#miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] My Happy Marriage Vol. 2 by Akumi Akitogi

4⭐️/5

I can't express how many time I want to throw this book to the wall. The amount of stress and pressure are overwhelming.

I don't even know where to began my rant, it is all over the place. But bear in mind that this is basically happened during war and absolutely not in modern world.

I know what trauma can do to people. That is why I though Mio can get away with it (me). She had an excuse to behave like that. But the frustrating part is she realised it when she and Kiyoka had already been separated. Kiyoka had tolerate with her from the beginning and brought her to her mother's family can be a good thing to her. But nope, her cousin snatched her. Being confined in the house also don't bring any good point to her maternal family. Thankfully, she refuse to get married with her cousin. I can see some character growth here, and I wish she will continue to growth.

Looking back, I can't help to think that her mother also brought some misfortune to her. I know she meant well, but she should realised what it can caused to her own daughter. Years of abandon and torture can closed your eyes to other things. And this is exactly what had happened. Which is why I said as above.

Kiyoka's sister was so pitiful. Her smiling face was only a facade of her own miserable. She was suffered from emotional abuse and most likely postpartum. I know this was the time when only small people listen to women. And her ex-husband also do nothing about it. My heart boil can't take it. Thankfully, she still has a good relationship with her son.

And for the emperor, I wish I can shot him.

So, this volume really made me question my sanity. I just wish the next volume could bring some peace to my mind.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #My Happy Marriage Vol. 2 #Akumi Akitogi #japanese light novel #historical romance fiction #4/5 #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

Bungo Stray Dogs Light Novel 1 : Osamu Dazai’s Entrance Exam by Asagiri Kafka

5⭐️/5

This novel covers episodes 6 and 7 of Season 1. However, this is the story of Dazai’s entrance exam, which is something that is not covered in anime, since the plot includes Atsushi. So, a lot of scenes were omitted from the novel. The novel was from Kunikida Doppo’s point of view regarding the case of Azure Messenger, which is the first case of Kunikida working with Dazai Osamu. The story starts with the Prologue, which was include the inner thought of Kunikida, an idealist who lives in reality and a realist who pursues ideals. This is during the time Kunikida works together with Dazai, a man with unknown origin and capabilities but obsess with suicide, after Dazai joins Armed Detective Agency. In Chapter I, the story tells how Kunikida, was introduced by President to Dazai, a mysterious man who happened to get a job through Chief Taneda, top brass from the Special Division for Unusual Power of Home Affairs Ministry. Working only four days, the President already asked Kunikida to prepare for the entrance exam for Dazai, which is mandatory for every detective in the agency.  Kunikida was mentally exhausted by Dazai, who acted like a child and suicide maniac. To Kunikida, Dazai was a disaster. However, Dazaiwas acknowledged as an intelligent and skillful person but has nothing on his past which made Kunikida and President became suspicions of him. Kunikida received an order from the President to fire Dazai if Dazai was a spy and kill him if Dazai had any signs of wickedness in his heart. Dazai, being Dazai already made a wreck by eating a poisoning mushroom (but it was not a poisonous mushroom at all). After that, Kunikida received a request to check the building from anonymous clients. With that, Kunikida paid a visit to the teenage hacker, Taguchi Rokuda to get the information. Basically, this is the same scene as the anime. Including the scene with the taxi driver, the fight at the abandoned hospital, the scene of saving Sasaki Nobuko and the killing of all abduction victims, minus Atsushi. Some trivia from this chapter, do not let Dazai drive. Yes, Dazai’s skill is terrible (I guess he purposely drives very fast to become the wind). And we know that Kunikida wants to get married at 26, after two years of dating. Good to know, Kunikida. In Chapter II, the story continues to the part of the missing people case, in which the agency heavily criticised about the death of the abduction’s victims. Kunikida, not discouraged at all decide to continue investigate the case. Kunikida finally found out the taxi driver was the kidnapper and confront him (as per anime, minus Atsushi). I think this is the first time Akutagawa Ryuunosuke appeared in front of Kunikida, after Dazai ran after the taxi driver who run away when the Port Mafia ambushed them. However, after they turned the taxi driver to Military Police, Kunikida received another threat about bombing which could kill over one hundred people. In Chapter III, the Agency has a meeting regarding the threat that was just received by Kunikida (as same as anime). Unfortunately, Ranpo was in Kyushu because of the case and was unlikely to return on time before the bombing. So, Kunikida asked for Rokuda’s help. While having a discussion with Dazai regarding the case (together with Sasaki), Kunikida had a wrong impression of Dazai and Sasaki’s iteration and indicated that he was jealous. However, this story includes the scene that has been omitted from the anime the scene at the embassy. Dazai made a scene at the reception of the embassy as someone who want to seek refuge and Kunikida was undercover as a Security Police officer. However, their cover was blown. Turn out, a man of Japanese descent, Zadkiel Alamta, a bomb purveyor from the Middle East had entered Japan without being informed to Japan’s authorities. After finding all the information that they need, the foreign secret intelligent agency’s officer was very impressed with Kunikida and tried to recruit Kunikida, which Kunikida rejected. Unlike anime, Ranpo managed to get back to the agency and help to solve the case only by looking at the documents that Kunikida had prepared. Turn out, Dazai touched Ranpo while Ranpo uses his gift and tells Kunikida that Ranpo doesn’t have any gifts at all, which impresses Dazai. He is simply too smart. Both of them went to the fishing-gear shop, as per Ranpo’s deduction to stop the bombing. There, they found Alamta’s body, with a look-like tattoo of ’00’. At the same time, Kunikida received a call President regarding the death of the taxi driver with the same of ’00’ all over his body and a call from Rokuda that the email of threat was from Dazai’s computer inside the detective agency. With that, Kunikida bring Dazai to a deserted mountain path and killed him with a gun. But after killing Dazai, the agency still gets the threat email. But all of that was just a ploy. They have to destroy the listening device naturally since the fountain pen of Dazai was swapped with the listening device during their trip to the embassy. This scene was not animated, which is the scene when they managed to get in contact with the airplane that fell from engine failure and was purposefully sabotaged. They only have one hour to save the plane. Using the tracker, they managed to track the criminal to air-raid shelter and attack like in the anime scene. After they managed to stop the interference divide, they finally save all the passengers of the airplane from being crash at Yokohama City. In Chapter IV, all is well. They managed to solve the case of the plan hijack and found the organisation that was responsible for the organ and weapon traffic. Kunikida decided Dazai pass the examination, even though Dazai have many problems. However, Dazai lures Kunikida out on his day off to abandon the hospital and reveal that the arms dealer was the Azure Apostle. Rokuda, who read Dazai’s email also went to the meeting point, only to find out that the person who behind the case was Sasaki. Sasaki shoot Rokuda and told Kunikida that the Azure King was her lover. Rokuda, who wants to get revenge for his father who was killed during the investigation of Azure Apostle killed Sasaki with the gun that was brought by Dazai. Indirectly, Dazai killed her, believing that she deserved it. Sasaki was dead, and so with Rokudo. After that, Akutagawa in Chapter Interlude II was still looking for someone who has the ability to nullify others’ skill upon contact. Turn out, Dazai was Akutagawa’s mentor and former Port Mafia Executive. In Chapter Epilogue, turn out Kunikida told this story to Taniguchi about his first case with Dazai. Since that, they became partners who can trust each other. This story was interesting, as we managed to know more deeply about Kunikida and Dazai’s partnership. Both of them were skillful and diligent in doing their work, although Dazai can be a pain in the ass. However, I can tell that this book also told readers why Kunikida trust Dazai when they were working together, as I believe Dazai was the first person who told about there is no ideal belief and the ideal world seriously to Kunikida.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #BSG #Bungo Stray Dogs Light Novel 1 #Osamu Dazai’s Entrance Exam #Asagiri Kafka #Harukawa Sango #5/5 #Light Novel #Fantasy #Mystery #Fiction #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

JAPAN:  The Paradox of Harmony by Keiko Hirata and Mark Warschauer

4⭐️/5

Japan is known as one of the good countries with always about good things that we heard online or from advertisements. But, face it. No country is perfect, including Japan. This is something that is common in every country. This book is open for discussion of certain issues in Japan, which are The Whistleblower, Grass Eating Girly Men, Graying and Shrinking, Getting Along with the Neighbour, Meltdown, and finally, What We Learned at Lunch. All topics included real example and real conversations, I believe. The discussion was long for every chapter, which is why I limited my review to the interesting fact that I learn.

The first issue that was discussed was The Whistleblower. It includes the working condition of Japan, which for me was a flaw in others. Unlike Malaysian (who I believe like to jump jobs for better conditions and salary), Japanese will stay in the same company for a very long time (possibly for a lifetime). I have nothing to against, as long as I was treated with fair and good composition. Can you imagine how loyal the Japanese are to their employer? Even though the employer treats them badly, to the point they have to go to court just to claim their right. Yes, this is what happened in Japan. However, I don’t think Japan’s court was fair to the victims. The whistleblowers quickly become outcasts. And we are not yet talking about mandatory overtime and the guilty pressure if the employees take leave.  ‘No Overtime Days’ was a scam. Yep, not a good sign. This is why there were lots of karoshi cases in Japan. Japanese also have a family system in that only men go to work while women take care of their families. For me, if I want a family, I need both to corporate. And I also can conclude that Japan’s workplace discrimination against women. There were lots of carriers for women to take up their careers, which is not fair. Just be clear, men will not be born if there are no women. So, be nice to women as well. The second issue was about Grass Eating Girly Men, and yes, it is about men. An idea about men were men should find a company and work with them for the rest of their life, supporting their families while women stay at home. A little bit of lame and old thinking, but that was the ideal. However, some people have another idea about men in Japan. And there was a section dedicated to The Johnny’s, which I know a lots of people know them. And I am very happy that the author mentions Kitagawa’s serious allegation. I mean, come on. People talked when it happened. And the famous topic, Otaku men. Otaku is an insult in Japan, but in western and other Asia, we take it as pride (not me, really). Otaku to them is a geek, but some are still with them because of securities. And the Idol otaku. yeah, I don’t really understand the hype. I listen to them but for me to spend so much on people who don’t look at you, nope. So, this is why many women decide to be single women. The third issue was about Graying and Shrinking, which is kind of related to the second issue. Yes, we are talking about the old population, which is one of the problems faced by the Japanese. When people don’t have an interest in marriage, the birth population decreased which leads to an increase in the old man population. In Japan, it is very popular for the Japanese to use seniority level in every aspect, including in prison. The certain reason that led to this situation is the low fertility rate as the main reasons for that were delayed marriage and non-marriage. Another reason is also that being a mother is not easy in Japan (again, not fair for mothers in Japan!) which is why women tend to have fewer children. So, the solution was to attract more foreign workers. But, this also lead to the next issue in Japan, which is racism and criticised as ripe for abuse. And not surprising that many foreign workers died due to karoshi.   Next, we have an issue with Getting along with the Neighbours. At first, I thought it is about the neighbour next door to their house (I mean I thought Japanese usually have a good relationship with their neighbour), but actually, it is not. It is about the neighbours’ countries. This is due to the face of the war before. The famous case is about comfort women. Japan also concurred Tanah Melayu before, so I believed Malaysia also was a victim of this, like Korea. Korea's anger toward Japan for this matter is understandable, especially when Japan refused to acknowledge this matter. There is also mention about policy, politics and issues of zanichi mentioned here. But, face it. I suck at politics, and politic matter. Well, the problem with Korea was not only about the comfort women, but also because of disputed islands between Japan and Korea. The K-wave does not reduce the tension at all. And Japan also needs to face this dispute with China as well. The second last issue was regarding Meltdown, which is focused on nuclear in Japan. Fukushima becomes Japan’s Chornobyl (Chornobyl is very scary) because of the earthquake in 2011. It is very scary to deal with the destroyed rectors. Only after 19 months after the earthquake and tsunami, TEPCO acknowledged its faults in accident preparation. Although TEPCO had been warned about warning regarding the effect of earthquakes that measuring more than 8.3 can create disable Fukushima, the nuclear plant was still built. Yoshida, the man who save lives from the disaster of the nuclear leak and become the unsung hero who tried to save many live and Fukushima, was also one of the men in TECPO’s leaders who ignored the warning. The effect of this disaster was many people not only lost their land and house but also lost their life after that by suicide. Fukushima became a ghost town. Lastly, we have What We Learned at Lunch. The Japanese school system was very unique and different from other systems in other countries. Japan has collective systems and students spend more time at school (I do not envy that. Malaysian felt very happy at the end of the school period and really want to go home as soon as they can). Teachers also become important in students’ life. Sometimes, when I read manga or watch anime or drama about high school in Japan, I always thought should parents be more concerned about their kids’ problems and life instead of teachers? What is used by parents? But, they have a good system of MEXT, which I acknowledge. No wonder Japanese students are at other levels compared to other students. Also, the Japanese are famous for school spirit. Maybe that made why students spend more time in school. Malaysian have it, but we do it because we have to. Some parents or teachers do not really support students in that. Still, there is some flaw in the education system. The famous flaw was the bullied culture, which is also faced by employees in the company. They bully people (usually weak students) in a group (which is totally cowardly move. Grow up!). Do you know the worst part? Sometimes, even teachers are afraid of bullies. They were afraid that they lost control of their class (that is not how it is going, sensei). And yes, the exam and testing. It is troublesome. Maybe not bad as the Korean exam, but still exam is the one thing that I am not envy in Japan. So, yes! Japan has many good things happened that we learn and heard from Japan. But every country had its own flaw, including mine and Japan. There is no such perfect country in this world, but still, we can take every bad and good thing as a lesson for our own learning process.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #JAPAN: The Paradox of Harmony #Keiko Hirata #Mark Warschauer #4.5/5 #Cultural #Nonfiction #Sociology #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[ulasan buku] Kitab Tamadun China oleh Ayman Rashdan Wong

5⭐️/5

Penulis pandai membahagikan setiap informasi bedasarkan kategori dan memudahkan pembacaan dengan terperinci. Semua berkaitan dengan sejarah China ada di sini.

Namun bagi pembaca yang suka menggambarkan garis masa, mungkin ini akan mengelirukan pembaca. Hakikatnya Tamadun China merangkumi masa yang lama, jadi senang keliru dengan semua informasi, nama dan tamadun.

Namun, buku ini terdapat banyak kesalahan ejaan. Mungkin untuk cetakan seterusnya boleh dibetulkan semula.

Penafian: Semua pandangan mengenai buku ini adalah berdasarkan pandangan peribadi!

#ulasan buku #Kitab Tamadun China #Ayman Rashdan Wong #sejarah #China #5/5 #the patriot #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

Happy 2023!

I wish everyone Happy New Year.

Again, I kind of late again for this. But I have good reasons.

I had a blast vacation before the end of 2022 with my cousins, aunt, uncle, twin siblings, nephew and nieces in Turkey!

I went under tour trip, so I had a chance to go a lot of place. My favourite places are Haeropolis and Ephesus! I love historical building. And I really bump when I can’t go inside Hagia Sophia because of time restriction! I love going here. The people, the view, the history! I am very attempt to learn the language (I learn the basic Turkish before I went there).

Next, I got a new job! Which is interesting because I decided to join bank industry. I think I can do more and get more reward from that. So I kind a busy with relocated and get myself cozy at my new place, while at the same time get use with the new job.

This year, I decided to set 55 books to read (please let me read in peace!), and I still use my old system rating.

No star = I totally hate the book ⭐️ = I hate it ⭐️⭐️ = I slightly hate it, but still acceptable ⭐️⭐️⭐️= acceptable, and natural feeling. No love or hate ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ = I like it! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ = I love it!!!!

So, if you are on Goodreads, you can add me to be a friend. We can also talk here to talk about book. Or anything. I love talking!

Love you guys and Happy (belated) New Year!

Love, Miliya Feb 2023

Mount Erciyes & Hieropolis, Pamukkale, Turkey (December 2022)

#book review #ulasan buku #miliyaread #lets read

[miliyaread]

[book review] Not that Bad: Dispatches form the Rape Culture edited by Roxane Gay

4⭐️/5

This book is about rape and its culture of it. 
People blame victims. People choose to ignore the problem of it. Victims blame themselves. Victims are the ones who suffered from it.

What made this book powerful is because of the person behind every story. They told their story. With their own word and based on their experience. I can’t imagine if I was in their shoes. Can I get over it, or will I destroy myself?

However, reading different styles of writing and storytelling sometimes made me frustrated. Probably I always set my mind on every book having its own way. But, this is not the case. I am kind of consistent in reading. So, reading different styles of the story really not my cup of tea.

But still, it is a very heavy, scary and terrifying book to read.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #Not that Bad: Dispatches form the Rape Culture #Roxane Gay #rape culture #nob-fiction #4/5 #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] Frankly in Love by David Yoon

3⭐️/5

This love story is predictable and frankly, Frank is a dick and a coward.

I know I can't related to the story and I don't know about the expectation of second-generation Korean in United State. I am all for the fake date troupe, but only if the other partner knows about it and if they are single. But, nope. For me, this is borderline cheating. I do feel poor for Brit. She don't nothing wrong, but I do understand her stand on telling Joy's ex-boyfriend.

Maybe his parents are racists. Maybe his parents have high expectation way from his reach. Maybe his parents are closed-mind. Maybe he hated his parents can easily throw away his sister when his sister dated a black man.

But, just be honest. Frank is a problem here. I can't stand his character. I just feel something wrong with him. I just wish he didn't dated Brit or just break up with her before all the mess up. He just want an easy way with other's expenses. He make his sister way better human being as she stood her ground against their racist parents. I read one reviewer wrote that Frank is sexism. I read his reasoning, and I totally can see it.

Joy's case also don't help him at all.

And after this book, I realised I hate the way of the author's narration (which is through Frank). It is probably me, but I think it is not mature.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #Frankly in Love #David Yoon #romance #asian #3/5 #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[ulasan buku] Kisah Klasik Tamadun Melayu oleh Abdullah Sidek

4⭐️/5

Tidak seperti 365 kisah melayu yang saya selalu baca ketika saya muda, tetapi kisah klasik ini adalah kisah yang saya tidak tahu langsung kewujudannya.

Jika kita perhatikan, kisah lama melayu seakan sama dengan negara serantau, yang saya secara peribadi berpandangan kisah ini kisah yang sama tetapi diolah supaya sesuai dengan masyarakat setempat. Namun, kisah melayu tidak kurang dasyatnya. Terutama mengenai rogol, zina dan semestinya mengenai kekejaman sultan. Sultan merupakan kuasa yang paling tinggi bagi zaman Melayu lama, tetapi tetap disalahgunakan. Tidak kurang juga dengan unsur kuasa dan mistik untuk menguatkan lagi keagungan Sutlan dan putera puteri.

Tidak seperti buku kanak-kanak, buku ini sarat dengan politik, mistik, pelik dan lebih matang. Namun, yang saya suka adalah kisah melayu ini mempunyai rujukan untuk dikenalpasti dari manakah sumber kisah tersebut dan adakah sumber tersebut boleh dipercayai.

Penafian: Semua pandangan mengenai buku ini adalah berdasarkan pandangan peribadi!

#ulasan buku #Kisah Klasik Tamadun Melayu #Abdullah Sidek #sejarah #kisah melayu #4/5 #the patriot #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] Azrahel: Si Penjejak Kubur oleh Abu Huzaifah Bidin

4⭐️/5

Saya mula membaca buku genre 'young adult' sejak di universiti. Saya ingatkan saya boleh terima, tapi selepas menerokai genre tersebut, saya membuat kesimpulan bahawa saya tidak beberapa gemar genre ini, terutamanya berkenaan dengan fiksyen sains.

Buku ini mengenai kisah di masa hadapan. Sengsaranya hidup di masa depan, tidak seperti yang diimpikan. Tak semua hidup bahagia, tak semua mati sia-sia. Perang adalah perkara yang paling manusia tidak ingin, tetapi terpaksa dihadapi kerana duit dan tamak.

Plot sudah lawa, watak antagonist semestinya ada. Namun, dalam penceritaan mesti ada musuh dalam selimut, sahabat penyelamat dan sahabat baik yang menerima nasib yang paling malang sekali.

Bagi saya buku ini berpacak pada sifat yang tamak dan inginkan kemewahan tanpa memikirkan kesan kepada semua pihak. Pihak atasan hidup senang dan mewah, manakala pihak bawah ditindas. Ini juga mengakibatkan kadar jenayah meningkat, sekaligus menyebabkan manusia hilang kepercayaan kepada polis. Dan apakah kesannya pada negara? Peningkatan kumpulan jenayah yang menguasai wilayah masing-masing dan menimbulkan ketakutan dan huru hara. Ianya juga menimbulkan satu pemikiran bahawa kongsi gelap ini lebih melindungi rakyat berbanding polis.

Kerana tamak juga mengakibatkan sesetengah manusia akan mula memaling padah, hanya kerana duit. Inilah yang terjadi antara Raymon dan Azrahel. Namun perasaan keinginan untuk mendapatkan sesuatu yang mustahil juga turut mengakibatkan kemusnahan. Seperti Juliana yang ingin menghilangkan rasa bersalah di atas kematian sahabatnya dengan berpaling tadah kepada orang yang mempercayainya. Sampai satu tahap saya merasakan mempercayai Juliana adalah satu tindakkan yang bodoh. Tapi apakah daya? Cinta itu buta.

Bercerita pasal tamak, tidak semestinya dari segi duit, namun juga dari segi kuasa. Di sini kita boleh melihat bagaimana kesan gila kuasa mengaburi pemikiran polis dengan menyertai kumpulan kongsi gelap. Kita boleh melihat di mana watak baik melangkaui batas dengan manusia yang sememangnya setia pada kumpulan kongsi gelap.

Namun yang paling menyedihkan adalah diwaktu sahabat baik Azrahael mati dibunuh. Saya tidak tau sama ada kematian itu perlu untuk plot atau untuk kesan dramatik. Sebab dia adalah karakter kegemaran saya.

Secara jujurnya, saya kurang menggemari genre ini. Tapi saya baca kerana terlanjur beli. Plot sudah ada, tapi mungkin cara penyampaian dan penyampaian karakter boleh diperbaiki lagi. Jika buku ini ada penyambungan, saya berharap watak Juliana tidak muncul lagi kerana bagi saya, cukuplah sampai sini kekejaman dia.

Penafian: Semua pandangan mengenai buku ini adalah berdasarkan pandangan peribadi!

#ulasan buku #Azrahel: Si Penjejak Kubur #Abu Huzaifah Bidin #young adult #fiction #4/5 #the patriot #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] You Can Beat Your Brain by David McRaney

4⭐️/5

Brain is the one of the organ that is really mystery until today. One of the famous story that I heard before is that someone can speak in another language that they have no idea after suffered from brain damage. But this book talked about the impact of brain toward our thinking.

Basically, what brain want us to do vs what we actually do and thinking this is happened because our brain told us to do. Like we thought it is about A, but actually it is not. It is B.

Well, this is all about experiments that been performed to humans and the conclusion. Since all of these are talking about the myth and truth of the brain, I do take it with the grain of salt. But I do find it fascinating.  

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #You Can Beat Your Brain #David McRaney #non-fiction #4/5 #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] Rogerson's Book of Numbers: The Culture of Numbers--from 1,001 Nights to the Seven Wonders of the World by Barnaby Rogerson

4⭐️/5

I love fact and trivia.

Is there a lots of information that don't really useful? Yes Does it give me any benefit? Maybe. Do I remember all the trivia and facts? No.
How about turn me to trivia nerdy? Already there!

This book all about numbers. Number can made my brain spin, but I also love it.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #Rogerson's Book of Numbers: The Culture of Numbers--from 1001 Nights to the Seven Wonders of the World #Barnaby Rogerson #non-fiction #trivia #4/5 #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] They Do it with the Mirror by Agatha Christie

3⭐️/5

I'm probably biased but I do think this is not Agatha's Christie's best book. I read some of them and I think this is the least book that impact me. Technically, this is my first book of Ms Maple's series, so I do really hope that it gimme me something that can made me read her other series.

The main character, Carrie had massive background. To the point I drew the family tree diagram to understand the relationship between all the characters. I don't mind lots of character outside the family because it is easy to know, but the family tree is the other story.

It started with solid plot. But, as the story line goes on, I lost it. And I don't think the trick help the story line. And I think the book had weak ending (please don't attack me on this personal view).

But, you do you. If you like Maple's series, just give it a shot.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #They Do it with the Mirror #Agatha Christie #Crime fiction #Maple series #3/5 #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] No Second Chances by Marissa Farrar

4⭐️/5

I love second chance romance, but depend on how and why and the level of groveness. And this story is okay for me.

A disable veteran and ex-criminal who had history together way back during their high school. So, we can conclude that they are high school sweetheart which had a lots of drama during their time together. You do stupid things during high school but drug? Desperate time made people took desperate measure.

To be honest, I can't really feel the passion or sexual tension between them. Maybe it just me. Gabi don't really give the vibe of veteran and Cole could do better. But, hey! Everyone has their own trauma. To deal with PTSD is a huge deal. Not all people can stick with us while dealing with it. And alcohol. Boy, that stuff can killed you, physically, mentally and socially.

You can give this book go if you want contemporary romance.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #No Second Chances #Marissa Farrar #romance #second chance #4/5 #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] A Good Girl’s Guide to a Murder by Holly Jackson

5⭐️/5

I can't hold back and I google the spoiler and who did it.

The best thing about this book is that the way of the presentation of the stories. The author saving half of my time to understand the plot by giving the transcript of the interview. The stories keep puzzle and run the circle

The second best thing is how crazy Pippa was and how she get support from her family members and her friends. I can feel her excitement and how determined she was to finish her school

Thinking like Pippa is something that I wish I had before,when I crazy about mystery. But Pippa's curiosity can be a double edge sword. How many time she put herself and her friends in danger? Her investigation also killed her dog, which is the saddest thing that could happened to anyone.

The case itself was complicated. How many people involved and how many suspects? Even Andie was proven not so sweet high school girl. I can't imagine how Sal even dating herat the first place.  Everything were back to Andie. For me, she is the one who cause the trouble. And her friend group's as well. High school can be a worse place ever. The bully, the drug abuse, the rape and many more. How many victims from her bully alone? And all Sal's friends also the worst friend that people can have.

But, at the end of it, even the results are still blowing my mind. The only things I happy with it are the fact that Ravi and his family get their closure, all the culprits were prosecute, and they finally manage to prove that Sal was innocent.

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #A Good Girl’s Guide to a Murder #Holly Jackson #crime fiction #mystery #5/5 #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[book review] Philanthropists: Inspector Mislan and the Sentul Double Murder by Rozlan Mohd Noor

5⭐️/5

The 6th book for Inspector Mislan's series and the second book I read from this series. I think it is better than previous book. Also when I read this, I notice a few things I like about Mislan that I had been missed before. Yeah, I don't want to comment on his love life and family as I see only a few times they had been mentioned.

I really like his relationship with upper officer, as we know as usual, upper officer can be annoying. They can made your work and life easier, or hell. I notice he shows his respect to Samsiah and Samsiah return the favour. He also consult if he unsure what to do or beyond his power. I know some of police novel and annoyed how the detective/police thought that they knew everything and just do whatever they pleased. Not to mention when Integrity and Compliance Standard Department also came into the picture. We can totally see the power play here.

His respect to others (minus politician, illegal refugee and criminal) also can be seen. The good relationship between colleague, boss and people outside department can be handy in many way. And when you are a police officer, get a good relationship with journalist also could be a good idea. I had an experience handling with journalist, but thank goodness, I got a good impression while working with them. It is bad when you have a bad impression while working together for the first time.

How to deal with trauma and how to be a good friend while they are facing trauma. Almost got shot will be the biggest trauma for police officer. Can you imagine the shock? I will probably will not step outside again. But Mislan know how scared it was and it is all in your head. He be kind to his friends and understanding the effect it could cause, as he also been shot before.

No crap and bullshit to be taken. I just found out that Malaysia does not recognise UNHCR, which means that they are basically as illegal immigrant. Seeing today how they act toward local, I definitely have a bad impression on them.

Bad cop with good intention, with grey borderline. Good cop become bad cop because of the hate and desired for revenged. What I can't wrap that why giving your own brother's name? Don't you think that it could be a blown away? Although they found out after that, but still... I agree that they have a good intention, but still, we live in he country with law. Killing still a crime.

But anywhere, I personally enjoy the story. I guess I need to wait for the next story (if any) about why Fie ghosted Mislan and who want to kill him?

Disclaimer: All the opinion about this book is based on my personal view!

#book review #Philanthropists: Inspector Mislan and the Sentul Double Murder #Rozlan Mohd Noor #crime fiction #PDRM #5/5 #fixi #miliyaread

[miliyaread]

[ulasan buku] The Insects oleh Minhye Zang (Terjemahan oleh Shafiqah Azman)

4⭐️/5

Dengan ini saya ulas buku dari segi jalan cerita dan penterjemahan.

Apabila baca buku ini, saya dapat gambarkan buku ini seperti movie Korean. Seperti movie jenayah Korea, jalan ceritanya berpusing dari segi penerangan dan imbas masa. Banyak agenda buku ini mengungkap kisah hidup mangsa, ibu mangsa, detektif yang menyiasat dan penjenayah. Tapi saya kurang gemar apabila kisah jenayah terlampau fokus pada masa lampau berbanding dengan jenayah itu sendiri. Saya faham tujuannya untuk memberi pandangan yang lebih mendalam mengenai jenayah dan penjenayah, tapi saya mengagak bahawa ini bukanlah plot cerita yang saya gemar. Tambah lagi dengan garis masa yang bercelaru. Kadang-kala saya terpaksa baca semula untuk pastikan garis masa peristiwa tersebut.

Dari segi penterjemahan, saya dapar rasakan yang penterjemahan ini agak kaku sedikit. Tambah lagi terdapat typo dan terjemah yang agak pelik bila dibaca (tidak banyak). Kalau tak silap, ini adalah terjemahan pertama beliau. Jadi, mungkin untuk buku seterusnya pertenjemah dapat melalukan dengan lagi baik.

Penafian: Semua pandangan mengenai buku ini adalah berdasarkan pandangan peribadi!

#ulasan buku #The Insects #Minhye Zang #Shafiqah Azman #korean novel #fiksyen #jenayah #4/5 #the patriots #miliyaread