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December 1 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. Being as the last month of the year 2001, I
will give my final review for this year. Of course, there will be more to come
from me, so do not worry.
The Emerald Lizard by Pleasant DeSpain with translations by Mario Lamo -
Jimenez, is a collection of fifteen tales from Latin America. The tales
presented in this book is full of tricks, humor, compassion and everything that
make us who we are.
The tale, "The Emerald Lizard," is a wonderful tale that illustrates the good in
some of us. This tale is from Guatemala. Another tale from Haiti, titled
"Renting A Horse," brings out the cunning side in some of use. This tale had
made me smile. There are many tales in this book that are originated in
different countries in Latin America.
This little book will make a nice gift for a person who loves to read but don't
have enough time - especially now with the holiday season upon us.
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
November 10, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. For those of you are big fans of "The
Godfather," you might be interested in Mario Puzo's new book, "The Family." This
time, the setting is different. "The Family" takes back the reader to 15th
century Rome where men of cloth were worshipped as if they were gods and having
the power over life and death. This book is unlike Mario Puzo's previous novels,
so don't expect guns, wise guys, etc. to be in his book. "The Family" is about a
powerful father -- to the Church and his children. This father, Pope Alexander
VI consumed with lust of power, wealth, sex used everything within his grasp
including his children to achieve what he desired and justifying in the name of
God. This is a very good book for lovers of period pieces. You will sympathize
with the characters as you read along. I will not give away the ending. Happy
reading!
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
October 6, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. We may think of classic books as "dull" or
"boring." But "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," is one rollicking good read.
Sure the novel is a classic, but it's not "dull" or "boring," which is written
by the ever so famous Mark Twain (a.k.a. Samuel Langhorne Clemens).
The antebellum setting takes place at St. Petersburg, Missouri. Huckleberry Finn
who is the son of a town drunkard, is a homeless waif, a liar and thief on
occasion and a casual rebel against respectability. But on the day that he
encounters another fugitive from trouble, a runaway slave named Jim, he also
finds for the first time in his life, love, acceptance and a sense of
responsibility. And it is in the exciting and moving story of these two outcasts
fleeing down the Mississippi on a raft, that a wonderful metamorphosis occurs.
If you like the story so far, you can also rent the movie. Although there are
many movies based on this novel, I recommend renting Disney's "The Adventures of
Huck Finn," which was made in 1993 and stars Elijah Wood.
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
September 3, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. As you all know, this is the month where all
the children will be going back to school. And I presume, all of you parents are
happy about that ( I can hear the children screaming about this topic...)
Speaking of the children, it is important that the young ones should read as
much books as possible for better comprehension (and improving writing and
speaking skills). It is very vital for them to do so in order to receive
satisfactory grades. I know my daughter is excited to go back to school.
I know that you were expecting a book review, but not this month's article.
Instead, I would like to recommend a good book called, "In Beautiful Disguises,"
by Rajeev Balasubramanyam. This is about a sixteen year old girl who lives in a
small town in South India with an over-dutiful sister, a brother who watches TV
as an occupation, a father who drinks and bullies his family and a silent
mother. Insulated by her dreams of becoming Audrey Hepburn (and daily trips to
the local cinema), she observes her family in critical detachment. But her inner
world begins to crumble when the inevitable marriage is arranged for her and she
runs away to Delhi to work as a maid. There, she falls in with the misfit
members of her new household: Raju, the servant with the heart of a
revolutionary, Maneka, the maid who mysteriously disappears every night, and the
seductive but arrogant Armand. Even as she embraces this brave new world, she
realizes that she can't run away forever.
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
August 2, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. For those of you who like suspense and
mystery, here is a book that might interest you. The book is called, "24 Hours"
by Greg Iles.
This book is a page turner. It will keep you in suspense. We have here a doctor
and his family, tormented by a madman. There is an abused wife, and another very
likable bad guy. All of this taken place in Mississippi.
As a parent reading this book, it made me cheer when the bad guy (madman) got a
taste of his own medicine. This bad guy does not understand that this woman is
willing to die for her child and will do whatever to save her daughter's life.
This is a must read.
I have just became a Greg Iles fan! (Laughs) Since I like his book so much, I
just began reading his other novel "Mortal Fear."
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
July1, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. Let me ask you 7 personal questions that
might be interesting:
1) Have you ever became obsessed about your weight and/or figure?
2) Are you single?
3) Do you have trouble developing inner poise?
4) Do you try to stop smoking?
5) Is it hard for you to learn to program a VCR?
6) Had a tough time losing a couple of pounds?
7) Want to be in a relationship with a responsible adult?
If you said "yes" to any of these questions, then you should meet Bridget Jones,
a 30-something Singleton. I just got finished reading "Bridget Jones's Diary," a
novel by Helen Fielding and a major motion picture. I didn't see the movie, but
the book is funny.
For those who are constantly trying to lose weight and trying to stop certain
habits, this book is for you. But like Ma's saying, "When life is tough, you try
to be optimistic," but then again, isn't it funny, we all have to die sooner or
later? OK nobody dies in this book! I was just joking.
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
June 9, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking.
We are still under construction on the new web site. I am still getting e-mail
regarding some new recommendation on books. So for those who need this
information, here goes:
This month's recommendation will be a book review on "Fear and Trembling," by
Amelie Nothomb.
This tiny book consisting of 139 pages was a fantastic journey into another
culture. The character, Amelia, takes us into the cooperate world of Japan.
Instead of working her way up, Amelie quickly slipped way down to bathroom duty.
You will encounter Fubuki. She will linger long after you close this book. So
would many of the characters. As an American reading this book, I began to get
aggravated. I had to remind myself: "It's only a story, silly." (Though this
still had me thinking...).
This story is what I called a comic corporate nightmare. This book may encourage
us to look differently at our job station in America.
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
May 1, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. Guess what's new? Dr.D in Check The Medicine
has now been promoted to start formatting a new web site where aspiring writers
will have an opportunity to express themselves in their schools or communities.
I have been chosen to assist Dr.D in setting up the web site. So this month of
May, please be patient with us since we will be under construction most of this
month.
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
April 1, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. Let's all take a stroll south of the border,
to retrieve a legendary, priceless weapon. This ancient weapon is said to carry
a deadly curse. This weapon is an antique pistol, known as "The Mexican." I'm
not talking about the major motion picture with Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt, but
the novel by Robert Westbrook. Okay, it was based on the screenplay by J.H.
Wyman.
It's about a reluctant bagman who has one last job to complete for his boss
before fulfilling his girlfriend's dream of moving to Las Vegas. His girlfriend
is kidnapped to insure that Jerry (the bagman), comes back from Mexico with the
priceless weapon.
It's easy reading, and at the end of the novel, it's all about love.
That's all folks!
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
March 4, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. Guess what? The unreal became real, on
Valentine's Day. Instead of a bouquet of roses, a romantic dinner, with the
dessert called "Chocolat", the movie.
YES! YES! YES! My hubby took me to see the movie, "Chocolat"!
(For those who don't understand, see February 2001 article.)
OK, for you bookworms....I'm working on a book now (not quite finished yet) that
is written by an author, who grew up in Mumbai (Bombay), India. The name of the
author is Manil Suri.
Check out the name of this title: "The Death Of Vishnu."
For those who like Indian movies and the plots that describe these characters in
the movies, will enjoy this book. It has all the suspense and laughter that goes
along with the Indian culture.
Check the following out:
Confused teenagers, especially Kavita, who thinks that she's a great Hindu
actress;
A gambling married man, especially Mr. Jalal, whose wondering where he should
place his bets on, which God (many to choose from) will give him the "peace"
he's looking for;
A ritualistic married woman, especially Mrs. Asranis, whose dedication to
provide a dying man, a daily cup of tea, to overcome her helplessness and false
sense of security regarding responsibility.
Like I told you, just like an Indian movie!
Suspense, laugher and so far I'm getting angry!
Good signs that this book would keep you up late at nights.
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
Feb 3, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. I guess this is the month for lovers! Did
anyone tell you the story of Cupid? Do you know why he shoots those little "love
arrows" at people? What possessed him to go around naked? If you have those
answers, please send them to the 69th Precinct in Brooklyn to Detective
Whatachmacallit. He is looking for a flasher who fits the description of Cupid.
To those who believe the above paragraph is true,
I guess this web site....... not for you.
Okay! To get on the serious side of Ma, let me tell you a book that really knows
how to cook. Boy, I'm getting poetic today!
The book is called "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris, and I notice there is a movie
out by the same name. I've been trying to get my hubby to take me out to see the
movie, but we know about hubbies. If it doesn't have something to catch their
eye, like action, horror, suspense, and a cute girl in it, they are not
interested. But this book does have one out of four......a cute girl.
This book talks about religion, freedom and a zest for living. It has
temptation, pleasure, and a little bit of sex (but who's counting...?).
Like its title, "Chocolat", is an absolute, delicious read. Recommend to those
who loves sweets. February 14th is Valentine's Day. Instead of a bouquet of red
roses, give her the movie or the book, "Chocolat"!
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.
January 1, 2001
Hi children, this is Ma's speaking. I hope your New Year's done you right. As
for me, just another year, in the ballpark of life. I want to take this time to
wish the avid readers, a healthy and prosperous New Year. And to my daughter,
lots of love and emotional caring to the most beautiful princess of my heart.
Oh by the way, I want to recommend a good book called "Mr. Perfect," by Linda
Howard. It's about a woman who was engaged three times, falls in love with her
next door neighbor, who turns out to be a cop. What do you all think about that?
Just read it and let me know.
Until then, Ma said, "Take pages in a night, and tomorrow visit my site." Till
then: Check the Worm.