Wednesday, December 17, 2014

I Wrote This For You by pleasefindthis

 

GoodReads Summary:
I need you to understand something. I wrote this for you. I wrote this for you and only you. Everyone else who reads it, doesn’t get it. They may think they get it, but they don’t. This is the sign you’ve been looking for. You were meant to read these words.

Review:
Obviously, the GoodReads summary does not give much information about this, as it is a collection of poetry/diary-like entries. It revolves around the themes of love, heartbreak, and longing. It's a great "coffee table" kind of novel, where you can pick it up anytime, read a tidbit, and be inspired.

Like I said, you can start reading on any page, considering each page houses a different piece. It is not a book you read cover to cover, unless you really want to. The pieces are all short and are each accompanied by a photograph. Some of the written work is only a line or two long. The writing is all authored by Iain Thomas, while the pictures are taken by Jon Ellis.

The whole idea of the collection, a great multitude of poems, writings, and photographs only meant for one persons eyes, is very romantic. Every person who picks up this book is secretly hoping it was written in their honor, which I find enthralling. 

What makes this book unique is that they weren't just randomly written poems compiled into a single collection. No, these are all blog entries. The blog posts are formatted the same way; with a written piece and a photo. The pieces selected in the book are only a number of many; the author has been publishing them via blog since 2007.


I have a few favorites including The Children of Time, The Fire at Sea, The Reason the Willow Weeps, and The Scars You Love. Over all, this collection is enticing and is something everyone should have a peek through at least once in their lives.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

 

GoodReads Summary:
Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his
distress...

Huxley's ingenious fantasy of the future sheds a blazing light on the present and is considered to be his most enduring masterpiece.
 
Review:
This is definitely one of the best books I have ever had to read for school. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it for my English class and, unlike most mandatory reads, never dreaded picking it up. To me, the idea of a dystopian society such as this one is intriguing. The entire means of their world is based off of science and exactness, making for neat and content lives for everyone. There is no feeling of unfairness, even for those at the bottom of the hierarchy. 

At the beginning of the novel I assumed the entire book would revolve around the life of one misfit, Bernard Marx. His story was interesting, but not enthralling. He pretty much had the mentality of a middle school-er: he wants to fit in, not because he agrees with society's values, but because he doesn't like being on the outside. Thankfully, the story takes a much appreciated turn when the reader is introduced to John.

John, the Savage, is one of the most fascinating characters I have ever read about. He reads Shakespeare as a Bible and he understands the universe better than most people at a young age. He is a character that connects deeply with his spirituality and accepts his humanity with open arms. John even participates in penance toward the end of the book, something that took me by suprise.

The ending of this novel made me cry for a solid 10 minutes. It's something that you may be able to predict, but it still completely heartbreaking in its entirety.

Overall, Brave New World is one of the books I would recommend to anyone. Its lessons on individuality, morality, connection with God, and much more make it a story anyone can learn from, or connect to. There are many surprises in store. Whether it's in the plot or the characters, you will definitely be astonished at some point during your read.


Friday, December 5, 2014

Back from the Dead?!

Hello All,
It's been years since I've last posted, but high school started and life got in the way of things. But here I am again letting you in on some good news: I'm back!!! I am going to start posting reviews at least once a week and maybe more, once I get back in the swing of things. This time around my blog will center around more mature topics/books; less young adult, more classics and poetry. I hope you're all ready to get back to work because I sure am!