One of my newest favorite movies.

I am no movie expert, in any means. I watch good movies, but I watch a ton of bad movies as well. But if there's one movie I think that people should watch...it's Warm Bodies.

Yes, this movie. No, I have not read the book (I really want to, but I haven't had the chance yet) but I find the movie hilarious. Here's the basics of it: Massive zombie apocalypse. Many people are zombies, but there is the stereotypical organize group of humans that is trying to win the whole thing. The main character's name is R, a zombie. He has friends, if you can consider two zombies to be friends, and the entire movie is narrated through his mind (hilarious). Basically he falls in love with a human and becomes more and more human every day.

Here's what I like that movie. First off, the main character is an awesome actor. He also plays Beast in the newer X-Men movies and he's pretty good. In fact, the entire cast is pretty good and for the most part they aren't that well known. This movie plot is pretty cheesy, and they do well with it.

There are some really interesting concepts in it that kind of make you think more about the zombie end of the whole zombie apocalypse thing (because as you are fighting for your life against zombies you really need to know what the zombies are going through and make decisions based off of that, right?). For instance, you get to hear why these particular zombies like to eat brains. They gain more than just a tasty treat from it, and it was a little cool and something different. Seeing it all from a zombie's perspective is different in general, which is probably another reason why I like it.

Another thing, inner monologue. This guy is kind of funny. It's probably one of the most honest inner monologues ever, at least to me anyway. I feel like I talk very similar to him in my head so maybe that's my connection with it. The amount of times he tries to not be creepy as a zombie is pretty funny. Also, watching a zombie become human again is pretty funny.

In general this movie is a pretty fun movie. It's pretty light-hearted and something you could watch multiple times. It's one of those movies that I could have on while doing other things but still know what's happening. Like I said, not a movie expert, but this has been one of my recent favorites and I definitely splurged a little bit and bought it for myself so I could watch it whenever I wanted. This movie is different, and kind of picks fun of the zombie apocalypse without being ridiculous. Love could definitely end the zombie apocalypse.

Now if only I could get my hands on the book.

So I don't like snakes. Big deal

There seems to be so much seriousness going on these days, and I feel like I should lighten the mood with things that happen to me, or things that pop into my head, that distract me from things such as offensive magazine covers or people who can't learn that protesting does nothing.

Today I had a preschooler confess their love for me. Awkward, yes. What makes it even more awkward was that he was in trouble at swimming lessons. He was swimming away from the wall when we had clearly told him that he needed to be at the wall with the class. When I brought him back to the wall (apparently I'm just that great of a swimming teacher where I can teach him to swim away from the wall but not towards it?) I was asking him where he was supposed to be. Instead of telling me where he was supposed to be he leans in and goes "I love you". Now this kid is an affectionate kid from what I can see, but I had to take a step back. I repeated the question multiple times asking him where he needed to be, and he continued to tell me he loves me. Eventually I gave in and gave him the answer and he immediately stopped telling me he loved me and said "Ohhhh." Really? Really? You swam away from the wall telling me "I'm not at the wall!!" Goodness. Preschoolers these days.

I also had to face my fears today. Mice and Snakes. Not at the same time, and honestly I really should grow up and get over it. The mouse story is an interesting story, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, so we'll just go with my irrational fear of snakes. Ok, I guess the fear isn't irrational. They're super creepy, and if it's poisonous it can easily kill you. Not a terrible thing to be frightened of, right? Well the fact that I was on edge because they were in the same building as me is a bit more irrational. There was a reptile and amphibian zoo at the library today for the summer reading program, and as I heard all those kids ohhh and ahhh over snakes, I cringed. I didn't even see a single one, yet I was freaked out the entire time. I just really don't like snakes.

My next topic....Miley Cyrus and her stupid new song. First off, I heard it on the radio today and it has been stuck in my head ALL day. Seriously, the most frustrating thing ever. The song is terrible. I mean honestly, Miley can't even think of a more creative way to tell all her "haters" that she can say whatever she wants because "it's her mouth and she can say what she wants to." Not sure if that's a direct quote, but meh. Also, why are people shaking their butts like they're in a strip club? The only strip clubs I've seen are the tv/movie versions but I'd rather not think of people do that. I guess I just don't understand a song that says "we like to party" and all the ways you like to party. Seriously, be more creative. My bad, I guess I'm just one of the haters. But according to your song that doesn't matter because someone else loves you, so thats good. I'm glad you have someone else Miley.

Bieber. Yes, my next thought is Bieber. All I have to say is, I told you so. He's become quite the stinker, and I totally saw it coming (yes, I said stinker. I don't want to be cursing and such. That's wrong. I leave that one up to the Biebs).

And that is pretty much it. That's what I've been thinking about all day (or what's happened to me). I find it to be a nice break from reality, because I really don't care to think about what's going on in my life at this time. And now I'm going to attempt to sleep another night during a heat advisory. Portable AC, please keep me cool.

Maybe next time I write it'll be something cooler, and more creative and thoughtful. We'll see.

Where do I go from here?

Well, hello there. Anyone who's reading this is more than welcome to have any input, because in all honestly my brain hurts and I'm not completely capable of making decisions or thinking at this time. Also, my eye lid is swollen, but I suppose that has nothing to do with any of this. As those that know me personally know, my husband is at engineer school (139 days left!) and this leaves us in different states (though not too far apart, I could easily drive there in a day, and it would be much more enjoyable if the drive were interesting the WHOLE way and not just part of the way). This has definitely been hard on me so far (in all honesty, the last few days leading up to it were rough and today has been hard) but I know I need to keep trucking on and just counting down those days. We're obviously apart for a reason at this moment (minus the obvious which is engineer school) and I'm really working on trying to figure that out.

One of the things that has really been on my mind the past few days is what to do with my life. I really like my library job. I love it actually, which is one of the reasons I stayed put. I knew that as a library assistant I couldn't exactly take a 5 month sabbatical or anything like that, so in order to have this job as my own 5 months from now I had to stick out the 5 months. He also doesn't really need to worry about me while at school, though I am hoping he worries a little, it's nice to know he is thinking about me and all. Basically I don't want to get in his way while he's training, and if it were a longer period than 5 months I probably would have thought of going with him. I probably would have actually. Sorry, that's just a question I get a lot when they hear how long he's at school, and it's starting to drive me nuts. It definitely doesn't make me feel any better about this situation, so if that's what you're thinking please stop. OK, back on topic. The library job is a huge part of why I stay put. It's really helping me to think about what my next move is career wise and all of that. Unfortunately, I'm feeling stuck. Not like I'm stuck in some crappy job sort of thing, stuck as in I have ideas and I'm stuck on the whole where to move forward with them thing. So, here's the plan. I'm going to attempt to rattle off my ideas and if you are feeling particularly nice or if there is something I'm obviously missing you can shout it at me or something. I'm looking for just a little bit of help and a push in the right direction.

Here's what I'm wanting. It's the dream job, but I am so unsure where to start. Basically what I want to do is work on reading. Work on reading with all ages, but not in the how to read sort of way (though I can definitely help with that too). I want to work with kids while they're reading something for fun (yes, reading is fun!). I want to help them kind of find ways to look deeper into their reading. I want them to see foreshadowing and to use context clues. I want them to make inferences without making them feel like they are pulling their teeth out (that's kind of what it felt like for me at first). When I was a kid and I was homeschooled that wasn't really something we worked on. I didn't work a lot on summarizing what I read (from what I remember) or any of those inferences and such (I definitely did context clues though). I'm not saying that my mom was so terrible at teaching she skipped that part. I love how she encouraged us to read and put little pressure on us. But I'm just feeling like when I got to public school that was one area that I was behind on. I think my mom got so wrapped up in doing all these other things for us that it kind of just fell by the wayside. No biggie. I know my mom isn't the first homeschool parent that this has happend to, and I know she isn't the last. I want to be able to help with that particular area. Here's why I think it's important:

1. Kids do these things all the time. They are constantly using context clues, they are constantly looking for descriptions to use and are making inferences. They do these things without noticing it. It seems that once there is a label stuck on it, or once it's with a book and not a video game or movie they lose interest or seem to think it's hard work. I want to show kids they are perfectly capable of all of that with a book. It took me a long time to really master that, and I still struggle with it.

2. Reading increases intelligence. And working with these particular parts of reading helps even more. I want it to just become a habit for kids to really look into a character or a particular scene. It makes for more intelligent discussions, a stronger vocabulary, and I think it makes it easier for them to apply these things to real life. There's absolutely no reason that they can't do this. I think that without the pressure of a test and in a group smaller than a classroom they will learn and succeed at it.

3. It is kind of a big dea to know these things on the state tests as well as the ACTs. Kids will be much less stressed about all of this if they are able to do it in an environment that is stress free. It will be one less aspect of the test that they are worried about (trust me, I have intense test anxiety).

So now my big question is how. How do I accomplish this? Reading is something I'm very passionate about, and I know that anyone can be a reader. I don't gobble up books the way that I used to, but I still read. I still pull things out of it and learn many things from each and every book I pick up. I would love to do this in some sort of a small group setting. Maybe like a book club and have different age groups or even interest groups. I am also very into the idea of tutoring. I feel pretty confident in the Language Arts area and am more than willing to help people out whether they are private, public, or home schooled. My biggest concern right now is where to start. I would love to get involved with homeschoolers and the homeschooling community with this. I would love that. I just need to figure out what to do and how to accomplish that. How do I reach this goal and get paid for it? I don't know at all. So that's where you as readers come in. If anyone is reading this that is. Where do I go from here? Who do I talk to? I need help finding a starting off point, if there is one. Maybe I just picked something super impractical and need to start focusing on other areas of my life. 

This is what I want to do. I don't want to be a classroom teacher. A whole classroom of students is not my thing. Small groups and individuals, that's where I excel at my job I believe. I think I can give them all the help and attention they deserve, but that doesn't happen in a large group setting. I even can supply books!!!! 

So, people of the internet, where should I go from here?

Just two of my 4 bookshelves out of my personal library. Thanks to my husband for making them for me. 

Gatsby!

So, after two weeks of waiting after the release I finally saw The Great Gatsby, and I feel the reviews it's getting do not justify the movie. Most reviews are actually pretty negative, but there is so much to appreciate from this particular interpretation of the movie. Side note: I am in love with this book.

First, the soundtrack. Many people were not happy with it. I was definitely one of those that was not happy with it. I mean The Great Gatsby is set in the roaring 20's, so when you see that the soundtrack is filled with rap and hip-hop instead of jazz you kind of do a double take and start thinking poorly of the movie before even seeing it. This music, though totally unexpected, fit the movie quite well. First off, it was not overdone. I thought it would be like Jay-Z bumping in the speakers all the time and me asking where in the world this came from since Jay-Z wasn't even alive then. Instead they used it to explain parts of the plot to the audience. This is my second point, it is used to really show us just how hard they partied in the 20's. I think if they would have played jazz music for all these intense parties the audience would not have completely understood. But since they accompanied the party scenes with rap and hip-hop the audience was able to understand that they party just as hard as many people party today. I think the only way our generation can understand that is through the use of rap music. 

Second, Leonardo DiCaprio is the best Jay Gatsby in the world. Seriously, he was amazing. He deserves so much recognition for this role. He tapped into it so well. I need to stop going on and on about it, and you need to go see the movie to understand. I really feel like I missed out on drooling over Leo back in the day, mostly because of my hate for Titanic. He is wonderful in all his movies, and I think this is one of his best performances.

Third, the characters became so much more real and so much more understandable to the audience. I think that since there is that time gap we don't always understand what Fitzgerald is saying in the book, but it translated so well to film. I think that this finally made me see Gatsby as human and not just this high and mighty man that got whatever he wanted. In this film you see that, but you also see how unhappy it all makes him. And how once he has Daisy he is happy, but there is still something missing (seriously, they worked with that green light so much better than the old version of the movie). You see how much things bother and tear him apart when it doesn't go his way, and you are much more drawn to him. I typically don't have a favorite character in this story, but after this movie I was really drawn to Gatsby and wanted him to find his happiness  That didn't really happen in the book for me. I feel like for the book I wanted him to get what was coming to him. Then there's Daisy. I think Daisy is a hard character for anyone to portray because she is so much. She is an air head in my eyes, but yet completely aware of it. She is full of herself, selfish, and a bit manipulative. She is also unhappy. I think that it wasn't portrayed poorly in the movie. I mean I still ended up hating her at the end, but I didn't have the complete rage that I had with her at the end of the book. When I finished the book I had wished bad things on her because she was just a terrible person and toyed with everyone around her. Didn't quite get that from the movie.

AMAZING COSTUMES! Seriously, I loved them so much. That's pretty much all I have to say on that one.

I'm sure I could find more to say about the movie, but that is pretty much my main reactions after seeing it. I really did like it, but I am glad that I went into it with low expectations. I think that liking the book as much as I do I would have hated the movie if I had come into it with really high expectations. It is entertaining, a bit funny, and sad. Definitely worth seeing. So much of it was taken word for word from the book (I LOVED how they had the quote from the end of the book in the movie. It ends it so well) and I think they did a really good job putting it together. I'm sorry for hating on you Baz Lurhmann.

One negative comment....are you serious...Tobey Macguire? You couldn't have gotten anyone else to play the role of Nick Carraway. I cannot stand Toby Macguire. Terrible actor. I mean, have you SEEN SPIDERMAN??? ALL THREE OF THEM? Terrible.

ugh, just look at him. No good as Nick Carraway, or in any movie at that.

Now to end with my favorite song from the movie at this moment. Hope more people go to see it. Worth the time.

The Things I Sometimes Ponder.

I realize that there are probably a million important things to ponder and think about, but in order to distract myself from real life issues I think about things that don't even matter and seriously debate them. This week it's been a bit of everything.

Why can't they just install a dishwasher in every rental property? I have done dishes way too many times today and I am getting so tired of it. First off, you have to use hot/warm water. Uh, I don't have AC so as I'm doing dishes I'm also sweating. I don't think that should happen. Then there's those food chunks that float around and randomly float to your hands. Am I the only one that is grossed out by this? Like I can't get everything scraped out and then there's just some ground beef floating around. It's feels like some sort of critter just swimming around in there. I seriously would pay a little bit extra for a dishwasher. Done.

This is more of a statement than a question, but I love Liz Lemon. Seriously, one of my favorite TV characters. I am finally watching the last season of 30 Rock and I just love her. She eats whatever she wants and her little catch phrases are awesome. Don't be surprised if I start yelling "blerg" or when I get mad I scream "nerd rage." Just go with it. Liz Lemon, though not my favorite character due to her political beliefs (thanks Jake, that now factors into things), is someone I would love to be. Well, in a way I would love to be her. So instead I will always make sure to follow her advice and always puts chips on my sandwich.

Mariah Carey, why does your song title have a hashtag in it? #Beautiful makes it look like it was solely meant for twitter. Yes, I have a twitter account, but I hate when Twitter mannerisms make it away from Twitter and into my every day life. Not that Mariah Carey is in my every day life, but I see the song title on Spotify (thanks guys in my area for listening to it, it's now recommended for me or something like that) all the time. And it bothers me. Hashtags don't belong anywhere but Twitter. and Instagram I guess. Well, tumblr too...but that's it. 

I don't get the appeal of Macklemore. I think that's how you spell it. I seem to never remember which order the "l" and "e" go. Anyway, he's not original.Yea, I know no one is original these days. But I feel like he has that as one of his claims to fame and I just don't see it. It's cool that he did all this work on his own and yadda yadda. His songs are too catchy (well, most of them. I tend to only listen to three. And they are pretty much the ones about nothing in particular). I guess people think he's accepting of everyone and all that, but I really don't think he is. Yes he's accepting of different races and lifestyle choices but he seems really unaccepting of Christians. You honestly can't call yourself an accepting person unless you accept everyone for who they are even though they may not think the same as you. That's how I define an accepting and generally caring person. They may think differently than their neighbors, but that doesn't mean that they are. Maybe he's mostly accepting, but not completely. I guess I just don't like when people preach it and then don't follow through. I dunno, am I missing something so awesome about him completely? And don't just saying "he's so good" because that's not a legitimate reason. Props to him for being sober though, but it's unfortunate that the reason he is sober is because he was that addicted. That being said, why are you making party songs? These are the songs that get listened to at bars as people that are anywhere from starting their first drink to trashed are singing. Why is he good? I just don't get him. That being said, I only listen to three of his songs: And We Danced, Thrift Shop, and Can't Hold Us Down (that one just has a cool beat in the background and I think I almost like that more than the song). And if you don't know And We Danced then I feel like you need to catch up on a lot of things. Seriously, that song is very entertaining. End rant (with a song of course...).

Next, why in the world did they decide to have Jay-Z do the soundtrack for The Great Gatsby? Before I start I want to say it's an excellent sound track, just not for that particular movie. Also, I have not seen the movie, but based off of the reviews that I have read I can only assume that the soundtrack is not helping that movie sell as much as the director had hoped. OK...the Great Gatsby...1920's...rap music. Seriously? Whenever I think of this book I think of Jazz music. I think of the Charleston and the brass section and all of this fabulousness, and yet this movie is apparently giving me rap and r&b? Seriously. I would take this soundtrack as an album that is not in anyway connected to Gatsby. I am so nervous to see this movie. I adore the book, and I just have this gut feeling that I will have massive nerdrage at the end of it because Baz Luhrmann is a bit of an idiot. Ok, there is some Jazz elements in the music, but not enough. Serious nerd rage here. 

Side note, does anyone want to go see Gatsby with me? I still need to see it. 

 As it turns out, these are the biggest things that have distracted me from reality lately. Take it as it is. And we will end with something awesome...

So far...

This is something I just really feel needs to be said. I need to kind of get it out of my system, so that's your warning.

I seem to have a love/hate relationship with those people that tell you that you are capable of anything and can do exactly what you want in life. Doesn't always happen, and those few success stories come from more hard work than I could ever imagine. I like the idea of thinking that I can put my mind towards something and successfully complete it, but sometimes setting your mind to it is difficult. And sometimes you realize your heart isn't in it. That's kind of where I'm at right now. My heart is fully in it. 

In what, you may ask. Well in the whole pursuing a career in teaching thing. Yes, I know. That's what my major was. That's what I went to school for. That's what I should be doing and what I had talked about doing for so long. Now before I get into it I just thought I should throw this out there: I am not saying that I never want to teach. I don't want people to think that I thought it was too hard and just gave up (it is tough, but if my heart was really in it I think all that hard work would be worth it right?). I did struggle with my student teaching, but I think that's where I started to fully grasp a few things that my field experiences weren't teaching me. First off, I was not getting the evaluations I deserved. I really think that my professor that was evaluating me was lazy and just wanted us all to give him a good review, therefore giving me an A and a review showing good things. Plus, field experience is still a lot of work with the teacher and with a lot of support. Student teaching is where it kind of slid and I was very on my own. And on my own is not good with a fairly large group of children. I couldn't do a lot of things that I should have been able to do after all my experiences and schooling. Secondly, I want to be able to help students grow. I'm not saying that teachers don't do that. I know so many teachers that are wonderful and all, but I feel like in a large group like that I struggled to help the students. I felt like I really struggled and reaching all these students, and I so wanted to and it killed me. In small groups I found that to be the opposite. Put me in a group of 5-10 students and I can really work with them and help them. I saw so much improvement when I worked with them and felt so much more of a connection with them. But when I was with a large group I struggled, and I fear that a lot of them did too. Third, I seem to have formed quite the opinion of the public school systems and what they are doing for the students. I don't really want to go into it but if you wanna chat sometime over coffee or something we sure can. If I had to summarize though I feel like it's not really looking out for the students and not helping them all like it claims to be. I don't want to be a part of that. I want to be helpful. I want to help children grow both academically and personally.

I remember my logic when I decided to go into education. And believe me, it was not to help the students academically. My main reason upon choosing that major was so that I could be there for a student if they were ever in a situation like I was when I was 13, or that my brother was when he was younger or my sister. When we lost our dad to cancer it was definitely hard for me to concentrate on school, and many of my teachers were so helpful and so caring. I want to be that for a student. When they go through  a personal crisis I would love to be the person that they look to for support. That was my one and only reason. Now I also want to work with kids on reading. It really bothers me on how little kids these days read and how terrible they are about making inferences, because they do it all the time. It's definitely something that helps you improve yourself in many ways. Though I have those reasons, I still don't see the classroom teacher in me.

I love where I am right now, and plan to try to stick it out for awhile longer. I love helping people. I feel really useful at the library and when I'm working in the high school. I feel like I am accomplishing something, even though people seem to think that I'm stuck. I'm helping people find things that they need or want. I'm helping those above me, like my boss or those that I'm assisting, to finish a big project or to get some program started. I'm working with story time and really loving the things that are happening there. The kids get so involved in the story and pick things up that I forget. I really try to get them to relate to the story and to keep them active and engaged throughout the short time they're with me. I love it. I think at this point in my life this is where I belong. I'm not saying I'll be here forever. I'm also not saying that I have completely stopped looking for a job, because I feel like if you completely stop looking then you get behind and don't know what's out there. Who knows, maybe I'll look and find the job that I just know I need to apply for. But at this point in my life I'm happy. It doesn't mean that money isn't tight. I think money is tight for everyone. But I am working hard and happy with what I do.

I am thankful to those that have told me about job openings. I have looked into a lot of those, and there were some that were kind of far away from here (that would have involved moving) that I have come very close to applying to. I appreciate that you are thinking of me. I just really want people to stop looking down on me when I tell them what I'm doing right now. Things could be a lot worse for me, and I'm happy. 

I do pray about this stuff all the time, so please don't think I'm just scared and staying where I feel safe. I am learning a lot. I am really working on coming out of my shell in certain areas of my life. I am doing what I feel I am being told to do. God has definitely taken care of me up to this point in my life, and I really doubt that He has just decided to ignore me for awhile and check back later to see what I'm up to. 

Books I think more people should read.

I seem to notice more and more adults shy away from the YA genre. Yes, I realize that a large portion of these books are written completely and totally for those that fall into the age group of about 14-18. And I must admit, though I read quite a bit of YA books there are some that I tend to stay far away from (basically anything Vampires due to Twilight killing that idea or anything similar to Pretty Little Liars. If you're into that kind of thing, cool, but it's not for me). I definitely have books that I really enjoy that just so happen to be Young Adult. And honestly, there are many adult books that have similar plots, so I guess when I see people kind of look down on YA books I don't completely understand it. Anyway, there are some books that are techincally calssified as YA that I really think people should look into more. Just because they are written from the view point of someone that is a bit younger does not mean that we, as adults, cannot take something from these books. So I thought I would share three YA books that I really feel people should pick up, not matter their age (and there are probably many others that I'm missing). This is in no particular order, and these books have all been written in the last 3-5 years.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

This is actually a book that I just finished, so I'm still kind of on a high from it (which is probably why I'm struggling to get through my latest book even thought I'm enjoying it). This book kind of reminded me of a modern day Freak The Mighty or something similar to that. Not to say they are exactly the same. Though heartbreaking, this book did not read the same as Freak the Mighty did when I was in 8th grade. This book is essentially about August's transformation to a new school, where he is stared at all the time. He gets picked on, a lot, and struggles to adjust. This book made me feel a bit guilty, because as humans we tend to stare at things that we don't understand or that make us feel uncomfortable. I can definitely think of times where I would stare at someone because they looked different or had some sort of deformity. It's human nature, but I still feel guilty about it. Reading this made me feel a bit more aware of the fact that I do that. And it kind of is helping me to stop that. This book is really interesting because it also reads from different characters. You would think that the entire book is from Auggie's perspective, but really it goes into the perspective of his sister, and two of his friends. I found this interesting because in books like this those characters are ignored. They are just shown as the strong characters that stand up for their friend/brother, but this showed some of their insecurities as well and some of the ways that being friends with Auggie changed their lives. Auggie is not the only one that puts up with name calling and stares.

What can adults take from this book about middle schoolers? They can see just how bad bullying can get. I think that some adults think that bullying really isn't a huge deal or that it doesn't happen as often, but it does. It is so much worse these days than it was when I was in school (though I could be completely oblivious to the world around me, that has been known to happen). The things that kids say to each other is just downright mean, and the fact that they can pick on someone for something that is completely out of their control is ridiculous. So what if someone looks different than you? That is absolutely no reason to pick on them. I think this books shows us as adults what kinds of things kids say (because this does happen, no matter where you are) and what we can do to help change that. It shows that we can be positive role models to these kids and we can show that things like this is wrong. I think it also gives a bit of a perspective on the things that some parents say (yes, you get to read about what parents think of certain situations, and it made me cringe because I know this actually happens). As adults, we should model positive behavior to everyone. Bullying can tear people apart, and normally those people are the nicest and sweetest people, just like Auggie. 

“Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

I have two weeks. You’ll shoot me at the end no matter what I do.
That’s what you do to enemy agents. It’s what we do to enemy agents. But I look at all the dark and twisted roads ahead and cooperation is the easy way out. Possibly the only way out for a girl caught red-handed doing dirty work like mine — and I will do anything, anything, to avoid SS-Hauptsturmführer von Linden interrogating me again.
He has said that I can have as much paper as I need. All I have to do is cough up everything I can remember about the British War Effort. And I’m going to. But the story of how I came to be here starts with my friend Maddie. She is the pilot who flew me into France — an Allied Invasion of Two.
We are a sensational team.

This book was such a surprise for me. I kind of randomly picked it. I had never heard of it before, but I was like "Yea, sure I'll read that one on vacation." Best. Choice. Ever. I typically don't read an entire book in a day (gotta spread out all the goodness right?) but I could not put this one down. I finished it within 6 hours of starting it. The story was captivating and intriguing. I remember just needing to know what would happen next, which is why I read it in an entire day. I am not entirely sure how historically accurate it was (with the age of the girls being the agents and all) but it was so interesting. It was a view of the events that happened during the war that I had never really heard, and the main events themselves seemed pretty accurate. And the best thing is, this is a story about a strong friendship. They were strong even when everything was against them. Wonderful.

What can adults take from this book? Well, the value of a strong friendship basically. I mean that should be something that can translate with any age. Also, historical fiction tends to end up very similar in the end, so if you like historical fiction this this book is one you should read. It's been almost a year since I read it, and I still have nothing but good things to say about it. I don't have life lessons to take from it, but I think it's well written and a nice read that is really well worth your time. 

“It’s awful, telling it like this, isn’t it? As though we didn’t know the ending. As though it could have another ending. It’s like watching Romeo drink poison. Every time you see it you get fooled into thinking his girlfriend might wake up and stop him. Every single time you see it you want to shout, You stupid ass, just wait a minute and she’ll open her eyes! Oi, you, you twat, open your eyes, wake up! Don’t die this time! But they always do.” 

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

Ok, so the description may not be selling it completely. It sounds like your stereotypical young adult book about real life stuff right? Well, that's part of it. And yes, there's a really awkward love triangle (it's just a little weird to have feelings of some sort for your dead sister's boyfriend, and it's also a little weird that he even acted on it...but that's a different story). My main thing with this book is that it was such an accurate description of an average person going through the loss of a family member. To say that everyone deals with the grief the same way as Lennie would be a lie, but when you kind of look at some of the way she dealt with it and you look at others that have gone through it (or if you have gone through it yourself) you can find so many similarities. It's been awhile since I read this book, but here's something I said when I wrote a short review of it on Goodreads: " If you ever want a glimpse into how a loss can affect a person's every day life, definitely read this book. All the emotions towards the loss of my dad were experienced by the main character with her sister. It was a beautiful story about loss and the strength a person needs to try their hardest to move on...Obviously each and every person has their own way of grieving, but this book seemed to take the approach that most people would assume of it and then dig deeper. No one knows that side of grief until they are a part of this." I really don't think there is much more to say on how I feel about this book.

What can adults take from this? They can kind of see how teenagers handle grief, or even full grown adults. When I was in school and we were talking about at-risk students many of my classmates were kind of stumped about what to do with students that have lost a parent or sibling. It's a tricky situation, and I think this book kind of gives a good glimpse into what the grieving process entails. It is also really beautifully written. I honestly wish more teenagers would read this book.

“My sister will die over and over again for the rest of my life. Grief is forever. It doesn't go away; it becomes a part of you, step for step, breath for breath. I will never stop grieving Bailey because I will never stop loving her. That's just how it is. Grief and love are conjoined, you don't get one without the other. All I can do is love her, and love the world, emulate her by living with daring and spirit and joy.”

So yea, I think more people should read these books. Not just adults, but any ages. It is amazing to me how many people haven't read some of them. I'm obviously missing some too, or not sharing some, so feel free. 

In fact, right now I'm reading yet another book that I have never heard of.

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

So far, super interesting (though I'm only 100 pages in). And also, it has me giggling every now and then. Anyone else reading anything good? Or have something that they think more people should read (for any age group, though I think the age requirements get kind of ridiculous...so many of the classics started as Children's books.)?