Take Off My Red Shoes - Nay Sharaya

Judul : Take Off My Red Shoes
Penulis : Nay Sharaya
Penerbit : Grasindo
Tebal & Tahun Terbit : 240hal, 15 Juni 2015
Sinopsis : Take Off My Red Shoes
Review :

Tidak mengetahui seluk beluk silsilah keluarga mereka membuat Atha dan Alia harus hidup di panti asuhan. Dilahirkan kembar tak lantas membuat mereka berdua mendapatkan perlakuan yang sama. Alia memiliki pribadi yang ceria dan mudah bergaul sedangkan Atha lebih pendiam, jarang bergaul dan memilih bermain sendiri. Karena pribadinya yang introvert, Atha sering kali tidak dihiraukan oleh teman - temannya. Hal itu berlanjut ketika Atha dan Alia diadopsi oleh sepasang suami istri dengan seorang anak laki - laki bernama Ares. 

Atha dan Alia sangat dekat satu sama lain. Namun ketika mereka beranjak dewasa, ada saja hal - hal yang membuat hubungan mereka renggang. Misalnya ibu yang lebih menyayangi Alia dan tidak menutup - nutupi hal tersebut, dan Ares yang lebih sering menghabiskan waktunya dengan Alia dibanding dengan Atha. Hal itu semua membuat Atha sedih dan diam - diam ia menyimpan kesedihannya dihati. 

Untuk sekali saja dalam hidupnya Atha ingin bebas dari bayang - bayang Alia. Alia yang supel, Alia yang pintar, dsb. Bukan berarti Atha tidak pintar, hanya saja segala sesuatu yang ia perbuat sepertinya tidak mendapat pengakuan dari ibunya. Untungnya Atha punya tetangga yang suka usil namun diam - diam menaruh perhatian padanya. Entah mengapa, tidak seperti kebanyakan orang, Kegan lebih tertarik pada Atha dibanding Alia.

Alia suka sekali dengan sepatu merah, baginya warna merah adalah warna keberuntungannya. Seolah ingin diakui, Alia mengikuti seleksi cheerleader di sekolahnya. Dalam proses seleksi yang ketat, ada saja hal - hal aneh yang terjadi disekitar Atha. Tanpa sadar mungkin Atha sudah menyakiti orang - orang disekitarnya.

 Setelah selesai membaca buku ini, saya baru tahu bahwa novel ini terinspirasi dari dongeng yang berjudul The Red Shoes karangan Hans Christian Andersen. Saya sendiri belum pernah membaca dongeng tersebut. Mungkin akan saya baca, namun tidak dalam waktu dekat. Mengingat banyak sekali bacaan yang belum dibaca dan belum lagi mood baca yang suka hilang timbul. Secara keseluruhan, saya suka dengan ide novel ini. Kita diajak untuk menerka apa sebenarnya maksud dari penulis. Awalnya kita digiring untuk bersimpati dengan Atha yang selalu mendapat perlakuan yang berbeda, namun semakin kebelakang kita menjadi ragu, apa mungkin Atha yang tidak baik?

Tidak ada asap tanpa api, tidak ada akibat tanpa sebab. Perlakuan yang diterima Atha selama ini mungkin saja dipicu oleh perbuatannya sendiri.

Rating : 3/5

Wonder - R.J. Palacio

Title : Wonder

Author : R.J Palacio

Date of Publisher : January 3rd 2013
Publisher : Corgi Childrens
Synopsis : Wonder - R.J Palacio
Review : 

"You can't blend in when you were born to stand out."

August Pullman (Auggie) is a ten year old boy with severe facial abnormalities. He was home-schooled back then but now it is the time when he is finally going to face the world. Auggie is going to school. And it means everyone will see him, most probably will judge him, bully him etc.

We can't choose the way we were born, but we can always choose the way we live. Is it Auggie's fault to be born like that? or is it his parents' fault? I always try to think positively that God gives us a test and a key to solve it at the same time. All we have to do is focus, don't complain all the time and try to get through it. 

"Why do I have to be so ugly, Mommy?" I whispered

"No, baby, you're not..."

"I know I am." pg 60

My heart hurt when I read it. He is just a kid. Kids his age are supposed to enjoy their childhood, hangout with friends, and even have a study group. But everyone choose to avoid him, as if he is invisible at class, and even make bad jokes about him. 

"He's just a kid. The weirdest-looking kid I've ever seen, yes. But just a kid." - 119

Through this book, I realized that people can be so mean sometimes. Our words can be more painful than any weapons. It can be a good thing as well, but only if we know how to use it in a proper way. I really like the quote that saying, before you say something, think, is it true? is it kind? is it necessary?

"There are always going to be jerks in the world, Auggie. But I really believe, and Daddy really believes, that there are more good people on this earth than bad people, and the good people watch out for each other and take care of each other. Just like Jack was there for you. And Amos. And those other kids." - 279

It takes more than courage to be able accept the reality. It needs passion, unstoppable love, and kindness. Bless Auggie's family and to those who are willing to accept Auggie for whoever and whatever he is. We always have something to be grateful about even at our lowest point. You know, like Auggie. Although he was born with severe facial abnormalities. but he have all things that every kids in the world would wish to have in their families such as love, warmness and kindness. 

"You have to go back to school. Everyone hates school sometimes. I hate school sometimes. I hate my friends sometimes. That's just life, Auggie. You want to be treated normally, right? This is normal! We all have to go to school sometimes despite the fact that we have bad days, okay?" - 115

Auggie had gone through mostly every worst thing that you could think about surgeries. Can all children do and bear that? Nope. First time is always the hardest. But remember that the more you practice, the better you will be. Going to school was so freakin hard to Auggie at the first time. School to him means he's practically facing the world. Maybe it's like that you were put into a zoo where all wild animals were standing in front of you with their sharp teeth wide open. His coming to school didn't go so well. Kids were freaked out. Most of them were terrified with his look, but Jack and Summer stood up for him. He had accepted rejection all the time. But through this situation, he is able to see who is his best friends, and who is fake. 

"I miss seeing you face, Augie. I know you don't always love it, but you have to understand. . .  I love it. I love this face of yours, Auggie, completely and passionately. And it kind of broke my heart that you were always covering it up." 291 - (Auggie's Daddy)

Wonder is a WONDERful book that I've read this year (last year) I just complete writing the review now ;__; Wonder doesn't simply teach you about life. It's more than that. It's about morality, love, friendship, toughness, and passion. There is always two sides of story and I really like how the author wrote each story through every head of the character. I hope more people will read this book and share it to others. 

"But the best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track , or even your grade point average - though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success." - 299


Rating : 5/5

Limitless : Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life - Nick Vujicic

Title : Limitless : Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life
Author : Nick Vujicic
Published on : April 2nd 2013
Publisher : WaterbrookPress
Synopsis : Limitless
Stars : 5 out of 5
Review :

First of all, I'd like to say welcome back to myself. It's been a long time since the last time I blogged. I've been missing this moment like crazy and here I am, typing enthusiastically and ready to share everything here #nospoilerintended :)

So I went to Popular bookstore in Penang last two weeks and wandering around. Then I walked to the best seller shelf and saw Nick Vujicic’s book titled Limitless. The book itself isn’t thick so I thought I could carry it around inside my bag. When I returned to the hotel where I stayed, I began reading that book. And to my surprise, Nick’s words have moved and driven me. How can someone be so positive when he has so much to think the otherwise? That’s what I want to learn from him.

When I was young, I often asked myself, what is my talent? My friends are good at singing, dancing, etc. but what am I good at? I’m average in everything. I often think that I’m not valuable enough because I have nothing to be proud of. But then I realize why do I look so low about myself? If I’m not cheering my own self, telling that I’m good, then who else will?

I realize that no one is perfect and so am I. I don’t have to be good at singing or math to be known. I just need to be myself. Be proud of every positive thing that I’ve done to other people and be happy each day. Carpe diem. Now I understand that the greatest happiness to me is seeing other people happy. So, if you are happy, then so am I.  

“It won’t matter how much money I’ve made or how many nice cars I’ve owned. What will matter is that I’ve reached out to someone and served a purpose greater than my own. “ pg 159

Nick’s story has taught me many things. It opens my mind and my heart to the next level of living my life to the fullest. I really love everything about him. He gives positive vibes to the readers based on his stories and his beliefs. And I really believe him when he said that what he was saying in his books is all true. It’s always easier said than done, of course. But Nick did not just say it, but he had gone through it. So there is no doubt at all. Not even a sec.

Honestly, I feel ashamed for what I can’t do but Nick can. He can swim, cook, and even surfing. Can you imagine how cool is that? He doesn’t spend a day without trying a new thing. When he tried and failed, he didn’t quit. Instead, he kept trying. That’s what I love about him, his super powerful courage.

We always get to choose. We just don’t always know about it. For every day that passed, when we woke up, we can choose what do we want to do, what do we want to wear, etc. Most importantly, we get to choose either we want to be happy for a new day that God gives to us, or be sad and worry about anything that hasn’t come yet.

I read his biography and know that his life at his young age was not easy. He ever attempted to suicide by drowning himself at the bathtub for several times because he felt that life wasn’t fair to him. He often prayed to God and wished that when he woke up in the morning, God would give him arms and legs. But that pray never come to him. He was also being picked on at school for being different than other kids his age. Who’s fault was that? There is no medical reason for Nick being born without arms and legs. So one day, Nick woke up and realized that even though he is born without limbs, it doesn’t mean he can’t be happy and enjoy his life. He began to accept himself, and by the love of his parents and family, he can overcome his fear and change his upset into gratitude. It's an amazing attitude. 

“If God can take someone like me, someone without arms and legs and use me as His hands and feet, he can use anybody.  It’s not about ability. The only thing God needs from you is a willing heart.”

I am really looking forward to any event that put him as the public speaker. I would like to see him by myself, listening to his speaking and hug him tightly for being such a great person for everyone.

Thank you Nick. You are the coolest person that I’ve known for my entire life. 

Now or Never - A.J. Bennett

Title : Now or Never
Author : A.J. Bennett
Publication Date : June 19th, 2013
Synopsis : Now or Never (taken from Goodreads)
Review :

Twin sisters Grayson and Luna were born seconds apart but they have different personalities. Luna is always more outgoing, and Grayson is the shy one. Things changed when Grayson met her boyfriend Josh. She thinks she has met the one. Because they have lived together and getting into deep relationship than ever. But is it love when your boyfriend is so jealous of other guys he decided to hit you? He can't bear to see you talking with another guy, he gave bruises on your hand? is it love? if it's love then I don't want to fall in love. 

It takes a long time for her to finally realize that it's not love. It's the anxiety that she feels, the feeling of being verbally and physically abused by the one you love and trust, IT IS NOT LOVE. I REPEAT, IT IS NOT LOVE. 

Grown up as the shy one doesn't make her truly vulnerable, Grayson choose to run away, make her own way to cherish her life to the fullest. She moved back to her mother's house but then she met another trouble, a guy she met at Starbucks, Derrick. Maybe, a fresh start with a new guy isn't so bad at all. But what if he just want to be her friend with benefits?  

Note to myself : 

1. No matter how handsome and sexy your boyfriend is, if he attacks or hits you for whatever the reasons are, LEAVE HIM NOW. Be with someone who adores you, not the one who hit you. 

2. Don't get involved with anything that you can't handle.

3. Family comes first. 

I like the concept that the author used. But I think it could be better at some parts. It isn't the path that I would want to walk in, but sometimes life can take you to places or people that give you either a blessing or a lesson.

"You're only young once Grace. Learn to enjoy it before it passes you by and you're my age." - Grayson's Mom

Time never goes back. Unless you have time machine which you don't, because it only exists in fiction and fantasy novels, it will never give you back your past. So enjoy what you do and what you have now, be happy about it, so you will have good memories when you recall it.  

Hopeless (Hopeless #1) - Colleen Hoover

Title : Hopeless
Series : Hopeless series
Author : Colleen Hoover
Publication Date : December 19th 2012
Synopsis : Hopeless (taken from Goodreads)
Review :

Sky's life is a complete mess.

I've come to the point that I don't even know how to start writing the review because her past and present's life is so complicated. Not only Sky's but her mother's, Holder's and everyone's. As a teenager, making friends with lots of people will give you benefits to shine. But for some people who only make friends to one or two persons, most of them are usually get bullied, verbally attacked, etc. Sky is used to be home-schooled and now she get the chance to study at public school. But things don't work out really well for her. Being Six's best friend give her a bad reputation but she doesn't care at all. Only a few know and understand her while the others are busy judging what they thought they know. 

"You have to let it go. You can hold on to the hate and the love and even the bitterness, but you have to let go of the blame. The blame is what's tearing you down, babe."

This story isn't simply just tell us about love between two young people. It is much more than that. It has deep meaning and involves every themes that we could think about such as bullying, friendship, truth and lies, rape, etc. I think the author has done a very good job. I'd never think about this plot and the mystery isn't very easy to guess. Since the beginning, the author has made us curious about who is the guy Sky met at the grocery store? , why Sky's mother Karen won't allow her to have phone and using internet?, etc.

I really love the chemistry between Sky and Holder that have developed since their first meeting. Although I can guarantee that a man like Holder is one in a million and maybe only exist in romance novels, but I really like how he loves Sky so much and would do everything to win her heart. Same goes to Sky who kind of have a bad thought of him at first but then fall in love with him for all that he has done for her.

"Because I want your first kiss to be the best first kiss in the history of first kisses."
"Fuck all the firsts, Sky. The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers."

Points that I get :

1. When a man likes you, he will make an effort to get to know you better.

2. If he likes you enough, your differences won't matter to him.

3. Dimples can be so intriguing. You will never know until you meet the one.  

You're in love when :

1. You have butterflies in your stomach whenever you met him. 

2. You spent so many times just to pick clothes to wear before you meet him. Normally it only takes 5 - 10 min to dress up but now it takes much longer to decide what to wear. 

3. You can't stop wondering what he/she is probably thinking of you.

About the friendship between Six and Sky and Sky with Breckin, tell you what? At first I'm so jealous of Sky for having friends like them. Not only because they are incredibly awesome friends who support you in every conditions, but also because they're giving e-reader and a phone to Sky! Like it's a normal present to give to your bestie. Some parts in this novel are too good to be true like Holder, and best friends like Six and Breckin.

I live you :*

Right There With You #1 - R.J.Sable

Title : Right There With You #1

Series : With You

Author : R.J.Sable

Published on July 2nd 2013

Synopsis : Right There With You (taken from Goodreads)

Review : 

Short review :

like the synopsis, pissed at the story.

Full review :

To be honest, I am half pissed and half-relieved on this story. At some point. I just want to kick all Jamie's brothers' asses, without exception. I was so excited reading the synopsis firstly, but when I read the whole story, I'm quite disappointed. I was expecting something else, something more sweet and lovely but it's far from my expectation. 

Raised by her brothers, Jamie-Lea isn't a talkative person. She does everything based on what her brothers ordered her to do. Not following the orders mean she's ready to fell the pain. Jamie-Lea is a very kind girl who loves and respect her brothers the most so she'd rather feel pain than have to disappoint them.

me as reader : she's so dumb!

me after put myself on Jamie's shoes : I don't know what exactly I would do if I were her. Run away maybe? or just speak out my mind to the oldest, Ian. Easier said than done, of course. But I wish Jamie could be more confident and have a faith on herself. 

Jamie Lea is basically run away from her brothers by moving out from their house. Living with six brothers without ever feeling the affection from her mother since baby makes her become so vulnerable. Her brothers love her, want the best for her but never ask for what she likes or what she doesn't like. They basically just decide anything based on what they think is the best for her. In other words, she got no vote for herself and even though she's eighteen, she is a baby on her brothers' eyes. 

In my opinion, all her brothers are way too overprotective and I really don't get it. Her brothers like to order her around as though she is their maid, or treat her like she is an invalid. Jamie called his brother with "sir" as if they were in military or something, and I was like what the hell? I am surprise they even let her go to uni and left home.

Jamie Lea is abused and bullied by her brother(s)? and her brother's friend. Reading her story makes me mad and upset. The feeling is real and I really want to do something for her. I'm thankful for the day Jamie met Jason and fell in love. Jason has cherished and supported her every time she feels down and he is the right man for her.

Some Q & A : 

Brother that I want to KICK the most is Jake.

Brother that I want to HURT is Matt.

Brothers that I like even just a bit are the twins

Brother that give me good impression is Craig.

Brother who doesn't leave a good memory is Karl. 

A person that is not better than animal is Duff

A person that I want to hug is Adam.

A person that I want to thank for everything is Jason. 

Rating : 2/5

PS : not recommended for readers under 21.

Point of Retreat - Collen Hoover

Title : Point of Retreat

Author : Colleen Hoover

Series : Slammed

Publisher : CreateSpace

Published on February 25th, 2012

Synopsis : Point of Retreat #2 (taken by Goodreads)

Review :

Short review :

totally unexpected, love the poems, Julia's stars made me cry, and it's okay to cry, even for men.

Full review :

Point of retreat is the second book of Slammed series. Unlike the first book in which Will was in dilemma whether to date Lake or not since they were teacher and student back then, this time they are officially together. 

"This girl is the rest of my life." I just love Will. Point of Retreat is based on Will's POV so reading through his mind gives me a perfect example of what a man could possibly thinking about his girlfriend. Being in Will or Lake's positions will never be easy. Both of them had to lose their parents at such young ages, and like it or not, the first priorities aren't to reach their dreams anymore, but to replace their parents' positions to raise and protect their brothers. 

Things go quite smoothly between Lake and Will. They're in love and supporting each other. Kel and Caulder are doing fine as well as Eddie and Gavin. But when they decided to go to the higher level of their relationship, Will's ex Vaughn showed up. Will Lake be just fine with that? and does Will still love her after what she had done to him in the past?

"If I left my head out of it and just followed my heart, I'd marry her today."

There are new characters, Sherry and Kiersten. They are mom and daughter who just moved in to Will's neighborhood. I love Kiersten truthfully. At first she was a bit annoying but she is so mature at her young age in comparison to Kel and Caulder, so I forgave her and started to like her instead. Not to mention that she's so brave for speaking out against those who bullied her. 

"Sometimes things happen in life that you didn't plan for. All you can do now is suck it up and start mapping out a new plan" , here it comes from the thirteen years old girl, Kiersten.

Another quote that I love is from Will grandmother's. It's actually an advice, so you guys better follow it :

A guy can tell a girl he's in love with her until he's blue in the face. Words don't mean anything to a woman when her head's full of doubt. You have to show her."

Is that ring the bell for you guys? When you love someone, instead of just telling them how much you love them, you need to show, express, and make sure they know it.

Last but not least, let me share to you one of my favorite poems,,,

If I were a carpenter, I would build you a window to my soul. 

But I would leave that window shut and locked, 

so that every time you tried to look trough it,

all you would see is your own reflection.

You would see that my soul

is a reflection of you. . .

Rating : 4/5

Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher

Judul : Thirteen Reasons Why
Penulis : Jay Asher
Penerjemah : Mery Riansyah
Penerbit : Penerbit Matahati
Tahun : 2011
Tebal : 287hal
Sinopsis :

Clay Jensen kembali dari sekolah dan menemukan kotak misterius yang ditujukan untuknya di teras rumah. Dalam kotak itu dia menemukan beberapa kaset yang direkam Hannah Baker—teman sekelas sekaligus cewek yang ditaksirnya—yang bunuh diri dua minggu sebelumnya. Hannah sudah meninggal. Rahasia-rahasia gadis itu seharusnya terkubur bersama jasadnya. Namun, Hannah menjelaskan tiga belas alasannya memutuskan mengakhiri hidup. Clay salah satunya. Dengan mendengarkan kaset itu, Clay akan tahu mengapa dirinya termasuk dalam tiga belas alasan itu. Sepanjang malam, Clay mendengarkan kaset itu. Clay mengikuti petunjuk dari kaset Hannah menyusuri kota kecilnya... dan apa yang dia temukan mengubah hidupnya selamanya.

Review :

Satu atau dua masalah terkadang sudah cukup menjadi penyebab seseorang bunuh diri, tapi Hannah Baker punya 13 alasan untuk mengakhiri hidupnya. Alasan yang takkan diketahui orang lain jika Hannah hanya sekedar bunuh diri dan meninggalkan segala penatnya di dunia ini. Tapi tidak, Hannah ingin mereka yang membuatnya menjadi Hannah yang sekarang ini tahu apa yang telah mereka semua sudah lakukan. Hannah merekam suaranya dalam kaset dan mengungkapkan satu persatu alasan yang membawanya menuju ke akhirat. Bukan hanya alasan, namun juga orang-orang yang berperan didalamnya. 7 kaset rekaman tersebut disebar kepada mereka yang berperan "penting" dalam kematian Hannah. Itu berarti mereka semua yang mendengar isi kaset itu akan tahu rahasia masing-masing.

Sebenarnya, aku memaafkan hampir kalian semua. Tapi kalian tetap harus mendengarkanku. Kalian tetap harus tahu.

Hannah hanyalah remaja biasa yang belum pernah dicium sebelumnya, dan sangatlah wajar jika dia ingin dicium oleh orang yang dipilihnya. Tapi orang tersebut adalah orang yang salah, dan Hannah terlambat mengetahuinya. Berawal dari ciuman itu, Justin Foley menyebar rumor ke semua temannya disekolah bahwa mereka melakukan lebih daripada sekadar ciuman. Berkembang dari rumor itu, Alex Standall membuat daftar siapa yang memiliki bokong terseksi dan yang tidak. Karena rumor dan daftar konyol itu, orang-orang membentuk opini mereka masing-masing terhadap sosok Hannah. Karena daftar itu, mereka jadi memiliki alasan untuk menyentuhnya. Sekolah sudah tak lagi aman ataupun nyaman bagi Hannah, dan Tyler Down merenggut satu-satunya tempat teraman bagi Hannah, yaitu rumahnya. 

Ketidaknyamanan ini tidak berhenti sampai disitu saja. Hampir disetiap saat Hannah merasa pelan-pelan mereka merenggut semua miliknya, kebahagiaan, canda tawa, keceriaan, dll. Hannah berada dalam titik terendah dalam hidupnya, ia tak tahu harus jujur pada siapa, tidak tahu siapa yang benar-benar mau mendengarnya, dan tidak tahu bagaimana cara mengungkapkan isi hatinya yang bak benang sudah kusut tak berujung. 

Saat ini kalian pasti bertanya-tanya, siapa sih mereka? Hannah, kau lupa menyebutkan nama mereka. Tapi aku tidak lupa. Jika ada satu hal yang masih kumiliki, itu adalah ingatanku.

Aku masih ingat kata-kata Pastor Agustinus beberapa tahun yang lalu bahwa janganlah sampai hati seseorang menjadi hampa atau kosong, karena ketika hati mereka kosong, mereka cenderung berkeinginan untuk mengakhiri hidup mereka. Itulah yang dirasakan Hannah, hidupnya tak lagi sama. Hatinya sudah hampa dan tak ada yang benar-benar mendengarnya. Tak ada yang cukup peduli padanya, jika ada, jelas mereka tidak menunjukkannya.

Jika kau mencintai seseorang, atau peduli padanya, jangan ragu-ragu untuk mengungkapkannya pada orang tersebut. Biarkanlah mereka tahu bahwa ada orang peduli, janganlah menyerah. Clay Jensen,dalam kasus ini, terlambat mengatakannya pada Hannah.

Ketahuilah bahwa karena hal-hal yang menurut kita sepele, sesungguhnya bisa berakibat besar bagi orang lain. Misalnya ketika kita mengejek seseorang gemuk karena postur tubuhnya yang besar, atau kita meledek teman kita karena jalannya yang pincang,dll Mungkin bagi sebagian dari kita menganggap itu lucu atau just for fun, tapi tahukah kita bahwa pada saat kita sedang tertawa diatas penderitaan mereka, mereka sesungguhnya sedang menangis dalam diam? 

Rating : 3.5/5

Art Geeks and Prom Queens - Alyson Noel

Title : Art Geeks and Prom Queens
Author : Alyson Noel
Publisher : St.Martin's Press
Publication Date : September 1st 2005
Format : Paperback, 240pages
Synopsis : click here
Review :

You Reap What You Sow

Rio Jones is a new kid from New York. She's got her mother's look and height. Basically, she is a gorgeous girl. But somehow she doesn't aware of  it. She starts to hang out with Jas and Mason and for some reasons, she got detention and her mother told her not to hang out with them anymore. Then she meets Kristi, a popular girl who seems to have lots of friends. Kristi told her that in order to be one of her friends, Rio needs to follow some rules, which most of it are ridiculous. It was a new thing for Rio. She used to have two best friends and they did not seem to have any rules to follow.

I enjoyed reading this, although at some points I found myself shaking my head in disbelief. Like seriously? *Rolling eyes* I am not fond of Rio. She is very easily influenced by anything and she acts like she's living in a fairy tale, which a bit annoying. I wish she finds the courage to say 'No' but no, she just goes with Kristi's plans and rules.

Lessons to be learned :
1. Just be yourself. Don't pretend smoking if you just want to look cool. Trust me, you will look ridiculous by then. Especially when you ended coughing,etc. Your friends won't tell you that you are such a cool person, but instead they will call you a liar for lying that you can smoke. So, just be yourself.
2. Don't think too much about how people will react towards you. Instead put yourself first.
3. Don't get overconfident. It will just do more harm than good.
4. Don't pretend to be someone else or like things that you actually hate just because you are desperately want to join the popular groups. Back to point no.1, just be yourself.
5. Don't befriend with someone who think that you eating your entire lunch is gross.
6. When someone you know give you a cocaine, tell yourself that (s)he isn't your friends and say 'No'.
7. Don't play with someone's heart because it's not a toy.

"Zane seems really nice?"
"Really? You think so?"
"Well, yeah."

"Well, that's nice. 'Cause we broke up.'


"I guess I kind of blew that, huh?"
"You didn't know."

"Well, Monique seemed really nice. Or did you break up, too?

"No, we didn't break up, we're still together." pg.64

When I was reading this, I was like,'Geez, what the hell is wrong with Rio?? Is she out of her mind?
That's not kind of a joke at all. I don't know why she said that in the first place. *sigh* She tries to be funny but it turned out so bitter and odd.

When she befriend with Kristi and her groups, she admits that everyone starts to know her and call her name. But is it really worth it? Like when you make over yourself thoroughly, do you really want it? I mean, yes, maybe people will start admire you but what about yourself? Do you like it? Do you make it for yourself or just to please people? For me, my opinion is more about important than others. Their opinions are important as well, but when you look at yourself in the mirror and you find it charming while your friends tell the opposite, don't change any of it. People have a different style and point of view. You can follow them, but it doesn't mean that you have to follow their words all the time. You know, you have to love yourself first before someone else can love you. 

When I finally get that this book involves bullying, I can't help but sigh. I'm quite aware that bullying happens a lot at school where jocks, popular crowds try to gain power and control over another students. When they ask you to join their groups but you resist, you will just be their new enemy. If you are not a tough person, they will see you as easy target and try to attack and humiliate you. If you can't defend yourself better, then you will just be a particular victim that get bullied repeatedly over time. I learned this from the book I read for my thesis, Nineteen Minutes.

The only way to prevent and stop it is to talk openly about it. Find someone you trust to share this thing. You can talk to your parents about it. Don't ever think that they don't care. Children are their pearls, they will listen and help you get through your problems.

My Only - Irin Sintriana

Judul : My Only
Penulis : Irin Sintriana
Penerbit : Media Pressindo
Tahun : 2012
Tebal : 216hal
ISBN : 9799111072
Sinopsis : My Only
Review :
Bab awal sangat menarik minat. Tentang seorang laki-laki dewasa sehat lahir batin yang berlagak bak seorang ayah yang selalu benar dalam segala hal. Alhasil, jika ia tak senang akan kondisi di rumahnya, atau jika ia tiba-tiba ber-mood jelek, maka istrinya akan menjadi sasaran empuk dari layangan tangannya. Tisya kecil mungkin masih belum tahu banyak hal. Tapi ia tahu satu hal, bahwa seorang suami seharusnya menyayangi istrinya, bukan memukulnya. Tisya yang sering menyaksikan kejadian itu, selalu membela ibunya.  Karena tindakannya yang berani, ayahnya mengurungnya di gudang setiap kali ia dan istrinya bertengkar.

Tisya kecil takut, tapi tidak ada yang bisa menyuruhnya berhenti untuk membela ibunya. Suatu ketika, perbuatan kasar ayahnya mengakibatnya ibunya harus dilarikan kerumah sakit. Akibat benturan yang keras, ibu Tisya mengalami amnesia. Karena stress berkepanjangan, ia pun menjadi gila dan ayahnya ditahan di penjara.

What a life. Seorang anak kecil seperti Tisya sudah harus mengalami berbagai cobaan berat yang menimpanya dan ibunya. Seperti ibarat, sudah jatuh tertimpa tangga pula. Sejak saat itu pula, Tisya trauma dengan yang namanya laki-laki. Baginya semua laki-laki akan berperilaku sama seperti ayahnya.

Tisya yang berhati keibuan memulai karirnya sebagai guru di sebuah sekolah. Di sana ia bertemu dengan Ben, lelaki yang kelihatannya begitu tertarik pada Tisya. Ben melontarkan kata-kata manis dan disambut dengan kata-kata pedas dari Tisya. Tapi tentu pandangan tak percaya, benci,dll itu bisa berubah ketika seseorang begitu commit dalam perbuatan dan perkataannya kan? :)

"Kau berhak membenciku dan aku berhak menyukaimu." pg66

"Itu cukup bagiku, Sya. Asal kamu mau berjanji untuk membuka hatimu, aku akan mencari jalan untuk masuk ke dalamnya."pg.90

PS : Buku ini buntelan dari mamak Maggie :) Bunch of thanks mak.

Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publication Date : November 2007
Publisher : Atria Books
Review :

Jodi Picoult, thank you for writing such a good book for you readers. I'm not a loyal one, but i'm a fan now :)

I chose this topic for my thesis, bullying.

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behavior is habitual and involves an imbalance power. It can include verbal harassment, physical assault, or may be directed repeatedly over time towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexuality or ability. source : wikipedia

Nineteen Minutes is a story that portrayed a young boy, Peter Houghton who had been bullied for almost every day in his life. Since he began his first day of kindergarten, he had been fooled around by random boys who shared the same bus with him. Id did not stop there but keep on happening until he was in senior high school and finally he decided to end it in his own way.

"Everyone's saying I ruined their lives, but no one seemed to care when my life was the one being ruined." pg191

As a matter of fact, it is not only Peter who got bullied, but there were other students that got bullied as well. But none of them were getting very bad treatment like Peter did. Josie was used to be his friend, but then she decided to join the popular group at school and abandoned Peter.

"Why do you think they targeted you?"
"I don't know. They're like a pack. They have to make someone else feel like shit in order to feel good about themselves."

"Where do you want me to start," Peter answered, bitter. "In nursery school, when the teacher would bring out snacks, and one of them would pull out my chair so I'd fall down and everyone else would crack up? Or in second grade, when they held my head down in the toilet and they flushed it over and over, just because they knew they could? Or that time they beat me up on my way home from school and I needed stitches?" pg.191

Peter was a natural target for bullies and his life was all downhill from the first day of kindergarten when his Superman lunch box was thrown out of the school bus window onto the highway. As time passed and he got older, the same group of bullies had been slamming him into lockers, kicking him, punching him, verbally abusing him and intimidating him for as long as he could remember.

"You are the thing that used to be normal, but that may be so long ago, you can't even remember what it was like."pg195

"Did you ever tell anyone about what was going on? Parents? Teachers?"
"No one gives a crap," Peter said. "They will tell you to ignore it. They say they'll be watching out to make sure it doesn't happen, but they never watch." pg192

When the bullying took place, Peter had asked helped and reported the bullying to his parents and his teachers at school. Sadly, teachers and parents told him not take it seriously and instead told him that he needed to stick up for himself, that he has to find a way to stop the bullying happened by his own self. He was just a kid by then. Thus, when his father taught him how to use rifle, he gladly learned how to shoot. In his mind, those guns could help him solve his problem.

"I don't think I can go to your house on Friday." "How come?" "Because my mom said she'll punish me if I lose my lunch box again." "That's not fair,'Josie said. Peter shrugged. "Nothing is." pg113

Q : Why are you so interested in this topic? And what do you want to deliver to people when they read your thesis?
A : I am so interested in this topic because i'm quite aware that bullying happens in the real life as well.I want to let them know bullying is a serious problem that needs to be taken seriously. I want to let them know that bullying is wrong and it is not a funny thing to do at all. Because bullying means that we kill someone's right to feel safe and happy in world.

Just like Jodi Picoult wants to deliver her messages through writing to her readers, I myself want to deliver about the effects of bullying to my readers. That the effects of bullying may lead to long-term health and emotional effects. In this case, Peter Houghton had suffered through relentless bullying for twelve long years resulting in a serious psychological trauma. His syndrome was called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological
trauma.

Q : How many types of bullying that you found in this novel?
A : I found four,Sir. There are physical bullying, verbal bullying, cyber bullying and sexual bullying.

Q : Explain each of it!
A : Physical bullying is a form of bullying that occurs when someone is physically harmed through being bitten, slapped, punched, kicked or any other physical attacks. In this case, Peter H had been slammed into a locker and a wall for so many times that he could remember.

Verbal Bullying occurs when someone uses language to gain power over his or her victim. In this case, the popular kid humiliated Peter by saying that he was a freak, a homo and many other name-calling.

Cyber bullying includes sending a rude, vulgar, mean, threatening messages or images, posting sensitive or negative information about another person. The popular group used an online media and instant messages to intimidate him by saying that he was a loser, fag,etc.

Sexual bullying is related to a person's appearance, body parts or sexual orientation. One of the jocks, Matt yanked Peter's pants down showing his genital in front of many students at the cafeteria. Peter was carrying a milk at that time and it spilled out through his genital, they made a joke about that by saying he was having a premature ejaculation.

Q : So, what action did he take to stop the bullying?
A : Well, actually he had tried many things to stop the bullying happened. He had reported it to teachers but they did not take his words seriously because they thought that it was just part of growing up. He had also told his parents, but instead of getting support, they told him to find a way to stop it by himself otherwise he would be punished. So, Peter Houghton finally decided to end the bullying by his own self. He took a violent and extreme action by carrying four guns at school, and used two of them to shot nineteen people, resulting ten were dead and nine were wounded. As the result, he was convicted with eight counts of first degree murder and two counts of manslaughter and sentenced to life in prison. And one month after the conviction, he decided to end his life by suffocating himself with a soak.

The questions above were questions that my examiners asked me yesterday when I was having my green table examination. I answered them confidently like I was telling a story or something like that. To be honest, I'm not a good storyteller. I'm better in writing than speaking. But I don't want to go into a war without any weapons. So, I studied, reading my post-it that I pasted all over my laptop and practice everyday. Thank God I did not mess up anything. Instead my examiners seemed to enjoy the time we had and even asked for more details about Peter showing that they were interested in this topic. As the result I got an A. Thank God. Thank you again, Jodi.