Monthly Archives: January 2024

The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright

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I started The Rent Collector over the summer and it was super sweet with a great message. I put off reading this book for a while because it was summer homework, but I ended up enjoying it. Going into it, I didn’t really have any expectations and honestly had no clue what the book was about. However, by the end, I was glad I read it.

The Rent Collector is set in Cambodia in a trash dump that Sang Ly and her family call home. Their family, like many others, barely scrape by, having to risk their lives to earn any ounce of money along with all of the awful living conditions that come from living in a dump. For the cherry on top, there is the rent collector, Sopeap, who comes by and gathers money from everyone in the dump. One day, when Sopeap comes to collect their rent, Sang Ly discovers that Sopeap knows how to read. Sang Ly, determined to get a better life, gathers the courage one day to get Sopeap to teach her how to read. Throughout the story, Sang Ly finds out secrets of the past and begins to understand others through the power of literature. Together, Sang Ly and Sopeap learn to heal and grow as people. 

This was such a sweet book that was honestly kind of impactful for me. The themes woven into the story were beautifully done with the inclusion of other pieces of literature and short stories the Wright placed in it. While the literature was part of the theme itself, the literature helped to create themes that the characters acted on. I found it was super fun to connect the stories to the characters in the book. Of course this was done on purpose, but to see it play out in a different interpretation in their life was cool to read. 

I think what helped make this book seem so real were the characters Wright had. Much of the story was inspired by real places and real people and to think that people who have such a hard life can be so fulfilled and so strong is very motivating. This book helps to provide insight to how some people really live, showing the lows and highs of reality, and how different people’s lives can be. This book ended with a happy ending, but to know that this was just one story out of so many that don’t get to end so nicely is so powerful. Some of the scenes in this book were so sad and dark, making them eye opening and actually had me put the book down for a bit because it happened so suddenly or because I didn’t expect something like that to happen. My heart ached for some of the characters because of what they had gone through, especially because these characters were inspired by real people. 

Overall, The Rent Collector was a great read that can hit a lot of emotions if you really read it. To be honest, I was just going to go through the motions when I began, but I got sucked in and found that I really enjoyed what this book was saying. I would definitely recommend this book to those looking for something to read.

-Nicole R.

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Character Talk: Characters to Look Out For

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There are so many books in this world. So many endless possibilities. However, there are also endless possibilities for characters. Because every good book needs strong characters that readers can get behind, right? Here are some of these characters–characters to look out for.

Some characters just resonate with you. There are ones that I remember years after finishing their book. One of which being Edilio Escobar from the Gone series by Michael Grant. In my opinion, he’s the best character that’s ever been created. I get the question “what do you look for in a friend?” a lot. My answer to that question lies in this character. He’s brave, kindhearted, and selfless. He is the guy who is always there to back you up, even when everyone else has deserted you. He will always be by your side, no matter what.

Another character I love is Finnick Odair from the Hunger Games trilogy. I am no longer a huge Hunger Games fan, but Finnick is one character that has stuck with me. He is not someone that attracts fans in the beginning, but what is so remarkable about him is how much he is able to change throughout the course of the series. He starts as this arrogant, obnoxious puppet, but later evolves into a sweet, kind, approachable human being. I love characters that experience great changes–look out for Finnick Odair.

Julian the Shadow Man of the Forbidden Game. Another character that will stay with you long after finishing the book he comes from. He is not by any means a protagonist, but he is a character with a wonderful backstory and compelling motive. He seems evil and controlling in the beginning of the book, but it turns out that, in the end, all he wanted was love. He is another character that grows and changes over the course of the book, which is one of the many things I love about him.

Are long stories better than short ones? That is what I used to think, prior to reading “Kiss the Boy,” a short story by Adib Khorram from Eternally Yours. It is only thirty pages long, but in those pages, I fell in love with all the characters involved in the story. Most notable, Samir Borhani, a young, sweet Iranian boy who is the love interest of the main character. He is very trusting and kind, and is definitely someone I would like to have on my side. He is loving and equally lovable–yet another character to look out for.

Those are just a few of the many notable characters out there. If you would like to see them for yourselves, check out their books! Please tell me in the comments who your favorite book characters are!

Gone by Michael Grant is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Santa Ana City Library

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Central Library, Santa Ana — Preserve Orange County

My family and I are big books readers and we visit many libraries in different cities. While the Mission Viejo Library is definitely one of my favorite libraries I recently visited the Santa Ana City Library and it was very different.

The library was one of the bigger ones that I have visited, it had a large children’s selection and adult section. However, one thing that separates this library apart from the others that I have been to is that it had one of the coolest teen sections I have ever scene. So, when you enter the library there is signs that guide you downstairs to the teen section and I will admit at first I wasn’t so sure about going down there, but once I did it was really cool. They had arcade games and so many books. There were many activities there too.

Another cool feature about this library is that you could check out items. They had a drawer that contained cards for certain things. So, you could check out Nintendo Switch games, board games, and even things like a leaf blower and tools.

All in all, I give this library a rating of 10/10 because it was really cool and I would definitely visit it again.

AP Human Geography Tips

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I know the first semester just finished for high schoolers and college students so I guess I wanted to give some more AP advice, at least for classes I took last year as a freshman.

If you are a freshman taking AP Human Geography like I was last year, here is what you need to know: Be prepared to read more difficult and complex texts and answer college board questions that require much more thinking than middle school social science classes. Additionally, there are also 3 FRQs (Free Response Questions) that you have to answer in one hour and fifteen minutes, which leaves you around 25 minutes give or take per question. You can find samples on the AP college board by searching “AP human geography college board frqs”.

The practice questions on the college board (the ones the teachers assign you) are very helpful. They are AP-style questions with 5 answer choices (A-E) per question. These questions come with two basic styles. One is set-based, usually with a stimulus such as asking you to analyze a map of Africa or a table for developing vs developed countries. The other style is just individual concepts that they can ask you that you would have to pull from your own knowledge, with no additional information.

This class is an introductory class to college geography, so a lot of the units are on the analysis of maps and applying that knowledge to understand how the migration of humans affects our geography. Also something to note: You need to memorize a lot of the key terms! I recommend buying the AP Human Geography Flashcards from the Barron’s company (the one with 250 terms). I reviewed this the night before my AP exam, and it was really helpful with locking in on key concepts one last time.

Although many freshmen say that the class is difficult (this is true as it is indeed your first AP class), however this experience can also be really fun as well. It teaches something you don’t normally learn, and you get to learn about the different countries of the world. I don’t know about you, but I have always found the evolution and migration of humans a very interesting topic.

Don’t worry, you guys will do great! – Aleena

Book Review: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

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Recently, I read Outliers, a book explaining success and the reasons behind it, as well as delving deeper into the factors that cause success, such as background, family, and other factors. This book was definitely an interesting read, as it unpacked the causes of success, which is the central ambition of many people.

Gladwell introduces the book with the phenomenon of the Roseto effect, named after a study on the town done in the 1950s. During this study, the doctors performing it were shocked to realize that the people living in the town had the lowest rate of heart disease, and the lack of any heart conditions in general, leading to the discovery of the phenomenon that living together in a tightly-knit community indirectly contributes to less heart disease. The author then explains how Roseto was an outlier and the factors that contributed to it, looking beyond the general assumptions.

After the introduction, Gladwell proceeds to go on to explain several different phenomenons, such as the common belief and stereotype of Asians being good at math, by looking at cultural and linguistic factors, as well as the rise of Joe Flom, a takeover lawyer during a period of time when companies did not do many cases such as those. These are the two most interesting “outlier” cases he went over in my opinion, but he went over a handful of other ones that are just as interesting.

Overall, I think this was a great read, as it went over several interesting topics, analyzing them beyond the surface details, and teaching us to look at the other side of things. I would recommend this book for anybody who is interested in sociology, or success stories in general.

The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

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The Secret Keepers is a novel by Trenton Lee Stewart.  Stewart is well-known for writing the Mysterious Benedict Society series, but this is a stand-alone book.  The story is about a boy named Reuben who lives alone with his mother.  His mother works multiple jobs just to make ends meet, while Reuben spends much of his time roaming the streets.  One day, Reuben finds a mysterious antique watch.  At first, Reuben plans to sell the watch so that he can provide some financial support for his mother.  However, he soon discovers that the watch has magical powers.  This discovery is exciting, but it also leads to a dangerous series of events.  A villain called “The Smoke” threatens to steal the watch from Reuben.  Reuben finds himself in a race against time to stop The Smoke from executing his sinister plan.

One of my favorites elements of this book is the characters themselves.  They are very interesting and well-developed.  I enjoyed learning about their backgrounds as the story progressed.  I also enjoyed the mystery of this story.  The plot includes many twists and turns, and several surprises.  The magical aspects of the story give it a surreal feeling that I enjoyed very much.  Overall, the book is very engaging throughout, and I often felt anxious to find out what would happen next.

I am a big fan of the Mysterious Benedict Society series, which led me to this book.  Even though this book is based in a different universe, I found it just as enjoyable as the Mysterious Benedict Society books.  The story is highly adventurous and suspenseful.  I would highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who enjoys Stewart’s other books.

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Eighteen Years by Madisen Kuhn

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Growing up, I have always loved to read poems but it was not until around 2 years ago when I decided to read my first poem book. After hearing it as a recommendation from some friends and seeing it on social media, I decided to pick up the book Eighteen Years by Madisen Kuhn.

While I greatly enjoy reading the classics, I think it is equally as important to indulge in easier reads like this one. Eighteen Years is made up of over 200 poems, a few of them being accompanied by Laura Supnik’s creative illustrations. Each poem is uniquely different, and Kuhn wrote it to be a source of comfort for her readers.

Personally, I would recommend Eighteen Years for an older teen audience: those 15 and older. The poems are not inappropriate, but I believe that an older teen would get the most out of the book due to its relatable nature for those who have lived more of their teenage years. Some topics of discussion within the poems include relationships, personal growth, and friendships. 

Similar to my own opinion, most reviews on this book are overwhelmingly positive. With this, some people have proven to be critical of its writing, but these reviews are from a predominantly older audience that would most likely not relate to the experiences as much. For this reason, I think the book is extremely beneficial for a teenager to read to help them through these confusing years of their life.

Next time you are looking for a light-hearted read, consider Eighteen Years as it greatly inspired me to read more poetry books and poetry as a whole.

– Taylor O.

Why you should do Long-Distance Running

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In the summer before my freshman year, I started training for cross-country, a sport that focuses on long-distance running. At first, running was extremely difficult (and still is), but I am so thankful for the friends and experiences I have made. If you enjoy working out or want to exercise more, long-distance running is a great hobby to pick up. 

Running is one of the most challenging sports. While only a little technical skill is involved, running is a physical and mental sport. Long-distance running is extremely difficult breathing-wise, but what makes it most challenging are the thoughts of “I can’t do this, This is too hard, I need to stop.” However, if you remain consistent in running, it will become easier.

You may ask yourself, “Why should I run?” (That is a question I still ask myself sometimes). Well, here are some benefits of running:

  • Improves cardiovascular system
  • Strengthens bones
  • Burns Calories
  • Releases endorphins
  • Improves endurance

Besides these benefits, running has helped my mental health and is a stress reliever. When I run, I can take my mind off school and other worries. This is partly due to the released endorphins and because the pain distracts me from thinking about other things.

When starting to run, I’d highly recommend running with a friend or joining a cross-country/track team. Running with others makes it easier because you have people to push you to your best potential. In addition, running is a great bonding experience because all runners can relate to the fact that running is hard. So, when you’re wondering what to do for exercise or are bored, I recommend running in your free time.

Thanks for reading! I’m going to make a post about how to start long-distance running, so stay updated!!

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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This review may contain spoilers

When I finished Daisy Jones and the Six, I stared at my ceiling for a few minutes before turning back to page one and starting all over again.

Daisy Jones and the Six details the rise to fame of a young artist, Daisy Jones. Simultaneously, Billy Dunne’s band, The Six, is also gaining popularity and attention. As both Daisy and the Six gain popularity and status in the world of music, producers see that their collaboration would break the charts. This collaboration formed one of the most beloved bands of the 1970s, Daisy Jones and the Six. Through not only their music, but their interviews and personal relationships, they attracted a huge devoted fan base. By utilizing multiple point of views, Taylor Jenkins Reid builds a wonderful world full of love and rock-and-roll!

I personally enjoyed every aspect of this book. From the romance, to the found family, to the vivid characters, and the band’s amazing lyrics, I was hooked. Taylor Jenkins Reid had me bent over laughing out loud with her use of the different characters’ points of view. While some are in tune, others completely contradict each other in the funniest manner. This book is one of those books you cannot put down, and it is such an addicting read. Jenkins Reid is also very good at dropping a fantastic quote that will leave you pondering and inspired. I really enjoyed the relationship of the leads, Billy and Daisy, but the background characters were what made this novel it for me. Their relationships in the spotlight are so touching and heart-warming. While they struggle with their new-found fame and not receiving equal attention or credit, they stand up for themselves and don’t allow anyone to disrespect them.

To conclude Daisy Jones and the Six is a must read! With colorful characters and wonderful world building, the reader is truly immersed in the 1970s music scene. If you read the book and enjoyed it, you must also check out the Prime adaption of the book starring Sam Claflin and Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough. Along with the adaptation is a phenomenal soundtrack which brings to life the lyrics in the novel! AURORA, the band’s hit album, can be found on many streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

This book may contain themes not appropriate for all readers.

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Middle Moffat by Eleanor Estes

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The Middle Moffat, by Eleanor Estes, is the second book in her fictional series about the Moffat family.  This book won a Newberry Honor award in 1943.  Most of the stories in this book involve Jane.  Jane is a ten-year-old girl who lives with her mother, three siblings and cat during World War I.  Her father had died a few years earlier.  The Moffats have just moved in to a new house, and Jane feels somewhat forgotten within her family because she is a middle child.  She decides to call herself “the middle Moffat” so that she can feel like an important member of the family.

While introducing herself to the town’s oldest resident, Mr. Buckle, Jane accidently refers to herself as the “mysterious” middle Moffat.  Mr. Buckle is amused by the idea that Jane is mysterious in some way, so he decides to always call her the “mysterious middle Moffat.”  Jane just plays along with this new label because she wants to make a good first impression in her new neighborhood.  Mr. Buckle is 99 years old, and Jane makes it her personal goal to ensure that he survives to the age of 100.

Mr. Buckle is an important character in this book, but Jane is the main focus.  Each chapter is a different episode in her life.  I enjoyed reading about her adventures because it reminded me of what it feels like to be a child.  The stories are all memorable in their own way.  I especially enjoyed one chapter in which the Moffats were given a small parlor organ, only to realize later that it was full of moths.

I would have preferred for this book to focus more on Jane’s siblings, but I still enjoyed this book very much.  This is a great book about childhood and about learning to become independent.  The stories are very relatable and include many humorous situations.  This is a charming book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

The Middle Moffat by Eleanor Estes is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.