Better late than never, right?
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
I Joined a Book Club!
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Summer Reading Update (Part 2)
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok 5 stars
I really enjoyed Searching for Sylvie Lee. My favorite books are the kind told from multiple points of view, and this one was no exception. It was a page-turning mystery, and I didn't want to stop until I found out where Sylvie had gone.Told from three different perspectives, this book tells you the story in the eyes of Sylvie, her sister Amy, and their mom. I especially loved that this book glimpses into different cultures. The mother speaks broken English and her section showed that in her unique way of describing the U.S. as "The Beautiful Country." I also learned it's a little irreverent to keep Buddha statues in the bathroom and that Dutch people often keep their drapes or blinds open.
Essentially, Sylvie lived with family in the Netherlands for the first few years of her life while her parents adjusted to living in America, and then she moved back to the states at age 9. Later in life, she traveled back to the Netherlands to be with her sick grandmother and then mysteriously vanished without a word. Shy, quiet Amy has to fly across the Atlantic to try to put together the puzzle of Sylvie's life and disappearance. Of course, there are some twists and I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't able to figure it out too quickly. Definitely not overly-predictable and I would certainly recommend it!
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid 5 stars
CAUTION: A few minor SPOILERS! Another awesome book! I did not want it to end; I was so invested in the characters, that I wish they were a real band so I could listen to their album. I was caught a little off guard at the complexity of the story; I was expecting sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but I got so much more than that, too.Daisy Jones and the Six: a beautiful story of love and trust, but an absolutely heartbreaking look at life with addiction. I found myself rooting for Billy, Daisy, and the rest of the band; however, I was completely inspired by Camilla's character. I wasn't expecting such an amazing love story, but what made it so great was how real it felt. The way she coped with her fears by trusting with her whole heart is the kind of love I aspire to. There was a line in the book about trusting someone enough to let them have their secrets that felt so honest and heartwarming.
This was such a creative book. Told from the point of view of all the characters talking directly to the author, it felt like I was listening to a really well-made "Where are They Now" documentary. I was blown away at how the author managed to capture so many styles of speech in one book. I liked "watching" the writing process for the band's hit songs, and was so impressed at how one person could make it feel like a real collaboration of two people.
The Farm by Joanne Ramos 4.3 stars
This book started out feeling pretty normal. I really liked how the author incorporated bits of Filipino culture like how "Ate" (pronounced A-teh) translates to older sister in Tagalog.Though I was slightly disappointed overall by this book, it was still good. I always appreciate a story told well from multiple perspectives (if you're new here, I'm always going to point that one out). But even though it was an interesting story and well-written, I was expecting a bit more "thrill factor." I was expecting more of a dystopian Handmaid's Tale vibe and it just wasn't that kind of book.
One of the biggest themes in this book was the distribution of wealth and how privilege can affect the course of a person's life. Mostly a story of the contrast between those who grow up privileged and those who immigrate to this country, I thought it was a good and easy read while still managing to cover a large and difficult topic.
Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis 3.5 stars
I decided to listen to this as an audiobook for two reasons: 1) The waitlist at my local library was very long and I wanted to read it in time for a new Instagram friend's book club (her blog is hellogorjessblog.com), and 2) It's not the kind of book I usually go for. I don't usually like audiobooks because I don't feel like I'm really "reading," but it worked for this book.I'll be honest, I wasn't looking forward to reading this book. I had labeled it as #basic and I wanted to be able to spend the last valuable hours I had left before school started for leisurely reading and another book. I decided to listen to it in the car, and surprisingly, kept it going once I got to my destination.
I enjoyed how it was split into small chapters with Rachel's personal stories. I think it's important to mention that her privilege probably plays a much larger role in her success than her "you are ultimately responsible for ... how happy you are" mindset might make it seem. Did I have a few empowering moments while listening? Absolutely. The book is so inspiring and I'm glad I read it before my last year of law school. It helped me pinpoint some goals I had lost sight of over the years and reminded me about the path I want to be on as I run toward my future. But, I'm not sure if I'm a full convert and probably won't be one of her blog subscribers just yet.
Becoming by Michelle Obama 5 stars
Another book that I'm so glad I read before starting my final year of law school. I wanted to read this book over winter break, but the waitlist at the library was, again, unusually long (I think more people are finally catching on to how great the public library system is!).I was so inspired while reading this book. Of course, it's another story where privilege, though mentioned by the author a bit more than it was in Girl Wash Your Face, should still be in the back of the reader's mind. Even though I loved every detail about her Ivy League education, I couldn't help thinking, "That would have never been an option for me." Parts of it were inspiring, while other parts left me feeling a little dejected. Of course, my own privileges from growing up in a white middle-class family with one child and parents who had fairly high levels of education give me my own type of privilege.
As for the behind-the-scenes look at a presidential campaign or what it's like to live in the White House, I could not get enough. I loved hearing about her challenges as a young lawyer and mother and how she managed to juggle it all. Learning in her own words why she chose healthy eating and fighting childhood obesity was eye-opening, too! I definitely recommend this book to everyone, regardless of your political affiliation. One over-arching theme that stood out for me is that you can't make changes if you don't get to know everyone first, even people who don't look like you.
Make sure you follow along on Goodreads if you want to keep up with my current "To-Read" list!
Summer Reading Update (Part 1)
Monday, June 24, 2019
What I Read: Spring 2019
Monday, June 10, 2019
Reading for fun during the school semester has always been a challenge for me. When I'm trying to balance studying, reading for daily classes, working out, and small attempts at a social life, books tend to hit the backburner.
Book Review: The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls
Thursday, July 16, 2015
When we get to this point of the summer, life starts to simmer down. The trips are all over, the Fourth of July has come and gone and all the sparklers have burned out.
So that means one thing for me: more time to read! I've spent every summer for as long as I can remember at my local library reading as many books as I could (the check-out limit for children's books was 5, a fact that will probably be ingrained in my brain forever).
I had been looking forward to recreational reading for months... Remember this post? I'm trying to squeeze in a few more classics this summer to get my brain sharp for the LSAT (ick, I'll be taking practice tests before you know it).
Currently reading To Kill A Mockingbird and can't wait to read Go Set a Watchman (and let y'all know how it is!), but until then, here are a few reasons why you need to read The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls, the first book I read at the beginning of this summer:
It was a page-turner. There was that air of mystery that didn't let me put it down.
So much mystery!
Why did her parents send her to camp? What happened back home? Who's not being honest? Will we ever know the truth?
So many questions are answered slowly throughout the whole book. I loved how it went back and forth between the past and the present.
It's also set in the Great Depression era so there's that hint of historical content, too. I'm a major history nerd, so this really made it a fun read for me (as in I read it over the course of one day).
Bottom line, I recommend this one, 10/10: You really should read it! Run, don't walk to your local library and check it out! I'm sure you won't regret it.
Any other recommendations?
Fourth of July + Florida Picture Party
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
I've been on the go for what seems like all of summer, so I've decided to wait to post recaps of my different trips. I'm planning on going in reverse order starting with this most recent trip: Florida.
My aunt and uncle live in Melbourne Beach, aka one of the cutest Florida beach towns ever. We go every few years because it's a solid thirteen hour drive from home. (For reference, their house is about an hour or so southeast from Disney World).
Because this was a family trip, it was pretty chill. We mostly just visited with our family and didn't go on many "adventures" besides to the beach or on the boat.
We went to the beach almost every day. It's a little different from the beaches here (I don't know if Grand Isle, LA is really the grandest of beaches).
Currently reading The Cuckoo's Calling. It's a little slow-moving for my taste, but it's okay.
Under normal circumstances, I would have just stopped reading and switched to another book by now, but anything by J.K. Rowling deserves to be finished.
(Side note, is anyone else really excited for Harper Lee's new book?)
On the Fourth of July we went out on the boat and set up next to a little island in the river.
My festive headband is from @OhHeyItsSarahJean on Instagram! She has an Etsy shop!
Paddle boarding isn't really as hard as I thought it would be, but boy did I feel it in my legs after! They were like jello! I guess it's time to get back to the gym.
Even mom did a great job on the paddle boards!
We only stayed out on the boat for a few hours before the rain came. Once we were back on land, mom and I ventured to an adorable little shop called Mica and Molly's.
It was full of Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Jack Rogers, KJP, Lauren James, and pretty much every other preppy brand you could imagine! Basically my favorite store ever.
My souvenirs from this trip included one of these pearl bracelets along with some Lilly wine glasses (because birthday number twenty-one will be here oh so soon).
I wanted to buy all the Lilly shorts, but settled on trying them on to get my size for the After Party Sale that's coming up!
Still wishing I could wrap my own Jeep in Lilly prints! (Flashback to the Nantucket Lilly Jeep!)
Maybe not the most flattering picture, but this was such a great day so I don't really care ;)
This was probably the most relaxing trip I've taken all summer. Lots of sand, sun, and salty sea air! And, perhaps the best part: I finally have a tan! (And I didn't even get a little bit burnt! Winning!)
Here are some of my favorite pieces that my credit card wouldn't let me get at Mica and Molly's
Currently Obsessing Over...
Saturday, December 27, 2014
If you know me at all, then you know I'm always obsessing over something. This weekend, the list is short but full:
1.) Into The Woods
I saw Into The Woods (solo!) the day after Christmas and the songs are still stuck in my head. I was obsessed with the musical a few years ago when I saw it on Netflix, and seeing it on the big screen was pretty neat. Disney did an amazing job with the production. Definitely worth the price of the ticket. 10/10, would recommend.
The emotions I had listening to this song again... if you're a crier, you may want to bring a tissue or two.
2.) Reading for Fun
I finished Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar last night and read right through E. Lockhart's We Were Liars today.
My thoughts:
The Bell Jar: Oh my goodness! There is a reason they call this one a classic. I was so disappointed to find out that this was Sylvia's only novel. Her writing style was my favorite kind to read. I was a little freaked out with how much I identified with Esther. I truly felt that our minds work the same way and it was so refreshing to know that someone else has felt the same things I'm feeling right now.
Also, for the first time ever, I actually read this book slowly. I wanted to savor every bit of it, and I have a feeling I'll be buying my own copy so that I can reread my favorite passages.
We Were Liars: I LOVE books like this one. Without spoiling it, it's a bit difficult to describe. It was about a girl who had an accident one summer and couldn't remember exactly what had happened. It was a page-turner and I finished it in one day! I kind of called the ending, but I was still surprised with it. Goosebumps guaranteed.
3.) Fordham's Summer in the City Program
It's true, I obsessed about this last year, too. I cried, begged, and pleaded with my parents to let me go last summer, and when they finally agreed, I chickened out and got my deposit back.
But this year is different. I tell my roommate about it at least three times a week, I dream in New York, I've updated my resume, and I've visited the application page at least twelve times since it opened.
Except this year, my parents are more unrelenting than last year. My mom refuses to listen to any of my solid arguments (she accused me of trying to ruin Christmas when I brought it up earlier last week). I hate that it gets them so upset, but I know it's what I
If anyone has advice on how to convince them that I'll be safe even though they'll be more than ten minutes away? I'm fairly certain I'll have to cut this umbilical cord with a chainsaw before we see the end of this.
Books I Can't Wait to Read
Monday, October 27, 2014
I'm anxiously awaiting winter break, not only because school work keeps piling up, but because I felt like I haven't read for fun in so long!
I'm in a Harry Potter literature class right now, and even though I love the series, I almost always find a reason to put it off when reading is required . I'm doing really well in the class, though, so I guess reading through them almost every Christmas break since the fifth grade was a good idea.
I know I'll be spending Thanksgiving week studying for finals, but when December rolls around, I'll be in my happy place.
Bonus Books that didn't make the graphic:
I'm counting down the days until I'll be able to spend whole days curled up in my window seat reading with big cups of cappuccino or cocoa!
Are there any other books I should add to my list?
Summer Reading List
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
One thing I don't miss about high school: summer reading lists.
Now my alma mater never assigned terrible books, and even though I love reading, something about being forced to read put a bad taste in my mouth (Can you believe I hated The Great Gatsby summer before sophomore year, but now it's one of my favorites?).
But now that I'm not forced to read The Grapes of Wrath or Jane Eyre (also a great book I hated the first time around), I can read whatever I want! Yay college!
Here are some I'm planning to read soon! You can follow me on Goodreads to track my progress or get more ideas for your own summer reading!
I also plan to re-read the Harry Potter series because I'm taking a Harry Potter literature class in the fall (again, "Yay college!").
What do you plan to read this summer?
Goodreads + a book review
Friday, January 10, 2014
I've always loved to read.
Some of my most vivid memories are of my mom reading bedtime stories, and one of my most treasured toys was a tape player and read-along books with tapes.
In elementary school I would devour books and even had special permission to go to the library during recess. When I switched schools in the fifth grade, my new school's saving grace was its library. I was a mini-librarian and would check out and shelve books at recess. I had only a handful of friends, so I would read all the time.
By the time I got to high school, I didn't have as much time for reading as I would have liked, and by senior year, I'd go months without reading for fun.
I finally had a chance to read for fun again this summer and did another post about it.
You can add me as a friend here!
I joined Goodreads in 2011, but hadn't really gotten into it until just recently. It's such a fun social network, and one of my favorite parts is seeing what other people are reading. My friends list is still small, but I'm sure that will change when more people realize how cool the site is and how much fun reading can be!
Now, the book review I mentioned in the title:
I usually attempt to read more prestigious, classic novels and novels that tend to be read in literature classes, however, sometimes I need a break from searching for deeper-meanings and using the dictionary app. More often than not, I'm reading two books at a time...
I really enjoyed reading The Bling Ring by Nancy Jo Sales, and can't wait to see the movie, now! I felt a lot of what she wrote about really needed to be addressed. This is a true story that follows the gang of teens that robbed the homes of Hollywood stars. She touched on the fact that our generation is becoming more and more obsessed with celebrities and fame, and it's a little scary. I know at least a handful of people who's big dream is becoming famous.
Honestly it makes me a little sad that people dream of becoming twitter-famous or instagram-famous, but I must admit, even I sometimes dream of having a career as a social media representative (I tell myself that there is a difference in these dreams - mine involves work, right?).
I cringe thinking about how much I looked up to Paris Hilton in middle school (I didn't know about the sex-tape or the drugs), or how I can't ever seem to change the channel when Keeping Up with the Kardashions comes on. These people are famous for being famous, and I really think it sends the wrong message to the young girls out there.
I found myself laughing as I read the book, and at some points, read aloud the dialogue to my mom and asked, "Do you think this is real life?". Aside from the humor, I loved that the whole story is based around a court case. It made me wonder if law school might actually be the right place for me.
My advice to younger girls would be to read and learn as much as you can. Sometimes it can be hard to take my own advice, but I'm almost certain that the smarter you are, the better off you will be. Education is the key to a bright future, and, in my own opinion, reading is one of the easiest and most fun ways to train your brain. It's a much better use of time than reading tabloids or watching reality TV, that's for sure!
Have you read The Bling Ring or seen the movie? What's your next book?
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