2018 Year in Review and 2019 New Year's Resolution

Another year has come and gone.

At the last count, I have reviewed a total of 62 books for the year to date. This works out to be an average of 5.17 books per month; 1.29 books per week.

Year 2018 @ 62 (+10 YOY)
Year 2017 @ 52 (■ YOY)
Year 2016 @ 52 (-22 YOY)
Year 2015 @ 74 (-23 YOY)
Year 2014 @ 97

Review: When I Was a Kid 2: Childhood Stories by Boey

4 stars for When I Was a Kid 2: Childhood Stories by Boey.

I feel on top of the world now. I did it! This graphic novel has just made it into my 2018 list of books reviewed.

This book is not your usual kind of book book. It is made up of simple stick figures accompanied by a small amount of writing that tell a story, or rather many short stories. Basically, it reads like a continuing story in comic-strip form.

I have an enjoyable time reading Boey's childhood stories. Funny, honest and touching in its own right, author Boey reminds us what it means to be a kid.

Best of all, each story is self-contained and can be read in any order. It comes especially handy when I want to read something but am sufficiently distracted enough to concentrate on reading a full-fledged novel.

Review: When I Was a Kid: Childhood Stories by Boey

4 stars for When I Was a Kid: Childhood Stories by Boey.

This book is not your usual kind of book book. It is illustrated by simple stick figures that come with a small amount of writing that tell a story, or rather many short stories. Basically, it reads like a continuing story in comic-strip form.

I have a good time reading Boey's childhood stories, of his growing up in Malaysia. Funny, honest and touching in its own right, author Boey reminds us what it means to be a kid.

Best of all, each story is self-contained and can be read in any order. It comes especially handy when I want to read something but am sufficiently distracted enough to concentrate on reading a full-fledged novel.

Review: When I Was a Kid 4: Childhood Stories by Boey

3 stars for When I Was a Kid 4: Childhood Stories by Boey.

This book is not your usual kind of book book. It is a short series of funny drawings with a small amount of writing that tell a story, or rather many short stories. Basically, it reads like a continuing story in comic-strip form.

I have a good time reading Boey's childhood stories. It comes especially handy when I want to read something but am sufficiently distracted enough to concentrate on reading a full-fledged novel.

Review: The Mistletoe Inn (Mistletoe Collection #2) by Richard Paul Evans

5 stars for The Mistletoe Inn (Mistletoe Collection book 2) by Richard Paul Evans.

This book reads like a once-in-a-lifetime experience Christmas gift. And the fact that I finish it on Christmas day itself makes the story even more special and memorable.

Author Evans is indeed the King of Christmas fiction. I have read many of his Christmas stories and thus far, no two books are ever written such that the stories teeter on the brink of similarity. It is an amazing experience to see how he coaxes words from thin air — like a magician — and weaves them into lovely, unforgettable tales.

I read The Mistletoe Inn in awed silence. Not only is it beautifully written, it also offers a different perspective and real glimpse into the literary business of writing and publishing. I love the way author Evan connects this book to the very first book in the Mistletoe Collection series. I think he has created a new definition to the meaning of standalone.

I will love to read the third book The Mistletoe Secret as well. But I seriously doubt I can finish reading it in time for the year. So, I am leaving it for next year's Christmas read. Well, at least, that is something for me to look forward to.

Review: When I Was a Kid 3: Childhood Stories by Boey

5 stars for When I Was a Kid 3: Childhood Stories by Boey.

This book is not your usual kind of book book. It is a short series of funny drawings with a small amount of writing that tell a story, or rather many short stories. Basically, it reads like a continuing story in comic-strip form.

I have a great time and many good laughs reading Boey's childhood stories. It comes especially handy when I want to read something but am sufficiently distracted enough to concentrate on reading a full-fledged novel.

The only drawback is this book 3 is not available for sale in Amazon, be it in kindle or paperback format. I feel really lucky to have come across this book (and yes! book 4 as well) in the library. The cute drawings and uniquely hilarious slice of life really make my day. Scratch that. Make my night, since I read them mostly at night, right before my bedtime.

Good news from Google and my googling! This book is available for purchase in Kinokuniya Malaysia.

Review: The Noel Diary (Noel Collection #1) by Richard Paul Evans

5 stars for The Noel Diary (Noel Collection book 1) by Richard Paul Evans.

The past week has been a very busy but extremely satisfying amd fulfilling one for me. I did not manage to put aside much time for my nightly dose of reading, but I did make time for two workout classes a day, that is right after my daywork; one ride and one rumble/boxhit. Yes, I sign up for a one-week unlimited trial and I make sure that I maximise the "Unlimited" portion of my purchase. So, that leaves me late for home and mostly spent for the night. In a way, I amaze myself that I can even squeeze in time for some reading after laundry and before I hit the sack.

This is another heartwarming Christmas story on grace, forgiveness and a chance at love.

How often do we seek peace and to reconcile with the past? Do we ever get the chance to rewrite the past? Well, The Noel Diary shares it all. Not only that, it comes with The Sound of Silence, a classic folk rock song with lyrics that is as soulful as the music itself.