Divergent
It has been a while I last read a novel within two days and DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth was hard to put down. I like the vulnerable yet strong Beatrice (Tris) and the intriguing Four of Dauntless. The plot is exciting and in the face of circumstances surrounding the protagonists, the choices one has to make is […]
Mind-mapping to Improve Vocabulary
I found a very useful article on Italki.com about using mind-mapping to improve one’s vocabulary and I immediately plan to put it to work for my Italian language self-learning.
Mind maps are not new to me, but the concept of using it to improve my vocabulary is new and interesting.
Young Adult Fiction
I was reading the June issue of Cosmopolitan and came across this article by John Green: There's No Age Limit to Loving Teen Drama.
Green's words touched me: […]
How I Learn a Language by Reading Foreign Magazines
I find leisure reading a fun way to learn a foreign language and for those I’ve already mastered, it’s a great way to reinforce. An example of leisure reading is reading magazines IN the target language, and this is what this post is about.
I don’t indulge in fashion but I like reading about fashion. I transfer that interest to reading the subject in Italian (my target language) and have gone on to include Spanish and French.
Fluent in 3 Months
I think I hit the jackpot there (the quote above) with Italian. The said quote was taken from Benny Lewis’ newly released book, FLUENT IN 3 MONTHS. Italian, which is such a beautiful language completely consumed my life for a year and then more. Everything I did and do revolve around it.
My love and passion for Italian was triggered by my first ever Italian friend from Milan, […]
The Rosie Project
I bought THE ROSIE PROJECT by Graeme Simsion after three weeks of waiting and pondering. My instinct kept prodding me to buy the book. When I started reading, I think I have a crush on Don Tillman. Right from the beginning.
Don's awkwardness and quirks are really rather charming. For example, he counts everything to its most precise timing. He has a fixed schedule down to eating lobsters every Tuesday […]
The Tao of Pooh
THE TAO OF POOH by Benjamin Hoff is a wonderful gem of a book. I finished reading it while traveling home today—caught in a flight delay and then commuting in the bus from the airport to home—to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family. Lots of contemplation while I was at it.
Winnie-the-Pooh is one of my favorite bears (Paddington Bear is another one). Pooh is calm and reflective, and has a great personality.