Daddy's Little Girl by Mary Higgins Clark

Surprisingly, I’d been enlightened by Vixxio, one of used book store in Surabaya, that I won their free book giveaway. I was flattered, because I knew that many people want to win this book. Haha, sorry everyone! For mend your broken heart, I am going to share short review about this book.

Written by Mary Higgins Clark, queen of suspense, and titled “Daddy’s Little Girl”. I got one published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Indonesian-translated copy.

Summary

Ellie Cavanaugh was seven years old then her older sister was murdered near their home. Ellie, with tearful eyes, testified that Rob Westerfield, nineteen year old boy from upper class family, who did it, and successfully put him in a jail. Twenty-two years later, Rob, who maintains his innocence, is paroled. Ellie, who keeps certain that Rob is guilty, starts writing book that will conclusively prove Rob’s guilt. As she delves deeper into her research, however, she uncovers horrifying facts that shed new light on her sister’s murder. With each discovery she comes closer to a confrontation with a desperate killer.

Beyond my expectation before, it’s actually a must-read book, especially for suspense lover. First, I love how Clark describes the night when Andrea was murdered. I can feel deep fear, parents’ discomfort of her daughter missing. Whereas I haven’t had a child! In last minute, I still wish the girl is alive, though I’ve read its summary, and know for sure that she’ll be dead. And, when Ellie found her blood-drenched sister, screaming out and running to her parents hug, absolutely I am able to sense what she felt that night.

I love how Clark includes psychological effect in her book. It shows that Ellie’s parents, in some way blame Ellie for hear sister death. Ellie was abandoned, and we can read how she herself started to feel guilty, sheered of her parents. Even, after several years, she still can’t forget it, and forgive her sister’s murder. That’s why when Rob is arranged for parole, she keeps trying to throw him back to the jail.
What makes interesting is new evidences, which is collected by Ellie in her hometown, bring us to a million dollar question, was Rob actually murdering Andrea? Or, was it just Ellie imagination, testified Andrea’s fear to Rob? Ellie, herself, starts to hesitate her presumptive, and search other possibility that maybe somebody else, who murdered Andrea. It appeals us to consider many possibilities, and I feel annoyed, emotionally involved, and almost try to unlock the last page.

Finally, truth is revealed. So sorry, can’t tell you here who the murder is! Hahaha, just go get this book. Or, if you still feel anxious to find out, just email me! *wink*

PS. Visit Vixxio, to find other great books. Well, for everyone who asking about Vixxio, yes, it’s a book store. Yes, it sells used books (but still in good condition!), so you can purchase cheaper books here. But, nooo, it’s not mine. I just befriended with them. For further information about its winner, go visit Fanda’s blog. She’s an amazing reviewer too. I learn a lot from her! 

The Village Bride of Beverly Hills by Kavita Daswani

Summary

After matchmaking in India, Priya moves with Sanjay, her husband to Los Angeles, and share their house with her husband’s family. Responsibility as daughter in law from traditional family requires her to complete all household task, cooking, cleaning and tidying house, and because she hasn’t got pregnant, she ought to seek a job.
Anyway, she gets expected job, but unfortunately her parents in law are bothered with this. Priya should survive with double life, as an obedient wife, and as a journalist, which is kept quiet from her parents in law.
Uneasily, Sanjay obey his parents far too much. What makes it more complicated, Sanjay has discerned with Priya just for a week before marriage! Could their fragile love survive against of collision between tradition and ambition?

Two thumbs up for Kavita Daswani! She successfully accumulates complicated life, which is happened to a family who still heading towards tradition. The setting takes India family; Daswani tells us that it’s so familiar if every marriage began with matchmaking. Daughters, especially, should receive her spouse that have been chosen for her in all modesty, and believe her family has decided the best for her. Priya is one of them. With her elder sisters’ failure in marriage, she has to try not repeating it, or she’ll disappoint her parents.
First, we’ll be brought to see how excited Priya is, when she first go abroad from India. She get a bit disoriented when she have to live in big city, it is fun to read how she learns everything one by one. Problem comes, when she doesn’t get pregnant, her mother in law forces her to look for a job. We can see she is kind of confused; India wives shouldn’t get a job besides taking care of their husband. But Priya has no other choice, for pleasing her parents in law; she tries to find a job.
It’s annoying to witness how Sanjay’s parents intruded into Priya and Sanjay’s marriage. Priya doesn’t have any authority to manage her own life, and for honor sake, she follows every Sanjay’s parent’s rules. It is described that frequently Priya tries to put her relationship with Sanjay, which is broken because of Sanjay’s parents’ accusations, back together, but seemingly Sanjay trusts his parents more than everything. Priya often think to come back to India, but she doesn’t want disappoint anyone from her family. In India, divorced widows are having bad reputation. She’s petrified with that.
I’ve learned a lot from this story. Obviously, it’s presenting for women. Living in developing country, where many families still hold on old tradition, it clearly tells that wife should obey her husband. Husband is leader of family, his words is law. But, after all, we should be strong. As a woman, we still have right to maintain our quality life. I am not a feminist, I still believe, serving our husband is our duty. But, don’t forget to think about yourselves. Are you happy? Is your opinion heard? Many women are scared of neighborhood rumors if they are getting brave and demand for her rights. Priya teaches me lot. I don’t want what has been going on with Priya, falling on all of us. It’s important to know better your husband-to be, discuss about your future life, what you will reach in life.
Good lesson. One of educating chicklit, and must-read items for you who will get married, or even for you who married!!

Magical Giveaway: Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Maybe all of you have watched nice movie titled "Alice In Wonderland", genius creation from Tim Burton. Have you? Nice movie, isn't it? Well, I was fascinated to see how creative, how Gothic... and how's the way he imagine about grown-up Alice. But, have you known about little Alice? I mean, her story when she first visited Wonderland?

I must admit, story of Alice in Wonderland sounds familiar to me, but actually I never read whole story. I just know, she's little girl, who slipped to the hole under the tree, and found magical world with many amazing creatures. But after that, I really don't know, how the story continues, and how it ends. So, about a week ago, I went to a bookstore, searched for this Alice book. And I found it. The one which is published by Wordsworth Classic. This book also includes its sequel, "Through the Looking Glass". I was so glad to find it's so affordable, so without thinking twice, I bought it. And, I didn't regret it.

Now, I've already finished it, and frankly it was great. Simple language, dreamlike, atmosphere, and fantastical characters with famous illustrations. And, I was thinking on time, oh, you should read it too! So, I decided to give this book for one of you. For free!!!

What you have to do are..

1. Be this blog follower.
2. Leave comment in this post. Submit your name and email.
3. Share this giveaway with your friends in your blog, tumblr, twitter, facebook, or whateva! Don't forget to give me the link.

This is it! Simply easy, right? I'll be waiting until.. umm.. how about the end of April? Ao, I'll announce the lucky one on May 1. I can't wait for your participation! :)


Love,
Dela

The Sorceress by Michael Scott

Summary

Nicholas Flamel's heart almost broke as he watched his beloved Paris crumble before him. The city was destroyed by Dee and Machiavelli, but Flamel played his own role in the destruction. Sophie and Josh Newman show every sign of being the twins of prophecy, and Flamel had to protect them and the pages from the Dark Elders.

But Nicholas grows weaker with each passing day. Perenelle is still trapped in Alcatraz, and now that Scatty has gone missing, the group is without protection. Except for Clarent—the twin sword to Excalibur. But Clarent’s power is unthinkable, its evil making it nearly impossible to use without its darkness seeping into the soul of whoever wields it.

If he hopes to defeat Dee, Nicholas must find an Elder who can teach Josh and Sophie the third elemental magic—Water Magic. The problem? The only one who can do that is Gilgamesh, and he is quite, quite insane.

I was so glad when my boyfie told me that finally third book of Nicholas Flamel is being published! I've been waiting for.. rr, I dunno, for a loooong time, so I was so excited, and went find it in hurry! I remember once I've written about the first book. Well, it's pretty recommended to you to read both first and second book to get understand about the story plot.

Sophie and Josh Newman, the choosen twins, come back, after destroying beautiful Paris with their power, in order to against John Dee, and Nicollo Machiavelli. While Sophie had finished learning of the Magic of Air and Fire, they must find someone to teach them other powers. So, Flamel decided to take them to London, where he could find another Elder.

The third book is more twisted and have various character than previous one. It also has more action scenes, and I think you'll be exhausted imagining this book. I wonder if they would like to make movie based on this book, but I don't wanna be disappointed, because I don't think whoever will make the movie, should have no idea how to insert all details in this book. This book details a lot! You can see, for time setting, Michael Scott only set two days. For each book! So, when you decide to miss a scene, it won't be a complete story plot.

However, I don't really like to give you spoiler, but please, who among you are a great fans of Shakespeare?? If you really are, you must read this book, because he's gonna be an important character here! yes, believe it or noooo.. :)And, maybe, have you heard about Billy the Kid? If you haven't, please google, he is one of our newcoming antagonist.

As I told you before, if you feel Harry Potter is less pleasure, and look for more exciting adventures than The Chronicles of Narnia, you should enjoy this ones.
Happy reading!

Galaksi Kinanthi by Tasaro GK

This time, I'd like to recommend an Indonesian novel. Honestly, I rarely read Indonesian novel. Yes, I know, love your country product, but I must say, there are only little Indonesian writer who have similar taste like I have. Am not judging myself too high, but it's more comfortable if I read foreign books.

It was unforeseen coming. I was kinda busy with few books in my hand. It's too hard to pick which one I should read first, among FREEFALL, third book of Tunnels, The Labor of Hercules, one of Agatha Christie's book, latest Detective Conan's comic, and The Sorceress, third book of Alchemist by Michael Scott (by the way, oh my God, I am so exciting, finally this book is published!). Suddenly, last Tuesday, when I met my old friend from college, she offered me a book with interesting cover. It's so unique, because you'll see woman gazes moonlight from cruiser deck, and when you flip undercover, you can see, a man, lay on wide meadow, looking up same moon. My friend said it was great book, containing twisted plot, and rarely found in Indonesia. So, I decide to give it a try, after reading recommendation from Dewi Lestari in its cover.

I could finish it in 3 hours. I must give my two thumbs up for the writer. Standing applause. This book has many things, wrapped up into one story. Kinanthi, young girl from Gunung Kidul, become main role. Like other kids there, she had poor and miserable life. She often get harsh treatment from her friends, only because of her poorness, and her "dirty" blood. Fate brings Kinanthi to Bandung. Her parents trade her with 50 kg of rice. Kinanthi become labor, and sent to Arab Saudi.

Her affliction didn't stop until this. You can read how bad her employer treat her, and what makes me mad is Indonesian Embassy there haven't do anything! They see Kinanthi's case like other cases, just let it be, what a harsh! Well, when i read it, I've been so ashamed being Indonesian people. How could it be? Why can we protect our own citizen?

Curious about its ending? Kinanthi become an American citizen. wait, wait.. why America? You should read the book to know the reason. I don't blame Kinanthi for her shallow nationalism. You can't give deep loyalty to a country, which never do any efforts to protect you while you're in danger.

It's a little picture of what our woman labor feel. They feel alone, none can help them. When you walk abroad, as a labor or TKW, your dignity will be replaced to lowest position. That's what I conclude.

Powerful book. And, I've just noticed that this story is based on true story. Oh, really? Well, I can't imagine it, tough.

The Winner

It's late, it's late, I know it! And, I know I shouldn't make any excuses or something for this delay. But, after all, I am pretty busy, I was moving from my last dorm house to new one, and whole packing things kinda make me nervous. I really hate moving. But guess what, I lovd my new place. Larger, cozier, all in a pack!

Enough with mumbling, i'd like to announce who's lucky for my giveaway! Well, kinda hard to pick one ( I mean two ), because all of you are so excited. Anyway, thanks for participating, and don't forget to join my next giveaway.

So, winner for Princess Diaries is...
AULIA! Yes, you are the winner!

Man and Wife goes tooo... FANDA!

Congratulation for both of you, soon email me in yuliadeladacrea@yahoo.com your name and address. And, for those who still unlucky, don't be sad. I'll arrange another giveaway, and you'll be priorited!
Ok, see you soon!

Deeper by Roderick Gordon

Summary

After digging through the subterranean world of modern-day London in search of his father, fourteen-year-old Will Burrows ended up on the run from the diabolical Styx army with his best friend, Chester, and his newly discovered brother, Cal.

As they travel deeper into the earth, they find dangers none of them ever dreamed possible. And the worst danger of all is the one from Will's murderous sister, Rebecca, who is leading the Styx army in an evil plot that threatens to wipe out those living above ground.

But with their lives at risk far below, can Will and his small band of friends stay alive long enough to save those above?

Remember Will Burrows and his best friend, Cal, who discovered underground life while searching of Will's missing dad? After facing suspense ending in Tunnels, the first book, they come back in Deeper, sequel of Tunnels.

It's hard to say, which one is more interesting between Tunnels and Deeper, but I found many mistery revealed in second book. Here, Will meet his mom, I mean by-blood mom, it will be very exciting and miserable meeting. i can't hardly wait to tell you, but it'll be better if you read it by yourself. And, you'll find another secret about Rebecca, Will's sister, who apparently have a twin! Yes, thay are two people, and both of them have similar evil mind.

Honestly, this book reminds me to Journey to the Center of Earth movie. Remember? Brendan Fraser play his act well, and I was fascinated with its idea, how life can be in deep down there. But, instead of dinosaurus or other ancient animal, there are people living underground in Deeper. People, like us, they build their life, their own mine, shops, home, even government. And, in Deeper, we discover that Colony (it what underground people called) also have caste in society. Styx, as their government, occupy highest position, while they can rule Colony citizen whatever their way. Below Styx, there are Colony, people who live as citizen and must obey all Styx rules.

Deeper tell us, there is another place which is deeper than Colony location. People live there, called Corpolite, working like slave for Styx. They never be reputed as human, even by Colony themselves.

Interesting, I admit. There are many aspects of life, their new philosopy about Topsoil (yes, it's us, people), and you can see how they are living with malice and hate for Topsoil.

Well, the point, it's good book to read. I am on my way reading third book, Freefall, and of course hardly can wait to share my review here!

PS. And, you know what?? This is the last day for my giveaway!!!! I'll inform the winner tomorrow!! And, it's not to late to join!!!

PPS. Well, some people assume me as Vixxio Book Store owner. No, I am not. I am only one of its fans. If you wanna know further, visit its owner in http://bukufanda.blogspot.com. And, don't forget to visit this amazing store in http://www.vixxio.com.

Hope you have enjoyable Monday!! Toodles!