the story is quite 'jumpy' 

However, the story still turned quite delighting in the end, although the ending is a bit abrupt and you can pretty much guess what's happening. Especially with Gaby's part, the part where she's mentioned as a 'control freak' and 'wanting Paige to be dependent on her' through her physics and aura mumbo jumbo should be more apparent through her transitions from Hollywood to London - that would make a bigger impact when Paige finally let go of Gaby. 

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book in the end. Worth a read!