read as many books possible in 2008

I have such a soft spot for Bod Owens, after reading the short story version. This book is a superb addition to Gaiman’s work. Highly recommended.

Speed read this one. Mildly entertaining. Unexpected ending, not too bad I guess.

Probably the ultimate book on book reviews! Haha.. Among the contributors include Stephen Covey, Wally Amos (of the cookie fame, Famous Amos) and Rhonda Byrne, author of The Secret.

A gem for those who’s keen on checking out new authors and great books. :D

In English, this book title is “Booking a ticket to Heaven”. It describes the basic tenets of being a good Muslim. Mainly focusing on the Syahadah and the other pillars of Iman, observing the basic fundamentals of Islam (aka 5 pillars of Islam) and other deeds that can help nurture one’s faith and spiritual beliefs.

Too bad there isn’t a cover available online. This book is written in the Malay language in simple phrases with concise examples and illustration. Highly recommended for any Muslims who are keen to deepen their faith.

I finished this book during Ramadhan and I am grateful that I finally found the strength to start reading this. The book narrates the history of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him, PBUH) and how carried out his work as the Messenger of God. Starting from his pre-prophethood days up until his death. It also told stories of how certain verses in the Holy Quran described the issues that he handled and the “hikmah” or true meaning behind each one.

This book is a translation of the original work by the famous Muslim scholar, Dr. A’idh Abdullah Al-Qarni. His famous works include “La Tahzan” or “Don’t be Sad” which I intend to read soon.

I am devouring everything written by Neil Gaiman, at least those I can find for now.

This one is a collection of short stories. An ecletic mix of the surreal, supernatural and down right scary. But I can’t seem to put this down and finished it within a day. While it’s tagged as a book for Young Readers, I’d like to think I’m half my age where books are concerned. :)

This is my first book my the author. The cover and title were intriguing, plus the first few paragraphs didn’t sound like a complete bore.

Turns out this book was like a self-help book and chic lit rolled into one! Listing useful tips from accessories to what to wear on a yacht (not that it would happen to me anytime soon), I felt a strong urge to trim down my wardrobe and run like a mad woman to the nearest Zara outlet.

Still, I consider this a fun and entertaining tale, will definitely watch out for more from Tessaro next time I go book browsing.

I enjoyed reading this. It’s reassuring to know that bloke lit discusses the same complexes normally found in chic lit. Though I find this a lot more tolerable, less likely to encounter phrases riddled with exclamation marks and moments of random panic.

As the title suggests, Matt Beckford is about to turn thirty. All is well except that he just broke off with his girlfriend, uproots from New York back to Birmingham and goes home to live with his parents. Not how he pictured turning thirty would look like. But all is not lost, as Matt rounds up the old gang and tries to find comfort in old friendships and one particular friend/lover/ex.

Gosh, I bet turning forty would provide more fodder for fiction. ;)

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!

I can’t remember when was the last time I finished a book in less than 24 hours. But I raced through this like the Apocalypse was about to happen for real. Haha.. ^{okay, enough joking around about The End Of Days..ehem..}

Basically, as far as apocalyptic plots go, this had the usual share of angels and demons (except they turned out to have more in common), hell hounds (only one actually, though depicted more like the pup from Hush Puppies ads), witches and witchfinders (destined to be entangled in ways one would not have expected), the Spawn on you know who (eleven years old and is more concerned about how to keep his league of four constantly entertatained) and yeah.. the Four Horsemen, except they prefer Harleys.

You get the plot now. But read it anyhow cause I promise you, it’s that good. :D

To say this book was a tough read would be a gross understatement. I lost count how many times i tossed it aside. But like an itch that would not leave, i returned to it, patiently reading the pages and was duly rewarded.

What is it about? A whole lot to begin with. About quality, both classical and romantic. About caring enough about your subject you see past the object. About finding and maintaining inner peace, of mind, body and soul. About a father who was saved by his son, returning from the throes of insanity. About beauty and ugliness, the truth, the good and the gray in between.

The book is so worn out now with dog-eared pages bearing phrases that truly spoke to me. I am so grateful to finally finish reading it. I trust its effect will stay with me for a long time.