Week 2: The Selection #1

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Author: Kiera Cass
Published: April 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen

"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined."

Review:

I bought this book last summer and I just randomly grabbed it since my father was in a hurry. I don’t have any idea with the plot or description of this book and surprisingly I’ve been a huge fan of this author and currently fangirling with her works!!!!

The Selection is the first book of the ongoing “The Selection Series” by Kiera Cass. It is “the chance of a lifetime” since there will be 35 girls who’ll compete to win Maxon’s heart (the prince) and be the next princess of Illea. But America Singer, the lead character for this story, doesn’t want to turn back for her first love, Aspen. But the plans for herself, Aspen and her family changed when she met the prince.

Words really can’t explain how I loved this book so much!!! I’m brilliantly stunned on how Kiera Cass tied all the supporting details for the story (settings, castes, war and royalty). You’ll really feel like you’re America Singer in the story (or it’s just me?) ha, anyway I really liked the part wherein the selected girls will show themselves up and it will be publicize for each places and assert themselves to bear out that they were really have to be part of the royal family. Also, the first meeting of America Singer and Maxon Shreave will always be the finest!

You can also watch the book trailer. (credits to the owner)

Assess yourself if you’re an avid fan of history, royal settings and action-romance story and this book will undeniably suits for you! You'll definitely feel the soul of being the royal blooded reader (ahhhh imagination strikes). However, if you are not into young-adult fancy love stories I suggest that you can also give this a try BUT don’t literally assume profound story.

You can also spill your view about this book. Share your comment below!

Week 1: The Present!

Author: Spencer Johnson
Published: September 23, 2003
Publisher: Doubleday

"For over two decades, Spencer Johnson has been inspiring readers with his simple yet profound stories of the challenges we face in these times of unprecedented change.

 
The Present is an engaging story of a young man’s journey to adulthood, and his tireless search for The Present, a mysterious and elusive gift he first hears about from a wise old man.  This Present, according to the old man, is the most valuable gift a person can receive.  Why? Because it is the one thing that doesn’t change in changing times. 
 
As the young boy becomes a man, he grows disillusioned with his work and his life.  So he returns to ask the old man to help him find The Present. The old man responds, “Only you have the power to find The Present for yourself.” Heeding the old man’s advice, the young man embarks on a worldwide search for this magical gift that remains unchanging in a changing world, and holds the secret to personal happiness and lifelong success.
 
It is only after the young man has searched high and low and all but given up his relentless pursuit that he discovers The Present—and all of the promises it offers."

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Review:

I got this book from a friend five years ago and that was when I was in 2^nd year high school. I chose this book to review and to start my blog in a way of showing what’s the best present in our lives and also to share what are my insights regarding this book by Spencer Johnson.

First, you’ll ever wonder why this book is entitled “The Present”. It is a story about the wise old man and a young boy who will help him throughout his adulthood and search for the best wonderful present in life.Also, this is a delightful story to help the readers and encourage that The Present in life is the best present that we are living in. 

For me, the message of this whole story is to enjoy the given present of our lives in ability to be more prosperous and feel joyous of what’s in our hands. And then I remember one line that the old man said, “However, what we believe and do today, in The Present, creates an important part of what happens tomorrow”, it was just fascinating to know that what we believe in the present may change of our perspectives for the future and I believe that this book will definitely cheer those people who are losing hope and still searching for the best present of their lives.

Now, after re-reading this book it uplifts my mind and soul to pursuit every hearty part of my life. Think to live positively in The Present and you'll guess what will happen next in The Future.