Flora Fest, Dinner, Eclipse and a Good Book

Last weekend was a busy weekend for us. I had school activities nearly the whole Saturday while Papa and Mamarazzi sneak out to Flora Fest at Sierramas without me. 

Said got so many  plants and experienced gardeners there. Can pick up good tips wor. Also the venue have swimming pool,  show house and got free makan.

 

Mamarazzi said she didn't buy much as she already have most of the edibles plants in the garden Hence only bought an air plant called Funkinia. Looks a bit like a caterpillar leh. Easy to care. Just need to mist it every two days.

Some more they went to the nurseries near Sg Buloh Hospital and got some orchids. Also a lemon plant. Hmmmm.... so bad leh. Go there tarak bring me along. Nagged them till Papa bring me to the Flora Fest on Sunday. Love the pool though no swimming allowed yet. Love the show house too. Cheap cheap....only RM6.0M leh.

 Mamarazzi said wait till I grow up and earn $$ first la baru talk. Meantime I have to eat more vegetable leh so that I can grow up healthy.

I don't like to eat vegetables nowadays. Sneaky Mamarazi now hide the vegetables in my food. For example.... yummy chicken wing hor.... but it's stuffed with minced meat and vegetable... Sweat sour prawns also have vegetable....fried rice needless to say la..sure have vegetable... Helppppppp!!!!!!!

 Oh ya... anyone still remember MH370? I used to love cars a lot. Now am keen on aeroplane too.  It's been 2 years. Still dunno where MH370 had gone to.

Yesterday morning Papa was all hype up. Something about total solar eclipse. Don't know whether it's blessing in disguise or not coz the haze was back yesterday morning. Because of the haze, Mamarazzi was able to capture a photo of the eclipse on our way out to school . 

Am still not interested on solar eclipse. Cikgu haven't teach us about it yet leh. No idea what Papa and Mamarazzi trying to explain to me. What's the big deal about the moon and the sun ah? 

Another "moon " that cause Mamarazzi end up with "Panda Eyes". She found was hunting another book but stumbled upon  The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel. Mamarazzi crazy la. Started page 1 and non-stop reading. Night time I went to dreamland already she was still reading. The next day, I came home from school in the evening, she said she finished reading liao. Said it's a terrific book wor.

This is paid or sponsor review of the book.  Just wanna share Mamarazzi crazy reading with you guys . Hmmm.... I wonder what is so great about this book. So many 4-5stars rating in goodreads.com on this book. Well, better grab a copy and see. Errr...if you happened end up with Panda Eyes, please don't scold me ah.

Heaven is for Real Deluxe Edition By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Synopsis by Booksneeze.com

Deluxe, keepsake edition of the best-selling book and true story of a young boy's visit to heaven after life-saving surgery.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready there is a coming last battle.

My comments:

This is an easy to read book from young adults to older readers.

What I like about this book is that it gives hope. Hope that things will be better and in those who believes , that there is really a heaven. Many instances in the book, strengthen what have been described in the Bible. 

What is written here is pretty much believable as there is no way a four year old kid can know so many stuffs unless he had experienced it himself. Some who disbelieved may say that he had been "tutor" but it will be up to individual opinion.

There were some family photos in the book . Its good to see the adorable face of Colton.

What I don't like about this book is that it's more from the point of view of the father instead of Colton. There are 154 pages in this story without adding in notes and word of the author, and the first 45 pages is all about the family and the misfortune that befell them.

In my opinion, not much about heaven is reveal in this book.Only little here and there.

It's hard for me to comment here. How do you comment about a book like this? Well, it;s either you believe it or you don't. You will have to read it for yourself.

I give it for stars out of 5 star for the writing style.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book  from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program.The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Need You Now by Beth Wiseman

Synopsis :

When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.

Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.

Married life hasn't always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried them through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.

While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of Darlene's students starts paying more attention to her than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.

If Darlene ever needed God . . . it's now.

Experience a family's triumphant defeat over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.

My comments :

I found that the beginning of the book was a bit slow for me and I was confused by the story as the author introduced many characters almost simultaneously.

However, the story got better halfway through the book. I like the way the author focus on Darlene and her daughter, Gracie. However, I was rather doubtful of Gracie's problem which is said to crop up from trying to be perfect. She seems to have everything; a good family and a good school result. Trying to be good all the time did not sound to me that it would create the problem that Gracie had.

Darlene's problem is more believable to me as each day were are faced with temptation. And Dave certainly poses a big problem. Readers can't help but to sympathise with Dave.

Overall, I like the way the author integrated the faith in God through out the book. Although each person in the family have their own problems but their faith never wavered. Through their faith, they influenced the people around them to open up to God.

I give this book 3 stars out of 5. It is highly recommended to those who needs a bit more encouragement and motivations in life.

I have received a copy of this book from Handlebar Marketing with no obligation to post a favorable review. The opinion herein are my own. 

Eyes of Justice by Lis Wiehl & April Henry

Synopsis from Booksneeze.com

 The Triple Threat Club have solved intense mysteries before . . . but this time it’s personal.

Cassidy, Allison, and Nicole fight for justice every day: Cassidy in the media, Nicole with the FBI, and Allison as a Federal Prosecutor. Together they’re a Triple Threat that sends criminals running.

But never have they faced a case so difficult to decipher. Nor have the stakes hit so close to home.

A devastating turn of events brings change to the Triple Threat team. But they discover an ally in a renegade computer hacker named Olivia.

The women won’t stop until the case is solved . . . and justice is served. Yet just when it appears the police have the killer in custody, he somehow strikes again.

Not knowing who to trust, they go undercover to track the killer through an intricate – and deadly – game of cat and mouse where nothing can be taken at face value.

Success – or survival – isn’t assured in this riveting Triple Threat mystery that will leave readers both shocked and satisfied.

My Comments :

This is one of the most exciting book that I have ever read received from the publisher Thomas Nelson Publishing. I was given a copy of this to review without obligation in my part to give a glowing review. However, I am pleased to say that the authors had done well.

This book was full of suspense and I can't help but to finish it off at one setting.

The authors had captured human emotions effectively. I found myself tearing at the scene where they found the body and I can "feel" the frustration that Nicole felt when she saw her incompetent colleague was going to ruin the scene of the crime and yet she can't prevent it.

What I love about the book is that the authors managed to portray the severity of the crime without resorting to foul language and violent words. In fact, they even managed to put in the relationship with God without it being disruptive to the flow of the book.

I certainly look forward to the next book by the authors and impatiently waiting to see what role Ophelia is going to play in the next book.

Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen Coloma

Book Description By Booksneeze.com

"Without the storm, how would we know the sweetness of shelter?" -Ruth 

Out of the clear blue, Wren’s Grandma Ruth arrives on her doorstep, dreaming of a grand party to celebrate her 95th birthday. Wren and her young son Charlie love the idea, but it quickly gets complicated: Ruth wants Wren’s estranged siblings to attend and she wants Wren to sing her all-time favorite song: “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” It’s the very song Wren sang one fateful day during her childhood . . . and Wren hasn’t sung a note since.

Though she’s glad to have Grandma back in her life, Wren’s sleeping on the couch in her own house now . . . and worried about the expenses piling up. After all, her job at the community library is in jeopardy after budget cuts, and the fancy music program she wants for her son is getting farther and farther out of reach. What’s more, Paul—the guy she's drawn to yet avoids—ends up being a major part of an important library project.

With family arriving and old wounds resurfacing, Wren’s about to fly when she discovers something special—a gift of grace beyond her wildest dreams.

My Comments: 

This is a sweet book on love, forgiveness  and family relationship

Wren is a single mother. To Wren, Charlie is her whole world and she wanted the best for Charlie. She wants his dream to come truth. Even though it means uprooting them from Maine and move to Boston where  Charlie can get the best education in music.

Charlie also wanted one thing for Wren. And being a child, he make known his wish to his Heavenly Father. Yes, an innocent child's prayer is that powerful. You still remember what Jesus had said? He said those who wish to enter the Kingdom of Heaven must have and be innocent like a child. 

God works in mysterious ways. Out of the blue, Wren 95 years old grandmother appeared and wishes the family to gather one last time. Gosh! It sure bring up a lot of skeletons from the closets and opened up old wounds. 

In order for old wounds to heal,I guess the reason and misunderstanding that had occurred years ago need to be clear up. Many years had passed. It's not easy to do that.

What I love about this book is that, Wren and Charlie had faith in the Lord. No matter how much hardship and bad things that happen, their faith were with the Lord.

Some how things  were mended. My only sadness about this book it's that this is just a fiction. How I wish things are as easy and orderly in reality as in fiction.

I rate this 3 stars out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book  from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Reluctant Queen : The Love Story of Esther By Joan Wolf

Book Description From Booksneeze.com

An inspiring re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue . . . and tender love.

See the story of Esther in an entirely new way—with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Xerxes was a powerful but lonely man. Esther’s beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.

Imagine anew the story of Esther, one of our faith’s great heroines, destined to play a key role in the history of Christianity.

My Comments :

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf is a fictionalized version of the Biblical Queen Esther (The Queen biblical queen from the Book of Esther in the Old Testement). People who studied the bible wouldn't really like this book because it has been extremely romanticized and 'beautified' for the benefit of the readers. For those who are not familiar with the story of Esther would love this book, but for those who are familiar with Esther's story would feel as if there's something missing from this story, mainly Esther's background as Hadassah before she went to the king's harem and raise as queen and whatnot. The author left out a lot of things in this re-telling of Esther's story.

But then again, this book is much more emotional, passionate and descriptive than the bible. It was well written despite the fact that it has been fictionalized and romanticized and one could definitely the emotional aspect in Esther's journey to be the Queen of Persia and save the Jews from total annihilation.

This book, like a lot of Christian fictions teaches us about following God's plan. Another important message that I believe that the author is sending across through her version of Esther's story is having faith in whatever you do.

Overall, this is a good read. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Part-Time Vegan 201 Yummy Vegan Recipes That Put the Fun in Flexitarian By Cherise Grifoni

Book Description

• Adopt "Meatless Mondays"
• Scramble tofu for brunch
• Eat more beans--and less beef . . .

. . . or not. It's all good, according to Cherise Grifoni, your fearless guide to the seemingly complex world of no-meat, no-eggs, no-dairy. In this guilt-free cookbook, you'll discover how to go vegan without feeling any pressure whatsoever. But a warning: the mouthwatering recipes may have you transitioning to full-time much sooner than you anticipated!


Honestly, what's not to love when you're eating: Purely Vegan Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread, Lean, Mean, Black Bean Guacamole, Very Vegan Potato Pesto Salad, Spicy Roasted Tomato Soup, Roasted-Garlic Mashed Taters, Spanish Artichoke and Zucchini Paella, Barley Pilaf with Edamame and Roasted Red Pepper.


No matter why you want to go vegan--whether it's for health, the planet, or some other worthy reason--this cookbook makes sure you have fun in the process!


Comments: 


I hate a book that go on and on about how healthy and good it is to be Vegan. A book that preach non-stop. Am glad I requested this book as this book is none of those things.


It's well written and with a hint of humor too. That's very important to me as most cook books would send me to dreamland very fast.Just look at the "Table of Contentments". Don't you agree Cherise Grifoni have great sense of humor?


Table of Contentments

Totally Not Boring Intro…vii

Chapter 1
Veganism 101…1

Chapter 2
Dips and Appetizers that Shall Impress Your Friends…9

Chapter 3
Easy Breakfasts for people Who are on the Go and More time-Consuming Breakfasts
for those of Us Who are Lazy and have Lots of time for eating…25

Chapter 4
Salad Dressings that are easier than pie…41

Chapter 5
Salads that Won’t Leaf You Wishing for More…49

Yup, I am not good in cooking. What makes me request for this book, then? Maybe it's my conscience. For wanting to cook a healthier meal for my family. I think this book is a keep for me.


I have to say, I love the way it is written. Simple and concise. The recipe seems easy to make. Instruction is simple to follow.



Don't be surprise if you see some Vegan home cook food appearing in this blog soon. You think Mamarazzi can cook Vegan food based on this book or not? Yes?...



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com . The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Final Summit by Andy Andrew

David Ponder is a 74-years old man who have gone through a lot in his life. He had built an empire  and had lost it. But that time his wife Ellen was with him. Together they rebuilt what they had lost. Now, Ellen is gone. He is alone again and faced with the challenge. He is chosen to give the answer to " What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the path towards successful civilization?"

Nevertheless he is to have help from fellow Time Traveller like Joan of Arc, Winston Churchill, Einstein and a few others. He have five chances to answer correctly or else.....

This book really kept me on my toes. It is really interesting to pick the brain of these great leaders and learn from them. It explore what makes these leader leads so successfully. Their principles and ideas.

Overall it's an enjoyable book to read. Need a calm mind to fully digest the information in the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com . The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"

Softly and Tenderly By Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

Here is a delightful book from Thomas Nelson Publisher.

This is the second book of the Songbird novel. The first was titled "The Sweets By and By" where Jade Fitzgerald had to deal with her painful past and the rejection of her first love.
In this second book, Jade had married Max Benson. Her future seems to be bright. An owner of two successful boutiques. A man that she loves very much. What else can a woman wants? Maybe a child or two?

That is when Max broke her trust and breaks her heart. 

He confesses that he has an illegitimate son and the worse is that he wants to raise the boy in their home!

What can Jade do? She was hurt and confused. Moreover her mother was sick. Hence she took the chance to bring her mother back to Iowa, their home.

But at her childhood home there is also a problem - her first love. Here she struggle to come in term with her past and decide how to deal with her future with support from her family and faith.

This story is very frightening. Can we love a child from another woman? I love the character, Jade. Her feelings and emotions were well developed.

A word of caution. Better read this book with a tub of Chocolate Ice Cream by your side.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this bookfrom the publisher through the BookSneeze.com The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blind Sight by James H. Pence

 Had a lovely dinner with Auntie Cynthia, my dear and Auntie Little Bird's family last night.

Came home with a whole bag of goodies. Usual lah. Whenever all these Aunties meet sure one bag here and one bag there. Oh ya...Mommy Ling, please come and collect your goodies ya.


Well, among the goodies passed around was this book. Blind Sight by James H. Pence.

Mamarazzi saw Auntie Little Bird blogged about this book a two days ago and asked Auntie Little Bird to lend her.

Very interesting book. Story is about cult.

Thomas Kent used to be a God fearing man and had a lovely family till his family was taken from him in an incident. Then on he felt like he had died.

In his misery, suddenly he received an encrypted message. At first he thought it was just a prank. That is unlike he received a message in his answering machine. The dying man last words haunted him "Save...my..children...."

He found the children but he was not really prepared for the horror that follows. The children were members of "Fellowship of World Renewal". The followers of this cult outwardly look harmless. They are caring for the environment, planting flowers, caring of their neighbour, non-aggressive but on a word from their leaders they would turn into cold blooded killers.

Now the children are on the run as their father have stolen something important from the cult and it is to be pass on to the children mother.

Thomas Kent was looped into this mess. Although he was hurting as the children reminded him a lot of his lost, he kept on trying to help them.

Mamarazzi finished this book in a jiffy coz it was so good. Although this book is just fiction, there are real dangerous cult out there which involves mind control and even murder. The followers would listen to the cult leaders/elders blindly. They would not listen to their family and relatives advice. She had read a true story on such cult long ago.

Some think only "ang moh" have such things but even in Malaysia there are/were cult. The recent ones being the "Sky Kingdom"? No idea of that? what about "Ayah Pin"?

Anyway, back to this book. There is a "bonus" story behind this book.


At end end of the book, the author revealed something which is short of a miracle. God used this book to turn someone life around.

March 1. 2008, Terry Caffey's home in Texas was broken into and his  whole family was brutally murdered. Somehow, he was saved.

He was devastated. He was going to commit suicide. He cried out to God in despair "Why did you take my family? Why didn't you take me too? I don't understand".

No sooner that he said that, he look down and saw a scrap of paper burnt at the edges. It was a page out of Blind Sight. When he read the page, it was like a direct reply from God to his question.

This was in AOL News. Check it out. The article titled "Father Uses Family Massacre to Help Others"

Amazing.

Almost Heaven By Chris Fabry

Mamarazzi received this book complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. Mamarazzi was not required to give a positive review and all opinion expressed herein are solely hers.

The main character in this book is Billy Allman. He had a tough childhood, a near death experience and a Guardian Angel.

He idolised his father but lost him at a very tender age. His only legacy was an old Mandolin which his father taught him how to strum. He was gift not only in playing the Mandolin but also fixing things.

He have a good heart but not much of social skills. Even his guardian angel was puzzle why Lord singled him out for special protection. Billy seems to be in good shape. He believe in the way of the Lord and did many good things. He would never do a bad thing. But why he is in need of a guardian angel.

He managed to built himself a radio station in his home though the town people was not as optimistic as him. There is one woman who supported him but he was unable to open up his heart to her. This is because he carries with him a brutal secret.

But would the help of the guardian angel and the love of a woman be enough for him to battle the demons that haunt him? Well, that's for me to know and for you to find out.


I can tell that Mamarazzi loves this book. She said the first few chapters were very moving. Cried a river. But the some how the book lost it's steam in the middle. However, it managed to pick up the pace again just before the ending.

Mamarazzi gave this book 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Mamarazzi is hoping to get her hands on "June Bug" which is also written by Chris Fabry. From the excerpt, June Bug seems to be another delightful book.

The Nativity Collection By Robert Morgan

Mamarazzi have requested a review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson, the publisher, as part of their bloggers review programme. Mamarazzi is not required to give a positive review and all opinions are her own.
Frankly, Mamarazzi have yet to receive the copy of this book. Then how to review, you may ask. Well, she know one blogger friend who had also requested this book and had finished reading it. This friend had given this book a glowing review. Mamarazzi was very impatient to lay her hands on this. Hence she borrowed her friend's copy.
This book consists of short stories that was written by Robert J Morgan and shared with his church at Christmas Eve every year. What so special about this is that he only write one short story a year even though he have over two millions books in print. All the lovely stories that he shared with his church is now in this book.
There are 6 stories all in. Each were very moving and heart warming. Brings hope that there is goodness in this world after all.

Some of the stories had brought tears to Mamarazzi's eyes, especially the story of Ollie. *sob*sob*.
Christmas will be here in 3 months. This book will be a very good Christmas gift for those who love reading. And for those who can't read yet like me, maybe can get their Mommy or Daddy to read to them.
Mamarazzi give it 4 stars out of 5.

The One Year Book of Encouragement by Harold Myra

Mamarazzi was provided by Tyndale House Publishers with this complimentary copy of "One Year Book of Encouragement" written by Harold Myra.

This book consist of a collection of words of wisdom and encouragement by authors from the past and present. There are 370 pages in this book, including the "Sources/Bibliography" page. Each date there is a story and at the end of the story there is a quote from the Bible. Very meaningful.

This book is just right for those people who do not have time to read. It's a good motivational book to start or end the day with. Just need a minute or two to finish a story. After all, it's just a page and some are shorter than a page.

When Mamarazzi received this book, she immediately flip to the date February 23. It's a story titled "A Short Visit Here". It's words of wisdom from Thomas A Kempis who provided the yardstick of genuine success. According to him "He is truly great, who is great in the love of God. He is truly great, who is humble in mind, and regards Earth's honors as nothing".

Meaning, many chase the honor and glory on earth but these "medals" are earth bound and will pass in a blink of the eye. Only the love of God is everlasting.

The end of the story there was this line from the Bible Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to realise the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Mamarazzi gives this book 4 stars out of 5.

The King's Christmas List by Eldon Johnson

We were provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers a copy of this lovely book titled "The King's Christmas List" by Eldon Johnson for their Booksneeze bloggers program . We were not required to write a positive review and therefore, the book review is 100% my own opinion.

Tho story is a bit fairy tale type. It's about a little girl named, Emma and her doggie Shu Shu. Emma received an invitation from the king to His birthday party. Something happen and Emma and Shu Shu discovered they can understand what each other is saying.

Emma was sad as she did not have a present for the King. But then she saw the cake that she baked with her mom and decided to give the cake to the King.

Emma and Shu Shu set off to the King's birthday party with the Cake. Along the way, they meet many people who are in need of help. They helped the people as much as they can and end-up even giving the Cake to the needy. Hence, they have nothing left for the King.

This is a lovely tale that not only reminds children about the true meaning of Christmas but also teaches children to be generous and considerate.

I love this book for it's beautiful illustration and simple language. Love it when Mamarazzi read it for my bedtime story.

I give this book full marks. Just nice for younger children like me.

Immanuel's Veins By Ted Dekker

Mamarazzi the Advance Reading Copy "Immanuel's Veins" by Ted Dekker, free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. She was not required to write a positive review. The opinions she have expressed are her own.

This is a fantasy novel set in the historical time around late 18th century eastern Europe

The hero, Toma Nicolescu and his side kick, Alec Cardei were ordered by the Queen to protect the Cantemir family. This is where it all started. The two sisters, Natasha and Lucine, which they were protecting were very beautiful. Who can keep themselves from falling for them?

But this is the wrong timing for all these. It's really a tales of terrible longing and seduction. Also of bold sacrifice.

Mamarazzi have heard so much about Ted Dekker's talent but have yet to read any of his book. This is the first which she read and I bet this will not be the last.

Seems to be a page turner. Mamarazzi burn two nights of midnight oil to finish it.

The characters were well developed and there are heart stopping screen. Mamarazzi felt like she was watching a movie when she was reading this book. Everything was so vivid and gripping

However, bear in mind, this book maybe for everyone but as described in the summary "But remember, not everyone is for this story."

Mamarazzi give this book 4 stars out of 5 Stars

Slumdog Millionaire(Originally Published as Q & A) by Vikas Swarup

Mamarazzi have been hoping to get her hands on this novel since she read "Six Suspects" which is also written by Vikas Swarup.

This book was originally published as "Q & A". It was made into a movie and have won awards.

This novel tells the story of Ram Mohammad Thomas(funny name ya?There is a story behind that) participated in a game show called "Who Will Win A Billionaire" and won. He was just an 18 years old poor Waiter from the slums.

Later he was arrested and questioned by the police on suspicion of cheating in the game show for the organiser did not believe a poor waiter from the slum have the knowledge to answer all the questions correctly.

He was torture. There was a moment where he felt he can't take it anymore, a lady lawyer came and rescued him. She brought him to her place. He was asked how he knew all the correct answers to the questions.

It seems that he "know" the answers to the questions due to his life experience. For each question, a chapter of his life unfolds.

Mamarazzi love this book very much. Each chapter is a new story but ending all merge together to a good finish. She give it 5 stars out of 5.

She finally finished reading this at 2 a.m. this morning.


Lucky Mamarazzi can wake up early enough this morning to go for Dim Sum at Restaurant Khee Way. Very yummy Dim Sum. She only remembers to snap photos after everything is in the tum tum.


And I learn how to "pick" my teeth using a toothpick by observing Papa. When pick teeth must close the mouth with one hand while the other hand holding the toothpick.

Mamarazzi had a yummy book and I had a yummy breakfast.

The Boy Who Changed the World By Andy Andrew

The Boy Who Changed the World written by Andy Andrew and illustrated by Philip Hurst.

This is a Children's Book. The story starts with young Norman Borlaug playing in his family’s cornfields with his sisters. And when he grew up he changed the world by using his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people.

But is it Norman alone that changed the changed the world? Or was it Henry Wallace or was it George Washington Carver?

This book really makes young mind churn from the effect. It sends a message that everything we do and how we act will have an effect. Just like the effect of butterfly flying.

I love this book and so does Mamarazzi. Though I am a bit too young to understand the story, but I love the lovely illustration. I would kept holding this book out to Mamarazzi and asked "Mama, read book".

But then sadly, Mamarazzi was too engrossed in another book. It's called The Butterfly Effect. Its also by Andy Andrew.Mamarazzi said this book is written based on The Butterfly Effect.

Mamarazzi said she would recommend this book to others since I love this book very much.

Mamarazzi would like to thank Thomas Nelson for providing her with a complimentary advanced reading copy of this book. We are not obliged to give a positive review in return of the book.

The Butterfly Effect How Your Life Matters By Andy Andrews

The Butterfly Effect, How Your Life Matters is written by Andy Andrew. Mamarazzi have been provided an advance reading copy by Thomas Nelson in exchange of an unbiased review

This is a gift book. An inspirational gift book.

This book tells us about how the action of one person can effect the universe. How a person act or do/refrain from doing something will have its consequence. The message is clear. Think properly before you take action as every action have it's reaction, just like butterflies flapping its wings.

Mamarazzi give it 3 stars. The reason begin, though the book seems to have a "beginning" and "middle", but there is no "ending". No doubt we have to think before we act, but the result will never be predictable. All will be left in the hands of God.

Each page are beautifully written and presented.

I know this book would be a perfect book for Auntie Florence. True to her name, she is as caring as Florence Nightingale.

Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup

Mamarazzi got this from BookXcess during their 3rd Anniversary Promotion. If not mistaken there was an additional 20% on top of the price state.

It was an impulse buy and she had no regret in getting this book.

What attracted Mamarazzi to this books was the author's name. She is crazy about Asian writers. Have you heard of "Slumdog Millionaire"?It's written by this author.

The story starts with the murder of the notorious, Vicky Rai, the son of a corrupted politician and gangster, Jagannath Rai.

Vicky Rai was shot at a party in his home. The party was to celebrate his acquittal of a murder case.

Six people were found with guns in their possession when the police seal-off the murder scene.

They are :

1)Mohan Kumar, the Bureaucrat. He is as corrupted as can be. One day he went for a seance and the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi seems to have possessed him. Since then he was like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Scaring the people around him with his multiple personality.

2)Shabnam Saxena, The Actress. She is very successful and is the subject of envy for many people. Despite the stardom, she hungers for her family love. She trusted people and was bitterly betrayed.

3) Eketi, the tribal who travel from his native Andaman Island to India to retrieve a sacred object that was stolen from his people. At first he thought India is a good place to stay on but later found out that it is a very harsh place. People were very cruel, unlike those in his Island. He dreamt of going back to his beloved Island once he retrieved the stolen object and also bring his new found love back with him.

4) Munna Mobile, the Thief. His speciality is to steal handphones. He met a rich girl. At first he was just fooling around looking for a quick lay but then he fell in love. It's a forbidden love as they are of different caste.

5) Jagannath Rai, the Politician. He is a very corrupted and an ambitious politician who happens to be the father of Vicky Rai. He is like a gangster. Did many crimes and yet he always got away with it because people are too scared to go against him. Those who are brave enough were "eliminated". He wanted to be the next Chief Minister and Vicky Rai stood in his way.

6) Larry Page, the American who works as a forklift operator and have the same name as the Google's founding CEO. He is like "Mr. Bean". Always get in to trouble but some how he is always lucky enough scrape thru it. He came to India to marry his "Mail Ordered Bride".

The above mentioned people have motive to murder Vicky Rai.

The characters in this book are well developed and very lively. Mamarazzi can't help laughing like a hyena at the things that Larry got himself into. Also can't help felling anxious about Shabnam's and Munna's predicament.

This book is a must read for all mystery fan and those who love a bit of spice in their live.


*sob*sob* am not crying because Mamarazzi cooked "Rojak Vege" for me to eat again as in when she was reading Paul Coelho book. But rather Mamarazzi said she wanna go hunting for more books written by of Vikas Swarup. This means less time for me to go play in Dan Neh Noh.