Drama Review: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (???????)

Minggu, 16 April 2017

I loved this K-drama. With elements such as a power supergirl with a few buttkicking moves, thrown in some complicated love issues and a super evil psychopath and you will have Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. 

I will skip the plot since the above about sums up the overall picture of this fantasy romcom. What this drama captivated me is the fantastical portrayal of Do Bong Soon (starring Park Bo-Young) and her outlook on family, friends and life in general. Generally speaking, she is a simple-minded girl with a big heart and a bigger righteousness mind who would risk dangers to protect anyone who's in need of assistance (be it a simple lift of a heavy bulky item or a life-threatening situation.) 

Her love life, however, is a bit more complicated, though. She has been friends with rookie detective In Gook-du (Starring Ji-Soo) since they were teenagers and she's always carry a torch for him since then but that feelings is always one-sided until later, which I felt was way too late since by then she was attracted by Ahn Min-hyuk (starring Park Hyung-sik), a young CEO of a video gaming company. She and Min-Hyuk has a history way before they knew each other; and I loved to see how their feelings for each other develop from a boss-subordinate relationship to being a more-than-friends relationship. Their sense of togetherness most often brought a smile to my face be they flirting or clashing with each other's ideas. 

Credit Source

Then, there is the case of the psychopath who abducts young women to be his "brides". This thrilling plot captivated the crime thriller reader in me and it was interesting to see how this suspense involved Bong Soon and Min-Hyuk ultimately. That being said, this drama gravitate more towards the romantic aspect and I loved it all the same. And oh, that ending! *grins*

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama Review: Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim (???????)

Kamis, 02 Februari 2017

This review is long overdue since I'd been keeping watch on this medical drama since it was aired and I enjoyed it immensely. 

Also known as Doctor Romantic, this drama tells not only the daily occurrence of a doctor's life and his mission but also many struggles and challenges he has to face that exceed our imagination. 

Although there are several characters who contribute much to this show, in particularly Dr Kang Dong Joo (starring Yoo Yun Suk) and Dr Yoon Seo Jung (starring Seo Hyun Jin), at its core this story actually revolves around one genius surgeon named Boo Yong Joo (starring Han Suk Kyu) and how he continues to uphold his position and dignity as a surgeon despite his downfall during his prime time due to corporate politics at a well known hospital where he used to practice. Despite his "exile" to a smaller hospital at a secluded village town and donning a new name "Teacher Kim" (well there's a history surrounding this name but I'd not delve into that and let you find out yourself), his skill and his good nature personality shine throughout the story, earning him respect from everyone, from the cranky patients to the ex-directors as the story move along. As in many dramas, there is often a villain who would go against the protagonist and this is no exceptional. And of course, what I enjoyed most is seeing Teacher Kim guiding his small crew of staff (a variety of personalities there) and teaching them the true value of being a doctor through his past experiences. 

For viewers who want some romance in their drama, there's some romantic sparks here between Dr Kang and Dr Yoon. Their sweet romance offers some distraction off our minds amid the surgery scenes (it wouldn't be a medical drama without these) and other intense moments. For someone like me who often find surgery scenes intimidating, I found myself braving them because "Teacher Kim's" skill is simply amazing and not to mention this drama is watch-worthy. And oh, there's a prequel episode after the last episode so make sure you don't miss it (but don't watch the prequel first; it'd spoil the fun.)

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Lyrebird by Cecelia Ahern

Selasa, 24 Januari 2017

HarperCollins | November 2016 | 432 pgs

Source: Library

Cecelia Ahern's latest release, Lyrebird, is a story about humans' connections and how one moment could change everything.

Bo and Solomon, together with Rachel, work as a team for their documentary makings. Bo is the main person who produces and coordinates for all the filming, Solomon is the sound recordist while Rachel is the one behind the camera. Bo and Solomon are together as a couple for two years; and the trio are still elated over the awards they've won for their previous documentary on The Toolin Twins, featuring two seventy-plus old men living simply in an isolated part of the Cork countryside. What makes the brothers so special is they live and work together all their lives; they work in harsh conditions and rarely leave the land. Neither of them have ever had a romantic relationship with a woman; they are contented to have each other until the death of their lives.

After the success of the documentary, Bo and her two crew think they would be leaving the Toolin twins for good until they received the passing of one of the twins, Tom. Out of respect, the trio visited the isolated countryside once again to attend Tom's funeral and this is when Solomon met Laura; an extraordinary young woman who possess the talent of mimicking any sound she comes across. Laura is also fascinated by Solomon's calm and gentle demeanour and his presence is the only thing that comforts her amongst the strangers who set foot on their land. While Solomon is being careful around Laura, Bo on the other hand is excited about Laura's ability and wants her to be in her next documentary show. Thus, giving her the nickname 'Lyrebird'.

Laura is skeptical and anxious at first, but she quickly pulled from her peaceful, solidarity life to the cacophony of Dublin; a city life which both fascinates and scares her at the same time. Fame took her by storm after millions have watched and liked her performance, but fame could also turn one's life upside down without knowingly.

Lyrebird was a refreshing read to me; after all it's been a long while since I've read a fiction like Cecelia Ahern's. I enjoyed reading the first part where I got to learn more about Laura, as well as her interactions with the documentary trio, in particularly Solomon. There's obviously some sparks between Laura and Solomon right from the beginning. Laura's past was a puzzle and it was good to see how she's grown and how things have finally fell into place towards the end. Initially I wasn't sure how I felt about this book; for the story seemed to take a turn after Laura's fame and suddenly most characters seemed to take on a self-centered characteristics. However, my doubts are short-lived as the story picked up its momentum once again and I even felt it moving in the end. Lyrebird was a fine story but I was more engaged by the characters, such as Laura and Solomon.  

[Click here for more information of the real lyrebird] 

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama Review: Goblin (??????? - ??)

Minggu, 22 Januari 2017

The writer of Descendants of the Sun (Kim Eun-Sook) penned a new story and in this latest drama (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) it revolves around a goblin (protector of souls) and a grim reaper. 

Set between ancient Goryeo Dynasty and present time, this is a story about love, friendship, retribution and redemption. 

During Goryeo time, General Kim Shin (starring Gong Yoo) was an unbeatable warrior and had won many battles. However the young King was insecure and jealous so he had Kim Shin killed after he returned to court after his victory. Kim Shin became a goblin who has an immortal life. 

900 years later and back to present, Kim Shin is still waiting for a human bride to end his immortal life, which he learnt it is more of a curse than a blessing. One night he saved a pregnant woman who was destined to die. She later gave birth to a baby girl whom she named Ji Eun-Tak (starring Kim Go-Eun). On the day her mother passed Eun-Tak met the grim reaper (starring Lee Dong-Wook) right away she knew she was different from other human beings, aside from her ability to see ghosts. 

Now a high school student, Eun-Tak lives with her aunt but she is ill treated by her family. She still sees ghosts and hears their whisper of "goblin's bride" but has no idea what's everything about. On the day of her birthday Kim Shin appears in front of her after she has blown out the candles on her birthday cake. None of them understands why but Kim Shin later finds out that Eun-Tak could summon him whenever she blows off a light. Is she his destined bride? 

On the other end, the grim reaper couldn't rest his mind since the day he met Sunny, a beautiful young woman (starring Yoo In-na) when their attention fell on a green jade ring simultaneously. None of them couldn't understand the draw they feel towards each other; the grim reaper is the most affected as he always feel a sorrowful ache whenever he sees her. What is the secret past surrounding them?  

Writer Kim Eun-Sook has once again delivered another stellar work after the success of Descendants of the Sun (DOTS), which had taken the K-dramas world by storm. This time around she has wowed viewers with her two extraordinary heroes; both whom I felt possessed the same superhero quality as in Captain Yoo Si-jin (starring Song Joong-ki) in DOTS. Kim Shin is a true hero in many ways, from his warrior form to the present wealthy man he is ever the protector who watches over his loved ones (his younger sister and Eun-Tak). Like in DOTS, Ms Kim showed us the male friendship between two of her male leads. While Captain Yoo and Sergeant Major Seo are both loyal friends and comrade in arms in DOTS, we see the similar friendship between the goblin and the grim reaper although they have a lot of differences when their life and destiny are concerned. 

(Grim reaper and Goblin)

And of course we can't miss out the romances. No matter if it's Kim Shin and Eun-Tak or the grim reaper and his loved one, their scenes are often filled with sweet tender moments despite they could be sorrowful at times. I also loved it that some shots are taken in Canada; the autumn setting and the scenic places left me in awe. 

(Eun-Tak and Kim Shin)

(Sunny and Grim reaper)

Am I surprised with the ending? Yes and no. Truth be told, I was quite taken aback by some scenes in the last episode but knowing this is Ms Kim's work I knew she would not disappoint. 

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Selasa, 22 November 2016

Random House Children's Books | November 2016 | 384 pgs

Source: Purchased

This is a story about love, fate and the universe. Wait, you'd probably wonder: What has the universe got to do with what seems like a YA love story here? Everything. It revolves around this Earth, the connections among people, humanity, and of course the characters in this story. 

Natasha believes in science and facts, not fate. She definitely does not foresee herself meeting a boy and falling in love with him. To be in love requires chemistry between two people and that definitely falls under the science department, isn't it? But Natasha isn't worried about love and relationship, she has more things to worry; such as her family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica after her father's DUI which led them being discovered for undocumented immigrants. Natasha doesn't want to leave America; how could they when they have spent most of their time and life here, doing what everyone is and living the days as they go by. 

Daniel's parents are from South Korea but have moved to America with the help of a relative who'd been doing well for himself in NYC. Daniel and his older brother, Charlie, were born in America. Daniel has always been the family's good son, unlike Charlie. He is also a good student too; and one who live by their parents' high expectations although he does have his own dreams. But seeing Natasha changes all that. There is something about her that makes Daniel think that love at first sight (or second sight) exists and that it happens despite Natasha's skepticism. 

As Daniel and Natasha connect through their conversations, they found out that not only love is magical and involves chemistry (yep, definitely science here) but also the endless possibilities in the universe. These led them (as well as this reader) into pondering about the every moment in our lives might have brought us to a single moment which may change our life or see things in a new light. The possibilities are endless... which one would we be it? 

I also loved Nicola Yoon's insightful views when she wrote about immigrants, whether they are undocumented or not. What really makes this novel about connections is aside from the two lead characters, readers also get to know the perspectives from a few people surrounding Daniel and Natasha and how they will impact them, or vice versa. I found myself teary-eyed when I turned the final page because it was a moving story and a meaningful one as well.

� 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama Review: Go Ho's Starry Night (????)

Minggu, 20 November 2016

When I first started watching this drama I didn't know that it only has 4 episodes; still it was an enjoyable one and I wished it was much longer. 

Twenty-nine-year-old Go Ho (starring Kwon Yoo Ri) faces the struggles what many single women feel today - having a successful career and finding the right man to fall in love with. This expectation might not sound like a difficult feat but it seems Go Ho lacks of luck when these both are concerned. For starters, her job being an advertising executive often demands her time and efforts yet they aren't always rewarding. Her superior, Kang Tae Ho (starring Kim Young Kwang) is someone who demands devotion in their work and while at times she feels exhausted she still marvel at his capabilities for putting their team together. On top of it, she is still stumped by the harsh fact that her boyfriend dumped her and he couldn't give her a valid reason. 

Then things started to change when her old flame joined the company and became her new superior. Suddenly a few of her male colleagues started to look her way and trying their best to win her attention, including her ex-boyfriend and ex-superior who are rivals when it comes to meeting their sales targets. Each of these men has their strengths and flaws and Go Ho has to find the right man who would understand her and make her heart flutter at the same time. 

There isn't much melodrama when it comes to the story but for those who enjoy a sweet and romantic drama this is it. And since this is such a short drama, there isn't much room for characters development and it might seem more of an insta-love to some but at least one character has harbour his feelings towards Go Ho for a while to make their love believable. 

� 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Selasa, 27 September 2016

Bloomsbury Childrens | August 2012 | 432 pgs

Source: Purchased

I took a little break from thrillers featuring unlikeable and unreliable characters and dived into this YA fantasy series; a story about the journey and adventures of an eighteen-year-old girl who is trained as an assassin and has slaved at the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier until she is given a chance to win her freedom - to represent the Crown Prince of Adarlan in a to-the-death tournament. The winner will be the King's Champion and will abide by his orders for future (assassinating) missions.

Calaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most notorious assassin, and perhaps the greatest in all of Erilea. Calaena knows it's a lose-lose situation no matter which path she chose - it's too torturing working at the salt mines (she has some scars to prove) and she couldn't fathom the thoughts of serving the King who has ruined her country but at least she has the chance of gaining her freedom. And so there begins her training before the duel comes. During her time spent at the training, she gradually became friends with the Crown Prince, Dorian Havilliard, and the Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall. While the former loves teasing her, the latter is cold and calm though he is protective of her.

When the other competitors are a threat to her, especially a particular sly and arrogant soldier named Cain, Calaena soon realises that there is something dark and sinister which is the real threat, for her competitors ended up dead one by one and they all died gruesomely. No one knew how or why they were murdered but Calaena is certain of one thing, that some evil force is at work and she intends to find out the truth before she is the next target.

Although I am late in reading this series, I am not new to Sarah J. Maas' work; after all I enjoyed her Court of Thorns and Roses series and can't wait for the third installment to release next year. This first installment of the Throne of Glass series wowed me in many levels. The world building, the plot and the characterisation are all very well done. I enjoyed reading the interactions between Calaena, Dorian and Chaol. Calaena's friendship with Princess Nehemia was also an enjoyable read, as I felt Calaena needs some female companionship and a friend among all the alpha males even though she is not a weakling herself. No, I definitely think Calaena is far more superior when her skills are concerned and nothing could stop her since she has nothing to lose and with that strong dignity of hers. But that is not all, I also liked the idea of the Fae world and the magical element amid the political empire, despite the King banished and outlawed all traces of magic.

I can see why this series is so popular and makes a great fantasy series -  the world building so well constructed by the author, the development of the core characters and finally that wonderful storytelling which had me glued to the pages from the beginning till the end. I can't wait to find out what's in store with the rest of this series.

� 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama Review: Pinocchio (???)

Senin, 19 September 2016

This (2014) drama basically tells a story of how a (intentional) misconstrued news report ruins a happy family. 

Ki Ha-Myeong (starring Lee Jong-Suk) and his older brother have always look up to their father who is a heroic firefighter. However, a fire at a waste facility destroys the happy family. The Ki family is further broken by the news report that their beloved father might have fled from the scene since his body was never found. The brothers are adamant that their father would never do such things but alas, there isn't any evidence to prove their point. Ha-Myeong's older brother is detained in a police cell one night after he tried to argue with the anchorwoman whom he felt had reported the news unfairly for the sake of viewership. 

The night he is detained, Ha-Myeong's mother decided to end her life together with Ha-Myeong. Ha-Myeong is saved by a kind elderly man, Choi Gong-Pil, who suffers from memory loss and thinks he is his eldest son, Choi Dal-Po, who passed thirty years ago. Ha-Myeong doesn't mind the deception, after all he has no family and he treats Gong-Pil as his father. He is then officially adopted by Gong-Pil and lives his life as Dal-Po. Ha-Myeong also befriends Choi In-Ha (starring Park Shin-Hye), who is Gong Pil's granddaughter and though they are "uncle and niece" relationship they are in the same age range. In-Ha has "Pinocchio Syndrome" and whenever she tells a lie she will hiccup. She idolises her mother who is a successful anchorwoman, but they rarely contact each other since her parents divorced. Ha-Myeong soon learns that In-Ha's mother is none other than the anchorwoman who had destroyed his family and he vows to bring justice back by becoming a reporter himself, but he also finds himself having feelings for In-Ha and it's not kinship. 

(I especially loved this scene, whereby In-Ha unknowingly brought a faulty umbrella for Dal-Po but is saved by the traffic cones over their heads, a witty yet sweet gesture by Dal-Po. It beautifully captures of their young love during their high school days.) 

(Their grown-up version and work as rookie reporters at rival networks)

Well, I was impressed and was filled with various emotions after finishing watching Pinocchio. It has all the elements I had hoped for in a melodrama like this - suspense, thought-provoking issues, complex relationships and romance. And most of all, I loved the storyline and the issues raised on misconstrued reports (to gain news impact and viewership at someone's cost? Are the reports we read based on facts or merely rumours/assumptions?) A reporter's job not only gather and report news but also carries the responsibility of giving informative as well as honest and accurate news timely. And I loved the spirit of the young reporters in this drama; they show us what it takes to be a reporter through many things they have to do to ensure those news are reached to you timely. And then, there is the romance between Ha-Myeong and In-Ha, which is both heartwarming and fluttering at the same time. Overall it was a touching drama with a great storyline in my opinion. Actor Lee Jong-Suk's latest drama in "W" was a joy to watch (a comics hero!), but this drama left a deeper impression on me.  

� 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama Review: W

Rabu, 14 September 2016

This drama tells a story between two characters living in two different worlds and will most likely appeal to comics fans since the plot is set in the reality world and the comics world as well. 

Oh Yeon-joo (starring Han Hyo-joo) works as a surgeon and her father is a popular comics artist. His project "W" has garnered lots of attention and praises from many fans both online and in print. The character he created in "W" is a wealthy and good-looking man named Kang Chul (starring Lee Jong-suk) and is a skilled marksman. He was also an Olympics winner but that glory was taken away from him after he was a suspect for murdering his family members. His last appearance in the comics world saw him lying on the ground bathed in blood, apparently being assaulted by someone who wanted him dead. 

On the other end in reality world, Yeon-joo's father is missing and while searching for his whereabouts she stumbles into the comics world and found the injured Kang Chul. She managed to save him and later learned that he is the lead character her father created in "W" after she finds herself back in the reality world. 

Filled with mystery, action and romance, W (aka W - Two Worlds) was one intriguing fantasy which had me at the edge of my seat. Aside from the refreshing concept of having the comics world co-exist with the reality world, I was also quite fascinated by actor Jong-suk's portrayal of the charismatic Kang Chul and the mystery surrounding him (by the way, I loved the illustrations! See above.) While one may have to pay extra attention to what's happening between the two worlds, it didn't really create much confusions, at least not to me. There are some scenes which took me by surprise and of course there are also a few romantic scenes which would make female viewers' hearts flutter. Chemistry sizzled between Jong-suk and Hyo-joo and it made me wonder if their romantic relationship onscreen continues offscreen as well. Overall I enjoyed the drama. I had also watched an older drama starring Lee Jong-suk and review will be forthcoming.

(Above images credit to Google Images)

---

 

(Love Is and my TBR pile)

Jong Wen Books Co., Ltd | August 2016

Source: Purchased

Love Is was featured in W as we saw Yeon-joo showing Kang Chul a few things they could do together to make their life more colourful and meaningful. Illustrated by Korean artist Da-mi Park (Puuung), this is a great collection especially for married couples and although some of them are a few simple things we may be doing daily, the artist added some thoughts and sentiments alongside these illustrations which I felt makes this book such a wonderful read. There are two editions (Korean and Chinese) and I am hoping that there would be an English edition in the near future. 

� 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama Review: Splendid Politics (??)

Senin, 05 September 2016

Splendid Politics (aka Hwajung) is one of the most splendid historical K-dramas I have watched this year, pun intended. With 50 episodes you will be taken in by the grandeur Joseon dynasty and its majestic palace setting, a cast of interesting yet complicated characters and not to mention the scheming plot which will have you gritting your teeth and have your mind running at the same time. However, do not let the long episodes deter you from watching this. There was never a bored moment and truth be told, I was too busy digesting the story to be sidetracked by anything. 

In a nutshell, this is a story about power and wealth, revenge and love and of course, politics in the palace. Prince Gwanghae (starring Cha Seung-won) is the son of a concubine and since he isn't considered a "true blood" of a royal family, the King and his followers decided that the next heir to the throne would be his legitimate son despite he is only a small boy. His older sibling, Princess Jeongmyeong (starring Lee Yeon-hee), is also too young to inherit the title and on top of that she is a girl and no woman at that time should sit on a throne and rule the nation. With King Seongjo being poisoned by the head servant, Prince Gwanghae finally got his throne and have his two step-siblings executed and exiled respectively. Princess Jeongmyeong used to be close with Prince Gwanghae and her exile led her to lost her trust in him. Her escape was an unfortunate en route to Japan as a slave working in a sulfur mine after she was captured by some pirates. There, she was disguised as a boy and no one knew her true identity and her gender except her two close mates whom she knew from the mine. Despite the hard times, she vows to be a stronger person and would one day get her revenge and reclaim her title. 

Hong Joo Won (starring Seo Kang-joon) and Kang In Woo (starring Han Joo-wan) are best friends since young and both of them came from a noble family. Their fathers have some connections with the royal family due to their positions - one is a police chief while the other is an important merchant who has ties with the Ming dynasty. The two boys met Princess Jeongmyeong the first time near the palace garden when their fathers attended a political event nearby. Princess Jeongmyeong was taken in by the studious Joo Won but eventually fate plays a cruel joke on all of them. Of course there is a day when Princess Jeongmyeong finally returns to Joseon and reunite with her two childhood friends who are all grown up and this moment is the beginning of the political battles and in return will lead to many turn of events as the story progresses. 

Well, what can I say? I was kind of stumped while writing my thoughts as honestly, I don't know where to start. There are so many issues and sub-plots here which I don't think I would be able to sum them all up in this post. However, I can tell you how much I liked these three characters - Princess Jeongmyeong, Joo Won and In Woo and not because they are the lead characters but because of their individual characteristic and the patriotism they portray when there are moments they have to leave their loved ones and yes, one even has to turn against his family members when righteousness, justice and loyalty are concerned. How far would one go for power and wealth? Then, there is the question of blood and loyalty and how much would one do to right the wrongs and not to resent in the end?

I am aware that this post is getting too long and to conclude it - just watch it and be swept away by this splendid politics. No pun intended.

� 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Minggu, 28 Agustus 2016

Simon & Schuster UK | August 2016 | 384 pgs

Source: Purchased

Colleen Hoover's latest release, It Ends With Us, wasn't an easy read. While her signature for writing an intense love story is still there, this story comes together with a heavy issue which will break your heart but it was also a thought-provoking story which is uplifting as well. Please be aware that my thoughts contain spoilers as I felt it is impossible (hard) to write my thoughts without talking about the issue found in this book. 

The story begins with our protagonist, Lily Bloom, delivering an eulogy at her father's funeral. While she is supposed to feel sad with her father's death, in fact she could't help but to feel a bit glad that their unhappy past is over, especially for her mother. You see, Lily's parents' marriage was an abusive one. Every time after her father hit her mother, he would tell her again and again that he was sorry. And although Lily's mother always ended up hurt in every places, physically and emotionally, in the end she always let it go and think that whatever her husband did to her there must be a reason. Unfortunately, that cycle never ends until his death. 

Lily carries this emotional burden with her through her teenage years till her adult life. She works hard and after graduated from college, she moves to Boston from her small town in Maine to begin a new life. She started her own business and it is also at this moment that she meets a handsome, charismatic neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. Lily begins to think that her new life is a good beginning to everything, and most importantly she is happy again. There was once that she thought she would never get over an old friend, Atlas Corrigan, a homeless guy whom she had helped when she was fifteen but their friendship had ended when he left for Boston to live with his uncle. Lily treasured those moments with Atlas a lot, and she would always write her thoughts on a journal addressing to Ellen DeGeneres, because she loves her show. She called all her journals "My Ellen Diaries" and they contain all her memories of her time with Atlas. 

While Atlas is not what Ryle is, with his brains, charms and all, Lily at times wonder what it would be like if he and Atlas are still together. Would they be a couple? Despite her feelings, Lily is satisfied with her relationship with Ryle as he is an amazing lover who will always think of her first. However, there is a side of Ryle which Lily hasn't noticed, and that side would soon emerge especially after Atlas appears into her life, again. 

It Ends With Us is deeply emotional in many levels and while the subject deals with a heavy issue, I enjoyed the author's writing style. I liked how she wrapped two stories into one - Atlas' past in journal form and Lily's present in first person narrative. While this story is fictional, Lily's nuances of life and her experiences reflect what some women experience in reality and this made it to be a deeply personal novel as well, especially to the author as this is written based on her real-life experiences. While Lily's mother remains to suffer under her husband's abusive behaviours, the author's mother decided for a divorce before the author turned three. Despite all circumstances, the author has the utmost respect for parents who don't involve their children in the dissolution of their relationship, like the way her mother wanted the relationship with her father to be free of any strain by not discussing about it. She decided to break the pattern before it broke her children and it wasn't easy. After all, she made the ultimate decision to leave someone she loved so that her daughters would not think that the abusive relationship was okay. 

Although this is only my second Colleen Hoover book, I think this will remain as my "most powerful and unforgettable read" among all her other books, which I know I want to get to them in the near future. 

� 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama Review: Moorim School (????)

Jumat, 10 Juni 2016

Moorim School is basically a story about a group of youngsters' life studying at Moorim School and the challenges they faced during their academic year there. However, it isn't a "normal" school as it also teaches them martial arts and some great virtues such as faith, loyalty, sacrifice and even communication among the students. 

Yoon Shi Woo (starring Lee Hyun Woo) is a popular K-pop idol but his carelessness attitude as well as his hearing problem led him to a downfall as his agent decided to ditch him for good. He ended up at Moorim School after a near-fatal accident on stage and a fan told him that the headmaster of Moorim School might be able to help with his hearing problem. 

Sim Soon Duk (starring Seo Ye Ji) is a diligent student who works part-time while studying at Moorim School. Her father, who is blind, forbids her to attend Moorim School for some reason so she could only attend in secret. One day, she rescued a guy, Wang Chi Ang (starring Lee Hong Bin), from drowning and it was love at first sight for him. Chi Ang comes from a rich family but is an illegitimate son. He decides to attend Moorim School because of Soon Duk. The last leading character, Hwang Sun Ah (starring Jung Yoo Jin) is the daughter of Moorim School's headmaster and she is one of the top students there. 

While Moorim School may seem like a martial arts drama at first glance, it is much more than that as we see the different life of these four young people and how they come about together through the tests and challenges they meet in school. Needless to say, there are lots of angst among the students, in particularly Shi Woo and Chi Ang since they'd a few misunderstandings prior enrolling the school. 

However, there are much bigger and complicated issues awaiting the four characters as it seems the headmaster harbours a secret surrounding Moorim School and then all hell breaks loose once the secret is out, for it involves the key to attaining a great power. 

This drama surprised me on many levels. For starters, it isn't mainly focus on martial arts (although I do enjoy watching films on that) and I also liked a few characters here, mainly Hyun Woo because he is the one who changes a lot throughout the story. In fact, his transformation to a thoughtful and a selfless person is what most moving in this story. The triangle love between Hyun Woo, Chi Ang and Soon Duk is also the highlights of this story, but they don't really take up most of the story and I liked it that way. 

While this story has much sentiments and actions (and oh, a little of fantasy elements when the secret power is concerned), I loved it that there is a message behind it and not to mention a good closure which made me think that sometimes letting go is actually not a bad thing at all, when friendship and love is concerned. 

PS: Thanks, Jenclair, for mentioning this drama to me.

(All pic images credit to Google Images and DramaFever.)

komentar | | Read More...

Drama: Descendants of the Sun (?????) (Thoughts)

Kamis, 14 April 2016

Starring: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Kim Ji-won, Jin Goo, Kang Shin-il, Onew

Written by: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok

Synopsis from DramaWiki:

This story tells of doctors stationed in the fictional war zone of Urk, and follows the love story that develops between a surgeon, Dr Kang Mo Yeon (starring Song Hye-kyo) and a special forces officer, Captain Yoo Shi Jin (starring Song Joong-ki), both elite in their respective fields. The story will track both their personal and professional struggles while exploring issues about the value of life.

---

Is Descendants of the Sun really over? The finale of the drama was aired last night and here I was still in denial. I am sure many fans of DOTS will share the same sentiments as me. Unlike the other Korean drama series, DOTS was pre-produced so it is unlikely the producers would prolong this popular series with a few more episodes but hey, I understood that there would be a 3 special episodes next due to the popularity of the drama so I am looking forward to that. 

So, my thoughts on DOTS? I loved, loved, loved this drama series so much that on few occasions I had to search the raw clips without any subtitles on the same night it was aired because I just wanted to know what happened. And then the following day I would watch it again with English subtitles (not every episode, though, as there were some nights I couldn't find any raw clips and had to endure the wait). 

And so, what made DOTS so addictive? The premise, the cast and not to mention a few beautiful scenes shot at Zakynthos Island, Greece. Plus, it was an action thriller with lots of alpha males in military gear and yes, there is romance in it, too. For the romantics, there are enough unforgettable and romantic moments as well as swoon-worthy dialogues (quoted a few below) that had had me sigh, and sigh some more. 

(Zakynthos Island, Greece)

But most of all, I think it is Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo who have brought their roles to life; thus leading us into wondering if their romance in the drama is real in reality as well. I had anticipated this drama since knowing that Song Joong-ki would be starring in it, after all this drama marked his comeback after his discharge from the military service last year. The role of Captain Yoo fits him perfectly especially after his military completion and I think what makes his role unforgettable is aside from his macho-ism, it is his devotion and his protectiveness towards Dr Kang that has won not only her heart but many female viewers' as well. And Song Hye-kyo is as beautiful as before; I remember seeing her on Autumn in My Heart (2000) and that story simply blown me away. In the past, she often portrayed as a vulnerable woman but in DOTS she played a surgeon who took full pride in her job and wouldn't succumb to bribery and political pressures and I like that trait in a female character. However, she also shows us her cutesy side whenever Captain Yoo teases or making fun of her. 

And then, there is our secondary characters, Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young (starring Jin Goo) and First Lieutenant Yoon Myung Ju (starring Kim Ji-won), who seemed to have an on-off relationship and their love is further complicated by the disapproval of Myun''s father, who held a high rank in the military force. Like the lead characters, I enjoyed watching this couple as well. 

(First Lieutenant Yoon Myung Ju and Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young)

Finally, I think what attributed to this drama is these elements in it - humanity, patriotism and friendship that has no boundaries when it comes to racial and countries. I would ramble on like a fangirl would do but I won't so I shall leave you a few interesting links to read here, here and here. 


A few notable dialogues:

• �Don�t worry. Protecting beauties, elders, and children is my rule.� ~ Captain Yoo
• �The doctor will save her patient and I will protect what I have to (protect)� ~ Captain Yoo
• Captain Yoo: �Doctors don�t have boyfriends because they�re too busy.�
  Dr Kang Mo Yeon: �Soldiers don�t have girlfriends because it�s too hard (too much work).� 
• �About that kiss... should I apologize or should I confess my love?� ~ Captain Yoo
• �If I had known I would die like this, I should honestly confessed my feeling � I was kissed by an awesome man and my heart was fluttering the whole time.� ~ Dr Kang Mo Yeon
• �I want our relationship to be a melodrama but it turns into a blockbusters.� ~ Captain Yoo
• Captain Yoo: "What�s your blood type?"
  Dr Kang Mo Yeon: "Your ideal type. A beauty? A doll? The type that would get me locked up in your heart?� 

(All pictures credit to Google Images)

komentar | | Read More...

Dramas: She Was Pretty (????) | Royal Family (????) (Thoughts)

Rabu, 02 Maret 2016

Starring: Hwang Jung-eum, Park Seo-joon, Go Joon-hee, and Choi Siwon (Released in 2015, 16 episodes) 

Synopsis From DramaWiki:

 A romantic comedy about two past acquaintances who meet again after they went through reversal of fortunes and appearances.

Kim Hye Jin was a very pretty girl from a rich family. After her family's publishing company went bankrupt, she experienced hardships and then lost her beauty too. Ji Sung Joon was an unattractive boy with low self-esteem, but grows up as a handsome and successful editor. As fate would have it, both of them end up work at the same magazine publishing company.

I always find it sweet and romantic to see childhood friends turned couple as the time goes, be it books, dramas or in reality. What's better than that in a relationship, knowing and understand your other half and accepting who he/she is. 

This drama doesn't have too many intense scenes for it leans more towards the pure, sweet memories of first love. I liked the hero's loving devotion towards the heroine despite the fifteen years separation. We can see through his devotion through his several small gestures, and while I was frustrated that the heroine didn't want to acknowledge him in the beginning due to her appearance, I can see her point since the hero has become a good looking man while she was the complete opposite. 

Friendship and team work are also another important elements in this drama. I have always been curious of the magazines industry and I was glad to see some 'behind the scenes' here and to understand how the staff work to have that final copy of a magazine into our hands. 

I also liked the scenes between the heroine and one of the supporting characters, Kim Shin-hyuk, who is also working in the same magazine publishing company. He is funny, loud and a straightforward man but he is also a humble and a sentimental person too, which I liked best about him. He is the heroine's supervisor at work and they developed a close relationship. He fell for her eventually, even if she is a plain old Jane. 

Oh, I didn't mention that the hero and the heroine are co-stars in Kill Me Heal Me, acting as siblings although they aren't blood related and he has loved her secretly. I was glad to see their love blossomed in this drama.

(4.5 stars)

---

Starring: Yum Jung-ah, Ji Sung, Kim Young-ae (Released in 2011; 18 episodes)

Synopsis From DramaWiki:

For 18 years Kim In Sook has been ignored and never regarded as sister-in-law by her husband's brother and sisters. She's been isolated by everybody in her husband's family and she lived like an invisible person. Then things got worse when her husband died in a helicopter crash. Since then, her mother-in-law tried to deprive her of her guardianship of her son. Then Han Ji Hoon, who had a relationship with her in the past appeared as the lawyer of JK clan. And he witnessed her miserable situation. Then he decides to help her and resets his goal in life. That is, to turn In Sook, a woman who has been treated as rubbish into a Queen.

Ji Hoon leads a double life in JK clan, and makes arduous effort for the goal of saving In Sook. He finds that his feelings toward In Sook are more than gratitude and pity. She has become the only woman who makes his heart beat fast. It's just an untutored feeling. And he could abandon it just for the sake of In Sook. The story of Kim In Sook's battle against all odds to rise to the top of JK Group with the help of the lawyer Han Ji Hoon, a man who has supported her since they were children.

[Please note my thoughts below contain major spoilers]

Ah, there are so much hatred and emotions in this drama. Heated arguments, siblings rivalry, power struggles and revenge within a royal family (The royal family here refers to their strong connections and links with the political figures and its affairs.) which made me think they are enemies more than a family. 

What made this drama a worthy watch is the belief and faith of Kim In Sook and Han Ji Hoon for each other. Their trust in each other is so strong that they would risk their reputations and lives to protect each other. From the beginning, I have always wondered about Ji Hoon's feelings towards his guardian/sponsor, In Sook. After all, In Sook looked and acted more like his elder sister but I suppose love conquers everything. Their disappearance in the end was ambiguous for no one ever knows if they were perished or they have eloped. However, I'd like to think of the latter because it would be too sad to think otherwise.

(4 stars)

komentar | | Read More...