Sunday 23 December 2018

Dumplin' : read the book first and then enjoy the film.

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy: opinion.

Dumplin'
In this day an age in which we all are so obsessed about the way we look, this novel is a must read for people who think of themselves as less than perfect. A book about putting yourself out there fearlessly no matter how you look.

I strongly recommend it to teenagers who think they are not Instagram worthy.


Sunday 16 December 2018

A Simple Favour by Darcey Bell: opinion.

A Simple Favour
There is nothing simple about this book. It's a complex story told by three characters none of whom are completely innocent and two poor children who will need psychological therapy for the rest of their lives.

It's a book about what some people are willing to do to get what they want disregarding the feelings of everybody else. A terrible account of human darkness which you won't be able to put down.

I just watched the film yesterday and liked it too, though it is slightly different from the book. Not better or worse but perhaps since Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are involved there are some parts that turn out to be funnier than in the novel. I just cannot say more because otherwise, I might reveal too much about both the book and the film.


Thursday 6 December 2018

Her Pretty Face by Robin Harding: opinion.

Her Pretty Face
A very entertaining read about pure evil in disguise. The next time you are watching your kids play while chatting with the other mums, you'll think twice before trusting them.

As many other readers have commented the plot sounds really similar to the one of A Simple Favor, but I must say it is worth reading both books. I read one after the other, they differ in some aspects and the writing style is different.


Saturday 17 November 2018

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love & Baking Biscuits
What can I say? I can't cook and I loved the book. I've never been to the south of the US and I'm willing to move there right now.

A lovely read with delightful pictures and heart-warming stories.


Friday 2 November 2018

A Simple Favor : I just cannot wait to see it!

Red Tea by Meg Mezeske: review

Red Tea
This novel is set in Japan, one of the most fascinating countries in the world because of its unique culture which the author describes in many parts of the book. If you love that country, this book is certainly for you and you will wish you had some green tea and a delicious onigiri to enjoy while you are reading.

Meg Mezeske engages the reader with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot. She depicts a very clear picture of life in a rural village where some unexplained deaths take place. Her main character, Jordan, an American teacher tries to fit in a Japanse school and at the same time solve the mystery behind those deaths with inspector Sakurai, an attractive policeman. The fact that their relationship is a bit difficult not only because of the situation they are involved in but also due to the fact that they come from very different cultures, makes the novel even more appealing.

Highly recommended to fans of murder mysteries and especially to those readers who are interested in Japanese culture.


Sunday 21 October 2018

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty : review.

Nine Perfect Strangers
 This book started so well, I even liked all of the characters, though Frances was my favourite one. I cried heartfelt tears when a tragedy was revealed and laughed at someone's tattoo choice. I even imagined myself in a similar retreat, enjoying meditation and yoga (but not fasting). But then it all went downhill when the characters went on an unexpected trip. If only that part had been shorter, or less bizarre, I may have enjoyed it but it was too much for me.

I love reading books that take place in Australia and I like the engaging way Liane Moriarty writes, that's why I didn't DNF it, but it put me off going to any kind of health resort.

Reese Witherspoon talks about Whiskey in a Teacup

If you are a fan of the actress, you will certainly enjoy her first novel. It has recipes, anecdotes about her life and photographs of her family but above all, it oozes Southern charm.

Wednesday 17 October 2018

Korean Folk Village Review: a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city.

On our way by car from Seoul to Daegu, we stopped at the Korean Folk Village. We were extremely lucky because there was nobody else there at that time even though it is a popular tourist destination.

You can see the way people used to live in the past in small villages and there are also some snacks for sale such as traditional rice cake like jeungpyeon (steamed and fermented rice cake), injeolmi (rice cake coated with bean powder), bukeo-gui (grilled dried pollack), or pajeon (green onion pancake) along with dongdongju (traditional Korean liquor).

 I think it is worth visiting if you have never been to a similar place.  It is in the country and it felt really good to get away from the city and to breath some fresh air.