Please Vote For Me!

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I'm participating in the Mother's Day Contest on Prairie Blossom's blog. Voting will take place from April 20 until Wednesday, April 27 Prairie Blossom Boutique, so please vote for my entry! This is the direct link to my ESSAY. Please note that you have to like the page first before liking my entry. Thanks!

Here's my brief essay:

My mom is a person that you will not look twice when she passes you on the streets. She is neither beautiful nor drop-dead gorgeous. My mom works hard for the family and takes care of our basic needs. She never utter a word of complaint even though her fingers are calloused and her eyes sprout wrinkles. She's a 365-day wife and mother whose sole wish is to see her children grow up happy and healthy. When there is 5 slices of pizza, she will quickly announce that she doesn't like pizza and urges us to eat up our portion.

My mom is a thrifty person. She wears only old clothes at home, and buys new clothes for herself only twice every year - during Chinese New Year and Mooncake Festival. She saves every penny for me and my siblings' future education, giving us all the best and loving us with all her heart.

Mom, if you're reading this, please hear this: Happy Mother's Day, mom! You're the best mother in the world, I would have no other!

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Winners!

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Congrats to the 13 winners of Andy McDougal and the Crypt of the Chimera by Kevin Richardson! Kevin will e-mail the e-book to everyone of you. So, please check your mailbox to make sure you receive your prize. Thanks for entering, and I hope you will love the book!


  1. Ng
  2. Marie
  3. Evelyn
  4. Birgit
  5. LunaMoth
  6. fredamans
  7. Julie S.
  8. MarthaE
  9. Margaret
  10. Keith Lim Wei Luen
  11. A.J.
  12. vidisha


Don't forget to enter my 300 Followers Giveaway! It's INTERNATIONAL and ends 31st May, 2010.
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In My Mailbox {17}

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For Review:

The Blackberry Bush
The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder

David sent me an ARC of his book. Thanks, David!

I won this book on Far From Reality. The author was kind enough to sign the book for me. Thank you, Barbra!

Gift:

Thanks to Renee from A Path of Joy, now I have a complete set of the NEED series! I read the first book in 2009 and loved it! Read my review HERE.

Book Review : I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

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I am Number Four
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Product Details
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Harper; 1 edition (August 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061969559
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061969553
  • Available on Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

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Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.



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Those who have an affinity for sci-fi or fantasy would most likely find this book interesting. I was intrigued by the concept of human-like aliens living among humans, which was why I purchased this book in the first place.

I understand how John Smith (or Number Four) wants to fit in and reside permanently in one place when he arrives in Paradise, Ohio. He is tired of being a fugitive and wants to live a normal life. What's more is that Sarah Hart, the pretty blond girl in his new school makes his heart beats faster every time he sees her. And he has a new best friend, Sam Goode.

I am Number Four is an action-packed, suspenseful novel by an author whose real name is unknown to the public. The first half of the book was engrossing, but I did not enjoy the ending as it turned to be peculiar, or I might say, strange. There were huge, monster-sized dogs tearing up the school, and our lovely, adorable Bernie Kosar turned out to be something else as well.

Perhaps not everyone will enjoy this book, but if you ask me, I'd say, "Give it a try!"

Rating: 3.685


When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope.

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Image of "Pittacus Lore"
Pittacus Lore is Lorien's ruling Elder. He has been on Earth for the last twelve years, preparing for the war that will decide Earth's fate. His whereabouts are unknown.

300 Followers Giveaway

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The Bookaholics has 300 followers now! This calls for a celebration! I'm hosting a giveaway as a token of appreciation to our readers for supporting this blog all these while.

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Prize #1:
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One winner receives all:
  1. The Demon Trappers by Jana Oliver Sticker
  2. The Demon Trappers by Jana Oliver Iron-On Guild
  3. [Signed] The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver Postcard
  4. [Signed] The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting Bookmark
  5. [Signed] Desires of The Dead by Kimberly Derting Bookmark
  6. Desires of The Dead by Kimberly Derting Sticker
  7. [Signed] Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr Bookmark
  8. [Signed] Bookplate by Melissa Marr
  9. [Signed] The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder Bookmark
  10. Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs Bookmark NEW!
  11. [Signed] Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs Postcard NEW!
*Pictures taken from Google Images. Not the exact look of the prizes.

Thanks to Donna, Melissa Marr's Assistant, Chris 'CJ' Jasper, Jana Oliver's assistant, author Megan Crewe and author Kimberly Derting for sponsoring these book-related swag!

Prize #2:
  1. I Love Cherry Printable Scrapbook Paper (pdf. file)
  2. An e-book of The Intern by Jess C Scott (pdf. file)
  3. An e-book of Pandora's Succession by (pdf. file)


Update: More prizes will be added if I reach 400 followers within the contest time frame! So spread the word and get your friends to enter!

Yay! Prize Pack Unlocked!
This will go to the third winner!

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If this blog reaches 400 followers by the end of May, Prize #3 will be awarded to a winner:
  1. [Signed] Losing Faith by Denise Jaden Bookmark
  2. [Signed] I Love You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder Bookmark
  3. [Signed] Postcard Featuring Lisa Schroeder's Books
  4. [Signed] The Mark by Jen Nadol Bookmark
  5. [Signed] The Mark by Jen Nadol Sticker
  6. [Signed] The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton Bookmark
  7. [Signed] The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton Postcard
  8. [Signed] Across The Universe by Beth Revis Bookplate
  9. [Signed] Across The Universe by Beth Revis Bookmark
  10. [Signed] Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe Bookmark NEW!
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*Pictures taken from Google Images. Prizes are not exactly as shown.

Thanks to Denise Jaden, Lisa Schroeder, Jen Nadol, Kiki Hamilton, Beth Revis and Tera Lynn Childs for sponsoring these book-related swag!

If you're an author / publisher who wishes to sponsor a giveaway on The Bookaholics - please feel free to contact me!


Mandatory - Be a follower of The Bookaholics and fill up the FORM.




  1. This giveaway is for entrants aged 13+ only. If you are underage and wish to enter, please get permission from your parents or guardian.
  2. The winner is selected randomly by random.org, and he/she must respond with his/her name and complete mailing address within 48 hours of being notified. Prize(s) not claimed will be forfeited and a new winner will be selected.
  3. This giveaway is open worldwide. Giveaway ends 31 May, 2010. I will be sending the prizes to the winners at my own cost. However, I will not be responsible for any damages or lost of prizes during the shipping process. I have the right to extend or end this giveaway before the deadline.

Book Review : The Art of Racing In The Rain

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Product Details
  • Reading level: Ages
  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins; First Edition edition (2 Jun 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061537969
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061537967
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Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

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The Art of Racing in the Rain is simply superb. What is the last book that made you cried? For me,it's "The Art of Racing in the Rain".

Never heard of a book written from the point of view of a dog? Well, Garth Smith wrote one.

I savored this book because of its concept: "When a dog is finished living his lifetimes as a dog, his next incarnation will be as a man." Not all dogs. Only those who are ready. Enzo, a shepherd-poodle-terrier mix, is ready.

Enzo is a dog bought by Denny when he was only a dozen weeks old. He then spent his whole life living with Denny and his family. Denny gives Enzo everything until Eve appears. Denny eventually marries Eve, but Enzo is hesitant of her. Then, Eve gives birth to Zoë. Later on, Enzo knows that there is something wrong with Eve. He can smell the cancer in her. Eve was so scared that she won’t see a doctor. When she is finally diagnosed, it is too late. Eve’s death is devastating to the Swift family and sparks a custody battle between Denny and Eve’s parents. This cause Denny to his knees financially and may destroy his racing career. Enzo sees and processes it all. He did all his effort to put the family back together. It's amazing what a dog can do.

As he nears the end of his life as a dog and looks forward to the next, he longs for a voice and thumbs so that he can help the ones that he loves. Enzo always thinks that dog was related close to human. He wish his incarnation will be as a man. And he knows that he is ready.

"The Art of Racing In The Rain" is a great book! I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It contains many insight of racing. The scene with Denny test driving a car with Enzo with him was among my favorite. This book is highly recommended for animal lover and race lover.

Rating:5


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Garth Stein is the author of the New York Times best selling literary novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain (Harper, 2008). The book is now published in 23 languages. Garth also worked as a documentary film maker for several years, and directed, produced, or co-produced several award winning films. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Seattle, Garth's ancestry is diverse: his mother, a native of Alaska, is of Tlingit Indian and Irish descent; his father, a Brooklyn native, is the child of Jewish emigrants from Austria. After spending his childhood in Seattle and then living in New York City for 18 years, Garth returned to Seattle, where he currently lives with his wife, three sons, and their dog, Comet. Read more about Garth Stein on his website.




I am Number Four

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"When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope."

I am Number Four
I am Number Four (Paperback)
by Pittacus Lore

I finished reading this book today. It was quite good, (and I love Bernie Kosar!!!) but I'm not a fan of the fighting scenes towards the end of the novel. Review coming soon. Stay tuned.

By the way, take a look at this eye candy / hot guy here. Don't know him? Well, his name is Alex Pettyfer and he's the lead actor of the movie adaptation of I am Number Four!



Gorgeous blue eyes + perfectly chiseled jaw line + wild blond hair + aristocratic nose + appealing boyish charm = Alex Pettyfer!

In My Mailbox {16}

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Won:

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But then she also bought me a copy of A Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Woods even though I told her that it was unnecessary since I had already chosen a copy of Captivate. But she insisted on buying the book for me. So, I'd like to thank her for her kindness and generosity. Thanks, Renee! You can visit her blog at A Path of Joy.

Gift:

Melissa Marr's Assistant, Donna sent me these Pretty Double Sided Bookmarks SIGNED by Melissa Marr herself! Thanks, Donna!

I'm going to give away one of these + a signed bookplate as shown below to one lucky reader in the near future as a part of a swag pack. I'm currently compiling an assortment of swag, so please be patient!

This is a picture I took from Google Images because my camera is not working. You can visit Melissa Marr HERE. I don't have the book pictured.


Again, a picture I took from Google Image. The items I received are not the ones shown above. Author Kimberly Derting kindly sent me some The Body Finder bookmarks and Desires of The Dead bookmarks + stickers to share with you, my loyal supporters. Thanks, Kim! I'll be adding some of these to the swag pack pile I'm preparing for the giveaway mentioned above.

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Update: Thanks to Chris Jasper for sending me some Demon Trapper's Daughter swag! Again, I'm adding some of these to the swag pile. The picture is taken from Google Images, so the items I received are not exactly the ones shown above.

Jana Oliver

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UK vs. US
Which is prettier?

Lastly...


Don't forget to enter my giveaway for an e-book of Andy McDougal and the Crypt of the Chimera by Kevin Richardson! It's INTERNATIONAL and ends 16th April, 2011. Entries are low, and I can say that you will definitely win if the number of entries doesn't exceed 20 by the time the contest ends.

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And remember to leave a comment on my review for Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang and feel free to take the quiz on Goodreads to test your understanding for the book if you've already read the book!

Book Review : Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang

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Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang

Product Details
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (January 11, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0385739230
  • ISBN-13: 978-0385739238
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Daughter of Xanadu
is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble & The Book Depository


Athletic and strong willed, Princess Emmajin's determined to do what no woman has done before: become a warrior in the army of her grandfather, the Great Khan Khubilai. In the Mongol world the only way to achieve respect is to show bravery and win glory on the battlefield. The last thing she wants is the distraction of the foreigner Marco Polo, who challenges her beliefs in the gardens of Xanadu. Marco has no skills in the "manly arts" of the Mongols: horse racing, archery, and wrestling. Still, he charms the Khan with his wit and story-telling. Emmajin sees a different Marco as they travel across 13th-century China, hunting 'dragons' and fighting elephant-back warriors. Now she faces a different battle as she struggles with her attraction towards Marco and her incredible goal of winning fame as a soldier.

I don't know much about Mongolian history, but it's true that I don't have a liking for the Mongols after watching movies and reading storybooks depicting their barbaric acts. But now I realize it's just the way a story is portrayed that influences the reader's mind, thanks to Daughter of Xanadu. When a same story is told in two different perspectives, we will have different perceptions and feelings after reading them.

In this book, our heroine, the 16-year-old granddaughter of Kubilai Khan - Princess Emmajin has no intention of getting married and become a good wife. She sole ambition is to get enlisted in the army and fight for the Khan to gain fame and glory in order to make herself comparable to men. She wants to help contributing a part in helping the Great Khan conquer the whole world. But as she eventually befriends a Latin merchant named Marco Polo whom she is initially assigned to spy on, she learns about the countries which is far off the borders of the Mongolian empire. Marco's words about the bad effects of wars start to prick her consciousness, and she thinks about the possibility of attaining peace through an alternative solution. As time passes, Emmajin and Marco begins to develop special feelings for each other.

While being historically accurate and highly entertaining, Daughter of Xanadu is also a thought-provoking novel. It questions the act of waging a war simply because of one man's aspiration to be the supreme world ruler. You will not fail to discover the brutalities and grittiness of war, which is portrayed vividly
in this novel during the Battle of Vochan. However, I must say that I really admire Marco's wit in introducing a special tactic that proved to work against the Burmese King's troops. I love the part where Emmajin, Suren and Marco helped in capturing live dragons (crocodiles) to be taken back to Khanbalik.

In the front pages of the book, you will find a map of the Mongol Empire under Kubilai Khan from 1275 - 1276, with translations of ancient names of places to today's standard names. Also, there is a page on Emmajin's family tree. The author really deserves compliments for her meticulous research on the Mongolian lifestyle and culture. She describes the scenery of the wide stretches of land in
Mongolia skillfully using beautiful words which makes me feel as if I were in that place. Included in the back is a glossary of some of the Mongolian and Latin terms which is used by the characters in the novel.

Dori Jones Yang has created word images so vivid that it is almost like watching a movie. She takes you on a brilliant Odyssey through the often-discussed-but-seldom-written-about Mongolian history through the eyes of the courageous royal princess herself. I heartily recommend this book to everyone, especially those who has a keen interest in the history of China and Mongolia or the founding of the Yuan Dynasty.


5

Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of Daughter of Xanadu for this review!

If you've read the book, feel free to take the quiz on Goodreads to test your understanding for the book!


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Dori Jones Yang grew up in Ohio, the daughter of a bookseller, and fell in love with foreign travel at an early age. Among other languages, she speaks fluent Mandarin and has lived in Singapore and Hong Kong, where she was foreign correspondent for Business Week.

Her first book, The Secret Voice of Gina Zhang, was a Skipping Stones Honor Book in 2001, and was also awarded the Pleasant T. Rowland Prize for Fiction for Girls. Her most recent book is Daughter of Xanadu, set in 13th century Mongolia, under the Khubilai Khan.

Dori lives near Seattle with her husband Paul Yang; they have three grown-up children.

Find Dori Jones Yang On:


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Daughter of Xanadu
is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble & The Book Depository