Najlazea - a place to share my thought & reflections

Little Bee

2012-01-29T08:53:00.005+07:00

Author: Chris Cleave
Translator: ?
Editor: Samira
Publisher: GagasMedia
Published Date: 2011
Pages: 390

Most days I wish I was a British pound coin instead of an African girl.

Sarah Summers is enjoying a holiday with her husband on a Nigerian beach when a young girl named Little Bee crashes irrevocably into her life. It's a horrifying moment that no reader will ever forget.

After that terrifying scene Sarah and Little Bee might expect haven't to see each other again. But it turns out that Little Bee finds Sarah's husband wallet in the sand. Later on she smuggles herself on board a cargo vessel with his address in mind. She spent two years in a detention in England before making her way to Sarah's life.

The book becomes more interesting since chapter by chapter is alternated by Little Bee's voice and Sarah's. The author caringly portrays these two very different women trying to cope with events they'd never imagined.

This is a touching story. It brings important issues from refugee policy, politics, greedy oil company, violence, intimidation and all horrible things that will make you more grateful about your current life.

The author says its best: It's an uplifting, thrilling, universal human story and I just want to keep it simple. One brave African girl; one brave Western woman, what if one just turned up on the other's doorstep one misty morning and asked, Can you help? And what if that help wasn't just a one-way street?

Highly recommended. A must read.

Klub Film

2012-01-26T12:11:00.011+07:00

Author: David Gilmour
Translator: P. Herdian Cahya Khrisna
Publisher: PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Published Date: 2011
Pages: 275

.....sebagaimana yang sering dialami orangtua dan anak-anaknya. Kita beranggapan kitalah yang paling mengenal mereka, setelah bertahun-tahun naik turun tangga untuk menidurkan mereka, merasa sedih, gembira, lega, cemas--tetapi ternyata tidak. Ternyata mereka selalu saja punya sesuatu dalam diri mereka yang belum pernah kita bayangkan.

We learn from everything. School is not the only place to learn. Even movies can teach us life.

David Gilmour is definitely not a conventional father. When he found out that his fifteen-year-old boy, Jesse, was leaving school, getting in trouble and finally failing at school, he suddenly came out with an unusual arrangement between a father and a son. There are two rules in the arrangement: no drugs involved and the obligation to watch three movies a week of his father's choice. Yes, Jesse does not have to go to school anymore but he will learn from the movies he watched.

Over the next three years, Gilmour and his son watched and discussed films as wide-ranging from Breakfast at Tifanny's to Clint Eatswood movies. As a film critic, Gilmour is a perfect person in analyzing the movies.

But this book is not a catalog of film recommendations. In fact the author uses the films to explore and to understand each of them. Looking at Gilmour's decision and Jesse's actions, it's obvious how both of them grow. The growth in their relationship and the love they share for each other. Although life does not always turn up the way they plan but they can make it.

When this story was started, Gilmour was out of work. With his age at that time, it's difficult to get a new job. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, Gilmour focused on his son and cared very much about what happened to him. Take an example when his son had troubles with girls, drinking and drugs, Gilmour never put the blame on him. He deals with all that hard stuffs. No wonder he finally becomes the hero for his son. The best father ever.

This memoir has been translated into 24 languages. Beside its great stories, it also leaves me with a list of movies to watch. Gilmour made me curious to see some movies I didn't know but mentioned beautifully in the memoir. A must read especially for parents. Unconventional life, some interesting choices.

Midnight in Paris

2012-01-24T13:15:00.008+07:00

Director/Writer: Woody Allen
Casts: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Adrien Brody

I love almost all of Woody Allen's works. He almost always fascinates me with his fantastic movies. Midnight in Paris is definitely one of them.

The movie is opened with a view of peaceful Paris in 1920s. The cafes, the streets, the people, the rain, all beautiful spots. Then let's meet the protagonist here, Gil Pender (Owen Wilson), a Hollywood screenwriter and his fiancee, Inez (Rachel McAdams). Gil is struggling to finish his first novel. He actually dreams to quit writing the movie screen, move to Paris and finish his novel there. While his fiancee, Inez, considers his plan as a daydreaming since she wants to live in Malibu after they get married.

Gil falls in love with Paris and the 'Golden Age', the 1920s. One night Gil gets drunks and wanders along the streets of Paris. At midnight an antique car pulls up and the passengers --dressed in 1920s clothing-- urge Gil to join them. They go to a bar, where Gil comes to realize that he's been transported to the 1920s, an era he mesmerizes. He then encounters Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Picasso, Dali and Ernest Hemingway. All his favorite writers and artists. These moments have something that eventually leads Gil to a breakthrough not only in his work but also in his relationship.

I have just finished the book Fatima's Good Fortune and now this movie, both of them are set in Paris. No wonder Paris is called the City of Lights. I guess it's just a perfect place to daydreaming, to walking the streets and imagining all sorts of magic.

Midnight in Paris is a movie with witty and sophisticated dialogue about art, culture and literature. This light romantic comedy is truly entertaining.

Fatima's Good Fortune

2012-01-23T07:08:00.009+07:00

Authors: Joanne & Gerry Driyansky
Translator:Susi Dwiyanti
Publisher: Penerbit Matahati
Publication Date:March 2011

Pages: 375

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted

The line above perfectly describes what happens to Fatima, a Tunisian girl who suddenly arrives in Paris. She is in Paris by chance. As Fatima's sister was killed in a sudden accident, her sister's ex-employer summoned Fatima to go to Paris and take over her sister work. As an illiterate foreigner girl in a strange country, Fatima feels lost at first. But by spreading her gentleness, kindness and wisdom, she gradually acquires courage, new skills and a group of friends.

The book was well written. I felt like I was taken on a magic carpet to the sights, smells and flavors of Paris. The writers described life among the Parisian beautifully. There are many unique characters in the book, such as people who live in the apartment where Fatima works, people who visit certain cafe, and many more. Fatima's natural confession ensures her survival and --unexpectedly--bring good fortune for those around her. The book is closed by a sweet ending. Finally it's Fatima's turn to seize her own happiness.

The book was written by New Yorkers married couple who live in paris for the past 20 years. They write everyday in a cafe near the Eiffel Tower, where they are alone every morning with their Siamese computers over a cup of coffee, until the street sweepers come in to hang out for their deserved breaks. Can two people write fiction together? They made it. According to them, they've known each other since they were teenagers that you could say that their heads are in the same computer.

Are you looking for a book that brings warmth to your heart? This is the one.

Happiness is...

2012-01-17T09:51:00.006+07:00

looking at my girls' shoes collections. Falling in love with the color. Amazed with their shoes size. Feeling melancholy when I remember that it seemed it was just yesterday I bought them baby shoes and now look at Najla's shoes, her shoe size is 34 while her mom is only 36..:)

arranging a kid birthday party. Although it was raining cats and dogs all day long but it did not affect my excitement in preparing Zea's 5th simple birthday party at her school. Moreover after I saw the happy faces of Zea's classmates when they saw the birthday cake, suddenly I just felt warm. It's simply the magic of children. Their songs, laugh, even their scream were the best melody I'd ever had. Nothing beats the children world. It's beautiful. Always.

having my own birthday cake. Blowing the candles and the wishes. Just simple wishes. To be blessed with good health so I can spend lots of time with my beloved little family. To share the ups and downs of life. To enjoy the rain and the shine. Nothing can make me happier than being around you, hubby and my girls. Thank you.

Please Look After Mom

2012-01-12T15:49:00.006+07:00

Author: Kyung Sook Shin
Translator:Tanti Lesmana
Publisher:PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama

Publication Date:September 2011

Pages: 296

Hanya ada dua kemungkinan: seorang ibu menjadi sangat dekat dengan anak perempuannya, atau mereka menjadi asing terhadap satu sama lain.

A deeply moving story of a family search for their mother who goes missing one afternoon amid the crowds of the Seoul subway station. This missing moments change life of all family members. They feel sad, sorry and 'empty' inside. They finally realize that all this time they are too busy with themselves and never show enough care for their mom.

The story is told uniquely through four richly imagined voices, the mother's daughter, her eldest son's, her husband and finally her own. The author structured the voices of all of them in the second person 'you' and the third person 'her'. It's only the mother who uses the first person. According to the author "when a woman becomes a mother, she no longer gets to speak or sometimes even think in terms of 'I'. Of the four different voices in the book, the mother's perhaps the most vivid and powerful."

Beside telling about love, relationship and the despair among the family members, the book also tells about many elements of Korea culture beautifully , the Fool Moon Harvest, the food, the clothing, etc. This book reminds me of Trilogy Warna, an excellent graphic novel written by Korean author, Kim Dong Hwa.

A good book will change us. It will make us thinking about it for a long time. Reading this tale is like opening a door, once you cross it, you will never be able to go back to your comfortable place you came from. Read the story slowly, it needs to be uncovered layer by layer, just as it was written. One think for sure, after finishing the book, you will never think of your mother the same way again. A well written book. Highly recommended.

Top Ten Favorite Books in 2011

2012-01-05T14:31:00.007+07:00

A new year is coming to town. Let's tidy up all the scattering books. Choose which books go to the bookshelf and which one goes for sale. It's also the time to list down all books read in 2011. This year I read 60 books. I have never made any target for the number of books to be read each year. I thought that if I do so I will focus more on reaching the target instead of enjoying the book itself. Therefore I just let it flow. No target. Just grab the book I like and read it.

After comparing from year to year, it seems that I always read 50-60 books a year. Well...let's consider that within 52 weeks in a year I can finish one book per week. Not bad at all:)

Here is the list:
1. Angel's Cake by Gaile Parkin
2. In A Strange Room by Damon Galgut
3. Water for Elephant by Sara Gruen
4. of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan
5. Garis Batas & Selimut Debu by Agustinus Wibowo
6. Wuthering Height by Emily Bronte
7. Gadis Jeruk by Jostein Gaarder
8. When God was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman
9. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
10. Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

This year I will try my best to buy less books and finish ton of books that have been put peacefully in the bookshelf for about... a decade? *same old boring new year wish* :D

A New Year, A Birthday & A Happiness

2012-01-03T12:15:00.010+07:00

It's already the third day in this new year. As usual we have two important occasions to celebrate on new year. The new year itself and our little girl's 5th birthday. Yes, Zea turned 5 on new year.

No, we did not have any big party or things like that. We just celebrated the new year's eve at home. Chatting and munching. Fortunately my parents-in-law came directly from Lampung to Jakarta to celebrate the new year and their granddaughter's birthday. So our home was a bit merrier then with the grandpa, grandma and the granddaughters' scream and run all over the room and back yard.

On the first day of new year, we had a family gathering. Just a simple lunch with all the family and relatives. We're grateful to be together and could share the happiness. As always there is also a prayer for the new year, a hope that this year will bring more sunshine and all good things in life for all of us, amen.

Year End Quote

2011-12-31T15:17:00.005+07:00

Never save the best for later
You don't know what tomorrow holds
--Paulo Coelho--

Happy New Year, everybody....!!!

Jakarta Maghrib

2011-12-30T10:02:00.008+07:00

Director/Writer: Salman Aristo
Casts: Indra Birowo, Widi Mulia, Lukman Sardi,
Ringgo Agus Rahman, Reza Rahadian, Adinia Wirasti

I have read many positive comments about this movie on twitter. A couple days a go I found the DVD at Gunung Agung bookstore, bought it and couldn't wait to watch it.

The movie tries to capture Jakarta people at maghrib time. Maghrib is special since it is the transition from noon to evening. There are 5 different stories (Iman Cuma Ingin Nur, Adzan, Menunggu Aki, Jalan Pintas, Cerita Si Ivan). Telling about many kinds of people with their own different stories. Some stories are touching, others are funny and also some others are so-so.

The movie is closed by a story called Ba'da. It is the time when all characters in the movie has experienced his/her own maghrib moment. They will eventually meet each other with or without interaction. A unique movie. My favorite stories are Iman Cuma Ingin Nur and Jalan Pintas. Truly entertaining!

The Marriage Bureau For Rich People

2011-12-28T07:18:00.005+07:00

Author: Farahad Zama
Translator: Rinurbad
Publisher: Penerbit Matahati
Publication Date: January 2010
Pages: 455

I bought this book in a bookstore nearby my home. They sold a lot of discount books there and this book was only sold for Rp 20.000,- a kind of cheap. I bought the book without expecting too much but it turned out to be very enjoyable.

The story takes place in India, the lead character here is Mr. Ali, a retired civil servant. He starts to build a marriage bureau in order to have something to do. To his surprise, the business becomes so successful that he needs to hire an assistant, Aruna, a poor but admirable girl. Here it goes the clients' stories and also stories about Mr. and Mrs. Ali, their son, Aruna and all the ups and downs of their life.

From the book description we will get a glimpse of modern India and how complicated they are in arranging a marriage. So many things to consider in the marriage such as: the religion, the caste and the socioeconomic status. To this day this marriage 'screening' is still going strong. One doesn't marry outside of his caste and one very rarely marries for love. Instead family members will prepare an appropriate match.

Along the way, the author will tell about many interesting Indian customs. I love the way the author put the readers inside life in India today. Little conversation between people in India. A sneak peek into Indian wedding ceremonies. Little visit with people seeking a husband or a wife. A funny, warm-hearted and delightful read.

I found out that there are the sequel of this book The Many Conditions of Love and The Wedding Wallah. Hope that Penerbit Matahati will translate all:))

Aleph

2011-12-26T11:54:00.009+07:00

Aleph
By Paulo Coelho
HarperCollins Publishers
2011
300 pages

To live is to experience things
not to sit around pondering the meaning of life

In his newest book, this Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho tells about his most personal experience. It's all started when Coelho felt dissatisfaction in life and stagnation in spiritual growth. After discussing with his master, he finally decided to experience a journey of personal discovery. He then set off onto a journey starting from Africa, Europe and Asia via Trans-Siberian railway during March-July 2006.

Most of the novel describes Coelho's experiences during the train journey. Coelho is not alone in the journey. He is there with his publisher and a mysterious girl whom he meets in the journey. The girl insists to join the journey with Coelho. Later on Coelho finds out that she is Hilal whom he loved five hundred years a go in a different incarnation. Here it goes a very personal account where Coelho talks about relationship with Hilal in the previous incarnation.

As usual Coelho is awesome in naratting a story and provide some lessons at the end of his writing. I read the book slowly, digest it bit by bit then enjoy it as a food to my soul. Very inspiring.

It isn't what you did in the past that will affect the present.
It's what you do in present that will redeem the past and thereby change the future.

Quote of the Day

2011-12-20T18:06:00.004+07:00

You have a lifetime of work, but children are only young once
--Polish Proverb--

Macaroon on Weekend

2011-12-19T09:40:00.008+07:00

I am sure almost all of you will fall in love to see this tempting-look cookies. Yes it's macaroon. After looking at so many pics of this cute macaroon, finally I decided to order it via Facebook. The macaroon packages had already arrived last Saturday. They accompanied me enjoying my weekend.

How's about the taste? Is it as tempting as its look? Well...not bad lah...People might have different taste. For me the taste of macaroon is just too sweet. Too much for my kampung tongue. Perhaps I'd rather go back to my original taste: martabak, getuk and gemblong :)

A Little Girl who Falls in Love with Fancy Cookies

2011-12-13T09:00:00.009+07:00

My girl, Najla, is a huge fan of cemilan. She loves cookies and all kinds of pastries. Last week she suddenly told me that she desperately wanted to munch fancy cookies. I asked our usual baker, unfortunately she could not fulfill our request:(

I thought Najla already forgot about this sudden request. But..I was wrong. She continued saying that the urge to eat the cookies was so unbearable *drama* and asked me to please..please find other baker who has fancy cookies as she wish.

Thanks to the internet. As a mom who has poor cooking skill, all I can do are to open my laptop and browse here and there. Finally I found this blog. After e-mailing each other, the baker, mbak Ochie, promised me to send the cookies on Monday. Najla was super excited.

Last night the cookies arrived at 8 pm. Actually it's already Najla sleep time but she asked an exception, "Ma, aku boleh cobain kukisnya nggak? Satu aja?" Well...okay sweety, I know exactly how it feels to have a dream comes true. I also knew for sure that Najla slept with a big smile last night:)

Chicken Soup for the Tea Lover's Soul

2011-12-12T10:10:00.007+07:00

Translated from: Chicken Soup for the Tea Lover's Soul
Authors: Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Patricia Lorenz
Translator: Donna Widjajanto
Publisher: PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Publication Date: 2011
Edition Description: First Edition
Pages: 245

Hidup seharusnya dinikmati: Disesap sedikit demi sedikit seperti layaknya minum teh (Anonim)

Enjoying a cup of tea is definitely my favorite part of the day. My hubby was the one who introduced me with tea about ten years a go. Since I don't drink coffee, I guess tea is the one that fits me.

Just like other Chicken Soup series, this book is also a compilation, this time the theme is all about tea. Therefore we'll find story about tea's ancient history, the many choices of tea available, the tips on buying, storing, preparing tea and even a few ideas on how to host a tea party.

For those not knowing what to give as a gift for the holiday season (or any other special occasion) perhaps this book is one of the good alternatives. This little book will please its readers with its inspirational true stories of the tea drinking experience and how tea has brought people together in fellowship and family.

Nothing soothes the soul like a cup of tea and a good book, so curl up and wash away the tensions and troubles of the day. Let's brew our tea now, shall we?

Sarah's Key

2011-12-08T09:10:00.007+07:00

Translated from: Sarah's Key
Author: Tatiana De Rosnay
Translator: Lily Endang Joeliani
Publisher: PT Elex Media Komputindo
Publisher date: 2011
Pages: 339

A book with holocaust theme always leaves me with a mixed up feeling. Feeling blue for all the victims and feeling horrible to find out the detailed incidents. Sarah's Key is one of the book that haunting me for days. The author is extremely good in delivering a touching portrayal of one of the darkest incidents in French history.

In this book, the author creates two parallel stories which eventually intersect and each completes the other. One story takes place on July 1942, it's told from Sarah's tone, a ten-year-old girl. She, her mother and her father are brutally arrested by French Police and taken to the Vel' d'Hiv' roundup. Since her younger brother doesn't want to go, finally Sarah locks him up in a wardrobe in the family's apartment, slips the key to her pocket and promises him that she will be back within a few hours.

The second story takes place on May 2002 and concerns a modern-day journalist, Julia Jarmond who gets an assignment to write about Vel' d'Hiv's 60th anniversary. Through her investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.

This is one of the best book I've read in a while. A well told story that is based on actual incidents. It combines history, horror and drama. It will linger in your head for days. A must read.

This great book has already been adapted into a movie in 2010. Go check the movie here.

Arisan! 2

2011-12-06T11:34:00.005+07:00

Producer: Kalyana Shira Film
Director: Nia Di Nata
Writer: Nia Di Nata
Casts: Cut Mini, Tora Sudiro, Surya Saputra, Aida Nurmala, Rachel Maryam

After 8 years, finally here it is, the sequel of Arisan the Movie. It's just like a reunion. The characters in the movie are getting older now, they are close to age of 40. Therefore they are more mature, wise, reflective but also talkative. It's still talking about the up and down of friendship, relationship among socialitas in Jakarta, the gay life, the botox and all the hypocrisy among them. Some parts of the movie remind me of Sex and the City with local content.

The scene is taken back and forth between a glamorous party in Jakarta and a quite Gili Trawangan where Meimei (Cut Mini) looks for peacefulness. The movie is almost complete, I enjoy not only the witty conversation but also the great places (Lombok, Borobudur) and the beautiful wardrobes. A light movie actually but it just hit me. It cheered me up.

This movie also give certain inspirations to me such as the scene on Waisak celebration at Borobudur Temple has made me promise myself that someday I have to go there and feel the solemn and peaceful atmosphere. The last I love in the movie is the batik blouses worn by Meimei (Cut Mini), almost all of them are beautiful, I heart them:)

Such A Perfect Day

2011-12-03T09:58:00.002+07:00

Each end gives us the opportunity for a rebirth.
---Aleph, Paulo Coelho---

I got a special moment yesterday. A yummy lunch, a nice yet warm girls talk and closed by a great present, Paulo Coelho's latest book, Aleph. What a day! Thank you lovely Rina, you just made my day *hug*

Olive Kitteridge

2011-11-28T10:40:00.009+07:00

Translated from: Olive Kitteridge
Author: Elizabeth Strout
Translator: Novieta Christina
Publisher: Penerbit ANDI, 2011
366 pages

What's the meaning of getting older? What life does seem in the eyes of old people? Is it still fascinating? Or nothing but suffering? The author delivered her empathy about the old people feeling, thoughts and their life in general in this well written book. It won 2009 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

This book is unique. It is a collection of stories that covers 13 connected short stories about a woman, a retired Math teacher, named Olive Kitteridge and her family and friends in a small town in Maine. Olive is not a 'nice' person in fact she's one of the miserable character in the book. She's sometimes mean, impatient, immature, cynical that leads her to many difficulties in building relationship with others. But somehow in a weird way you eventually start to like her. Just like that.

Since Olive had been living in the town for quite long time, she knew almost everyone there. Here it goes, we will read 13 different stories with different characters, problems and how they handle it. Each story either centers around or at least mentions Olive. Most of the characters are troubled, damaged and suffer in silence. The author does a great job intimating each character's struggle and pain. Some people might consider this book depressing. Whilst in my opinion this book has brought me a new perspective about how old people actually think about their kids, son-in-law/daughter-in-law, neighbours, ex-colleagues and what kinds of relationships they need. The author is a master of revealing the many onion-like layers of interpersonal relationships.

Like any other great book, this book slightly shifts the way in which I look at the world and other people -- particularly my parents and parents-in-law --and perhaps most importantly, myself. Never thought that old people world is not as simple as we thought. It's sometimes complicated, awkward, funny and it turns out that their love stories also as sweet as young people do.

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

2011-11-26T11:47:00.007+07:00

There are plenty of others willing to call you a failure. A fool. A loser. Don't you ever say it of yourself. You send out the wrong signal, that is what people pick up. Don't you understand? You care about something, you fight for it. You hit a wall, you push through it. There's something you need to know about failure, Tintin. You can never let it defeat you.

(Captain Haddock in Adventures of Tintin the movie)

Do you love Tintin? I am sure Tintin will be in everybody's heart. I grew up with his adventures and to date I am still and always be a huge fan of Tintin. The Adventures of Tintin was created in 1929 by Belgian Artist Georges Remi (1907-1983) who wrote under the pen name of Herge. The series is one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century with translation published in more than 80 languages.

When I heard that Steven Spielberg will adapt the comics into a movie, it's just a dream comes true. I can't hardly wait. The movie is just too engaging. A must watch. Enjoyable from the beginning until the end. One of the brilliant movie ever.

Suite Francaise

2011-11-23T17:17:00.009+07:00

Translated from: Suite Francaise
Author: Irene Nevirovsky
Translator: Mimi Benetto & Lenah Susianty
Publisher: Penerbit Qanita
First Published: June 2011
631 pages

Whew...it's really a hard book to review. On one side the author tells about a unique look into the German occupation of France during World War II and I learned a lot about life in France in the early 1940s. But on the other hand as an unfinished book (it only consists of two parts of a projected five as a whole), it has no ending. Moreover the author wrote down so many characters in the books without any up-close-and-personal exploration. No wonder that I just could not connect with any of the characters and did not care what was happening to them. In fact I really struggled to finish the book and wished there was finally something awesome in this thick novel.

The idea of the novel is actually quite interesting. In the first section the author tells about the German invasion and the second part is focusing on the beginning of the occupation. But the execution of the book is disappointing. The pace is really slow and it is hard to get into the story since I could not emotionally connect with any of the characters in the book.

Then why is the novel so popular? I guess one of the reason is people curious about the author's life. Yes, the story about the author's life is much more interesting than the novel itself. Nemirovsky was writing this novel during the German occupation of France World War II and before she could finish it, she was captured by Nazis and died in a concentration camp in Auschwitz. Her handwritten manuscript remained undiscovered in a suitcase. At first her daughter thought it was a diary of her mother which would be too painful to read. In the late 1990s upon discovered what the manuscript was about, she finally published it in France and it became a bestseller in 2004 and has been translated into 38 languages.

If you are interested in reading France history perhaps this book is for you.

Pepustakaan Ajaib Bibbi Bokken

2011-11-22T10:02:00.003+07:00

Translated from: Bibbi Bokkens magische Bibliothek
Author: Jostein Gaarder & Klaus Hagerup
Translator: Ridwana Saleh
Publisher: Penerbit Mizan
Gold Edition, 1st published on March 2011
282 pages

I am still exploring the magic works of Jostein Gaarder. This one is the best story talking about book and literal culture. As usual Gaarder tells the story from children point of view. The leading characters here are Berit and Nils, they are cousins that live in different areas. They keep in touch by sending letters. They call the letters a 'letter-book' which they send back and forth.

Once they met a strange woman who called herself Bibbi Bokken. One day Berit finds a letter that has fallen out of Bokken's handbag. The letter tells about a book she has which is to be released the following year. Berit and Nils are really curious to find out the writer of this strange letter. And the more they know about Bokken, the more mysterious she becomes. Berit and Nils realize that they are not only looking for a mysterious book but they also must try to find the magic library the book tells about. Their quest for the Bibbi Bokken magic library takes them on a journey of the world of books.

A comprehensive book that tells about detective story, mystery, treasure hunt, Astrid Lindgren, Dewey Decimal Classification, Winnie the Pooh, Anne Frank, love story, correspondence,writing theory, poems, book history, drama, conspiracy, and still more.

What I learned from this book is a huge love that Gaarder has through books. Only a person with this great love can write down this special story. The best book to date. A happy combination of suspense, humor and great wisdom. Definitely a must read.

Cecilia & malaikat Ariel

2011-11-21T08:55:00.007+07:00

Translated from: Through a Glass, Darkly

Author: Jostein Gaarder
Translator: Andityas Prabantoro
Publisher: Penerbit Mizan, 2nd print, February 2009
210 pages

Having finished Gadis Jeruk, I suddenly feel for Jostein Gaarder's works. I am addicted to his words as well as how he changes the philosophy into something simple but still with powerful message. I plan to grab all his books and begin the reading. Here is the second book, a beautiful conversation between a sick girl and an angel.

What is more sad than having to celebrate your christmas in bed? That's what exactly happening to Cecilia. She just lies sick in her bed while her family is busy preparing for christmas. Suddenly an angel steps through her window. So begins a spirited and engaging series of conversation between Cecilia and her angel named Ariel. They talk about life and death, the differences between heaven and earth and also angels and human.

Cecilia is suffered from serious sickness and this christmas is possibly her last one. But from their intense talk finally Cecilia's feeling through life and death changes. From feeling anger and denial over her sickness, she reaches a calm acceptance of what will happen to her.

This sentimental and heart-warming story will definitely make us more grateful to who we are and what we have. We will ponder more on our bodies, health and all things we take for granted.

Gaarder again amazes me with his work. He talks about life, death, God and universe with wisdom and compassion. A must read. Don't forget to keep the tissue near you, the story is sad yet touching.

Sang Penari

2011-11-18T21:26:00.007+07:00

Producer: Shanty Harmayn
Director: Ifa Isfansyah
Writers: Salman Aristo, Shanty Harmayn, Ifa Isfansyah
Casts: Nyoman Oka Antara, Prisia Nasution, Slamet Rahardjo, Landung Simatupang, Tio Pakusadewo, Lukman Sardi

Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk Trilogy is one of the best book ever. It's one of Ahmad Tohari's masterpiece. I read the book long time a go, back in 1980s. I still remembered that I was so amazed by the story and all the characters there.

Now here is the movie Sang Penari that is inspired by the book. It's not fair to compare those two different things. Book and movie are totally different media. Book can convey many detail element while movie must say its message within two hours. Moreover the director already said that the movie is not adapted from the novel, but only inspired. Therefore for those who read the book will find many different things in the movie although it's still fine.

The story was set back in 1953 in a small village, Dukuh Paruk. It's about Srintil and Rasus who had already known each other since they were kids. Later on love came between them. Things got complicated when Srintil felt that she had already been chosen as Ronggeng (not all women can be ronggeng) while Rasus disagreed. Upon his dissapointment, Rasus finally joined the army.

The story moved on to year 1965, the year of Communist uprising. At that time mass killing happened almost everywhere including in Dukuh Paruk. Srintil was also one of the victims and Rasus was in a query either to defend his corps or pursue his love story.

The book tells more on tragical moments over Srintil and Dukuh Paruk people whilst the movie focuses on the love story between Srintil and Rasus. Although the political issues also appear on the scene but still it's not as detail as in the book. Nevertheless I appreciate the people behind this movie. I thank them for giving me the chance to go to a theater and enjoy a good Indonesian movie among those setan-pocong-kuntilanak movies.

Steve Jobs

2011-11-15T08:36:00.003+07:00

Translated from: Steve Jobs
Author: Walter Isaacson
Translator: Word++ Translation Service & Tim Bentang
Publisher: Penerbit Bentang, 2011
742 pages

A special biography of a special person.The one and only Steve Jobs, a visionary and a creative genius. Let's drown into a roller coaster life and a 'unique' personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection have revolutionized seven industries: personal computer, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, digital publishing and retail stores.

Jobs personal life was always be an enigma. But this special biography will reveal all. A very detail and comprehensive book. It took 2 years to finish and based on more than 4o times interviews with Jobs as well as more than 100 interviews with family members, best friends, adversaries, competitors and colleagues.

If people make biography for popularity but not for Jobs. The objective of this book is more on sharing. He asked for no control over what was written nor even the right to read it before it was published. Jobs encouraged people he knew to speak honestly just like he did. Jobs spoke candidly and sometimes brutally about the people he worked with and competed against.

Be ready to get stunned to find out Jobs negative's character. It was described very comprehensive in the book. He could be petulant and very rough to people around him. It seems to me that he was driven by demon, he could drive those around him to fury and despair. Although all of these was driven by his passion and pursuit of perfection. Moreover he's a person who loved artistry and technology.

A very inspiring biography. There are a lot to learn from Jobs' phase of life. It was started from his famous adoption story to the start of Apple computer then to NeXT, Pixar, continued with his love life, the development of his iconic products and closed with his health condition. From the book also I knew that Jobs was an extreme vegan and fruitarian since he was young (hence the name Apple).

I finished the book within a week and at last felt melancholy. The biography actually made me feel like I knew him. Highly recommended.

Shiny Happy Girls

2011-11-07T09:53:00.008+07:00

My girls and I went to Kidzania last Saturday. This is the third visit for Najla and the first for Zea. Najla was super excited. She wanted to try all and worked at every available place for her. On the other hand Zea was excited and curious at first but after working at four factories, she said she was tired, needed a little break and had an early lunch. Perhaps working at factories was just too hard for a 4- year-old girl *excuse* :)

Sang Penerjemah

2011-10-31T12:03:00.005+07:00

Translated from: The Translator
Author: Leila Aboulela
Translator: Rahmani Astuti
Publisher: PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama, October 2011
272 pages

A stunningly beautiful novel written by a Sudanese writer, Leila Aboulela. A story about a young Sudanese widow, Sammar who lives in Aberdeen, Scotland as an Arabic Translator in a Scottish University. Since the sudden death of her husband and her only son lives with her family in Khartoum, Sudan, Sammar is all alone, mournful and lonely in the cold and grey Aberdeen, Scotland.

But things change bit by bit. It is all begun when Sammar acts as a translator for Ray Isles, an Islamic Researcher from Scotland. From strong friendship, it blossoms into a romantic thing. When they begin to fall in love, Sammar realizes it won't be easy. As a muslim, Sammar thought she can't have a romantic relationship without a marriage nor she can have a marriage without Rae's conversion to muslim.

This delicate conflict brings Sammar back to Khartoum, Sudan where she contemplates about her life all over again. A mixture of love story between mankind and his God which is very complex yet touching. A story about a brave woman who stays true to her belief, herself and her love.

Reading Aboulela's story reminds me of Indian writers, i.e. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Jhumpa Lahiri. Not completely similar but they can convey their stories in a detail and delicate way. Fascinating.

This book is nominated for the Orange Prize and was chosen as a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times in 2006.

When God Was a Rabbit

2011-10-26T08:46:00.005+07:00

Translator: Rini Nurul Badariah
Publisher: Penerbit Bentang
First Published on August 2011
398 pages

A debut novel written by Sarah Winman. A story about a family. The book is divided into two parts, the first part is about Elly's childhood in England during mid 1970s and the last part telling on her current life in New York.

Let's meet Elly and her brother Joe. Despite their eccentric family, they have a special relationship on each other. One day Elly got a rabbit and her brother suggested her to name it, God. Elly's life changed since then. This is not a common family story. I am amazed to find many 'strange' characters and moments here such as: the gay people, an alcoholic mother, a friend who is a victim of child abuse, a kidnapping and many more. But beside the bitter stories, I also enjoyed their childhood experiences in a great big home surrounded by green forest where they can easily go to the river for swimming, boating and fishing. Some experiences are so dull and they keep me laugh out loud. This first part of the book is my favorite.

The second part of the book is a bit serious. Elly has already been grown up now and live in New York. Life is not too engaging anymore. It is more like routine. Her life was turned upside down when she found out that her brother Joe was one of the victim of that cruel incident. Does the story end here? Of course not, keep reading and be prepared to find surprise things on every page of the book.

All in all this is a very unusual and totally original story. It is beautifully written and captivating. A story about family and in particular the bond between a brother and sister. Highly recommended.

Nguping Jakarta

2011-10-24T10:30:00.008+07:00

Editor: Isman H. Suryaman & Primadonna A.
Publisher: Penerbit B First
First published on August 2011
221 pages

Inspired by Overheard in New York, finally on September 4, 2008 Nguping Jakarta was born. A place where every reader can share his/her overheard experience.

If you are looking for a light book to accompany you sipping your cup of coffee, I guess this book is the one. Grab this book and you will be entertained by reading the absurd dialogue overheard by people all over Jakarta. Happy laughing:)

Gadis Jeruk

2011-10-24T09:37:00.004+07:00

Translated from: The Orange Girl
Author: Jostein Gaarder
Translator: Yuliani Liputo
Publisher: Penerbit Mizan
Gold Edition, July 2011
252 pages

This is actually not a new book, first published on 2003 and Penerbit Mizan also had translated and published it on March 2005. But I just happened to read it a few days a go and suddenly felt in love with Jostein Gaarder's works.

Remember Sophie's World? It is a very phenomenal book that has been translated into fifty-three languages. This book has put Gaarder as one of the best author in the world. Gadis Jeruk also one of Gaarder's best book.

If most people think that learning philosophy is just complicated perhaps their opinion will be changed after they read Gaarder's books. Just like this book, a simple book with unique theme. A 15-year-old Georg Roed receives a letter from his dead father. It turn out that his father had written the letter before he died but Georg just got it after 11 years. Here the philosophy and the life lesson begin by telling about his father love story with an Orange Girl, we will be taken to a beautiful journey. Let's explore the world and all the magic things there. No worries. Life is just too rich and we are lucky to be part of it. Never thought that learning about life could be so fun.

Love the book from the first page until the end. A must read.

Dongeng Sekolah Tebing

2011-10-21T08:32:00.005+07:00

Author: Clara Ng
Illustrator: Ella Elviana
Publisher: Penerbit Buah Hati
1st published on August 2011
226 pages

The newest children story book written by Clara Ng. A big book with great stories and beautiful illustration. You will find 52 different stories about a blue building located at the edge of a windy cliff. This building has two functions, as a school for 13 students and at night it changes into a rest area for a cow.

The book divides the story into 52 weeks which means you will know what going on there in Sekolah Tebing within a year. Here we go, let's start our adventure. The stories are not only telling about the 13 students and their teacher but also about all living things in the surrounding, such as: the butterflies, the cow, the rat, the flowers, the baby, and many more. Moreover there are also lovely songs and poems. I guess this book is one of the best children book ever. Love it.

I read two stories every night before Najla & Zea go to bed, now we are still in the 15th week story and we enjoy it a lot, we just can't hardly wait to finish all the 52 stories very soon:)

The Smurfs

2011-10-17T10:06:00.003+07:00

There is a place.
A place that knows no sadness, when even feeling blue is a happy thing.
A place inhabited by little blue beings three apples high.

La la la la la la... sing a happy song
La la la la la la ....smurf the whole day long

Look at this little blue creature, the Smurf. I am a huge fan of Smurf. I read and kept all their comic strip when I was still in my elementary school. This comic strip was drawn by Peyo, a Belgian comic artist. Beside Smurf, I also love other Peyo's work which was Johan and Peewit (Indonesian version was Johan & Pirlouit). I remembered at that time (during 80s) all Peyo's works were translated and published by Penerbit Aya Media Pustaka. I still keep some of the comics though:)

Now we can see these cute smurfs in a 3D movie. This time the smurfs are being chased out of their village by the evil wizard Gargamel. They run away and finally stumble upon New York City.

I watched the movie last weekend with my little girls. For me it's just adorable to see my childhood favorite character in the movie. While Najla tried to learn the character, Zea seemed not too enthusiastic, I guess for her, Barbie is still the best :D

Air Mata Sang Jerapah

2011-10-10T09:49:00.008+07:00

Translated from: Tears of the Giraffe
Published by BENTANG, April 2006
369 pages

Thanks to Ferina for swapping this book:)

Lately I feel that detective books are not my cup of tea anymore therefore I stop reading that kind of books for quite sometime but this thought has suddenly been changed the minute I read the series written by Alexander McCall Smith, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Let's meet Mma. Ramotswe, our detective. Just like other detective book, it is also a case to be solved by Mma. Ramotswe. In this book is about a mother who has lost his son for the past 10 years. It's going to be a hard job to do but nothing is impossible for our detective. By using her intuition and intelligence she finally knew what has happened to that missing son.

But the most interesting part of this book is not about the criminal case. There are a lot of elements to ponder, such as: The setting, in Botswana, you'll find a different Africa here, no war nor famine, in fact you'll learn their rich culture and characters. Even from Mma. Ramotswe's everyday life, her love story, her smart secretary and people she meets along the way definitely may bring new insight for us.

I am also amazed to find out that the writer is a Scottish Law professor who has already written various kinds of books such as the medical law, criminal law, philosophy, children books and novels. I guess these detective stories are one of the 'fun' kind of books he wrote.

A humorous yet heart-warming book.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

2011-10-06T17:31:00.005+07:00

This is a debut novel written by the late Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, Annie Barrows. A special novel that I am sure will warm everybody's heart. Don't get confused with the long and 'unique' title. This story is much simpler than the title:)

The setting was London in 1946, when it just recovered from second world war and writer, Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Out of the blue she received a letter from a guy she never met, Dawsey Adam, a native of the island of Guernsey. Dawsey found Juliet's name in one of her books.

This letter was a start of their beautiful relationship. They exchanged stories and Dawsey told her about his book club with his friends in Guernsey island, it's called The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society. Why on earth did they have that kind of queer name for the book club? It's a long story, we have to get back to world war II when the German occupying their island. Soon Juliet started the correspondence with other society members. Through the letters, she learned about their lives, their islands and their taste in books.

Due to her curiosity, Juliet finally visited the island and felt in love with all things there. The story is told in letters form. Letters are spread here, from Juliet to the island people, her friends in London, her publishers and vice versa. At first we will get a bit confused since there are many characters and names to remember, but soon you're familiar with all the characters, you'll fall in love with their story and can't put the book down. I even check the location of the Guernsey island and suddenly want to pack my things and go directly there.

It's really a special book. The story about the celebration of hope, friendship and the life itself. Hopefully this book will be translated in bahasa very soon since it is highly recommended.

Life Traveler

2011-10-04T09:13:00.008+07:00

Konon, bumi ini milik mereka
yang mau berhenti sejenak untuk melihat-lihat,
lalu meneruskan perjalanan

-anonymous

You can learn from anything, anywhere, anyhow. From this travelogue, the author Windy Ariestanty shares what she learned so far along her traveling. Started from Hanoi, continued to Frankfurt, Prague, Paris and also her experience in US.

The special thing to note is how the author observed and interacted with the surrounding and the people at every stop she made. Therefore you will find not only the traveling story here but also the 'feel' of every place the author visited. It turns out that there are a lot to learn. If you stop for a while and look carefully to your surrounding, even the silence can teach you something. At least it brings you the peacefulness and (hopefully) at last the gratefulness of being who you are now.

After finishing the book, I am sure you'll be tempted to pack and plan your trip. A very recommended travelogue. A different one. Beside the traveling tips, there are also the great pictures and quotes at every chapter and what I love most are the beautiful illustrations made by Diani.

Butterflies in My Stomach

2011-09-28T10:20:00.004+07:00

No, they're not circus members nor athletes. They're just my daughters who recently have a new hobby. This new hobby has made their mom shaking but it does not stop them. It seems that this activity is too tempting. They do it almost everyday. After arriving home from school, they change their clothes and run away to our yard and jump to the swing. No more peaceful swing. Girls, I feel there are butterflies in my stomach... *praying*

Ibu-ibu Anda

2011-09-26T10:30:00.005+07:00

KETIKA TUHAN MERAJUTMU

Ketika Tuhan merajutmu,
tentulah Ia memasukkan banyak warna tawa
juga bermeter-meter benang ketangguhan
Pasti dirajut Nya pula helai-helai sutra kepekaan
diantara kokohnya jalinan kecerdasan dan aneka ragam corak kebaikan

Alangkah dahsyatnya Sang Pencipta
kau terbentuk sebagai mahakarya
tak tertandingi
tak terbandingi
karena tidak seorangpun yang menyamaimu
Dan aku bangga menerima 'rajutan' terindah buah tangan-Nya

A bond between a mother and her daughter is always be a special thing. Alexandra Silitonga, the author of this book is lucky since she was raised by three different wonderful mothers. The first mom was her biological mother, her Mami, but unfortunately the author only had a very short tome with her. Due to cancer disease, her Mami passed away when the author was only 4 years old.

She then was raised by her step mom, she called her Mama, and the last one is the author's baptized mom, Ma Ani. These three mothers have enriched the author's life. Each of them has different characteristic. The first mom was a business woman who run a successful garment business. From her, the author learned the value of strength.

While the second Mama was a housewife who dedicated her life for her family . The author got the gifts of warm from her. Finally the last one, Ma Ani, who influenced her with her gift of value. Ma Ani who introduced the author how to speak English when she was still at kindergarten and also influenced the author to love the books. The last chapter is closed with the story about the author herself and her 2 kids. Touching.

An inspiring book. Every chapter is presented with a beautiful poem (like I quoted above) and cute illustration. Published by Penerbit Buah Hati on June 2011. A perfect book for a mom.

A Good Book is the Best of Friends

2011-09-21T16:51:00.004+07:00

Buku adalah napas.
Membaca adalah menarik napas untuk mendapatkan udara ke paru-paru dan
menulis adalah menghembuskan napas keluar dalam bentuk buah karya tulisan.

------Dewi 'Dee' Lestari berfilosofi dalam Seri Rumah Ide, Home Library-----

Queen of Dreams

2011-09-19T09:58:00.002+07:00

Another great work of one of my favorite authors, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, it's just been translated by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama on August 2011. As usual the author writes about something she knows best about the world of Indian immigrant living in America. A story about Rakhi, a divorced mother of one. Rakhi is an artist and an owner of a coffeehouse called The Chai House. She's trying to deal with her life as a single mom and the most important part is to understand her own mother who is able to interpret dreams.

All this time Rakhi always feels that her mom keeps certain distance from her. She never knows about her mom's past time in India and her mom also always avoids in telling this. Until one day her mom got killed in a car accident and Rakhi found her mom's dream journals. Through her mom journal entries Rakhi finally gets a clearer understanding about her as the dreams interpreter.

The book tells about Rakhi's current life and continued with her mom dreams journal, back and forth. The dreams journal's told in a poetic way, filled with symbolism and folklore that reveal an image of India, not the physical aspect but the cultural beliefs, the myths and the legends. It definitely will enrich our horizon and give new insights.

One amazing tale from Divakaruni.

99 Cahaya di Langit Eropa

2011-09-12T17:24:00.006+07:00

Another traveling book written by Hanum Salsabiela Rais. Don't worry this is not ordinary traveling books that spread all over bookshops in Jakarta. This book is different. You will not only find information about places to go and what to eat with limited budget, this book gives you more.

Fasten your seat belt, let's start the journey around Europe. It's begun when the author lived in Vienna, Austria for 3 years. She was there to accompany her husband who got scholarship to continue his doctoral degree. If people always associate Europe with 'only' Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, luxurious palaces, and the like, not for the author. For her, Europe means a million mysteries about a very high civilization, yes it's Islam greatest civilization.

The author continued her journey in searching for the relation between Islam and Europe. This journey will bring us back to Islam history in Europe long long time a go and at last we will feel amazed to find out many shocking facts about Islam in Europe.

A very inspiring book. A book of enlightenment. This book will give you new insights about a peaceful Islam and make us proud to be moslem. The author delivers her story in a simple yet detail way. We will be curious to know the ending of every journey she took from Vienna, Paris and Istanbul.

My favorite part of the book (actually I have many) but the most unique one is a halal restaurant, Der Wiener Deewan, located in Schotentor, Viena. The most special thing about this place is its sensational tagline: All You Can Eat. Pay As You Wish (Makan sepuasnya, bayar seikhlasnya). Yes, you don't read it wrong, the place is unbelievable, you can eat as many as you want and pay as much as you wish. The owner of this place, Natalie Deewan, believed the concept of ikhlas take and give and the most beautiful part of human being is their generosity. She proved it. Her restaurant has been opened since 2003 and instead of going bankrupt, it stays there in the center of Vienna. Amazing.

There are still many mesmerizing facts delivered in the book. A small book that tells about big things. Highly recommended.

Wuthering Heights

2011-09-11T18:22:00.005+07:00

This classic novel was written by Emily Bronte from the Bronte sisters. It has been quite long in my wish list. I have read many reviews about it and most of them said that it is not an easy novel to read. Even when it was first published in 1847 there were many mixed reviews about it. The pros and cons are still on up till now.

Wuthering Heights is a farmhouse name in Yorkshare, England. Wuthering is also a Yorkshare word for 'turbulents weather'. The story itself tells about love story between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff and how this unresolved passion eventually destroys them and many around them.

This is not a common love story. There are no 'bed and roses' here. On the other hand almost all characters appear here are a strange group of people. Therefore certain readers feel shocked, disgusted and almost sickened by details of cruelty, inhumanity and the most diabolical hate and vengeance that spread almost on every page of the novel.

After reading the author's background I found out why she could tell a very dark story vividly. It seems that some of the stories were based on her true life story. She faced hard time since she was just a little girl. Her mom was passed away when she was only 3 years old. Her 2 sisters were sent to school and got abused there while the author never got a formal education and enough attention. Perhaps that one of the reason why she was very sensitive, shy and introvert. She expressed her secret thoughts of her tortured soul in this Wuthering Heights, her only novel. Just like her other sisters, the author also died young at the age of 30 due to health condition.

Although it received mixed reviews but this novel has brought Emily Bronte as one of the respected authors in the England literature. The novel also had been adapted into films, radio, ballet, opera and a song by Kate Bush.

This novel has been translated by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama on April 2011 with very good translation by Lulu Wijaya , but just now I also found that Penerbit Qanita also has translated this novel with a more eye- catching cover (they used the Wuthering Heights movie cover).

I have finished the novel since couple weeks a go but I am still very much haunted by it. Imagining how the author wrote this very dark story really made me scary but I also felt sympathy for her and her life. Moreover I consider the author as a genius since not every author can write a dark novel with gloomy atmosphere like this one. And I am always sure every book will give us something to learn. One thing I note from this novel is how to raise your child. Love, affection and surrounding are the ultimate aspects in bringing up the children. Definitely a worth to read novel.

Happy Eid Mubarak 1432 H

2011-09-05T14:33:00.003+07:00

Ah...it's only passed a few days but I already missed the lebaran day and all its icons: ketupat, nastar, new dresses, mudik, traffic jam, halalbihalal, angpaw for the kids, no 'si mbak', uncontrolable eating and ended by getting more weight *sigh*

The following conversation between my hubby and I took place on our way back from Bakauheni to Merak:

Hubby: Ini ferry udah sampe Merak belum?
Me: Udah tapi dermaga penuh jadi belum bisa parkir
Hubby: Kenapa ga coba valet parking sih?
Me: Ide bagus... *samagilanya* :D

Jia, Sebuah Kisah dari Korea Utara

2011-08-24T09:10:00.003+07:00

As we know that North Korea is one of the most mysterious countries in the world. Not many books tell about it. This is the first book about North Korea to be published in English. Written by Hyejin Kim based on her work with North Korean refugees living in villages along the Korean-Chinese border.

A story about Jia, a little girl who spent her childhood in a gulag with her grandparents and sister. Later on she escaped and began her dangerous voyage started from an orphanage in Pyongyang then continued to a dancer school that brought her dancing before the foreign visitors and the Great Leader himself.

This story is a cry to the world to recognize what is going on in China-North Korea border. I had little knowledge of North Korea and this book was a great introduction. It's worth a read. Beside that after finishing this book, I guarantee that you will at last realize what a blessed life you lived.

Already translated by PT Elex Media Komputindo on 2011.

Yes, We're on Ramadhan Bazaar

2011-08-17T07:19:00.004+07:00

After celebrating Batik Najlazea online shop 1st birthday last month, I guess its time for it to move forward and do something different. Finally I decided to try our luck on Ramadhan Bazaar. We'll be joining the bazaar tomorrow, Thursday-Friday, August 18-19, 2011 from 9 am- 4.30 pm at Gedung Dhanapala, Dept. Keuangan, Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta. Please do come and visit us, we'll be on booth no. 92.

Yay...It's blooming

2011-08-15T09:06:00.004+07:00

Our mangosteen tree (Garcinia Mangostana) at the front yard is finally blooming. Since it is a slow growing tree, we are very happy to welcome the fruits. There are around 10 flowers there, hopefully all will turn into fruits. Can't hardly wait for its harvest time.

Lampuki

2011-08-12T08:46:00.004+07:00

Not many authors tell about Aceh, my place of birth and one of the provinces in Indonesia. Arafat Nur tried to tell a story about his own place, his own people, Aceh. The setting is Aceh during the riot after the falling down of Soeharto era.

From the author narration we could learn how a rebellion can happen. What the reasons behind it and how actually people think about it. As usual the conflict between the government and the rebels cause nothing but long suffering for innocent people. Reading this book is like exploring a history book. Many new facts are revealed and I guess those are mostly factual narration since the author himself lives there, in one of the conflict area.

What I learn so far, the root of all problems there is simply justice. Just like in other conflict areas, e.g. Papua now. Aceh people know that their area is very rich with natural gas and many more but they feel that government has used them up. Instead of enjoying high welfare, they just feel that their lives are getting more and more miserable. Giving justice for all is absolutely not an easy thing to do. Whew.. it seems that my review is getting more serious here.

To wrap it up, this is a different genre of novel. Even the writing style is not common. It has more narration than dialogue. You need patience to digest it. This novel has been awarded by Dewan Kesenian Jakarta 2010 as the winner of novel writing contest.

Happy Birthday, Ayah

2011-08-10T12:35:00.003+07:00

Dear hubby,

You're the one who has made me laugh, wiped my tears, hugged me tight, saved my life, watched me succeed, seen me fail, cheered me on, kept me going strong, put up with my mood swings, has said everything will be alright when things get tough and keeps me sane

You're a promise from God that I'll have a friend forever

Happy birthday, dear Ayah...

Ramadhan in the Eyes of Kids

2011-08-04T09:07:00.006+07:00

This Ramadhan is special since it is going to be the first time for my 6-year-old daughter, Najla, learning how to do fasting. On the first day, she was fasting until 1.30 pm but on the next day she made it, she could finish until Maghrib, way to go girl.

I thought that it's going to be very hard for her moreover she also needs to go to school. But I guess mommy has too much worries because she is just fine. She enjoys the fasting. In fact everytime she arrives home from school, she looks even more cheerful.

So the conclusion is just let the kids do fasting as long as they want it. No force at all. Last but not least especially for mommies let's leave our worries behind and trust our kids wholehartedly. They can make it. Hakuna matata!!!

This conversation between Najla and Zea (4 yr old) happened yesterday on a critical hour (5 pm):

Zea: Kak, aku tadi ngabisin nata decoco yang ada di kulkas
Najla: Hah? Kok kamu bilang2 ke aku sih? Aku kan jadi kepingin..
Zea: Kepingin itu apa sih kak? *muka lempeng*
Najla: *speechless*

Have a blessed and peaceful Ramadhan, everybody:)

Yoga, Je t'aime

2011-08-01T12:57:00.008+07:00

Last Friday my yoga club, Padma Yoga, visited Bandung to have a yoga practice at Yoga Leaf, a yoga studio owned by international yoga master, Pujiastuti Sindhu. We had a two-hour yoga practice. A tiring yet very inspiring practice. We got a lot. Not only the yoga movement accuracy but also its high philosophy. This practice made me love yoga even more.

2

2011-07-27T10:00:00.006+07:00

Remember 5cm novel? This novel is quite phenomenal. Up till now it has been re-printed 15 times and reached 100.000 copies, wow!!!! Currently the novel is still under preparation to be adapted into a movie. 2 is the second novel written by Donny Dhirgantoro.

Just like in 5cm this novel also tells about dreams, love and faith. If in 5cm the author tells about friendship while in 2 it focuses more on family. A story about Gusni, an overweight girl who was born with genetic disorder and doctor said she won't have a long life. Despite feeling desperate, Gusni encourages herself to do something about her health. She finally chooses badminton in order to burn her fat and avoid more weight.

I love the idea of the novel but honestly I don't enjoy reading it. I even skipped many pages. There are too many useless pages. The author actually only talks about simple thing but why on earth does he always use very long sentences to express it? I know every writer has his/her own writing style, perhaps this time I am just not into the style.

Sebelas Patriot

2011-07-26T10:12:00.003+07:00

"Jika ada hal lain yang sangat menakjubkan di dunia ini
selain cinta, adalah sepakbola."

--Andrea Hirata

The 7th novel of Andrea Hirata. A story about football. A love among a son, a father and football and how they interact with each other. Still telling about Ikal, this time he tells about his father and just found out that his father was actually a great football player when he was young. Inspiring by his father's story, Ikal finally tries his best to follow his dream in becoming a football player.

Just a very thin novel only 101 pages but completed with 3 songs about football. I finished it within one hour. My suggestion is if you want to enjoy this book, do not compare it to Laskar Pelangi tetralogy. This one is just a simple book about something that the author love most. The football.

Madre

2011-07-23T20:44:00.005+07:00

"Kamu ingin cinta tapi takut jatuh cinta. But you know what? kadang-kadang kamu harus terjun dan jadi basah untuk tahu air, Che. Bukan cuma nonton di pinggir dan berharap kecipratan"
(Excerpt from Madre (Menunggu Layang-layang) by Dee)

Dee is back with her newest compilation consisting of 13 fictions and poems. I don't read many book written by Indonesian writers but Dee is different. I love almost all of her works. Her stories are unique, complex and delivered in a smart way. I enjoy the character, the theme, the conversation and all.

Read the first story Madre. It's about a guy who was suddenly inherited an old and almost close down bakery from his unknown grandpa. Here it goes the struggle of the vintage bakery and how it survives against a lot of modern bakeries in Jakarta. The characters and the plot itself are very strong. I could even smell the bread baking aroma. No wonder that after finishing the story, I feel that I want to have my own bakery *dream*:) One of the best short story ever.

Apart from Madre, I also love Menunggu Layang-layang, it's a simple yet sweet love story. While other writings are not so special, I still prefer Recto Verso to Madre.

This book has already been published by Penerbit Bentang on June 2011.

I was the Yellow Jacket

2011-07-21T09:15:00.017+07:00

I've been very busy for the past one week, Najla is entering her new elementary school. So many things to be prepared, not only the school equipment but also Najla's mental. Thank God, everything runs well. It just needs a little more time for her to adapt from the relaxing kindergarten period to a bit-serious-elementary school:)

Out of the blue, in the middle of this tiring week, a friend asked me to visit UI campus in Depok. We didn't have any special agenda there. It's just for the sake of old time. We're curious about the new library there. We heard about how big and luxurious it is. Yesterday morning we arrived at UI campus, enjoyed the morning breeze and reminisced the moments when we were still young, haha... ah...suddenly we missed those moments.

After gobbling up our breakfast in one of the faculty cafetaria and feeling surprised with the cheap price, we finally walked along the campus and headed to the library. Yes, it is a big and beautiful library. Actually it's not finished yet but we already can imagine how it is going to be when it is done completely. It's going to be one of my favorite place. Definitely. Can't hardly wait.

Cocktails For Three

2011-07-14T21:20:00.004+07:00

Long before Sophie Kinsella wrote the Shopaholic series, she already wrote many novels under her real name Madeleine Wickham. She's been asked by many people why she writes books under two names, she said it's simply because the books style are different.

This book tells about three smart and successful women who work in a fashion magazine in London. They have a monthly ritual to hang out together in a bar and to share the cocktail and the gossip. They all have certain problems just like us and they see each other to talk about the ups and downs of their life.

A very simple story compared to the Shopaholic series. Shopaholic series are far more fun while this stand alone novel is very 'light'. The characters, the flow and the ending are very predictable. But if you are tired with complicated books, grab this one and read it. Sometimes it is nice to read a simple book so instead of thinking while reading, this time we only need to read, that's all.

This book had already been translated by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama on June 2011.

The Innocent Man

2011-07-12T19:05:00.003+07:00

This is a true story about an innocent guy who was charged of death penalty, spent years in prison and how finally he was rescued and free of all charges. John Grisham's first non fiction book. A great subject to work but unfortunately Grisham failed to tell the story in his typical compelling story.

Reading this book seems like having a history book with endless dates and events. The prologue is quite long. The detail is so boring. This is far from Grisham's best work. A boring read. I only read half of the book, checked the pictures in the book and skipped to the end. What happens to Grisham? His works are getting more and more dissapointing. I miss his engaging old works.

Already translated in Bahasa Indonesia by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama on May 2011.

Books For Sale

2011-07-07T19:09:00.010+07:00

After seeing my overloaded bookshelves and considering my desire of buying books is never decreased and also remembering what my favorite author, Paulo Coelho, said, "a book has its own journey to make and should not be condemned to being stuck on a shelf" therefore I finally decided to sell some of my books collection.

At first I offered around 150 books to my friends via e-mail and surprisingly 100 books were sold out within one week, a big WOW !!! There are still 45 books left, the prices are varied from Rp. 10.000 up until Rp 25.000 (all prices are excluding the shipping cost) , the books are in good condition, if you are interested to purchase it, just e-mail me at: tjut_riana@yahoo.com

List of books written by Indonesian writers:
Fiction:
1. Seroja by Sunaryono Basuki Ks, Rp 10.000
2. Dadaisme by Dewi Sartika, Rp 10.000
3. Tabula Rasa by Ratih Kumala, Rp 10.000
4. Kronik Betawi by Ratih Kumala, Rp 15.000
5. Fofo dan Senggring by Budi Darma, Rp 10.000
6. Orang-orang Bloomington by Budi Darma, Rp 10.000
7. Swastika by Maya Wulan, Rp 10.000
8. Panggil Aku B by Fira Basuki, Rp 10.000
9. Jendela-jendela by Fira Basuki, Rp 10.000
10. Mereka Bilang Saya Monyet by Djenar Maesa Ayu, Rp 10.000
11. Indiana Chronicle by Clara Ng, Rp 15.000
12. A Cat in My Eyes by Fahd Djibran, Rp 10.000

List of books written by non-Indonesian writers but already translated in Bahasa Indonesia:
Novel, Fiction:
1. SkyBurial by Xinran, Rp 10.000
2. Pengakuan by Anton Chekov, Rp 10.000
3. Carry Me Down by M.J. Hyland, Rp 20.000
4. In The Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami, Rp 20.000
5. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, Rp 20.000
6. Life's Golden Ticket by Brendon Burchard, Rp 20.000
7. Weed Flower by Cynthia Kadohata, Rp 20.000
8. The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Rp 20.000
9. The Rug Merchant by Meg Mullins, Rp 20.000
10. Beijing Doll by Chun Sue, Rp 20.000
11. Born Blue by Han Nolan, Rp 20.000
12. The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier, Rp 20.000
13. Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier, Rp 10.000
14. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, Rp 20.000
15. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, Rp 20.000
16. 24 Wajah Billie by Daniel Keyes, Rp 20.000
17. The Conch Bearer by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Rp 20.000
18. Murid Istimewa by Torey Hayden, Rp 20.000
19. Sang Guru Piano by Elfriede Jelinek, Rp 20.000
20. Balzac and The Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie, Rp 20.000
21. The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan, Rp25.000
22. My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk, Rp 25.000
23. Balthasar's Oddyssey by Amin Maalouf, Rp 25.000
24. Daddy's Little Girl by Marry Higgins Clark, Rp 10.000

Non- fiction:
25. Ceritalah Indonesia by Karim Raslan, Rp 10.000
26. From China with Love by Emily Buchanan, Rp 20.000
27. Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario, Rp 20.000
28. Female Undercover by Norah Vincent, Rp 20.000
29. Bocah Muslim Di Negeri James Bond by Imran Ahmad, Rp 20.000

Chiclit:
30. Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nichols, Rp 15.000
31. Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers, Rp 15.000
32. Don't Try This At Home by Katie Pearson, Rp 20.000
33. Dress Rehearsel by Jennifer O'Connel, Rp 20.000

I guess that's all, the list will be stopped here, happy hunting:)

Catatan Harian Si Boy (2011)

2011-07-06T20:15:00.003+07:00

"Sesuatu yang nggak penting buat lo, belum tentu nggak penting juga buat orang lain"

Remember the famous Catatan Harian Si Boy (Cabo) back to 80s? The movie is back now. I read many positive reviews about the movie. Luckily last week I received two complimentary tickets from BCA to watch Catatan Harian Si Boy (2011). I asked my partner (in crime) to accompany me and she said yes (in fact she's always available for any free tickets and free lunch) :p

This afternoon we finally watched the movie without any expectation. But it turned out that we kept laughing and enjoyed the movie a lot. It's not a remake, it seems that this is actually a new movie but based on some characters from the old Cabo. I love the dialogue there. Totally smart dialogue and salute to the director who can execute it in an excellent way. This movie is really worth to watch.

Around The World In 80 Dinners

2011-07-04T10:41:00.007+07:00

After writing cookbooks for years and winning many cookbook awards, Cheryl and Bill Jamison finally decided to use all their frequent flier miles on a three-month global culinary.

Beginning in Bali, the couple traveled to 10 different countries which were Australia, New Caledonia, Singapore, Thailand, India, China, South Africa, France and Brazil during the fall of 2005, sampling the local cuisine and taking in the sights.

It's really a 'fat' memoir telling about local foods, the culture and traveling spots. At the end of each chapter they enclosed a list mentioning about the hotel where they stayed and the recommended restaurants where they ate and also a native recipe from each stop of 10 countries.

Actually I love the idea of combining two great things i.e. food and travel in one memoir. But perhaps the authors have so many things to be put in the memoir therefore I felt a bit difficult to digest the stories since so many information spread in every chapter.

Already translated in Bahasa Indonesia by GagasMedia.

Hey..Am I On TV Now?

2011-07-01T15:31:00.009+07:00

School holiday has been coming. As usual we never plan to have an out-of-town holiday trip during this moment. We knew it will be so crowded, horrible traffic jam and instead of enjoying it, the kids will get cranky.

Thank God, Najla and Zea ask nothing special for their holiday. As long as they got each other as partner (in crime), it's already enough for them. They just stay home and enjoy the day as usual. We only go out on weekend, having lunch in our favorite restaurant and of course visiting a bookshop.

But there is a must visit spot during school holiday which is Bobo Fair. Actually there is nothing special about this spot. From year to year always the same programs, nothing new. But I don't know the girls just love it. Therefore last Wednesday we just visited the JCC. We came early at 10 am and left the place at 1 pm. The girls mostly did the drawing, the tattooing and running here and there. Out of the blue a reporter from one private TV station asked my girls for an interview. They just talked naturally without really aware about the cameramen and stuff. It seemed that their mom was more excited:)

One Amazing Thing

2011-06-29T20:49:00.010+07:00

It's a sudden earthquake. Nine people are trapped in an Indian visa office somewhere in an unnamed American city. It's been 12 hours but still no help yet. No electricity, flood is coming, the roof are falling down and the food is getting less. They can do nothing about it. Nothing but fear. One of them finally comes down with an idea to distract their fear. She suggests them to tell about one personal story that never been revealed to anyone.

Each of them tells about one big moment in their life. A story that moves their heart and builds a new spirit to survive. One amazing thing that at last changes their life forever.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni never fails me. Her works are always amazing. She really is a gifted storyteller. She tells the characters in the book vividly and writes the flow of the story beautifully.

This amazing book has been translated by Penerbit Qanita (Mizan Group) on June 2011. Unfortunately I found that my book pages are not complete, some pages are missing, from page 56, it jumps to page 73. I can't return the book to the publisher and ask for a complete one since I didn't keep the purchase receipt. I had already sent an e-mail to the publisher and suggested them to be responsible for all misprinted books they produce with or without the purchase receipt. We talked about consumers' rights here but until now I still have not got any response yet. Very disappointing :(

Current Update (July 7, 2011):
I've just received an e-mail from the publisher this afternoon. They asked me to return my incomplete book and promise to send me a new complete book plus a complimentary book, wow...what a surprise, big thanks...:))

Bye...Bye..Piggy Bank

2011-06-28T08:05:00.004+07:00

Time does fly. My eldest daughter, Najla, finally left her kindergarten and is ready to welcome her new elementary school. After having a fun graduation (yes, not a solemn graduation but a fun one!), received her school report, certificate and all, her teacher also gave me some money, she said it's Najla's saving at her school. Wow..such a surprise.

Since she's getting bigger now, I guess it's time for her to know about saving her money not in her piggy bank but in a real bank. Yesterday we walked along Cinere Mall in order to find a bank that suitable for her. After heading here and there, finally she fell in love with a bank that provides children saving. Her love suddenly came when she found out that the bank offered her a saving book and an ATM with princess pictures on it. Woohooo..what a reason :)

Therefore she finally opened the saving account there and experienced a new thing. She went to the teller by herself, deposited her money and put her signature in the receipt. It really was a big day for a 6-year-old little girl :)

Garis Batas

2011-06-18T21:41:00.010+07:00

Ada bermacam-macam cara orang menikmati perjalanan. Ada yang mengejar target untuk mengunjungi semua negara yang ada di muka bumi. Setiap cap yang melekat di paspor adalah lambang kebanggaan.

Ada pula penikmat dunia yang melangkah perlahan-lahan. Menghabiskan waktu bertahun-tahun di setiap tempat yang dikunjungi, mempelajari saripati kehidupan dari berbagai lapisan masyarakat yang ditemui.

I guess I am addicted to Agustinus Wibowo's travel writing. After enjoying his first travelogue Selimut Debu, this time I can stop reading his story when he happened to visit Central Asian Countries.

After visiting Afghanistan, he found out that Afghanistan villagers were curious about life across the river. Everyday they stare at the cars there without knowing how it feels to ride a car (they are only familiar with horses and donkeys) and the luxurious houses while they live in a slum area. They have a fantasy about a great life in the countries across the river. The Stans countries.

This fantasy that finally brought the writer to head to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan (The Stans). This journey will reveal what has happened after these Stan countries dissolved from Soviet Union and declared themselves as independent countries. Is life getting better? Which one do they prefer the old countries or the new one? Every page of this book will give you new insights. New secret that you have never imagined before.

This is not only an ordinary travel book, this is a world-class-anthropologist- travel writing. Every fact is described in detail. It gives a rich insight. It also gives a lot of things to ponder. To contemplate. What is the meaning of borderline?

A highly recommended book. You will feel touched when reading how a very poor guy in Tajikistan tried his best to welcome his guests. They respect the travelers. They asked for nothing. It's just their pure hearts. One of the best travelogue EVER. Great stories with breathtaking pictures.

of Thee I Sing

2011-06-12T13:44:00.006+07:00

I found this book at Gramedia PIM yesterday. A book written by US President Mr. Barack Obama but he wrote this book long before he became a president. It's a beautiful letter for his daughters with a wonderful message. I am really impressed with the book and also its amazing illustration. Actually this is a children book but it seems that my daughters, Najla and Zea have not got the book's message yet, in fact their mom is more excited:)

Check the excerpt of the book below:

Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?
How the sound of your feet running from afar brings dancing rhythms to my day?
How you laugh and sunshine spills into the room

Have I told you that you are creative?
Have I told you that you are smart?
Have I told you that you are brave?
Have I told you that you are healer?
Have I told you that you are strong?
Have I told you how important it is to honor others' sacrifices?
Have I told you that you are kind?
Have I told you that you don't give up?
Have I told you that you are en explorer?
Have I told you that you are inspiring?
Have I told you that you are part of the family?
Have I told you to be proud to be American?
Have I told you that America is made up of people of every kind?

Have I told you that they are all a part of you?
Have I told you that you are one of them,
and you are the future
And have I told you that I love you?

PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama has published the bilingual edition of this book (English-Indonesia) on June 2011.

The Travelogue

2011-06-09T22:04:00.007+07:00

Currently we can find a lot of travel books invading the bookshops. Some books are very good, written in a very detail way and also very informative. But some others are sometimes a bit poor. Instead of getting new insight about some places, I usually finish the book and feel disappointed. Moral of the story: I need to be really careful before deciding to buy a travel book (or all books?).

I read several travelogues lately, here are the three of them:

TRAVEL IN LOVE
Reading the synopsis of the book at the back cover is really tempting. It is said that this is a travel book written by two lovers, Liang Lu and Li Qi, who resigned from their jobs as a journalist in order to focus on their romantic journey. They visited 60 cities, 14 provinces and other areas in China.

Since it is said that they were formerly journalists, I was quite sure that I was going to love the book. But I don't know. I don't enjoy the book. I tried to finish it but at last I gave up. Put the book back to the bookshelf:(

THE JOURNEYS
I love the idea, 12 writers wrote about their journeys. So we will have 12 different stories written by Trinity, Raditya Dika, Adhitya Mulya, Valiant Budi, and many more. But 12 writers have their own style of writing and also their writing ability are different one another. Therefore I found that some stories are engaging while others are so-so. Perhaps it takes special writer to make an interesting travel story, who knows?

THE NAKED TRAVELER 3
I guess Trinity is one of the best travel writer in Indonesia. She always delivers her travel story vividly. She succeeds in making people leave their comfortable zone, save some money, take their leaves and go around the globe. This is her 3rd book, still telling about her travel experience, some of the stories have been posted in her website, it seems that there are always places to go and places to tell. Worrying gets you nowhere that what she believes and I definitely agree on that.

Saga no Gabai Bachan

2011-06-07T21:54:00.007+07:00

Kebahagiaan itu bukan sesuatu yang ditentukan oleh uang
Kebahagiaan itu adalah sesuatu yang ditentukan oleh diri kita sendiri, oleh hati kita

Are you afraid of being poor? Is being poor always a bad thing? This memoir of Yoshichi Shimada will give deep meaning of being poor. Poorness does not always mean negative. There are still plenty of good quality about being poor.

Telling in a simple way, this memoir will be in your heart for days. Although this is actually a very sad story but the author with his amazing grandma can change our point of view to be positive and always being grateful in life.

Akihiro (the author real name) lost his father after Hiroshima's bombing. Since his mother needed to work to support his family, he finally moved to Saga and stayed there with his grandma. He never thought that his grandma is the most unique grandma. They lived a hard life but his grandma never lost her love of life. She always enjoyed everything. She had tons of unique ideas. Take an example when the author wanted to join some sport like kendo and judo, at first her grandma supported him but as soon as he said it would cost some money for the registration and some equipment, her grandma suddenly changed her mind. Instead she asked her grandson to do running, the free sport, no charge. The author followed her grandma's suggestion and at last succeeded as as one of the best sprinter at his school and could follow some tournaments.

Whenever her grandson felt down, this amazing grandma never failed to cheer him up. This book is very popular in Japan. This story has been adapted into movie, game and manga. This amazing grandma will always be in everybody's heart.

This book has been translated from Japanese into Bahasa Indonesia by Kansha Books on April 2011.

Selimut Debu

2011-06-03T13:52:00.007+07:00

Not many travel books can make the readers glue to it until the last page. This book Selimut Debu is an exception. Why is it special? There are many reasons, among others: Look at the destination, it's Afghanistan, not many people (even very rare) choose this place as their travel destination, then read the book carefully and you will feel that you are taken into the magic land, Afghanistan.

When we heard the word Afghanistan, what will come to our mind? A country with a blanket of dust (stated as the title of the book) , never lasting war, rocky mountain, bomb threat, women in burqa and all stuff like that. That also what the author Agustinus Wibowo thought at the beginning. But his curiosity was so big, he needed to know more about this country. Therefore finally he decided to start his journey from a railway station in Beijing (where he studied) and began his journey to Central Asia.

The author started his life study of Afghanistan by becoming an Afghan himself. He wore shalwar qamiz just like other Afghans, he stayed in their homes, drank tea in the samovar (tea shop) and did his best to mingle with them. No wonder that he can convey his stories vividly in a very amazing way. We will get a big picture of Afghanistan. There are many things about it. Not only war. The author also completed his story with a detail history and its cultural description of Afghanistan. I feel a mix of feeling when I finished the book. I feel sorry for their long suffering but at the same time I also admire their survival.

I definitely agree that the author is not only a traveler but he is an explorer. Some parts of the stories had been published in www.kompas.com. A very rich book. One of this year best travelogue. Very recommended.

The Award & 7 Things about Me

2011-06-02T09:45:00.013+07:00

Thank you for mbak Yana who already gave me this Stylish Blogger Award. I am really honoured. As I agree to receive the award means I need to follow 4 instructions which are: (1) saying thanks to the award giver, (2) telling 7 things about the award recipient, (3) forwarding the award to other bloggers and (4) lastly informing the award recipients about this Stylish Blogger Award.

Okay now, let's start with 7 things about me:

1. I am actually a well planned person.
But this characteristic was suddenly disappear when 10 years a go I met a guy (my hubby now) who was soooo brave and asked me to marry him when we only knew each other for 2 weeks. The craziest part was when I said 'yes, I do' and thank God we've been married for 9 years now. Well...I guess it's simply love.

2. Kids Change Everything
I used to think that becoming a career woman was my everything. I couldn't imagine myself without my office job. But I at the moment I was given birth to Najla then Zea, I changed my mind easily. Nothing more important than being around them day and night.

3. I Adore Friendship
I might be not have too many friends but I have several super best friends. I even have a 31-year-old friendship. Yes, they are my friends since we were at elementary school. We still keep in touch until now. It's always nice to talk with them since we have been known each other since we were kids :)

4. I am A Book Freak
I felt in love with books even when I still couldn't read. Up until now my love for books is getting more and more. Along with my age, the books genre also changes. No more detective or romance stories, I prefer a story with something to learn. Stories that linger for days.

5. I am Crazy about Yoga
I am definitely not a sport person but since I join yoga 2,5 years a go, I feel that it is the most suitable sport for me. I love all about it particularly after I did yoga practice in Ubud last week, my love for yoga is going deeper.

6. I Love Eating but I Don't Cook
Honestly I am not good in the kitchen unless for gobbling up all the food there. Although I have been married for 9 years, my cooking ability is still very limited. Shame on me. The urge to have cooking course is there but the realization is still postponed until ...ehm...I don't know yet :(

7. I Have A Big Dream
I dream of having a very wide land where I can build a cozy library that opens for public, a bookshop, a yoga studio, a salon for hair and beauty treatment and completed with a comfortable coffee shop. A quite big dream. Just wish me luck!

Now it's time to forward this award to below bloggers:
1. Icha (www.hujandiatasmeja.blogspot.com)
2. Ferina (www.justanotherstories.blogspot.com)
3. Kiky (www. ceritasikiky.wordpress.com)
4. Perez (www.mipequenosanctuario.blogspot.com)
5. Ratih (www.cintaratih.blogspot.com)

Hope all of you enjoy the award as much as I do :))

A Piece of Paradise

2011-05-30T20:50:00.018+07:00

One of my dream to have yoga practice in Ubud with international yoga master had finally been realized last week *smile from ear to ear*. It happened when I had a three-day-visit to Bali with my 12 yoga mates. We did yoga practice at YogaBarn Ubud with Cat Kabira, yes the very famous yoga instructor. It was a realy really great experience. I am soooo lucky!

I've been to Bali several times but this was the first time I visited Bali, stayed in Ubud and did the yoga practice. Ubud really has different style of Bali. I really enjoyed its peaceful place. We stayed at Sri Ratih Cottages, a very cozy place. Beside yoga practice, we also browsed around Bali and did a little this and a little that. Other thing that amazed me in our Bali journey was watching one of the best Tari kecak and Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple and at the same time enjoying the ocean view, the temple and the sunset. It's just too good to be true.

The Mile Hi! Club

2011-05-22T13:47:00.004+07:00

A friend bought this book in Singapore and lent me. Curious about what kind of life does a stewardess usually have? Read this Memoir of A Stewardess. Written in detail by Janet Chew who experienced as a stewardess herself for 13 years in one of the best airline in the world.

The book tells about a comprehensive collection of humorous anecdotes, scandals and love stories 35,000 feet in the air. Interesting.

Of Bees and Mist

2011-05-20T16:24:00.005+07:00

A friend said this book is awesome. She even lent me this book in order to 'insist' me reading it. After finishing the book, I guess I need to give big thanks to my friend since this book is totally amazing.

This is a debut novel written beautifully by Erick Setiawan, an Indonesian author who moved to USA at the age of 16. The novel actually tells about family, love, hatred, and all. But the author will astonish all of the readers by the way he wrote his story. It's not ordinary story. It's unique due to the rich atmosphere created by the author. The setting is unknown, we only have description that it is a mythical town where spirits and spells, withcraft and demons, and prophets and clairvoyance are an everyday reality.

You will feel that you are taken to a magical journey. You will enjoy a fantasy that is mixed with reality. All symbols and metaphors in the book even enriches the story. No wonder if the book has been shortlisted for many awards and translated in many languages.

Usually I don't enjoy a fantasy story, but tell you what this one is different. I really enjoy every page of it.

Thanks to Gagas Media that already translated this book in bahasa. The translation is quite good, I enjoyed it and even sometimes I forgot that this book is originally in english. A must read.

Almost Paradise

2011-05-18T08:20:00.005+07:00

Last weekend we had a visit to Godong Ijo, a plant nursery nearby our home. You can do many things here, such as: fishing in the lake, eating and chit-chatting at a botanical cafe that serves Thai and Indocuisine, looking at giant fish, turtle and snake or just walking around this green place and checking the plants collection. This place is awesome. If you need some fresh air with green surrounding, do come and visit this place, you're gonna love it. Promise:)

Room

2011-05-17T18:01:00.006+07:00

The minute you start reading this book written by Emma Donoghue, you will be glued to it and can't put it down. A story about Jack, a five-year-old boy, and his Ma. Jack spends his entire life in this eleven-by-eleven-foot Room and knows nothing about life outside the Room. While his Ma has been kidnapped and held for seven years in this Room. Through Jack's Ma big love, she creates a life for both of them. They eat, sleep, play and learn there, in the Room.

Along with his age Jack asks more and more questions, his Ma thinks that they need to escape. This Room is just not suitable for them anymore. Can they make it? What will happen to them after they leave the Room? Can they live a normal life?

Narrated by Jack with his childlike tone, you will be touched and terrified by his story. A high recommended novel.

Big thanks to Ferina who already lending me this awesome novel, thank you ^^

The Sound of Music

2011-05-16T12:18:00.006+07:00

My eldest daughter, Najla, is really into music. She loves anything with music. When she was appointed to represent her school in a kindergarten vocal group competition, she was over the moon. Well..the excitement finally spread to all of us. On the d-day, not only Najla's parents but also her grandpa, grandma, auntie and uncle all came and supported her. Thank you for making us so proud of you, dear :))

Water for Elephants

2011-05-14T13:03:00.011+07:00

Bookworms are everywhere. I got this great book from one of my cyber friend, Ferina. We know each other through blogging and finally we exchanged our books collection. I lent her Bonsai and In A Strange Room and in return I got Water for Elephants and Room. Thanks for the books, Fer :)

I have read many positive comments about Water for Elephants, in fact it's already been translated into 44 languages and also has been adapted into a movie. The novel tells about circus. Novels with circus theme are not so many. If I went back to my elementary period, back to 80s, I remember one of children book with circus theme, it was Sirkus Pak Galliano written by Enid Blyton.

If Sirkus Pak Galliano seems so fun. Even at that time I myself dreamed to join a circus. But Sara Gruen, the author of Water for Elephants tells circus from a different point of view. The main character here is a veterinary student, Jacob Jankowski, who can't continue his study and fail to take his final exam due to his parents death and debts .

Destiny takes him to a traveling circus. His adventure begins in a circus group back in 1930s as a circus vet. The story is told back and forth, from Jacob as a 90-or-93-year-old-guy in a nursing home and Jacob as a 20-something-guy who joins a circus group. The author detail research makes this novel a great one. The author can describe the ups and downs in a circus group vividly. The story seems so real. It will linger in your mind for days. A very recommended novel. Already translated by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama on September 2010. Good translation as always but my critic is on the front cover, why is it so dark? I guess circus supposed to be associated with bright colour, don't you think so?

Kedai 1001 Mimpi

2011-05-10T15:23:00.006+07:00

It's been such a long time I have never read any memoir that could burst me into laughter. This book is an exception. I guess the author, Valiant Budi, also a unique person. Since early age he already dreamed to live overseas, but if most people choose USA or European countries, he prefer Middle East countries or African Countries. Therefore he was so excited when finally got a job in an international coffee shop and stationed in Saudi Arabian.

As a barista there, he experienced a lot of things, from culture shock, crazy boss, crazy customers, and many unbelievable moments. Actually he tells about sad stories here, but since he tells them in a very witty way, therefore instead of crying, I was laughing even more.

It seems that working in Saudi Arabian is not an easy thing to do. I can't imagine even the author, a guy with a law degree and having job experience as a broadcaster, editor and writer still got bad experience there, such as: boss and customers who underestimate him, sexual harassement, etc. No wonder that we heard many sad stories about many Indonesian women workers there.

Yes, different country has different culture. Saudi Arabian is a very rich country. Most of the coffee shop customers are rich people and they tend to look down people from other countries. The author experienced many bad stories about this attitude issue. What I learn here is the importance of education. Although you are rich but if you don't have proper education, it will be nothing. Just like the author said, 'you can have a lot of money, but you can't buy good attitude'.

Beatrice and Virgil

2011-05-09T22:26:00.005+07:00

When you have high expectation over something and finally find the reality is not as good as you thought before, it might lead you into disappointment. It happened when I read the latest book of Yann Martel, the author of Life of Pi. Since I really enjoyed Life of Pi, therefore I was so excited when I found the latest book of Yann Martel. Moreover the story also talks about animals just like in Life of Pi, only this time the author focuses on a donkey and a monkey named Beatrice and Virgil. Unfortunately the story is so slow, confusing and lead me nowhere. I did not even finish it. Big disappointment :((

Bread, Jam & Love

2011-05-05T13:20:00.006+07:00

Everyone has his/her own favorite breakfast. It also happens in my petite family. Every member of the family has different style of breakfast. My hubby and Najla love anything but heavy food. They prefer bread, pastry, pancakes and cookies. In fact Najla is a desert lover. She loves almost all cakes and cookies. While Zea is a rice lover. She eats rice 3 times a day. From morning till dark. What a healty kid and very Indonesian:)

How about their mom? Well...I am aturable. Loving all kinds of breakfast not only light meal but also heavy meal *gembul mom mode on* haha...

Bread, butter and jam are a must-have- item in our home. I enjoy doing grocery shopping and hunting for new kind of jams. When I read about this Oma Anna homemade organic jam, I am so excited. I ordered 2 kinds of jam, strawberry with cinnamon and pineapple with clove. Yesterday the beautiful package came. We already tasted the jam this morning and we do love them. A unique flavor. A very fresh fruit jam.

86

2011-05-04T13:24:00.005+07:00

Corruption, as Pramoedya Ananta Toer stated in his novel Korupsi (1953) was one of the oldest men disease. It's been there for ages around human being as a disease without any cure.

Now Okky Madasari tells about corruption from today's point of view. The essence is still the same. The reason behind it and the way people do it, not changed much. Perhaps the difference only refers to the amount. The amount of corruption is getting bigger everyday.

The term 86 as the title of this novel is actually known among police officers. Now the meaning is enlarged into everything that can be settled with money or you can also call it 'bribery'.

The main character in this novel is Arimbi, a Ponorogo girl who works as a typist in South Jakarta district court. With her small salary, she can only afford a very limited life. Staying in a small rented house. Having a totally dull life. Until one day she gets the opportunity to get extra money and she finally realizes that almost all her colleagues, her boss, the lawyers and even the judges do the same way. They all ask for extra money in everything. Until one day Arimbi and her boss are arrested by KPK.

The setting now is moved to prison. Here we will get a shocking condition. Money can buy anything, from a better cell in prison, a better menu of food and even a career as a drug dealer.

Since the author having a background as a journalist, she can describe all condition in court and prison vividly. It seems so real. Mesmerizing. As a person with law background, I admit I enjoy the novel a lot but I also need to calm myself. I feel totally sad deep down my heart. Imagining the condition now. The corruption among law enforcers are totally humiliating. Not to mention that corruption is getting more horrible here, in our country.

This is the 2nd novel written by Okky, the first one is Entrok, also as good as this one.

Row the Boat, Baby...

2011-05-02T11:30:00.007+07:00

There are several Sundanese restaurants nearby our home. RM Saung Tagala is one of them. It is special since the restaurant is located above a lake. By paying Rp. 15.000,- all customers are allowed to hire a boat and row it all around the lake. What my girls love about this place is not the food. Their favorite parts are rowing the boat and feeding the fish in the lake.

Beside serving the Sundanese food, they also provide good durian as desert. I am not a big fan of durian but I am alway excited to see durian lover enjoying this special fruit. Seem that the fruit is sooooo delicious, well it is delicious indeed, isn't it? :))

The pics were taken on my big bro birthday on April 24. We really had a good time there. Enjoying the free lunch, the fresh air and the blowing wind. Everybody's happy especially the 3 little girls on the boat, Najla, Zea & their cousin, Nabila^^

Batik Shirt Collection

2011-04-28T15:29:00.008+07:00

Hey..there, looking for a batik shirt for your loved one? Batik Najlazea has just launched its men's shirt collection. It's special since we made one batik for one shirt only. A perfect gift for your special person or even for yourself. We also receive customized order. What are you waiting for? Check them out here.

What I Love about Inacraft 2011

2011-04-27T13:22:00.004+07:00

A batik handbag has been in my wish list for quite sometime. Actually now there are a lot of batik bags sold everywhere, but it takes time to find the right one. Out of the blue I saw this chic green batik handbag somewhere in a crowded booth of Inacraft 2011. It was love at the first sight. I love batik. I love green color. What a perfect combination *smile from ear to ear* :)

Bonsai

2011-04-26T10:14:00.003+07:00

Bonsai is a different genre of novel. Written down by Pralampita Lembahmata and published by Gramedia on March 2011. It's not only a novel but it has more. It explores a complete history of Chinese people in Indonesia since long time a go. How they faced Dutch colonization, suffered during Japanese occupation, continued with some racial tragedy and still many more.

Although the novel is based on history but the author is good in telling the story. It is started from a Chinese family in current time and it will bring us back to the old time. Interesting. Despite feeling bored, you'll be curious to find out more about the book.

One thing to note is about bonsai, the mini plant. I just found out that bonsai is a special plant. It has high philosophy. It can live for hundred of years and can be inherited to your family. I remember there is a bonsai gallery nearby my home perhaps it's time for me to drop by very soon:)

Salute to the author and his (or her?) hard work of detail research. I just finished the book and felt full of new knowledge.

Our Kartini Today

2011-04-21T11:39:00.006+07:00

It's April 21, a special day for my girls. They're ready to welcome Kartini day. Therefore we'd been very busy since early in the morning. Choosing the costume, applying the make up and all. Okay, everything's finally done, Najla with her Balinese costume while Zea prefered Baju Bodo. They're so eager to wear something different today. Here they were, arrived at school, mingled with their friends and ready for a joyous carnival. Have fun, girls. Happy Kartini day, everybody!

Tetralogi Sisi Lain SBY

2011-04-19T18:26:00.004+07:00

Finally the tetralogy is complete. Started with the first book, Pak Beye dan Istananya, continued with Pak Beye dan Politiknya, then Pak Beye dan Kerabatnya and lasted with Pak Beye dan Keluarganya. There is also another book Pak Kalla dan Presidennya. All is written by Wisnu Nugroho, a Kompas Journalist. Books that tell about our President and ex Vice President from different angle. Interesting.

Last couple days, I saw at Gramedia bookshop, there are many new books that seem similar with the above book, similar here refer to the topic and the title of the book but written by different author. Perhaps those new books are inspired by the the above successful tetralogy. It is always like that. One successful book will be followed by new book with similar topic. I guess I will not read it. I am done with our President's stories and ready to explore a totally new genre of book.

Quote of the Day

2011-04-18T12:58:00.004+07:00

Tell me and I forget
Teach me and I remember
Involve me and I learn

(Benjamin Franklin)

Pic is Najla & Zea at Gramedia PIM

Hakuna Matata

2011-04-15T08:33:00.005+07:00

Hakuna Matata is a Swahili phrase and also a very popular song from The Lion King the movie. The meaning is "no worries". I Love this phrase. It is definitely right. No need to worry. No worries for the rest of the days. No worries in life.

Look at Zea's big smile, I am sure she has nothing to worry about. Hope that her smile is infectious. Moreover week end is coming. Let's celebrate it. Keep smiling people...^^

In A Strange Room

2011-04-12T09:01:00.004+07:00

A haunting travelogue that is beautifully written by Damon Galgut. It's shortlisted for 2010 Man Booker Prize for fiction. A story about a guy, Damon (name after the author) who travels along Greece, India and Africa. You will find 3 different interesting stories. He meets many people along the journey, a handsome guy with unique character in Greece, clumsy backpackers in Africa and a woman who is struggling hard with her life in India. He travels with those guys and builds relationship with them. Unfortunately all the journeys end up as disasters.

The combination of these three journeys at last change Damon's life. A life of a guy who is still searching for love and a place called home.

The author is a real masterpiece in describing people feeling. The despair, dissapointment, anger, and all gloomy feeling are conveyed in a very detail way. I can feel it. This is actually a 'dark' book but a beautiful one. It will haunt you for days. One of the best book in 2011.

Already translated by PT Elex Media Computindo in 2010. A must read book.

Dunia Alice

2011-04-09T14:39:00.007+07:00

What would it feel to be an immigrant in Australia? This is one of the memoir of a Cambodia girl in Australia. Written in a vivid way by Alice Pung (the original title of this book is Unpolished Gem but Penerbit Bentang changed it into Dunia Alice) we'll find many interesting stories here.

Alice parents are Chinese who immigrated to Cambodia then fled to Australia as asylum seekers. As immigrant, they sure need time to adapt with their whole new life. There are a lot of surprises there. Alice told them in a witty way, how her grandma and parents were so amazed to see many great things in Australia compared to their former life in Cambodia.

But being an immigrant does not always mean bed and roses, they also face problems, such as the cultural shock and also the language. For old people like Alice's grandma and mother, it's really hard to learn new language as English language. They tried and failed. This language difficulties lead to many problems. Even for Alice as a young girl, she felt it's hard to grow up in a new country. She's sometimes confused and felt trapped between her mother's thoughts and her desire to be like a 'normal' girl just like her Australian friends.

Already translated by Penerbit Bentang on February 2011. Awesome debut. Informative and at the same time entertaining.

I Felt in Love with Life

2011-04-05T07:40:00.004+07:00

On the day I met you
I didn't fall in love with you
I felt in love with LIFE

Happy 9th wedding anniversary, Ayah

quoted from Shirley Valentine the movie

Thanking God

2011-04-01T17:41:00.004+07:00

For my 1st anniversary as a full time mom
For making me firm in deciding what I really want in life
For a great moment to finally say goodbye to my 14 years of working experience
For telling myself that this is real, yes no more deadlines, meetings, reports, targets, business plan, etc
For enjoying 24/7 with my girls
For the opportunity to go back to campus, to give lecture and to have a great time with my students
For the opportunity to try my luck on my batik online shop
For the opportunity to do the thing I like
In short for all the blessing bestowed upon us
Life is good
Never better

Pic was taken at The Kiosk, Braga City Walk, Bandung with my ex-colleagues.

Totto-chan's Children

2011-03-31T15:39:00.004+07:00

Remember Totto chan? The Little Girl at the Window? I am sure this book is in everybody's heart. Now other book written by Totto chan aka Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, it's her story as the goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Yes, Toto now is a famous actress. She's also the founder of Totto Foundation that trains deaf actors. This is to implement Totto's vision of bringing theater to the deaf.

In 1984 Totto was appointed as the Goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, she was the first person from Asia to hold this position. During the late 1980s until the late 1990s, she visited many developing countries in Asia and Africa for charitable works and helping children who had suffered from disasters and wars.

The book was written down in a simple way but quite touching. From her stories, we learn the consequences of the wars, nothing is good. Nothing at all. All is left only sadness. Feeling totally blue to see the pictures of these poor kids. Totto was also a great ambassador. From the dialogue among Totto and the children, it's obvious that she really has a big heart. No wonder she could do such an amazing works.

The book's already translated in Bahasa Indonesia by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama on February 2010 and reprinted on July 2010.

Sleeping Beauty

2011-03-23T09:39:00.007+07:00

My girls always associate their daddy with a car. So every time their daddy is around, they will be busy asking questions, e.g. "where are we going today, Ayah?" This kind of question usually makes my hubby speechless and finally asks the girls to get into the car, drive it and decide the destination at the last minute. Good job, girls:)

The girls enjoy the journey very much. They will be busy playing around in the car, shouting here and there. Fighting now and then. The closing moment will be they will get sleepy and finally fall asleep.

Just like the pictures above. Look at Zea's sleepy face (1st pic). Ouch.. she could not stand it and at last fall asleep (2nd pic). Her elder sister, Najla, joined her and thought Zea's body is a pillow (last pic). Well...sweet dreams, baby.

Pearl of China

2011-03-18T11:39:00.007+07:00

Aku adalah bagian dari China karena aku tinggal di sana sejak kanak-kanak hingga dewasa....
My Several Worlds, Pearl S. Buck

Chinese culture and history are always be my cup of tea. I love reading books written by Pearl S. Buck, Amy Tan, Jun Chang and Lisa See. But Pearl S. Buck with her debut novel The Good Earth is always be my all time favorite book. From this book we could get the detail description about Wan Lung's life as a poor farmer in China. This great book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and in 1938 Pearl became the first American woman who was awarded by nobel prize in literature.

Pearl of China is a novel based on Pearl S. Buck memoir. The author, Anchee Min, conveys her story with a factual conditions. She created a friendship between Willow, a Chinese girl, and Pearl. Pearl is a daughter of American missionaries. Her father was stationed in China. Although she was born in US but she knew Chinese language first before she mastered her native language, English.

From this book we know how Pearls spent her childhood and teenage period in China and why she loved China very much and considered it as her homeland. Pearl experienced several dangerous periods in China, the communist, the Boxer Revolution, and many more that forced her to go to US. She had never been allowed to return to China and finally died in US.

In fact, the author, Anchee Min, was also one of the person who joined a demonstration in rejecting Pearl's visa to enter China. According to the author, at that time (1971) as a senior high school student, without knowing the real truth, she just followed Madame Mao's order and considered Pearl as an American Cultural Imperialist. Until one day, when she promoted her own memoir Red Azalea in Chicago, a woman asked her about Pearl and gave Anchee The Good Earth novel. She read it and cried all over it. From then on the idea to write Pearl of China came to her mind.

The book already translated into Bahasa Indonesia by Penerbit Qanita on February 2011. Great story. Good translation. Highly recommended.

Pondok Baca Kembali Ke Semarang

2011-03-16T12:38:00.008+07:00

I have read many books written by Nh. Dini. But my favorite is Cerita Kenangan series since it is Nh. Dini's memoir. I always love reading memoir. There is always a lesson there. From her childhood as written in Sebuah Lorong di Kotaku (1986), her experience as a stewardess in Kemayoran (2000), her marriage with a France diplomat and her experience when living in Japan in Jepun Negerinya Hiroko (2002), finally she had a divorce and went back to Indonesia in Argenteuil, Hidup Memisahkan Diri (2008). Pondok Baca is the 12th book from the series, just published by Gramedia on February 2011.

This time Dini tells about her life after returning back to her hometown, Semarang. She started to rearrange her life. At first she stayed at her parents' home and began her Pondok Baca for the kids and teens in the neighborhood. But since her older sister also lives there with her hubby and kids, it seemed that Dini didnot get along well with them. She needed to find a new place to live and also a place for Pondok Baca. With helps from her best friends finally she could get a nice place to live. Unfortunately due to natural disasters, she needed to move 3 times from her homes, until finally she could have her permanent home.

As usual Nh. Dini always writes her story in a slow way. She tells everything in detail. You need patience to finish it. But reading her memoir gives a great lesson of life. I follow her life since she was a little child in a small village, she finally moved to Jakarta and became stewardess, she got married to a France diplomat, having 2 kids and they lived in many countries within 20 years, from Japan, France, USA and many more. After getting divorce, she went back to Indonesia all alone, her adult daughter lives in Canada while her son lives in France. What a long and hard life she has.

Nh. Dini lives her life only by writing. She couldn't depend her life on royalty from her books since the royalty amount is less than tax that she had to pay. No wonder she finally finds difficulties in affording her life and supporting Pondok Baca. Moreover she suffered from serious illnesses. Government also seem not having enough attention to the senior authors. Luckily she has many friends who care about her.

Therefore she finally asks money for every interview, every workshop she attended, every paper she made, etc. In a short time the news about Nh. Dini always asks for money spread among journalists. She admitted it. She isn't ashamed about it. She said that she just wanted to be appreciated. Since 2006 she lives in Wisma Lansia near Ungaran Mount, 30 kilometers from Semarang.

Kicau Kacau

2011-03-14T06:35:00.003+07:00

Aren't we all trapped in our little 'prisons'? Jobs, relationships, daily routines. If we can't break free, it's time to decorate them
(Twitter, January 11, 2009)

An anthology of Indra Herlambang's writings. Yes, Indra Herlambang, the host of Insert in Trans TV. I once read his articles in a magazine and enjoyed it. When I found his book in Gramedia, I directly bought it. The book is about Indra's articles from Indra Herlambang's column in several magazines, i.e. Free Magazine, U Magazine and ME.

Indra divided his books into 4 chapters, the life style, the love, Jakarta and family. He started each article with a related tweet like I quoted above. He delivers his thought in a simple yet interesting way. Humorous and witty at the sametime.

I enjoy every article, every sentence and curious about the ending. Most topic are about everyday life. About facebook and why lately people tend to show off there, about his interview with Miyabi, about Obama, about the difference between twitter and the real birds, and many more, but the most touching part is about family. It seems that he is so close to his family. When he wrote about his family particularly his parents, I know it comes from heart.

Never thought that Indra's writings are so entertained. I finished this book in a short time. A perfect companion while sipping my caramel tea.

A Beautiful Package

2011-03-10T17:56:00.007+07:00

Yesterday I got a surprising package from Mbak Yana. It's handmade bags. 2 tote bags for my girls, Najla and Zea, and 1 batik handbag for me. They are very pretty. Never thought that Mbak Yana is truly amazing in sewing. She said she's only a beginner. But after checking her works, I guess I don't believe it. Her works are very good . I envy her. Really hope that I could be as good as her. Gosh.. I need to rearrange my schedule and take the sewing class very soon. Anyway, thanks a lot and congrats for your great works, mbak^^

Yasmin Ahmad's Films

2011-03-07T14:54:00.009+07:00

It's not the inevitable death that should be mourned.
It's life that must be celebrated, as long as we are open enough to see, hear and love.

A friend lent me this book and 2 DVDs of Yasmin Ahmad films (Mukhsin & Talentime). So now from 6 films of the late Yasmin Ahmad's works (Rabun, Sepet, Gubra, Mukhsin, Muallaf, Talentime), it's only Rabun that I have not watched yet.

The book itself tells about Yasmin Ahmad's 6 films, 2 commercials and 2 internet shorts. Written down in a detail yet witty way by Amir Muhammad, a writer, publisher and occasional movie-maker in Malaysia.

Reading this book will bring memories about Yasmin's lifetime works. Really hope that someday soon we could get all her works here in Indonesia easily.

Minggu Pagi di Victoria Park

2011-03-06T13:30:00.009+07:00

Once I felt disappointed when I missed the opportunity to watch this movie since it was only played in certain theater for a short period. Thank God Jive Collection finally released this VCD on December 2010. Beside the VCD, I also got a bookmark perhaps as a compliment. Just a simple thing actually but I always heart bookmarks.

A Fresh Caramel Tea

2011-03-04T10:01:00.005+07:00

One of my best friends who just returned from Singapore gave me this caramel flavored tea as a souvenir. The taste of the tea is very rich. I try to add some milk on it and it's just felt heaven. Unfortunately I couldn't find this tea in Jakarta. I have already browsed around the supermarket in Jakarta and get nothing.

The tea is actually produced in Bekasi, Indonesia but it seems it is an exported product. Therefore it is not sold in Indonesia *sigh*. Whoaaa...should I go to Singapore just to buy this super fresh tea? *crying*