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Ugly is a memoir of a barrister and part-time judge in UK whose childhood experience is painful and cruel.
After reading the book, I googled the author, Constance Briscoe and found that she is facing some lawsuits filed by her mother and a few family members who claimed that her story is untrue.
Actually I have my little doubt of her experience. How could a mother be so harsh to her own daughter? And I asked myself again and again throughout the story, why did her mother do that? There must be some reasons for such abuse. But then again, maybe there are really such unbelievable abusive mothers in this world.
There is a sequel to this story, Beyond Ugly. Coming up in June ‘07.
a tired day
a peaceful night
a good night rest
a bright morning
a fresh new start!
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The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman. Not as suspense as Clockwork, nevertheless it was a good read. I like the cover illustration of the Firework-maker’s daughter. So sweet!
“To make good fireworks you had to love them, every little sparkler or Crackle Dragon. That was it! You had to put love into your fireworks as well as all the skill you had.”
So the secret to success is none other than to love your work!
Besides that, …ok spoiler warning……
…you must have the Three Gifts – Talent, Courage/Determination/Willpower, and Luck. I think that is quite true, but I would replace “luck” with “blessing”. Blessing if one is in the will of God. That is for sure!
While I was thinking whether I should blog about my latest read, only then I realised, it was my first read in 2007! So why not just blog a little about each book that I read, then I can track how many books I have read for the year.
So, here goes the first one…
Finished Clockwork by Philip Pullman in 2 hours. This book is written for children but I find it a little eerie for them, and especially if it is read in the middle of the night, like what I have done. Or maybe it is just me. Or maybe it is the illustrations that spiced things up. Anyway it was a good read. Kept me in suspense.
And I like a particular poem, an excerpt from an Opera of Clockwork, which can be found in the After Words section.
A well-told story’s
Like a well-made clock
With intricate components
That subtly interlock
Each character a cog
Each incident a spring
Perfectly aligned
To cause the pendulum to swing
A well-told story’s
Like a well-made clock
Relentlessly unfolding
Till the final tock.
