Monthly Archives: December 2020

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

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The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo is about a young girl named Xiomara who lives in a very religious neighborhood, where everyone goes to church and reads the Bible. Her mother especially is a very strict and devoted Christian, who makes sure both her children follow the traditions and rules of God. However, Xiomara wants to go past those boundaries and be who she wants to be, but due to her body and her mother’s religious atmosphere, she’s forced to shut herself out.

To be honest, no one should judge anyone for how they look, especially their body. Xiomara is also very brave and stands up to people who do judge her, and I think that’s one of the things that I really like about her character. Furthermore, she enjoys writing poems about how she feels in her leather notebook, that her twin brother gave her. Writing helps her express her thoughts and feelings, especially in her poems. On Xiomara’s first day of tenth grade, she meets a boy named Aman, with who she later falls in love with. Even though she’s breaking the rules of her religion, by going out with him, she doesn’t care because with Aman, she doesn’t feel so trapped inside her own home and is glad to have someone new to talk to. I didn’t like how Xiomara was just doing whatever she wanted, without actually thinking about how what’s right and what’s wrong. I feel like she’s just doing all this because she wants to escape from her home, escape from her mom.

Xiomara shares her poems with Aman, and he really enjoys reading them, telling her that she should definitely share them with others and express her beautiful talent. I really love Aman, because he’s such a supportive, kind, and amazing friend towards Xiomara, and wants to understand what she’s going through, and is willing to do whatever he can for her. Xiomara is afraid to share her poems with the world because sooner or later her mother will find out, and get extremely angry. Nonetheless, someone that went to the same church as Xiomara’s mother, had witnessed Xiomara with a boy. To make things worse, her mother had also found the notebook with all of her writing inside. When she came home, her mother was extremely infuriated and burned her notebook due to how her daughter had disobeyed her. Honestly, I really didn’t like how the mother just burned the notebook like that, without even questioning her daughter’s actions, and it made me feel really bad for Xiomara because that notebook was basically her outlet.

After all the chaos between mother and daughter, Xiomara signed up to say her poem onstage in front of a bunch of people. Her family including her mother, Aman, and her friend came to her to say her poem. This part was one of my favorites because she’s finally putting her work out there, and being herself, and showing her true colors. Throughout the story, there was so much character development for Xiomara, and I love how she grew into this whole new person, standing up for who she truly is and wants to be. Lastly, my least favorite part was when her mother apologized to her for being so strict and not letting her do what she wants. The mother also had a huge character development, which I absolutely loved, and it also created a beautiful mother-daughter moment. In conclusion, it was an empowering, beautiful, loving, and wonderful book overall, and I definitely recommend it.

-Zehra M.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Overdrive.

Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest

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Fire Emblem Fates is a trilogy of Fire emblem games that was released throughout 2016. Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest was the second of two that were initially released. The games are a tactical RPG that focuses around managing characters and attacks, similar to a chess board. Birthright and Conquest differ in story and the routes you choose. Conquest is the latter version that is not only harder, but provides a different focus on deceit and lies.

One major thing that conquest has going for it is the large cast of likeable characters. Unlike Birthright, Conquest’s characters contain varying amounts of personality while also bringing back likeable characters from other games and versions. While character development itself is lacking, the characters are fleshed out enough to create an entertaining atmosphere regardless of the situation. The mood and tone of this version reflects the main themes of the story. The dark and gloomy environment further builds upon the game and the story is significantly more engaging than Birthright.

Regardless of the idea that Conquest is better and more detailed than Birthright, the game still has some major issues. Unlike Birthright, conquest is designed to be much harder and limits options in order to prevent over-leveling. As a result, while the game isn’t inherently much harder, the difficulty scaling increases exponentially so early game mistakes can make a large difference in the late game. The game in general is not as beginner friendly when compared to Birthright, although this is partially mitigated by how it is the second game of the story. Another complaint is that in order to fully understand the second game, you have to also play the third version in Revelations. Without playing that game, the ending feels somewhat empty and confusing as a result, thus making the game as a whole less satisfying to complete.

Overall, even with the various complaints, I would rate it an 8/10 and think it is still worth playing. The game is still entertaining and gives a good measure for the modern fire emblem games. Unlike the other two, the story progresses at a reasonable rate and it doesn’t feel as clustered. The game, while not my first choice for a modern Fire Emblem game, is still worth the time and money put into it.

-Benjamin L.

Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright

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Fire Emblem Fates is a trilogy of Fire Emblem games that was released throughout 2016. Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright was the first of two that were initially released. The games are a tactical RPG that focuses around managing characters and attacks, similar to a chess board. Birthright and Conquest differ in story and the routes you choose. Birthright is meant to be the first version played and builds upon the main character’s direct family.

The game overall follows the general JRPG formula, with interesting characters. The characters, in general throughout the 3 versions, are a major focus. Birthright contains many strong and likeable characters. The royal family of this side is based on traditional japanese designs along with the rest of the world. The game is very visually appealing as a result. Gameplay in this game is also generally good. Maps, on the hardest difficulty, are still thought provoking and unique so the games don’t feel as repetitive. The game is a good entry point when compared to the other two versions as it does a good job giving context behind every point in the overarching story between the three.

Some complaints of the game include the ineffective usage of many other characters and the difficulty of the game on anything past the hardest modes. While the main characters of the story are fleshed out and compelling, the majority of other characters in this version are simply there as a unit. There is very little character development and as a result, there is little emotional connection to said characters throughout the story. The difficulty is also not up to par with the expectations of playing a JRPG. Being the first of three, the game is meant to be easy but I feel that even on normal difficulties, the game holds your hand too much and there is barely a challenge whatsoever.

Overall, I like the characters and world building that Birthright provides but I think that the game is not as worth when compared to the other two. The lack of actual development and character growth is noticeable and is much less engaging than conquest and the third version, revelations. I would rate this version of the game a 6/10 as it still has many likable features of modern Fire Emblem games but is lacking overall as a JRPG. 

-Benjamin L.

Christmas Movies!

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Home Alone (1990) - IMDb

During the winter season, there are a plethora of different Christmas movies to choose from. Once I sit down to watch Christmas movies with my family or friends the hardest part is choosing which one to watch. There are varieties of different Christmas that appeal to different people. I will be breaking down my favorite Christmas movie of all time.

My personal favorite Christmas movie of all time has to be Home Alone. I have watched it over and over again since I was a kid. Starring Kevin McCallister played by Macaulay Culkin this movie is a comedy that will never grow old. Beginning with young Kevin who got in trouble and was sent to sleep in his family’s attic.

The following day Kevin’s family was going on their holiday trip, but they forget Kevin at home. Kevin thought his wish to have no family, since they were mean to him, had come true. Living up his solo life until 2 thugs come to try and rob the McCallister’s house. Kevin then sets up bobby traps and tricks to try and protect his house from the robbers. Kevin successfully fights them off multiple times, but the robber’s Harry and Marv will not quit. After many battle rounds Kevin was finally able to fight the burglars off permanently. Later on, Kevin befriends an elderly man, who was known to be a criminal, but finds out he is just a man who lost his connection to his son and feels lonely. After Kevin encourages him to make up with his son, he realizes that family is important along with the impact children have on their parents. During all these events Kevin’s mother was finding the fastest way home from Paris to make sure Kevin was safe at home. Once his whole family returns they get to spend the Christmas holiday together and realize the importance of family.

Though it may be a little cheesy, this movie remains one of the best Christmas movies. Not only is it a classic, but it is also a rollercoaster ride. The character development from a bratty kid to one that is able to spread joy and love. The action scenes are also a great laugh. We get to see a little boy beating up two full-grown men with his mischievous little tricks up his sleeve.

-Lilly G.

Home Alone is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.

Anne Frank: The Biography by Melissa Müller

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Being a student that has always found history about the holocaust to be interesting, Melissa Müller’s Anne Frank: The Biography was a fascinating biography.

Most know who Anne Frank was, a little girl who displayed her story through writing. Anne Frank’s journal is a treasured diary that is loved and appreciated by millions around the world and continues to be cherished every day. Müller’s recreation gives more factual information about Anne Frank’s life instead of Anne’s words alone. This book gives insight before Anne started writing and what happened after the Franks were caught hiding. With pictures included, a family tree, and much more, this novel is very detailed and allows the audience to truly understand how harsh life was as a Jewish individual. Müller dives deeper down into Anne’s personality and what type of person she was at school and at home. This biography answers questions that were never answered in Anne’s diary such as the major discussion revolving who the tattletale was who initially caused the capture of the Frank family.

This novel is 330 pages long and it may be considered a difficult read for some but if you do need a good and captivating nonfiction story, this is a must do! By the end, one definitely will become more educated about this subject and how hard it was living in this era for some people.

– Amandine K.

Anne Frank: The Biography by Melissa Muller is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.

Film Review: A Christmas Catch

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When December hits around, everyone’s got that holiday spirit and I always find myself binge-watching 100 different holiday movies. Out of the ones I’ve seen so far, A Christmas Catch has been my absolute favorite. It combines my crime, romance, and the holidays perfectly. This combination makes it stand out from the rest and every time I rewatch it, the movie gets better and better

Detective Mackenzie Bennett meets a guy, Carson, who’s perfect for her. Unfortunately the next day she finds out that she’s supposed to be going undercover to investigate Carson. Could the man of her dreams be a thief? She goes on all of these dates and reports back to uncover all of Carson’s past and his secrets. Things about his ex-wife and his childhood. Will this push them apart or bring them closer? Will he ever figure out that she’s an investigator? As they fall head over heels for each other, this movie covers all of their ups and downs and even has a holiday theme. 

One of my favorite things to watch includes crime and if that’s your thing as well as holiday movies, I highly recommend this movie for the holiday season. The ending blew my mind, and I hope it leaves you speechless too.

-Kaitlyn Y.

Authors We Love: Herman Melville

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Herman Melville - Wikipedia

Herman Melville (1819-1891) was one of the greatest American novelists, essayists, and poets of the 19th century, along with Nathaniel Hawthorne. Melville, who received little attention during his lifetime, rose to prominence in the 1920s and is generally regarded as one of the highest figures in American literature. Maugham considered his Moby Dick to be one of the world’s top ten literary masterpieces, ranking higher than Mark Twain and others in its literary history. Melville is also known as the “Shakespeare” of America.

In “Bartleby, the Scrivener”, Melville, through the interpretation of Bartleby’s silent struggle, powerfully responds to the over-optimistic transcendentalist worldview and expresses his own different views. Transcendentalists believe that “god is merciful, and nature is an incarnation and symbol of god, as well as the embodiment of god’s mercy; The soul of man is divine, so man’s nature is good, and he is one with nature.” And for Melville, nothing is absolutely good or absolutely evil. Emerson’s transcendental optimism does not really help the development of individuals in a vast society. The power of individuals is small, unable to fight against the society. Emerson is only describing to us an ideal state of human life, which can never be reached, but a castle in the air, which is desirable but unattainable.

In addition, Melville was deeply influenced by biblical stories. Not only did many of the characters in Moby Dick take their names from the bible, but he was also influenced by the simple ecological views of the bible. In the bible, although nature is god’s tool to punish human beings, human beings have to overcome the harsh natural environment in order to survive outside the garden of Eden, but this does not mean that human beings have to conquer and transform nature in order to survive. In fact, the bible calls for careful control of nature, not unbridled conquest. In addition to giving man the right to rule the earth, god demands that man must protect and nurture nature which espouses most of Melville’s thinking and shaping of plot lines.

The works of Herman Melville are available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. They can also be downloaded for free from Overdrive.

Original Poem: “In a Few Days”

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In a few days
the world stops looking less blue.
Sooner or later
there’s bound to be something new.

In a few days
the clouds above my head will lift.
As eventually as forever
my meaning will sensibly shift.

In a few days
I’ll fall asleep in complete dark.
A night without noise
from the purple and invisible spark.

In a few days
things will get better.
Because a few can mean soon,
or reach as close as possible to never.

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister by Jenny Nimmo

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Charlie Bone and the Time Twister is the second book in the Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo.  The main protagonist is a boy named Charlie Bone who possesses a special power.  Charlie can hear what people are saying inside photographs.  Charlie is not the only person to possess magical ability.  He attends a school for the gifted called Bloor’s Academy, where other students appear to have special powers of their own.  Charlie discovers that the evil Bloor family in charge of the academy has been plotting to harm some of the students, including himself.

I enjoyed reading about the development of Charlie’s powers in this book.  It becomes easier for him to hear what people are saying in the pictures he sees.  However, he does not fully realize the strength of his power yet.  One day at school, Charlie is surprised to meet one of his ancestors, named Henry Yewbeam.  Henry looks the same age as Charlie, but he was born over 90 years ago.  Henry had teleported through time using a mystical marble known as the Time Twister.  Charlie needs to protect Henry from the Bloor family, who would consider Henry an enemy.  This book is very suspenseful, as the Bloors become increasingly suspicious of Charlie.

One of my favorite characters in this book is Ezekiel Bloor.  Ezekiel is a cranky old man living at the academy.  He seems to hate everybody.  He has an old connection to Henry that creates a very intriguing background to this story.  I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of this book.  It was fascinating to read the story as it unfolded through different time periods.  After reading this book, I was anxious to read the next book in the series.  I highly recommend it.

-Oliver H.

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister by Jenny Nimmo is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.

Cybersecurity Tips and Tricks

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When the Internet was first made available to the public in the late 1960s, very few people would have even considered that it could become the global sensation that it is today. And yet, as of July 2020, 60 percent of the population is able to access the Internet, and this number is only increasing in recent months. 

While the Internet is undoubtedly a helpful and necessary part of our lives (case in point – the current pandemic, which would be making life much more difficult for many people without the Internet), the rising global dependency also makes it an enticing target for hackers, scammers, and other people with malicious intentions to take advantage of users. 

Because of this, it’s important to make sure that you’re protecting your information while browsing or posting on the Internet, so I’ve made a list of basic cybersecurity guidelines that all people should follow:

  1. You Are a Target to Hackers

Most people think that because of the vast number of people on the Internet, they won’t be targeted, but it’s actually the opposite. Most scammers go for ordinary people who, under the delusion that they wouldn’t be a victim, have been less than careful with the spread of their personal information. So, the first step is to recognize that you are a potential target and that you must protect your information.

  1. Passwords! Passwords Everywhere!

As I’m sure you know, passwords are a critical defense against hackers. However, choosing the right password makes all the difference. Many people set their password to “password” or “bluesky” or some other variation of an easy, dictionary level, all lowercase password. Unfortunately, passwords like these can be hacked in milliseconds.

Most sites have password requirements that prevent such simple passwords, but even they are not enough. When thinking for a password, try to make it at least 10 characters, with upper and lowercase letters, as well as numbers and symbols. For example, a secure password might be: WeAreTheChampions492!

One last thing – it’s important to keep your passwords random. For instance, don’t use FaceBookTime123! for a Facebook account. Instead, try to come up with unique base words, or, if you’re having trouble, find a random word generator online.

If you’re like me and have the memory of a goldfish, coming up with random passwords (and remembering them!) may seem daunting, but using secure password managers can help ease the burden on your memory.

  1. Always Think Before You Click

Phishing attacks are a constant threat; using various social engineering techniques, scammers will try and trick you into divulging your personal information. For example, in a scheme used to hack many politicians’ emails, you may receive a message stating that your password has been hacked and your account accessed, and that you must reset your password using a link provided.

Do not click the link unless you are 100 percent sure that it is genuine. Generally speaking, the rule of thumb for such emails is to go straight to the source and perform the action there. If your Amazon account was hacked, for example, go straight to Amazon’s web page and find the legitimate link there.

  1. Back Up Your Data

It’s important to keep your information secure, just like you would keep your valuables in a safe place. Some ransomware hackers encrypt your data and make it impossible to access it, and force you to pay a fee in order to have it returned to you. 

If you make sure to back up your data at least once a week, you can avoid having to pay the unreasonable sums of money presented to you by these ransomware attackers and be on your merry way.

  1. Declutter Your Digital Closet

Basically what’s on the tin – if you haven’t used an app or account for a large expanse of time (think 6 months to a year), you should probably get rid of it. This applies to social media apps, email accounts, etc. Doing this prevents hackers from exploiting old information or vulnerabilities.

Another way to harden your apps is by updating them, eliminating old vulnerabilities through new patches that can keep you and your information safe. Always make sure you have the most recently updated version of every app.

  1. The Ultimate Weapon: Common Sense

Obviously, this is a far from comprehensive list, but the overall most important tool when protecting your information from malicious presences is simple common sense. Whenever you receive a “friend” request from someone you don’t know, or an email that looks a bit fishy, ask yourself: Does it make sense?

Most of the time, this question results in an easy yes-or-no answer, but the rule I always follow in the situations where it isn’t so clear is any doubt, throw it out. After all, you can never be too careful! 🙂

Although this is a relatively short list, I hope it helps you guys better secure yourselves and your information from malicious attackers. Thanks for reading!

– Mahak M.