1984 Book Review

1984, by George Orwell is a suspenseful and disturbing dystopian novel that makes you anxious but excited to turn the next page. 1984 has very distinct and memorable characters which resemble real traits and qualities of a normal person.

The book is called 1984 because George Orwell wrote the book in 1948 and 1984 is how he imagined the future would be. Orwell’s prediction of the future was that nearly everyone was brainwashed by Big Brother and the Party which was an organization trying to control all of Oceania, where the book takes place. Despite the Party’s efforts not everyone is controlled by them.

Some things I like about the book were its explicit detail which allows you to imagine that the world of 1984 is real. Another thing I like about the book was the suspense that makes you want to keep reading. There are many other things I liked about the book including character development of Winston and the pieces learned of his past.

However, there were some things I did not like about the book. One of these things was that in the beginning there is alot of exposition and it is confusing and boring in this part of the book. Another thing is that the symbolism of objects can be confusing such as the glass paperweight which is related to Winston trying to connect with his past.

Despite the controversial opinion on 1984 I think it is a good book and Orwell tells and interesting but disturbing story to be mindful of how important it is to have your own thoughts and beliefs. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian books, or just looking for something to read.

1984 by George Orwell is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Let’s Make Sushi: Easy Recipe to Try at Home!

Sushi is one of the most popular foods in our country, and I love to eat it every day if I could. It’s one of the most nutritious foods because of the combination of ingredients used to make sushi. Also, it’s not deep fried, so there’s no worry about cholesterol or fat. Sushi is delicious and nutritious; each sushi roll includes high-quality protein (fish or caviar). We all need protein for repairing and rebuilding tissues, muscles, and everything else in our body. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids essential for the brain and heart. Also, it helps in the reduction of inflammation and lower chronic diseases. All the vegetable in sushi provides abundant mineral and vitamins necessary for overall health.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s make a sushi roll together and see why every kid should have sushi once in their lifetime.
First, gather all your ingredients. Here is what you need:

  • 2 cups of cooked sushi rice, aka short grain rice cooked; follow the directions on the rice’s box.
  •  4-6 sheets of seaweed (raw or roasted)
  •  4 -6 oz smoked salmon
  •  1 small cucumber sliced into long sticks
  •  1 medium carrot cut into small finger-size sticks.
  •  1 Avocado sliced.
  • Caviar for topping (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar 

Instruction: 

1. Cook the short-grain rice according to the instructions on the box.

2. Once cooked, add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to the rice and 

 stir to incorporate.

3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed on a bamboo sushi mat with the shiny side facing down.

4. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice evenly over the nori sheet leaving about an inch at the top uncovered.

5. Layer smoked salmon, cucumber, carrot, and avocado on the rice. 

6. Use the bamboo mat to roll the seaweed like you roll up the sleeping bag; the tighter, the better. Starting from the bottom end.

7. Use a sharp knife and cut about an inch per piece or the size that fits perfectly in your mouth. Top with caviar if you want more omega or just want to be fancy.

Now, enjoy your hard-earned labor!

Bella H.