It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

 

GoodRead Summary:

Ambitious New York City teenager Craig Gilner is determined to succeed at life - which means getting into the right high school to get into the right job. But once Craig aces his way into Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School, the pressure becomes unbearable. He stops eating and sleeping until, one night, he nearly kills himself.

Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and the self-elected President Armelio. There, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.

Ned Vizzini, who himself spent time in a psychiatric hospital, has created a remarkably moving tale about the sometimes unexpected road to happiness.

Summary:

This novel took me pretty long to get through although it's definitely worth the read. The theme, initially seems depressing, but over all it was really eye-opening. I thought it was really interesting seeing inside of a mental ward. Craig's character is awkward and he is kind of the type of character you can fall in love with. 

The struggles of being/becoming a teen is something that is very well portrayed in this novel. From asshole best friends to young love, this book has it all. I appreciated the (appropriate) sense of humor that Craig embodied. The whole topic of teen suicide is very relevant in today's society.

I would recommend this book to anyone searching for a heartwarming read. This book is honest, genuine, and something worth while. I think that truly anyone would enjoy it.

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Sorry that this is so short and late! I started up my blog just before lacrosse season started, so I don't have much time. But I'm trying my hardest!

Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

Goodreads Summary:

Antonio Marez is six years old when Ultima enters his life. She is a curandera, one who heals with herbs and magic. 'We cannot let her live her last days in loneliness,' says Antonio's mother. 'It is not the way of our people,' agrees his father. And so Ultima comes to live with Antonio's family in New Mexico. Soon Tony will journey to the threshold of manhood. Always, Ultima watches over him. She graces him with the courage to face childhood bigotry, diabolical possession, the moral collapse of his brother, and too many violent deaths. Under her wise guidance, Tony will probe the family ties that bind him, and he will find in himself the magical secrets of the pagan past—a mythic legacy equally as palpable as the Catholicism of Latin America in which he has been schooled. At each turn in his life there is Ultima who will nurture the birth of his soul. 

Review: 

This was another mandatory read, dictated by my sophomore English teacher. However, unlike Macbeth, this read was very enjoyable. The writing itself was beautiful and almost sounded like poetry, with all of its descriptive language. The theme was different for me: considering it is set in a just-post World War II New Mexico. I loved reading about the culture and the Spanish language itself is so amazing to read. 

The over all theme of the book was also extremely intruiging to me. Much of the six-year-olds, Antonio's, self-conflict revolved around his doubt of God and the religion he had been brought up believing in. Ultima's influence is very prominent in this conflict. His strange dreams were also very fascinating to read about considering they are so intricate, bizarre, and telling. For such a small child, Antonio's character was definitely not immature in the slightest and I loved ending about his internal struggle. 

Over all this novel was very interesting and watching a young boy go through such a battle with his spirituality was more than enthralling. I really liked this book and would recommend it to people who are interested in spirituality, the search for God, and finding oneself. (Short and sweet review this Sunday!)

Poetry Magazine

What is it?

The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary
organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. (From Poetry Foundation website.)

Costs $3.75 per month.

Review: 

I signed up for this magazine because I'd gotten an advertisement in the mail... this is the first time junk mail has actually worked in persuading me to order something. I am currently subscribed to two writing/poetry magazines, this being one of them. The other periodical I had been subscribed to for a little longer, however it only offered tips and information, no actual poetry.

I was extremely excited to receive the March edition of Poetry Magazine in the mail, and was even more excited when I look inside. Poetry on almost every page! No fluffy articles about grammar usage, just pieces of poetry I could read and enjoy.

That is the thing I like most about this magazine is that you get a small taste of everything. So many poets and pieces are included that it's initially overwhelming. I love the fact that each month you read something, someone different. If you are looking for some sort of inspiration I would recommend checking this out. Although I have only received one month of Poetry Magazine, I know it will be a favorite and that I will look forward to finding it in my mailbox every month!

*If you would like me to do individual reviews on each months issue, like this post!