Siguro ito ang librong maihahalintulad sa mga ginawa ni Bob Ong, nakakatuwa ngunit makikita mo ang katotohanan sa likod ng bawat linyang iyong mababasa. Puno ng kalokohan ngunit kung iisipin at papansinin may kabuluhan.
Sa librong ito mababasa mo ang iba’t-ibang pangyayari o ginagawa nating mga Pilipino, kwentong bahay, kwentong kalye, kwentong estudyante, at kung ano-ano pa. Isang librong puno ng kakatawanan na kapupulutan ng aral.
Masasabi kong natutuwa ako sa aking kaibigan at kapatid na maituturing para ibahagi sa akin ang librong tulad nito.
This book can really inspire and enlighten people about God. It can answer your questions. I really admire the author of this book for making this. It helps you to know and be more closer to God. This book is not just a book but something deeper than anyone can imagine.
Some of the lines that struck me the most:
“You don’t want what you’re ultimately trusting to be wrong”. – Jesus
“No one is good enough to make it to heaven. No one can ever be good enough, no matter how hard they try.” -Jesus
“Humanity’s separation from God is much more profound than people realize.” – Jesus
“People were meant to have God’s very life in them.” – Jesus
“Sometimes….it takes deep hurts for people to feel their need for God.” – Jesus
When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, a quiet small town where you can relax perfectly during weekends, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. At first, she was shy but despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family and she began to trust them.
But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.
She told Jo and Alex about her past, about how she had been hurt by her husband and how many times she tried to escape but ended returning to where they live. Because of the times that she tried to leave him, he didn’t allow him to go out and talk to neighbors, to go shopping and salon alone and most of all she’s not allowed to have money, call someone, or even have a friend until she had a chance to escape and ended up here at Southport. She had a tough time escaping and she told Alex that her true name was Erin; she told him that she’d change her name and her hair color so that her husband, Kevin, who was a detective wouldn’t find her.
But as she drew closer to Alex and his children, she was scared what will happen in the future. Until Kevin found her because of Karen Feldman, the daughter of their neighbor Feldman’s which is very close to Erin; he had a feeling that Erin stole the identity of Feldman’s younger daughter named Katie and escape. He traced where she was and saw her and Alex getting along together and swore to himself that he would kill them all. He’ll kill Erin (Katie) even though he loved her so much. He search for her everywhere and felt sorry for what he’d done to her but convince himself that it was also the fault of his wife. At the end, Kevin died and Jo was revealed to be a died person, the wife of Alex, after Katie knew that she was happy to encountered her. Alex gave Katie a letter which was made by his late wife and it says in the letter that Jo entrusted his husband and children to Katie and wished them a happy and wonderful life.
Characters:
Katie Feldman (Erin) – the main character of the story. Her real name was Erin and she was the wife of Kevin. She’s beautiful, kind, and has a good heart but was so scared of the past that haunts her, the named Katie was from Feldman’s family daughter whose died a long time ago
Kevin Tierney – Katie’s husband who constantly hits her. He used to say words of God, a good detective, and a drunker.
Alex Wheatley – owner of the old-fashioned country store, has two children and husband of Carly and soon get attached to Katie. A retired CID (Criminal Investigation Division) detective or military.
Carly Jo – Alex’s died wife; good, beautiful, lovable, and kind mother and wife. Died because of brain tumor
Josh Wheatley – Alex and Carly’s son who loves fishing
Kristen Wheatley – Alex and Carly’s daughter who loves doll and really like Katie
Jo – Katie’s neighbor and friend in Southport but actually the ghost of Carly, a good adviser
Ivan Smith – owner of the restaurant called Ivan’s where Katie works
Melody- co-worker of Katie at Ivan’s, a waitress and who likes to gossip
Ricky- achef at Ivan’s, co-worker of Katie who has interest in her
Big Dave – a chef also at Ivan’s and a co-worker of Katie whose fond of making nicknames
Joyce – an old woman who help Alex manage the store and takes care of his children when his gone
Roger – a man who works at the grill in Alex’s store
Coeffey – a cop who works with Kevin
Ramirez – a cop who also works with Kevin and always talks to Coeffey
Bill – Kevin’s boss who admire Kevin’s skills
Terry Canton- Kevin’s old partner that had a heart attack and decided to retired
Todd – Kevin’s new partner
Amber – a girl that Kevin met at a bar
Larry Feldman – old man and a neighbor of Erin (Katie) and Kevin, husband of Gladys, and someone who Erin (Katie) became friend with
Gladys Feldman – old woman, wife of Larry that died because of a disease
Katie Feldman – daughter of Gladys and Larry who died a long time ago and resemble Erin so much not just physically but emotionally
Karen Feldman – daughter also of Gladys and Larry who once talk to Kevin asking where Erin is and the one who told him about her sister Katie that gave Kevin an instinct or a clue of Erin’s whereabout
Rachel – Katie’s (Erin) hair stylist
Setting:
The setting of the story is in Southport, North Carolina. It is a small quiet town where people can relax and have fun especially during weekends. It made the story more exciting because it is where Katie (Erin) went to start over.
New words learned:
anomaly /əˈnɒməli/ (uh–nom–uh-lee)
– a deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form
– odd, peculiar, abnormal, strange, inconsistency
austere /ɔˈstɪər/ (aw-steer)
– severe or strict in discipline
– serious, grave, uncompromising, forbidding
fathom /ˈfæðəm/ (fath–uhm)
– to penetrate to the truth, understand, comprehend
– capable of returning to an original shape or position
Main Idea:
The main idea of the book is that love is an inevitable feeling, sometimes it can hurt us but at the same time it give us happiness. It is a feeling where we can feel safe. A feeling that sometimes can make us crazy and do things that we think impossible for us to do. Love heals our heart and helps us to cope up and face a new beginning. It also give us strength that can help us in our lives. It is an important element in a family for them to have a understanding and good relationship with each of the family. It is also an element that helps us trust other people.
Lessons I’ve learned:
We should have courage to face our problems
No one can live alone, we all need someone we can rely on
It takes time to know and trust someone
Not all marriage leads to a happy ending
Love is a magical gift from God that no one can explain
Love is the center of family
Quotations/Fav. Lines
“Love doesn’t mean anything if you’re not willing to make a commitment, and you have to think not only about what you want, but about what he wants. Not just now, but in the future.”
“I’ve come to believe that in everyone’s life, there’s one undeniable moment of change, a set of circumstances that suddenly alters everything.”
“That’s what courage is. If she weren’t scared, she wouldn’t need courage in the first place.” -Jo”
“Maybe I don’t want to be defined by what I do. Maybe I’d like to be defined by what I am.”
“I’m not sure anyone’s life turns out exactly the way they imagine. All we can do is to try to make the best of it. Even when it seems impossible.”
“Love can sometimes achieve the impossible”
Best scene:
For me, the best scene is when all the problems were solved and when Katie arrived at her house and start finding Jo but she didn’t found any trace of her or any trace that she had a neighbor. And when she finished reading Carly’s letter for her and found out that she’s also the Jo that became her neighbor.
I love that scene because you can see how Carly love Alex that she even guide him to find someone she can trust to love him and their kids with all of her heart. She even became a friend to Katie. She did that even she’s already gone in this world.
I also like the climax of the story where Kevin found her and when Kevin sets fire to Alex’s house. You can really feel the intense, suspense, and action.
Best character:
For me, its Carly Jo, wife of Alex because like I had said you can see how Carly love Alex that she even guide him to find someone she can trust to love him and their kids with all of her heart. She even became a friend to Katie. She did that even she’s already gone in this world.
Insights:
Actually, this is the first book I have read that was written by Nicholas Sparks. We had our LRR for English and we need to read a novel that can be found in out library. I was finding the book I’d love to read “A Matter of Choice” but I didn’t found it. Instead, I saw this book and I remember my friend in high school telling me to one of the books written by Nicholas Sparks entitled ” The Best of Me”, that’s why I thought maybe this book will be a great one. I’m not mistaken, I read and read and read until I finished it. This was a wonderful novel. I hope you can also read it.
So, yeah almost everything here is my answer to my LRR.
If I could continue the story, would I change something?
If I were given a chance to continue the story, I would end it with a wedding scene because I want to show the readers a clear ending wherein, Alex and Katie (Erin) will be united us one and they will live happily.
Want to know more?
Actually, next year 2013, the film of this book will come out.
Yuri Shibuya was living a pretty normal life. That changed the day he was dunked into a toilet after an attempt to save a classmate from a gang of bullies. Instead of just getting a good soaking, he’s pulled in. The next thing he knows, he’s in a world that vaguely resembles medieval Europe. If that’s not odd enough, he’s told that he is to be the next Maoh, just because he has black hair and black eyes. The Maoh is the King of the Mazoku, who are coexisting not-so-peacefully with the humans in this world. Much to his subjects’ dismay, he’s totally different from the rulers they’re accustomed to. He’s kind, considerate, a believer in justice, and not willing to use violence to solve conflicts. Not exactly someone they want running a country on the very brink of war. Now, Yuri has to deal with trying to become a good Maoh, while at the same time attempting to adapt to this lands’ customs and culture, all in a world where the tension between the humans and Mazoku is reaching its peak.
Setting:
Shin Makoku with an old England ambiance and Japan.
Main Characters:
Yuri Shibuya
He is the story’s main protagonist. After being transported to another world he becomes the 27th Maou(demon king) of a country called Shin Makoku. Before that, he was only a normal high school Japanese boy who loves baseball.
Conrart Weller/Conrad
He is Yuuri’s guard. He is the second son of the previous Demon Queen, Cäcilie von Spitzweg. His father was Dunheely Weller, was from the royal family of Big Shimaron and was considered the greatest swordsman in Shin Makoku. Conrad is only half mazoku and because of this he has no maryoku. As Conrad’s father was not a mazoku noble so he does not have “von” in his name.
Wolfram von Bielefelt
He is the youngest son of the former Maou, Cäcilie von Spitzweg. He is the only one of the previous queen’s three sons who inherited her emerald green eyes and blonde hair, so he bears a striking resemblance to her. It is said he inherited his selfishness from his father, but he can also be very manly and reliable. He is the half-brother of Conrad and Gwendal. He has extremely high pride and is hot-headed. He is arrogant and short-tempered but can also be quite compassionate at times. He dislike humans.
Gwendal von Voltaire
The eldest son of Cäcilie. He is the current lord of Voltaire. He is a skilled tactician and is capable of using earth magic and can cast barriers. Gwendal is a tough guy except when it comes to his childhood friend, Anissina, and his brothers. He is afraid of Anissina and often hides from her so he can prevent being used in one of her crazy experiments.
Gunter von Christ
He is one of the Ten Aristocrats, and Yuuri’s royal adviser. He is a skilled swordsman and magician, He can use all of the elements. He is a very whimsical person and poetic in his thoughts. He is Anissina’s number 2 test subject. He has an extremely strong attachment to Yuuri and tends to pine for Yuuri when has been gone from Shin Makoku for any amount of time. 20 years ago he was an instructor at a military academy.
Ken Murata
He’s the past Great Sage, a close adviser of Shinou. He’s also the closest friend of Shibuya in Earth.
Adalbert von Grantz
A former Shin Makoku, who loves his fiance Julia that he’s willing to turn on those he called friends to avenge her death. And while he seems to have good intentions, he is ruthless. He abandon Shin Makoku to take revenge. He’s the first person met by Yuri Shibuya in Shin Makoku.
Other Significant Characters:
Shinou – the first Maou of Shin Makoku. He was so dedicated to the kingdom, that he was willing to sacrifice himself in order to protect it
Greta – At first, she tried to kill Shibuya but ended to be an adopted daughter of Shibuya and Wolfram
Morgif – the demon sword of Maou
Shouri Shibuya – elder brother of Yuri. He’s the future Maou on Earth.
Ulrike – An 800-year old oracle with the form of a young girl. Ulrike comes from a long line of priestesses each chosen by Shinou to act as a channel between him and the people of Shin Makoku
Saralegi – Small Shimaron King. He became friend of Yuri
Berius – bodyguard of Saralegi and brother of Alazon
Alazon – the former Empress of Seisakoku and mother of Saralegiand Yelshi.
Shouma Shibuya – Shibuya’s brothers dad
Miko Shibuya – Shibuya’s brothers mom
Grisela von Christ – adopted daughter of Gunter. Physician in Shin Makoku
Cacilie von Spitzweg – The 26th Maoh and the mother of Wolfram, Conrad and Gwendal, each with different fathers. One of the three great witches of Shin Makoku. Commonly known as “Golden Celi.” She can use fire magic. Although initially, Cäcilie seems to be rather airheaded, she is actually very astute and intelligent and a very caring person.
Dacascos – He is one of the Soldiers at Blood Pledge Castle.
Josak Gurrier – a childhood friend of Conrad and is a spy for Shin Makoku who reports to Gwendal.
OTHER CHARACTERS
Alford
Amblin
Anissina von Karbelnikoff
Ao
April Graves
Beatrice
Bob
Chevalier
Cianfrocco and Zinter
Daikenja
Del Kierson von Wincott
Waltrana von Bielefelt
Yelshi
Densham von Karbelnekoff
Dunheely Weller
Elizabeth
Ernest Grisela
Flynn Gilbit
Gegenhuber Grisela
Hashimoto Asami
Hazel Graves
Henri Regent
Hyscliff
Izura
Jose Rodgriguez
Keenan
KG
Kotsuhizoku
Lindsey von Wincott
Louis Biron
Nicola
Nigel Wise Maxine
Raven
Odile von Wicott
Ryan
Stuffel von Spitzweg
Suzanna Julia von Wincott
Velma
Insights:
Well, as what you have read this anime is all about Yuri Shibuya, a 15 years old Japanese high school student who suddenly transferred to another dimension named Shin Makoku because of helping a guy named Ken Murata.
Transferring there was a disaster at first but it became a wonderful part of his life. Actually, he’s the Maou of Shin Makoku and the chosen one to save this world. In this dimension, there is a Mazoku and a human which are great enemies but because of Yuri a new world was created where people and Mazoku live in unity and peace. Clever, stupid, but cute and kind king change the world.
Encounter/Reason I watched it:
At first, this anime is boring for me because of its old England setting style. I watched this first in Animax but didn’t love it. After 2 years, my friend lend me her Cd, one of them is Kyou Kara Maou. I end up watching all her cd except this but due to my boredom last summer I end up watching it also.
Watching it was a good choice. It is really interesting and full of adventure. Kyou Kara Maou is a good anime. It is heart throbbing, heart breaking, a comedy. All in one. I hope you’ll watch it also.
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Lessons I’ve learned:
Being clever and kind can help you move people’s heart. What’s great? You can also be the reason why they change for a good one.
Being a leader needs great responsibility.
As long as you want to protect someone, you can be stronger.
Unity is the key to a peaceful world.
Best Character/Crush:
SHINOU
– because he risk his life just to save Shin Makoku. He even plotted how to save Shin Makoku before he died. He always guides his country even he’s in other dimension. He puts faith to the new Maou and helps him. He’s cute, handsome, clever, funny, but intelligent. He’s a great friend and a great Maou.
Favorite Scene:
When Shinou tests the ability of Shibuya to save Shin Makoku and when the two Maou’s save Great Sage copy.
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