The Pursuit of Reading

The Pursuit of Reading

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Have you ever wondered a person who loves reading a lot of books and sharing the happiness with others? Sometimes, being a book reviewer is always easier said than done. Jess, a book reviewer, speaks to Mimi Wong about her life as a book reviewer.

 

  1. Why do you want to be a book reviewer?

I have been reading books for a long time, and I often found myself reading what other people would say about a book on Goodreads. I would judge if I agreed with their opinion or found it differed. I started by writing recommendations on Apple ibooks, but it was only recently that I decided I really wanted to share my thoughts and opinions about the books I read.

 

  1. What is your most favourite book you ever read?

I think my favourite book would have to be ‘Anna and the French kiss’ by Stephanie Perkins, it was such a beautiful love story. It really made me fall in love with reading and it was such a different storyline.

 

  1. Why do you call yourself a book-eater on your blog?

I call myself a book eater, because when I was younger my mum used to tell me that I read books so quickly. I was eating them rather than reading them.

 

  1. Why do you prefer to make book review videos on YouTube instead of writing book reviews in words only?

I like making book review videos because it feels more personal, I feel like I can express myself more clearly in a verbal video rather than through words. I do enjoy writing worded reviews, but sometimes I feel like I miss things I wanted to say or perhaps I didn’t deliver the message as well as what I was hoping for.

 

  1. Did you come across any difficulties when you started as a book commentator?

I think the main difficulty which I still grapple with right now is gaining traction, the web is such a wide space and can really propel you into the eye of everyone. But at the same time, it is quite easy to get lost in the web and I think its finding that balance of not getting lost and trying to be seen.

 

  1. What is the most interesting thing you have ever encountered as a book reviewer?

I think the different people and authors who I have met. It is amazing to talk to people who are so interesting, find their passions and be creative with other like-minded people.

 

  1. What is your future plan? Do you wish to write a book?

I don’t really have a plan at the moment, because life has taught me – you can plan all you like but things will change. I think I would love to write books. Hopefully people would love to read them as well.

 

  1. Do you have any book recommendations for teenagers?

Well that depends, as a teenager I loved more contemporary authors such as Stephanie Perkins, Simone Elkeles and Jennifer Echols were among my favourites. I really loved the vampire academy series, the shadow hunter series but fantasy books weren’t as popular when I was younger. I would recommend anything by Sarah J Maas, Cassie Clare and Leigh Bardugo for anyone who is interested in fantasy books.

 

To know more about Jess:

Instagram: caroline_bookeater

Website: https://carolinemasci.com/

YouTube channel: Caroline Bookeater

Little Big Master

Little Big Master

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Have you ever heard of Lillian Lui’s story? Her story reminded me of what is said in the film “Bruce Almighty”, “If you want a miracle, be the miracle.” Maybe it is a good idea for us to reflect on the real meaning of education.

Lillian Lui (呂麗紅) was the principal of an elite kindergarten in Discovery Bay. She plans to retire and travel around the world with her husband. One day, she sees an advertisement in a newspaper recruiting a principal to teach the remaining five children of Yuen Kong Kindergarten. She thinks that early childhood education is essential. Therefore, she becomes the principal of the kindergarten for only $4,500 per month. But such a low salary does not deter her from teaching the five children.

Yuen Kong Kindergarten is in the verge for closure. One child is graduating while the other teachers and students have quit. The five remaining children are from underprivileged families. Their parents cannot afford to change to other schools. Lillian tries to cater for them with limited resources. There are no textbooks or toys. The air-conditioner is broken. They have to go to a public toilet nearby as the toilet in the kindergarten is broken too.

The five children have their own stories. Kaka Lo (盧嘉嘉) is one of them. Her father is handicapped. They live in a squatter house to be pulled down due to a development project. Every day, they are threatened by property developers because they refuse to give up the house. Kaka has to climb over a rubble hill to get to the kindergarten. Can you imagine a little kid doing so? When Lillian sees it, she asks a district councillor for help and calls the police to follow up on Kaka’s case.

Mei Chu Tam (譚美珠)’s parents died in a car accident. Auntie Han is her only guardian. Mei Chu always asks Han where her parents are. Han lies to her by saying they were hit by the thunderstorm monster. Mei Chu is very afraid of thunderstorms after that. When Lillian sees Mei Chu cry, she comforts her, saying that her parents are in heaven and encourages her to be perseverant.

Siu Suet Ho (何小雪)’s mother has not been approved for Hong Kong residency. Siu Suet misses her mother very much. She lives with her father, who makes a living by selling metal scraps. When she arrives home every day, she needs to help her father sell metal scraps and cook for her father because her father’s leg is broken. What was your dream in your childhood? Siu Suet’s dream is to learn as many new words as possible in order to write to her mother. Lillian encourages her to pursue this dream.

Kitty Fathima and Jennie Fathima are Pakistani. Their parents don’t have enough money to pay for transportation. Consequently, their mother tells Lillian that Kitty and Jennie will not go to school anymore. In some conventional Pakistani families, girls are not expected to study. Kitty and Fathima are from such a family. But Lillian does not agree with them. She believes that every child has the right to be educated. Lillian then convinces their parents by promising to drive Kitty and Jennie to school every day.

Apart from helping the five children, Lillian has to do some promotions to attract more children to the kindergarten. Initially, nobody comes to the open day. When there are more news reports about Lillian, the popularity of Yuen Kong Kindergarten grows. Some parents are influenced by Lillian’s story, so they let their kids go to Yuen Kong Kindergarten. The kindergarten can stay afloat ultimately.

What is the real meaning of education? Is it to help students enter a famed school and get exceptional results? From Lillian’s story, I realise that education means conveying the message that we should be kind to everyone. We should know what is right and wrong, as simple as that. Lillian says, “The number of students is not important as I am teaching five unique students.” Both teachers and students can benefit from education since life affects life.

Little Big Master is a film adapted from Lillian’s story. The film was produced in 2015. Miriam Yeung was cast as Lillian Lui.

If you want to read the book, you can buy it from online bookstores. You can watch the movie by renting the movie on Youtube.

 

Cover photo Credit:

https://topick.hket.com/article/565151/%E4%BA%94%E5%80%8B%E5%B0%8F%E5%AD%A9%E7%9A%84%E6%A0%A1%E9%95%B7%EF%BC%88%E4%B8%8B%E7%AF%87%EF%BC%89

Password reset for the new school year

Password reset for the new school year

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[IMPORTANT]

Please note that all user passwords have been reset for the new school year. Check your School Intranet mail for instructions on how to change your password.

Your user details (class and class number) should have been updated as well.

If you need assistance, please contact Mr Ken Kum.

Thank you.

K S Lo English Blog – Writer’s Rewards (2019-20)

K S Lo English Blog – Writer’s Rewards (2019-20)

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With the 2019-20 school year coming to an end, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the following student writers for their contributions in the school year:

Refer to the following file for more details on the writer’s rewards given in the 2019-20 school year.

K S Lo English Blog – Writer’s Rewards (19-20)

Thank you very much once again for all your wonderful submissions. It was such a great pleasure to read them! We look forward to reading more of your work in the new academic year!

Keep writing!

Emma Goodwitt’s Casual Note: The Pathetic Childhood of Ian Blake (Part 2)

Emma Goodwitt’s Casual Note: The Pathetic Childhood of Ian Blake (Part 2)

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Reminder: This passage contains words from an old language, though the grammar may not be 100% accurate.

His disappointment towards his parents had reached a critical point. He kept wiping away his tears from his eyes while he was running down the corridor. Yet when he reached where he had wished at the beginning, he stopped and thought for a while in front of the door. ‘No, no, I’m not supposed to go back here. Instead, I should do something before more lives are sacrificed for them. The basement… yes, that’s right! There ought to be some useful information in it.’

With these words out of his mouth, he turned around and ran towards the direction of the living room once more.

The basement inside this building was kind of like a treasure house where you could find tons of data of most experiments carried out accumulated on shelves. But it seemed that Mr and Mrs Blake had never been there for looking up previous information. Ian, on the other hand, had already got to know the entire building when his parents were carrying out experiments on regular days. No exaggeration, Ian remembered every sort of data he could use for coping with his problems very clearly. Right after he entered the room through the unlocked iron door, he pulled down the yellowish light cord beside it and closed the door proficiently. All these actions were finished in a row. On a shelf covered with dust in the deepest spot, many sorts of reference books and documents in different thicknesses were tidily packed. He tried hard to read the words printed on the spines under a weak light source, ‘“Institute of Cerebrums”, “101 Questions About Anesthesiology”, “Potential Effects to Genetic Structures in Medical Products”, “Evolution of Life”… ah, there we go! “All About Consciousness Mutations and Mental Disorders”!’

Ian searched page by page, sitting on a rigid box made of wood after he found the book. Unfortunately, it was unexpected that he still couldn’t find any useful ideas a few moments later. ‘Humph, this is going to be tragic. I’ve tried so hard that I could only find this book which barely fits. And in all these abstract theories in the field, there is absolutely no practical method. It seems even the cutting-edge science documentaries I’ve watched secretly are not helping for now… tsk,’ he said to himself, sighed. At the moment he was considering other less probable solutions, a hoarse voice from certain man was heard without anyone noticing, ‘Turn around, young man.’

Due to the unfamiliar voice in such a quiet dimension, Ian was startled. The strength of Ian’s fingers was temporarily reduced, and his book was dropped on the floor. He did so and asked nervously, ‘Who are you then?’

The man in a dark blue cape with a white beard behind him took off his pointy hat and then opened his mouth, ‘Shh… do nat bother asking. Ich am here to just complete my mission.’ When the man had spread his palms, a book made of parchment and a branch appeared on them separately in a split second. The man continued, handing those to Ian, ‘Here, read thilke, and practice according to it.’ Ian scratched his head, not understanding what he meant. The man guided Ian as he knew Ian didn’t get it, ‘Alright, alright. Koude thee still remember tho beams which been emerged fro the evil spirit?’ ‘How do you know? Is it anything about me?’ Ian’s attention was caught immediately by this odd statement.

The corners of the man’s mouth curved up. He explained patiently, ‘Everich kan love and hatred can blindfold. What leads tho lost souls till brightness been rationality. Echo evil spirit is given born due to obsession. And for thee, thee han a kind of ability which purifies swich obsession since thee been born. And with thy constant naivete, thy soul stays pure and thee han a rational mind. Thee are really fortunate als thee been nat ideologically contaminated though thee been given born in swich an unethical family. Thee truly han thilke potential. It been thee, who released the power deep inside thee that had nat been awoken in swich an urgent condition. And therefore the blonde female evil spirit could immediately see the truth and realized that sche koude get what sche desired to by here own strength without hurting anyone. It perfectly proved that thy will can clear all tho emotions that might hinder rational thinking processes. If thee agrees to train thy will, thee can use it well whatever thee want to.’

…

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Orchid

Orchid

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When I first saw it, it was like a red rose which

blew my mind out back and forth.

I blindfolded myself with its thorns

even though I knew it would not go north.

I found stains on my hand; ‘fore I pulled them off again

Maybe that was too late ’cause the blue had poured in my vain

When I last held it, it became our orchid.

 

Cats Are Not as Cute as You Imagined

Cats Are Not as Cute as You Imagined

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Cats are cute, aren’t they? Some claim that keeping a cat is easy as you just have to feed them and play with them. Cats are easy to pet. In reality, keeping a cat is always easier said than done.

  1. Naughty cats can be troublesome

Some cats are naughty. They urinate furniture like sofas, especially male cats. They urinate everywhere when other cats are living with them. The reason is that they want to let other cats know about their own territories which are not to be intruded. When other cats enter their territories, they will fight them. When a cat is hurt, you have to take it to see a vet. To be honest, medical expenditure can be huge when the cat needs a medical check-up.

  1. Cats are not cute when they are sick

Cats are like children. They sometimes have some illnesses. Especially when cats are getting older and older, they may suffer from diseases such as stomatitis. They may need frequent medical check-ups. Apart from that, surgeries are needed. Take stomatitis as an example; cats’ teeth may have to be removed to cure the illness. The cost is high. You may have to spend more than a month’s share of pocket money.

  1. Cats can destroy everything

Sometimes, cats need partners to play with. Otherwise, they may bite all sorts of different items. Sometimes, they may bite into electric wires. Some may even try to break TVs. That’s terrible!

  1. Pedigree cats suffer from more diseases

Pedigree cats such as Scottish Fold cats suffer from various diseases easily. They usually suffer from hyperostosis because they have some gene problems. Sometimes, their joints have problems such as deformity. Some are deaf because their ears are folded. Consequently, medical expenditure is much higher than you can imagine.

  1. Cats are like children.

Cats are like children. You have to teach them how they can behave well. It takes a lot of time. Frankly, you have to teach cats to use the cat litter box. Also, you have to buy toys which are suitable for them. For example, some cats like running and jumping around your home. You may consider making some cat trees (i.e. steps for cats to jump). Some cats like playing with cat teasers. Sometimes, you have to buy more toys than expected. Having a cat is like having a child. If you are a responsible owner, you have to know more about your cats’ preferences. Of course, they may get into trouble like children sometimes!

I am not deterring you from having a cat. But I want you to consider whether you are suited to have a cat!

Some videos about cats wrecking everything:

 

Cover picture credit:

Photo by Eftodii Aurelia from Pexels

Japanese Literature – Fireworks, Should We See It From The Side or the Bottom by Shunji Iwai

Japanese Literature – Fireworks, Should We See It From The Side or the Bottom by Shunji Iwai

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Rating: *** (out of five)

If you had an opportunity to change the past, what would you change?

Norimichi Shimada and Yusuke spend their pool-cleaning duty. Nazuna proposes a swimming competition for Norimichi and Yusuke. She says that the winner could spend a night with her. Finally, Yusuke wins. He does not want Yusuke to win because he finds that Yusuke doesn’t like Nazuna. Suddenly, Norimichi discovers a small glass marble which can rewind time. He tries to throw the marble and changes the past.

When he goes to the past, he encounters a lot of things. When he gets to a train with Norimichi, he is caught by her parents. He wants to alter the past again, so he throws the glass marble. This time, he is caught by his friends. He throws the marble again. Finally, he goes to an ideal world that nobody deters them from getting onto the train.

Norimichi goes to a lighthouse and sees the fireworks. He finds that the shapes of fireworks change when he changes the past. In the original world, the fireworks are rounded. In another world where he has changed the past, the fireworks are flat. In his ideal world, the fireworks are rounded again! However, Nazuna doesn’t want to live in his ideal world. Norimichi throws the marble again…

Comment:

I think the effects of the fireworks are great. But the directors should try to tell us more about the reason why only fireworks can represent different worlds. The ending is a bit unclear. Also, Norimichi persists in getting to the train with Nazuna, so he changes the past. How about the other characters? Do they know that the world is changing? The plot events are a bit problematic.

More about Shunji Iwai:

A Japanese film director, video artist, writer and documentary maker. He was awarded Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award in 1993.

If you want to read the book, click the following links.

If you want to watch the animation, click the following links.

 

Cover picture credit: https://forum.gamer.com.tw/Co.php?bsn=47230&sn=142

A Street Cat Named Bob

A Street Cat Named Bob

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Rating: ***** (out of five)

Have you ever imagined a cat could change one’s life? If not, let’s see if this book can arouse your interests!

James is a homeless and former heroin addict. After a life-threatening drug-related incident, he is sent to a hospital. He does not have the motivation to live even if he is asked to take part in a drug-rehabilitation programme. One day, he discovers a lovely ginger cat sneaking into his house. He gives the cat some food and milk. After that, he asks people whether they know who the cat’s owner is. Unfortunately, the cat does not have an owner. James finds that there are bumps on its body. He takes Bob to see a vet. James realizes that adopting a cat is easier said than done. The medical expenditure is equal to his weekly pocket money. He names this ginger cat Bob.

When he is busking with Bob, he can earn more money as Bob is adorable and attractive. The crowds look at Bob and start to appreciate James’s performance. Some people give Bob knitted scarfs and food. They take photos with Bob. James becomes motivated to keep on busking.

After some time, James realizes that he cannot be a drug addict anymore because he does not want Bob to have a drug addict as his owner. He spends time becoming clean. It is hard for James to get rid of drugs because there are many withdrawal symptoms. He has hallucinations and suffers from insomnia. There is a voice telling him that maybe it is a good idea to start taking heroin again. When he wants to give up, Bob sits near James and looks at him, as if to say, “Are you alright? I am here if you need me!.” After the nightmarish forty-eight hours, James becomes clean.

It is a movie based on a true story. You can buy this book in book shops. Also, you can know more about drug addicts. This story conveys the message that when someone is homeless, it doesn’t mean they are hopeless. All they want is love, care and a friend along the way, human or animal.

Latest news: Bob has died aged 14.

 

Cover photo credit: https://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=796856

Japanese Literature – Weathering With You by Makoto Shinkai

Japanese Literature – Weathering With You by Makoto Shinkai

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Rating: ***** (out of five)

If you had two choices: sacrificing your beloved and saving the city or sacrificing the city and saving your beloved, which one would you choose?

High schooler Hodaka Morishima runs away from his home and goes to Tokyo. Unfortunately, his ferry is hit by a fierce storm. He is saved by Keisuke Suga, who gives Hodaka a business card. He encounters Hina who works in a fast-food restaurant. She thinks that Hodaka is poor because he has come to Tokyo alone. After that, Hodaka works for Suga to make a living. He meets Suga’s niece Natsumi. He works with her at a small publishing company. They have to investigate urban legends related to the unusually rainy weather in Tokyo.

He discovers that Hina can change the weather. They start running a business. Some people will send some offers to her to change the bad weather because they want to have some important activities such as weddings on particular days.

Suddenly, Hodaka is caught on a security camera. Hodaka’s family has called the police, and they want Hodaka to return home. The officers also find that Hina and her brother Nagi have no legal guardians. They want to arrest them and make them live in custody. They take shelter in a hotel. Hina reveals that she is slowly turning into water. She explains that she is the cause of the abnormal weather and intends to be a human sacrifice. Thanks to working with Hina for some time, Hodaka has fallen in love with her. If you were Hodaka, what would you choose: sacrificing your loved one and fix the abnormal weather or ignoring the abnormal weather and saving your love? If you want to know what Hodaka’s decision is, why don’t you read this novel or watch the whole movie?

Comments:

Weathering With You is both a fantastic novel and an animation. It conveys the message that it is challenging for people to make choices in some particular moments. The theme songs and animations are great. Also, it is an inspiring story!

More about Makoto Shinkai:

Makoto Shinkai is a renowned Japanese animator, filmmaker and manga artist best known for directing Your Name, the highest-grossing anime of all time at the time of release and 2019’s Weathering With You among other works such as The Garden of Words and 5 Centimeters per Second. He was listed by Variety as one of 10 animators to watch in 2016.

Ways to read Weathering With You (novel):

Chinese version (Hyread): https://hkpl.ebook.hyread.com.tw/bookDetail.jsp?id=188625

English version (Amazon)*: https://www.amazon.com/Weathering-You-Makoto-Shinkai/dp/1975399366

Ways to watch Weathering With You (animation):

Chinese version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q04eo2dI3mM

English version (Amazon)*: https://www.amazon.com/-/zh_TW/Weathering-You-Blu-ray-Lee-Pace/dp/B089266XKG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Weathering+With+You&qid=1592214117&s=movies-tv&sr=1-1

*You have to pay to read the novel and watch the film. Blue-ray CD (English version) can be bought in the Amazon.

 

Cover photo credit: https://images6.alphacoders.com/102/1021972.jpg