Monthly Archives: July 2024

The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris by Daisy Wood

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The story begins in Paris with a man named Jacques and his wife Mathilda, one quiet and nervous to speak out and the other like a short fuse, ready to make herself heard when necessary. Jacques finally achieves his dream of acquiring a small, peaceful bookshop when one day, his life is disrupted and becomes anything but that. He soon learns about the French revolutionaries, whom he despises at first for being so outrightly against the Nazi soldiers, but later understands their reasons and joins them by acting as a safe house for Jewish refugees and Allied soldiers.

80 years later, a woman named Juliette with French ancestry leaves the States for a vacation in Paris to search for a hidden plaza depicted in her late grandmother’s favorite painting. Once there, she finds out her husband was cheating on her, and decides to stay in Paris to start a new life for herself. While searching for an apartment to stay in, she meets many new friends (one of which has an old apartment ready for renting) and slowly adjusts to life in Paris. She soon finds an old bookstore below the old apartment with a secret room and a diary inside, describing people of all ages and backgrounds in its pages…

I really love this book and would most definitely recommend it to a historical fiction enthusiast. The author, Daisy Wood, takes the reader back and forth between the World War 2 time period and “present-day” Paris and effectively shows each character’s way of thinking and their reasoning for acting the way they do. Wood also takes her time to show just how heavy the tension was between some Parisian citizens and German soldiers, while also showing that just because someone is on a “bad” or “good” side, doesn’t mean that they are “evil” or “good”.

The Forgotten Bookshop by Daisy Wood is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Samurai’s Garden – book review

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The Samurai’s Garden, written by Gail Tsukiyama, is a novel based on historical fiction during the Sino-Japanese war or also known as pre-WWII. 

The story starts off in the city of Hong Kong, China. Stephen, a young boy of only 20 years had developed tuberculosis. A contagious lung disease that not only pains him when he coughs, sneezes, and laughs, but it also takes away his ability to see his beloved family and friends. 

Unable to recover in the sweltering humidity and stuffy air of his hometown, and in addition to the Japanese army inching their way towards them, he is forced to recuperate alone in Tarumi, a small seaside village located in the rivaling country of Japan. 

However, during his stay, he ends up creating friendships with people he never expected to get along with. There, he meets Matsu, the housekeeper of the home he stays at; Sachi, a woman outcasted in a mountainous village due to contracting leprosy; Kenzo, an owner of a teahouse; and Keiko, a girl he can never love. 

Although Stephen carries something that he can never change, such as his Chinese heritage, it doesn’t stop him from learning about Japanese culture. Given that, the hatred he once developed for the country changes into something else… 

Overall, I believe The Samurai’s Garden is a great book to read, and would especially recommend it for those who are interested in learning the beauty of Japanese culture. And along with that, another great thing I would like to add is that this book contains a lot of soothing, and motivational conversations, which I find very inspirational. Thanks to Tsukiyama’s amazing word choices, the reading experience I’ve had with this novel was very intriguing. 

The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. 

A Guide to Discovering New Books

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Sometimes you get stuck in a reading slump. Maybe the last book you read was so good nothing seems to match it. Maybe it was so bad you’re starting to lose hope. Instead of pulling random books off the shelves, use these tips to strategically find books you’ll love.

(Tip 1: Preferences?)

A good start is identify what your preferences in books are. Instead of just randomly selecting books, try to think about stories you’ve liked before. What connects them? 

  • Genre. It can sometimes be deeper than just fantasy or realism. Maybe you love sci-fi romances, or you’re a sucker for slice-of-life.
  • Length. Some people think a book isn’t worth it if it’s under 70,000 words, and some people think that’s too much. Finding where you lie on this spectrum is a good way to make sure books aren’t too over- or underwhelming!

    (Tip Two: Authors)

Keeping up with the theme of looking back, tapping into an author of your favorite work is a consistently reliable way to find books you’ll enjoy!

  • Many authors have websites that list their complete bibliography. Explore their other works, paying attention to blurbs and reader reviews.
  • If you loved a particular series, see if the author has written other series in a similar genre or style.

(Tip Three: Recommendations!)

Lastly, a good way to find new favorites is to tap into your fellow readers! Ask some bookish friends, family, and others for recommendations. Sometimes you’ll find out you have a lot in common genre-wise, and sometimes you’ll end up reading something completely new. 

Actually, a good place to start is on this very blog! Check out some of the reviews people have posted to see if any seem to match your interests.

Feeling lost in the vast sea of books is a common experience. But hopefully, if you identify your reading preferences, explore the works of authors you enjoy, and tap into the recommendations of fellow bookworms, you’ll remember, the joy of reading lies in the journey of discovery. Happy reading!

My Favorite Stories from US Swimming Olympic Trials

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With the conclusion of the US Swimming Olympic Team Trials in June, the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics seems closer than ever. Since over 700 swimmers competed at trials, I decided to recap just a few of my favorite stories.

Caeleb Dressel

One of the best comeback stories at trials this year was Caeleb Dressel’s return. After completing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with 5 golds, it seemed as though Dressel was unstoppable. However, due to overwhelming stress, he took a 9-month mental health break in the middle of 2022, withdrawing from all competitions.

While many were unsure of his return, Dressel would resume training in early 2023. Since then, he has slowly returned to the top, taking first in the 50 Free and 100 Fly at the Olympic Trials.

Katie Ledecky

In swimming history, few athletes have come close to the longevity and dominance of Katie Ledecky. With 21 world championship gold medals (surpassing Michael Phelps in 2023), she was, once again, one of the most anticipated swimmers going into trials this year.

As many viewers expected, Ledecky won all 4 of her events. She also extended her reign on the 1500 Free; she now holds the top 19 times in the event globally. 

Lily King

Lily King, the world record holder in the 50 and 100 Breaststroke, is now the first American swimmer to qualify for the 100B and 200B in 3 straight Olympic Games. In addition to King’s impressive performance at trials, she is now engaged; her boyfriend James Wells proposed to her moments after she clinched her spot in the 200B.

Alex and Gretchen Walsh

Finally, Alex and Gretchen Walsh have become the first sibling duo to qualify for the US Olympic Team since 2004. Alex Walsh clinched her spot in the 200 IM, which qualifies her for her second Olympic Games. Gretchen Walsh, the younger of the two, qualified for the 100 Fly, while setting a new world record in the process.

Photo Credit: Grace Hollars

Looking For Alaska

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I recently finished reading Looking For Alaska by John Green. This was John Green’s first novel, and probably one of my favorite books of his. One of the things I like the most about John Green’s writing is his portrayal of teenagers. While I cannot always relate to them, he makes them feel real and human, and not like stereotypical teenagers seen in other forms of media. Looking for Alaska came out in 2005, which is presumably when the story takes place, and I love reading books that take place in a setting where the characters don’t interact with any sort of technology. The setting of this novel, taking place in rural Alabama, made me feel like I was reading about summer camp. I recommend reading this book as a Junior in high school. Not that you can’t read it earlier or later, but I felt like I was able to understand the characters on a deeper level since I was reading about people my age. Though I wasn’t able to relate to their struggles or the antics they got up to, I felt like they were just as interesting to read about. 

This novel follows Miles, a teenage boy who is new to a boarding school in Alabama. He doesn’t have many friends in his hometown, but he quickly gets taken in by Chip, his roommate. Chip, nicknamed “The Colonel” leads Miles to all kinds of antics, pranks, and adventures. He introduces Miles to Alaska and Takumi. Alaska, who the book is named for, is quirky and rebellious, and Miles immediately takes a liking to her. Their dynamic is typical of a group of unpopular kids finding each other, and having fun, and sticking together. 

Looking For Alaska is full of both comedy and heartbreak. It is beautifully written, it is witty, and has its deep moments woven throughout the comedy. Each character has their own struggles, backgrounds, and quirks, which are revealed in a scene where they open up to each other. The Colonel, aka Chip, is perceived as tough and scary on the outside, but is intelligent and kind-hearted. He quickly became one of my favorite characters and seeing him express his emotions was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also loved seeing the characters develop. By being around his friends, Miles becomes smarter, and he learns about things that he wouldn’t have learned about in school. Mainly through Alaska and her massive book collection. Miles and Takumi didn’t have much to talk about at first, but as the book progresses, they find themselves in situations where they become closer. 

Because of the setting and the well-developed characters, I felt like I was actually in the book. I felt like I was running around with Alaska and Miles, or sitting with them plotting a prank. And though it takes place in rural Alabama, because John Green writes a boring place so well, I felt immersed in the story through the setting. Not only are the characters quirky, but the school is as well. From its basketball team to its evil swans, the boarding school feels so well thought out. I could say I loved everything about this book. Even the heartbreaking plot twist. I love the references to literature and famous last words, and I walked away from this book feeling like I learned something.

Looking for Alaska by John Green is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Summer Fun Unlimited

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“Happiness is a picnic blanket and a basket full of goodies”. We all need mini vacations from our everyday hustle. Here are my favorite spots to spend beautiful Southern California summer in the perfect blend of food, fun, friends and family.

Crescent Bay Park
  • Crescent Bay Point Park is located in Laguna Beach, and is great for a picnic with a view of the Pacific Ocean. It offers panoramic views and overlooks Crescent Bay Beach. The park has nicely manicured grass lawn, picnic tables and benches, hiking trails, tide pools to explore at low tide. For photography enthusiasts or for that perfect insta worthy shot, this park offers multiple scenic spots and sunset views.

    Address: Crescent Bay Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Capri Laguna - 'Top of the World' is a ...
  • Top of the World is a scenic picnic spot in Laguna Beach, California. It offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, and surrounding hills. The park has grass areas, picnic tables and benches, hiking trails, sunset views, photography spots, seasonal whale watching, restrooms and parking lot. Pro tip: bring layers for changing weather, arrive early for parking and best views

    Address: 3350 Alta Laguna Blvd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

LOCATION!! Lantern Bay Park Ampitheater ...
  • Lantern Bay Park is a popular park with spectacular views of Dana Point and the harbor. It has large grassy area and shaded areas with pine trees. The park has BBQs and picnic tables, playground, bocce ball court. There are also donation-based yoga classes in the park. It’s in the walking distance to the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. The park has public restrooms, free admission and parking.

   Address: 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629

Pines Park in Dana Point - Orange ...
  • Pines Park is situated on a bluff and offers beautiful ocean views. There is a playground for kids, water fountains, lit path, benches, picnic tables, barbecues, grassy area and grassy hills, paved trails, fun tunnel slide, climbing wall, sunset viewing benches. Parking is on the street along the side of the park. There are no restrooms, swings and the playground is slightly sunken below street level.

   Address: 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Treasure Island Park Laguna Beach ...
  • Treasure Island Park: You can do whale watching from the grassy lawns. The park has sandy floor, making it ideal for swimming. The water is clear for snorkeling. There is a hidden cove called Middle Man’s Cove. The park offers ample parking, clean restrooms, wheelchair ramps. The park has benches. It’s at walking distance to Goff Cove and Wesley Drive. The park has free admission, is dog-friendly (on a leash)

   Address: 30799 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Picnic Beach at Heisler Park in Laguna ...
  • Heisler Park: The Heisler park is stretched along the bluffs on Cliff Drive from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove. The park has ocean views, walking trails, gardens, a marine refuge with tide pools, picnic tables, barbecues, lawn bowling greens. Popular park wedding sites include a Gazebo and Monument Point. Amenities include restrooms, wheelchair access. The park is dog-friendly (on a leash)

    Address: 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1623

From Playful Pups to Loyal Companions: Why Frenchies are good pets

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Have you ever seen a French Bulldog and felt an instant connection with its adorable wrinkled face and bat-like ears? These tiny pups pack a punch of personality, making them the perfect addition to any family looking for a child-friendly pet that’s loyal and loving. Known for their affectionate nature and playful demeanor, Frenchies are not just any ordinary breed; they bring joy, laughter, and endless cuddles into your home. My sister has 3 Frenchies, and I can attest to their loving and playful nature. They are also very considerate of your feelings, and they all have their unique personality, just like children. There are so many reasons Frenchies are so popular as pets and why they’re stealing the hearts of so many across the globe.

They’re the perfect furry companion for your kids because of their playful and affectionate nature; that’s why they make excellent pets for households with children. Their compact size and sturdy build make them well-suited to handle rough play and active children. At the same time, their friendly demeanor ensures a loving bond with the whole family. I still remember my sisters Frenchie Dexie, Chloe, and Winston when they were pups and I was three. They were my companions while my mom and sister were busy or when my play day didn’t come. We would play chasing around the house for hours or just sit and listen to my audiobooks. They know when I’m tired and just want to sit and not run anymore. 

Beyond being great playmates, French Bulldogs are also known for their adaptability to various living situations. Whether you live in a spacious home or a cozy apartment, these tiny-sized pups will happily adjust to their environment. My sister moved a couple of times because of her job, from a large home to a smaller condo, and the Frenchies are still happy with that. They are so easygoing, which makes them ideal companions for busy families, as they require minimal grooming and exercise compared to other breeds. My sister’s Frenchies are hiking every weekend with her and their sibling Koda, a British shorthair cat; they can have more endurance than most people on the hike. They can hike for a couple of hours with minimal problems. French Bulldog is suitable for your family if you have a very active lifestyle. My sister’s Frenchies have been hiking in almost all the state parks in the US, and they are still going strong. We were on a couple of hikes together in Mammoth and some in California state parks.

Frenchies are charming and adorable. However, being aware of these dogs’ potential health problems is essential. One common issue is brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties due to their flat faces. This makes it necessary for owners to provide a relaxed environment and avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather. So far, my sister’s French hasn’t experienced this problem, so I’m grateful for that as they are part of my family. 

Another health concern with French Bulldogs is spinal issues such as intervertebral disc disease. Their compact bodies and short legs put them at a higher risk for back problems that can lead to pain and mobility issues. Dexie and Winston experienced this problem and underwent surgery to correct it. Dexie passed away due to this very problem and complication in his surgery, but Winston is still with us, and he has had no problem since the surgery; he can still hike and is very active.

It’s essential to have regular vet check-ups, and monitoring their weight can help prevent these issues from escalating. Despite these health challenges, the love and loyalty that French Bulldogs bring into our lives make them truly irreplaceable companions.

Frenchies are a delightful breed known for their unique appearance, playful personality, and affectionate nature. Their compact size and low exercise needs make them ideal companions for smaller spaces or large homes and families with children. With their charming bat-like ears and expressive eyes, Frenchies never fail to capture hearts wherever they go. If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, why not consider the lovable French Bulldog? They will surely bring joy and laughter into your home like no other!

More research about pets and French bulldogs? Please check out the selection of books about them in the Mission Viejo library.

Frenchie Lover,

Bella H.

Reasons Why You Should Chose Philippines For Your Next Vacation Destination

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https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/boracay-white-beach-guide

Imagine letting go of all your stress and letting yourself get engulfed in the feeling of relaxation as the sun beams its violent rays. I can guarantee you that this is one of the feelings you will experience in the beautiful country of the Philippines. The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia with a population of approximately 106.7 million people, and it is especially known for its breathtaking tropical beaches that draw in visitors worldwide, especially during the summer. You should consider going to the Philippines for your next vacation because of its popular tropical beaches, its dangerous but mesmerizing volcanoes, and its friendly citizens. 

One of the reasons why you should travel to this beautiful country of the Philippines for your next vacation is because of its very well-known tropical beaches. Because the Philippines is an archipelago, it consists of more than 7,000 islands, resulting in a vast variety of beaches in the Philippines. The Philippines has over a hundred beaches that all capture the beauty of the country. Many of these beaches have scorching sand due to the summer heat of the Philippines, but it is very soft to the touch. Not to mention, the oceans of these beaches are mesmerizing just by themselves. The beautiful teal and turquoise color of the shallow ocean as it transitions into a deep blue as the ocean gets less shallow is just a great sight to see. Some examples of these beaches are White Beach in Boracay, Nacpan Beach in El Nido, Palawan, Alona Beach in Nohol, and many more. 

Adding on, consider adding the Philippines to your next vacation destination because of the volcanoes there. The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is where most volcanoes are, which is why there are countless volcanoes in the Philippines. Although harmful and dangerous, the volcanoes of the Philippines are a sight to see. One of the most popular volcanoes in the world and the most famous volcano in the Philippines is Mount Mayon in Luzon. Since this fury-active volcano is dangerous to be near, you could stay at a hotel near Mount Mayon and still be able to take in the sights of this marvelous volcano.

Lastly, you should visit the Philippines because the people there are very friendly! Despite most Filipinos not being able to communicate with tourists because of the different languages, they still show their hospitality and kindness. The people of the Philippines are very sweet and very festive, whether in the Philippines or not. Filipinos are very full of love, and they are mostly very joyful. Even if they are not living the best life, they try to make the most of what they have and remain hopeful. It is unlikely that you will have a bad experience with the people of the Philippines during your vacation. 

In conclusion, you should keep the Philippines in mind for the next time you go on vacation. The beautiful tropical beaches of the Philippines are like magnets that attract people worldwide, and the various volcanoes in the Philippines are very dangerous but also alluring, just making the Philippines very beautiful. The people of the Philippines are so kind and warm-hearted that they make the Philippines more beautiful than it already is. Thus, you should go to the Philippines, or at least consider it for your next vacation.

Books about the Philippines are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. They are also available to download for free from Libby.

Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop

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Twenty and Ten is a short novel written by Claire Huchet Bishop and illustrated by William Pène du Bois. This book is based on a true story. The setting is Beauvallon, Rhône, France, at the time of the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. Twenty children are living in a boarding school in the mountains. The head of the school is a wise and kindhearted nun named Sister Gabriel. One day, a young man arrives at the school and asks Sister Gabriel if she would permit ten additional children to join the school. The man explains that the ten children are Jewish refugees who have been running and hiding from the Nazis. He warns Sister Gabriel and her students that if they take in these ten children and are discovered by the Nazis, they could be killed.

Sister Gabriel explains to her students that they would be obligated to protect the refugees, if they accept this responsibility. She says, “The Nazis are looking for those children. If we take them we must never let on that they are here. Never. Even if we are questioned. We can never betray them, no matter what they do to us. Do you understand?” The children realize that they are taking an extreme risk, but they promise to hide the refugees. When the Nazi soldiers arrive, the courage and loyalty of the children is put to the test.

I knew that I would enjoy this book from the moment I began reading the first chapter. The book is very well-written, and the characters are full of personality and charm. I enjoyed reading about the cunning and creativity of the children as they try to hide the refugees. The story is suspenseful and engaging. I love the themes of this book, which include courage, charity, and faith in God. Also, as always, the illustrations by William Pène Du Bois are excellent. The only thing that disappointed me about this book is that it is quite short. However, this is a very accessible book for young and old readers alike. I would highly recommend it.

How Successful People Think- Summary & Review

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I accidentally grabbed this book, but boy was it an amazing read. Its only 125 pages and it truly changes your perspective in thinking. It took me about 2-3 days to read it fully, but if you are dedicated more onto this book it might even take you one.

There are 11 categories, those categories are..

1) Big picture thinking

2) Engaged and focused thinking

3) Harness creative thinking

4) Employ realistic thinking

5) Utilize strategic thinking

6) Explore possibility thinking

7) Learn from reflective thinking

8) Question popular thinking

9) Benefit from shared thinking

10) Practice unselfish thinking

11) Rely on bottom line thinking

John C. Maxwell emphasized that…

Everything you do will begin with thought, What we think determines who we are, and who we are determines what we do (an example is if we think negative we become negative and we wont achieve as much). Our thoughts determine our destiny, and our destiny determines our legacy. People who get to the top think different than others. And the idea that we can’t change the way we think.

After a month of reading this book, I noticed I have been taking more time to think about more abstract, creative, and deeper thoughts, than I would usually. I would also take time to think about different categories and subjects that I never thought were interesting.

I definitely recommend you to go to your nearest library or even book store to get this book.

How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.