Twilight (novel) review

I took me more than a week to finish this book. It wasn't a difficult read so why did it take me that long to finish 500+ plus pages book?

SHORT SUMMARY:

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is about a teenage girl named Isabella Swan who moved to a smaller town (Forks, Washington) to live with her dad, Charlie.

On her first day of school, she noticed Edward Cullen and his family sitting together at the cafeteria. She also met other people but they seem irrelevant because they are not as hot as Edward so they are not worth much mention.

After many boring conversations and forgettable happenings, they fell in love. After that, many more conversation of how in love they are with each other. Bella's reason is because he's so gorgeous. And Edward... well he likes her smell.

Oh and Edward sparkles in the sun instead of bursting into flames and die. SPARKLES! GLITTERS! Sparkly glittery vampire...!

After that, Edward introduces Bella to his family, quite interesting background story here. And then, they went to play baseball. So readers can see how normal these vampires are. I mean they attended high school right? I've no idea why though, it wasn't explained. Not only that, they are also very nice vampires with a conscience because they only drink animal blood. Right, someone should call PETA and SPCA.

After nearing the end of the book, something that resembled a plot suddenly appeared. After all the action, they all went to prom. How nice.

LONG SUMMARY:

It started off well but as I read on, Bella seems so depressing to read. She didn't like her dad (calls him Charlie when he's not around), didn't like the new town (it always rains with rare sunny days), didn't like the school... wasn't even happy about the fact that many people said hello to her on her first day in school or how a few of them boys seem to be interested in her.

I didn't find Bella quite a likable character. I think Meyer intents to portray Bella as strong, independent and clever. But I don't see her that way. She's extremely clumsy and it made her seem so in need of constant saving by overprotective and jealous Edward. She sometimes appears as weak and clingy. She also seems to have no goals, no plans except wanting to be with her boyfriend because she is “unconditionally and irrevocably in love with” him. I find it so shallow and stupid and ridiculous.

And then there's Edward... Sigh. I know he's gorgeous but I don't see what's the purpose of reminding us of that fact on nearly every page every time he makes an appearance. Instead of getting excited over Edward I groaned inwardly every time I read about his "musical laugh" and his "angel face" and "adonis figure" again and again and again in every chapter.

For about 350 plus pages, you will read about how Edward warns Bella to stay away from him, that he's dangerous but she doesn't care etc. It gets annoying after 200 pages of boring drizzle of mushy love talks, with the constant reminder of how beautiful Edward is." Stay away, I can kill, no don't stay away, please stay, no I'm dangerous go away..." and back and forth as Edward argues about the same shit to Bella. I'm surprised she isn't frustrated about it since they have this talk about every single time they have conversation. I guess Bella's too in love (a.k.a stupid) too notice anything else. After a week of knowing each other and see Edward sparkles a bit in the sun she's ready to sacrifice her life for him. -roll eyes-

What disturbed me is how Bella is so crazy about how pretty Edward is. She's already so in love and is prepared to be together with Edward forever. She's 17. Okay, so the guy saves her a few times but do you fall in love with your doctor because he saved you many times? I didn't think so. I find it disturbing that her attraction towards Edward is based on his looks and the magic of being a vampire. But I guess it's fair since Edward never really explained why he likes Bella other than her blood smells good. I also find it extremely hilarious that Bella literally fainted when Edward kissed her. Who in the world literally faints when kissed by someone?? (Please let me know if you've experienced this or know anyone who experienced it.)

Edward doesn't even act normal. Not as a guy, not as a 17 year old, not even as a vampire. In my opinion, he came off as immature for a vampire his age. And the way he talks makes me laugh because I have no idea what kind of guy talks like that. If the author didn't really stressed it out, I would have thought that Edward really is a girl. His character seems so unrealistic simply because he was portrayed too perfect. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a Disney classic fairy tale book.

Even though there are many attempts on trying to make Edward seem like the perfect boyfriend, he comes off as a creepy stalker. Since he can't read Bella's mind, he reads her friends' to get a gist of what Bella is thinking. He also goes off to follow her home and watch her sleep at night without her knowing. I was shocked when Edward confessed that part and more shocked when weirdly enough, Bella doesn't find this a disturbing behaviour.

However, it's not all that horrible. After 400 pages in, there's finally some action. It was a quick read after that.

BUT! After the action is over, the book has not ended yet.. oh no.. they have to go to the friggin prom. I find it weird to end the book that way. Sorry I spoiled it for you but seriously, you're better off reading something else.

Based on all this, I don't think I'll be reading any of Stephenie Meyer's other books or Twilight, the movie, either.

I don't recommend this book to anyone at all. I finished it simply because it's a habit and I get restless if I don't finish a book no matter how boring it is. It's written for Young Adults but the message it's getting across is stupefying. She falls in love with Edward because he's hot. It's okay to ditch your friends and family for a guy you barely know and who constantly reminding you he can kill you. When a bad vampire wants your blood, you go off to meet him alone without thinking of other alternatives or talk with anyone else to come up with a plan.

Okay, okay I better stop telling you about Bella's infinite stupidity and Edward's 'perfectness'. Gah I detest this book.

If you would like to read good vampire books, Anne Rice is one of the best vampire writers. Stephen King's Salem's Lot is good too. L. J. Smith's vampire series and trilogies are pretty awesome. The Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris is a delicious and fun read. It is also a TV series now called True Blood, which I simple love.

The Tuxedo Cat

Losing Bagheera was hard and it still is. So to ease the grief and mourning stage, I adopted another kitten. I got it from my uncle in Miri.

The mother was friendly with a lovely temperement. Looked like the Malaysia Cat/Kucing Malaysia breed with blue eyes. She had 3 kittens. And my heart was quickly set on a black and white male kitten. Of the 3, he was quiet when I picked him up. So I knew he wasn't a screamer, which makes it better.

After a few weeks, my aunt took the kittens back to Kuching. She asked me to come over and choose one to bring home. Even though I knew I wanted the black and white one, it was still pretty hard to choose because they were all adorable.

Finally, I sticked to my first choice and brought the black and white kitten home. I didn't regret my choice. The kitten adjusted well to his new home. He's friendly towards everyone and started chasing our feet and hands, a naughty behaviour which I try to eliminate.

TC/Charlie

Just like any normal kitten, he's clumsy and chases everything that moves (or doesn't move). To quote a friend of mine, the kitten seems to be "in Lala Land".

We couldn't decide what to name him at first. There's many suggestions, some quite silly: Kiddo, Hitam, Checkers, Chess, Oreo, Growly, Buster....

I finally decided on TC, meaning Tuxedo Cat. It's sweet and simple and it suits him.

He even has a moustache. ^^

He hasn't really know his name yet but he seems pretty smart despite the many clumsy events that befell him.

Ali wanted to call him Charlie because he does look like a Charlie. But I'm getting used to calling him TC.

To show how silly (normal) he is... here's an example:

Hi!

Oh look, foot!

Let me get closer... -swat-

Ooof! Damnit.

He's adorable and I love him...

ZzzZzz...

This doesn't mean I have forgotten Bagheera. No cat can ever replace him. He was the first and will always have a place in my heart. I miss him and still think about him every day. I still hope that one day I would see him once again. However, TC helps in keeping my mind occupied. It feels good to care for a cat again, buying and feeding it food, bathing it etc.

TC is a domestic short hair. That means he belongs to no particular breed. I think it is important to try to adopt stray cats before buying purebreeds because the strays outnumbered purebreed by the millions. Purebreeds will always have a home to go to. But it's not the same with strays. Many are homeless and hungry. Think about it when you decide to adopt a cat.

P.S: Never ever buy your cats or dogs at a pet store!! Here's a few articles on why. Click here or here.

New US President

Barrack Obama

The dream that that a lot of people had that one day America would have a black American president finally came true.

Even though I am not an American, I am glad that Obama won. McCain was too similar to Bush in terms of his views and policies and Palin is such a joke. Imagine if McCain had won, had another heart attack (he is 72 years old) and died, Palin would be president. Nothing wrong with a woman becoming president but I can't see how Palin would run such a powerful and influential country filled with weapons of mass destruction. Whoever was rooting for McCain probably changed their mind because of Palin.


A great change has come. And it is certainly for the better. The Obama victory is the end of the streak of white men running the US. I'm glad that Americans put aside their racism views and voted for the black man.

The World is Flat

There are some people out there who still believes that the world is flat. Yep, not round but flat like a paper. How bizzare.

Type in "Flat Earth society" on Google and check those websites. As I was browsing the sites, I kept on thinking these people are a bit, I'm sorry to say, delusional.

This is a rendered picture of a Flat Earth model.

I guess they have never seen Discovery channel programmes where you see all these shots of how ROUND the world is.

I visited one of the Flat Earth forums and read this FAQ.

Q: "Why do the all the world Governments say the Earth is round?"
A: A Conspiracy among world Governments claiming to have space programs has disseminated the lie to the other governments of the world, as well as to the media and the general public.

Q: "What about NASA? Don't they have photos to prove that the Earth is round?"
A: NASA is part of the conspiracy too. The photos are faked.

Q: "Why has no-one taken a photo of the Earth that proves it is flat?"
A: The government prevents people from getting close enough to the Ice Wall to take a picture.

Q: "How did NASA create these images with the computer technology available at the time?" A: Since NASA did not send rockets into space, they instead spent the money on developing advanced computers and imaging software instead

Q: "What is the motive behind this conspiracy?"
A: The motive is unknown although it is probably money.

Q: "If you're not sure about the motive, why do you say there is a conspiracy?"
A: Well it's quite simple really; if the earth is in fact flat, then the governments must be lying when they say it isn't.

Q: "The government could not pull off the conspiracy successfully"
A: Actually, they could.

Q: "How are the world governments organized enough to carry out this conspiracy?"
A: They only appear to be disorganized to make the conspiracy seem implausible.
A2: Only a few governments (USA, former USSR, certain European countries) need to be involved. The rest readily accept the lie.

Q: Why hasn’t this site been shut down by the government?
A: Doing so would prove that the government is hiding something.

Q: No way could the government possibly guard the entire Ice Wall! It would take too many men! Millions of men!
A: Not really. You could do it with a few hundred and some basic equipment.

Q: Why is NASA’s space shuttle runway curved?
A: It was specially constructed by NASA to be so. After all NASA are at the heart of the conspiracy.

WTF is an Ice Wall? Their answers are not very convincing either. Where is this proof of an Ice Wall? And what kind of equipments needed to get people away from this Ice Wall? Some kind of spell from the Harry Potter universe?

There are more to this FAQ.

Q: "What is the circumference and diameter of the Earth?"
A: "Circumference: 78225 miles, Diameter: 24,900 miles

Q: "What about the stars, sun and moon and other planets? Are they flat too? What are they made of?"
A: The sun and moon, each 32 miles in diameter, circle Earth at a height of 3000 miles at its equator, located midway between the North Pole and the ice wall. Each functions similar to a "spotlight," with the sun radiating "hot light," the moon "cold light." As they are spotlights, they only give light out over a certain are which explains why some parts of the Earth are dark when others are light. Their apparent rising and setting are caused by optical illusions. Some controversy exists as to whether the Sun and Moon are spherical or flat. In the "accelerating upwards" model, the stars, sun and moon are also accelerating upwards as a result of Universal Acceleration. In some models, the stars are about as far as San Francisco is from Boston (3100 miles). Others claim them to be much further away.

Q: "Please explain sunrises/sunsets."
A: It's a perspective effect. Really, the sun is just getting farther away; it looks like it disappears because everything gets smaller and eventually disappears as it gets farther away.

If you want to read more about this, go here.

I'll end this post with some pictures of our beautiful Earth.

Photo of our planet by the Earth Observing System flagship Terra.

Seems pretty round to me. But I guess that might be photoshoped by NASA. We've all been fooled! Oh woe to the humankind. We've been tricked by this organisation whose mission in life is to "pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research".

Hmm.. I wonder if vampires and werewolves exist too?

Where art thou?

He's been gone for more than 2 months. I still think about him every single day. It still tear up my eyes thinking about him.

I want to hug him again. Feel his warm body. Watch his beautiful big green eyes looking at me.

Knowing that I can't do any of that now hurts.

He was my baby. He was like my child. I took care of him. Gave him food and a place to sleep. Gave him my love and affection. Dry him when he's wet from the rain. Played with him till we're both tired. Took care of him when he's sick and dizzy. Cleared up his vomit. Bathe him when he's dirty. Gave him vitamins and all that crap so that he'll be healthy.

I know he adored me. He felt safe with me. My heart broke when I accidentally hurt him at times.

He made me happy.

I wonder if I'll ever hear his loud meow once again?

It makes me smile, how can I feel this strongly over a cat?

During Eid

I thought that instead of putting up pictures of Raya (Eid) randomly, I'll put up pictures of me pigging out! Ahahah. All the ugly poses vain people would never put up I'll show for everyone to see.

A more interesting and different angle, yes?

This is to everyone who keeps saying I'm skinny and I don't eat. I ate. A lot. That's what people do on Raya. Pig out.

Hope the pictures amuses and entertains. =)

The prawns were really good...

Haha for some reason I love this picture. Makes me laugh. ^.^

Second helping. Or was it the third?

Ate so many of that chocolate cheese cake that I finished the first container and went on to eat the second container.

What I don't get is why did I not gain weight?

Actually I don't know for sure if I did gain or lose weight. But my figure sure looks the same... =|

Okay so maybe just looking at me pigging out is not enough. Here's more random Raya pictures.

Look I'm driving!

At Bako jetty.

In the sampan. There's another picture with my open eyes but someone looked like s/he's constipated or something in that one...

Bako.

If I knew they looked so tall, I wouldn't be laughing...

I thought that my brother can only see my eyes. Thus, the tip-toeing stretch.

You're not laughing at this picture, are you?

I love this moment I've captured.

My red shalwar kameez (though I only wore the shirt/tunic) that Ali had it made for me back in Pakistan more than a year ago. Never get to wear it till now.

Genuine laughter is always best.

We brought a rubik cube while visiting. We're such losers haha.

With his python pet.

I touched it and am pissed that my brothers didn't take a picture of it!

Lining up for money haha.

That's basically what happened during Raya. There were many great, funny moments not captured on camera. Most pictures are also very blurry thanks to my equally blur brother. =| I wore another blue baju kurung but didn't take any pictures that day. Didn't even have the opportunity to wear my fifth baju kurung...

Oh, and I purposely refuse to name any names.

So, how was your Raya?

Busy busy...

Wow I don't know where to start. I just got back from Kuching and I finally had time to open my e-mail, FB, FS etc.

I want to wish everyone Eid Mubarak!

So many stories and pictures I want to share. But I can't do it right now because I've an assignment to write!

So I'll update as soon as I can.

Fur is DEAD

Do you like Donna Karan? Her clothing lines sure look nice. Just like any other girl, I would want to own an original DKNY piece.

But recently I read somewhere where Mrs. Karan said regarding animal fur that all she can see are coats and accessories.

What a barbarian!

Never would I ever consider buying anything from her till she institute a permanent fur-free policy.

Boycott her designs and buy from designers such as Stella McCartney, Calvin Klien, Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Ralph Lauren instead.

Wearing fur is not cool nor it is classy. Would you wear your pet dog's or cat's fur? No? Why wear fur at all?

MEAN PEOPLE WEAR FUR.

I seriously believe that when the buying stops, the killings can too.

Click links below for more information:
Fur is Dead
Contact Mrs Karan about the issue
The Coalition to Abolish Fur Trade
Inside the Fur Industry

Videos (These videos are pretty gruesome and bloody. If you're not shocked, moved or felt pity, then you must be a wall or a stone):
A Look That Kills: Fur, Leather and Wool
China Dog and Cat Fur Farm Investigation

P.S: I do not fully agree to everything that PETA does. I'm just creating awareness and educating people about the fur industry.

Zodiac Signs

Everyone has a zodiac sign. Each of them has certain traits associated with the sign. I'm a Libra and Libras are usually fair, diplomatic, peaceful and all that yada yada. I bet each one of you know what your zodiac traits are. Some may agree, some may think it's all a load of crap.

What if one day it says this instead?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb 18) - You have an inventive mind and are inclined to be progressive. You lie a great deal. You make the same mistakes repeatedly because you are stupid. Everyone thinks you are a jerk.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20) - You have a vivid imagination and often think you are being followed by the FBI or CIA. You have a minor influence on your friends and people resent you for flaunting your power. You lack confidence and are a general loser.

ARIES (Mar21-Apr 20) - You are the pioneer type and think most people are quick-tempered, impatient, and scornful of advice. You are a prick.

TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20) - You are practical and persistent. You have a dogged determination and work like hell. Most people think you are stubborn and bullheaded. You are nothing but a communist.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20) - You are a quick and intelligent thinker. People like you because you are bisexual. You are inclined to expect too much for too little. This means you are a cheap bastard. Geminis are notorious for thriving on incest.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22) - You are sympathetic and understanding to other peoples problems, which makes you a sucker. You are always putting things off. That is why you will always be on welfare and won't be worth a penny. Everybody in prison is a Cancer.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22) - You consider yourself a born leader. Others think you're an idiot. Most Leos are bullies. You are vain and cannot tolerate honest criticism. Your arrogance is disgusting. Leo people are thieving sods and spend most of their lives kissing mirrors.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22) - You are the logical type and hate disorder. This nitpicking is sickening to your friends. You are cold and unemotional and often fall asleep while having sex. Virgos make good bus drivers and pimps.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22) - You are the artistic type and have a difficult time with reality. If you are male, you are probably queer. Chances for employment and monetary gain are nil. Most Libra women are whores. All Libras die of venereal disease.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21) - The worst of the lot. You are shrewd in business and cannot be trusted. You shall achieve the pinnacle of success because of your total lack of ethics. You are a perfect S.O.B.. Most Scorpios are murdered.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21) - You are optimistic and enthusiastic. You have a reckless tendency to rely on luck since you have no talent. The majority of Sagittarius' are drunks. You are not worth the time of day.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19) - You are conservative and are afraid of taking risks. You are basically spineless. There has never been a Capricorn of any importance. Become a monk.

Sick

I hate being sick.

First, your throat feels weird. It starts to itch. The next day, you're coughing like a dying old man. Then comes the annoying flu. You feel like that baby who has runny nose, just less cute.

After that, the inevitable thumping headache that worsen when you go out in the sun. When you're lying down in bed at night, you're in a stupor praying that you'll feel better in the morning. All the while breathing through your mouth and when you talk you feel like Donald Duck.

Come morning, your mouth feels like the Sahara desert. Your nose is stuck and the headache is still there.

The worse thing is, no matter how many pills and awful liquid medicine you pour down your poor mouth, you'll still be sick. So in the end, you resign and pray that it'll be over in a week. If you're lucky.

I hate being sick.

Ideas

So I've been designing and drawing and came up with a theme and colour. I've finished the artwork but web designing is so tedious. =( I don't know when it'll be finished.

(This is what I'm up to when I'm supposed to do my work. =( But the visions in my head won't go away and I just had to draw them. Even though my drawing ability is crap..)

This is for the blog. Done with PS7. Took about 6-7 hours? Haha. Restricted by lack of skills so had to change my vision a bit and so took hours till I'm happy with the result. Butterfly wing stock from JLStock from dA.


What do you think?

And this is just details I added for deviantArt submission.


I'm such an ugly model haha..

Change

I'm tired of the ugly green colour on my blog. Time for a change.

Going to design a new layout and create artwork with a butterfly or flying theme of some sort. Make the blog more personalised.

Still Missing

He brought us so much joy when he came to our life and gives us so much pain when he left.

Bagheera watching Timmy

The bedroom and the terrace feels so empty without his presence. The bed feels empty without him sleeping on it.

Where can that stupid cat be? It's driving me nuts. I'm so worried. I just want to know what happened to him and where is he now...! Nobody can give me the answers and it's tearing me apart.

Please, please, please... wherever you are Bagheera, come home soon... You're being terribly missed.

Please God send him back to us.

Maybe this is my punishment for doing so many bad things in my life. Losing Bagheera is excruciatingly painful.

I'm Going Out of My Mind

Bagheera is missing.

I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. I'm distracted and upset.

Where could he be...

Dear God, please guide him home. Bring him back safe and sound.

I miss him with an ache. I won't stop looking for him. Just like he always waits outside for me to come home, I'll wait for him too.

Ultraman

Ultraman at Sunset

This is for Fakhrain, who suggested I draw Ultraman.

N, forgive me if it's not an accurate representation of Ultraman. There were so many versions of him and I got confused ahaha.. I never was much of a fan and I've obviously never drew this before. But it was something new and as someone who is just starting to draw, one should practice and draw just about everything. Hope it's good enough for you. d=

Sketched with mechanical pencil. Line art and colouring with Photoshop 7.0. Once again my arms are retarded. Shading's like crap. Seriously I've no sense of lighting/shading at all... Sigh.