Summer Reading Reviews

Summer reading. I envision kicking off flip-flops into the warm sand, lying back on a hammock with a glass of lemonade beside me, and a paperback book in my hand. Ah.

First, I'll meander through some light fluff, straight off the YA bestseller list. Light, airy, meaningless stories whose only purpose is to create feelings of contentment. But after a while, once I begin craving real plot and substantial characters, I'll grab a couple of historical fictions. Perhaps it will be a little Victorian Era, or possibly some Medieval Ages. Either way, there are plenty of options. Another genre (?) that has steadily risen in recent popularity is the retold myth one. In particular, I have seen several versions of modern-day Hades and Persephone tales. I'll admit, I'm curious. I plan on looking through a few of those during my summer reading.

My plan is to keep you informed as I go, giving reviews on books. I don't claim to be a professional critic, or anything of the sort. I'm simply a lover of fiction who would like to share her thoughts with you, as well as hear your opinions. On a bit of a side note, I will give warning before any spoilers, because I can empathize with the frustration of having a climactic moment ruined for you. Otherwise, the reviews will consist more of thoughts on the novel and less on a summary of the plot. Book recommendations are welcomed, as I would love to discuss anything that strikes your fancy. I'm always on the look-out for remarkable novels.

1. The Fault in Our Stars- John Green

2. Scarlet- A.C. Gaughen

3. Lady Thief- A.C. Gaughen

4. Fallen- Lauren Kate

5. The Goddess Test- Aimee Carter
6. Cleopatra's Daughter- Michelle Moran
7. Anthem- Ayn Rand
8. Fracture- Megan Miranda
9. Legacy- Cayla Kluver
10. Allegiance- Cayla Kluver
11. Ivy Briefs- Martha Kimes
12. Summer Reading- Hilma Wolitzer
13. Divergent- Veronica Roth
14. The Crucible- Arthur Miller
15. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist- Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
16. Beautiful Creatures- Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
17. Graceling- Kristin Cashore
18. Every Day- David Levithan
19. Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets- Evan Roskos
20. A Great and Terrible Beauty- Libba Bray
21. Cinder- Marissa Meyer
22. Hanging By a Thread- Sophie Littlefield
23. The Iron King- Julie Kagawa

The Scarlet Letter- A Summary

Just for a change, I thought I'd try my hand at poetry. And what better way to enter the world of poetry than to write about a classic? The Scarlet Letter has long been one of my favorites, so it only made sense that I would choose it. I didn't attempt any flowery language or deep analysis. This is purely summary, and a general one at that. But even with such a basic rhyme scheme, it took ages to finish!

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Out of the bleak prison emerges Hester Prynne

With an "A" on her bosom-- the mark of her sin.

Clutching baby Pearl, heavenly penance for her deed,

She walks to the platform of the pillory, 

feeling shameful indeed.

Spiteful Puritan ladies with accusing eyes

Clamor for the name of her partner in crime. 

Hester's betrayed husband, old Roger Chillingworth conspires;

To exact revenge on Hester's lover is what he desires.

He discovers the man is Reverend Dimmesdale

And torments him insidiously, making him frail.

Dimmesdale's guilt is slowly killing him.

Suffering from mental anguish and insomnia

He visits the scaffold on a whim.

Standing atop the platform, Hester and Pearl at his side,

He glimpses a bloody, ragged "A" in the sky.

The proof of his sin spread far and wide,

His guilty conscience is eating him alive.

He meets them once again, in a forest by a stream.

Hester and Dimmesdale renounce separation and decide to be a team.

They agree to escape to Europe on a ship,

But Dimmesdale plans a final sermon before their big trip.

On the big day, they realize Chillingworth knows it all.

Dimmesdale bursts out with the truth, and then he falls.

He tears open his shirt to reveal a branded "A."

He dies on the spot, and vengeful Chillingworth soon withers away.

Getting Started

It is a truth somewhat universally acknowledged, that a young adult in possession of great writing energy must be in want of a blog. Well, perhaps not. Those aren't precisely the words of Jane Austen, although she was quite the sharp lady.

I was inspired to begin blogging on a whim. I've been writing short stories and essays for years, but this is a new medium for me. Looking at others' blogs, I've realized that there is truly an art to it. It's an intriguing blend of aesthetics and writing skill, content and appearance. I recall reading somewhere that blogs have an average of 10 seconds to create an impression on a viewer. Within that time frame, a viewer will decide if they wish to leave or stay and explore more. In such a narrow period, it becomes a challenge to ensnare the audience's attention and convince them that they would like to see more. I'm rather excited to begin my own site now, and to blunder my way through the art of blogging.

Through the process, I hope to share plenty of laughs and interesting information with you all. I will start out with book reviews or discussions, although plans for expansion are already in the works. I'd like to soon add other sections, maybe some small-scale DIY projects. I'd be open to feedback or any other suggestions for improvement. After all, this is a work-in-progress, and not likely to be "finished" any time soon!

Might as well aim high!