sightings

My celebrity sightings in Makati today... Mayor Binay (almost shook his hand), Korina Sanchez (quite pretty, I was tempted to ask her "handa ka na ba?"), Ruffa Mae Quinto (very white and very pretty) together with Direk Bb. Joyce Bernal.
wala lang... :)

part 3...

Ptolemy's Gate is the third and final chapter in The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud. The struggles of the magician Nathaniel, the djinn Bartimaeus, and the commoner Kitty continue, with their paths crossing again towards a breathtaking and stunning conclusion. Everything falls into place, every subplot finds resolution, and one is left with the satisfaction of having read a good story told in excellent style. The paperback copy of the book will only be out January 2007.

Btw, the last 9 books I have read are not in the list of books that I've started but did not finish, nor in the list that I have lined up to read. My textbook already arrived. I just checked, I also have 8 e-books lined up. :/

(Sigh.) Christmas is fast approaching... the evening news is already holding a countdown, decorations are already being sold in the malls, carols are being played on the radio and in shops, bright lanterns are already being displaed for sale along the highways. I already came up with my list of people I'm going to give gifts to. I actually shop for gifts quite early and by the time December arrives I'm already almost through with the list. The shopping frenzy a couple of weeks before Christmas is really maddening and I want to avoid that as much as possible. I wonder what gift I'm going to give myself? :p

part 2...

The Golem's Eye is the 2nd part of The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud. It continues the exploits of the young mage Nathaniel more than 2 years from where it left off in the first book. Nathaniel again calls upon the services of the djinni Bartimaeus. It also adds the story and perspective of Kitty, a commoner who is at odds with the government. I found this better than the first installment of the trilogy. The story takes on several twists and turns, making one anticipate the 3rd book eagerly. Nathaniel is becoming a character that you become sympathetic too, but at the same time detest because of his faults and personality imperfections. Almost in contast is the young girl Kitty, whose idealism and courage are a welcome addition to the developing plot. Bartimaeus, as usual, is the same witty, versatile, and useful servant to Nathaniel.

YA?

The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud starts with The Amulet of Samarkand. It is supposed to be YA (Young Adult) fiction. It is so only because the protagonist is a 12 year old boy named Nathaniel who is an apprentice magician, able to summon a djinni (Bartimaeus) to do his bidding. Aside from that, however, the book is undoubtedly too mature for teenagers. Set in London, it has certain similarities with the Harry Potter books but it is a much more darker and tragic tome (dealing with the relationship of magic and demons). Death comes early in this series and is much more violent. The writing is very descriptive and quite good, alternating between first person (Bartimaeus, who is portrayed as vwry witty) and third person (for Nathaniel). A gripping read once you reach the later stages of the story. I would recommend it to a much more mature reader rather than teens.

books

This book continues the exploits of the assassin Artemis Entreri and the dark elf Jarlaxle form where it left off in the Servant of the Shard. It is jampacked with action and magic in the well-known Salvatore storytelling style. Fight sequences are described so vividly and accurately that it is almost like watching the scenes. It is a good entertaining read for fans of the fantasy genre. The sequel (the 3rd part of the series) is already out in the US.

I think I have 7 books that I have started reading but stopped midway... I also have around more than 10 books that I am interested in and have already bought and lined up to read but haven't started on... I just bought a textbook online that will probably arrive next month...(Sigh) I have to organize my time more strictly... :/

... at last, the teleserye Bituing Walang Ningning has aired it's last episode. Congratulations to those behind the hit grand finale and concert! It was a nice series with an good ending. Sarah Geronimo is really talented and has improved in her acting. I like it when series come to an end because it again frees up my time. :-)