Monthly Archives: November 2023

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

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**this review may contain spoilers**

I have recently gotten back into reading after being on a month long reading slump with no desire to read, I decided that it was time for a genre switch. Fourth Wing is a romantic-fantasy novel that follows Violet and her journey entering Basgiath War College.

Typically 20 year olds are the main occupants of Basgiath whether they choose to be a Healer, Scribe, Infantry, or Rider. Violent Sorrengail has always had expectations among her being the youngest of her family with her two older siblings, Mira and Brennan being excelled riders as well as her mother running Basgiath War College. Violet seemingly passes through the entry to the Riders Quadrant, a lean bridge that can lead to a 200 foot drop if slipped upon.

Violet, along with her fellow cadets have to overcome challenges in order to survive it til graduating. Three more years of survival. The most important part for Riders is bonding with a dragon in order to gain a signet (a shared connection between a rider and a dragon). However, matching with a dragon isn’t as easy as it may be said and involves respect as well as strength.

The book consists of Violet’s first year at Basgiath War College under the Rider’s Quadrant and the different friendships, enemies, lovers, she faces. The riders are split amongst four wings with 3 sections within each wing and 3 squads within each section. A relationship begins to form between first-year Violet and Fourth Wing leader, Xaden Riorson. However, these two have clashed without even knowing with each other, their parents have gone through rivalries of their own.

Fourth Wing encompasses components a fantasy novel should include but also touches on romantic aspects frequently which is exhilarating for a romance reader! I think venturing out to romantic fantasy actually is what I needed because I was obsessed after reading and even decided to re-read Fourth Wing. Those trying to get involved within fantasy, I would check out Fourth Wing because even though the writing isn’t complex, it allows new fantasy readers to grasp the storyline easily.

The book happens to end a pretty big cliffhanger that made me questioning myself for days but luckily this book is a part of a five book series that is slowly but gradually releasing. Yarros’ next book, Iron Flame releases on November 7th, 2023 so if you don’t like cliffhangers just start reading near then!

-Madison C.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Hugo’s Thanksgiving – A Short Story

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They say you are what you want. This became true for 12-year-old Hugo Stevens as he became addicted to eating mashed potatoes. The addiction began Thanksgiving Day at 4:17 pm on November 25, 2022. Hugo’s Uncle Aleck (who lived with him) was allergic to potatoes. However, he did not attend Thanksgiving Dinner and stayed in his guest house, as he was suffering from a hemorrhoid. 

The doorbell rang, and Hugo opened the door to his new cousin, Willa, who recently married into the family. In her hands was a large pot filled with mashed potatoes. Willa carefully lifted the lid and showed him the dish that he made. A savory, buttery scent wafted into the air, and Hugo’s mouth watered. Unable to have self-control, he stuck his finger into the mixture and promptly licked it. “HUGO,” Willa said as she scolded him. Before she could say anything else, Hugo took the pot out of her hands, grabbed a spoon, and started devouring it. Willa and Hugo’s other family members gasped and began shouting at him. His mom reached over to grab the pot, but Hugo turned the other way. Eventually, Hugo’s dad commandeered the pot of mashed potatoes and sent him to his room.

Hugo lay on his bed and sighed. I want more mashed potatoes, he thought. Suddenly, he heard a tap on his window. Hugo recoiled at the noise and slowly approached his window. An old woman stared into his eyes, and Hugo yelped. He started to back out of his room, but she held a pot with mashed potatoes and smiled, pointing to the pot. Immediately, Hugo opened his window, thanked the woman, and grabbed the mashed potatoes. She hobbled away, and Hugo began to dig into the pot.

5 minutes later

Hugo scrapped the last bits of the potatoes from the pot and sighed in satisfaction. As he slowly walked to his bed, he felt a popping sensation on the surface of his skin. Mashed potatoes oozed out of his skin, and Hugo yelled and ran out of his room to the dining hall. Everybody screamed when they saw Hugo. Curiously enough, Uncle Aleck decided to pop in for a visit. Uncle Aleck dropped to the floor at the mere sight of mashed potatoes. Hugo’s parents, cousins, and grandparents rushed to the floor. During all of the commotion, Hugo tripped on the floor rug. The mashed potatoes from his body flicked and fell on Uncle Aleck’s leg, which grew swollen. Uncle Aleck’s breathing grew shallow, and the light in his eyes dimmed as he breathed his last breath.

Eventually, the mashed potatoes embedded in Hugo’s skin went away, and he lived the rest of his life in a rehabilitation center that attempted to end his potato addiction.

THE END.

Angels vs Detroit Tigers

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Today we went to the Angels game against the Detroit Tigers with my mom and my baby sister. The stadium was giving out Mike Trout bobbleheads. In my opinion, you should take the route like this below when the stadium is giving things out.

The route in the stadium:

  1. Get in the stadium.
  2. Show the tickets to the crews.
  3. Get the giveaways from the crew. It is better if you buy more tickets because then you will have more giveaway goods.
  4. Go to a place where it isn’t crowded.
  5. Put everything in a backpack, then it would be as hard to carry around the giveaway goods and other personal things.
  6. Head to the place where you can get autographs and wait for players and coaches to come.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup:

  1. M. Vierling: left Field
  2. S. Torkelson: First Base
  3. K. Carpenter: Right Field
  4. M. Cabrera: Designated Hitter
  5. A. Lipcius: Third Base
  6. Z. McKinstry: Second Base
  7. J. Báez: Shortstop
  8. J. Rogers: Catcher
  9. P. Meadows: Center Field

Game Results:

Detroit Tiger vs. Los Angeles Angels

12-2

Balls and Autographs from Players and Coaches:

  • A ball from the Detroit Tigers Bench Coach, George Lombard.

Near the end of the game, a position player came and started to pitch. Usually, when position pitchers pitch they throw very slowly, normal pitchers throw around 95 miles per hour but position pitchers throw around 60-75 miles per hour.

A Teen’s Guide to Travel Light

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As the excitement of my upcoming three-week trip to the East Coast grows, I am eager to explore its beautiful landscapes and immerse myself in American history. To make the most of my journey, I’ve decided to travel light with just a carry-on bag, inspired by the idea of traveling light and free. Packing efficiently is challenging as I only like to live with many things I’m accustomed to. Determined to conquer this problem, I’ve developed some savvy packing tips for teens like myself to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

The first thing on traveling light without less is choosing the perfect bag to accompany me on this adventure. After careful consideration, I settle on a compact yet durable carry-on bag that’s roomy enough for at least four outfits and two pajamas, with room for undergarments and a compartment for extra shoes. It must also comply with airline size restrictions and comfortably carry my belongings throughout the trip. Its various compartments and pockets promise to keep me organized, which is essential for someone like me who can be a bit messy. 

As I sit down to create my packing list, I realize that being organized is half the battle won. Pen in hand, I carefully jot down all the essentials I’ll need during my three-week stay. From comfortable clothes to versatile accessories and travel-friendly toiletries, my list serves as a roadmap for my packing adventure, ensuring I will notice all crucial items.

Choosing the right clothes is the most critical part of my packing journey. I opt for neutral-colored pieces that I can easily mix and match, allowing me to create various stylish outfits without lugging around an overloaded bag. Lightweight and wrinkle-resistant fabrics promise comfort and ease throughout my trip, regardless of the East Coast weather throws my way.

As a technology-loving teenager, I can’t leave home without my gadgets. But carrying multiple devices can add unnecessary weight. Inspired by the idea of traveling smart, I decided to rely on my trusty smartphone, a multi-purpose marvel that serves as my camera, music player, and communication hub all in one, making my bag significantly lighter.

Rolling my clothes instead of folding them becomes a packing revelation for me. It saves space and keeps my clothes wrinkle-free, so I can leave the plane looking fresh and ready for the adventures ahead. The simplicity of this packing technique makes me wonder why I hadn’t adopted it sooner.

Organizing my travel documents has become a top priority. My passport, ID, boarding passes, and reservation confirmations find a secure home in a travel organizer, ensuring they are easily accessible whenever needed. This sense of preparedness brings a comforting peace of mind on my journey.

I remind myself to keep my makeup and accessories minimal and versatile. Travel-sized makeup items fit perfectly into my carry-on. I select a few essential accessories that can enhance any outfit I wear, reducing the clutter in my bag to allow me easy travel.

With my carry-on bag carefully packed, I realize ample room for souvenirs and mementos from my adventures to the East Coast. Knowing I won’t have to worry about exceeding weight limits on my way home brings a sense of relief, allowing me to focus on embracing the experiences that await me.

As I eagerly anticipate my carry-on adventure, I feel empowered knowing that I am traveling light and free. With my well-organized backpack and savvy packing choices, I am ready to explore the beauty of the East Coast, create lasting memories, and embrace the joys of travel without the burden of heavy luggage. 

Traveling with a carry-on can be liberating, allowing you to embrace a lighter and more carefree journey. I hope you are inspired to pack light on your next travel. With these packing tips, you can embark on your adventures with ease, organization, and a sense of preparedness, making your trips more enjoyable and enriching. So, pack light, travel smart, and embrace the freedom of carry-on adventures. Here’s to an incredible journey filled with wonder, growth, and traveling light!

Happy travels!

Bella H

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

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Recently, I have read Howl’s Moving Castle which is a fantasy novel about a young girl named Sophie who is the oldest daughter of three daughters. The story surrounds her adventures and encounters with evil spells, wizards, and witches. She must handle the heartless Howl, a fire demon, and the Witch of the Waste in order to break an aging spell. The novel is a wonderful mix of magic, romance, and humor that anyone can enjoy.

I personally loved the romantic and fantastical aspects of the story. I also love Sophie’s characters, as she is portrayed as a headstrong and independent girl who trusts herself and her own decisions. I love the humorous aspects of the story as well and I believe Jones did a splendid job of combining comical and romantic themes in the novel. The novel always kept me on my toes and is overall an exciting and engaging story I think everyone should give a read.

Unfortunately, I did not like the initial character of Howl in comparison to the Studio Ghibli movie, however I think his character development is an aspect of the story many will find enjoyable.

Overall, the story is filled with lovely imagery and descriptions, beautifully written characters, and an interesting plot. It’s engaging and truly transports you into another world while reading.  Personally, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a short read!

Kaiya T.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

1989 (Taylor’s Version) Review

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Taylor Swift: 1989 (Taylor's Version) Album Review | Pitchfork

In 2014 Taylor Swift released her album 1989, which was the mark of her full transfer to pop after being a country singer. It received a lot of praise and it brought out so many emotions that her fans absolutely loved.

She has been rerecording her albums to regain control of her older music and on October 27, 2023 she released 1989 (Taylor’s Version). The album had all of the re-recorded versions of her 1989 songs, but also some new songs called Sl*t” Say Don’t Go, Suburban Legends, and Now That We Don’t Talk. The new tracks she added were amazing but I believe that they didn’t fit the 1989 “vibe.” To me, the songs were too “chill” and they didn’t have the feel of 1989. Taylor Swift is fully capable of making a completely new album including those songs rather than adding them to a re-recorded version of an old album. I am also highly aware that many fans disagree with me, for I have had many small arguments with my friends on this topic. 

All in all, I truly loved this album and I think that Taylor Swift has really achieved so many great things in life.

Album Review: Dusk to Dawn by Lamp

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When looking through an active artist’s discography, you may find that their current sound has strayed from their original music. Other times, you may feel disappointed that your favorite song from an artist is nothing like their other work. For better or worse, this phenomenon is all too common for most artists. However, the Japanese indie rock band Lamp often releases projects that reflect their distinct musical approaches. This remains true for their latest album, Dusk to Dawn.

Album Cover for Dusk to Dawn by Lamp

The Shibuya-Kei trio known as Lamp first formed in the year 2000 during the members’ college years in Japan. Since then, a sum of eight albums have been released to date. Through twenty years of activity, Lamp has gained a massive fanbase in domestic and international regions, thanks to their extensive discography. The release of their latest album, Dusk to Dawn, was long-awaited, to say the least, but was met with a wonderful response. A large part of this positive reaction is because this album perfectly blends Lamp’s diverse musical styles. 

Those who listen to Lamp are primarily aware of the band’s bouncy, playful sounds of bossa nova. After all, this genre of music is prominent in their 2003 debut album, Soyokaze Apartment Room 201. The first half of Dusk to Dawn allows Lamp to revisit their love for bossa nova and soft jazz through tracks such as “August Calendar” and “Weekend.” Lamp also creates a more urban atmosphere through lighter songs like “As Time Goes By” and “Her Watch.” For avid listeners of city pop, this project has exactly what you are looking for.

My favorite aspect of Lamp’s discography is their soft and soothing acoustic instrumentals, which were primarily seen in their 2008 project Lamp Genso. To my surprise, Lamp delved back into this mellow, hypnotic sound in the second half of Dusk to Dawn. Throughout the latter section of this album, Lamp beautifully delivered their unique guitar melodies without overshadowing other elements of each song. Moreover, the band’s ethereal, gentle vocals radiate alongside their impressive instrumentals. Together, these elements intertwine to create blissful and serene soundscapes, as seen in tracks like “Autumn Letter” and “Summer Triangle,” which are by far my favorite songs of this album. 

Dusk to Dawn is an album of nostalgia that encapsulates the band’s feelings that resurface as time passes. Through this musical project, the band reflects on their lingering memories associated with each yearly season or time of day. If you are looking for an abundance of new music, there are twenty exceptional tracks on Dusk to Dawn that are waiting for you! 

The Pomodoro Technique: A Time Management Method

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With lots of assignments and tests piling up, I as a student have been very stressed out recently. Stressing all the time hasn’t helped my productivity or time management; I think I’ve spent more time worrying about schoolwork than actually completing it. Thus, I’ve been trying new study methods, and one has really worked for me.

The Pomodoro Technique is a study method for time management that breaks long study hours into 25-minute periods of focused work followed by 5-minute breaks. Here are the steps in a more detailed form:

Step 1: Identify the assignments you need to work on.

Step 2: Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on an assignment without getting sidetracked.

Step 3: When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break.

Step 4: Work for 3 more work intervals, or pomodoros.

Step 5: Take a 30-minute break and begin the study sequence again.

This study technique worked really well for me! I was able to complete many assignments I had been procrastinating on and not get distracted by my phone or other distractions the entire time. Something that helped me was making a to-do list and highlighting the tasks of the highest priority. With my phone as the timer, I found that I was much less distracted by it, because each time I opened my phone, I saw the timer and was reminded to keep working. Using a timer works very well for me, as it motivates me to concentrate and get as much work done as possible before the timer sounds. Also, I think a 5-minute break is a great time frame to get up, stretch, and get a quick snack before getting back to work without getting distracted.

All in all, the Pomodoro Technique was a very helpful and successful study technique in my experience. It allowed me to stay motivated and productive while working for multiple hours and completing many assignments without getting sidetracked. Hopefully, it works for you too! If you’ve been feeling stressed or have trouble managing your time efficiently, give it a try!

Lam T.

Book Review: Humble Pi by Matt Parker

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One of my favorite books that I have recently read is the book Humble Pi by Matt Parker. It is a very interesting book about how math mistakes affect the real world. I also found it very humorous and funny, and it was very interesting how it described many real-life examples in detail as well.

One thing that I liked most about the book was how detailed the descriptions are, giving a great deal of information on each of the various topics. I found it interesting about how it talked about how math affects and can even cause problems in the real world. I also liked how the topic was unique, as it talked about many things not covered in most books. It gives many good explanations for countless areas and topics, and it is sure to provide you with a very interesting, intriguing read.

The book is also very humorous and funny, also helping to make it an entertaining read. It has a very witty, delightful sense of humor, making for a lot of laughs. I found the book to be very amusing and entertaining overall, merging a funny, comic tone with fascinating descriptions. I also liked how it used many drawings and images to explain the different ideas and causes behind the events in the book.

One of my favorite sections from Humble Pi is about how math can go wrong in video games and other computer programs. I found it intriguing about how much math is used in everyday things like computers, and how important it is in the real world. I was surprised by how much math and numbers are used in things like programming. In addition, I found the book as a whole to be very educational, as it taught many ideas about how math and the real world interact.

Overall, Humble Pi is a great book to read as it is interesting, entertaining, funny, and educational. It has been one of my favorite books to read, and it’s sure that you’ll enjoy it as well. I would recommend this book to someone who wants to learn more or just wants an interesting read. If you enjoy this book, I would also recommend the other books by Matt Parker which cover math in a similar way to this book, and Math With Bad Drawings by Ben Orlin, which provides another fun, entertaining take on math. So don’t forget to check these books out for yourself sometime!

Business Proposal Show Review

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Business Proposal is a South Korean romantic comedy show that was released in 2022 after it was adapted from the Webtoon version of Business Proposal. It can be seen on Netflix and other streaming sites. It features the main lead actors Kim Se Jeong Ahn Hyeo Sop, Kim Min Gue, and Seol In Ah.

The story starts off with Kim Se Jeong who plays the role of Shin Ha Ri who goes as her friend, Jin Young Seo on a blind date for money. On the previous blind dates, Shin Ha Ri effortlessly made sure that the blind dates would not want to get together with her friend, Jin Young Seo. However, this time, Shin Ha Ri ends up on a blind date with Kang Tae Moo, who ends up being the peculiar boss of her work. Shin Ha Ri tries her very best to get him to reject her so that her deed is done but despite what she does, Kang Tae Moo does not seem to be declining her. Instead, since Kang Tae Moo is pressured by his grandfather to get married, Kang Tae Moo decides that he wants to get with Shin Ha Ri. 

This causes a problem for Shin Ha Ri because Jin Young Seo starts to complain to her and interrogate her. Shin Ha Ri denies her accusations and says that Kang Tae Moo is the odd one. After this, Jin Young Seo ends up setting her up for one more fake date, and she confesses that she did this for money. As a result, Kang Tae Moo threatens Shin Ha Ri and orders her to act as his fiance. After a while into this “fake” relationship, they start to develop feelings for each other but soon Kang Tae Moo finds the real identity of Shin Ha Ri and finds out that she is an employee of his company, GoFood. Due to his frustrations and his trust being broken, Kang Tae Moo decides to get “revenge” by overworking Shin Ha Ri. In the end, they both confess their feelings and get together. 

Personally, I liked watching this show in 2022. I have never read the Webtoon version of it, but thanks to the show adaptation, I might consider reading it. This show really brought me joy. Usually, watching long videos tends to bore me but watching these episodes, time went by so fast and it felt like 10 minutes instead of an hour. This show was really entertaining and I liked the plot a lot. I definitely recommend watching or reading Business Proposal.