One Brother Shy

I had read Terry Fallis' Up and Down, so was pleased to receive his latest humourous book, One Brother Shy, which had an intriguing description. 

Who was Gabriel, this person who caused the huge, life changing, and socially isolating event in Alex? Why did Alex continue to work for his ridiculously impossible boss? Would he ever flirt back with his cute coworker? 

Fallis presented main character Alex as a mystery that I wanted to solve. I was curious to find out what caused his social anxiety. No, I NEEDED to know. Going through One Brother Shy, and seeing how unusual and wounded Alex was, I really hoped things would turn around for him.   

Alex tells his story in a simple, factual, yet amusing way, which is what makes up his personality. His witty tone adds a fun dimension to his character, helping me picture actors acting out the various scenes in the novel. One Brother Shy is a book that, if done right, would make a funny movie. Now I'm thinking about who would play Alex, hmmmm...

I got a chuckle out of his description of the silence after a coworker spoke up and said no to his crazy mean boss: "I thought I knew what true silence was. I'd already experienced it a few times in my life. Remembrance Day, of course. And during the pause I strategically placed in the middle of performing, not reciting, performing, one of Macbeth's famous soliloquies, in grade nine English class. (Incidentally, it was a tour de force.) And several years ago when my mother told me she'd been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. But I was wrong. The silence that greeted Abby's pronouncement was so much more, um, silent, than anything I'd ever heard. (Or is it hadn't heard?) If a pin had dropped on the carpeted floor, it would have sounded like a car accident." 

So as to not give anything away, I won't say anything about what unfolds for Alex, but I will conclude by saying there are interesting characters that come along, and terrific twists to the story. Oh, and Gabriel was not what I expected! 

I received One Brother Shy in a GoodReads giveaway.

Until next time, 

Kara 

Suction black mask

Seeing those (gross) videos of blackheads being sucked off noses & chins, I knew a black mud mask was something I had to try! I searched & read reviews on Amazon.ca for a reasonably priced one that works, and decided to give LuckyFine Blackhead Cleansing Acne Peel-Off Face Mask a try.

I've been using it for several months now. As suggested, after cleansing, I left a face cloth soaked in warm-hot water on my face for more than 5 minutes first before applying. Not much of the shiny black "polish" is needed, it goes far. I've applied it on my entire face, and also just the T zone, keeping it on for 10 minutes total every time. It's easy to peel off, and yes, it does sting, especially on the cheeks, but I'm not that sensitive to mild pain, so I'm ok with it. Never have I seen the icky evidence we're all so fascinated with afterwards though. Not many blackheads, which are really white, have been sucked out like they are pictured. All I really see are super fine white hairs. So while this mask leaves my skin tight and soft, I don't believe it's removing white/blackheads as it should.     

They do warn that it will tear facial hair when peeling the mask off, so only use it on the nose. But for me, it was just those microscopic hairs it removed. 

$6 wasn't a big cost, but if you really want to see proof white/blackheads are removed, go for a more expensive brand. 

The claims are: 

• More face care : Oil-control, anti-aging, acne treatment, pore cleaner
• Cleaning : Cleaning out of dirt and cuticle effectively on face
• Blood circulation : Improving the blood circulation of your face by this mask. Help to keep your face smoother and tender
• Daily using : This great blackhead remover helps to remove stain or oil spots on your face with daily use
• Note: Product is not suitable for sensitive skin and recommended that customers use the item on the hands or ears then to use on the face

Until next time,

~Kara