Update of My Reading History of 2012

So today, my only class was cancelled so rather than just playing Pokemon Red until it's time to head home, I decided to make a blog post about my reading history, including a tiny review.

So without further ado, here's all the books I've read so far in 2012.

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 5/5
This is such a phenomenal book. Although  I probably can't say anything about this book that hasn't already been said, I adore it. I'm actually considering reading it again soon, so that I can soak up its beauty again.

2. Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer 2.5/5
Okay guys here me out. I am teaching this book for my Lit. for Adolescents class, so I had to read it. (By the way, my group is teaching right now and WE ARE DOING SO AWESOME! Thanks for asking.) I had read the first two books many moons ago. And actually, this was the book that made me understand why it appeals to the audience it does. Maybe I am just wiser than I was at fourteen.

3. Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin 3.5/5
I liked this book, but it wasn't great. I though it was well-written though. This was for my book club, and I didn't even get to attend the meeting because I forgot I was going to a concert that night. Overall though, very interesting though I confess I have never read the book that it is based on.

4. Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich 1.5/5
Oh my goodness, this book. It could be because I am a daughter of middle class parents, but I did not like this book.This one we had to read for Lit. for Adolescents. I argued that since it was written and published ten years ago, and we've seen a significant  change in the economic climate.

5. MWF Seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche 4/5
I have already discussed my feelings towards this book and the thoughts and emotions it brought up in me that it was probably not supposed to. But besides those feelings, it was still a really enjoyable read. Bertsche is a hilarious writer and the fact it mad me reevaluate my friendships and the way I make friends made it all the more enjoyable.

And those are the ones I counted towards my books I've read total. In this I only counted books I read for the first time. Here's a list of books I read that I didn't count towards my personal list, but that counted on my Goodreads.

1. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
I read this my junior year of high school and had to read it again for Lit. for Adolescents. It was just as enjoyable the second time around

2. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
I don't count this one because I'm not actually sure I read all of it. It was for my Early American Lit. class. I didn't review it, but it was fairly enjoyable.

3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
This one we had to read in Lit. for Adolescents. No surprise, I had read it before. Still enjoyable, and the groups that taught it did a pretty good job.

4. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
Another one I read for Early American Lit. that I am not sure I actually read in its entirety.

I guess I'll also let you know what I'm currently reading.

1. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
I also read this my junior year. It's definitely better the second time around, or maybe I just have a better teacher.
2. Shine by Lauren Myracle
OH MY GOODNESS! THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD THUS FAR! Seriously, I read half of it yesterday. Really good thus far.

In non-book related news, I have become obsessed with Florence + The Machine's album, Ceremonials. 

Update Time

So yesterday, I was going to write a blog post. Obviously, that didn't happen.

And I was going to give up on the idea completely, but after my early American Lit. class, I decided it would be a good idea to at least give you an update on my life.

I am in my second semester of college. I am now an active member of Phi Sigma Pi. My last class, Early American Lit, just discussed "Song of Myself" which has me thinking about all kinds of things, like the commonality of humanity, tramping a perpetual journey, and all that jazz.  Today has overall been a good day. 

I want to start blogging on a more regular basis, like once a week. I'll try to make it interesting, but I don't make any promises. 

A couple weeks back, I found a poem I really liked called "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann, which was written in 1927. I had to present a poem in my Lit. for Adolescents class, and this is what I presented. I'll share a few of my favorite lines.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, not doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. 

I feel that all these lines are self-explanatory, but I'm an English Education major.

I also kinda want to start leaving you guys with an inspirational quote of the week if I actually keep blogging on a regular basis.

This week's inspirational quote is:
"The greatest obstacle to your success is probably you." - Frank Tyger

The Name of the Star Review

Even though this isn't technically strictly a book blog anymore, I thought I'd review a book I read that was simply fantastic.

This book was so good! I simply adored it. Having read Maureen Johnson before, I knew that this book would be well-written, but I was still a bit wary because it was a 'paranormal book' and I am usually not a fan of paranormal books. However, this one was simply fantastic! Rory is a Southern girl who has the opportunity to go to boarding school in East End. As she arrives, a copycat Jack the Ripper murder occurs with all of London catching Rippermania. Just like with the original murders in 1888, there is little evidence and few suspects After a near death experience, Rory can see ghosts, including the murderer.

Okay, so it may sound like your typical hookey paranormal book, but I promise you it is not. It has Maureen Johnson's humor, and is packed with fascinating plot. One of the traits of a great author is the ability to write in multiple genres and write them well and Maureen Johnson does that. Definitely an auto-recommend.

Goal 1: Read More

It's important to set goals or "dreams". But these are called goals because they are small achievable things that will add up to living the dream. What the dream is I'm not sure. It's not the American Dream. The American Dream died in the Jazz Age. I learned that in The Great Gatsby. 


I kid. But yeah, I have goals. I'm going to post them one at time because I get into detail about them.

Goal 1: Read More
Since starting college, I've been busy with life and school, and when I am not doing school, I am relaxing with the internet. And Netflix. Especially when they put How I Met Your Mother on Netflix. That will be the end of my college career.

But in order to read 50 books this year, I need to read 6 more this month. Thankfully, I have them picked out.

• These Three Remain by Pamela Aidan
• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
• The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
• away Laughing on A Fast Camel by Louisa Rennison
• Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
• Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

Mind you, this list could change. Except the first three. I'm already reading the first two, and I've been so excited to read Maureen Johnson's new book for quite some time. Plus, I'm an English Ed major. I always need to read more.

Tomorrow I'll post about my second goal. Stay Beautiful!

November Favorites

I love this time of year. Holidays, anniversary with the boyfriend, just starting to get cold, but it's not frozen. It's just awesome. I felt like I hadn't really done a post in awhile, so I thought I'd do a November Favorites post of the stuff I like in November.

I did not read much in November but I did read Geek Girls Unite by Leslie Simon. And it was really interesting. Helped me to embrace my inner geek. And I have several inner geeks. Probably why I spend most of my time on the computer. I'm currently reading Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. It's pretty funny, but I've been busy with school.

As far as tv goes, I've definitely obsessed with How I Met Your Mother, especially since they put it on Netflix last week. Like, I literally watch it as I do other things. Like my speech which I failed. And studying. And now. Earlier this month, I was watching Gossip Girl which I also enjoyed despite not reading the books.

I tried to do NaNoWriMo this year, but that was an epic fail in case you hadn't guessed I just got busy and it turned out i'm not a good fairy tale writer. I'm much more inclined to write contemporary, if I ever have a not cliche idea. Being creative is hard.

Hey, guys, I'm participating in John Green Week!

Link to ieatwords 's post below

What is John Green Week? Click here!

NaNoWriMo

Guys, I am so ready for National Novel Writing Month, it's ridiculous. Today I wrote back story. BACK STORY. Stuff that happened before my story began. And by using these characters in another environment, I can see that Amira (my MC) could be giving me some trouble in the next month, barging in where she's not supposed to go and everything.

But seriously. I have my main plot outlined. The first seven chapters have very detailed outlines. i know where everyone is going and when they are going there. I know my characters lives. For example, Amira is an only child. Peter is the oldest of four and is more like his uncle than his father. Finn has an older brother who his parents praise as perfect. Finn and Peter are friends due to their dislike of snobbery.  Amira and peter have been friends for as long as they can remember which is why Amira knows that Eva isn't right for Peter. Finn also knows this, but he also knows other things about Eva because they are cousins. Abbott wrestles with guilt over his daughter every day. When the truth comes out, it is more of a relief to him than his wife. The kingdom is on the brink of ruin and revolution if the prince doesn't get his act together quick. Romance blooms and romance dies. I'm excited to start. i'm trying not to start in advance.