We are huge Samurai X fans and we still watch its re-runs at a local kids’ channel. We absolutely love Kenshin and enjoy watching his adventures with his friends over and over. {Hint: there is also an English-dubbed version available on Netflix ;)}. Of course, it would be awesome to read about his story, too. Good thing my sister has copies of these manga so this mum does not need to buy her own copy! 😀
Mum Reads: Stargirl By Jerry Spinelli
This is the 7th book I read for my 2019 Reading Challenge. I have actually read this a decade ago while I was pregnant with my little man. One of my preggy friends recommended the book and lent me her copy. I remember loving the book back then. Must be why I cannot pass up on the chance to have my own copy when I saw that my favorite Facebook book shop is selling it.
The best time to catch up on my reading is when my little man was too busy enjoying himself in the water. I was able to finish it in a day, while watching my little swimmer from the pool side. 🙂
Here is a brief synopsis from Goodreads:
Stargirl. She’s as magical as the desert sky. As strange as her pet rat. As mysterious as her own name. And she captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile.
But when the students of Mica High turn on Stargirl for everything that makes her different, Leo urges her to become the very that can destroy her: normal. In a celebration of nonconformity, Newberry Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity—and the inspiration of first love.
Mum Reads: Fantastic Beasts ~ The Crimes of Grindelwald
We have seen the film when it was shown late last year and I loved it. Of course, it was such a treat to see Newt Scamander’s latest adventures but it was a delight to see our beloved Harry Potter character, Professor Albus Dumbledore {portrayed by Jude Law}, and discover how Johnny Depp would bring to life the villain that is Gellert Grindelwald. All in all, it was a good experience to see the wizarding world all over again. Oh how I missed it!
Reading the book after seeing the film is also such a nice experience. It was a joy to relive the scenes of the films as I poured through the pages of its printed version.
Here is a synopsis of the book from Goodreads:
At the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
This second original screenplay from J.K. Rowling, illustrated with stunning line art from MinaLima, expands on earlier events that helped shaped the wizarding world, with some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of both the books and films.