Book Review: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

If you are a latecomer to the Stieg Larsson phenomenon, here, briefly, is the deal: Larsson was a Swedish journalist who edited a magazine called Expo, which was devoted to exposing racist and extremist organizations in his native land. In his spare time, he worked on a trilogy of crime thrillers, delivering them to his Swedish publisher in 2004. In November of that year, a few months before the first of these novels came out, he died of a heart attack. He was only 50, and he never got to see his books become enormous best sellers- first in Sweden and then, in translation, all over the globe.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest is the 3rd installment of the trilogy; its predecessors, which i call Book 1 and Book 2, have already sold a million copies combined in the US and many times that abroad. All 3 books are centered on two principal characters: a fearless middle-aged journalist named Mikael Blomvkist, who publishes Millennium magazine and a slight, sullen, socially maladjusted, tech-savvy named Lisbeth Salander, the "girl" of the books' titles, who, in addition to her dragon tattoo, possesses extraordinary hacking abilities, a photographic memory and a twisted, complicated past.


To me, the 3rd book is good but not as good as the 2nd one. It is pulse-racing, action packed and intellectually structured. However, it threw me off on how a number of new characters were added. It was like a revelation with a lot of complicated details. It was all about Lisbeth and the long kept secret about her father. It shows that despite Lisbeth being "asocial" she had friends who stuck with her till the end. The trial is my most favorite, that fucking Teleborian, haha! But for some reason i was a bit bored in some parts of the stories which is an unexpected  feeling. And i really find the Blomvkist- Figuerola love affair, GROSS. But nevertheless, it was a story that I would never forget.

This book review is rather sentimental than fun, why? I was left with a feeling of remorse and sadness with the fact that Stieg Larsson has died even before all the success happened with both the books and movies. I had questions in mind: If Larsson is still alive, would he have written a 4th book? With all the success, would he have been inspired in writing more books? Sad.

Book Review: The Girl Who Played with Fire

The Girl Who Played with Fire is the second book from the best-selling trilogy "Millennium Series" by Swedish writer Stieg Larsson. It was published posthumously in Swedish in 2006 and in English in January 2009.

As you all know or probably don't know yet, my only time to read is during my avail time at work. I don't really read when i'm at home because that is time spent with my boys. So, I have at least 2-3 hours a day to read but that depends on how addicted  i am with the story that i would spare another hour or two. This 2nd book has worsen my already established obsession with Lisbeth Salander. And made me stay awake 'till 6 am in the morning for 3 straight days leaving me less that 8 hours of sleep. The Girl Who Played with Fire causes extreme sleep-deprivation. This book is THAT good. To compare it with the 1st book which i finished in 1 week, I finished this 2nd one in 3 days. Haha! Now what is it that made me enjoy thsi book so much?

1. Book 1 focused mainly on the Vanger family and gave more of Mikael Blomvkist and a little of Lisbeth Salander who after all is the main character of the book. Apparently, i feel like it was intended that way for the readers to long for more and have something being played in the imagination. Book2 focused on no one but Lisbeth. Yes, there were some new characters added too but damn! Lisbeth's hacking skills was more emphasized and the details of her character were revealed giving the readers an idea of her background and history.

2. Lisbeth was fucking missing for a few chapters that i started to get REALLY annoyed. And due to this annoyance i couldn't put the book down and i just had to wait until her name appears on the context of the book. She disappeared after being the chief suspect for three murders but of course, I've decided not to retell the story in any way so go figure yourselves.

3. I love the pace of the story. The manner of giving the readers a glimpse of Lisbeth's past but moving forward to what's gonna happen next. It shows how Lisbeth is loved and loathed by the people that surround her. It really brings a totally different view of her because for the first time you can see her being truthfully affected by her friend, Miriam Wu. It shows a soft side of her.

4. The book was so thrilling that my hands were literally shaking as it was reaching the end of the story. I loved it so much, it was hard for me to recover not until i got my hands on the 3rd book. Haha! The pace of the story, the introduction of the characters, the intellectual capabilities of Blomvkist and Salander, the involvement of Dragan Armansky and Holger Plamgren and the fucking media and policemen.

5. Who would've thought that Salander would have a notorious half-brother and a father who was a former Russian spy? Interesting family members were revealed and it was both shocking and surprising. It gave details on why Lisbeth was locked in the mental asylum and what her next actions were.

6.This book leaves you so BITIN, leaving you with a lot of questions. Will she go to jail? Will she die? What the fuck will happen???

All-in-all. I was satisfied. I know i haven't made a review of the 3rd book(which i have already read) but i am now giving the conclusion, that this one is the best book of the trilogy.

Movie Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Finally! I have seen the movie that I have been waiting for since last year. David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I have to admit, I was holding my breath the entire movie (wonder why I’m still alive) but to my dismay I kinda got a bit disappointed on how the movie ended. I don’t want to be biased since I’m a huge Fincher fan from way back The Social Network days. His trace can be seen throughout the movie and with the sound effects you know it’s a Fincher film. Btw, before I proceed, I would not make any comparisons to the Swedish version since I haven’t seen that one. This is purely my take on the American version.

Fincher did a great job in executing the movie. While I was still reading the book, it was playing in my head on how it will be made into a film since there were a lot of tweaks and complicated scenarios in the book. I was really curious on how the series of murder will be laid out and how the characters will be presented. Before I watched the movie, I placed myself in a seat of someone who hasn’t read the book. I pretended to be someone who doesn’t know a thing about the plot of the story.

Good Points:
1. The CAST. Wow! They picked the actors very well! Daniel Craig made a convincing Mikael Blomkvist and Rooney Mara.. oh my goodness, I vouch for her to win the Best Actress in this year’s Oscars, she did an awesome job! She was the perfect Lisbeth Salander! The make over was undeniably brilliant and her acting was raw, edgy and was very much Lisbeth. I just love them as a pair. It worked! No wonder Scarlett Johansson was snubbed of the role. Lisbeth was described to be an unattractive girl and was even said to look like a 14-yr old boy. And with a lot of nude scenes in the movie, with Johansson in it, it could’ve been easily tagged as porn. Sorry ScarJo!
2. The Soundtrack. I am a Led Zep fan. The movie’s OST was a cover of the “Immigrant Song”. It wasn’t bad at all, it was gut-wrenching!
3. Cinematography. Fast, energetic and compelling. That is how I would describe the movie. Everything was just beautifully shot.
4. The flow of events. Even for someone like me who has read the book, i was still struck in some of the scenes. It’s as if I didn’t know what would happen next. I was thrilled, nervous and I was sweating. It was really getting into my skin. Creepy.

Bad Points
1. I wonder why they had to omit Blomkvist and Cecilia Vanger’s love affair, wasn’t that significant enough? Isn’t it that in the book, she was somehow suspected in being part of Harriet’s disappearance? Isn’t it that she was the one who was first suspected as being “the girl” seen in the old photograph at Harriet’s window? I guess the movie time wasn’t enough to include that. Acceptable.
2. Now this is what I was most disappointed with. For me, I believe that Harriet’s expose has to be the climax or the highlight of the movie. After all, it is Harriet that everyone was looking for right? How is it that in the movie, Anita and Harriet are the same people??? When Mikael went to Anita’s house and they managed to hack her computer, I was eagerly waiting for an e-mail or a phone call that Anita would make to Harriet, then they trace it then end of story, they find that Harriet is in Australia. But instead, they killed Martin, talk to Anita/ Harriet then that’s it. Walang pasabog! Anita and Harriet looked alike but they’re not the same person. Unacceptable. The ending of the movie was a bit lousy. The only redeeming factor was Salander’s “dress-up” party. The movie ended exactly how it was written in the book, Lisbeth was furious seeing Blomkvist and Erika Berger happy together.

My favorite part of the movie would have to be:
a. Lisbeth’s revenge to her Rapist Pig guardian. I am fascinated by gore and brutal images.
b. All of Blomkvist and Salander’s love scenes. They have chemistry on screen.
c. Lisbeth’s “dress-up” thing. She was HOT!
d. I also like it every time I see her lit a cig or type on her keyboard. Attitude!

So there, I wasn’t even sure if this is helpful or not. I don’t care. But all in all, I would still give it 5 out of 5 stars. Why? It’s because it’s very rare that I would like a movie this much. The last time I had the same feeling for a movie is when I watched Black Swan. I like movies and stories that haunt me.

I still have one question though, I’m not sure if it’s just me or what.. but why does it seem like Blomkvist isn’t that crazy for Lisbeth? When he got back in Stockholm, he went back to that Berger girl. And just like how the movie ended and how Lisbeth felt, I too, got furious.

I am in-love with Lisbeth Salander. :)

Book Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

It took me a 8 days to finish reading "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", the award-winning crime novel and first of the best-selling trilogy which is the Millennium Series by the late Stieg Larsson. The book’s original title in Swedish is Män som hatar kvinnor – "Men Who Hate Women". It was published in 2005 and later in 2008 it was published in English. It was a success in both the European countries and as well as in the United States. Larsson shows a great yet disturbing depth in the book and when I searched him on Wikipedia it clearly explained the reason behind the intellectual book.
(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Girl_with_the_Dragon_Tattoo): Larsson witnessed the gang rape of a young girl when he was 15. He never forgave himself for failing to help the girl, whose name was Lisbeth – like the young main character of his books, herself a rape victim, which inspired the theme of sexual violence against women in his books.

Here’s how I would describe the book in two words: brilliant mindfuck. I wouldn’t want to spoil you with the story since you can read it yourself and if you’re quite lazy then you can just see the movie. This is just my personal view on the book. I totally loved it! It’s been a long time since I’ve read something that actually had a great effect on me. I remember I was reading it one night and I had to leave the lights open ‘cuz I was paranoid that the killer was just next to me. Yes, there is a killer and that is where the story evolves.

Allow me to give you just a gist of what the story is all about. The book starts with journalist Mikael Blomkvist who was sued with a libel case by a billionaire industrialist Hans-Erik Wennerström. His career and his credibility was at streaks that he somehow agreed on signing a contract with Henrik Vanger of the legenday Vanger Corp. Blomkvist was then assigned to solve a mystery that has been haunting the Vanger family for more than 40 years and that is the disappearance of Harriet Vanger. In his search for the truth which eventually became a case he couldn’t get enough of, he needed the help and assistance of an experienced researcher by the name of Lisbeth Salander who was also a genius computer hacker and had the gift of a photographic memory. So there.. that’s just 5% of the whole story, and the rest you would have to read yourselves. Bitin ba?

I’m not good in giving book reviews, as this is my first. I might end up telling you what happened so let me be more subjective. Larsson’s trilogy is quite addictive. My next read is The Girl who Played with Fire. I love Salander’s character that I feel it sinking inside my skin. I could totally relate to her when it comes to her reaction on certain situations. I actually wanna be like her sometimes. Haha! The book starts pretty well until it gets just a bit boring when it tackled that Vanger family tree. Maybe I don’t have the patience to know who the family members are. Everything turned fast-paced when Salander and Blomkvist were working hand in hand, completing the puzzle in a systematic and dramatic way.

Most parts of the book became a total shock as well. Some of which would be Salander’s unwanted torture from her 2nd guardian. There was also the short relationship Mikael had with Cecilia Vanger which was rather gross to me. And third, is the turning out of the events, the expose of Martin Vanger and the fate of Harriet Vanger of what exactly happened to her. It was a roller-coaster read that for most of the time I had to light a cig to keep me from being too tense with the tweaks of the story. I like it how Lisbeth is such a kickass that most of the problems encountered in the book were solved by her but I simply could not comprehend how it seems to me that Blomkvist doesn’t really like her the way she liked him. He would always tell her about their age gap or he would remind her of their relationship as work partners, which to me is a clear sign that he wasn’t into her.

All in all, the book was pretty much satisfying. And I would recommend it to anyone at any day. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book of the trilogy. It might take me another week or so, ask why? I only read during my available time at work or any other chance I get except for when I’m at home since that is time devoted to my boys. Oh well, nuf of this shit. Just go read the book and Read to Lead! Hell yeah!

fuck yeah Saab

Ok, it’s actually rare that I would like a local personality. Anne Curtis and Ornusa Cadness are both an exemption since I had an instant crush on them the first time I saw them. So what exactly it is that captures my attention when it comes to women? And btw, I’m straight. Well, I think it’s not only the looks but the "dating" of that person. And Saab Magalona definitely has it!

When I first started reading blogs, it was mostly fashion blogs from who I call the Top 4: Tricia Gosingtian, Laureen Uy, Kryz Uy and Camille Co. Among the four of them, Tricia has to be my favorite. Why? Because she’s pretty smart and I like her writing skills. But it only took me a month to get tired of visiting their blogs. But don’t get me wrong. Yes, I’m impressed by their work ‘cuz I know that blogging is a hard work. And they also deserve respect for their craft and individual success with their expertise. The only problem I had is that I’m not a fan of high-end fashion. I would shop once every 3-4 months or whenever needed. I’m very lazy and low maintenance. So, I appreciate their blogs, I just couldn’t relate myself to it.

Then I learned of Saab Magalona’s blog. Would you believe that I only read her blog last December??? Just exactly where I have been, I don’t know. But the moment I started reading her blogs (http://www.isabellamagalona.com/) I got hooked! Now, I visit her blog everyday! I actually get sad when she doesn’t update her blog. Haha! Demanding much? But since it’s only last year that I’ve learned of her I had to back track all her posts on both her blog account and her Tumblr account on which she would post mostly pictures.

I’m currenty obsessed with Saab. I love her non-conformist sense of style. I like how her fashion sense is very much similar to mine. I’m not saying that I dress up as good as she does but I’m definitely smitten by her. I appreciate how she’s fond of DMs, sneakers like Vans and Keds, National Geograpic bags and MAC lipsticks. She is also effortlessly pretty. Walang arte. Kanto chic. She is very smart, wide-read, excellent in writing, talented as she can sing, act and she’s very indie. I could even relate to her taste in music and choice of books. And I just decided to grow my hair because Saab’s hair cut is so fucking cool and I would definitely copy it! Haha! Gayagaya!

It’s through Saab that I was inspired to blog. It’s funny cuz we’re of the same age yet I feel like she’s a superwoman who has accomplished a number of things. And as I learn more about her, I also got to know more about her family. I’ve always liked the Master Rapper and as a child I had a crush on him. No one can deny the fact that Francis M. was such a cutie and he looked like he didn’t age. But death is inevitable and he succumbed to Leukemia. Then there’s the strong-willed, sophisticated Pia Magalona. I really admire her parenting skills, I mean I don’t personally know her so I really couldn’t tell how she is as a mom but to see that she can handle all 8 of her kids is just awesome! I have one kid and I still stumble on my mom skills, what a shame! She’s just really pretty and graceful and seems to be such a cool mom! So we have the perfect mom and prefect dad who are equally good-looking so no doubt their kids are blessed with enviable genes. I haven’t really seen their eldest ate and kuya that much but let’s start with Frank, then there’s Maxx, Saab, Elmo, Clara and the super cute Arkin. Their family is a good-looking, talented and awesome bunch.

I actually got so much to say because I’ve turned my fangirl mode on but I would suggest you visit her blog and her Tumblr account instead and follow her on Twitter! I swear, it’s no non-sense, it’s very informative and I’m sure you’ll enjoy her book reviews since she is being sponsored by Fully Booked. Go ahead, discover for yourself and get Saab-holic. Haha! <3

Calmoseptine

　

This is going to be short and simple (I’m applying the K.I.S.S. law). As a mom, I just wanna say how happy I am that this brand of ointment was introduced to me. In September of 2009, one of the most devastating typhoons to hit the Philippines was recorded, Typhoon Ondoy. My son is one of the youngest survivors of the typhoon for he stayed on the rooftop of our house for not more than 24 hours. That caused him not only fever, cough and colds but also an extreme case of diaper rash. I’m not sure if I have a picture of it but it was painful to look at. It looked like strips of bacon on my baby’s butt and that was because he was wearing the same diaper the whole time while we were waiting for the floods to subside.

Alkie was confined for four days as he was infected with E-Coli, perhaps because he got exposed to contaminated water. And due to that, he had a frequent bowel movement (paumanhin sa mga kumakain), resulting to the worsening of his rashes. The consistency of his poop was watery and quite acidic so it just didn’t help at all. But thank goodness.. one of his doctors from the hospital recommended Calmoseptine and in less than a month, his once sore, reddish and skinless butt healed. I’m really grateful for that product. Up until now whenever he experiences diaper rash, be it a mild or an extreme rash, I just apply Calmospetine and ta-dah, it resolves all my worries.

So there, I have intended for this to be short so.. I’m ending this with a shout-out to the genius behind the product. Kudos to you whoever you are! =)

BEROCCA

Ok, so I’ve been taking this multi-vitamins called Berocca for three days now and I said that I wouldn’t really blog about it not until at least a week, but what can I say, I’m impressed. Being the sleepy head and the sakitin that I am, I’ve always been in the out, searching for the perfect vitamins or food supplement that can help boost my immune system. With the work schedule that I have which is less than the normal and the little amount of sleep I get plus yeah, there’s smoking and occasional drinking too, I know that it’s either I do away from my vices or improve my health. I know it’s too early to do the verdict but out of all the vitamins that I have tried I would definitely vouch for Berocca. I don’t feel too tired and I’m alive than the usual sleepy me.

Here below is the composition of the product:

What's in Berocca

• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin C
• Biotin
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Folic acid
• Calcium
Helps build healthy bones and teeth. Supports your blood cells, helps your body produce energy and boosts your immune system. Essential for growth, zinc also maintains a healthy immune system. Magnesium works with B vitamins to help your body release energy from food, and keep your nervous system and muscles working properly. Helps you release energy from food. Vitamin C is needed to support a healthy immune system. An antioxidant, it helps protect your cells from premature aging. http://www.berocca.com/en/whats-the-secret-of-berocca/index.php B vitamins help your body release energy from food to support vitality and stamina. They're important for your nervous system as they carry information to and from your brain.

Check their website:

Upon checking their website, I learned that there are two types of the product:

1. Berocca Performance
2. Berocca Boost

What I’m currently taking is the first one and no wonder I can feel the effect in just three days because it was designed to work that way. Clinically proven, Berocca Performance keeps you on your game and combats physical tiredness. Its unique combination of B vitamins, vitamin C and essential minerals, like calcium, magnesium and zinc, works in synergy to improve your brain and nerve performance throughout the day. What’s more, with only good stuff in, you can trust Berocca Performance to deliver – and set you up so you’re one step ahead every day.

I know that when it comes to vitamins or any medications, a doctor’s prescription is still best to be followed than just a blog about it. This is something that I wanted to share since I’m really happy with the effects. I can now perform better at work and still do post-work activities since it reduces stress, boosts the immune system and gives more energy. It goes for around 170php+ for 10 effervescent tablets, just dissolve in a glass of water and you’re good to go! It tastes really good too! J