The elite (a elite [Portuguese])

By Kiera Cass:

Continente.pt. (n.d.). Kiera Cass "A Elite" - Marcador - Continente Online. [online] Available at: https://www.continente.pt/stores/continente/pt-pt/public/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=5538094(eCsf_RetekProductCatalog_MegastoreContinenteOnline_Continente) [Accessed 30 Apr. 2017].

Book translated from English to Portuguese by Alexandra Cardoso. It is the second book in the collection «the selection». The following book is «the one».
It has been very interesting to read this series. It's an easy and enjoyable read. It is not a monotonous book and there is a lot of imagination. The fact that the series portrays a future in the world, in the post-Fourth World War, where the population is more impoverished, divided into castes and with a higher hierarchy, gives rise to controversy. Yet it is fiction, and it leads us to think. And thinking about the present and the future is good.
Some quotes from the book:

• «We weren’t allowed to use red flowers because they were associated with secrecy. We weren’t allowed to use yellow flowers because they were associated with jealousy. And we weren’t allowed to use purple anything because that color was associated with bad luck.»
• «A time may come when I will lead and can do what I see fit. For now, I will play by the rules and go as far as I can with that.»
• «"(...). Watch (...) the queen for cues. Absorb everything we can … and work all night (...).”», America said.
• «We were on time, as was crucial to the culture, (...).»
• «(...) lilies were traditionally used at funerals.»

Source: Brecks.com. (2017). Lily Tree Mixture. [online] Available at https://www.brecks.com/product/Lily_Tree_Mixture [Accessed 16 Jul. 2017].

• «(...) the Italian ladies was statuesque. (...), they were all so good-natured. It was like they carried the sun inside their souls and let it shine out on everything around them.»
• «"(...). I really enjoy the discipline of it and the routine. I like knowing that I’m doing something necessary. (...)."», Aspen said.
• «"(...). I guess it doesn’t make sense, but… (...) there’s the sense of purpose. And feeling challenged and engaged, the ability to do something more with my life. Maybe Illéa isn’t perfect. In fact, it’s far from it. But I have … I have hope."», Aspen said.
• «"Sometimes I feel like we’re a knot, too tangled to be taken apart."», Aspen said.
• «"(...). So much of me is tied up in you. I feel kind of lost without you."», America said.
• «"Perhaps the key is staying calm while others panic. (...). I say nothing, do nothing, and wear a pleasant smile as everyone around me sinks into hysterics. (...)./(...). I can do what I like, and there’s no one left to stop me" [Gregory’s diary].»
• «"(...). If you get lost, take a breath and move on. (...)."», Silvia said.
• «For a brief second, I considered pretending to pass out. But I wanted this to happen. (...)./(...). I took a deep breath and gripped my cards, surprised to find that when I started, I didn’t even need them.»
• «"(...). To allow the talentless to have exalted privileges and suppress what could be the greatest minds in the world for the sake of an archaic organization system is cruel, and it only stops us from becoming the best we can be."», America said.
• «"Perhaps our country is flawed, but we cannot deny its strength. My fear is that, without change, that strength will become stagnate. And I love our country too much to let that happen. I hope too much to let that happen."», America said.
• «"(...). (...) I didn’t want some girl who would agree with everything I said or just roll over and adore me. I try to contradict her, and she concedes the point. Every time! It’s infuriating. It’s like she doesn’t have a spine."», Maxon said.
• «I knew that, in my whole life, if I married Aspen or someone else, no one would ever make me feel this way. It wasn’t like I made his world better. It was like I was his world.»

The selection (la selección [Spanish])

By Kiera Cass:

Source: SELECCIÓN, L. (n.d.). LA SELECCIÓN - LIBRERÍA CANAIMA. [online] Libreriacanaima.com. Available at: http://www.libreriacanaima.com/libro/la-seleccion_507459 [Accessed 23 Apr. 2017].

Kiera Cass shows a world with eight castes depending on one's social and economic status. Ones are the royals and most desirable, with Eights being the lowest and poorest. Although the author makes controversial premonitions about the future of America and the world, this is still fiction. The book is made for lovers of romantic novels, and it creates relaxing entertainment.
Some quotes from the book:

• «"(...) you should know that love sometimes wears away under the stress of being married. Someone you think you love now, you might start to hate when he couldn’t provide for you. And if you couldn’t take care of your children, it’d be even worse. Love doesn’t always survive under those types of circumstances [America's mom]."»
• «(...) We couldn’t afford the luxury of wants. We had needs.»
• «(...) I should just be grateful we were safe.»
• «(...). And it's old advice, but it's good: be yourself.»
• «It was too much to bear, to be loved that much. I’d be surrounded by scores of guards at the palace, but I couldn’t imagine a place safer than my father’s arms. (...)»
• «(...). I braced myself for all that was coming, and I made myself be brave. As for everything I was leaving behind, I decided I’d do just that: leave him behind. The palace would be my sanctuary. I’d never think or say his name again. He wasn’t allowed to come with me there: (...).»
• «"You haven’t spent a whole lot of time with groups of girls, have you?" (...). "(...) they each have their ways of getting under other people’s skin. (...) it’s all about knowing the person, figuring out what will bug them the most. Lots of girls give me backhanded compliments, or little remarks, things like that. I know I come across as bubbly, but I’m shy underneath that, and they think they can wear me down with words." (...). "For you, someone kind of quiet and mysterious..." (...). "(...). And sometimes people don’t know whether to interpret silence as confidence or fear. They’re looking at you like you’re a bug so maybe you’ll feel like you are one.” (...). “I ignore it. I know one girl at home who gets so irritated when she can’t bother you, she just ends up sulking. So don’t worry,” (...). “All you have to do is not let them know they’re getting to you.”», Marlee said.
• «“Tsk-tsk. A lady never raises her voice above a gentle whisper.”»
• «(...) never, ever reach for a pastry with our hands. Always use the tongs. Hands were to rest in our lap when not in use, napkin draped underneath. We weren’t to speak unless spoken to. Of course, we could talk quietly to our neighbors, but always at a level befitting the palace.»
• «“Maxon, I hope you find someone you can’t live without. (...). And I hope you never have to know what it’s like to have to try and live without them.”», America said.
• «I’d heard my mom talk about your first love being the one that sticks with you.»
• «What kind of friend held those kinds of secrets while making me spill all my own?»
• «"(...) Mom is always on Father to give more to the school systems — she thinks the more educated you are, the less likely you are to be a criminal, (...) but Father is never forceful enough to get them to take away from other areas that could manage perfectly with lower funds. (...)."», Maxon said.
• «The selection» celebrates 5 years:

Feng shui for beginners (feng shui para principiantes [Portuguese])

By Richard Webster:

Source: Fnac.com. (2017). Feng Shui para Principiantes - Richard Webster, Richard Webster em Fnac.pt. [online] Available at: http://www.fnac.pt/Feng-Shui-para-Principiantes-Richard-Webster/a306282 [Accessed 23 Apr. 2017].

Book translated from English to Portuguese by Joaquim António Nogueira Gil.
This book is not for beginners because it tries to condense very complex subjects that are difficult to learn by anyone who knows nothing about feng shui. It took me a long time to finish this book because its difficulty made it annoying. However, I underlined some ideas:

• «(...) my desk was placed in an attractive position beside a window overlooking our garden. I would sit at my desk and think about writing, but I never seriously got around to writing (...). (...) I changed the layout of my office and placed my desk against another wall at a ninety-degree angle to where it had been before. I immediately started writing seriously again. (...).»
• «(...) a tinkling sound coming from outside. (...) wind chimes (...)./"(...) bad feng shui to have them inside my house./(...) Everything seems to have improved! (...)."»

Source: eBay. (2017). Outdoor Wind Chimes Buying Guide. [online] Available at: http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/Outdoor-Wind-Chimes-Buying-Guide-/10000000178631852/g.html [Accessed 30 Apr. 2017].

• «(...) five chimneys (...) four is considered un unlucky number.»
• «(...) the word eight means wealth in Cantonese, (...).»
• «(...) building (...) is good feng shui (...) excellent location surrounded by curving roads and flyovers (...). The peaceful Chater Gardens are directly in front of the building, multiplying the availability of ch'i energy.»
• «(...) a willow tree was planted in the grounds (...) to ward off the negative flow of energy (...).»
• «(...) Bank of China (...) its sharp, angled sides create poison arrows of negative energy.»

Source: Thousandwonders.net. (2017). Bank of China Tower - Skyscraper in Hong Kong - Thousand Wonders. [online] Available at: http://www.thousandwonders.net/Bank+of+China+Tower [Accessed 30 Apr. 2017].

• «(...) many buildings have rounded corners to eliminate any potential lines of negative energy.»

Source: Megson, K. (2016). Architecture and design news from CLAD - Schmidt Hammer Lassen aim to reinvigorate central Stockholm with a green-topped mixed-use complex. [online] Cladglobal.com. Available at: http://www.cladglobal.com/CLADnews/architecture-design/Schmidt-Hammer-Lassen-Stockholm-Hasten-21-architecture-design-Sweden-masterplan/322505?source=news [Accessed 30 Apr. 2017].

• «(...) valleys are believed to have bad feng shui. (...).»
• «(...) "feng shui woods". There are the oldest areas of woodland (...) and form a barrier to protect many of the villages (...). They are (...) crescent-shaped and consist largely of native forest trees. (...), many trees are planted in these woods to benefit the village. (...).»
• «(...). When you live in harmony with the universe, good thinks to flow your way naturally. You will experience happiness, contentment, and abundance. This is what feng shui is all about.»
• «(...) "wind and water". (...) living in harmony with the environment. (...). If we live in harmony with the winds and the waters of the earth, we attract good luck and prosperity. (...).»
• «(...) the south has always been considered an auspicious direction in feng shui, (...).»
• «(...) to have water in front of your home, rather than behind it. (...).»
• «(...) an ornament of a dragon can constantly motivate its owner to work hard and become wealthy and successful.»
• «(...) people's individual energy should be harmonized with the celestial energy from the land. (...).»
• «(...) the five basic principles of successful living: "First comes destiny, and then comes luck. Third comes feng shui, which is followed by philanthropy and education."/Destiny is determined by our horoscope, (...).»
• «(...). If we look the future with anticipation, rather than fear, and expect good things to happen to us, events will usually happen the way we want.»
• «(...) education. We should all try to improve ourselves as much as we can. (...).»
• «(...). Hard work is essential for any degree of success in life.»
• «(...) ch'i brings happiness, prosperity, and longevity, (...). (...) and can be found in its perfection whenever something is done perfectly. (...).»
• «(...). Ch'i can be increased by meditation, good relationships with others, a healthy lifestyle, and good feng shui.»
• «(...). Ch'i is easily scattered by strong winds. (...) windy sites are not good from a feng shui point of view. (...), when ch'i is bounded by water, beneficial ch'i usually accumulates. (...).»
• «(...), not all water is beneficial. If it flows too fast it will take the health away. If it flows in a straight line it will also carry away the ch'i energy. The water ideally needs to be slow-moving and meandering.»
• «(...). A site surrounded by slow-moving water and rolling hills to dissipate the winds is ideal.»
• «(...). Tai means the greatest, and chi means the utmost.»
• «Yang is active, masculine, dominating, and positive. It is full of power and energy. Yin is receptive, feminine, yielding, and negative. (...).»
• «(...) hills, mountains, and other raised areas represent Yang energy. Valleys, rivers, and streams represent Yin. An earth that is completely flat (...) contain too much Yin. An extremely hilly landscape with no water or plants (...) too Yang. Gently rolling countryside represents a good balance of Yin and Yang.»
• «(...) a house perched on top of a hill is not (...) to be a fortunate one (...). It would be exposed to all the winds and any water would flow away. (...).»
• «(...) spirits are believed to travel in straight lines (...). Power lines, railway tracks, walls, rivers, and roads are all poisonous arrows when they travel in straight lines. (...).»
• «(...). Ponds and waterfalls add to the ch'i, as do musical wind chimes. (...)»
• «Desks and beds need to be placed against a wall. (...).»
• «(...). Exposed beams create negative ch'i. They impede financial progress and create stress and tension. (...).»
• «(...). Spiral staircases are very bad, (...). (...).»
• «(...). The doors to toilets and bathrooms should be kept closed.»
• «(...) flower arrangements and potted plants can improve family relationships and marriage, (...). A large statue placed in the Career sector will ensure a more successful, stable future career. (...).»
• «(...). (...) to eliminate having three doors in a row (...).»
• «(...). Bright lights are very beneficial. They eliminate any dark spots in the house, (...). (...).»
• «(...). Small fountains that recycle the water (...). (...) fortunes increase./Your career can be enhanced by placing an aquarium, or something else containing water, (...). (...).»
• «Large objects can bring strength and confidence into the home, (...). Large rocks, sculptures, and statues (...).»
• «(...). Statues of Buddha should be displayed so that the statue looks down on the occupants of the house, rather than the other way around.»
• «(...), you should avoid sitting with your back towards the window as you lack the support of a solid wall behind you. You must not sit with your back to the door, (...). (...).»
• «The feng shui of your home is more important than that of your workplace. (...).»
• The rounded shape is considered lucky because it resembles money.
• «(...). The foot of the bed should not point directly at the door, (...).»
• «(...). The rooms nearest the front door should be the living room and study. (...).»

Source: Houzz.com. (2017). Transitional Living Room Design Ideas, Remodels & Photos | Houzz. [online] Available at https://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional/living-room [Accessed 4 Jun. 2017].

• «(...). The windows should open outward, (...).»

Source: Replacement Windows from Window Depot USA. (2017). Casement Windows | Replacement Windows | Window Depot USA. [online] Available at http://windowdepotusa.com/our_products/casement_windows/ [Accessed 4 Jun. 2017].

• «(...). A windowless toilet is called a “dead” toilet, and it is essential (...) a large mirror (...).»

Source: House Inspiration. (2013). glass-window-clean-white-toilet-rectangular-bathtub-geometric-stone-wall-large-mirror - House Inspiration. [online] Available at: https://deyhouse.com/world-map-wall-decal-beautify-standard-powder-room-layout/glass-window-clean-white-toilet-rectangular-bathtub-geometric-stone-wall-large-mirror/ [Accessed 10 Jun. 2017].

• Colorful exterior flower gardens symbolize progress, happiness, and longevity.

Source: Plinth, et al. (2013). Dear Eric. [online] Plinthetal.com. Available at: https://plinthetal.com/tag/dear-eric/ [Accessed 15 Jun. 2017].

• «(...) dandelions (...). They (...) protect family members from accidents and keep them in good health. They also symbolize money. (...).»

Source: Old Farmer's Almanac. (2017). Eating Dandelions: Harvesting, Cleaning, and Cooking. [online] Available at http://www.almanac.com/blog/natural-health-home-tips/it%E2%80%99s-dandelion-season [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

Source: Bob Vila. (2017). How to Get Rid of Dandelions - Bob Vila. [online] Available at https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-dandelions/#.WUQ1e2jyvIU [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

• «Geraniums (...). Red ones are believed to attract prosperity. (...). White geraniums are believed to grant peace of mind and encourage pleasant dreams.»

Source: Tried-and-true.com. (2017). GERANIUM, Calliope™ Dark Red. [online] Available at http://tried-and-true.com/annuals_variety/geranium-calliope-dark-red/ [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

Source: Pinterest. (n.d.). AMERICANA® White Pelargonium. [online] Available at https://www.pinterest.pt/pin/528750812473236990/ [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

• «Holly attracts money, (...).»

Source: Howtogrowstuff.com. (2012). How to Grow Holly | How To Grow Stuff. [online] Available at http://www.howtogrowstuff.com/how-to-grow-holly/ [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

• «Jasmine symbolizes friendship and affection. (...).»

Source: Ideias e Dicas. (2017). Jasmim. [online] Available at http://www.ideiasedicas.com/jasmins-as-flores-orientais/jasmim/ [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

• «Hollyhock is a symbol of fertility (...). Pomegranates also symbolize fertility.»

Source: Garden Lovers Club. (2017). Growing Hollyhock: Complete Guide On Care and Maintenance. [online] Available at http://www.gardenloversclub.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/growing-hollyhock/ [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

Source: Mvfruit.com. (2017). Pomegranates – Mountain View Fruit Sales. [online] Available at: http://www.mvfruit.com/fruit/pomegranates/ [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

• «Daffodils (...) encourage open-mindedness, generosity, and communication. (...).»

Source: The Garden Glove. (2017). Brighten Your Garden with Daffodils – The Garden Glove. [online] Available at http://www.thegardenglove.com/brighten-your-garden-with-daffodils/ [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

• «Cornflowers enable you to establish and maintain balance in your relationships. (...).»

Source: the Guardian. (2010). Gardens: Cornflowers. [online] Available at https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/sep/11/cornflowers-hardy-annual-seeds-gardens [Accessed 16 Jun. 2017].

• «(...) roses (...). Yellow ones encourage intellectual discussions and learning. (...).»

Source: Crowley, D. (n.d.). Rosas Amarelas. [online] Pinterest. Available at: https://www.pinterest.pt/explore/rosas-amarelas/?lp=true [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

• «(...). Apples, apricots, pomegranates, and persimmons symbolize fertility.»

Source: Quagliato, M. (n.d.). 3D-HD Wallpaper. [online] Pinterest. Available at: https://www.pinterest.pt/pin/290060032226061230/ [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

Source: Uspenskaya, M. (2017). Alley of apricot trees in blossom. [online] Shutterstock.com. Available at: https://www.shutterstock.com/pt/image-photo/alley-apricot-trees-blossom-48750043 [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

Source: Clearwater, J. (2015). Ajo to host first Pomegranate Festival on October 31, celebrating the biological and cultural diversity of the region. [online] Rocky Point Times Newspaper. Available at: http://rptimes.com/nina-sajovec/2015/10/ajo-to-host-first-pomegranate-festival-on-october-31-celebrating-the-biological-and-cultural-diversity-of-the-region/ [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

Source: Tcpermaculture.blogspot.pt. (n.d.). Permaculture Plants: Persimmons. [online] Available at: http://tcpermaculture.blogspot.pt/2011/08/permaculture-plants-persimmons.html [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

• «Peach trees symbolize friendship, love, and immortality. Pear trees symbolize longevity and prosperity.»

Source: Barreto, M. (2014). Fruit, Seasons and Other Reasons My Peach Tree Grew Me As A Leader. [online] Relationshipsmatternow.blogspot.pt. Available at: http://relationshipsmatternow.blogspot.pt/2014/07/fruit-seasons-and-other-reasons-my.html [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

Source: Marcantel, L. (n.d.). Pear Tree: Pictures, Images, Phtos, Info about Pear Trees. [online] Pinterest. Available at: https://www.pinterest.pt/pin/445856431833755948/ [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

• Plum - a symbol of youth and vitality.

Source: Mayer, L. (n.d.). ~ VISUALS ~. [online] Pinterest. Available at: https://www.pinterest.pt/pin/93801604709753345/ [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

• Orange trees are also symbolic of good luck, wealth, happiness.

Source: Homeguides.sfgate.com. (n.d.). When Does an Orange Tree Bear Fruit?. [online] Available at http://homeguides.sfgate.com/orange-tree-bear-fruit-59482.html [Accessed 17 Jun. 2017].

• «A small office building between two larger buildings is not a good location.»
• «Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.», by Lao Tzé.
• «Emperor Wu of Hsia (sometimes referred to as Fu Hsi) was the first ruler of China and is believed to have lived some 4,800 years ago. (...) he is regarded as being the father of feng shui, the I Ching, Chinese astrology, and numerology, and the other systems that have derived from these.»

Glory in death (glória mortal [Portuguese])

By Nora Roberts:

In: Goodreads. (2017). Glória Mortal [Bolso] (In Death #2). [online] Available at: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29388783-gl-ria-mortal-bolso [Accessed 2 Apr. 2017].

Novel first published in January 1995. Book translated from English to Portuguese by Carla Ferraz. It's the second book «In death» series written by Nora Roberts under her pseudonym J. D. Robb. The next one is «Immortal in death (fama mortal [Portuguese])». The first was «Naked in death (nudez mortal [Portuguese])».
I really liked this second volume. Nora Roberts creates a delightful plot! It's fascinating how a character like Eve can deal with her police profession and, at the same time, she can trust the man she loves, who becomes one of the suspects of the crimes.
It's a detective novel in the future, «(...) in 2058».

• «(...). The halls were narrow, as they were in most multihabitation buildings erected within the last half century. The walls (...) with mirrors at rigid intervals to lend the illusion of space.»
• «(...) maxibuses, (...), the overhead swish of air traffic./(...)  the echoing bellow of the guides from the tourist blimps, (...) New York (...), the history and tradition of Broadway, (...) and the plug for the blimp’s own gift emporium.»
• «A traffic hovercraft dipped low, blasted out the standard order to proceed or be cited. (...).»
• «(...) a dog walker (...) handled a brace of elegant gold hounds with the steady aplomb of a seasoned droid. (...)./(...) emerald grass.»
• «(...) interspace transmission.»
• «Business crises energize me. Personal crises devastate me. The doctors call it an avoidance tendency [Mirena to Eve].»
• «"Wait, wait. Let's do it up big. I'll send a car for you [Eve said]"./"A limo? (...) Jesus, Dallas, make sure the driver wears, like, a uniform. The people in my building will be hanging out the windows with their eyes popped out [Mavis said]."»
• «(...) Louise tapped the pocket of her editing vest, winced. "Out of smokes."/"You've got to stop that. You know how the brass feel about employees taking health risks [Nadine said]."»
• «(...) "People never know each other as well as they believe. Not even the people they care for. (...) [Marco to Jack]."»
• «(...) "We make ourselves, in the long run. (...) [Roarke to Eve]."»
• «"I would say, Eve, that you’ll be a better cop, and a better woman because of it. Single focus limits us, and can too often obsess us. A healthy life needs more than one goal, one passion [Mira said]."/"Then I guess my life’s getting healthier [Eve said]."»