[Book Review] Staring Into the Abyss

Title: Staring Into the Abyss

Author: Richard Thomas

Date Published: March 1, 2013

Genre: Horror, Adult Fiction 

Source: ARC from Publisher

Rating: 4/5

Links:

Goodreads

About the Book:

As Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Battle not with monsters lest ye become a monster; and if you gaze into the abyss the abyss gazes into you.” In this collection of short stories Richard Thomas shows us in dark, layered prose the human condition in all of its beauty and dysfunction. A man sits in a high tower making tiny, mechanical birds, longing for the day when he might see the sky again. A couple spends an evening in an underground sex club where jealousy and possession are the means of barter. A woman is victimized as a child, and turns that rage and vengeance into a lifelong mission, only to self-destruct, and become exactly what she battled against. A couple hears the echo of the many reasons they’ve stayed together, and the one reason the finally have to part. And a boy deals with a beast that visits him on a nightly basis, not so much a shadow, as a fixture in his home. These 20 stories will take you into the darkness, and sometimes bring you back. But now and then there is no getting out, the lights have faded, the pitch black wrapping around you like a festering blanket of lies. What will you do now? It’s eat or be eaten—so bring a strong stomach and a hearty appetite.

Review:

Staring Into the Abyss is a very well-written mix of nitty-gritty short stories, each conveying a different message and emotion. Some of them lift up the spirit, others narrate about the dark visages in the human psyche, all of them haunting and insightful.

I’ve always loved reading short stories, especially those bound in a single book or collection because they are quick to read and straight to the point. So it was such a huge treat for me to be given the chance to read review Richard Thomas’ collection of short stories. I was given twenty delightful stories to read in a single e-book!

First of all, the stories in this book are all very well-written. They were obviously well-thought-of and planned. The words are vivid, and most of the characters are very well-defined. 

Also, some of the stories were written in unconventional styles, which I find really creative and unique. The unconventional writing style offered an alternative reading experience, and for me, it was such a pleasant deviation from what’s normal.

As for the short stories themselves, I couldn’t possible review all twenty of them so I decided to pick the ones I really love.

In Maker of Flight, I sensed the hope of an old man to gain his freedom again, and to enjoy even the simplest of things in life, such as being able to freely look at the blue sky. The short story brought a refreshing feeling even though the setting conveyed a picture of imprisonment and hopelessness.

In Steel-toed Boots, I was just heart-broken. It was like I was suddenly bitch-slapped in the middle of listening to a long and compelling sermon. I had to take a pause from reading just to frown and sulk. (Internally, I was protesting. Why?! Why would you even write something like that?!)

In Freedom, I seriously loved the ending. Seriously. It made me smile. And if my brother would ever come to the same desperate existence as the guy in the story, I would probably do the very same thing. This was a complete turnaround from the story before it. (Thank you, dear Author, for not letting me completely sink into despair by putting this story after Steel-toed Boots. There is hope in the world, after all.)

I also liked Underground Wonder Bound because of the implications in between the lines. It’s definitely quirky and fun in its own way. And this story gave a whole new meaning to 9:30.

Then there are also those stories which portray the less-amusing conditions or life, such as in Paying Up. It’s sad to see a father lamenting how his daughter turned out and blaming himself for it. Personally, I believe that how we turn out to be is not entirely controlled by our parents’ behavior. They may be contributory, but in the end, it’s our life.

And of course, my most favorite one, Stephen King Ate My Brain. This one is definitely a Stephen King-esque explanation on how famous author Stephen King could churn out one best-selling book after another under the horror genre. This definitely hit my tickle spot even though it’s supposed to be dark. (I wonder what author Stephen King said when he read about fictional Stephen King in this story. Hmm.)

All in all, I highly recommend this book for people who love short stories, be it horror, humor or just a really compelling story. This book is definitely a unique mix of short stories guaranteed to tickle your brain and make you crave for more.

[Personal Update] What do you when...

What do you do when all you've been looking forward to all week was your weekend off to stay home and spend some down time by yourself, when an unplanned weekend trip suddenly presents itself?

One part of me strongly urges me to stay home because the week-long flurry of activities has left me drained and stressed out. I just got through midterms and law night, and I'm pretty sure that those activities are different levels of hell on their own.

Another part of me argues that such a weekend trip is rare. It's a unique opportunity to actually travel and get out of my comfort zone. Plus, my Mom actually encourages me to go. Well, in her own words, "You should go. Take a break from all those books even just for a short while."

But I like my books. *sob* I like staying home rather than going out. 

The thought of socializing and mingling with people I don't even know exasperates me.
It's not because I'm anti-social or anything like that. I'm just introverted.
And I want my Pops home. ASAP.

[Book Review] The Archive

Title: The Archived
Author: Victoria Schwab
Date of Publication: January 22, 2013
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal
Source: ARC from Publisher
Rating: 5/5


Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble


About the Book:

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. 

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive. 

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive. 

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall. 

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

Review:
I’ve been transported deep into a world beyond what I see, and it beckons me to stay.

Though I’ve only read a snippet of Victoria Schwab’s The Archive through a Sneak Peak provided by the publisher, I could safely say that this book is one of a kind and truly engrossing.

Within the first few chapters of the book, I was hooked and was determined to read the rest without stopping. Sad to say that since I only got a Sneak Peak, I wasn’t able to read the rest of the story. Aw, man.

Anyway, I’m still determined to write a detailed review, so I better get on with this.

The book is very well-written. There is a perfect balance of teen angst, suspense, action and drama under a very compelling narration from Mackenzie’s point-of-view from when she was at different ages. There’s also the introduction of the complex world involving the Archive, the Narrows and the Outer. I won’t explain much about that because I’m scared of spoiling anything.

Plot-wise, the idea of having a huge library comprised of memories of people who are already dead, also known as Histories, is unique. Just imagining a library like that is already enough to make me salivate! I’d have to say that I really love the world that was created within the pages of this story.

Imagine a room-full of stories of different people from different times. It’s definitely enough to make me want to work in there as a Librarian. I’d be living a hundred lives through the stories of the people I read about. And I won’t even age a day! Well, at the price of freedom, but I can always retire when I want to.

The main character, Mackenzie Bishop, has the markings of a great heroine. She’s tough and thorough with her job as a Keeper. Although she’s still mourning the loss of her little brother, this doesn’t deter her from doing her job while leading a double life – her life as a Keeper and her life as a teenage daughter of two very normal parents.

As the mysteries regarding the Histories begin, we see a determined Mackenzie who’s willing to investigate all on her own and rely on her strengths to find the answers to her questions. Not only is she tough, she’s also brave and smart. If these aren’t the markings of a great heroine, I seriously don’t know what are.

Overall, I find this story very compelling and unforgettable. I highly recommend this story to young adults who would like an engrossing read that’s mysterious and exciting but not too heavy.

Side Note: I have to admit that the cover is really enchanting!

[Linking Up] Feature & Follow #15

Q: We always talk about books that WE want. Let's turn it on its head. What books have you given other people lately?

Well, I bought a bunch of children's books for my six-year old little brother two weeks ago. That counts, right? I love the fact that my little brother has developed the habit of reading books from a very young age. He's been reading aloud children's books every night before bed-time since he was five. =))

[Book Review] Beautiful Bastard

Title: Beautiful Bastard
Author: Christina Lauren
Date Published: February 12, 2013
Genre: Adult Fiction, Erotica, Romance
Source: ARC from Publisher
Rating: 3/5

Links:
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble


About the Book:

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online. 

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard. 

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office. 

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other. Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

Review:
A love-hate relationship couldn't get any more complicatedly right than this!

Bennett Ryan reminds of those young pre-pubescent boys who would bully the girl they like just to catch her attention – that same boy in grade school who would stick a gum on a girl’s hair, the one who would pull her pigtails and make fun of her just to make sure that he has her attention. It’s endearing to think about it but when you’re the girl who’s the object of his attention, it’s downright annoying and infuriating. And that’s exactly how Chloe Mills feels about her boss. In her very own words, “she was the right hand that most days wanted to slap the damn face”.

Plot-wise, it has no plot. Seriously, aside from the love-hate relationship between Bennett and Chloe, this book had absolutely nothing. Nada, zero, zilch. It’s an erotica romance, plain and simple. Aside from the overt antagonism, the characters have hidden intense attraction with each other. They have wild, hot sex. They realize that amidst the mind-blowing sex with each other, they actually fell in love. So then, they end up together. That’s it.

To be honest, if the scenes in this book were to happen in real life – which I’m very sure, won’t have a chance any time soon – lawyers would have a field day because it would be raining cases of sexual harassment.

Now, what do I like about this book? It’s Chloe. I love a female character who has spunk and can give back as good as she got. Abnormal attraction with Mr. Ryan aside, Chloe is pretty much a kick-ass heroine because she’s no pushover. She’s smart, confident and hard-working, and she doesn’t let her overbearing bastard of a boss to rattle her witless.

As for the writing, sometimes it’s witty and sometimes it’s just over the top that it just makes me say, “Yeah, right”. Then I laugh. I don’t know if the authors intended for the book to elicit such reaction.

Overall, I believe that there is a proper audience for this book who could better appreciate it. Personally, I was looking for a proper rising action or build-up for the story before the characters declare their undying love for each other. Then again, who am I kidding? This is an erotic romance. And I’m pretty sure that fans of the erotica genre would enjoy reading this one.

[Blog Tour+Personal Update] Descension by B.C. Burgess

Title: Descension
Author: B.C. Burgess
Date Published: April 4, 2012
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Young Adult
Source: ARC from Author
Rating: 3/5


Links:
Goodreads
Amazon



About The Book:

The Angel
After three years caring for her dying mother, Layla Callaway learns she was adopted under unusual circumstances. Following a cryptic message to seek her birth family in Oregon, Layla uproots her lonely life, quickly finding she descends from witches and wizards. Magic is in her blood, and a handsome family friend is eager to prove it. Through a ring imprinted with her birth parents’ memories, Layla’s enigmatic past comes to light, presenting possibilities and trials more chimerical than her wildest dreams. 

The Guardian
Quin’s natural charisma yields plenty of witches, but he longs for the lost witch – the mysterious Layla. He's dreamed about her his entire life, envisioning the day he would lay eyes on her face and aura. When that day arrives, not only is he breathless, he’s confronted with the challenge of a lifetime – an innate need to keep her safe and forever by his side. 

The Hunter
Employing fiendish manipulation and manpower, Agro uses the arcane force of others to elevate his supremacy and wealth. Nothing pleases him more than latching on to a mystical vein, and never has there been a more enticing source. The divine witch will be his.

Review:

Trust me when I say that reading this book will leave you wanting for more. And that's not always a good thing.

Everything starts out with the typical girl mourning over the death of her mother while working as a waitress in a diner. The beginning of the book presents Layla's non-magical background and two of her closest friends and co-workers.

To be honest, the beginning of the book started out too slow. Sure, I understand it was necessary to portray how her life was before she discovered her true identity, but I also think that this could have been done faster. I mean, the PDF file of the book had 300+ pages and with no clear ending in sight. The first half of the book was solely dedicated to Layla's non-magical life, and I wasn't really too keen on knowing about that in detail.

The first half of the book bored me to death, but I stuck it out because of the presentation of good-looking wizards and witches later on, which were a lot different than HP wizards and witches, and way different than the ugly ones in children's books. And the idea of witches and wizards living in close-knit covens kind of gave the homely vibe going on for them, which I think is a good thing.

Characterization-wise, Layla was presented as the kind of girl that was guarded and stuck to what was familiar to her rather than being a risk-taker. Taking that long trip to Oregon was already a huge step for her. Then, all of a sudden, she meets this strange guy who volunteers to show her around and she simply obliges? While I do understand that they have that instant attraction/soul mates thing going on, it would have been more believable if Layla had been more cautious of handsome strangers rather than being too trusting. This is where I find the contradictions lie.

The problem by using a "soul-mate" or "bond mate" tool into the storyline is that the romance becomes hard to sell to the readers. Sure, it's understandable because the genre is fantasy, but that doesn't translate to believability or even relatability. In this particular book, the attraction between the main pair seemed like Insta-Love, which is not believable at all.

And what about Quin? I think he's too perfect. That is all I have to say about that.

Also, I don't know if I'm the only one bothered by the portrayal of too much selfless love and noble idiocy in this book. Sure, romance and love added into the mix makes everything interesting, but not too much because it makes everything predictable.

I also didn't appreciate how the book left everything hanging. I was left with more questions and wanting more answers. And I felt cheated somehow because this book started with Layla and Quin but gave the whole story about Layla's parents instead. While I understand that this is only the first book in a series, it would have been great if it gave even a tiny closure for what happens to Layla and Quin next.

- o O o - 

Personal Update:

I'm baaaack!!

Well, I finally got through my hellish midterm exams. I'm badly beaten up and wounded, but I'll live. This means that I'm back in reading through my ARCs and books. I'm twelve books behind schedule for my 2013 Reading Challenge so I hope to catch up!  =)))

Oh, and I won an Ebook copy of Dark Matters by T. Joseph Browder! Yay~!

[Blog Tour] Sneak Peek of Awaken by Jaime Guerard

Title: Awaken
Author: Jaime Guerard
Expected release date: March 15, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Thriller
Age Group: Young Adult; 14 – 20+





About the Book:

Three things run through my mind at this very moment… 

ONE, my life as I once knew it will never be the same. 

TWO, the person I’m in love with might not even exist. 

THREE, the deception that has unfolded before me has the power of life and death. 

Sixteen year old, Breanna Davis, has heard the saying; life isn’t always what it seems…well, that saying rings true now more than ever. As horrifying visions appear before her, revealing tragedies that will forever change the fate of those she loves, she realizes that she may be the only person who can stop them from becoming reality. 

Amongst the chaos of this new discovery, Bre is faced with a stranger, Eve, who moves in on Bre’s friends and begins to follow her every move. As Eve’s true motives begin to surface, Bre must fight against, not only the visions, but the dangers Eve holds close. 

There is another secret kept- Collin, a boy held captive in Bre’s dreams, the boy she is secretly falling in love with but isn’t sure he even exists. As she tries to make it work with Austin, an old friend who could possibly be more, Bre battles against her feelings for Collin. 

Bre is faced with an almost impossible decision, to choose her life or follow her destiny. If she doesn’t intercede, people will certainly die. If she does, her own life could be at stake. In the end, if she fails, she’ll lose everything.

Sneak Peak:

PROLOGUE

I stood there, silently watching him, my mind willing me to move forward, but my body remained frozen. My heart began to beat heavily, the way it always does when he comes into view. He was just ten feet away from me now. I felt lightheaded and found it difficult to breathe.

I decided this time I had to move slowly. I had to focus on slowing down my mind to take everything in. 

I took one step closer, studying him carefully. His dark, almost black hair glistened in the descending sun. Even though I wasn’t looking directly at his face just yet, his beauty took my breath away. I felt it coming, one more step and he would know I was here. 

I was anxious to see his face again, but unwilling for our encounter to end. I took a deep breath and moved, as if the simple action of taking each step was timed, he turned and rose to his feet, his face blank. I thought my heart was going to race out of my chest. I hoped for a sign this time, some kind of acknowledgment from him. Was he happy to see me? Was I not what he was expecting? What secret thoughts were running through his mind? 

I knew the time had come. No more stalling, I had to go to him. I began moving toward the stream where he stood. This time, I would look directly at him, look into his eyes and make myself known. 

“Bre, this is Collin,” a voice introduced me as I approached. Though the voice was somehow familiar, I was oblivious to who had said it. All I cared about was making sure I captured this moment in every detail. Collin’s deep, royal blue eyes looked into mine and I realized I had never felt like this before. My nerves flared with an intensity that burned deep within me and held me captive in his gaze. Every bit of him was perfect. His silky hair fell perfectly over each side of his face. Occasionally, a strand or two would move gently across his forehead and dance along his eyes. His shirt melted into his chest, making it impossible for me to ignore the definition of his body. 

He slowly lifted his hand, gesturing for me to take it. “It’s nice to meet you Bre.” His bright smile stretched across his mouth as he waited for me to respond.

I swallowed, knowing what was going to happen next. I tried again to slow my mind down even more, pleading with myself to make this moment last. When I couldn’t hold on any longer, I reached out my hand in one last attempt to succeed. But I failed, and woke up.


 About the Author:

Jaime grew up in a small town in Northern California. Having a passion for dance and music, never would she have thought herself to become an author. In late 2008, a story was born and a writer was developed. Jaime found the pieces of her novel beginning to take form and soon she had a full novel in her hands. Awaken is Jaime's first published novel. With many features still in the works, this debut novel is just a taste of the action-packed romantic thrillers to come from this aspiring new author. Jaime is a committed wife and mother of 3, who loves life and doesn’t take anything for granted.




Also, this blog tour and sneak peak of such an intriguing young adult story is brought to you by:

[Personal Update] Staying Alive

Nope, I still won't be able to post regularly as my midterms are starting on Tuesday up until Friday next week, and there's the Law Night affair after that. And of course, my internship in a law firm - something I haven't gotten around to facilitating. *sigh*

No, I don't like having exams. (Who does?) And nope, I also don't like social functions like Law Night either. This dislike stems from the fact that I am biologically female, and attending such events entail that I put on something 'nice'. By 'nice', I mean a dress, a pair of torture devices heels, and make up. *cringe* But yes, I am still attending such event for the sole reason that teachers give points for attendance.

On a side note, I just splurged on a couple of titles... again. I need to stop straying towards the book store whenever I hit the mall. What little allowance I have is already dwindling. Being a book hoarder doesn't help. And I still have to find a proper attire for that law night.

On a lighter topic, I got the following titles:

Fairy Tale Fail by Mina V. Esguerra.
Phantom in the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Diana Love
Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

Mina V. Esguerra is a Filipino author and we happen to exchange emails for her online writing class so I just had to buy her book. She's awesome, by the way.

Sherrilyn Kenyon is a favorite. I always look out for her titles so I couldn't resist buying one of her books at sale price. It was only a hundred pesos!

And Jeff Lindsay's Dearly Devoted Dexter is intriguing. I love reading books about psychopaths, and Dexter fits the bill so I picked it up. Plus, the cover is shiiiiny~!

Now, all I have to do is to hide all my books (physical books and ebooks alike) somewhere I couldn't access for about a week. I get tempted to read just a few pages off a book even though I have to study, and I end up reading the whole book. (This has become a huge problem. Seriously.)

Oh, and I should probably hide my stash of DVDs, copies of Animes and TV series, too. (See you in a week Suits, Once Upon a Time, Nikita, Big Bang Theory, White Collar, Psycho Pass, K, Btooom and Kokoro Connect! *weep*)

I should just live in a cave. *sob*

[Linking Up] Feature & Follow #14

Q: Happy Mardi Gras! If they were throwing the HOTTEST books off of a Mardi Gras float -- what would you do to have them throw to you…?

I'd go with George R. R. Martin's box set of Game of Thrones. 

Along with Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments! =)

Gimmeee those babyyyy!!

[Book Review] Release Me

Title: Release Me
Author: J. Kenner
Date Published: January 1, 2013
Genre: Erotica, Romance, Adult Fiction
Source: ARC from Publisher
Rating: 4/5

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

About the Book:

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes an erotic, emotionally charged romance between a powerful man who’s never heard “no” and a fiery woman who says “yes” on her own terms.

He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me. 

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart. 

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever. 

Release Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences. (From Goodreads) 

Review:
I honestly don’t know where to start in reviewing this book because I was mind-blown.

I’m still grappling for words but let me start with this: Move over Christian Grey, Damien Stark has come to play!

Story-wise, this book utilizes the exact same formula as E. L. James’ Fifty Shades, but only it’s well-written, well-paced and the characters are more relatable. This book is exactly what fans of Fifty Shades should seek out if ever they need a fix for their erotica addiction.

Character-wise, Damien Stark is no Christian Grey, but of course, there are similarities: they’re both filthy rich, both dominant, both possessive and both go after what they want with wild abandon.

As for Nikki Fairchild, well, she is a far cry from Anastasia Steele. I personally like Nikki better than Anastasia because she’s a perfect mix of courage and vulnerability, whereas Anastasia is just, I don’t know… confused?

What I liked about this book is that the romance between Damien and Nikki is believable. We see the undeniable attraction between them but they don’t do the deed immediately like rabbits gone sexually rabid. There is a rising action leading to the actual thing, and that makes everything believable.

Also, I really appreciate Nikki’s well-fleshed-out inner conflict and reservations about her dealings with Damien. Like I said, she’s a perfect mix of courage and vulnerability.

I will not comment on the sex scenes in this book. Yes, they are hot, as most erotic sex scenes are, but like I said, I will not comment on them because I always find myself desensitized to sex scenes after reading an erotica. I usually just skim over them and move on to the next scene.

All in all, I really liked reading this book. I think it’s better than Fifty Shades. Also, at the end part of the book, it gives little tip-offs about what could be potential problems in having a possessive billionaire as a boyfriend, which I think, is a source of conflict for the next installment of the book.

I highly recommend this book to fans of erotic romances and even for readers looking for their Fifty Shades fix!

[Book Review] Puppet Shows

Title: Puppet Shows
Author: Michael Frissore
Date Published: November 22, 2012
Genre: Humor
Source: ARC from Author
Rating: 4/5

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon


About the Book:

A kindly organ grinder and his performing monkey adopt a young boy after his father spontaneously combusts; a barber living inside a whiskey bottle confronts the neighborhood nuisance who wields a dead squirrel like a pair of nunchucks; and an unruly gang of sock puppets are born in a basement dojo. Welcome to Puppet Shows, thirteen outlandish stories from a writer Tucson Weekly called "a very funny weirdo." (from Goodreads)

Review:
When it comes to the bizarrely humorous, Michael Frissore's Puppet Shows is serious. No kidding!

I started reading this book with a serious state of mind. On the first story alone, I was immediately dumbfounded and seriously lost. After reading the first story, I asked myself, "What the hell just happened? What the hell did I just read?" (O.o)

In all fairness, while the description of the book gave a little hint about its contents, I wasn't fully prepared for the insanity that is confined in this little treat. So then, after reading the first story, I loosened up a little and decided to open up to the bizarre. I found myself quirkily smirking and grinning involuntarily afterwards.

The stories in this book are all randomly odd and bizarre. There is no whatsoever logic in it and strangely enough, you don't really need logic while reading this book. This in itself is what sets this book apart from all others. It ventures into the weird, the funny and sometimes, the gruesomely insane.

Imagination-wise, well, I had a blast imagining all the stories actually happening! I mean, there's that organ grinder marrying his performing monkey. There's also a mental facility run by overly eccentric people. And come on, suicide by a nail clipper is just awesome!

Oh, and what I liked best about this book is that sarcasm leaps out from its pages much like how wet paint naturally drips down a wall. It's hard to portray sarcasm especially in written form, but surprisingly enough, this book really had sarcasm pat down! I especially love Q.Q's lines and the randomly woolly mammoth!

Also, I admire the fact that this book is a non-conformist. In the publishing world, it's hard to find a book that hinges humor on purely insanity because it has limited audience and the author can't even get any assurance that people will like it. For me, this book is like a brave foray into a well-defined territory in an attempt to bring something different, and indeed, this book really brings something entirely different!

I highly recommend it for people who would like to read something very different from usual. Just do read this book with an open mind and a wild imagination. I promise you'll be okay, and you won't regret it.