The Jar

I'm writing this post as I watch Merlin on Netflix (I'm on season 4). So who's having a great night? That would be me. I am having a fabulous knight. (Get it?) And side note about the show Merlin: The producers/directors/writers were brilliant because they include a bunch of little details that are related to the King Arthur Legend that you wouldn't catch unless you knew about them or watched for them. It's really satisfying for me as the viewer (and slight obsessor).

Update on my very exciting (not) life. I am drowning in reading homework. Which is my own fault because I enrolled in 3 upper-upper division classes that all occur on the same day. But all of my professors are great and the readings are actually entertaining and I'm having a swell time underneath all these pages of mandatory reading. (send help or food or tea)

Sadly, because I am spending all of my free time doing the reading homework for my classes,  I (so far) don't have the time to read books for leisure. So all those sequels and new releases that I've been waiting to come out and wanting to stick my nose in, all those wonderful pieces of literature will have to wait. *sigh*

The roomies of 214 have also decided to use a "wtf" jar for all the weird stuff that we do. If you've seen New Girl, it is much like the concept of the "the douchebag jar." I think that I'm the victim of this situation because I do a lot of weird things. Like prance around and meow. It is undecided what the proceeds of the jar will go towards, but it will be something cool. Something big.

Night Train by Martin Amis
Started: January 14, 2016
Finished: January 16, 2016
Stars: 3/5

I have read a couple of Martin Amis' short stories so I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this novella. Mike Hoolihan, despite the male name, is a female detective. And a well-skilled and trained detective who has been in the force for a while. She is chosen for to determine whether the Colonel Rockwell's daughter was the victim of a murder or her own suicide. It is obviously a case that's close to heart for Mike and the rest of her task force and she is chosen because of the closeness between Mike and Jennifer Rockwell.

This isn't a book that is centralized on the mystery or the action of the book. It's an emotional journey through Mike's head. Mike talks about how the "police" don't look for the why in a case. They don't care about that answer. They care about the who, the what and then how. What is interesting is that the whole book is about the why. Why what happened to Jennifer happened? Why? Mike is distressed with this question as she stays up late to listen to the Night Train that runs by her house.

The only problem with this book was the fact that it was a British author writing about the American police force. Amis used terms to describe the American police system that just aren't used. I was confused at the beginning because I was thrown off by the language and the terms that Amis used.

While reading it, I wasn't particularly intrigued by the characters or the plot, but when I finished the book, I was confounded by the concept of the novel. As police they don't ask the why question because they aren't emotionally attached to the case (usually and ideally), but with Mike and Jennifer's case, she is emotionally invested. Jennifer's father is a close friend of Mike's and Mike was fond of Jennifer— everyone was fond of Jennifer. This emotional attachment is what causes Mike to ask that heavy "why" question.

[this book was my murder mystery book for my 2016 Reading Challenge]


SOP: Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
I have no idea why he hasn't made a real music video for this song because this song is great. Ily Biebs (but not in a weird way, just you know normal level.)

The Once and Future King

Last semester I had the blessing of taking an English course called Arthurian Legend and Literature. So basically everything about King Arthur, after King Arthur, somehow relating to King Arthur was our course. Now, the course itself was kind of boring because our class wasn't into the idea of class discussion so it was mostly a sit and listen class. But the content was cool. And it planted the King Arthur obsession in my head. So now I have King Arthur on the mind. All. The. Time.

Even yesterday, I tied something in my Shakespeare class to King Arthur. And two days ago, I was reading the assignment for my Irish Literature class and for some reason thought it was talking about King Arthur so all I could picture was Arthur in battle and something that was totally not in the text.

It's a slight problem.

I wasn't very prompt with the readings for that class... I regret not keeping up with the readings (but apparently it didn't affect my grade too much because I got an A! Wuhoo). My friend and I presented on a movie from 1942 called King Arthur Was a Gentleman which basically uses the King Arthur Legend as a way to pump up the British people for World War II and used the legend as propaganda. Then this led to us writing a (really really good) research paper on the use of the King Arthur legend during World War II in general—both on the ally and the axis sides.

So now I can almost relate anything back to King Arthur.

And then I started the BBC series Merlin on Netflix and holy guacamole is it good. If you need a new show on Netflix to watch, watch Merlin. It's fabulous and I'm obsessed. And let's face it, the idea of knights and courts and kingdoms is super awesome and who wouldn't like it? (If you're cynical, don't answer that. It was kind of a rhetorical question. If you are positive then the answer is: "No one because everyone likes that shit.)

I'm not going to review two of the books I actually read for that class last semester (but shhhh don't tell anyone what a bad student I was) because there isn't much to say that wouldn't be a complete summary. The books are good, but they are in an older English and it isn't going to be a quick read if that's what you are expecting.

Merlin and the Grail by Robert de Boron and Le Mortre Darthur by Sir Thomas Malory, congratulations on making my reading list for Fall 2015.

SOP: Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift

New Year New Reading Challenge

First off, that whole saying "new year, new me" is just way to easy to manipulate to your immediate descriptive needs. Just saying. It's just so easy to twist! So my apologies if I use it an obnoxious amount. I swear it's all on purpose and for my own entertainment. (Plus it only usually lasts for the month of January and, on the rare year—maybe on a leap year or something— February too.)

I'm still "reading " Gone With the Wind by Melissa Mitchell. I'm still 22% finished. I, however, did not take it with me to school in the fall nor am I taking it to school this spring. I'm thinking it will be strictly a summer-time read because its so damn big.

Unfortunately, I did not complete my 2015 Reading Challenge that consisted of 55 books. I read 45 of those books. So, in order to remedy the situation, not only did I find the 2016 Reading Challenge, but I also added the ones that I didn't complete last year to this year's challenge. I feel better already.
Here's the link to the new 2016 Reading Challenge if you're up for it (do it. it's fun, it's challenging, and it broadens your reading experience).

I adjusted the Challenge slightly... I am not a fan of graphic novels or self-improvement books so I took those off the list. I also added one/replaced those. The only one I added (other than the unfinished disappointments from last year) is "a book that you've been putting off." So there. No explanation needed.
 I'm still working on those book reviews from last year, but give me time! There are a lot. They'll come in due time!

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
Started: January 9, 2016
Finished: January 11, 2016
Stars: 4/5

Holy crapola. This book was hilarious. She's hilarious. And she talks about something that we tend to overlook, or disregard in our society: mental illness.

It's not so much a taboo in our society anymore (at least I don't think so), mental illness, that is. But I still think it's a touchy subject for us to discuss openly and without judgement because the mind and how each individual reacts to stresses are such fickle things. I think Jenny Lawson did an incredible of describing not only how her illnesses have affected her life, but how she reacts to them. She stresses the importance of just being yourself and knowing the limits of your body and your mind.

And let me tell ya, Jenny is perfectly comfortable in her own skin. Her stories are unique and personal and funny.

Seriously, if you need a laugh-out-loud book that makes you realize you're not the only one, read this one.

[this book was my book by a comedian for my 2016 Reading Challenge]


SOP: Wolves by One Direction
[So what? I like One Direction, sue me.]

Peace Out.

I'm Actually Terrible at New Year's Resolutions

No really. I am. Bad at New Year's Resolutions, that is. I'm not really sure why, but once I investigate I'll let you know. I also have a tendency to put off making a Resolution/goal until the last minute. I'm not very timely in establishing these life improvements,

I have a strong feeling that it's because of my laziness. Honestly, it probably is.
Last year's Resolution(s): train for the half marathon that I ran in April, blog more consistently.

I did run the half marathon, but I did a terrible job of training for it. Honestly, I'm surprised I finished it with how little I trained.
I was really good about blogging more consistently, but, as you've realized, it stopped in August.

Maybe my problem is that bigger and better things distract me from my Resolution(s) or maybe I just don't care enough. Or maybe 365 days is just a really long time and I forget how long a year really is.

I still have yet to announce a New Year's Resolution. Maybe I'll just forgo one altogether. As of right now, I have established goals for the semester. It's a shorter time frame and I can put all of my focus in that immediate goal. Goals include: 4.0 GPA this semester, I will actually train for the half marathon this year (no really I will), read more physical books (aka use the kindle less). That's all I have, for now. There's always time to create more goals.



Now I have my first round of reviews! YAY!!

But don't get too excited... because I'm *cough* lazy *cough* and did the second shortest groups of reviews first. So enjoy this piece of moldy bread I'm throwing you. (Because you're totally sitting around waiting for my fingers to run across the keyboard and proclaim the great wonders that are swirling in my brain. lol. yes I'm being sarcastic.)

So here are the Non-School Book Reviews:

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Started: December 21, 2015

Finished: December 28, 2015

Stars: 5/5

If you didn’t know this about me, I love dinosaurs. LIKE OBSESSED. It’s reached the point where I have a pterodactyl pillow pet named Terry that some of my friends (yes I have friends) call Peter because that’s real alliteration. Seriously, dinosaurs are the coolest thing ever. We would be screwed if they weren’t extinct. Just saying. Like velociraptors are scary as hell. That’s what I would want to be in the Jurassic Period. Or a pterodactyl because they are vicious.

Anyway. Back to the book.

Michael Crichton is a genius. If you like dinosaurs, even just a little bit, read this book. Its astounding. The math and the graphs that are included in the book make it seem real (but thank God it isn’t real). The characters are a little flat, but I don’t think that affects the overall appeal of the book because it is so action packed and often switches between the different perspectives of the characters. Sometimes it was difficult to differentiate which perspective you were reading, but I got so wrapped up in the plot and the action that it didn’t really matter. 

Geez this book was so good. And I love dinosaurs even more than I did before I read this book, and I don’t know how that’s really possible. 

[this was the book published in my birth year for my 2015 Reading Challenge]

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Started: December 28, 2015

Finished: December 29, 2015

Stars: 4/5

Do you like reading? Do you like books? Do you like all forms of literature? Do you like quirky characters that have characteristics where you see yourself in them? If you answered yes to these simple questions then you’ll like this book.

It’s a pretty easy read. The characters are likable and realistic— they aren’t muddied by the authors expectations of who she wants her protagonists to be. They face real life issues and personality traits. And they react to these developments in human ways. There weren’t eye rolls on my end where I was annoyed by the ridiculousness the author created because the situation was unrealistic or the character was just damn annoying.

There was a plot twist that was completely unnecessary. I mean really? I won’t say what it is, I won’t spoil the book for you, but I was annoyed by the damn plot twist that, in my opinion, just overcomplicated the book and the characters. 

[this was the book recommended by a friend for my 2015 Reading Challenge]

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Started: August 21, 2015

Finished: August 26, 2015

Stars: 3/5

I remember when I read this book I really enjoyed it. But now, 6 months later, I don’t quite remember what I wanted to say about his book in a review. I actually really enjoyed it the more I think about it. I want to read the rest of the series. 

I can tell you that it’s fantasy. It features a strong female lead. There’s magic involved with military and power. If you need another fantasy fix like The Winner’s Curse or Throne of Glass then pick this one up and give it a shot. You’ll like it. 

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

Started: August 26, 2015

Finished: November 28, 2015

Stars: 3/5

Don’t judge me. The reason it took me so long to read this book is because school is busy. Classes require lots of reading and, sadly, my homework was not to read Bray’s book (and the book is 613 pages so naturally it’s going to take me some time). 

The thing I love most about The Diviners books is that the characters are so dynamic and diverse. I love that they are all intertwined in one way or another and the sense of adventure is so real and consuming. Granted I do think there are a lot of major characters from whose perspective we read. Sometimes it’s a lot to remember what character was doing what (especially when you space the book out over 4 months). 

I love the dialect and the time period Bray uses in this book. And the imagery she creates is beautiful, even when it’s set in the pits of the subway system. 

The book was a little slow until page 300. It needed (and used) a lot of space to provide the back story and set up the book. Jericho didn’t seem to have a major role in the book and I was upset because he is my fave!!!!!! I felt like the action was too rushed because it happened so close to the end of the book. I just wanted to finish it and didn’t relish in the action. 

[this was my book with a love-triangle for my 2015 Reading Challenge]

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Started: November 9, 2015

Finished: November 11, 2015

Stars: 4/5

Bless you Colleen Hoover. I don’t think she has it in her to write a bad book. Ever. Each character is different and beautifully written and EVERY SINGLE ONE PULLS ON MY HEART STRINGS. (Caps make me feel better— like I’ve truly expressed my feelings, if you hadn’t already noticed that.) 

Fallon and Ben create this great romance surrounded around the hope of one single day each year. They have their own demons to battle throughout the story and you can’t help but fall in love with Ben and sympathize with Fallon (who may be my new favorite female lead. If not favorite then very close second to Layken from Slammed).

If you haven’t read a Colleen Hoover book, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life. No really. Stop reading me babble on this stupid blog and go read one of her books now! I would recommend this one or my fave Slammed or Ugly Love. Go forth my friends. Read her books. Embrace the wonder that is Colleen Hoover and then come back and read me babble. 

[this book was my book with a number in the title for my 2015 Reading Challenge]

SOP: Colors by Halsey

Peace and Love. 

School Ha[d] Begun

Hello long lost friends!

I started this post in August. I've been on hiatus since then. I sincerely apologize. But here's the stitch: I got really lazy and, apparently, writing reviews is a lot of work (surprised? I was too), but this post will be like a summary of my life since August.

[WARNING: if you think that you'll be riveted to the point where you are sitting on the edge of your chair biting your nails in eager anticipation, I'm sorry to disappoint you. My life is actually really boring and my laziness should tell you that much. I think the most exciting things that happened to me were the Taylor Swift concert—I'll save that for another post— and when my friends took me to the history museum which is filled with dinosaurs. I'm not being sarcastic here, it was so damn cool. If you think I'm a weirdo because I like dinosaurs (first of all you're wrong, I'm weird but not because of the dinosaurs), then you obviously haven't looked up velociraptors. Seriously, so cool.]

So when I was working on this post (in August 2015) here is what I was thinking:
"School has started and I'm actually not completely bummed by the idea. The only thing I'm not excited for it not being able to read all day erryday, but I make certain sacrifices for higher education...

Here's a quick update on my life: I am taking 15 credit hours this semester, two of those classes are 4000 level. In other words, this semester I might drown in the work load. I'm also a TA for two freshmen introductory classes, one of which is at 8:30am, so I'll be stressed and sleep deprived. I'm also apart of an internship for a Magazine that is run on campus, but is also world renowned.

I'm not complaining about my schedule or what I'm up against for this next semester, but I'm realistic (and also slightly cynical) when I say that it's going to be a tough semester. I'm actually really excited about this semester and all the fun stuff I'll be learning and doing.

Actually, this is my first post of the semester and it's not even the beginning of school anymore. If that doesn't tell you how much free time I have, I don't know what will...

Update on my Gone With the Wind reading:
It's still a work in progress. I may have left it at home and am stuck at whopping 226 pages. I really want to finish it, but Scarlett just irritates me so much. I don't seem to like any of the characters, even though the writing is phenomenal."

That's what I had in August. I'm sorry. I really did have the intention of finishing and posting it.

But to sum up, I was busy. I'm also patting myself on the back because I made it to every single one of those 8:30 classes! If you know me at all, you know I'm not a morning person. So that fact that I didn't sleep through the class once, needs its own celebration. (I'll be accepting cookies or mint-chocolate chip ice cream as gifts, if you feel the need.)

I also started the show Scandal on Netflix and that as a baaaddd idea because all I did was obsess over how perfect Jake is and how much I dislike Fitz (thanks a lot Maddie).

And, this is my first post of 2016. I'm almost positive that I made the "resolution" this time last year to keep up with my blog (hahaha). In my defense I did a great job until August. Maybe I'll make the same "resolution" again.

I've read a lot of books since August. Because that's what I do: read. I like to justify my constant reading to the fact that it's my job (thank you English Major), but really it's just my excuse to read. I'm going to break up these reviews (maybe in like theme or something cool and snazzy), or else this post will be DAYS long. And that's just annoying.

So I'll end the post here because those book reviews might just take up their own post. Let's be real. I'll leave you with a cliff-hanger to my life.


SOP: She's Kinda Hot by 5 Seconds of Summer 
I've been in a boy band mood lately. I think it's because of nostalgia. I'm also listening to old school Jonas Brothers and One Direction. Sorry not sorry. (in August I developed an obsession with 13 year old girl music. That phase is still going on and has extended to 5 Seconds of Summer, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber (old and new), and literally One Direction all the time. S/O to my friends that put up with me and my middle-school-esque playlist literally all semester.)

As embarrassing as it is to admit, I'm still going through this phase. I did add Halsey to the mix so I'm not sure if that's improving the situation.