十字火燄

Title: 十字火燄Crossfire
Author: 宫部美幸
Translator: 刘子倩
Publisher: 独步文化

I read the Taiwanese Chinese version of this book even though the English translated copy is available. This is because I feel the Chinese translation is somehow closely in emotions and spirit to the Japanese original.

I started my attempt to read all of Miyabe's books in 2007 and have now almost completed all the copies available in NLB branches. An awarding winning author, Miyabe's range of subject matters is quite diverse and substantial. From mysteries, police procedural, crime thrillers to mythologies, horror stories to fantasy and science fiction. Miyabe is also known for 勇者物语 Brave Story which was made into a Japanese animation movie.

Miyabe’s books offer readers an unique view of Japan society, delving into social concerns such as credit card debt, demise of traditional family structure, marginalization of minority members of society. Peppered with interesting characters and plotting, her novels make engrossing reads.

Cross fire's main heroine is young girl named 青木淳子 Aoki Junko, who has psychokinetic power. She took it about herself to use her special abilities to rid the world of criminals. She simply incinerated them! Pursued by the arson division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and a secretive vigilante group that wants to recruit her, Junko attempted to rescue a woman kidnapped by juvenile delinquents.

While Junko may have superpowers like some of Stephen King's characters, don't expect Crossfire to be in the same genre as King's novels.

Finding Grace When You Can't Even Find Clean Underwear: The Meaning of Life and Why Other People are So *#$%@! Annoying

Title: Finding Grace When you Can't Even Find Clean Underwear: The Meaning of Life and Why Other People are So *#$%@! Annoying
Author: Lisa Earle McLeod
Publisher: Jefferson Press

What a book! It speaks such universal truths to me. About the meaning of life, men, relationships, politics, career, personal growth, war and peace, living and loving. And yes, even religion. Yes, all the serious matters that concern you and I. But don't get me wrong, this book can be HILARIOUS at times.

I have now found the one author who can make me laugh while feeling spirituality touched at the same time, in so many ways. I mean, if the title of this book fails to give you a hint, surely the chapter headings would tell you what to expect? Chapters like:

- What is the meaning of life & where did I leave the keys?
- Why do men resist change and why do women bother to try?
- Does Buddha need botox?
- Is your brain ruining your life?
- Does Santa Claus get anxiety attacks?
- Is religion stealing our spirituality?
- Is God a small, sassy black woman?

Finding Grace offers not only an intelligence and insightful look into life, it serves up wicked wit at every turn, even when tackling serious issues. To paraphrase the author, I urge anyone out there to read it so that we may find the grace to ignite the spark of divinity within us and answer God's call to become the people we are capable of beings.

Le Grand Chef

Now I am left wondering how this ended up being the top-grossing movie in Korea. It is an adequate screen attempt, but by no means spectacular.

The acting by the male lead was stiff and not exactly funny. The supporting acts were giving far more stellar performances. Perhaps the star was afraid of tipping his dreamboat image. Then there is that bumbling female lead with her ever-present camera.

The most interesting parts for me were those involving the cooking sequences of the culinary contest. However, I think I much preferred those found in Dae Jang Kaem. And the scene that would stay with me? The one of the Emperor crying over the Royal Chef's bowl of beef soup. Therein lies not only the ingredients of a great culinary creation, but the making of a truly great movie!

Kinky Boots

Stumbled upon this gem of a comedy-drama while channel-surfing. Not surprised that it was never screened locally, given the "staid" attitude of some of our cinema chains when it comes to procuring lesser-known independent films. And with a title of Kinky Boots to boot (pun fully intended)? Which was a shame, because the moral of this tale is something Singaporeans should learn about. Buried in the midst of the laughs and "glamour" of the shoe business, is a lesson about discrimination.

It was inspired by a true story about a men's footwear factory in conservative Northamptonshire which turned to the production of kinky boots in a bid to rescue an ailing family business and safeguard the jobs of the local community. The premise and "kink" part reminded me a little of the Full Monty.

Enjoyable and fun, yet touched by poignancy.

No Humans Involved

Title: No Humans Involved
Author: Kelly Armstrong
Publisher: Random House

This is the 7th book in Armstrong's "Women of the Otherworld" series. Perfect for fans of such TV series as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, Charmed, Ghost Whisperer, etc.

It isn't exactly horror of the Stephen King genre. Its a supernatural mystery-thriller simply for light-weight fun. Not to be taken seriously. Despite the myriad of supernatural creatures - necromancers, werewolves, ghosts, angels and even a demons or two prancing around, no reader is going to be scared or terrified. Kelley Armstrong does not dwell deep into the psyche of these creatures and spirits, she simply creates a world where they co-exist with unsuspecting humans and have their own share of problems, just like you and I.

No Human Involved starred Jaime Vegas, a bit character in Armstrong's earlier books in the series. Vivacious, flirty and funny and with a penchant to talk to ghosts. She makes this book an easy and breezy read for anyone.

Welcome to the Great Mysterious

Title : Welcome to the Great Mysterious
Author : Lorna Landvik
Publisher : Bantam Books

While the diva in this book is Geneva, the star is Conrad, as far as I am concerned. There are many special people in this novel by Lorna Landvik, but none as special as Conrad and his pal Rick. Special in that magical way – able to see the world through simple, pure, straight-forward eyes, they are the ones who appear to be in tune with the Great Mysterious while the rest of the world get caught up with the complications they have created in their own lives.

The Great Mysterious is the unique way by which characters in this book attempt to seek answers to the mysteries of life. It does not attempt to preach, but makes commendable effort to advice, explain and comfort.

Welcome to the Great Mysterious, a book with a big-heart and kind soul.

Sepulchre

Title : Sepulchre
Author : Kate Mosse
Publisher : Orion Books

A tale of lives intertwined, the past and the present brought together by a set of Tarot cards. Kat Moss once again employed the approach she took with Labyrinth, introducing us to two heroines across the space of time, each attempting to interpret the cards they have been dealt.

This new novel has all the intriguing elements – music & myths, spirits & demons, romance & passion, obsession & revenge. Yet somehow, for all its length, its fall short in depth.

Being Cyrus

I caught this interesting movie on Arts Central. Although there are apparently famed actors of Indian cinemas lending their talents to this movie, I have no idea who they are. However, this is precisely why I like such a movie - it allow me to focus on the story and screen presentation rather than the individual "faces".

Being Cyrus caught in its web the naunces of a family with a almost Athenian-like tragic favor. Yet in its heart, there are many sins - of adultery, of disloyalty, of betrayal between husband and wife, fathers and sons, siblings. And of a crime.

Watch it! It will definely purge you of all the stereotypical scenes of songs and dances around trees in typical Bollywood movies.

色.戒

Despite all the hype over Ang Lee's latest offering, I was not in the least bit inclined to watch it any day soon. But then Godzilla kept asking whether we have watched it, so I decided to have a go at it.

Let me first state that I am quite non-discriminatory when it comes to movies. I watch all kinds - comedy, horror, thriller, art house, animation, foreign language, etc. For me, if movies failed at being entertaining, then they must be engaging and thought provoking. If a flick is really good, I will secure a DVD and do deep analysis on it, try to figure out what message the director is trying to get through, how roles are interpreted and symbolism incorporated.

I do not, however, like movies that try too hard, with directors and actors too conscious and aware of their efforts. I dislike movies that are made for the media, not the audience. And especially detest movies that are overly remote, repressive; keeping audience at bay like a voyeur, unable to connect and resonate with true emotions. Frustrating describes these movies, while agonising captures the audience.

So, it should be no surprise that the only thing that truly intrigues me in this movie is the role played by Joan Chen. In the middle of the entire affair, yet seemingly unaware or deliberately unaffected. Which by some strange reason, I keep thinking is the exact same role Ang Lee is understudying for!

As for those much touted scenes that have the local media and my fellow citizens titillated and disaffected - what's the big deal? It's all part of characterization. The title of this very movie posts a most appropriate warning to folks flocking to the movie because they are excited by those few minutes of physical acrobatics for all the wrong reasons. Lust: proceed with caution. Gratification will be painfully slow.

The Last Testament

Title: The Last Testament
Author: Sam Bourne
Publisher: Harper

In the midst of continual tensions in the Middle East, this book posed the all-important question. What if Abraham left a last will and testament for his sons and descendants. Who would then has the rights to the holy site - Jews, Muslims or Christians? How would the Israelites and Palestinians react. And a even more pertinent question : What role would the United States of America play then? Who is on the right side? Who must be sacrificed? In the end, it may be all of God's children.

Read this thriller for your entertainment, then entertain the questions with your thoughts.

The Sleeping Doll

Title: The Sleeping Doll
Author: Jeffery Deaver
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group

To be frank, I am disappointed with this book. I first started reading Deaver with The Bone Collector, and got hooked on the series featuring Lincoln Rhyme. But this new offering? I think its lame or as some reviewer puts it - a piece of ham!

Well, I can see it being translated into a Hollywood film - its has all the ingredients, - the brave heroine, the car chase, bombs and gun fires, the villain (modeled after Charles Manson no less, but Manson's crimes were far more heinous!), the obvious twist (I am barely able to say it surprise me at all...). But somehow, it does not have the depth or intelligence of Deaver's earlier works featuring Rhyme.

I Feel Bad About My Neck

Title : I feel Bad About My Neck
Author : Nora Ephron
Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf

A candid and funny take on aging “gracefully”. Nora may offer slices of lives in New York but the experiences she shares are universal. Her inimitable sense of comedy will have you smiling and laughing, often in recognition. A little gem of a book that will chase away any blues, even when you are feeling bad about your neck or any other bodily parts.

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons

Title : Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons
Author : Lorna Landvik
Publisher : Ballantine Books

I love this book. You will traverse the trenches of daily life with faith and find God in the most extraordinary of women. Along the way, you meet a little slip of a thing that is fiercely dedicated to causes of society and life at large, a lady whose courage merit your admiration and the most caring Kari. With the simplest of language and easy prose, Lorna Landvik captures wit, humor, sadness and takes you on a profound emotional journey that will chronicle three decades in the lives of the ladies of the book club at Freesia Court.