The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Sorry if this one’s a little bit rusty. I haven’t written a review for so long. And truthfully, I missed it. Haha.

I have been one to judge books based on their covers ever since the YA genre started spouting tons of vampire/werewolf/*insert-other-mythical-creatures-here* crap. Every time I go into a bookstore, I find, to my disappointment, another goth-themed cover. If not those kinds, I see books with lovey-dovey covers which contain very clichéd plots. Now why am I babbling on about these stuff? Well, because this particular book that I am reviewing falls into those category, cover-wise. (please don’t stop reading)

But then, as I update myself of the vlogbrother’s video entries, I found that in one of it, Mr. John Green himself recommended this book. Of course, my opinion of it changed and I started to take a second look and finally.. bought my own copy. After a few weeks, here I am, finally gotten around reading The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

I have to be honest and admit that the title didn’t help in convincing me to like the book. You see, I am a non-believer of the whole love-at-first-sight magic. But then as I got past the first chapter, I find myself actually getting attached to the main character, namely Hadley Sullivan.

“It’s not the changes that will break your heart; it’s that tug of familiarity.”

And so the story began as Hadley got stuck in the airport by missing her flight that would bring her to her father’s second wedding. And so she had to book yet another flight and wait. All this hassle just because she was late by 4 minutes. Yep, only 4 minutes. But then this seemed to be a blessing in disguise for she met Oliver, also waiting to catch the same flight she recently booked. 

Their meeting was fairly odd and not quite realistic to me but I guess it somehow worked for the whole of the story. Even when they’ve met for just a few hours, they felt comfortable talking to each other and sharing stuff you don’t usually do with strangers. And so goes their 24-hour-long story of witty remarks, comedic adventures and personal revelations.. all inside an airplane.

The premise of the book may look shallow at first but then reading through it revealed a lot more about the characters that just their timely acquaintance. Surprisingly, what caught me wasn’t the love story between Hadley and Oliver but the conflicted relationship Hadley has with her father. (yeah yeah, I am a sucker for characters with father issues) The book started out with Hadley having strong feeling against her father and as the story unfolds, we were allowed to peek in on Hadley’s head and her hatred. Who wouldn’t be mad of a father who leaves his family for another woman?

I know that this is not a unique story and a lot of books have already intricately depicted broken families and bitter children. But what made this book so much different from the others is that it journeyed toward a positive path of acceptance. Although even to me, Hadley forgiveness of her father’s act was to sudden and early, I felt this bit of jealousy for her having the heart and bravery to finally find peace with what she was dealt with. She wasn’t like other characters who would rather carry the hatred for as long as they can even when it wasn’t worth it. And I think that’s what I admire most about Hadley. She was honest about how she felt and she can deal with it. I, personally, don’t have the strength to do that.

Overall, I enjoyed it and I am glad that I believed Mr. John Green’s word. I think it wasn’t really much of a love-at-first-sight thing. I would say that it was an attraction-at-first-sight. A little predictable but it was fine with me. It was a perfect mix of wit, drama, craziness, and cheesiness. Nothing was too much overdone. I give it a 4/5.

My Harry Potter Story.

Why do you still post stuff about Harry Potter?

Just get over your Harry Potter craziness already! It’s been, like, more than a year since the last movie came out!

Don’t you ever get tired of watching or reading Harry Potter over and over again?

You’re 19 years old, why the hell are you still obsessed with a children’s book?

It’s over, move on and find another book to love.

These are just a few of the comments or messages I get on Facebook whenever I post something Potter-related, may it be quotes, photos, vidoes or little facts. To be honest, I don’t feel irritated at all. I am actually surprised by their reactions. I mean, they’ve known all along that I am a die-hard Potterhead, and yet they still force these opinions on me. Like, do they really expect that I’d give up all my affection and love for all things Harry Potter just because they told me so? Haha. I think not.

I know that it’s quite difficult for them to understand, maybe because they haven’t experienced being attached to something for over a period of time, or that they don’t feel this passionate about things, or for other reasons I may never know. But once and for all, here is my explanation:

When you grew up interested and attached to one thing to the point that it became a very important part of your life, you can never just turn away from it no matter how long it has been since it ended. Much like in a relationship, when you’ve invested so much, spent every sweat, tears, and love for someone, letting go will never be easy. At times, it’s unimaginable. That is how the Harry Potter series is for me.

I got the first book as a present from my mom for my 6th birthday. At that time, I didn’t find it interesting since it was the first time I encountered a book with only a few pictures. You see, even when I started reading early, I was used to fairytales and storybooks filled with illustrations of every character and the events of each story. But then, come the year 2000 and I was then 7 years old, my mother brought me to theater for the first time. And together, we watched the first Harry Potter movie ever released. That was also my first time to watch a movie inside a theater. So for the 7-year-old me, it was truly a magical moment.

When we went back home, I frantically searched for my copy of the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and asked my mom (actually, pleaded), to assist me in reading the book. It was just my luck that she agreed. So for days, we sat together, reading the book. Whenever I find a word I don’t understand, my mom would always explain it to me the best she could. It became our bonding session. Before we even finished the book, my mom found out that this is just one book of the series. 

She then bought me the next 3 books in the Harry Potter series for my birthday since they were already available that year. From then on, I would wait impatiently for the following year, ready to receive the next book in the series. Through this, Harry Potter became the center of my entire childhood. Aside from growing up following Harry Potter’s adventures, it also became the thing that brought me and my mom closer. 

So yes, the Harry Potter books might all have been published and all the movies may have been released already but that doesn’t matter to me. The power of this magical story still lives within my heart and all the others whose lives were touched by this wizard boy who lived through all the hardship fate has thrown his way. I knocked myself crazy with anticipation for the next book or film, cheered during all the quidditch matches, recited every incantation, laughed with every joke made by the twins, cried over the deaths of my favorite characters, rejoiced at each triumph, even swooned over the cheesy bits. In these books and movies, I have learned so much about life at such a young age. The Harry Potter series aren’t just words printed on paper or frames sewn into films I can easily forget. No. These books and films are priceless treasures I’ll forever cherish. They are precious bits and pieces that helped in molding a part of whoever I am today. 

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Please ignore Vera Dietz. Please ignore Vera Dietz! PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ!!!

This was what Vera Dietz screams inside her head, her mantra gone overboard, nowadays. All she wants now is for people to not notice her, to be invisible. She wanted them to look away from her, especially Jenny Flick and her crowd. She wanted to be alone with her thoughts, and wallow the loss of her bestfriend, her love, Charlie Kahn.

Actually, this was not how it was before. Her wish of being ignored was not as desperate. It was not this bad when she hasn’t lost Charlie, twice. Vera was devastated when he died, she was angry. But that was not the time she lost him, no. Vera Dietz lost Charlie Kahn way before his death even occurred, and she could not weigh these two instances and choose which was worse. 

If she could only go back in time, when the only people in the world were her and Charlie, then she’d be happy. Vera Dietz and Charlie Kahn had known each ever seen they were in diapers. I guess that was given and inevitable when their houses are just a walk away, separated only by trees. Since childhood, the two have found solace in each other’s company. In their tree house, they spend their time, talking about life, school, the future, and everything else. This was their escape from their chaotic family. 

Speaking of family, Vera and Charlie keeps each other s’ family secret. Vera lives with her father ever since her mom left when she was twelve years old. That was not the thing she hides from everyone. It was the fact that her mom used to be a stripper and that she eloped with her doctor, away to Las Vegas. For Vera, this secret leaking out was unfathomable and unimaginable. As for Charlie, he has a more complicated problem than Vera. His parents are forever fighting, arguing every night. His father hits her mom and this abusive behavior was known in the Dietz household. They here everything from the shouts, the hitting sounds, and yet, Vera’s father said that it was better to just ignore everything.

Vera and Charlie’s relationship continued for years and all was well. Vera developed feeling for her best friend which she kept secret for she cannot waste the bond they already had. They were living their different lives in school, Charlie being the popular delinquent he was and Vera the quiet, shy, smart and responsible kid. Despite this, at the end of the day, the two would still spend time together at their tree house or at the Master Oak or they would drive to the Pagoda and fly paper planes.

Things took a full turn when Charlie spends a lot more time in detention, hanging out with the Detentionheads and Potheads and Jenny Flick. Suddenly, there was limited time for him and Vera to even see each other. They don’t mention it, but both of them knew that the relationship they built over time was slowly crumbling down. 

And then fate took its toll as lies made their way into the picture. How easy was it to destroy that strong bond with a lie planted by another person? Was it really the end of everything for Vera and Charlie? How could Vera forgive her best friend when just weeks after his betrayal, he just happened to die? Aside from the fact that she was left forever, Vera was also haunted by a secret that could reveal the truth about his death and clear his name. But does she have the heart to give in one more time, help him, even after all the hurtful things he did? Would she do the right thing despite being treated unfairly?

Three words that I think best describes this book: realistic, honest, and relatable. At first, I was wary and unsure of it. I thought that it was just another sappy teen romance story, the typical childhood friend-turn-to-crush-turn-to-love-life kind of thing. But oh, was I wrong. 

What made it different from all those cheesy teenage novels is that it tackles issues that are usually hushed up and kept secret. Everything in this book—from broken families, abandonment to physical and verbal abuse, from pedophilia to betrayal, from alcoholism to escaping one’s destiny—is just exploding with truthfulness. And I think that was the main reason why this book touched so many readers. It was capable of harboring deep emotions from readers and showing it straight to our faces. Reading it was really a trip on an emotional rollercoaster. It was like being there, portraying the characters like it was our own life at play.

Another thing I deeply enjoyed about this book is how it toys with one’s idea of destiny and fate. The story revolves around Vera and Charlie’s struggle of prying away from the mistakes their parents made. And ironically, the process just shoved them back and leads them to be the people they never wanted to be. And it does not end there. It also affected their friendship badly. This was what gets to me the most. I can relate so well with Vera as she wade through life after the betrayal, lost and completely helpless. But what I admire so much about her is that she can control her feelings and that she is just so kind. She never stooped down to get revenge or anything. She kept to herself and endured every single misfortune she had. 

I now understand why this book won the Michael Printz Honor, and I know that it was well deserved. I give this book a 4.5/5.  

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Grueling. Dark. Terrifying. Feared. Merciless.Morbid. These are some of the words that are attributed to Death. For most of us, we depict Death as a heartless creature, capturing and gathering the souls of the departed, bringing them to the place we have yet to know. To some others, it exists as life meets its finality, another unknown to be discovered and explored. But in general, human beings alike find Death a negative force that brings nothing but despair and grief. It is not something to be yearned and befriended.

But what if we are presented with a peculiar and interesting side of Death? One which has a heart that understands and pity the human beings he fetch, a mind that ponders on the mysteries of humanity, and a soul which tires from all the gloomy consequences of carrying the burden of every dead being it guides? And that is what I found as I unearth each page of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief.

There have been a lot of stories told, books published, and movies produced based on the people’s experiences and tales during the Second World War, particularly the time of Hitler’s harrowing reign in Germany. Yes, the Holocaust was devastating yet with it come great stories of heroism, courage, and life. And this book takes a little zoom in on Himmel Street, a small town in Munich, Germany, in the midst of war on 1939. As the Nazis are busy on executing Jews all over the country, Death’s workload seems unending. But in one of his trip to collect yet another young soul, he stumbled upon a little girl, Liesel Meminger. Death witnessed Liesel’s first act of book thievery that sparked his lengthy interest on the girl. And this isn’t his only encounter with the girl. In fact, he was able to pick up the book Lieasel wrote which tells the story of her life. And in turn, it was Death’s selfless act that he shared Liesel Meminger’s story with us—a story of struggles, life, friendship, love, courage, and abandonment.   

“When Death tells a story, you really have to listen.”

Liesel Meminger is a book thief. During her first acquisition, it was not clear why she pick the book from the snow-covered cemetery. She cannot even read at time. She saw the book lying on the ground, and somehow, had the urge to get it. And so her story continues as she was brought to Himmel Street and given to be cared for by her foster parents. From then on, the story blooms as several characters came to light, that will somehow touch Liesel’s life in one, little or great, way or another.  

Here are some names that made their way deep into Liesel’s heart in the duration of Death’s tale: Hans Hubermann, Rosa Hubermann, Rudy Steiner, Ilsa Herman, and of course, Max Vandenburg. The book can be described as a series of hellos and goodbyes, of each relationship formed by Liesel with each of these characters, weaved into one brilliant life-changing story.

To give you a little picture regarding each of these persons, let’s talk about them one by one. Let us start with the first people she met at Himmel Street, Rosa and Hans Hubermann. Imagine a little girl dragged into another unknown place to live with another set of parents. By this time, I think you can understand why Liesel threw her most stubborn character at their faces. But with his kind and patient heart, Hans Hubermann was able to slowly soften Liesel’s unyielding facade and reached the scared little kid hiding inside. And that was the beginning of a very personal and close friendship, perhaps the very reason why Liesel Meminger’s life was saved. The strong bond between Papa Hubermann and Liesel made me yearn for a father’s love so bad. Despite the poverty and tragic misfortunes Liesel experienced, I cannot help but envy her for having the chance to grow up with a father figure embodied by Hans Hubermann. There were times when I had to put the book down just to wipe away tears from my eyes. Tears that made their way, flowing from my eyes, even when the parts I’m reading aren’t actually that emotionally provoking, but just enough to tug on my hearstrings. I think that this is the first book that has touched me like this. 

As for Rosa Hubermann, she is the booming and loud counterpart of her husband. At times, you will hate her for being very harsh, but soon, you’ll realize that this grave woman also has a heart of gold beating deep within her. She is a woman capable of great kindness and care even when everything around her seemed dark.

Next in line comes Rudy Steiner, one of the characters that will linger with me even after finishing the book. Rudy had one single wish in life, and that is to kiss Liesel Meminger, to feel her lips, just once, against his own. And that is the reason why his story became, perhaps, the most depressing and saddening in this book. I guess, I’ll leave it to you to know why this is such, savor the pain. Rudy Steiner became Liesel’s best friend after one game of soccer, and from then on became her partner in crime in every single stealing quest they had.

And then there’s the mayor’s wife, Ilsa Herman. She was one of Rosa’s few customers. She was also the witness to one of Liesel’s book thievery. Every day, Liesel would pick up or deliver her laundry at their doorstep with nothing, even a mere smile or sound, from Ilsa Herman. At first, I was intrigued by her character. Surely, there was something about her cold attitude towards the book thief. And then as I read on, I knew that I was right. She was another book lover as well and she gave Liesel the privilege to read inside her library, letting the girl loose around the brilliance of numerous books. This paved the way to an unlikely friendship and was the reason why Liesel even thought of writing a book of her own.

And last but truly not the least, is Max Vandenburg. One thing you should know about him though: Max Vandenburg is a Jew. In any other time, that would not have been a problem, but we are talking about a story during the Holocaust period and we all know that it clearly isn’t a good time to be a Jew. His appearance in the story may have lead to a series of problems for the Hubermann household, but in a way, without him, the Liesel’s story would not be complete. Even when they knew about his status, Hans Hubermann took Max in their home, to be hidden in the basement. This was to repay his debt from Max’s father, who was the very reason why Hans was still alive. Max Vandenburg’s stay at their home resulted into another strong relationship with Liesel as they both learned their similarities. Both was a broken soul, haunted by the past and left alone to survive. Also, they both cling on the magnificent power of words to survive the harsh times.  Max Vandenburg is my favorite character of all for he was capable of touching the reader’s hearts with his thoughts and stories.  

I guess to sum it all up, Zusak story is really one of a kind for he was able to relay the difficulties of that era as well as the struggles of people in general, especially in coping with grief and loss. Another great thing in this novel was that Death was personified in a very unique way. His perspective was very detailed and inquisitive, not to mention surprising and at times, hilarious. I think that was the reason why this book is a success for it shows us that even Death has a different view of life. His words will make you yearn to know more about the story he is telling. I can even feel like I am at Himmel Street, myself, as he describes each event. 

Oh and just a fair reminder for those who plan on reading this book: If you’re one of those people who despise spoilers, I suggest you try and get used to them beforehand, for this book doesn’t hold back on its facts. At any point, you’ll find that the future events are already being thrown right at your very eyes. Trust me when I say that you can never be prepared with what turning one page of this book could bring.

I think this is the best book I have read this year and Liesel’s story will linger on, permanently etched in my mind even in the long run. The book just blew me away. From the very first page, I was hooked. I had so much emotions the entire duration of reading it and all I can say is that the book was perfect. I fell in love almost immediately. This book very well deserves a 5/5.

For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.

“Ernest Hemingway once won a bet by crafting a six-word short story, that can make people cry. Here it is.”

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The magical power of words is amazing. And this is one of the best evidences of how writing can move us in unexpected ways. Even with only six words arranged in a simple manner, Hemingway was able to tear through readers’ hearts and manage to unleash such strong and drastic emotions. 

You might say that I am overreacting seeing as I haven’t yet experienced the heart-wrenching grief of a mother who lost a child. Nevertheless, these words still struck me with as much same intensity. I really admire people who have this talent of crafting and stringing together words that would make such great impact on every person. 

My mom called me and told me that my uncle/godfather just died. And I didn’t even got the the chance to visit him the whole time when he was struggling with cancer. It’s just so soon. Last summer he was fine and now. Oh God, I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I didn’t even had the chance to talk to him, to see him, to say goodbye. And now he’s gone. Why can’t I turn back time? What do I do? I feel so bad and selfish and shitty. Why is life so unfair? He’s a healthy guy with no vices and he’s dead. I cannot stop crying. I just can’t believe it.

Father’s Day! Yay!

NOT. What’s the use of celebrating this special occasion when the person whom this day is allotted to is not even present. Yes, my dear friends, I have freaking daddy issues. Nope, my father is not dead if that’s what you’re thinking. He’s just abroad working for us. He’s been in Saudi for 6 years now. A lot of people tell me that I should be grateful that my father is still alive even though he’s not with us. But really, what’s the use of having a father you do not even know? Yes, I can be grateful for his financial aid, but apart from that, what else? I do not even know the guy, and he doesn’t know a thing about my personal life either. I grew up not having a father figure. We don’t talk or chat or whatever. He seems like yet another stranger to me. I know some people look down on me for being like this but you cannot judge me like that because you don’t really know how it feels. Sure, he goes home a few times but in those months, the awkwardness is so evident. We don’t have anything to talk about, we don’t know how to act around each other, and it feels like some stranger is living in your house. Usually, this relationship doesn’t bother me but at this said occasion, it’s a bit different. I can see all of my friend posting about how they love their dads and all that, greeting them for their special day. And here I am, just staring at all those pictures, statuses, messages, feeling jealousy creeping up on me. It make me think about why I cannot be like that with my own father. I would be a hypocrite if I say that I never long for a close relationship with my father. Yes, sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we were like other families, staying with each other and knowing everything. But then I know it can never be like that for me. So many years have been wasted and we can never change that fact.