Book Review: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

"There has to be a moment at the beginning when you wonder whether you're in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself."

Here is one book you should be taking home if you are want to revisit the alphabet again but this time, through the eyes of love. What kind of love is seen in the unnamed narrator's experiences and thoughts? One that is honest, sincere, and afraid, brave, doubtful, and confident at the same time.

The Style 

There is an ambiguous note of the type of relationship indicated here, but its careful editing and some subtle clues could lead the reader to form conclusions. The fact that this book is easy to read, and very close to the little things we observe and remember about a person we love, that is full of hope of making it together and getting over messy situations makes it a keeper for me. Whether in a relationship, single or married, the reader can take away lessons from this book. What are the lessons learned? Read to find out.

The style is very simple, making it very readable, the sentences are short and simple; each situation hits the mark. As a reader, you will enjoy revisiting the alphabet through the range of experiences and emotions as one who longs to be loved, has loved, and is loved.

The Lover's Dictionary was first published in 2010.

The Author

David Levithan is an American children's book editor and award-winning young adult author. He is the founding editor of PUSH, a YA imprint of Scholastic Press. He lives in Short Hills, New Jersey.

It is interesting to note that I finished reading the 222 page book in just a single Sunday afternoon.

Don Vicente Restaurante Latino

Now there is a family Italian restaurant for people who are tired of just fast food spaghetti. You can find this cozy place in Atilano Street, Tetuan and walk right in to a charming resto that is tastefully decorated. 

I kind of had a field day taking photos from this quaint resto, so here they are. I followed suit thanks to Anj and I am definitely going back soon to try other dishes. In the meantime, here are some photos. 

Gotta love the colours outdoors

I had my Linguine Carbonara with Iced Tea

The Putanesca consists of al dente pasta, sauce of wine, herbs and whole olives. 

Black and gold doily adds an elegant touch to this setting

Grandfather clock beside the table where I ate 

That is around the same time my order arrived, whoops!

Bullfight 

Gold and white doily this time which served as the placemat for my lunch

Notice the VPElago signature on the painting that is the candelabra's background

Book Review: Pleng's Song by Patrick Maher

Patrick Maher shows how life is for a girl who attends a private school and well-sheltered life, everything is provided. If her laptop chord is burned, she calls her father and asks for a replacement. She does her writing homework and goes about her life as expected of a school girl.

But there is more to what meets the eye. Pleng’s thoughts reveal that she yearns for attention from her parents: her father is always out on business and her mother is alive at night and asleep by day. She has issues with authority in school, and has shameless tendencies when it comes to her approach towards her teachers. Her character description must sound like that of an insecure, troubled child, but she is unaware of her gifts and talents.

Maher is an incredible writer and this shows in Pleng’s voice and written works.

Characterization

Patrick Maher takes the perspective very well, and this is reflected in Pleng’s characterization.

Pleng takes everything personally. Based on her observations, her writing teacher’s statements, Mr. James is always against her. It feels like her mother’s drinking problems is caused by her. Her actions then are a result of a girl with attitude problems. For a smart girl, she believes in horoscopes and treats money so lightly because it is not what she worked hard for to earn.

There are two sides to Pleng, the scared child, who tries to be a grownup and the spoiled brat who causes trouble just to seek attention. Her thoughts and words are excellently translated and described in the book.

 But the monotony of her life is about to change when she identifies the real problems in her life, runs away from home, and figures out how to survive them all.

It is said that water cleanses and purifies, but does flood water work the same way?

Highlights of the book

Her thoughts and feelings are revealed in her outputs most of the time and her imagination is given more depth in the way she wishes her life were like. Some underlying themes in the book touch on family relationships, school environment and the way we treat people around us, as well as envy.

There are events that have a supernatural treatment. The chronology and facts are well-supported, as the events unfold one by one. This is a modern folklore.

Pleng’s song is a book fit for people of all ages. It teaches that determination and common sense can help survive life’s challenges, and that repentance does come at the end. 

Recommended to read? 

Yes

Review: The C's of Cutey

I love silver and charms. So what’s better than receiving my silver charm bracelet? It’s finally receiving my prizes from a contest I won: bracelets from Cutey! You can read about my winning the giveaway here and my winning entry here. 

I received a notice from the Post Office that a package was waiting for me to pick it up, together with the other packages I was expecting. The courier used was Royal mail and I like the stamp which has the Queen's impression on it. 

I received Momus, Hypnos and Hemera- which is my favorite. My thoughts? Continue reading below. 

Chain

One interesting feature of Cutey bracelets is the chain that's used. I'm used to chains when it comes to bracelets, and most of the charms and links are chunky, making it heavy. But the chains used for Cutey's bracelets are slim and lightweight. This made me instantly fond of its sleek design. This also gives a good fit once worn on the wrist, and I can say that one size fits all. I am petite and have small wrists and its chain is a-ok when I put it on.

Charms and Beads

Another feature which caught my attention is its assorted charms and beads. The Cutey signature bead-as I like to call it, makes the bracelet more distinguishable from other accessories. I think this is what makes it the genuine article.

The silver charms are appropriately sized and there are different charms for each bracelet. This makes each bracelet unique from the other. The same also goes for the beads which are high quality glass beads that are colorful and have a silver inner-lining in the center for easier assembly.

Clasp

A good clasp has to be secure and that's what Cutey has made sure for its unique bracelets. Even when worn for hours, there's no worry about the lock loosening or the charms or beads slipping. The clasp used is more secure than any lobster clasp I've tried on any bracelet, not to mention, it is also very durable.


The shipping took three weeks and the wait honestly made me anxious because I was already very excited to receive them. Cutey has a new collection of bracelets out, Shamballa, and you can choose your bracelets and enjoy their beautiful jewelry.


Am I satisfied with Cutey's products?

I have to say yes. 

And I might check out the new collection too. 

If you want to win a necklace, you can join here: For Keeps + Raisie Speaks Giveaway

Movie Review: One For The Money

~Contains spoilers~

Movie Poster One For The Money

I didn't really realize that the movie was another chick flick until my movie companion lightly commented on it. I didn't know what to expect since it's a movie based on a book written by Janet Evanovich. Now let's see, I haven't really read any Evanovich books, so maybe I could give this movie a chance. 

Heigl goes brunette in One For The  Money

Stephanie Plum (Katherine Heigl) is a smart brunette and a former lingerie sales representative from a department store who finds herself deep in bills to pay and yes, quite jobless. She hears about a job during dinner with her family and heads on to her cousins' retrieving agency only to find out that the filing job is no longer available and the only job there is (and with good pay too), is that of retrieving suspects and those who have skipped bail. It's not an easy job but she works hard and depends on her logic, common sense and connects with people from her community to see herself through. She also acquires impressive skills like picking a lock, shooting a gun, and arguing with a former cop known as Morelli she is now after who is also a prime suspect. With continued encounters, she also tries to determine whether he is innocent. 

Dialogue

Most of the characters have an accent to show their Jersey roots, in the part of town showing diverse mixture of Italian, Afro and Mexican-American. Heigl here develops a way of speaking that only Italian-Americans do. Pay attention to the street lingo...

Inexperienced Plum gets intimidated by Morelli

What could they be looking at?

Characters

Standout characters are the hookers, Ranger, and of course, Morelli. Stephanie's character development is evident from the beginning of the movie where she is a clueless, desperate sales lady who is out of a job, to a streetwise, novice bounty hunter in the end. 

Plot

I found the plot interesting for a chick flick, and I found it admirable that a woman like Stephanie Plum keeps focus on her job, turning her prime suspect in while scoring some much needed reward on the side. 

There were sexy, steamy scenes and the viewer could tell there was tension building up between Plum and Morelli. However, it's managed to be a wholesome story. 

The Verdict 3/5

It's a chick flick with some detective thrill in it. 

It was a funny movie, but Plum maintains a sweetheart aura about her until the end, and I was honestly hoping for a more badass, sexy Plum. It's an okay movie all in all. 

 Plum with a smaller bang-bang, listen to Ranger drool over a bigger, more powerful bang-bang

Heigl as streetwise and smart ass bounty hunter Plum 

Plum after the car she was supposed to drive blew up with Police in her parking lot. 

Mothers In Literature

Have you ever encountered that term The Mother Figure in Literature? It's actually one of the pillar characteristics of women in the feminist movement, and of course, there are other characterizations like the mother, the tramp, the goddess, the gold digger, and all other stereotypical figures that can be applied to women in literature.

But since Mother's Day is due next Sunday, here are just some inspiring reads, with strong mother characters in each. There might be mothers who will stop at nothing to protect their children, there might be selfless mothers, and there might be mothers who will murder their babies to escape a life of slavery. Read on for moving, heart-breaking mothers and if you know of which books might be added to this list, do leave a comment below by suggesting it.

Happy Mother's Day!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

In Stockett's book, the maids Minny, Constantine and Aibileen are all mothers, stuck in their day jobs as maids, raising white people's children and being paid measly wages a dime a day while they are forced to leave their own children behind. Not until Skeeter decides and asks their stories to be told for a writing project and her ticket to the Big Apple does the whole town of Jaskson, Mississippi turn upside down. 

The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan

Mothers have their own pasts and stories. Before growing resentment towards your own mother, learn of LuLing's sacrifices and pains before leaving China and leading a life in San Francisco. This is the story of the shocking chain of events, of a young Chinese girl's childhood and the woman who tried her best to raise her, and the circumstances which led her to bearing and rearing her own daughter Ruth.

White Oleander by Janet Fitch

Having an artist for a mother may sound thrilling, especially if you are descendants of Vikings, with tough blood in your veins. But what happens when your mother commits murder and you are thrown in a series of foster homes, with a new set of mothers. How will you live in the present when you slowly learn of your past, and what was once believed to be love, turns out to be a protective shell of hiding the truth from you. 

 

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

A novel with monthly installments of recipes, here is a love story told with one mother who forbids it. What will you do if your very own mother prohibits the love that you so much desire? Tita takes matters into her own hands and plots and plans to get her beloved to return her affection. The question is, what will her mother do about it?

I'm currently reading Like Water for Chocolate. What will you be reading? 

Koppiccino Satisfaction and at Less Than Php10!

Each pack comes with a small bag of choco granules to put on top your drink

In the era of instants- instant makeup (cosmetic tattoo), instant food (instant noodles), instant credit card (okay, I'm not being paid to advertise here so no special mention), everybody can now get a taste of instant kopiccino (Kopiko and cappuccino). 

Kopiko has spread its Kopiccino across the nation, giving opportunity for the ordinary Juan to try the traditional Italian drink. Here's my thoughts on the now accessible cappuccino version by Kopiko.

Taste (4/5)

It's too sweet for my liking, and as far as I know, cappuccino should be topped with cinnamon or nutmeg. However, I am aware that most people do not have a liking to these garnishes and so choose to top off their coffee with chocolate granules instead, thanks to their naturally sweet tooth. It's also a plus for Kopiko to attach a small bag of chocolate granules at the back of every kopiccino pack, simply decide whether or not you want to add them in. I have already accumulated a lot of extra chocolate granules bags in the kitchen for some "future" use.

When mixed in either hot water in a mug or in cold water for iced coffee, the top develops a foam and it's very creamy. 

Cinnamon and nutmeg on top when served with ice in a tall glass

Packaging (5/5)


I like no fuss, simple packaging. It comes with a separate pack of chocolate granules attached at the back of every regular pack of Kopiccino in red, green and white, colors of the Italian flag. It's quite a standout from the different variations of Kopiko (brown and black) so Kopiko consumers can immediately distinguish it from other instant coffee brands. It also looks like an imported brand.

Price (5/5)

At only SRP Php 8.00, you can have an instant coffee mix that's tasteful. Where else can you get a cup of cappuccino at that price? Most cafes offer that at Php 60 and up. It's also a way for the ordinary coffee lover to wake up to cappuccino in the morning, even just at home.

The Verdict


I've already made Kopiccino a part of my morning habit, because I've been consuming Kopiko since my college days and the brand still gives me the right taste I look for over other leading coffee names. Although on some mornings I still take a stronger brew, luckily there's Kopiko's original blend coffee in black just within reach. But I do reach out for the Kopiccino in the coffee lane when I go to the grocery.

Have you tried the Kopiccino yet?