An Update on Pickle

Our handsome kitty is doing very well at our place, I am happy to inform. He has the cutest faces, and is such a sweet darling, Have I mentioned that he is such a character? I often ponder his cat-ness (hardy har har,.. Katniss), especially when he jumps around trying to catch his tail. I am happy to report that he does indeed succeed more than often, and has an easier time of it than dogs. However, I really like the photo above because it gives off his serene and regal size, in contrast to say...

...his surprised face. Honestly, this is meme material. Amazing.

Anyhow, he had a meeting with a potential adopter a while ago, which he rather bombed, as he turned tail and fled, and did not seem to want to play. We have another meeting today, and I'm hoping it'll be better. Hopefully he'll show his sweet side, and how nice and good of a kitty cat he can be. Other than his kidney problem, he's such an easy cat to keep, and I'm not quite sure why he's still at my place. I'm not complaining, of course. We'll see how today goes.

Here's just another one of him sleeping, because no one can get enough of that. He looks so innocent when he sleeps, just like a little angel. Hoping to find his forever home soon!

Love,

Ivy and Pickle

Winter Break is Here!

Horray! Winter break is here, and along with it comes all the Christmas cards, carols, and blog posts! :) It's good to have enough time to get back to writing and blogging again, and I'll get back to my usual antics for the break, and get crackin on good books! Mind you, I've had basically no time, whizzing from test to test to quiz to test, that I've fallen behind on my reading list. So bear with me for a bit as I get myself back on track.

Last but not least,
....or Kwanzaa or Hakuna, or which ever you celebrate. :)

Wishing you a great holiday season,
Ivy

Meet Pickle!

Hi everyone! So I have some very very very exciting news!

Meet Pickle, my foster kitty from VOKRA. So I am quite the cat lover (honestly, you should see my room-- covered with cat posters), so you can't imagine my joy when my mother told me, yes! You may indeed foster with VOKRA! All of a sudden, my dream of over 10 years was becoming reality! Of course, it was only fostering, but it was better than nothing. So I jumped at the opportunity. I sent in my application to VOKRA fostering, and within the week, had gotten my very own precious kitty to look after until he got adopted.

His name? Pickle. And let me tell you-- he is the perfect cat. Ever. Sweet, cute, affectionate, loves to cuddle and play, he is quite everything someone could want in a cat. And for my first foster kitty, I daresay that he is perfect. I cannot say enough about him, so I'll just say: I love him very very much and he deserves the best home of the best. As you can see in the above two photos, he is quite adorable, and he has the very best best expressions ever!

Plus he's so cute when he falls asleep. Cute much? If you think you have the perfect home for him, please do not think twice to send in an adoption application to VORKA, and check out his bio! If you application gets passed, then I will tell you even more about him, with all his adorable quirks, and furry perfections!

You could become the next person his adoring gaze falls on! <3 p="">

One Come Home by Amy Timberlake

'So it comes to this,

I remember thinking on Wednesday, June 7, 1871. The date sticks in my mind because it was the day of my sister's first funeral, and I knew it wasn't her last-- which is why I left.'

A Newbery Honour Book by Amy Timberlake, One Came Home talks about a very special girl by the name of Georgie Burkhardt. Set in the town of Placid, Wisconsin, this book is a journey filled with adventure and mystery, as well as wild pigeons.

In her town, Georgie is known for two very distinguishing things. One, her uncanny aim with a rifle, and two, her habit of being extremely candid. One of these things sets her off on a wild journey, and the other saves her on her wild journey. It all starts with her sister. After Georgie says something that sends her sister running off from home, the sheriff comes back to town with an unidentifiable body wearing Agatha, her sister's, blue-green ball gown. Immediately, everyone assumes the worst. Everyone other than Georgie. Georgie refuses to believe that her sister is truly dead and goes off to find her and bring her back. However, even through her grim determination, Georgie is not well prepared to go out and face the Western frontier. In a journey to find her sister or closure, she will run into hostile people, make a friend by the name of Long-Ears, and learn secrets.

Amy Timberlake really wrote this book extremely well, especially with all the plot twists inside the story. It's an adventure story to the very last, and one that will keep you seeking to find the answers until the very end of the book. I did not expect what found me at the ending, but I was satisfied. It may not have been what I had been looking to find, but worked all the same. It's a very good book, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys journeys, along with a little touch of drama and romance!

***I give this book a 8.99 out of 10!***

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

And another classic. Everyone known Jane Eyre! Well, if you don't, you should. Just saying! In a classic book about mystery, romance, and deception, Charlotte Bronte writes an amazing book that will suck you in and keep you in Jane Eyre's world.

Orphaned in childhood and despised by the cruel aunt who is her only known relative, Jane Eyre has no one but herself  to trust. Unaided by money, family, nor beauty, Jane must rely on her intelligence and integrity to survive. However, after Jane secures a position as governess in a mysterious, beautiful Thornfield mansion, she becomes deeply enmeshed with her moody employer, Mr. Rochester. But he guards a dark and terrible secret. And it will force Jane to choose between the principles that define her and the only love she has ever known. It's the orphan child that everyone has heard the story of, but with a deep and dark secret. If you dig romance and mystery, this is the book for you.

Admittedly, this book is slightly long, and quite thick, but I ensure you that it will keep you captivated and on the balls of your feet (or the edge of your chair), until you finish. It's a hauntingly good book that will make you fall completely in love with the characters. Charlotte Bronte is really an exceptional author that wrote a completely amazing book!

I recommend this book to everyone around the age of 12 and older, as it is a classic one must read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and daresay you will too!

***I give this book a 9.67 out of 10.***

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck. Extremely famous author, and rightfully so. I originally got introduced to this book by an English assignment, but it soon because more than just an assignment but a read. I. Love. This. Book. John Steinbeck is truly an amazing author. I'm not even kidding. It's a bloody good book.

 It's a classic. But don't shy from it just because it's a classic, it's good too. Telling of George and his simple friend Lennie, it's a story that you will not forget in a hurry. George and Lennie are the best of friends and at the same time completely different from one another. While George is small, witty, with sharp features, Lennie is much rounder, taller, and very very simple minded. Like all drifters, George and Lennie dream of a place to call their own. However, once they come to work on a ranch in California, their hopes begin to go awry... Will they be able to keep their goals on mind and not get into trouble?

There's no doubt about it being good. It's great. It's timeless. It's a classic. It's everything in one. And John Steinbeck is a downright amazing author. But it's also a short read. Consisting of only 107 pages, it's short, easy, and captivating. I really enjoyed it and I found it fascinating that John Steinbeck could make such short a story so good. Really, the book may be thin, but I assure you that the context is not.

I recommend this to all high school kids, and all adults as well. It's honestly an amazing book that everyone should make the effort to read. And if you didn't like it, it didn't even take much of your time anyways.

***I give this book a 9.78 out of 10.***

Looking For Alaska by John Green

Another John Green novel, another awesome book. Duh. Amazing, devastating, breath catching, inspiring, and compelling. It's all of that and more. I swear, I have no clue how John Green writes such amazing and empathetic books that stir you right down to your heart.

So, customary things first. John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars, An Abundance of Katherines, Will Grayson Will Grayson, and Looking For Alaska, is great. He's amazing. He's awesome. Alright, on with the book.

Miles Halter, the protagonist is fascinated with last words. Plus he's had enough with his safe life at home.So when he goes off to boarding school, lots of changes await him. Including clever, funny, screwed up and dead sexy Alaska Young. Alaska Young will pull Miles Halter into her labyrinth and shoot him into the Great Perhaps. Tragic, hilarious, and touching all at once, this book will make you laugh and cry at the same time, exactly like The Fault in Our Stars, except without cancer. 'Nuff said.

Once you pick this book up you will not be able to put it down until you finish the whole book. Be warned. I recommend this book to every single teen and older in the world. Yes, there are mentions about drugs and such, but get over it. Facts of life.

Absolutely amazing book. Tons of plot, enough romance, and adventure. It's a story to keep anyone up until 3am reading.

***I give this book a 101 out of 10!!!***

The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

I picked this book up expecting it to be absolutely downright amazing! However, great expectations are bound to fall short. I mean, sure, I liked the book, but it wasn't breathtakingly amazing...

'Fire wants to burn.

Water wants to flow.

Air wants to rise.

Earth wants to bind.

Chaos wants to devour.'

Yep, it's another magic and elements book. Many of you are probably familiar with Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, but if not, they're both pretty good authors (although Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument series.... Yeah... No.) that you should check out if you have the time.

This book tells about one very interesting boy by the name of Callum Hunt. Now, in this world, most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial. Except for Callum Hunt. Nope, his very wish is to fail. So he tries his best to fail. And miserably fails at failing. Now the Magisterium waits for him, looming with its secrets in Callum's path. Little does Callum know that the Iron Trial is just the very beginning to his magical and unknown future.

This was an alright read, the action kept the story rolling and the plot kept things mysterious and on edge, but if I were to pick one thing, it would be that the story lost me at places, especially when big revelations happened one after another, which kept me spinning around in the dark. I had to reread a couple of paragraphs, but other than that, it was mostly on track.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy adventure or fantasy reads, and especially to any magic fans. It's not an overly thick read so you won't get too tired of it before you put it down, and it's good to carry around, in my opinion!

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

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I cannot even begin to express how freaking AMAZING this book is!!! I'm not even kidding... Everyone should read this book. EVERYONE.

Alright, I'm going to spend this post 'fangirling' about this book, so no judging allowed! Rainbow Rowell really knows how to write a good book, I can tell you! Fangirl is about a girl named Cather, aka Cath. Cath writes fanfiction. Most importantly, boy boy fanfiction. Namely Simon Snow and Baz. Her whole life ever since she started reading Simon Snow, she's become a steadfast Simon Snow fan. Actually, fan doesn't even cut it. Simon Snow became her life. And boy was she good at it. So was her sister, Wren. Cath and Wren, as twins, got sucked into the Simon Snow universe together. However, now that Cath and Wren are going to college, things are going to change. And according to Cath? Not for the better.

It's one of the absolute best coming-of-age books I have ever read. Telling about family, fanfiction, and first love, this book will pull you in and never let go. Honestly. You will fall in love with it like Simon Snow is in love with Baz. It's filled with conflicts, dilemma, hurt, comfort, and love. After all, it's college! I don't want to spoil this book for you at all, so I'm just going to say....

READ, IT.

I recommend this book to everyone 14 and up. And I mean it. Everyone.

***I give this book a 101 out of 10. 'Nuff said.***

Four by Veronica Roth

Four is part of the Divergent Collection, slightly like an extra to the series. As someone who did enjoy the Divergent series, I decided that I would grace myself to buy this book.

As the cover may give away, this book is about Four also known as Tobias. Starting off from his own choosing ceremony, this book tells Tobias's own point of view of what happened during the Divergent series. Even in the books, Tobias is portrayed as a bit of a mysterious figure, especially in the first book. Meanwhile, this book tells all about it's namesake.

Veronica Roth is undoubtedly an excellent writer and has entertained multiple people, teens and adults alike, round the world. I actually love how she could turn her bestselling series and retell it in another character's point of view. In fact, I admire it. It's not easy to rewrite something you've already wrote. In some cases, it may even be harder than to write something completely new again. In order to rewrite it in another characters point of view requires a lot of in depth thinking about the character, as you switch main characters. It shows the connection and understanding Veronica Roth has of her characters, and how much character development and thought she put into them. In no way are either Tris nor Tobias flat characters. They are most definitely round, and come to life on the pages. As someone who highly enjoys character development, I really thoroughly enjoyed this book, seeing the Divergent series through Tobias's eyes again.

I recommend this book to anyone who has read the Divergent series. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you should track down the Divergent series and read it!

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

Awake and Dreaming by Kit Pearson

Confession time! I only took this book because it was by Kenneth Oppel. Alright! On with the show!

Awake and Dreaming is yet another family oriented novel. Written by Kit Pearson, it deals with friends, loneliness, and the meaning of family. Theo, the main character, can't stop dreaming about belonging to a 'real' family. With an irresponsible, young, mother, Theo feels trapped within her poverty-stricken life. Therefore, when she is mysteriously adopted into the large, warm Kaldor family, her dream is suddenly brought to life. Yet such things cannot last forever. Too soon, she finds herself back with her mother, and her new life starts to fade away. Was it a dream? Will  Theo ever be able to find her perfect family?

I have to say that it was indeed a touching book, but it had moments where it left my slightly baffled. For example, how could Theo think that was a dream?? Also, the ending slightly left me in doubts as well. Overall, a good book with a few faulty details. I wouldn't go as far as to say that it didn't make sense, however.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy reading about families and finding the meaning of having a true family. I also recommend it to people who enjoyed 'Waiting for Normal' as it is pretty similar. Just because it's a Puffin Classic doesn't mean you should be fazed by it! It's a good read, not overly emotional so it won't make you cry, but you'll definitely close the book with a smile.

***I give this book a 8.4 out of 10***

Taking the Reins by Dayle Campbell Gaetz

Yep, I'm back. With a horse book. It was bound to happen sometime, so I guess the time is now. I got this book for free, out of my book camp, but at first, I had my doubts-- on whether or not I would actually come to enjoy this book,

Set in the 1860s, I didn't expect myself to be reading a book set on the past, due to my seeming unwillingness to go back into the tales of history. However, I didn't mind it so much in this book, since it didn't have to do with the history, but rather the adventure. I was especially interested in this story due to the setting of British Columbia. It's set in the very place I am living in right now, which I thought was interesting. Therefore, I picked it up, and decided that I would give it a shot. Telling the tale of two girls and a horse, Taking the Reins is a wonderful story about ingenuity, courage, friendship, and the love of a horse.

Our two characters, Katherine and Emma are very different from one another. Katherine was lead to British Columbia by a father who wished to obtain free farm land, yet knew nothing of farming, while Emma's father left Emma and her mother to chase the fantasy of gold. Living in poverty, Emma's story is not a warm one, while Katherine has lived comparatively comfortably, give or take a few unfortunate events. Although they are much different from one another, they must help each other as their situations are getting more and more desperate. Could Nugget, the beautiful bay mare that brought them together in the first place be able to help them solve their differences?

Dayle Campbell Gaetz is an author like no other. Although her story doesn't have the complexity of a sci-fi novel or the shrouding air of mystery from mystery novels, her book contains the magic of friendship, love, and horses. She has sealed what matters most into the writing. Heart.

I recommend this book to horse lovers and adventure lovers alike. Perhaps even to the people who just want to disappear into a really good story one day.

***I give this book a 9.1 out of 10***

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

"If you ain't scared, you ain't human.'

As many people probably know already, The Maze Runner by James Dashner is coming out into theaters soon. Therefore, sales of this books have rocketed, as everyone is trying to read the book before the movie comes out. I am, in fact, one of those people. I saw the trailer, even though I did know of this series beforehand, I hadn't gone out of my way to read it. After watching the trailer, I inquired towards a friend whether or not it was a worthwhile read, and she responded that the first book was great, but the same couldn't be said for the next books. After a bit of contemplation, I decided to read it.

I am now going to make the blandest of the bland statements. I liked it. It wasn't like 'OMG IT'S BEAUTIFUL AND A WORK OF ART' amazing like The Fault in Our Stars or Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl, but none the less, it was a good read. It entertained, and sucked you into the Labyrinth. In my opinion, it's a bit like the Hunger Games, especially the end. There are parts where it gets slightly boring, but for the most part, it's pleasantly action packed, whether they be fighting Grievers or trying to puzzle a way out. 

Meet our main character, Thomas. When he wakes up in a lift, his memory is gone. The one thing he can remember is his name. And he's surrounded by other boys. Their memories, also gone. Yet somehow, Thomas is not like the rest of the boys. When he comes, everything starts to change. He brings something no one in the Glade has thought to have before. Curiosity. All the boys stay in the Glade, a small area in the middle of the Maze. Around the Glade are towering walls. Over them? An ever shifting maze. There's no way out but the maze. Yet no one's ever made it. Then, one day a girl arrives. The very first girl ever. And with her she bring a mysterious and haunting message.

'Remember. Run. Survive.'

James Dashner wrote a bewitching tale of a group of boys, a girl, and a maze. Will they be able to make it out alive? Read on and watch the movie.

***I give this book a 8.4 out of 10!***

The Secret Language of Horses by Heather Dunphy

Your horse obsessed girl back to help you with your riding! ...Jokes. I couldn't help myself with my own riding, never mind you at this point in time... I'm going to be completely honest with you. I got this book only because I really really wanted that free shipping from Chapters. So I bought the cheapest book I thought I would enjoy, which was this. So now you know-- it's a good price at under $5.

That's not to say it's a bad book. Actually, it's extremely informative from the horse breeds to communication with your horse. I love this book, honestly. It can be useful for the most beginner riders to the riders with their own horse. There is a vast amount of knowledge in the 190 pages within this book, and I suggest that all horse lovers read this. I found that this book actually was pretty similar to the material covered in the English Rider 1 and 2 books, complete with descriptions of horses and stable vices.

Heather Dunphy wrote a book that would benefit most equine lovers, and most people will walk away from this book with at least one thing new. I think it was well-put together and it was an entertaining and informative read. I recommend this book to all people who love horses, and all the horse owners. You might find that within the pages of this small encyclopedia, you might find the key to finally getting to know what your horse is saying.With lots of tips and equine facts, I particularly liked this book due to its size.

Most encyclopedias are grossly huge. Take WorldBook, for instance. How many volumes makes the whole encyclopedia?? Don't even want to know... On the other hand, this book is light to read, but none the less packed with cool facts and the key to a confident rider and a happy horse.

***I give this book a 9.1 out of 10.***

URL Change

Hi everyone!

This is just a notice that I will be changing my blog's URL to theubb.blogspot.com in a week or so ( September somethingeth ). Therefore, keep an eye out for the URL change, or you can find me by typing in The United Blogdom of Booklovers on Google!

Thanks for stopping by!
Ivy

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Ah, yes. Maggie Stiefvater. I picked this book up because I had decided that I didn't really mind romance stories by Maggie Stiefvater that much (after the Shiver series), and I was interested to see what all this buzz about The Raven Boys was about.

Some people may disagree with me, yet I didn't especially like this book. Actually, I think it would be pretty accurate to say that it completely lost me. By the middle of the book I felt like I was in the labyrinth. By the end of the book I was just too mad to care about what happened to Blue and Gansey and Adam and whatever. This was my mentality: '....what? .....What??? ....WHAT? Wait what whatever, this book doesn't even make sense. Rage-quit...' What have I got to say about myself? Ah well. What have I got to say about the book? Just, whatever.

I'm not going to say this book was terrible. Many people like it after all, and I'm not one to dictate what books people should like and dislike. But I didn't like it. So no flames please, just because I don't like it doesn't mean I'm going around looking for an argument with someone who does. I just found the plot very disorganized, the characters flat, and the story very mildly interesting. To say the least, it was a disappointment from Shiver.

Maggie Stiefvater apparently has her good books and her bad books. I actually enjoyed the Shiver series, but I'm afraid I cannot say the same for The Raven Boys. Sure, the plot is very complex, but in my opinion, poorly carried out. The beauty of good writing is that the authour is able to guide their readers through a labyrinth to the end without loosing people. Which, she clearly failed to do for me...

I still recommend this to romance lovers and plot-twist lovers as many people seem to enjoy this book, much much much more than I did. And if you liked this book? Good for you-- now go read the second book-- The Dream Thieves.

***I give this book a 6.5 out of 10***

W.A.R.P The Hangman's Revolution by Eoin Colfer

The Hangman's Revolution is the sequel to the book The Reluctant Assassin, if you haven't read that, please don't spoil this for yourself and take the time to read it before going on to this one. They're both very interesting reads, I can assure you.

Eoin Colfer has been one of my favourite, if not favourite, author for a long time. Ever since I've read the Artemis Fowl series, I've made a point to try to hunt down all his books. Lucky for me, he started a new series right about then!

Now, if you've read The Reluctant Assassin, I'm assuming that you are already aware of our dear two characters, Chevron (aka Chevie) and Riley. However, unlike the last story, this book tells things from Chevie's world. Instead of being in Riley's time, Victorian England, she's back in her time England. Yet this England is a lot more different than the one she left. This England is run by followers of the Colonel Box, who control the country through intimidation and terror, Unfortunately, Chevie soon loses bits of her memory due to this present day timeline, and has difficulty in remembering her past history. That is, until she is again, turned back to the past. There, she meets up with Riley again. With the help of Riley and a few unlikely allies, she ventures into London's catacombs and derail the plans of the charismatic leader who is intent on using his knowledge of the future to seize power.

Eoin Colfer is well known (to me, anyways) for his intricate plots and plot twists. I honestly love his Artemis Fowl series like there is no tomorrow, and although I don't love this series as much as I love the Artemis Fowl series, I've got to say that it is an excellent read and that I recommend to anyone and everyone. Whether you have the need for a good book to read or you're just plain bored, Eoin Colfer will never fail to entertain. I suggest that teens read this, as the writing style may be slightly hard to get for kids.

***I give this book a 9.45 out of 10!***

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

'Katherine V thought boys were gross.

Katherine X just wanted to be friends.

Katherine XVIII dumped him through an email.

K-19 broke his heart.'

When it comes to dating girls, Colin has a very peculiar taste. He likes girls named Katherine. Yet they don't always seem to exactly like him back. After all, he has been dumped... Nineteen times, to be exact...

Let's put this in the clear. John. Green. Is. Amazing. I cannot stress that enough. Honestly, biggest respects to him, I love all his books, from The Fault in Our Stars to Looking For Alaska, I am honestly such a big fan of him. Besides, his and his brother's Crashcourse have helped me on tests countless numbers of times... I am proud to say that I have read every single book he's written (that I know of). Forget Stephenie Meyer. John Green keeps me entertained as well as keeps me on top of my tests for science and history. Can't get much better than that!

In An Abundance of Katherines, John Green once again unleashes his witty humor and his talent with anagrams (such like Word Nerd) as well as his ability to weave out a funny, challengingly complex and unpredictable story.

Colin is no ordinary guy. He's an 'anagram happy, washed up' prodigy. As you read through the book, you will take a look into his highly intriguing mind, and stick with his as he pursues his mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability. That is, the theorem which Colin hopes will protect the future of relationships everywhere and avenge Dumpees, all the while finally winning him the girl. Ridiculous, yes, but that's only half the fun. Welcome to the world of Colin, his fat friend, Hassan (he is very entertaining, by the way), and snarky Lindsey. 

I recommend this to every teen, especially anyone who enjoys a bit of math humour. However, I don't recommend this to kids as it does have some coarse language (mostly from Hassan and Lindsey... Dingleberries?) This book will have you face-palming and laughing in exasperation before you know it.

***I give this book a 9.89 out of 10!***

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

'Frighteningly beautiful.

Dangerously strong.

Breathtakingly fast.'

The series that I am, indeed, still working on. The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld certainly is a series that most people will thoroughly enjoy. I, for one, am enjoying them right now, although I cannot say whether or not I will enjoy the next book, Extras. However, Scott Westerfeld hasn't let me down so far...

A perfect book for any teen that liked the Divergent trilogy, Scott Westerfeld weaves a series about a girl who is testing the boundaries of her world. Revolutionary, sassy, and very dumb at some times, Tally makes an intriguing main character. 

This is the third book in the series: it goes Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and then Extras. I highly, actually I insist that you read the first book before you go on to the next books, as without the first book, you shall be utterly, irreversibly... lost. So, please don't read this review until you have read up to Pretties! Thanks!

Alright, going on~

Tally, our main character has been turned into a Special. A super-amped fighting machine, engineered to keep uglies down and the pretties stupid. Yet something still nags at her-- her memories of something else. Yet it's such a small thing that she finds it easy to tune it out. That is, it's easy until she gets the chance to wipe out the rebels of the New Smoke. Permanently. She must make the choice whether to listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or to carry out the mission that has been programmed into her. Whichever choice she makes, Tally will never be the same again.

I recommend this book to teens who enjoys breathtaking action, dramatic suspense, and a good story to read. Scott Westerfeld really outdoes himself with this great book packed with action!

***I give this book a 8.99 out of 10!***

So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

I seem to get a hold of all the intriguing books these days.... This book, again, is slightly hard to explain. But I shall try.

Every trend starts somewhere-- every way of doing something is originated from something or rather someone. Have you ever stopped to wonder who the first kid to wash their jean in acid was? Or even the kid to wear way-too-big pants on purpose? How about the first guy who wore his cap on backwards? These are all trends that spiral around the modern world like wildfire. So who started it all?

Meet the innovators. The Innovators are the ones at the top of the 'cool pyramid'. The pops in high school. Right below them on the 'cool pyramid' settles the Trendsetters. Hunter Braque, a seven teen year old, is a Trendsetter. His job? Simple: find the newest, coolest thing for the retail markets.
His MO is to observe but don't get involved. Pretty sweet, right? That's until his boss vanishes. Soon Hunter, and Jen, his crush, are caught up in a web of brand-name intrigue. That is, a missing cargo of the coolest shoes they have ever seen, and ads for products that don't even seem to exist. And in any good book, there's a shadowy group. This group is focused on the downfall of consumerism as we know it.

 Author of the Uglies series as well as Peeps, Scott Westerfeld enraptures the attentions of many teens around the world, sucking them into the worlds of his characters. Although compared to the Uglies series, Peeps and So Yesterday are less popular by far, it doesn't mean that they aren't good books. I personally really enjoyed this book!

I recommend this book to any teens, especially the ones who enjoy a bit of dramatic adventure mixed in with a teensy bit of romance. It's a hilarious book with serious undertones, and I highly enjoyed it

*** I give this book a 8.4 out of 10!***

OCD, The Dude, and Me a novel by Lauren Roedy Vaughn

'Here is my current loop of obsessive thoughts:

1.) It bothers me to think about all the upcoming school events that I will be alone for. 

2.)I hate that kids cut in front of me in the lunch line, quickly whipping out their phones so they don't have to talk to me. 

3.)The memory of that day in PE where I was the only person who couldn't run the mile without taking breaks. My classmates, possessed of personal trainers and taut physiques, finished the run in like two seconds. I was gaspoing for air and so sweaty that they probably took bets on whether or not I'd die of a heart attack right before their eyes. I had hoped I would.'

A truly fascinating book. Hilarious, slightly crude, and extremely entertaining, this book is bound to captivate you.

I'm not exactly sure how to describe this book, as it is such a fascinating read, but one thing is totally true. Danielle is certainly and hopelessly OCD. Now, it's not like the 'oh you're so OCD because you need to print stuff out' OCD, but rather 'my mind needs to be organized and stacked in little piles of organized-ness (and yes I am fully aware that that is not a real word) that if I were to talk about it, it would disrupt the organized-ness of my mind' OCD. Not sure if that made any sense, but if it didn't oh well. Welcome to this novel.

Confusing and at the same time very very entertaining, OCD, The Dude, and Me is kind of like a journal explaining the on-goings of Danielle Levine's mental and physical life. And boy, is it interesting! Follow our slightly over-weight, completely OCD protagonist through her archives which consist of essays, rants, journals, e-mails, and other written exchanges. Whoever said being a teen was easy never was OCD.

Lauren Roedy Vaughn writes a great piece that every teen, whether or not you're OCD or not, can connect with. Because honestly, you think you have it bad? At least you're not OCD (no offence, Danielle). This is a book all teens will be able to reflect on. For example, the third thing in her 'loop of obsessive thoughts'? How I feel every PE class.....

I recommend this book to any teens who are feeling like life's not going in their favour (which it rarely actually is). All I can say is... I wish I had an English teacher as nice as that...

***I give this book a 8.7 out of 10!***

Owning It: Stories About Teens with Disabilities Edited by Donald R. Gallo

I'm not sure what brought me to taking this book out from the library, but it may have been my love for The Fault in Our Stars.And honestly, I am do not regret picking it up. It's an amazing read that will touch you deeply. Covering Tourette's to cancer, it's honestly a set of downright amazing stories. Personally, my favourite was either Gail Giles's comical and informative story on Alex, who has Tourette's, or Robert Lipsyte's story on an elite task force whose number-one enemy is cancer. Hilarious yet stirring at the same time, these ten stories by ten different authoring will leave you with a lot on your mind.

Kudos to David Lubar (Here's To Good Friends), Gail Giles (Tic and Shout), Julie Anne Peters (Triclops), Chris Crutcher (Under Control), Brenda Woods (Way Too Cool), Ron Koertge (Good Gands), Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson (See You), Rene Saldana Jr. (Fatboy and Skinnybones), Alex Flinn (Braniac), and Rober Lipsyte (Let's Hear it for Fire Team Bravo) for being able to intuitively give us readers an insight into the life of a teen with a 'disability' (because I really honestly don't think cancer can be called a disability...). All of them are well written in their own little ways, and I think that they are all really interesting to read, whether or not they be exactly how they 'teens with disabilities' feel.

I think that the authors did do a rather good job of telling stories through the eyes of a disabled teen (I really despise that phrase...) but I can't be the judge of that, as I haven't fought with cancer, nor do I have asthma. However, I can relate with all the teens in the book-- life really does look desolate sometimes. But always think: Superman lent me his cape/ Didn't fit/ Had to weave my own/ From steely dreams/ Here I come. So here's to living on through hardships. Show some moxie!

Some of the stories in this book are slightly confusing, whether that be slightly confusing in the writing itself, or whether it be because that's the author's interpretation of the mind of their character, I'm not sure. However, you cannot dismiss the amazing content of this story. Although the stories are all slightly heartbreaking sometimes disguised with humor, they're all survival stories.

''Cancer can kill you, but you don't have to kiss its butt.'

Everyone needs to read this book-- honestly, it's an amazing book that will really peel your eyes open to the world of teens and their hardships. I guarantee that you will love it, especially so if you have read The Fault in Our Stars and enjoyed it. Honestly, this is a great book that I think many people will enjoy. If you don't enjoy it, it will at least be an eye opener. Maybe the next time you decide to pick on the blind guy or the girl who's suffering from brain damage, you'll think twice.

I'll leave you with my favorite excerpt from this book. And yes. It's hilarious. If you read the whole story.

'"Welcome to Fire Team Bravo," I said, grabbing his hand and pumping it. "I'm Sergeant Moxie, your team leader."

"What?" He stared at me.

"Team means you're not alone. brothers got your back."

He snarled, "Get out."

"I like that-- you're a fighter. All you need to know right now is that cancer can kill you, but you don't have to kiss its butt. Later I'll give you some poems to read. What's your name?"

His mouth was so dry his tongue clicked. Scared spitless. "Connor."

"What kind of name is that?" said my Intel chief, Maverick. 

"We'll fix it," I said.'

***I give this book a 9.7 out of 10, hands down. Great book!***

Peeps by Scott Westerfield

Errrrrmmmm... Yes, interesting picture don't you think? Eheheh....

I'm sure many out there know much of an amazing author Scott Westerfeld is. Author of the 'Uglies' series, his books have entertained a wide range of readers. So, I decided to pick up this book, as a fan of the Uglies series myself. I'm not sure how I feel about that decision now...

Mind you, Scott Westerfeld is, by no doubt, an amazing author. His writing is captivating and rich, and always appeals to a wide audience. However, I have very.... Mixed, opinions on vampires ever since Twilight happened (honestly, sparkling in the sun?! Still can't get over that...). Needless to say, this book has been the best vampire book I've read in a while.

Before you can wonder, or ask, for that matter, yes, this novel is about vampires. Or Peeps, as Cal Thompson says. Except... slightly different.

"Okay, let's clear up some myths about vampires. First of all, you won't see me using the V-Word much. In the night watch, we prefer the term Parasite Positives, or peeps for short.

The main thing to remember is that there's no magic involved. No flying, no transforming into bats or rats either. We're talking about a disease."

In this world of Scott Westerfeld, Vampirism is a syndrome. And like any regular syndrome, there's a cause, a cure, and immunity. This parasite travels through any intimate contact. Including kissing and anything... more intimate than that. Unfortunately for Cal Thompson, after one night with a mysterious woman, he's infected. The good thing? He's one of the lucky immune ones-- a carrier, you could say. He's still sane and doesn't suffer all the symptoms. Just the good stuff-- advanced hearing, speed, an exceptionally good sense of smell... The bad thing is that his former girlfriends aren't immune. And now they're infected. So obviously Cal now has to track them down before they can make more vampires...

In a lovely book full of plot twists, Scott Westerfeld again demonstrates his stunning ability to weave an intricate tale. It's both a medical thriller as it is science fiction, and still at the same time, a light read with only 279 pages. Slim and easy to absorb, I guarantee that it will entertain you, whether you be vampire freak or not. Oh, and by the way? Just keep an eye out for peeps...

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the Uglies series, and anyone who enjoys some face paced action, medical crises, and peeps.

***I give this book a 9.2 out of 10!***

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Note: The Eternity Code by Julie Kagawa is the second book in the Blood of Eden series. Again, it is suggested that you read the first book: The Immortal Rules, first, as it is a series. Also, if you wish to read more books by Julie Kagawa, her The Iron Fey series is also very popular, although personally I don't like it. If you haven't read the first book to this series, STOP, unless you want spoilers!

Alright... On with the review.

"In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood."

Ahh.... the beauty of quotes... Let's see... where to begin...

I didn't especially like this book. I know I know. Another book I didn't like. This one's a bit of a different case though. I just don't like Julie Kagawa's writing style. But I started the series, so guess what? I have to finish it. 

Telling a story about a girl named Allison, also known as Allie, who was human and got turned into a vampire.  Now she's kicked from her town, Eden, and has to follow the tracks of her creator, or the one that turned her, Kanin. Little does she know that this journey will lead her back to her birthplace, New Covington. What she discovers there will change the whole world forever-- perhaps even ending human and vampire existence. A new plague is on the rise-- a strain of Red Lung virus that wiped out most humans generations ago, and this strain is fatal to both humans and vampires. The only way to prevent mass extinction is by reaching Kanin in time to reveal the secrets that he carries. What will happen when immortality is no longer forever?

Sure, it's a very catchy and interesting plot line-- in fact the, plot is amazing. It's complex, intriguing, and all that jazz. The one thing is that the writing is so... slow. Things don't have enough action, she takes too long getting places, and it's just not quality writing. If you can brave the boring, you'll be rewarded with the great twists in the plot-line, but unfortunately, I can't. I just don't like this book very much....

I recommend this book, if I had to, to teenagers who enjoy vampires, and anyone who enjoyed reading the Iron Fey series, because then obviously, you enjoy her style of writing.

***I give this book a 7.9 out of 10***

A Series of Fortunate Rides-- The Future Close and Far: My Horseback Riding Tales

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Click Here for Part Two

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Study study study study study study...

Well now that we're all caught up with my present, I guess we could move on towards the future. What am I thinking of in my riding future other than getting broke? That's a good question... I guess a part of me wants to at least get to the level that I could become a horseback riding coach, although my final destination would to become a vet. That being said having another option open is never a bad idea, and I do really love riding, so I decided to start taking the English Rider tests. There goes another $80 or so... *sigh* That's just too bad. When horseback riding, money has always been the problem for me. Money and time... However... If you, dear readers, take pity on me, there is a way for you to help me out. How? Hmmm....

You see, my blog is hooked up to Google Ads. That being said, I get money every time someone clicks on an ad. Therefore, even if you just take the time to give an ad a click, I may get up to a dollar! And I mean it, every cent counts. However, the biggest present of all is that someone actually takes the time to read about my life... Thank you everyone!

Back to horseback riding.... This month, I will be attempting to take my Rider 1 and my Rider 2 exam. :3 The riding part will hardly be any difficultly, I don't think, but the written part will have it's own problems for me. Including cramps. According to Jen, the test is written in essay format, not multiple choice. I will have to walk in completely prepared for the test. In order to pass, I need to get at least 70%. Better than a driver's test, but in another way, worse....

I am hoping to continue horseback riding at least once a month after summer comes and goes, as I really do wish to get better. However, I seem to be in need of a laptop as well. I need your help-- should I get a MackBook Air, or a package of 10 riding lessons? Please, make sure to vote on the poll above, if you wish to share your opinion with me! 

All I have to say about my riding now, is that... I'll keep trying, and thank you, parents, for letting me ride and driving me to my stables every week. I really really appreciate it. It's a sport that I'm not going to give up on any time soon, and I promised myself to never abandon. I personally think it's a great way to exercise, as well as make new friends! Some people believe that dogs are man's best friends, but to me, Teddy is much closer than any dog I've ever met. All the horses and people that I have spent my time with during the time I've been riding have made their way straight into my heart. Love them all: Teddy, Crystal, Gretchen, Charm, Sebastian, Chester, Julia, Izzy, and last but not least, Jen. Dear Jen with the heart of a horse, and yet still managed to scare me every now and then.... Heh... She's determined, strict, understanding, and compassionate, and has got me totally head over heels about riding.

There are times, undoubtedly, where I ran into setbacks, whether that be not having enough money to ride, or having to master a hard gait (ahem sitting trot, I'm talking to you...), but I've pushed past them, with only a few falls. And in the future, I look forward to spending even more time with all the horses and people that made my own dream of riding possible, and keep fueling it now! Time and time again, I remind myself...

"No one ever drowned in their own sweat."

What doesn't kill me makes me stronger, right? So far, I don't seem to have died yet. Not to mention that I am insanely in debt to my parents for feeding my riding urge for until now, piling on hay loads of money towards a sport that I really thought would end at 'recreational...' Again, I thought my dancing would end at recreational as well... Not to mention driving me, buying me my apparel, and just being there for me!

Last but not least! Thank you, reader, for taking the time of your busy day to read about... Me? It's really much much appreciated, and if any of you are interested in riding..... How should I phrase this...

Go get 'em, tiger!

Ciao for now!

Love,

Ivy

Rest in peace dear Sierra. You were an extremely sweet horse with a gentle, kind, compassionate character. You will be very missed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*End of Part Five*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

( For now. ;) )

A Series of Fortunate Rides-- In Another Life: My Horseback Riding Tales

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Click Here for Part Two

Click Here for Part Three

Pretty good picture, don't you agree?

Isn't my stables absolutely beautiful in the summer? I think so too. Chester's the one with the fly mask on, and Crystal the one in the paddock next to him. I can never really get over how astoundingly.... large my stable is. Nowadays, this place is my life on Sundays. Horses, the prickly feel of hay, and the hot sun beating down on my back are what makes me me. Summer months are always so hot, but this summer, I don't mind it so much. Sure, the mosquitoes bug me, and my whole shorts and tees outfit doesn't do me good when I try to work with hay, but at least it means I can spend more time with horses.... I think my recount on horseback riding lessons is nearly over-- you are all pretty caught up to the present day rider in me.

I was back at my stables this summer, much to my delight. I paid half the amount to fund for my riding package of 10 with the money I managed to save up from tutoring and such. Making money is unfortunately very hard... I do love riding, it's just like it's an extremely expensive sport, and I don't have an abundance of time to use on making money. To be honest, it's a big hassle trying to manage dancing, sword fighting, and studying in the first place. So what in the seven heavens is keeping me from throwing my hands up and calling it quits? I. Have. No. Clue. I love riding, love horses, and just cannot seem to tear myself away from me. It's like a drug, in all honesty. So I save up, buy a package, and treasure my lessons, and savor them. And for the rest of the time that I'm not in a lesson? I'm just helping out around the stable, whether that be grazing horses, grooming horses, or just sitting in a lesson with Jen. Anything to be around horses. Am I useful around the place? Ha... I frankly have no clue... It's mostly for my own enjoyment, but if it helps out others, I'd be more than happy to comply.

During this batch of ten lessons, I was put into a group with a boy named Joe. I'm sure that it'll end up mixing at the back of my brain as 'that package that I did with Joe', but for now, I'm just working on enjoying it. I have some very exciting news, though! Remember Izzy? Yes, Izzy from all the way back then? Well, it seems that I may be able to ride with her again!!! *squeals in delight* I'm really looking forward to getting back with the very first person I ever horseback rode with!!! I'd really love riding with her again. I also see Julia pretty much every week. I'm in touch with everyone for the most part, which is nice.

For now, I'm just soaking in the time I can spend with horses, whether that be when I'm feeding them or riding them, but I honestly fell in love with these graceful creatures super fast. I'm looking forward to both the close and far future!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*End of Part Four*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Click Here for Part Five

A Series of Fortunate Rides-- The Long Waits: My Horseback Riding Tales

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Click Here for Part Two

And that image, I think, basically sums up what I did during my months off horseback riding lessons.... Unfortunately due to my busy school schedule, I was unable to ride every week, and I would have a cooling off period every time my package of 10 lessons ended.

Then, one magical day, I would be right back at the stables, excitement boiling over, and itching to get back on a horse. And get back on a horse I did. I'd eagerly clamber back onto the saddle, ready for a another lesson. Reflecting on it now, I don't even really clearly remember the past lessons. I'm sure I enjoyed every single one of them thoroughly (although the amount of enjoyment I got from doing sitting trot is slightly debatable...) it's just that all of them kind of... mush together. I don't remember precisely down what on each day. In my mind, it's become organized into packages. The package of 10 I did in the summer with Izzy, the package of 10 I did with Julia, and the package of 10 I'm riding right now with Joe. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I did cantering, sitting trot, poles, jumps, grids, and all that. 

The one lesson I can remember clear as day is the day I fell of my horse. Three times. Well, the last time was more of an accidental dismount more than a fall so... I praise the stars that I had been riding Charm that day, rather than Teddy. Charm is a very sweet old mare that is much much much smaller than Teddy, and much slower than Teddy at that... Teddy has a real gas pedal when it comes to when he actually gets going, while Charm.... Not so much. I ended up not having enough pace with her, got a refusal from a fence, and fell off. Only to get back on, and fall off. Again. Welp. That's embarrassing. Thanks to my slightly scary enthusiastic riding teacher though, I managed to get back on, and by the end of the lesson, I had gotten the jumping course done. It was a necessary lesson though. Thanks to that lesson, I got the whole 'putting your heel down is a good thing in riding' lesson through my head..

Looking back at my riding lessons just a few months before, I note that I actually did get better. Slowly, without me really noticing it, I got to be better rider. I could jump higher, getting a smoother gallop, trot for longer, and my overall look on the horse got better. And with each lesson, each second, each tick tock of the clock, I fell more in love with horses. Yep, I know. Digging my own grave.

As I said before, horseback riding is a magical sport that allows you to form bonds that you would never have thought you could make, and opens you to a world that you would never have thought you could get to experience. Thrilling, exciting and exhausting all at once, it's a sport like no other. Honestly, what other sport can get you working with such empathetic creatures as horses? In fact to me, it was like a new style of life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*End of Part Three*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Click Here for Part Four
Click Here for Part Five