MUSIC REVIEW: "Just the Way I Am" by Genie Zhuo

Genie Zhuo - "Just the Way I Am" [album]
Rating:
Genre: C-Pop/Dance
Language: Mandarin
Country: Taiwan
Purchase: iTunes

Tracklisting:
1. "反派"
2. "不要不要"
3. "髒兮兮"
4. "想飛的自由落體"
5. "夠了"
6. "針"
7. "哇哇叫"
8. "得分"
9. "恐慌症"
10. "話說夏娃"
11. "反正"

My Thoughts:
Don't worry, I can't read any of those song titles either. My ability to read Asian languages begins and ends with Korean. Throw in Chinese, Japanese or any others and I'm a lost puppy!
I first learned about Genie Zhuo through the Taiwanese drama, Office Girls. Her song "Bu Yao Bu Yao" {不要不要} is used as the main theme song, and after watching numerous episodes the song became stuck in my head, at least the only parts I remember. So I finally went and looked for the song and the music video itself was just as addicting. After searching through the YouTube of her record label I found the music video for her song "想飛的自由落體" that I immediately recognized as the song they used during heartfelt times in the same drama, Office Girls (which I recommend). The clips from the drama in the music video helped too. I knew that I had to check out the rest of the album, and downloaded it that instant.

After listening through the entire album, I knew I had found a gem. It is the first Asian album on my iPod that isn't Korean or Japanese (mind you any Japanese song is performed by someone who is Korean). And it won't be my last. It is most likely my favourite album I've listened to this year. {With G-Dragon's "One of a Kind" following close behind.} There is a song in almost every genre, ballad, pop, R&B, dance, electro, a little rock flair. And I so desperately want to learn Mandarin so I can understand at least one word.

I know you're probably thinking "if you don't understand, why listen?" Well, I didn't understand any Korean when I first listened to K-Pop and now I can read it, and use sentences, as well as understand most of the lyrics. It takes time. But, aside from that, she has a beautiful voice and the songs hit so many notes that I just want to keep listening.

The songs "针", "哇哇叫", "反派"  are fun songs with beats that remind me of popping bubbles, heavy electric guitar rifs and loud singing that is mesmerizing & has me dancing every time I'm trying to do something else like the dishes or clean my room. #Fail. :]

Then there's the final song, "话说夏娃" that is light and airy, a simple pop sound with paired with her sweet melodic voice
The flow of this album is perfect. It's like a roller coaster to get you up on your feet, sit down and chill and then back up again. You start off with a hyper song and end with a chill song.

I'll be checking more out from Genie, as well as any of the dramas she's been in. One of her songs, "話說夏娃" is actually the theme song of a recent drama she's been acting in and is now the next drama I'll be watching. In fact, I may start it tonight! (especially because there will be 32 episodes & 8 are up already.)
If you're a K-Pop, J-Pop, or a pop fan in general, you should definitely check out this album!!

Bonus video:
The music video that caught my attention and made me love her. "不要不要 (Bu Yao Bu Yao)"

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Yay, it's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

Recently Finished:

1. The Liar, The Bitch and The Wardrobe by Allie Kingsley - 2/5 stars, review here
2. On Dublin Street by Samantha Young - 3/5 stars, review here
3. Easy by Tammara Webber - 4/5 stars, review to come

Currently Reading:

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - I'm hoping this book is as good as people say it is. I've been seeing tons of quotes straight from the book all over tumblr. So I figured it's high time I read it. I've read Paper Towns by John Green and loved it. I'm enjoying it so far, but we'll see as I get more into it!

Up Next:
I don't know! Suggest something! :) I have a very very full Kindle and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer should be coming to me soon.... I have a few books on hold at the library that I'm waiting on. I have plenty to read, it's just a matter of deciding what to read!!! ^_^"
Have a happy Monday, a great week and as always, happy reading!

SPOTLIGHT: Debra Chapoton - Sheltered

About the author:
Debra Chapoton has taught kids of all ages in her main career as a teacher. She has a BA in Spanish and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English. She started writing in 2002 and was surprised to find out that the characters quickly take over the action and dialogue in the stories.
Her first YA novel, Edge of Escape, was self-published and then discovered by Piper Verlag Publishing and translated into German. Stalking and obsession get a sympathetic twist in this story of physical and psychological survival.
Her second YA novel, Sheltered, detours into a different genre as she writes about five teens who confront supernatural forces. Two boys and three girls all harbor secrets which make some of them susceptible to demon possession. Embracing all things supernatural might protect them, but are they ready for the consequences?
Chapoton has also written eleven chapter books for middle grade kids and a non-fiction work for adults, Crossing the Scriptures.
When she’s not writing Chapoton enjoys the quiet of the full log home she designed and built with her husband. They live in the middle of 62 acres of beautiful woods in northern Michigan.

Sheltered by Debra Chapoton
Format: Kindle | Nook | Paperback
Websites: www.edgeofescape.blogspot.com | www.bigpinelodgebooks.com | Goodreads

Summary: 
Living together unsupervised, five troubled teens confront demonic forces and are compelled to deal with their problems in distinctly different ways. Paranormal meets psycho meets Goth in this story of a supernatural haunting and budding love.

High school junior, Ben, hacks into his step-father's real estate holdings and provides rooms in an old two-story house to various outcasts: the schizophrenic kid, the angry Goth girl, and the homeless girl who worships him. When Megan needs a place to live she comes to the rooming house with a different set of problems and the ability to confuse and attract Ben.

One by one strange and mysterious occurrences stretch the teens’ beliefs in the supernatural. How they deal with demons, real and imagined, has tragic as well as redeeming consequences.

Excerpt from Sheltered:
Prologue
Next Wednesday
Emily knew the precise moment that Ben returned, she felt him in her scars. She watched him carry some things to the house, heard the door close; she smiled when she heard him call out that Santa was here. He did that once before, in early December, insisting that she accept the gift he held out, not wanting her to wait until Christmas to use the mittens he knew she needed.
She went toward her door now, wondered what he had brought, and then heard Megan’s voice below. Oh no, he probably brought something for her. She scuttled back to her nest by the window and stared outside, was still staring fifteen minutes later when she saw them walk down the street, Ben shouldering a shovel, his other hand knotted with Megan’s.
She touched the skin on her arms, lightly at first, making it tingle. The image of Ben with Megan multiplied across her mind in broken mirrors, a repugnant picture that reflected her own self-loathing. She scratched at her scabs, felt the pricks of pain force away the ticklish sensations. She closed her eyes.
When she opened them she saw a figure standing at her door.
“Who–?” she started, but the figment waned to less than a shadow. Still, though, there was something at her door.
She rose slowly and held her hand out.
Its face was more womanly now, friendly, motherly. Yes, she knew this face. Its pearly white skin so shocking against the ruby lips, the stringy hair a match to her own. Her mother.
She stretched her fingers toward the face. The hallucination faded then sharpened. The eyes began to blaze. She drew her hands back to her own face. What’s wrong with me? The delusion grieved Emily; all around her fluttered a longing.
And a deadly fear.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Leave a comment below on what you think of this upcoming book! :)

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: The Summer Prince

The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson
YA Dystopian | Arthur A. Levine
Expected Publication:  March 1st, 2013

goodreads | author's website

A heart-stopping story of love, death, technology, and art set amid the tropics of a futuristic Brazil.

The lush city of Palmares Tres shimmers with tech and tradition, with screaming gossip casters and practiced politicians. In the midst of this vibrant metropolis, June Costa creates art that’s sure to make her legendary. But her dreams of fame become something more when she meets Enki, the bold new Summer King. The whole city falls in love with him (including June’s best friend, Gil). But June sees more to Enki than amber eyes and a lethal samba. She sees a fellow artist.

Together, June and Enki will stage explosive, dramatic projects that Palmares Tres will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government’s strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, unfortunately in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die.

Pulsing with the beat of futuristic Brazil, burning with the passions of its characters, and overflowing with ideas, this fiery novel will leave you eager for more from Alaya Dawn Johnson

Though I've never heard of Alaya Dawn Johnson before this, she has written an impressive amount of books. And if I like this one, I'll be giving her others a try!
I love the idea of a futuristic/dystopian world set in another country, one that I've always wanted to visit. Brazil just seems like it would have the most vibrant culture and night life. And art and mystery and romance on top of that? I'm excited to read this one!!
Does anyone else have this book on their radar? Or what are you looking forward to? :]