The Girl's Guide to Homelessness by Brianna Karp



One of my more recent reads, The Girl's Guide to Homelessness is actually quite a good book, I found. I was really surprised that this was a memoir-- it really doesn't seem like something that would happen to someone. It's so realistic that it's scary... However, I do think that it's just that much better because it's that real-- the whole thing about her being homeless, her adventure, and her struggles really get to you because you know that it's a memoir- that this actually happened, and that it wasn't fiction. To be honest, I don't really like reading memoirs. They bore me, and honestly, I'm busy enough trying to get a hold of my life... However, I picked this one up because I decided that I would try it out.

It didn't disappoint. Brianna Karp really is a great writer with an amazing story to tell. Whether she had a happy ending or not, it was highly entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's an amazing tale that shows a little insight to life on the road, and life in general. It's not all unicorns and rainbows; it's full of hardships, loss, and heartbreak as well. Even then, the strongest of all will find a way to cope through everything. They are the survivors. Brianna Karp is a survivor. She takes everything that happens to her, and keep moving on.

"If you saw me walking down the street, you wouldn't assume I live in a parking lot. I am just like you, except without the convenience of a permanent address."

The Girl's Guide to Homelessness tell a touching tale of a girl from an abusing family who had a good life, until she didn't. It's a very good book/ memoir thing, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks their life is bad, and all teens. I think it was an eye opener to me, because of the amount of things that I take for granted... However, I don't recommend this to children-- there's crude language, dark themes, and mature things in the story. After all, who said life wasn't dark...

***I give this book/memoir a 9.5 out of 10***

Witch and Wizard: The Fire by James Patterson

It's that time of year again for daily reviews. Today's book review is The Fire from the Witch and Wizard series. This is the third book in the series, and I do suggest that you read at least the first book before anything, because well... you'll be extremely confused at the whole witch and wizard things. 

The first thing that I have to say about this book is that I need to note the author-- James Patterson, also wrote the Maximum Ride series (a series that had me entertained for a very long time, I can tell you), and is actually a very good teen/ older children writer. He has a knack for being able to bring a story, especially an action story, to life. I enjoy his writing a lot. However, I can't say that this was one of his finer works. I found the book to be slightly really confusing, seeing how the point of view changes inconsistently between Whit and Wisty, who both have 'W' names, mind you, and it's very utterly confusing. While I read the book, I had to keep flipping back to see exactly who I have reading about...

Whit and Wisty are a bit bland of characters-- they don't change much. I do enjoy character development, but they seem to have a particular lack of it... In fact, most characters in this book don't have much character development... Talk about Dickens style... It was the worst of times, it was the best of times...

That being said, it was much better than Twilight, or City of Heavenly Fire, so I am happy. It actually had a plot! I was ecstatic at the characters in the story, and even more at the plot development... Sincerely, I thoroughly liked this book, just got lost a few times...

I recommend this book to teens and older children, because there's quite a bit of action. Also, if you like your action books with absolutely no romance, don't go for this one...

*** I give this book a 8.2 out of 10.***

City of Heavenly Fire

Ahhhh.... The last book in the Mortal Instruments series (I hope...), I decided to give it one last try, and bought it. My advice? Don't. It's really not worth the money. The plot already basically exerted itself by City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels if I try to be nice. By now, this series has kind of lost all it's value as a novel, but has become this kind of fanfiction for people who really really want to get all the really weird details about Jace and Clary's love life... errrr ick? I still think that this series has been dragging on for wayyyy to long, but for the sake of finishing what I started, I'll see it through.

I am glad, however, that Cassandra Clare managed to kill off a character without reviving it in the next paragraph. I applaud you. *slow clap* If you want to start this series, number one, don't if you're like me and need to finish some series that you start. Number two, just stop reading at around City of Fallen Angels. Number three, just don't trouble yourself... I hardly ever say this, but this book was 725 pages ( I read every single one of them... ) of absolute fluff, and bull. Terrifying. I think I just found the book to match the terrible-ness of Twilight. Almost. At least it's decent writing though... Then again, at least Twilight actually kind of had a plot...

Cassandra Clare is loosing her touch quickly on the Mortal Instruments series. It's good that she was able to wrap it up. Now, she is beginning yet another new series-- The Dark Artifices. We'll see how good that series will turn out to be!

In City of Heavenly Fire, we are again faced with our very favourite characters: Clary Fray, the Jace's one weakness, Jace Herondale/Lightwood/whatever, who never seems to die when he should have died a LONG time ago, Alec Lightwood, the gay one, Isabella Lightwood, the bad girl who has a thing for vampires with glasses, and much more. Oh, can't forget Simon Lewis of the 'I-should-be-dead-but-I'm-a-sparkly-vampire ohwaitwhat, and Magnus Bane. Not really sure how to describe Magnus, so I'll leave it at that. All together, they make a slightly ridiculous group, to be quite frank. Along with this gaggle of characters comes lots and lots of kissing, fighting (of course), and angry disputes with adults, whether that be the Clave, or the parents. Last but not least, meet the antagonist of basically the whole series, except not really because for the first few books Valentine was the antagonist: Sebastian Morgenstern. Ahhh.... The beautiful evil of this guy never ends to astound me. He is overall a very confusing and apparently very evil character? I think? 

I recommend this book to... Actually I don't recommend this book to anyone, unless somebody out there really likes reading plotless stuff about love lives that kind of got old already. Okay! 'Till next time!

*** I give this book a 6.7 out of 10. The 6 coming from its ability to make me entertained, and the 0.7 going to the semi-decent writing.***

The Fault in Our Stars ( Movie )

"I fell in love the way you fall asleep:

slowly, then all at once."

Four words. Just go see it. It's an amazing movie that makes you want to sob and laugh at the same time. Based off of the novel The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, this movie will move you to tears, due to the totally sad yet beautiful and amazing story line. Really just GO WATCH IT. I really enjoyed this movie especially because it didn't stray from the book, unlike *ahem* Percy Jackson. At first, when I walked in the movie theater, 10 at night, I had my misgivings. 'Could they actually do a good job of making such a great book into a movie???' I'm glad to say that they brought it to justice!

John Green. One of my favourite, if not favourite, authors. He's an amazing writer that can make pretty much anyone sob and clutch at their stomachs in laughter at the same time. I guarantee that by the end of the movie, you'll have cried at LEAST once. For me, I'm not ashamed to say that I practically cried the whole half of the movie. It's just so *sniffle* sad!! Welcome to Hazel Lancaster Grace (played by Shailene Woodley), and Augustus Water's (played by Ansel Elgort) world. It's full of oblivion, cancer, and love. While we're at it, welcome to the land of the saddest teen love story ever. I won't spoil ANY of this amazing movie for you, because you WILL. GO. AND WATCH. IT. However, did you know that Augustus and Hazel are played by the actors who played Tris and Caleb in Divergent? Siblings in one movie, lovers in the next... That's how the movie world goes! 

I recommend this movie to teens and adults alike. Not really to children, due to some scenes in the movie, and seeing that one of the main themes in this book/movie are love and death... This is a movie any romance lover has to watch, actually make that all teens. It's a great movie based on an even BETTER book that has amazing quotes that never get old. Seriously.

*** I give this movie a 10 out of 10! Spectacular!***

"You say you're not special because the world doesn't know about you, but that's an insult to me.

 I know about you."

Fan Expo

Ahhhhh.... Fan Expo. An absolute paradise for any fan. This was my first year going to Fan Expo, and really, I had a really awesome time. Tickets are really inexpensive compared to Anime Rev, and there are plenty of amazing merchandise and people. I went to the Sunday event, and I had lots and lots of fun! I really want to go again next year, too! I met a lot of voice actors, and some really talented artists. Also, I was able to buy two anime posters, which I am totally excited about!

The line up actually wasn't that long, and we barely waited at all compared to how much we thought we would have to wait. Also, I personally think that it would be a better idea to come a little later when most of the people are already inside, because you really won't be there the whole day. I stayed from 9:30 ish to 4:00. This doesn't mean that there aren't many things to see though. I warn you-- do not bring too much money to this convention. You'll end up spending all of it... There are way too many good anime merchandise there, and you will not be able to stop yourself!

A small thing that irked me was that you had to buy the autographs. They aren't for free, and you also need to pay for photo ops. How crazy is that? Also, the anime merchandise is totally expensive. However, it's a totally amazing experience, and I suggest that every fan check this amazing place out!

From anime to Marvel comics, Fan Expo seriously has everything! There are tons and tons of people who go in cosplay, so don't be afraid to go in cosplay as well. That being said, I didn't go in cosplay, and that's fine too! There aren't any rules, (other tan the usual safety rules), so you just get to go and have tons of fun!

I suggest that you go with a few friends, because this convention is lots of fun by yourself, but even more fun with others!

I'm looking forwards to trying to go to Fan Expo next year!

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans

Another read picked up from the library, I am looking forward to reading the whole Michael Vey series! I think I especially liked this book because I was suffering not-enough-fantasy syndrome, and this was exactly what I needed. Richard Paul Evans is a great writer, with a great idea for a plot. I loved this book dearly because the plot actually kind of made sense. However, I have to say that some parts were boring, and I even may have skipped a few pages...

Michael Vey isn't exactly ordinary. I personally think that he's a lot like Four, from I Am Number Four-- unique, and has superpowers. Well, one superpower. He has the ability to surge. That is, control electricity. However, along with great power comes great responsibility and danger. 

Michael isn't the only one with these superpowers, though. And in every side, there is an opposition. Along with Michael, some of the people with the very same powers are set out to kidnap him for who knows what. He must find the courage, patience, and control over his powers on this battle for everything he stands for. In this battle, it does seem like it's him against the world.

However, that's not entirely true. Alongside Michael stand his trusty friends, and his loving mother. Ostin, his nerdy best friend, is set to travel through heaven and hell with him. Taylor is already fast becoming close to Michael, and his mother promises to always be there for him-- and never has let him down. Will he be able to survive the hardships he will encounter and free his mother and Taylor? Read to find out!

Richard Paul Evans will make readers laugh and grimace along with his characters. He is a great writer that will be able to capture your attention for most of this thrilling adventure ride!

This book is definitely a great read for any people who enjoy action, superpower novels. I recommend it to teens and children, especially to those who enjoyed I Am Numer Four! 

***I give this book an 8.5 out of 10.****