Some more reviews.



Read this book.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.


Thirteen year old Anna Fitzgerald brings her parents to court filing for medical emancipation, which means that Anna wants to make medical decisions independent of her parents. Why? Because she has been donating blood marrow, platelets, etc. to her dying sister Kate from the day she was born. Only this time round, it's her kidney. The thing is, Kate is not even in a condition well enough to receive this kidney. But their mum keeps pushing for it.

Should Anna be able to make her own decisions?

Author Jodi Picoult presents the story from different point of views--Anna, Mum, Dad, Lawyer, Guardian, Kate. In this way, the narrative forces the reader to view this issue from multiple angles. You feel Anna obligation and love for her sister. And you empathize with the mother's desire to save her daughter. At the end, you'd wonder what is the right solution. And if there is even one?

A drastic, sudden and tragic twist at the ending left me crying. I shudder at the amount of uncontrollability life presents. How many a times we thought we've had it in control, then only to realize we've lost it all.

Read it. It's good.



Watched this movie.
Kungfu Panda.


It's hilarious! A great chill-out comedy for everyone. Great directing and great voiceovers! Loved Jack Black totally. Loved the part when he was caught eating peaches. And when he tried so hard to get into the temple.

Being a Hollywood film on Chinese kungfu, it's interesting to note the many stereotypes embedded within. How the stairs to the temple extends forever unrealistically, how tapping a person at several random spots can seal/release their acupuncture points, the presence of mystic Dragon and stereotyped snake, monkey, tiger martial arts moves, etc.

And it's easy, even as a Chinese, to laugh these stereotypes off because the whole film is such a comedy. And I believe it was intended to play on such stereotypes in the first place.

Catch it if you haven't. There's always time and reason for de-stress. :)