The Night Circus (2011) by Erin Morgenstern

Amazon.com

Bravo!  Well done!  I clap my hands in applause!  To read The Night Circus is to easily slip into the black and white mysterious world of vintage magic, dreamy imagery, enigmatic characters, and infinite possibilities that Morgenstern creates to every detail without flaw.  And I mean every detail of this book is magical even down to the writing on the circus tickets and business cards.  There are a variety of characters all enticing enough to be your favorite and these vivid characters will continue to haunt you even after you’ve turned the last page.  This book is scrumptious like and old black and white film except not old but new and vibrant in its monochrome.  This is a book for the senses and every drop should be enjoyed.  This is not a book you rush through; you enjoy the journey and then are immensely rewarded with the end of the story.

The reader feels as though they are entering and experiencing the exhibits of the circus among the intricate weaving storyline of stories within stories acting independently when they are not.  You follow the lives of many characters; among them are Marco and Celia, around whom the circus was created.  They are the products of rival magicians and are bound from childhood to compete against each other using the circus as a venue.  The rules and how to win the competition is a mystery to them both.  It also complicates things as the opponents begin to grow found of each other.  As the story unfolds you learn more about the night circus and the countless lives it touches. You also learn that there are unknown consequences of the night circus to all involved.

UK Amazon.com

Really an imaginative work of literature this is the closest in writing that I’ve ever read that has actually put into words what is seen in the imagination.  It points to truths about life and the possibilities and real magic inherent in life that unfortunately so many people either don’t see or choose to ignore.  It is about making what seems to be impossible… possible, which is an underlying message whispered throughout.  Follow your dreams.  Nothing is impossible.

By the time I got to Part V of the book my only thought was “Genius!”  The writer herself could be called an illusionist.  I can see why Summit Entertainment already has the rights to the movie and if they do this movie right it will win Best Picture.  The colors depicted in this novel are vibrant even the whites and blacks.  Absolutely vibrant!

This book has been compared to Harry Potter and Twilight but I feel that it is something else entirely and is much darker and more mature than its comparisons.

This is a great story for adults to enjoy as it is intricate and mature but also carries a flavor for the adolescent and I think most of the story could even be read to fascinated children.

In all, I can see this book inspiring many more like it.  I can see this book inspiring new fashions and art.  This would be a wonderfully fun book to do for a book club that could incorporate the festive and fun themes from the book.  Your readers become rêveurs decked in black and white with a touch of red.

Spectacular Spectacular!  Invigorating.  Enchanting.  Beautiful and Sad.  An Amazing Story!

Happy Reading ;)

~FindItGirl

God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours (2011) by Regina Brett

Amazon

            So after a rough summer, and just coming out of a fog of depression, I followed my heart and it lead me to Barnes and Nobles where it then lead me to the café and had me order a grande chai tea latte.  Yum!  And then my heart lead me to browse the store when I stumbled across this book in bright holy orange screaming with glory at me GOD NEVER BLINKS!  I was compelled to pick this book up and see what it was all about.  I opened it up to a lesson.  Lesson 31 No Matter How Good or How Bad a Situation Is, It Will Change.  Brett begins this lesson by quoting a friend for saying “Life is rough, wear a helmet.”  And I laughed to myself thinking, “Yeah, she got that one right.”

Flipping around many lesson titles caught my eye:  Lesson 20 When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.  Lesson 21 Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.  Don’t save anything for a special occasion.  Today is special enough.  Lesson 23 Be eccentric now.  Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.  Lesson 27 Always choose life. Lesson 28 Forgive everyone everything.  Lesson 18 A writer is someone who writes.  If you want to be a writer, write (this lesson really made me laugh as Brett lists all the things that will not make you a writer and I can so relate to many of the things us writers do besides actually writing our novel)  Lesson 29 What other people think of you is none of your business.  Lesson 11 Make peace with your past so it doesn’t screw up your present.  Lesson 3 Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.  Lesson 4 Don’t take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.  Lesson 17 You can get through anything life hands you if you stay put in the day you are in and don’t jump ahead…  And the lessons go on and on.

Just standing there in the store briefly reading over different lessons that caught my eye also caught my heart, these lessons were making my heart swell and some were making me laugh, and some just made me feel included in the common events that effect all of humanity.  I knew right away I had to buy this book and I had to buy it now.  I did not care that I was going to pay full price for it.  I needed the lessons in this book and I wasn’t going to wait for Amazon to send it to me!

You don’t have to read this book in any particular order, although I started from the beginning after my jumping around in the store and read the book from lesson 1 to 50, but you can absolutely skip around to the lessons that grab you on any particular moment.  The lessons are short too, averaging around 4 to 5 pages.  They are perfect little snippets to remind you of who you are and how miraculous life is and how lucky we all are to witness it.  But really, if you are having a bad day this is the book for you.  It is the cure for bad days.

And just like what I experienced browsing this book in the store I experienced at home while reading.  My heart often swelled, I cried, and I laughed as I followed the lessons of Regina Brett’s life.  She openly and honestly shares her life, her joys, her success, and the mistakes she’s made.  She shares stories about the people in her life all shaping her lessons.  And her lessons encompass many topics such as saving money, sex, relationships, parenting, dealing with ones own parents, being angry, God, dropping out of college because of getting pregnant, surviving cancer, living life to the fullest, following your dreams, and even the law of attraction (thinking positive thoughts which will bring positive things into your life.  Read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne if you want to learn more about the law of attraction).

When I first starting reading this book one of my immediate thoughts was I should have picked up more copies.  I really think this is the kind of book that many people could benefit from reading or be comforted by reading.  Although Brett is religious and Christian, readers from any faith or no faith will enjoy this read because it speaks of the core of human understanding and life, which can be touched regardless of individual beliefs.

Also, this is a book that can be savored over time.  I enjoyed picking it up and reading a lesson or two and soaking those lessons up for a while before finding the book again at another time.  I would leave it here and there about the house.  Even my husband would pick it up and read from it from time to time; he also concurred that it was actually a really good book.

So I hope this book finds its way into your hands or the hands of someone who needs it and that it is enjoyed.

Happy Reading :)

~FindItGirl

After reading a book comprised of 50 life lessons it makes me wonder what my 50 life lessons would look like.  In fact I am tempted to write a 50 lesson book to pass down to my own kids one day.  If you are interested in one of my lessons read the previous blog post entitled My Number 1 Life Lesson:  Follow Your Heart and Everything ElseWill Fall Into Place

What are some of your life lessons?

My Number 1 Life Lesson: Follow Your Heart and Everything Else Will Fall Into Place

            I had been feeling a little beat down by life this past summer.  I was supposed to have a baby and deliver this November.  I was supposed to start my Master of Library Science degree this fall.  Unfortunately, after dealing with two months of intense all-day pregnancy nausea and just crossing into the second trimester when the fear of losing your baby is supposed to have passed, I lost my child.  My child was diagnosed with a condition that is incompatible for life and for health reasons my pregnancy was terminated.  Before all this, when I was blissfully ignorant of my child’s condition but ill with nausea I decided to postpone my education till the fall of 2012.  I was just too sick and vapid to continue to fill out the proper documentation to continue with school this year.  In the end, I was left with no child and not even the event of starting school to look forward to.  A year that was supposed to be full of wonderful, exciting, and new experiences had in effect been taken away from me.  Instead loomed an empty year.  At least that’s sometimes how I viewed the situation

            And so I went grabbing for anything to fill this year up with.  I thought, “I’ll go back into teaching!  Why waste a year?  Why not make some extra money?”  Note that I wasn’t thinking anything close to having a passion for teaching children English.  I worked really hard at building my teaching resume back up.  I worked really hard at creating responses and essays for detailed applications for teaching jobs.  I got calls and I went on a few interviews.  And I did well at these interviews.  But it didn’t take me long to realize that, again, teaching just is not my passion.  I used to find it easier to ignore my passions in life but lately they will not be ignored.  If I so much as look in a direction different from my passion something inside me screams and rattles and makes me feel miserable until it gets me to recognize that I am looking in the wrong direction.  All of life around me seems to become dark and cold when I am looking away from my passions.  Life seems to close up and lock down when I am looking away from my passions.  Even though being a teacher would make life so much easier for me.  I already have the degree, the training, the experience, I can do the job and do it well, and it can bring in big money.  But something about it just isn’t right for me.  Even thinking of it in these beneficial terms brings a sour taste to my mouth.  Why?  Because I am not passionate about it.  It is not my calling.  It is a wonderful profession that I respect very much but it is just not my calling.

            And so on the way to my last teaching interview I finally gave myself permission to not be a teacher.  I finally gave myself permission to stop beating myself up over not wanting to continue teaching.  I did the interview because I felt it would be rude to cancel this late but I did not try to sell myself.  I was polite and answered the questions thoughtfully and truthfully.  And then that was it.  I was released back out into the world, but this time to follow my passions.  And the passion that my heat needle turns to like a compass, what I cannot ignore, what brings sunshine to my days and opens up the world to me, what is rainbows and candy and flowers to me, although it means more schooling, having to pay for schooling, and perhaps a hard time at finding a job, my passion is to become… a librarian.

            My number one lesson in life would be to follow your heart.  This is not an easy thing for all of us to do.  For one, sometimes it is hard to know what your heart wants.  Sometimes it is hard to hear the heart over the loudness of the brain, over logic, over society, over your upbringing.  And it is also hard to follow your heart when it leads you into a direction in which you are blind to the outcome.  It’s scary.  It takes courage.  But from what I know, if you don’t follow your heart your fate will be much worse than the discomfort of the unknown.  No happiness or true satisfaction can come of following a path that is not meant for you and you will know this path is not meant for you because it will not be your passion, it will not consume you with interest and intrigue.

            When you follow your heart life will open up to you and you will find peace, love, happiness, and satisfaction.  It cannot be said where exactly your heart will lead you but know that often it will lead you to a world of opportunities that are more perfect for you and better than you could have ever dreamed or imagined possible.  Just follow your heart.

            I am now determined more than ever to continue to follow my heart and stay on the path that leads me to realizing my dreams.  I was called by one of the schools I interviewed for.  It turned out they were really impressed by me and I was one of their top three candidates for the position of English teacher.  They wanted me for another interview.  Although flattering and never easy to turn down a good opportunity like that I stayed true to my heart and I politely declined the interview.  Amazingly around the same time (and after applying over and over again to every job opening) a library called me in for an interview!!!!  I am going in the right direction.  And with faith I believe I will become a librarian and even more importantly I will have the family that I have always dreamed of having.  I will follow my heart into the darkness for I know great things are to unfold.

~FindItGirl

To Kill A Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee

I had read this book in high school, I think in 9^th grade but remembered nothing except the name “Boo Radley” and for some reason I thought Boo Radley was black.  Then at some point in between high school and now I bought the 40^th anniversary edition of the book at Borders.  I guess I really liked the cover art and the roughed up edges of the pages.  I also bought it because I figured this is supposed to be the book that’s in everybody’s personal library.  I also intended on reading it again.

Well finally, here in September of 2011 I re-read To Kill A Mockingbird for no other reason than I joined a book club and this is this months pick.  I matters well have been reading it for the first time because I swear I remembered nothing of the story and was completely shocked by the stories events.

Amazon

On the back of my particular copy of the book at the top reads, “Voted Best Novel Of The Century By Librarians Across The Country (Library Journal)” but in reading the first hundred pages of the book I really couldn’t fathom why this was voted the best of the century?  So of all the books published from 1900-1999 this was the best???

The story is told by a little girl named Scout Finch.  And she tells the story of the events that happened in her and her family’s life that lead up to her brother Jem getting his elbow broken.  It’s a coming of age novel of Scout and Jem growing up in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930’s.  The story focuses on the curiosities of the people of Maycomb (especially the Radley’s) and the culture of that town.  Many topics subtly come to light in this story: the importance of school vs a home education, the differences of men and women, the ways of children and how they view the world and the adults that don’t understand them, learning that being a lady (or a woman) is more than meets the eye, family lineage and expectations, and the differences and social class divides between people of different socioeconomic statuses.  But most prominent in the story is the topic of race and racism.  The main event on which the plot turns is that Scout’s father, Atticus Finch is defending a black man in court for the rape of a white girl.  As you can imagine in the deep south in the 1930’s this will cause quite a stir in the town and consequences for the Finch family and it does giving the reader a glimpse into another world.

Upon finishing the book I am still not convinced that this is the best book of the 20^th century nor why it is one of Oprah’s favorite books, however I do see why it is a popular book especially for teachers of English.  And I would certainly not oppose to my own children being exposed to this book and at a young age too, I’m thinking between the ages of 12-15 would be a good time to introduce this book to them.  Not only is this book full of good discussion topics for young people, it is also chop full of excellent vocabulary words such as assuage, umbrage, and vapid.  It is a story of moral lessons and doing the right thing.  It is also a story of childish adventure and at times could be quite funny.  I did find myself chuckle out loud at a few parts.  So perhaps what makes this an attractive book to readers is that it tackles a large portion of life and adult topics in an innocent and quite family friendly way; perhaps this is why librarians like it so much, it’ll make most patrons happy.  But for me although it had some interesting parts, and although I could appreciate the story and the innocent humor our little narrator Scout brought to the story, and although there were many surprises for me in the plot… it just isn’t my favorite, not even on the list of top 10 for me.

But regardless of the fact that the book didn’t do it for me, I will still have to recommend it.  Better to be one of the people who can say you’ve read this number one classic than to be the one to bow your head in shame and have to explain why you still haven’t read To Kill A Mockingbird yet.  But besides that it is a well-written book with vivid, alive characters, and a plot that comes full circle and tackles the topics of life.

But what do you think?  Is this one of your favorite books?  And if so what makes it sparkle for you?

Happy Reading :)

~FindItGirl

Librarian Movie!: Party Girl (1995)

Party Girl is a blast from the nineties that is quirky and super funny.  This movie is full of a variety of characters from the uptight godmother librarian, to the Lebanese lover, to the gay friends, the crazy alcoholic, the brutish English boyfriend, the wannabe dj… it’s got everything!  And then there’s the stylish main character Mary, played by the beautiful Parker Posey, who finds herself in the midst of librarians, partiers, and parties while trying to find herself and pay her rent.

 

If you’re interested in movies about libraries and librarians this is a MUST SEE!  And even if libraries aren’t your topic of interest this movie is still super hilarious and can be enjoyed by a large audience.

Genre:  Independent Quirky Comedy 

Age Recommendations:

• Really this is an adult film (Rated R).  Ages 16 + may enjoy the film as well but it’s up to parents to decide whether or not it is appropriate for their child’s viewing.
• This movie does include brief nudity, drugs, sex, and bad language. 

You can currently stream this movie off Netflix.com so grab yourself a falafel, sit back, and laugh :D

QR Code & App for FindItGirl blog!!!!!

So this is super exciting!  I was reading other librarian blogs today when I stumbled across TheWikiMan and his post How To Turn Your Blog Into An App For iPhone.  He credits @gwynethjones The Daring Librarian with the tweet that lead him to this awesome technology.  Basically you go to this site: www.bloapp.com and you type in some information to verify your blog and you set up your app and QR code.  In order for others to download your app they must simply download the app for bloapp and can then either search for your app or simply scan the QR code to get your app.  And PS... it's free!  So yes there is officially an app for everything including your own blog!  How cool is that!

TheWikiMan aka Ned Potter explains How To Turn Your Blog Into An App For iPhone so rather than reexplain I encourage you to click on the link and visit his blog.

Happy Blogging :)

The Secret: The Power (2010) by Rhonda Byrne

The Secret: The Power by Rhonda Byrne

First sentence:

You are meant to have an amazing life!

Now that’s how I like to start a book!  Who wouldn’t want to have that told to them? “You are meant to have an amazing life!”  Man it just makes me feel good to read that one sentence.  And the feeling stays no matter how many times I read it.  And that’s what this book is all about:  feeling good!

The book is about the power of love and thinking positive.  Byrne claims that by feeling love and thinking positively you can have all that you want in regards to money, relationships, health, and life.  You attract what you want by thinking positive and loving what you want.

The book is simple to read and easy to understand.  Quotes by famous people of all walks (Nikola Tesla, Jerry Spinelli, Martha Washington, Jesus, etc) are included and scattered throughout the book to further support Byrne’s claims.

A few mini topics that she covers that I found interesting were:

Water healing (pg 205-206) - the idea that by sending positive words and energy into water can actually change the structure of the water.  If you are interetsed in this I've read another book on the topic called Water Crystal Healing: Music and Images to Restore Your well-Being by Masaru Emoto that comes with music and beautiful images of, essentially, snowflakes.  Very intriguing and uplifting.

Marital Problems (pg 174) - the idea of being happy despite problems and loosely the idea of unconditional love towards your partner despite problems.  Another book that I am interested in reading which also discusses unconditional love is called The Love Dare by Alex and Stephen Kendrick.

And a bigger topic that she covers that I found interesting was:

Money (pg 148-169) – I particularly enjoyed reading this section about making money stick to you and receiving more money!  Who wouldn’t like that!  Also, if you are interested in reading more about receiving money you can go to Byrne’s website and download The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles for free.

I also love the section on money because it discusses doing what you love in life and not taking on a career you don’t love just because you think it will bring in more money.  It is always reaffirming to me to hear this because I really want to be a librarian, a job some say will not bring in money, and worse some say you wont get a job!  But this book teaches me to follow my passions and dreams and that only through following what I love will I bring in money.  (Which makes sense.  I believe, like Byrne, that there is a power in what you love that when used can propel you to the top.)  Hence, I will be a successful librarian and I will bring in lots of money!

This is only a very small sampling of the multitude of topics Byrne includes in her book.  You will have to read the book to see how many ways having The Power can make your life wonderful!

Recommendations:

I would recommend this book to people of all ages.  Certainly anyone 15 years old and older can enjoy and learn from this book.  And the philosophies and lessons garnered from this book could be taught to children.  I know as for myself I will teach the power of love, positive thinking, and the laws of attraction to my own children.

I definitely recommend this book for anyone who has been feeling down and needs a little boost in life.

Just a few notes:

·      I read this book in two days and if I had had more time I could have read this in a matter of hours.

·      It’s not a prerequisite to read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne before reading this book.

·      The book itself is beautiful and small.  The pages are smooth and filled with color.  This book feels great to hold in your hands and would make a great addition to anyone’s house.

·      And for the skeptics out there, even if you don’t buy into the theories of this book you have to admit… it couldn’t hurt in most situations to have a positive outlook in life :)

HappyReading!

Finding the Future: Inside NYPL's All-Night Scavenger Hunt | Cover Story

Finding the Future: Inside NYPL's All-Night Scavenger Hunt | Cover Story

Dandelion Wine (1957) by Ray Bradbury

Amazon

Every time summer approaches I feel my hands reach out for this book.  With this book Ray Bradbury has plucked up summer memories and stories, has bottled them and left them to ferment all these years for the readers of today to drink up its golden splendor.  Really though, every sentence of this book is like taking a sip of golden honey summer.  Although it is one work of fiction you can really read this book as a collection of stories which is also what is so delicious about it.  On a lazy summer day I find myself flopping on the couch, listening to the cicadas, and reading slowly a tiny section of this book.  It's not to be rushed!!!  It's to be enjoyed long and slow and lazily like the best summer day.

The stories take place in the summer of 1928 lending it to be a very nostalgic book.  It leaves you yearning to try out what simpler times were like.  It leaves you wanting to make your own pie from scratch, wanting to just sit out on your porch at night and wave to your other neighbors on their porches.  The story focuses on Douglas, a twelve year old, and his little brother Tom, a ten year old.  Throughout all that happens this summer both Douglas and Tom learn many life lessons and of course so does the reader.  This book is ultimately about family and neighbors and people and the funny things people do and just when you think this book is tame it jumps out and surprises you and reminds you that its genre is Science Fiction after all!

I first read Dandelion Wine when I was seventeen.  It was assigned to me as summer reading by a wonderful teacher, named Mr. Keck, before entering my senior year AP Literature class.  Although I didn't appreciate the text then as much as I do now I still believe this is an excellent book for young people to read.  I would even read this to my own children as young as twelve.  I also believe this to be a book that can truly be appreciated at any age and I am confident that in my eighty's and ninety's I will still look forward to the beginnings of summers when my hands will again find this book to reread it and take yet another sip of its golden honey prose.

Happy Reading!

The Calm and Quiet... Before the Storm (I’ve been accepted into an MLIS program)

So I sit here quietly at my desk.  My certificate of admission granting me access into one of the top MLIS degree programs in America at my side and I am quiet.  I found out that I got in two days ago, when I got home at 1:30 am from the airport (after accompanying my husband on a business trip in the South West).  And it hasn’t been till now that I’ve actually allowed myself to sit down and let it sink in.  I haven’t checked the “yes, I will attend” box yet.  It seems too magnificent a gesture to do just yet.  Because by checking off that box will change my life.

            There are definitely a few concerns to consider before checking yes.  One is, where will I get the money?  The program will take about three semesters to complete and will cost around twenty thousand dollars.  Will I manage to get a few scholarships? or at least a loan?  Will I be able to work while pursuing the degree?  Do I continue to take Italian on the side?  How will the workload of being a grad student affect my life and relationships?  Is this degree worth twenty thousand dollars?  How hard will life get until I get this degree?  Can I be successful working as a librarian?  And the worst question of all… what happens if I am unable to get a library job when I get out???

            It might seem odd that after years of saying “I should have been a librarian” and after creating a blog, a tumblr, and a twitter account and after going through all the effort to apply to grad school that when I finally get accepted I am not outwardly bursting with joy; I am not screaming, jumping up and down.  Instead I am quiet and calm.  Instead I am pondering.  You may wonder why the title to this post isn’t I GOT INTO LIBRARY SCHOOL!!!!  Believe me there are rumblings inside of me that are screaming that, but I want to be honest.  And as awesome that it is that I got into grad school it is a big decision to make and I want to make sure that I give it the complete attention it deserves.  Because when I want something and when I decide to go for something, I am all in 110%.  So I have to ask myself just a few more questions:  Am I ready to fight the good fight?  Am I ready to fight for what I want?  Am I willing to fight for what I believe in?  Am I willing to fight for the life I deserve?  Am I willing and do I have the courage and do I want to be… A LIBRARIAN!

            I have wanted this for a long time and various reasons have held me back, now I am the only person who can possibly hold me back.  I think about the years that I have fantasized about being a librarian, I think about the moments I pretended I was already a librarian.  I think about all the librarian job searches I have put into google.  I think of the books, articles, and blogs I’ve read about librarians.  I think of how I try to surround myself with all things library in the digital world.  I look to my vision board and see pictures of books and librarians from movies.  And then in the center of my vision board I see the best advice that one could ever bestow:  FOLLOW YOUR HEART.

            And my heart knows.  My heart knows there is no other way.  I must be a librarian.

Congratulations!  I have just been accepted into Grad School!
Yes, I will attend!
I am now a Future Librarian!

Up (2009)

I am embarrassed that it took me this long to finally see this amazing film!  Up is Uplifting!  Fun!  Beautiful!  Creative!  And comes with a powerful message!  I generally don't watch PG rated or children's films but if there are more like this I may have to add the genre to my repertoire.  In the middle of winter when it may seem like spring is a long way away this movie will bring you COLOR!  If for nothing else I would watch this film for the beautiful, colorful scenes.  This is also a film that can be enjoyed by all ages 5 to +105!

Just to give you a little background.  The movie is about an old man out to realize a lifelong dream, however he picks up a few unexpected side kicks along the way and meets unexpected adventures.  This movie is about life and gives important life lessons for old and young.  You may need a tissue for this one, but don't worry there are plenty of giggles and good feelings in store!

Also, as of now, you can watch Up instantly on Netflix so please go, sit back, relax, and enjoy of wonderful film!

PS:  You will absolutely fall in love with these characters!

Application hiccups!

It just wouldn't feel like you were actually applying to school if there weren't a few hiccups, a few frustrations, a few reasons to make you want to turn around and start running.

So here's my frustration:  I am in process of applying to grad school for my MLIS.  I need to successfully write a personal statement.

The MLIS website tells me the personal statement should focus on

presenting a personal view of the library and information science profession

and

your aspirations and goals for your future in the library and information science professions. 

But...  then I get to the actual application and it tells me the personal statement is this:

In an information age how do you see yourself working as a librarian?

 I wish I had known this before spending hours and hours and I mean like six hours! working on the former focus!

So now I am going to try to mold my former essay into a response to this new question.  I was hoping to have applied to grad school today and have everything done but in order not to go insane I think I will need to stop for today, revise a little tomorrow, and tomorrow will be the day I apply to grad school.

How humbling to be reminded of what if feels like to be a student again.

Matched (2010) by Ally Condie

Amazon.com

I'm trying to remember how it was I came across this book.  I think I saw it on Amazon.com.  Anyway, after reading a description about it I just had to read it.  Luckily I got it as a gift from my mother-in-law and dove into it right away.  The book is a dystopia.  It is set in the future in a "perfect" society.  The Society knows everything about everyone, including what job is best for individuals, what food is best for individuals, and which life partner will be best for individuals.  In short, the people residing in the Society never have to choose for themselves because everything is chosen perfectly for them.  The story is told from the point of view of seventeen year old Cassia.  She is being "matched" by the Society, meaning they are going to reveal to her who her husband will be.  The problem is that the Society accidentally reveals two boys!  What does this mean?  What will Cassia do?  Who will she choose?  Who is her true match?  You will have to read the book to find out!

It's a quick and easy read.  At first perhaps a little too easy, but a good book to read at night when you're tired and can't handle anything too complex.  The book is for the YA age group and will be much enjoyed I'm sure by any one aged 14-18 but is also enjoyable for adults.  Hey, if you've read Harry Potter and Twilight why not this?  Also, if you've enjoyed books like The Giver you'll like this and you can think of it as a young persons G rated version of 1984.

I didn't feel this way in the beginning but as I read more and more of the story I began to feel I was having a love affair with this book.  It was easy for me to fall in love with the characters and it was easy for me to put myself in the place of the main character and feel what she felt.  It took me back to when I first met my boyfriend, now husband and brought back that rush of first love and the unknown, similar to what Twilight does for readers when they picture themselves as Bella and their lover as Edward.

Overall, I cannot strongly recommend this book.  I was interested and so just had to read it, but it is not one of the best books I have ever read nor is it a must read.  It was good for me, interesting and I enjoyed it.  I do think however, that a young person, the audience the book was intended for, would very much enjoy this book.

Happy Reading ;)

Note:  If you do happen to read this book and enjoy it you'll be happy to know that it is only the first of the matched trilogy:)

For Librarians by Hans Ostrom

For Librarians by Hans Ostrom

For Librarians

Imagine you can consider all ideas And images represented by all words And numbers in all libraries worldwide. Open the book of this consideration. Touch the paper. See the illustration Of you, reading, when you were ten In your local library. Turn Several pages. Now read how you And that other person ignited romance In, of all places, the stacks, third floor, In quite a different library. Snowflakes Brushed against dark glass as you two Stood between PQ and PR. Now go to the index. Find “possibility.” Look up from the book. The librarian Who looks away was watching you. She knows how to phrase the question You want answered. Librarians know where wisdom’s stored. They catalogue the countless forms Of silence and tell people what they Didn’t know they wanted to know. They treat the mentally fractured As if they’re whole, the dull as if they’re Sharp, Winter as if it’s Summer. A band of sunlight angles through high Windows, brightens shoes of a librarian, Who knows the patron in the gray enormous Coat will steal a book about sex or wiccans. She knows some Christians will steal books Deemed Satanic, ignoring a commandment And the homeless person sleeping in a chair. She knows some atheists treat Library as Church, so when she moves into shadows, She does so quietly. She worries for books. For the librarian knows books are easily burned, Recycled, or digitized, reduced to oxygen, carbon, Silicon, and such basic elements as hate and Budgetary cuts. She wishes presidents of The United States would consult librarians Before going to war. It would save so much time, So many lives. She knows exactly which references Know how badly any war will go and how soon Citizens come to loathe their leaders. She knows How to find stories about all the libraries Wiped out by war. She knows patrons who’ve Been harmed by war. Sometimes they set off alarms. Someone asks her, “Can you help me find out If I’m related to Napoleon? ” Yes, ” she answers, “Come with me, please.” All libraries may now gather inside invisible Electrons. After closing time, books in Sweden Send emails to maps in Chile. A librarian in Topeka Posts a reply to one in Tokyo, adding to a blue thread Wrapped around the globe. As sincerely as librarians worry for books, for shelves, For catalogues, buildings, and best practices, So should we worry for librarians, for images and ideas. At a table in a library, a circle of light Lies on a book. The hand not writing turns The page, and something important happens. Hans Ostrom

good dick (2008)

Interesting indie film.  I was bedridden today.  Didn't feel good and so I went on Netflix watch instantly, saw this, and figured why not?  So, I've seen a lot of strange and vulgar movies in my time, this one was not the most strange nor the most vulgar, but definitely a little weird.  It will be especially weird to those who haven't seen many indie or foreign films.  It's an unconventional love story and actually kind of cute and endearing.  The hero in the story is played by Jason Ritter who looks familiar to me.  He works at a movie store as a clerk and grows interested in this woman (played by Marianna Palka who is also the screenwriter and director) who continues to rent porn movies.  As the movie goes on you get to experience their odd relationship.  She has clear emotional issues and he... well you'll have to see the film.  I found John Ritter's character to be a superhero of sorts though.  Also interesting is that his character, the man, was Polish.  So you got the chance to hear a few Polish phrases which were adorable.  Anyway, like most good indie films I've seen, the movie is a snap of life with all its realities and problems and awe.  I would recommend the film not because I think it's so great it should win an Oscar but because it was an interesting look into the development of a relationship with someone who was emotionally wounded.

PS:  You'll probably recognize Martin Starr in this film as he's been in a lot of good comedies such as Knocked Up.

PSS:  Don't let the title fool you.  You will not be seeing any ;)

Brown Proposes Eliminating All State Funding for California Public Libraries

Brown Proposes Eliminating All State Funding for California Public Libraries

The Butterfly Mosque (2010) by G. Willow Wilson

amazon

I have an interest in religion and especially since it's been in the news and since one of my friends has converted to Islam and married a Muslim I have a special interest in Islam and the life of Muslims.  This book was a perfect pick to fill that interest.  It is a story about a young American woman, a college girl, who was raised atheist but has an intense interest in Islam.  After graduating college she takes up on an opportunity to go to Egypt which is where her journey in discovering more about herself, Islam, and the beauty of Egypt and Arab culture begins.  It is also a story of love, but I feel the real focus is on Muslim society in Egypt and how she, Willow the author, relates to it.  If you have had any reservations about Islam before this book will allow you to see the true and pure beauty of the religion.  However, the author doesn't sugar coat anything.  She shows you the ugly with the beautiful which I think most can agree can be found in all cultures and religions.  If you are not familiar with Islam or what it means to be Muslim this book will not answer all your questions but give you a jumping point from which to go further in discovery.

Overall it was a good memoir, not truly exciting, but a simple look into another way of life which was calming to the spirit.  I am glad to have read it and I would recommend it to people with an interest in Islam, Muslims, or Egypt as well as for people who view Islam negatively (this book just may show some that the world is not as black and white as it seems).

Happy Reading!

The Beginning of a Journey

The true beginning occurred when I consciously decided that I was meant to be something else, not a teacher.  I have to say I did not mind the students.  They were fun and interesting people.  I didn't mind my coworkers or the administration.  I did not mind getting up at quarter to six every morning to go to work.  I enjoyed being on a work schedule and making money.  But I just didn't love the core of what I was doing everyday, teaching English.  And it's not fair to the students and it was not fair to myself to be in a job that I didn't passionately love.  So I decided to quit at the end of the year.  About a month before the end of the year I was laid-off.

It's hard to lose your job even when you don't like it, even when you were planning on quitting anyway.  I felt lost for a while.  I gave myself time to just be, to think, to reflect, to enjoy life again, to reconnect with people I hadn't had time for, to reconnect with myself and my inner child, to spend more time with family.  For a while I couldn't even stand the idea of going back to work, any job, not even a library.  I just needed time to heal.  I understand not everyone has a choice, but doing something you don't like for years takes a toll on you and should be avoided like Superman avoids kryptonite.

Finally I became stronger again and the vision of what I wanted became sharp.  It was time to become a librarian.  And that's where I'm at now.  At the beginning of a journey.  I have asked for recommendations from people I admire and am in the process of applying to Library School.  Current mission:  Write a Personal Statement.

Shouldn't be a problem with my faithful sidekicks BookEnd and BookMark:

BookEnd

BookMark

Easy A (2010) Gets an A+

AWESOME FILM!!!!!  Fun and lighthearted!  I loved the cast:  Stanley Tucci (my fav), Thomas Haden Church (also seen in Sideways 2004), Patricia Clarkson, Lisa Kudrow, Amanda Bynes, and Emma Stone!  The cinematic techniques used in the film were also interesting to the eye.  I loved how when rumors were being spread the camera would move swiftly through the student body and then pause on a group of students receiving a rumor via cell phone.  Emma Stone rocked as Olive.  Her sharp, witty humor was incredibly amusing.  I found my self laughing out loud at many scenes.  The colors of the film were also visually striking.  There were scenes of bright oranges hanging off trees in California vineyards.  The school colors were a wonderful combination of bright blue and yellow.  This movie made me want to go back to California and *gasp* maybe even high school!

If you suffered through or maybe even enjoyed reading The Scarlet Letter you will be interested to know that this movie was adapted from the book (maybe you guessed from the title).  But don't worry if you haven't read the book, there's no need in order to enjoy this movie.  However the movie may prompt some interest in reading it.  It's a difficult text but after getting through it myself I found it to be a great story.  Sex, Adultery, Shipwrecks, Indians, Baby's out of Wedlock, Priests!

Also - must note on the music!  Great!  How can you not like Pocketful of Sunshine, Don't Cha, and Don't You (Forget About Me)!

One Last Thing:  I had the honor of teaching The Scarlet Letter to my high school students (back when I was a teacher).  It was painful for them getting through this book so I hope they get to go out and reward themselves by watching this awesome film!

Vampires Suck (2010) and so does this movie

If only I had gone to RottenTomatoes.com (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/vampires_suck/) and seen that this movie was rated 4% then maybe I would have been saved from this dreadful two hour film.  Of course I knew it wasn't going to be the best film of the year, but I thought being as I'm a Twilight fan and that I like comedies that I might get a giggle or two out of this movie.  That's exactly what I got... two laughs.  The rest of the movie was like "oh, ha ha, how clever."

Oh well.  The least I can do after viewing this film is to warn others of two things:

1) This film sucks
2) If you haven't seen or read the Twilight Saga do so before watching this movie

I will admit thought that the soundtrack, believe it or not, was interesting.  I particularly liked the song My Panties by Magicwandos.

Go figure though.  Even though this was my experience with the film my husband enjoyed it and thought it was the best spoof he's ever seen :)

The Developement of a SuperHeroine

All superheros start somewhere.  I don't remember exactly when it started for me, but what I do know is that a couple of years ago I became obsessed with becoming a librarian.  But instead I became a high school English teacher.  I was on track to be a teacher, I was expected to be a teacher, and I didn't ever come to the conclusion that I didn't have to be one.  Even as I was interviewing for teaching jobs I constantly spoke of being a librarian.  But I got a teaching job and so I became a teacher.  I give teachers that stick around a lot of credit even the average ones.  Teaching may be one of the most stressful and demanding but unrewarding job.  Teachers put in hours on the clock and when they get home from work generally keep putting hours on the clock until they go to bed.  Their work is never finished.  Their weekends are consumed with lesson planning and grading.  Two months of summer was not even worth all the work that was put in during the school year.  So for me, who truly wasn't meant to be a teacher, you can imagine how tough teaching was on me.  As a young twenty-something I was noticing fine lines under my eyes and gray hair!

One night I was watching Twilight with my husband.  It seems like in the Twilight world some humans have gifts, such as seeing visions of the future.  When these humans with gifts become vampires their gifts enhance, for example always seeing the future and seeing it clearly.  This got me to wondering what my gift or power might be.  And for a while I was truly stumped.  What am I unusually good at?  What am I good at at all?  After much thought I realized that I enjoy and am able to find information really well.  But that isn't a power, is it?  I mean come on, there's Google!  It was at least a skill I could claim.

Once I recognized I had a skill I was more aware of the people around me that didn't.  Many older adults were unable to find information as quickly as I was.  Okay, so maybe that was because of their discomfort with technology.  People my own age were unable to find information as quickly as me.  I often found myself telling people how to more quickly find things on the internet using different search words.  This seemed so simple to me.  Often I would just take over the computer and find the information for them myself.  So maybe some people in my generation just aren't as computer savvy.  The last straw was when my students - sixteen and seventeen year olds - the generation of ipod users, texters, kids born using the Internet! could not find information using the internet, let alone books!  Doing a research paper was hard for them, and I'm talking about just collecting the information which should have been easy in an age where everything is super accessible.  And I thought, "Oh my God, I can find things, quickly and efficiently.  I can find anything in a short amount of time and if I can't find it most likely no one can."  I can find information.  Not everyone has the ability or can as easily find information as I can.  I am FindItGirl!