Book Haul
I need to practice for my Praxis exams so I got a workbook from Amazon and to get free shipping, I got Laurence B. Brown's 3rd novel. Excited to read it!
Not included in the above photo is a copy of Reclaim Your Heart by Yasmin Mogahed that I bought for a friend. To read my review of this book, click the title. I need to read The Secret Garden for uni. next semester so I included this in my cart. Barnes and Noble was having a sale of buy 2 classics get the 3rd free. Since I've wanted to read more Grimm's fairy tales, I got a copy and chose Aesop's Fables as my 3rd to also get free shipping at $25.
Book Reviews
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
To read the description of Thirteen Reasons Why on goodreads.com, click the title.
I really liked the idea of using audiotapes with the subject of suicide. I never read any books using either one, so this made the book more interesting. Other subjects mentioned throughout the book that I liked was bullying, realistic relationships that go wrong, and the crazy lifestyle of partying and drinking (and driving). One of Hannah's brief encounters included a guy who took advantage of girls. This guy was described as "treating them [girl's] like meat" (260). Unfortunately, this is true in reality and I think more people (females) need to realize this and stop being so naïve for their own safety. Of course everyone isn't the same, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
On the subject of suicide, I also liked that the warning signs of a suicidal individual were mentioned throughout the book. Some of these signs include "a sudden change in appearance" (173) and "giving away possessions" (233). Any good book on this subject should include similar information. While I was reading Thirteen Reasons, my mind went back to middle and high school. Some of the characters reminded me of people specifically and the major subject of bullying stood out to me since I was bullied in middle school. Again, unfortunately bullying really does happen to almost everyone and even more nowadays.
I've been getting into YA (young adult) books the past few weeks and while I don't like everything about many of them, I try to learn something from characters and their situations in these books. Some "lessons" that are good to learn/ remember from Thirteen Reasons is that everyone should appreciate everything and everyone before they lose and regret it. This is obvious in the book through the loss of Hannah. Also, we all need to remember that our actions, big and small, do have an affect on others. So we need to be careful and smart in the way we treat others.
There were a few things that I didn't like about Thirteen Reasons. For example, the typical graphic and unnecessary details that are part of YA books. In addition, I didn't like Clay's commentary between Hannah's story. While it may have been necessary to the author and liked by some readers, I found it annoying because I was interested in Hannah's side of the story. However, I didn't like how Hannah was constantly blaming others for her actions leading to her committing suicide. I previously said that we should all be careful and smart in the way we treat others because our actions affect others. But, it isn't right to blame others for all of our actions. No one is "pointing a gun at our heads" making us do certain actions. The way Hannah was going on about how people were wrongly taking advantage of her which made her give up and let them continue their mean actions wasn't a good message to readers. If someone is treating us badly, we should try and be stronger and get help asap. While many people were cruel to Hannah first, she didn't make her situation any better by putting herself in the wrong environment and being around the wrong people even after she knew people were using her. Okay, enough bashing of Hannah and her story.
Overall, I gave this book 4/5 stars and recommend it to high school students and staff and to an older audience. To purchase a copy of Thirteen Reasons Why, please click the title.
To read the description of Just Listen on goodreads.com, click the title.
A few words I would use to describe the overall subjects in this book are modeling, eating disorders, and relationships. Like Thirteen Reasons, the first two subjects were the first time I was reading about them, and first time exposure to new subjects are usually always interesting. I really liked that there are many "lessons" to be learnt/ reinforced from this YA novel.
Just Listen has a perfect example of how "friends" influence each other A LOT, so be careful who your friends are! Everyone should also learn to speak up and out at the proper time. Voicing one's opinion/ feelings, especially when one has been wronged against, should be discussed to prevent regrets and emotional and mental pain. For example, if Annabel spoke about what happened to her when it first did, she wouldn't have felt hopeless and suffered as much if others knew. This was one reason that I was annoyed with this book, because of Annabel's character.
Modeling isn't all it's cracked up to be either as seen in the sisters. Annabel took a long time to get her feelings out about modeling (139), while Whitney suffered through a disorder! Furthermore, appearances can be deceiving, as Annabel emphasizes through her family's glass front house. "The dining room was right at the front of the house, though, so when we ate dinner, we were always in full view. From my seat at the table, I could always see when cars passing would slow down slightly, the drivers glancing in at us for this snapshot, a happy family seated around a hearty meal. But everyone knows looks can be deceiving" (49). To outsiders, everything may look well and good, but there is more to people than what meets the eye. Owen is another example of this. While he looked intimidating, it took Whitney a little time to get to know him as a friend.
Overall, I gave this book 4/5 stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy chick-lit. If you would like to purchase Just Listen
, please click the title. 
The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern
To read the description of The Book of Tomorrow on goodreads.com, click the title.
Besides the eye-catching book cover, The Book of Tomorrow was an overall interesting book. I would consider this book a part of the YA, mystery, and fantasy genres, which is a different mix for me all in one book. I really liked the concept of knowing what the future will bring through a diary for a book. Of course this isn't realistic and I'd rather not know the future until it comes anyway ;)
The characters were also an interesting mix of personalities. From my reading, I "labeled" some of the characters as such: Tamara = bratty, Rosalenne = mysterious, Arthur = oblivious, Jennifer = confused, and Sister Iglistine = friendly. Tamara's character was over-the-top-annoying many times where she would constantly have an attitude, made rude, sarcastic comments, and would curse, right from the beginning of the novel. She also made wrong and embarrassing decisions that she had to deal with the consequences eventually. However, she wasn't all bad. As the story progresses, Tamara does surprise readers.
Tamara's rich life turning upside down was interesting to read about because in a way, she kind of deserved it. Like I previously mentioned, everyone should appreciate everything and everyone before they lose and regret it. Tamara learned this the hard way. Once she did lose her former lifestyle, she started to appreciate the little simple things in life like the bluebottle and her parents. "My handsome dad on the floor... And when he got old I was supposed to protect him, I was supposed to be there for him, paying it all back... If I'd learned how, if I'd paid attention, if I'd tried to be an interested, better person than the selfish one I'd been, then maybe I could have helped" (218). We all hear the respect our parents deserve, but unfortunately we forget and reject this, especially in times of anger. Tamara's example should help us remember to respect, appreciate, and love our parents before we are separated from them in any way.
The last 7 chapters really started to grab my attention because this is where the mystery starts to unfold. A few parts within these were really good and worth mentioning. One part in particular actually made me cry (251). The final chapter in The Book of Tomorrow shows the progress that Tamara made in her character and perspective on life. She read in the diary, "The diary definitely led me here. It helped me discover the secrets, but it also made me a better person.. it helped me to realize that there are tomorrows. Before, I only concentrated on today. I would say and do things in order to get what I wanted right then. I never gave a second thought to how the rest of the dominoes would fall. The diary helped me to see how one thing affects another. How I can actually make a difference in my life and in other people's lives... I definitely think about books a lot differently now" (307-308). Funny how a diary changed Tamara's life, but this just goes to show that change can happen for the better and something can be learnt from all our experiences in life, even unfortunate ones. And don't forget to look at books more positively ;) (I actually know people who don't like reading books and I really feel bad for them...)
Overall, I gave this book 4/5 stars and recommend it to anyone who thinks this YA/ mystery/ fantasy book may be interesting. If you would like to purchase The Book of Tomorrow: A Novel, please click the title.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
To read the description of The Phantom Tollbooth on goodreads.com, click the title.
I didn't have high expectations for this book since someone close made it sound boring. But I'm glad I gave it a chance for myself because I ended up really enjoying it. While I was reading The Phantom Tollbooth, I realized that this book is a great choice for teachers to assign to students in grades 5-8. As someone who is majoring in elementary and middle school education and English, I found this book interesting and appropriate for the grades mentioned and would make my future students read this (as well as Wonder by R J Palacio) I would recommend this to teachers of young students who wonder why they have to learn and go to school, thinking these are wastes of time, and are constantly bored. Parents of young students should also give this book a try to encourage and reinforce some of the ideas written in The Phantom Tollbooth. While I liked the book overall, my only complaint is that some parts were confusing and had to be re-read, which is why I think the book is appropriate for 7th and 8th grade students too since 5th and 6th may have more difficulties understanding The Phantom Tollbooth.
There are numerous illustrations throughout The Phantom Tollbooth, which helps break the text for young readers. The 50th anniversary edition in particular included some essays in the end that may be helpful to (future) teachers. Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games trilogy, wrote that her language arts teacher when she was eleven asked her class to "pretend Milo had made just one more detour on his road trip and to write that chapter" (265). I think this would be a fun assignment for students to use their imagination and write about another subject/ topic they think worth learning about, for example the importance of good health through a city of fruits/ veggies ;) I also really enjoyed reading Bev Walnoha's ideas for incorporating The Phantom Tollbooth in her lessons (275-277).
As you can tell, there are many aspects of the book that I like. I love adventure books like The Hobbit and The Phantom Tollbooth also falls under this genre in my opinion. Milo's story reminded me a little of The Wizard of Oz, where different characters would join the main character on their journey. Milo learns many unusual ideas on this journey. For example, words can be bought, sold, and traded for (45), one actually eats their words (86), people grow down as they grow up in age (102), music makes colors (121), and numbers are dug up from mines (177). Throughout his expedition, Milo meets a Spelling Bee and Which, Chroma the conductor, the Mathemagician, the infamous princesses Rhyme and Reason, and others. I also like the play on words as seen in some of the character names along with the Sea of Knowledge and Wisdom Kingdom.
Many wise words were said in this unique world. Tock the watchdog explained to Milo the origin of time and how he became a watchdog and added, "For you see, it [time] is our most valuable possession, more precious than diamonds. It marches on and tide wait for no man... (34). I don't know many people who compare time to diamonds, but this shows the importance of time and not wasting it, especially "killing" it. After all, time can never be replaced or bought back. The count also had some advice to share. He told Milo that he "must pick his words very carefully and be sure to say just what you intend to say" (44). This is a good reminder for us all to "say what we mean and mean what we say." Miscommunication always seems to happen amongst people and leads to bigger problems, so speak carefully the first time. Finally, Rhyme and Reason shared some of the best words of wisdom with Milo. They said, "You must never feel badly about making mistakes as long as you take the trouble to learn from them... it's not just learning things that's important. It's learning what to do with what you learn and learning why you learn things at all that matters... You may not see it now [purpose in learning], but whatever we learn has a purpose and whatever we do affects everything and everyone else, even in the tiniest way (233). So much thought and truth in the words of princesses!
Overall, I gave this book 5/5 stars. If you would like to purchase The Phantom Tollbooth 50th Anniversary Edition
, please click the title. 
Beneath the Glitter by Elle and Blair Fowler
To read the description of Beneath the Glitter on goodreads.com, click the title. To hear Elle talk about her book, watch Inside Beneath the Glitter and Beneath the Glitter Chapter 1
Based on the description of the book, the 5 words I would use to describe Beneath the Glitter are YouTube, sisterhood, boys, Hollywood, and drama. I've been watching the two sisters on YouTube for a few years now, so I wanted to read their book out of curiosity. In Elle and Blair's message to their readers, they wrote, "We based the London sisters on ourselves, but everything else that happens in the book and all the other characters are completely made up. In other words, they story is very loosely based on our lives, but please don't think this is an exact retelling of our story." While reading Beneath the Glitter, Sophia did sound like what I imagine (because of her videos) Elle and her lifestyle to be like in reality, but not so much Ava as Blair. Because of this, it made me wonder exactly how much of the events in the book involving the sisters really happened.
I found this book quite entertaining. Except for the fact that there was too much emphasis on guys, there were a number of pros. The chapter titles to begin with were cute and girly (not surprising). Some of them are: Once Upon a Crime, Damsel in a Dress, Miss Understandings, and Friend or Faux? Each chapter also ends with LonDOs and LonDON'Ts, which Elle explains in her Inside Beneath the Glitter video.
A few of the characters were interesting. I like sarcasm if it is not rude and some of Dalton and Ava's conversation made me smile. For example, when Sophia decided to adopt a deaf white kitten (Pinecone anyone?) and was asked what she would name him, Dalton suggested "You could name him after me" to which Ava replied, "It wouldn't be fair to name him Trouble. He seems too nice for that." The two go back and forth so Dalton says, "Maybe your sister should name it after you then." Ava answers, "What? Smarty Pants?" (64-65). Giovanni the physic bartender and sculptor was also a funny and interesting character (49). Finally, a minor character that helps Ava out towards the end of the book (232) had me laughing for a few minutes.
There is a lot of drama in every chapter, which kept me reading. A big message that comes across in Beneath the Glitter is "fame and fortune comes with a price." While there are perks to being well- known and wealthy, there are also cons, like having to deal with haters and jealousy, people looking for ways to out do and even ruin their "enemies." This is something for people to keep in mind, especially today's young generation who are made to think that life will be perfect if they acquire high status and all that it comes with. Beneath the Glitter ended on a mysterious note. The epilogue makes me want to read the sequel and find out who the "bad guys" are that are out to ruin the London sisters. I have a hunch who it may be, but I'll wait till Elle and Blair's next book to find out for sure ;)
Overall, I gave this book 4/5 stars and recommend it to viewers/ fans of Elle and Blair and also readers who like chick-lit. If you would like to purchase Beneath the Glitter: A Novel
, please click the title. 
Far From Home by Na'ima B. Robert
To read the description of Far From Home on goodreads.com, click the title.
Honestly, I didn't think I would like this book, but ended up loving it! Anyone who knows me well, knows that I HATE racism and sexism. So naturally, this book got a lot of reactions out of me, mostly because there was a lot going on around the subjects of racism and sexism. There is also a lot of history within the story, which was actually interesting. The plot is highly relevant to the world today were people in power spread "news/ propaganda" to split people up and take sides.
Far From Home brought me back to my freshman History class in uni. where I read almost the entire textbook. The one thing that stuck with me since then was the history of "whites/ Europeans" as oppressors. Now I know not everyone is the same just because they belong in a certain "group," but the history behind "whites/ Europeans" is overall negative. Although we learn about the advancements and accomplishments of this group, little if any mention is brought up of how "whites/ Europeans" have terrorized people for hundreds of years! From the slaves in Africa, Aborigines in Australia, Jews in Europe, Native Americans, African Americans, Chinese and other immigrants to America, and now Muslim Americans. Ironic how the oppressors are made to look like the oppressed nowadays when their own history is against them... I sympathized for the oppressed in Far From Home (65-68). Like I previously mentioned, the plot is highly relevant to the world today were people in power spread "news/ propaganda" to split people up and take sides. The oppressed are made to look like the oppressors and vice versa. It really is sad how much people haven't changed and learned from the past, since history does tend to repeat itself.
The female characters in Far From Home really stood out to me. For example, Tariro and her mother, and also Mainini. One part that is my favorite is when Tariro's mother talks about her daughter's birth: "Your father was very worried about me. But I had never felt better! I had a daughter, a daughter I had prayed for, and I felt different somehow, changed. Giving birth to you made me know my own strength. I will always be grateful for that" (10). In many cultures unfortunately, the birth of a daughter wasn't a happy occasion unlike for a son. So much drama and problems occur between families just to have son(s). Why? One reason mentioned in Far From Home is because, "One with a real family is one who has boys, one with a family of girls has strangers', as they will leave the home when they marry and join their husband's clan" (13). How rude is that?! It's great though that Tariro's mother was empowered by the birth of her daughter. As for true Muslims, we know the power of females ;) "When she (muslimah) is a daughter, she opens the door of Jannah (Heaven) for her father. When she is a wife, she completes half of the deen of her husband. When she is a mother, Jannah lies under her feet." -Women of Islam: Powerful Lecture. Never underestimate the power of Muslim women!
Anyways, there is a lot more that I could say about how much I enjoyed and learned from Far From Home. I loved Tariro's outspoken character. When she wanted to know what her brother and the other men were up to, Farai said," These are the concerns of men- you should not lose sleep over them..." Tariro replied, "How can you say that? Don't the actions of you men, your choices, affect us all? Do we not carry the burden of your decisions? Do we not suffer the pain and humiliation when you give up? Do we not bury the dead when you decide to stay and fight? Do you think that because we tend the fields and carry babies on our backs that we do not have eyes to see? That because we spend our days cooking and washing clothes in the river, we do not understand the words that are said when you men are in council?" (74). Smart and accurate comeback Tariro!
And finally, Mainini's words of wisdom to Tariro about Nhamo are worth mentioning here. Tariro was upset about the situation of her "love", but Mainini put things in perspective. Tariro said, "It doesn't change the fact that I love him and he loves me! I love him even more now." Tariro's behavior is another example of the nonsense things people say and do in the name of love. Mainini replied, "Now you are talking like a foolish girl! Why do you want to throw your life away on this boy?... Do not tell me that your mind is so full of words of love that you cannot think straight?" (88). She says much more that is worth reading the book!
, please click the title. 
To read the description of Divergent on goodreads.com, click the title.
This book had a lot of hype around it since it is a dystopian novel like The Hunger Games, but it wasn't as good as the latter in my opinion. I realized that the books that are made into a big deal, I have high expectations for, but then am disappointed, like The Fault in Our Stars, The Night Circus, and now this...
First of all, if I had to order the 5 factions and their virtues, Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent), according to what I would most likely choose to least likely solely on the virtue and not the behavior of the faction members if this was realistic, I would pick Erudite, Candor, Abnegation, Amity, then Dauntless. I like learning and am a pretty good student, I try to be as honest as possible (even if it isnt' nice
sometimes...) and hate liars, I can be selfless depending on who is involved like children or close family and friends. I would be tied between Amity and Dauntless because I am not really peaceful since I argue a lot and don't always back down from confrontations and because I have a low pain tolerance and would rather be safe than sorry, being brave doesn't come easily either. Let me know in the comments how you would order yourself based on virtue and not behavior!
One thing that made me not like Divergent so much is the confusion between the 5 factions. While reading, I had to come back to this which was annoying to remember what each faction stood for. Also, half the time I thought there were 4 instead of 5 because not all of them were written about as much as the others. One faction in particular is very violent and reckless. I have a low pain tolerance so some of these would be too much for me if I was in this faction. For "fun" and necessity, they jump in and out of a speeding train, get an abnormal amount of tattoos and piercings, young (and immature) people learn to use knives and guns as weapons, which is sometimes used against other people out of jealousy. For example, one member in this faction got stabbed in the eye (202-203) out of jealousy!
Overall, I gave this book 3/5 stars. While there is nothing that I actually really liked about Divergent, I still think it is worth reading because the second book, Insurgent, gets better ;)
If you would like to purchase Divergent
, please click the title.
