Book+review


 * Title: Reviewer:U-571 by Wilfred Hsu 4th May 2012 || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot: The US submirine U-571 had a mission where the crew would disguise as a Nazi submirine and rendezvous a crippled German ship to capture Nazi's conveted Enigma encryption machine that allows Allies to decode Germans transmissions.But after capturing the machine,they are later trapped as a limping boat is make its way towards them and they became the prey of Reich's killer ships, and target of Allies bombers. They have a prize that can turn the tide around and savage global conflict once and for all. They have no where to hide and and face ferious fight against Germans and eventually escaped alive. ||  ||
 * What I liked/disliked about it: This is another typical war book for war lovers as it shows the problems face by soldiers and how they hate the war and wish it will end soon so that they can go home and spend time with their families. The plot is full of action pack that shows the dangers and encounters the soldiers face against their opponents. It also shows how unite the crew are in overcoming the challenges they face. But the story is a bit draggy and it may be complicated to understand some part of the plot as it involves many parts about submirine which we may nit understand. ||  ||
 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!)3 ||  ||

Nuclear proliferation, terrorism, religious issues, national development and global warming, are also elements of the book. Each topic is dealt with in an in-depth fashion, as the author digs deep into the issue and gives opinions from both sides of the argument, on top of his own. For instance, when the topic of the environment is at hand, topics like carbon trading and transnational environmental policies are brought into the picture. This book brings in elements previously unknown to the average Joe and places the reader in a better position to comprehend the intricacies of the world at large. ||  ||
 * **Title: Reviewer:** This May Help You Understand The World (by Lawrence Potter) by Lim Jia Yao (7th May 2012) || Comments: ||
 * **Synopsis/Plot:** Essentially, this book is a guide to a smorgasbord of current affairs, presented in a quirky, entertaining yet informative read. Discussed topics range from national politics to the environment. They include an analysis of countries like Iran, China, Russia and the US.
 * **What I liked/disliked about it:** This book truly is a treasure trove for he who has a desire to learn more about the way the world works. What I love most about this book is that, unlike many books on current affairs, like "Where Are We Now" by Mitchell Beazley, which only present a chaotic cauldron of hard facts, it incorporates a component that is key in guidebooks- A great sense of empathy to the reader.

Lawrence Potter eases the reader into the discussion by reassuring him that he is not alone in his perceived ignorance of current affairs. He gives his past experience, including his view on certain topics before he actually went to find out more about them. One example can be found in the sub-topic "How does India manage to manufacture such cheap HIV/AIDS drugs", where he shared that he used to think cheap labor was the reason, only to realize upon research, that it was all about patenting. Such writing style is very appealing to readers like myself, who just want a straightforward explanation. Lawrence gives his honest opinions on all issues discussed, and in doing so, helps the reader connect with his writing. For instance, he shared that he felt that the concept of carbon trading was bizarre, and that the idea of putting on a suit to trade in greenhouse gases was "crazy talk". This immediately got me interested in carbon trading! He has a very unique sense of writing that draws me in every time I pick up the book.

Above all, Lawrence comes across in his writing as a person of great humility as he acknowledged that even after his arduous, yet fun journey in writing the book and finding out so much about the world, he still has much to learn.

I particularly love how Lawrence ends off the book with a thought-provoking series of facts about the world, that serves as a basis for further research on the side of the reader. Even though there are some poignant issues that were not dealt with in the book, like gender inequality and even media- which is a tad disappointing, I now feel relatively enlightened. It feels great to know that you are thinking on the same wavelength as an established writer! I love this book yeah!!! ||  ||
 * **Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!)** 4 ||  ||


 * Title: One Summer Reviewer: Chin Yi Ling || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot: It is almost Christmas, but there is no joy in the house of terminally ill Jack and his family. With only a short time left to live, he spends his last days preparing to say goodbye to his devoted wife, Lizzie, and their three children. Then, unthinkably, tragedy strikes again: Lizzie is killed in a car accident. With no one able to care for them, the children are separated from each other and sent to live with family members around the country. Just when all seems lost, Jack begins to recover in a miraculous turn of events. He rises from what should have been his deathbed, determined to bring his fractured family back together. Struggling to rebuild their lives after Lizzie's death, he reunites everyone at Lizzie's childhood home on the oceanfront in South Carolina. And there, over one unforgettable summer, Jack will begin to learn to love again, and he and his children will learn how to become a family once more ||  ||
 * What I liked/disliked about it: The miraculous twist of events in the story does not seem possible in reality, but it is a good book on grief, compassion and family. ||  ||
 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!) 4 ||  ||


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 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!) ||  ||


 * Title: The five people you meet in heaven Reviewer: Ryan Sia || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot: On his eighty-third birthday, Eddie, a lonely war veteran, dies in a tragic accident trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. With his final breath, he feels two small hands in his - and then nothing. He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it. These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers. Yet each of them changed your path for ever. ||  ||
 * What I liked/disliked about it: This is one of the most beautiful stories i have ever read. This book emphasises the importance of family and friends which touched the core of my heart after i read this book. Also, there is the lesson on forgiveness, which is applicable to everyone. Everyone needs compassion, love thats never failing. Everyone needs forgiveness too, so this book has very applicable life lessons. Another thing i really like about this book is how Mitch writes his stories, although it is fiction, but it carries that emotional aspect and can really touch the lives of other people. The last thing that i like very much is that the book gives things from other people's perspectives. We must also treat life like that, and not just live in our shallow world. || Your viewpoint about the perspectives is certainly commendable. ||
 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!) 4. Period. ||  ||

The story begins in Panem, a nation formed following the destruction of North America by an unknown apocalyptic event. Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts. The Hunger Games are an event whereby one boy and one girl aged between 12 and 18 from each district are selected by annual lottery.The participants referred to as "tributes" must fight in an outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol, until only one remains. This is as punishment for a previous rebellion in which a 13th district was destroyed. The book is written from the perspective of Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers in place of her younger sister, Primrose. The story follows Katniss as she advances through the Games, with the death toll rising with each passing day.She forges a short-lived alliance with Rue, the female tribute from District 11 who bears a resemblance to Prim. Katniss searches for Peeta, the male tribute from her district, and finds him wounded. She nurses him back to health, pretending to fall in love with him, in order to gain favor with the audience and gifts from her sponsors. When the couple are finally the last two tributes, the Gamemakers reverse a rule change such that one must kill the other to win. Katniss retrieves poisonous "nightlock" berries from her pouch and offers some to Peeta. The Gamemakers announce that both will be the victors of the 74th Hunger Games, upon realising that they intend to commit suicide. ||  || I liked the format of the writing and plot development of the story. I feel that I could relate to the main character, Katniss, and her emotions as the story progresses. It is a heartfelt tale of sisterly sacrifice, as Katniss had volunteered herself in place of her younger sister as a Tribute for the Hunger Games, hence almost guaranteed death. She also has to deal with the thought of possibly having to kill Peeta, the Baker's son who had helped her whenher family was starving. || You could devote more time in criticising the author's way of writing. nevertheless the story seems to be good and really appreciate that you have done a good job. ||
 * Title: The Hunger Games Reviewer: Mustaqim || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot:
 * What I liked/disliked about it:
 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!): 4 ||  ||


 * Title:Anne Frank:The diary of a young girl,Reviewer:Cheryl Lim || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot:It is about a young teenage girl,Anne Frank,who is a Jew who had to undergo war as the dictator of Germany decided to get rid of all the Jews in the country.Jews in Germany was discriminated against then.Anne,together with her relatives took refuge in a shophouse to avoid being caught by the German army.The standard of living was poor and they only got to eat little amounts of food rations given by Anne's father's employee who was killed later on.Anne Frank started a diary to fulfill her emotional needs till the day she was caught and taken to a concentration camp with her sister where she died.Her diary was then published by her father,the only survivor in her family,which later become this story book,recounting all her experiences,happy or sad,during the war. ||  ||
 * What I liked/disliked about it:I like the story very much as it tells readers like us who have never experienced war,the importance of peace and the cruelty man can be.It also allowed me to realise the importance of family especially in times of crisis like war. || Cheryle, devote more time in analysing the author's way of writing. ||
 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!) I will rate it as 5 as it is a very touching story,and it really pulls the strings of our hearts. ||  ||


 * Title: A Walk To Remember Reviewer: Chin Yi Ling || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot: Set in Beaufort, North Carolina, in the 1950s, A Walk To Remember tells the story of 17-year-old Landon Carter, who learns to live life differently after meeting Jamie Sullivan. Initially, Landon is the kind of guy who cares too much about what people think of him. But when Jamie comes into the picture, he only cares about being with her. Things are looking up for Landon, until Jamie drops a bomb that changes their lives forever. ||  ||
 * What I liked/disliked about it: The story is really unforgettable and I enjoy it as it allows us to believe in the power of love and that dreams do come true. ||  ||
 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!) 4 ||  ||


 * Title: Reviewer: Tuesdays with Morrie Reviewer: Jenette || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot: Morrie Schwartz is Mitch Albom's elderly professor, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is a neurological illness, which eventually leads to a person's total paralysis and subsequently death. (there was no cure back then in 1994). Mitch, found about his professor's illness after Morrie appeared on Television a year later. Ever since Mitch visited him one day soon after, he started going to Morrie's house every Tuesday. Being a psychology professor, they've discussed topics such as the world in general (how they seem to work), feeling sorry about yourself, regrets, death, fear of aging, how love goes on and many more. each topic is filled with more than just 'theories' there were several real life examples, some included Mitch's brother, who is suffering in hospital, and his father, others about Morrie's younger days. ||  ||
 * What I liked/disliked about it: however simple the plot might seem, you just simply just can't forget about it. the book has introduced new insights for me, and learning about how to make the best out of every situation given. I like how the book isn't simply just about the topics themselves, after every topic, there will be a ordinarily short, but insightful snippet about Mitch's younger days under Morrie's care. The book almost made me feel as though I knew Morrie himself. || the point about insight is very true and i am happy that u have considered this viewpoint. ||
 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!) 4 ||  ||


 * Title: Reviewer:No second chance || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot: Dr. Marc Seidman wakes up to the loss of his wife and the disappearance of his only daughter, after being shot by an unknown assailant. Just when his world begins to crumble, a ransom note arrives demanding for two million dollars. His repeated failure to get his daughter back after giving the ransom money led the feds to believe the ultimate mastermind is Marc himself. Paired with his old love suspected of killing her husband, Marc leaves for a journey to bring his daughter home,playing against traps set by the kidnappers, and barely managing to get the feds off his back. The real mastermind however, is much closer than Marc could have guessed. ||  ||
 * What I liked/disliked about it: A really thrilling adventure. This book tells the tale of a father who pins his hopes and his heart to find his daughter, whatever it takes. His endeavors throughout this long and painstaking journey was filled with both sentimental moments as well as action-packed chase with both the feds and the kidnappers. || this book a thriller and you could have criticised further. ||
 * Rating: 4 ||  ||

The Hunger Games are an annual televised event where the ruthless Capitol randomly selects one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and 18 from each of the twelve districts, putting them against each other in a game of survival where they are forced to fight one another to the death as punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol in which a 13th district was destroyed. The victor then wins a new house for themselves and their families in their District, along with food, fame, and wealth. ||  ||
 * Title:The Hunger Games Reviewer: Ahmad Syafiq || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot:
 * What I liked/disliked about it: I liked how the author describes not only the physical features but also the personality, values and emotions of each character superbly. The plot of the book was a good thiriller with the exception of the ending which was too abrupt and disappointing || how would you rate this book Syfiq? ||
 * Rating: 3 ||  ||

This scene take place at World War II, Sgt. Joe Enders rallies to return to active duty after previously surviving a gruesome battle against the Imperial Japanese Army that killed his entire squad and left him almost deaf from a Japanese grenade explosion. Enders' new assignment is to protect Navajo code talker Pvt. Ben Yahzee, which earns him the rank of sergeant. Sgt. Ox Anderson also receives a parallel assignment protecting Navajo code talker Pvt. Charlie Whitehorse. Yahzee and Whitehorse, both life long friends from the same Navajo tribe, are trained to send and receive coded messages that direct battleship bombardments of Japanese entrenched positions. Enders and Anderson are told that the code cannot fall into enemy hands, implying that they are to kill their code talkers if capture is imminent. While in the war, both Yahzee and Whitehorse face discrimention from their white brothers and learn the true meaning of the war. They have never seen so many men died in their life before.In one of the battle, Enders has no choice but to kill whitehorse as he needs to protect the code. So he threw a grenade that killed whitehorse and the japanese army. Yahzee returns to the front-line and soon learns that Enders killed Whitehorse. Outraged, Yahzee aims his weapon at Enders and attempts to kill him, but cannot bring himself to do it. At the last part of the story,Enders manages to carry Yahzee to safety after taking a shot in the chest. With his last breath Enders confesses that he hated having to kill Whitehorse, that his mission was to protect the code above all else. ||  ||
 * Title: Reviewer:Windtalkers: Wilfred Hsu || Comments: ||
 * Synopsis/Plot:
 * What I liked/disliked about it: It makes me feel the cruelty of the war and the bond between soldiers. The author manage to write out the difficulties face by different soldiers in the war, and at the same time reflecting of the whites discrimentation to others in the past. But when there is war, everybody must unite together to fight against enemy. It is an exciting and action-pack book that must be read. || It is so impressive that you have chosen a war story. hope u enjoyed it. You could hjave criticised this book further. ||
 * Rating: (1: disappointing read) - (5: must read!) 4 rating for this book ||  ||