"Don’t worry, Anna. I’ll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it." "Okay." "Promise me? Promise you won’t say anything?" "Don’t worry.” I laughed. “It’s our secret, right?" According to Anna’s best friend, Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there’s a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there’s something she hasn’t told Frankie–she’s already had her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago. TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer. (From Goodreads)
My friend Abi lend me this book of hers which is a tear-jerker. And yes it is, especially in the first part of the book when Matt died. At first, it made me excited especially the late night encounters of Anna and Matt.
Sneaking out.Watching the stars.Talking about their dreams and the things they like.About them.Their feelings.Their love.Their secret.A promise.(which Frankie shouldn't know)
Such events are really electrifying. But when Matt died, it totally changed the emotions reflected in the story. That is why I agree with some quotes from the book (as seen on my tumblr).
It isREALLYhard to lose someone you love. Especially if that person died. I remember when my grandmother passed away. Everyone was trying to comfort me. It was nice of them to be concerned. But it was difficult. They will say words of comfort until they don’t have any words left to say. Some will ask how are you feeling? When they do know that you’re not okay. Some will ask what happened? Which will make you cry even more. Some will say that they know how it feels? When they really don’t.
What made it more difficult for me was when I saw my dad cry. It just breaks your heart when you see your father’s vulnerability. It will make you cry easily. He is supposed to be our strength, our strong foundation. The one who should be the tough one in such rough times. That is why it hurts even more when we see them cry. But sometimes you have to be tough yourself to endure the pain.
I remember, that’s what I did when I saw him cry. I tried not to cry in front of them especially to my sisters so that they can also lean on me. I showed them that I can also be their strength. That explains why I am tough as a rock at times.
Anyway, enough of my personal drama. Back to the book. The book teaches us about letting go and moving on. The time will eventually heal such pain. That sooner or later everything will be fine. Though it is painful, we have to let go of the things that made us remember.
Nobody said it was easy.
You’ll get through it.
Face your fears and those that cause you pain.
Enjoy life.
Live, Laugh & Love.
Hmm.
PS. Maybe meeting and mingling with boys in one summer can help.
Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them by J.K. Rowling (Newt Scamander)
(Started: May 10, 2010; Finished: May 10, 2010)
Summary/Description:
Two new books penned by J.K. Rowling will help tide over Harry Potter fans as they await book five, and raise money for a good cause: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander, an A to Z listing of all beings magical (and required reading for all first-year Hogwarts students), and Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp (a "renowned Quidditch expert"), the official handbook of the wizard's sport of choice, both with a foreword by esteemed Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore. Rowling wrote the books to raise funds for Comic Relief in the U.K., a charitable organization helping the poor and disadvantaged in Africa and the U.K.! (not affiliated with the U.S. Comic Relief organization). Many printers and paper suppliers are joining in the effort by donating their services. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. (From Shelfari)
Review: 4 stars
Source: Ebook Available at: Amazon
I really love the range of creativity that J.K. Rowling inserts in her works. She created make-believe creatures on her own based on mythological creatures. It is a fun companion book.
I also love the witty side of the book by putting some commentary and some doodles from Harry, Ron and Hermione. It made the book extra special.
Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling (Kennilworthy Whisp)
(Started: May 10, 2010; Finished: May 10, 2010)
Summary/Description:
Two new books penned by J.K. Rowling will help tide over Harry Potter fans as they await book five, and raise money for a good cause: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander, an A to Z listing of all beings magical (and required reading for all first-year Hogwarts students), and Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp (a "renowned Quidditch expert"), the official handbook of the wizard's sport of choice, both with a foreword by esteemed Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore. Rowling wrote the books to raise funds for Comic Relief in the U.K., a charitable organization helping the poor and disadvantaged in Africa and the U.K.! (not affiliated with the U.S. Comic Relief organization). Many printers and paper suppliers are joining in the effort by donating their services. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. (From Shelfari)
Review: 4 stars
Source: Ebook Available at: Amazon
I love how she made these other Hogwarts schoolbooks that we can actually read alongside Harry Potter. It was like she already launched Pottermore but through pen and paper. I love how we can also learn more about Quidditch and to be able to embrace the sport that all of us just imagined.
What can I say? J.K. Rowling, you’re the best!
Sound Snippets:
Quidditch by Salsa Commodity
Quidditch by Salsa Commodity on Grooveshark I'm gonna play Quidditch all day. I'm gonna play Quidditch all night. 'Cause when I'm on my broom . Everything's right. Like It's Quidditch by Nice Peter Like it's quidditch by Nice Peter on Grooveshark I'll be standing in line Dressed like a wizard. Broken glasses in my eyes Got the figures Got Hermione's wand She's the best witch. Watching Harry Potter Feeling fly like it's Quidditch.
For the quotes I got from the book, please visit my Tumblr:
As Victor Hugo once said in his book, Les Miserables, "Books are cold but sure friends." Whenever I want to have a break from reality, from all the problems, pressure and stress, I go and grab a book. Then I lock myself in so I can be alone in my own world. A book, for me, is really a companion. It accompanies me whenever I travel places, I have an adventure, I meet new characters, fight in a battle or whatever crazy thing I would do.
(Photo: From Google)
Books give me the opportunity to explore new worlds, meet new friends and have that wider imagination. It helps me learn new vocabularies and gain new knowledge. It also tells you stories that you can relate to and enjoy at the same time.
Well, they sure are cold but they are always there for me.
That's why I always say, "Books are my boyfriends."
Harry Potter. Ron Weasley. Fred Weasley. Jace Wayland. Matt Perino.