I’ve been in a foul mood this week. For one, I fucked up my sleep schedule staying up til 3 a.m. one night reading a shitty book, The Lost Daughter of Happiness. Written by a native Shanghainese woman who is now living in San Francisco, the book appeared promising. I mean, come on, all the elements are there: Shanghai, San Francisco, Chinese author, trafficking in women. Plus, the book was recommended by a friend. Well, shit. I was disappointed as hell. Read half and wasn’t that thrilled. Somehow though, I was convinced it had to get better, so I continued skipping ahead. I suppose the main turnoff was shifting perspectives. The story was mostly third person, but then there were these awkward first person sections. The flow was choppy and the language a bit forced. Maybe the translator messed things up. I don’t know. Then again, I could have just grown impatient and frustrated with the weak and passive protagonist. I mean, yes, she’s a trafficked woman but STILL, I’m sure there are strong women who are trafficked and still trapped inside the system. Ugh. Anyway, thank goodness for Princess Melissa. Yes, she’s the one from Real World New Orleans, but don’t hold it against her. She actually hates being tagged with Real World, and you know what? I kicked my Real World habit YEARS ago. The point is, Melissa rocks. You have to check her out.