My Life. Your Entertainment.

Imaginary Friend is a novel written by Stephen Chbosky that delves into the realms of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller. Chbosky takes a sharp turn in this book to explore a different genre with a compelling and chilling narrative.

The story revolves around Kate Reese and her young son, Christopher, who are trying to escape an abusive past by relocating to the seemingly idyllic town of Mill Grove. However, their new beginning takes a dark turn when Christopher goes missing in the woods for six days. When he returns, he appears unharmed but with a mysterious and intense urge to build a treehouse in the woods, as instructed by an eerie voice only he can hear.

As the plot unfolds, Chbosky masterfully weaves elements of psychological horror, supernatural occurrences, and the complexities of human relationships. The town of Mill Grove itself becomes a character in the story, with its secrets, history, and inhabitants adding layers of intrigue and tension.

The pacing of "Imaginary Friends" is both its strength and weakness. Chbosky excels at building suspense and keeping readers on the edge of their seats, but the book's length can make the pacing uneven at times. The shifts between past and present events, as well as the multiple perspectives, contribute to the intricate web of the story but may also occasionally lead to confusion.

Chbosky's writing style is vivid and descriptive, creating a deeply atmospheric setting that immerses the reader into the unsettling world of the novel. The characters are multi-dimensional and realistic, with their struggles and vulnerabilities adding depth to the narrative. The dynamics between the characters, especially Christopher and his mother Kate, are poignant and emotionally resonant.

While "Imaginary Friends" is a horror novel, it also explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of imagination. The book poses questions about the nature of belief, the fine line between reality and imagination, and the lengths to which a person will go to protect their loved ones.

In conclusion, "Imaginary Friends" is a gripping and ambitious exploration of horror and psychological suspense. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and chilling atmosphere, the novel is a roller-coaster ride of emotions and terror. While it may be a departure from Chbosky's previous work, it showcases his versatility as a writer. Fans of horror and psychological thrillers will likely find this book to be a compelling and haunting read.

My thoughts and review on The Four Agreements!

"The Four Agreements" by Don Miquel Ruiz is a thought-provoking and insightful guide to achieving personal freedom and living a fulfilling life. Drawing from ancient Toltec wisdom, Ruiz presents a concise and practical framework for transforming one's thought patterns and behaviors. The book's concise nature and its focus on four foundational agreements make it an accessible read for individuals seeking personal growth and self-awareness.

Ruiz introduces the concept that our lives are shaped by agreements we make with ourselves and others, often unconsciously, which in turn influence our perceptions and behaviors. He proposes four agreements that, when embraced and practiced, can lead to a life of authenticity and contentment.

Be Impeccable with Your Word: This agreement emphasizes the power of words and the importance of using them to express love and truth. Ruiz suggests that by speaking with integrity, avoiding gossip, and refraining from self-deprecating language, we can create a positive and honest atmosphere around us.

Don't take anything personally: Ruiz explores the idea that the opinions and actions of others are a reflection of their own reality, rather than a judgment of our worth. By not internalizing external judgments, we can free ourselves from unnecessary suffering and maintain emotional balance.

Don't make assumptions: Assumptions often lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts. The author encourages readers to seek clarity through effective communication and to refrain from making assumptions about others' intentions or motivations.

Always do your best: Rather than striving for perfection, this agreement encourages consistent effort and growth. By doing one's best in every moment, regardless of the circumstances, individuals can avoid self-judgment and maintain a sense of accomplishment.

One of the strengths of this book is its simplicity. The agreements are presented in a straightforward manner, and each is accompanied by insightful explanations and real-life examples that help readers grasp their significance. however, the simplicity can also be a limitation for some readers who might seek a more in-depth exploration of these concepts. While the book draws from ancient wisdom, some might find the spiritual aspect of the teachings challenging to reconcile with their personal beliefs. The four agreements might appear deceptively simple to implement in real-life situations, requiring consistent efforts and mindfulness to fully integrate into one's behavior and mindset.

Ever since March (when quarantine started), I was bored at home not knowing what to do.  I’ve read two books.  Cleaned my apartment over and over.  Cooked. Took my four year old son to the park almost everyday (until the state closed down playground temporarily). And I even caught up on almost all my tv shows.  Then my husband started to mention to me about watching anime shows.  I use to watch anime (when I was little), like the classic Sailormoon series, Fruit Basket and Inuyasha (Inuyasha & Kagome forever).  Will I took my husbands offer and started to binge a few anime shows then it went from one show...to two...three...four...and on ward.

Here are my list of quarantine anime shows that I’ve watched (and still watching):

1) Snow White With the Red Hair

2) Wolf Girl & Black Prince

3) Place to Place

4) The Promised Neverland

5) Noragami 

6) Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

7) Fruit Basket (2019)

8) Black Clover (Still watching)

9) Food Wars! (Still watching)

10) Vampire Knight

11) Tokyo Ghoul (OMG BEST ANIME!)

12) Fairy Tale (Still watching)

13) Demon Slayer

14) Asobi Asobase 

15) Ascendance Of A Bookworm

16) Laid Back Camp

“It's not that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but it's your best friends who are your diamonds”