by Lauren Weisberger


As much as I enjoyed the movie more, the literary work is equally entertaining in its own right. I could say they are both great but I cannot truly compare the book and movie on a same wavelength.

For one, the movie is the gist of the book. It was visually appealing and Anne Hathaway as Andrea is easier to picture and brings the story to life with her charm. The book, on the other hand, is beyond detailed of course and this being descriptive is the axiomatic reason why I find weaving the picture of high couture better, lacing each chapter with Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana and all the other glory of dearly-worn brands.

Rating: 4 stars - The implications of Andrea's highs and lows as Miranda Priestly's assistant is something that makes this whole story addictive. In the movie, I found Andrea sympathetic and captivating. In the book, however, I find her stark and aggressive and at times, overly complaining. But don't get me wrong: the plot is what makes this work. I think what makes the readers grasp the idea is its ability to engage the audience to relate to the protagonist whilst making her way up to the ladder of life.

This is a must-read not only for people who are into the fashion world, but if you have patience for descriptive works... this is the book for you.

by Paulo Coelho

I've been trying (or should I say struggling, stress on the word) to read this book for over a year and I haven't been successful in finishing it. One day I'll put it down then the other day I'll pick it up then put it down. Finally I had a chance to understand what the public is raving about this.

Veronika is a young girl from Ljubljana, Slovenia who had everything anyone could hope for - good and attractive physique, steady job, loving family and a lot of admirers. But it seems she wasn't contented with that when she tried to commit suicide on a winter morning by overdosing on sleeping pills.

Veronika then wakes up at a local mental hospital called Villete where the doctor tells her that her heart is damaged and she'll die soon within a week.

I admit the topic of suicide doesn't really appeal to me, so I was hesitant to read this book (though I got it from Bookmooch!). However as the pages turn I find more and more fascinating thoughts contained - like realizations of life and death. People in Villete have been curious with Veronika's case and instead of accepting her imminent fate, Veronika has surprisingly found herself struggling to live.

What I liked most from Paulo Coelho's book is that it presented awareness - awareness of life and awareness that we don't have the eternity of time wasting it without knowing its true essence. The characters in the book are also interesting; the downside is that this is slower to read than expected but don't get me wrong: the slow points are the biographical background of each major character involved so I can't imagine any other way that Paulo Coelho would write it.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

by Lori Aurelia Williams

China Cup Cameron is a fourteen-year-old student struggling to fit both of her lifestyle in school and at home as a mom to her little daughter Amina. Now before you get thinking that this story might be a cliché, take time to read the first set of chapters before you make any conclusion.

This is a tip for you readers for the reason that at first I was appalled with the idea of reading something like this - it's my first time to read a novel that revolves around teenage pregnancy and black people. Honestly I almost gave up with the book at its early stage because I am simply off with black slang language (no racism intended but this is my opinion). I can't handle the difficulty in reading the context but a good point is that it does reflect the true conversation and culture of black people in cities like where China lives.

The book is all about the struggles China has to face: raising up her own child, keeping good grades at school, taking care of his uncle at home, and building a strong character for herself. All of which were put to vain when Amina suddenly dies and China has to pay for her funeral and memorial services. After seeing the amount she owes, she is forced to quit school and get a job. But what job would a fourteen-year-old girl have if she's dropped from class? Only the strip dance club downtown accepts such cases: Obsidian Queens.

Reading the book, it seemed to me that it was more like a memoir than a novel. Lori Aurelia Williams did a good job reflecting what today's youth is more likely about. She has also effectively enumerated the consequences of pre-marital sex and the hardship of being a young mother to Amina and made you feel that China was human and not just a character in a book.

The only thing I didn't like in the story is how dreamy or idealistic it went: Trip, Amina's biological father still turns out to be her best friend in the long run which is least likely to happen in reality. However, I must say this book has pulled me by the nose, and the lessons you will pick up will come very handy. My estimate is that I finished this book in a span of five days.

Rating: 4 stars

by Caroline B. Cooney

I liked the story, it fascinated me. Although the ending was a bit short, probably because it leads to the companion book. Anyway, the story seemed to focus on the whirl of Janie's doubts if she was really kidnapped. I enjoyed reading it but I think the author should have condensed the whole story into one book instead of indicating that the others are just companions. Some people can't tell immediately what number from the series is the book they're reading.

To be able to grasp the whole idea, I suggest readers take on the companions to this book such as Whatever Happened to Janie? and The Voice on the Radio.

Rating: 3 stars