So, The Great Gatsby has been sitting in second place on the Top 100 Classic Literature List that all Americans should read, and honestly, there’s a good reason for that. Like Hemingway and other writers of the time, Fitzgerald set his novel in the 1920s—the Jazz Age—where life was all about wild parties, fast money, and a whole lot of disillusionment (also corruption). Basically, it’s The Sun Also Rises but with fancy mansions, bootleg liquor, and a little less bullfighting.
At the center of it all is Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire who throws insane parties every weekend, but really, he’s just trying to impress one person: Daisy Buchanan, the love of his life who didn’t wait for him after he came back from the war. The catch? Daisy is already married to Tom Buchanan, an old-money, arrogant guy who has his own side affairs (with Myrtle) and zero remorse. Gatsby, being the hopeless romantic (or maybe just delusional), believes that if he can show Daisy how rich and successful he’s become, she’ll drop everything and run back to him. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work and he gets killed for his endeavors.
Our narrator, Nick Carraway, moves next door to Gatsby’s mansion and ends up getting sucked into this mess. He watches as Gatsby puts everything on the line for a dream that’s just not realistic, while Tom and Daisy, the ultimate privileged duo, wreck people’s lives and walk away without a scratch. It’s frustrating, but that’s the point.
Gatsby does everything “right” (or at least he thinks he does), but in the end, corrupt money and status can’t fix what’s broken. New money just can’t beat old money I guess. And let’s be real, people are still out here thinking that wealth equals happiness. Fitzgerald was ahead of his time.
Also, can we talk about the writing? Fitzgerald’s style is pure poetry. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock? A symbol of Gatsby’s unreachable dream. The valley of ashes? A wasteland where all the people society chews up and spits out end up. The whole book feels like a beautiful tragedy wrapped in some of the best prose ever written.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.
This semester, my English class read a classic British Literature novel called Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen wrote this book during the 18th century, which was at the tail end of the Enlightenment. In Austen’s novel, she commonly critiques the status of women, social classes, and marriage through the life of the Bennet family, particularly Lizzie and Jane Bennet.
During this time period, the role of women was primarily domestic, and their main purpose was to keep the home. Meaning, that it was essential to be married as a young woman to be a part of society. The Bennet family consists of 7 people; Mr./Mrs. Bennet, Jane (22), Lizzie (20), Mary, Catherine, and Lydia. Since there are no sons in the family, the Bennets have to marry off their daughters.
The book starts off with Mrs. Bennet anouncing that a rich young man named Mr. Bingley has moved to the town that the Bennet family lives in. This is exciting because it provides an opportunity for one of the Bennet girls to be married. In addition to Mr. Bingley moving to his estate called Netherfield, his close friend Mr. Darcy moves along with Bingley’s two sisters.
A couple of days after Mr. Bingley moves, the upperclassmen of Merrytown attend a ball. Jane immediately catches the interest of Mr. Bingley, whom everyone admires. However, Mr. Darcy is immediately disliked by everyone–especially Lizzie. After the ball, Jane and Bingley become closer, and it looks as if she is going to be proposed to soon. Mr. Darcy also slight interest in Lizzie, who does not notice due to her feelings of pride and prejudice. The situation of Bingley proposing to Jane does not last, and the Bingleys and Darcy leave Merrytown.
Meanwhile, the Bennet family is visited by Mr. Collins, who will inherit the Bennet’s estate and fortune once Mr. Bennet passes away. Mr. Collins proposes to Lizzie, who rejects him due to numerous reasons. Mrs. Bennet is furious, seeing that the chance of marrying one of her daughters is taken away. Numerous events happen (it would be too much to summarize), but in the end, Lizzie gets over her feelings of prejudice against Darcy and they get married. Jane and Bingley also get married. The story concludes with a satisfying and happy ending.
Personally, I loved this book and found it to be entertaining to read. The hardest part about reading this classic was keeping track of all of the characters because there are many. Despite this, I found Pride and Prejudice humorous. The multiple plot twists helped to make this novel enjoyable to read. Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was learning about the 18th century; I feel that this book is a good representation of what life was like back then. Overall, this was an excellent novel to read, and I would recommend it to those who want to get out of their comfort zone.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.
I know that being bilingual seems like something super easy to achieve and that it’s all sunshine and rainbows. But it’s not. It’s hard. Here are some of the pros and cons of being in a dual immersion program.
Pros:
You can speak in two languages, how cool is that?!? I mean, you can talk to all kinds of people and it’s VERY helpful being able to talk about sensitive topics without almost everyone knowing. It doesn’t matter what language you talk in at your bilingual school, but it helps in public places.
You get experience from all different kinds of culture. Having this bicultural benefit helps students, like me, open our eyes to the world around us. The people in TWIS (Two-Way Spanish Immersion) with me are some of the most honest and open people I know.
There are communication pros. Like I said before, you can talk to all kinds of people, thus making YOU a well-rounded person. Given the fact that we are living in Southern California, there’s a very culturally diverse population. Being able to speak a common language, Spanish in my case, makes living here easier as I can communicate with almost everyone.
Imagine this: You are the boss at a Starbucks in San Juan Capistrano and there are two people applying for the same job. They both have the same educational background and you just can’t choose who to pick, they both have great resumes! And, what’s this, oh my, that person speaks an additional language? They will be so much more included to pick the bilingual applicant.
Cons:
Your grammar will never be right. No matter how good you might think you are in either language, your grammar will always be slightly off.
In middle and high school, you have no elective choice. The school automatically places you in your immersion class and in order to have an extra elective (that you actually want), you have to take a zero period.
At the start, you will be behind in English in elementary school. My school never even taught us English until third grade, so our grammar/vocabulary skills were behind.
You have to start early. Because dual immersion requires being able to fluently write/speak in both languages, you can not randomly accept new people into your program. To join, you HAVE to have come from an immersion school or a family that speaks the language at home.
Overall, I enjoy being in an immersion program and recommend it. It’s been a great experience and I have learned so much that it’s crazy. Definitely consider putting your kid in dual immersion or just hanging out with people from these programs, we are really cool.
We’re all excited and can’t wait for the journey that my dad plans every summer. I remember the long stretch of endless possibilities stops along PCH and, fortunately, hidden places we always seem to find on this drive. So what are we waiting for? Let’s rev up the engines and start on this incredible road trip to who knows where.
Join us as we explore some of the most thrilling and awe-inspiring destinations perfect for teens and families seeking thrills, fun, and a healthy dose of summer adventure.
Imagine driving along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, with breathtaking ocean views on one side and towering cliffs on the other.
This trip is an excellent blend of natural beauty, interesting attractions like the Big Sur coastline, and charming seaside towns like Dana Point. All the way to Malibu. Each seaside city is filled with exciting adventures, from the view to the food waiting for you to uncover.
Why is Pacific Coast Highway so interesting, you ask?
The Pacific Coast Highway has many diverse wildlife in its natural habitats. So Keep an eye out for California sea lions basking in the sun, dolphins playing in the waves, or even migrating whales breaching offshore. This scenic drive provides many opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking in serene coves, or simply relaxing on sandy beaches while watching a beautiful sunset-painted sky.
Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, every moment of the journey is to discover the new wonder that comes your way. Whether you’re captivated by coastal vistas, intrigued by hidden gems, or simply looking for a fun-filled road trip experience – this extraordinary stretch of highway promises to leave you with memories that will last forever.
My family takes this drive almost every summer. I can always find new and exciting things to write about in my travel journal. The beautiful coastline with rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and golden beaches creates an awe-inspiring and humbling natural scenery. Each turn reveals a new vista that captivates the senses of and appreciation for the raw power of nature.
Traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll see charming coastal towns perched on the cliffs to expand the paramount view of the Pacific Ocean.
My favorite places to stop and stay awhile are Santa Barbara and Big Sur, and sometimes, my family would stop by to visit the Getty Villa Museum. It’s free, and there is so much to learn and see. Getty Villa Museum is a Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a re-created Roman country home. It’s a gorgeous place with art from the Middle Ages to anything in between.
Santa Barbara is a city filled with art, culture, food, and, of course, famous for its spas. My mom’s favorite place is Soul Care, a wellness spa where you can relax and indulge your senses.
As the summer sun continues to shine, there’s still plenty of time to plan a memorable vacation along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway. From the fascinating Museum showcasing Greek and Roman antiquities to the vibrant city of Santa Barbara and Malibu with its rich culture and relaxing spas, there is something for every traveler to enjoy. Take advantage of indulging in a wellness retreat at Soul Care or discovering your hidden gems waiting to be explored. So pack your bags, hit the road, and create unforgettable memories along this stunning coastal route.
Warriors: Midnight (The New Prophesy) is part of many series of cats roaming in the forest. It is a fun book full of suspense and mystery, and I overall enjoyed it.
Divided into four clans of warrior cats, each clan has leaders, rules, and jobs each cat must accomplish. There is a fifth clan of cats though, whose name is StarClan. They are the warriors who have died, and give special messages to the Clans, warning them about upcoming dangers and helping guide them through rough times. When StarClan sends a message to Brambleclaw and three other cats from different clans to head to the sun-drown place, they realize it is urgent. The four cats (plus two extra who decide to come along) must unite, and face many dangers, tests, and problems that make the young cats stumble. Meanwhile, back at the clans, everyone goes crazy about the warriors’ disappearance. An ominous message sent by StarClan warns the cats there is danger ahead, stressing them even more.
I really enjoyed this book, it had a fun aspect to it while still involving captivating challenges and mysteries. I have read all six books from the previous series, and I was a little disappointed that this book did not quite meet my expectations. I was expecting more action in certain parts of the book, especially after the previous series. The beginning and end were great, I just felt the middle could have used more action. Overall, I thought it was a good book, and I’m excited to keep reading to see how the story finishes.
Warriors (The New Prophecy) Midnight by Erin Hunter is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.
The Summer Hikaru Died(August 31 – Present) is a horror coming-of-age shounen manga that recently announced its highly anticipated anime adaptation, set to premiere this summer. What better way to celebrate this exciting news than with a manga review?
In my opinion, The Summer Hikaru Died is the golden definition of a gem. It has a stable fanbase and is popular with much critical acclaim, but definitely not enough for it to be considered mainstream. It’s hauntingly beautiful—familiar, yet slightly out of tune, creating an uncanny sense of distance between you and the characters, the strange, mysterious countryside, and the constantly buzzing cicadas…
Set in a small town in rural Japan, the series explores the slice-of-life of two childhood friends: Yoshiki and Hikaru. The two have maintained a close bond over the years despite their contrasting personalities, Yoshiki being reserved and quite paranoid, while Hikaru is an outgoing airhead who is well-liked by everyone in town. Yoshiki has also had a one-sided crush on Hikaru for a long time. However, one winter day, Hikaru inexplicably decides to hike up a nearby mountain, resulting in a nearly fatal injury and him going missing for a whole week. Yoshiki was the one to find him passed out in the mountains, luckily still breathing. The unconscious Hikaru was taken back to town to rest.
However, stranger than Hikaru’s seemingly random decision to go up the mountain is the fact that, after waking up and fully recovering, he has no memory of why he went there— or of what happened on the mountain at all. This incident is quickly brushed off as the two return to their normal lives.
anime adaptation cover art
Six months have passed since the strange incident. Now, in the middle of summer, the two friends are on their usual ice cream run. The air is thick with humidity, the cicada buzzing relentlessly, and their playful exchanges as ordinary as ever. In the middle of their conversation, Yoshiki suddenly brings up the incident again. Hikaru, as always, denies any recollection of it. Then, Yoshiki asks a simple yet heart-stopping question, the world around them falling into an eerie silence.
“You’re not Hikaru, are you?”
The Summer Hikaru Died, Volume 1
The Truth: Upon entering the mountains and getting injured, Hikaru’s dying body caught the attention of an |||||||||||||||||||| creature, an entity that is uncomprehensible to the human mind. Wanting to experience being human, the entity possesses Hikaru with consent, consuming his mind, memories, and feelings to the point of physically ‘being’ Hikaru, yet remaining the consciousness of the separate being at the same time. Hikaru is definitely dead. ‘Hikaru’ decided to make use of the death and use Hikaru’s physical body and mental psyche.
Alien or monster? Friend or foe? What will Yoshiki do when his friend, his crush, sitting right in front of him, actually turns out to be… ‘Hikaru’?
I absolutely adore this manga series. Coming from a scaredy-cat who can’t watch one second of any horror film, I believe that The Summer Hikaru Died has the perfect amount of uncanniness and terror for any reader to fall deeper into its spell. I especially love the unconventional themes (when put into this context) that are essential to the plot: grief, acceptance, trust, and most importantly, how anyone would characterize others as them themselves. Does Hikaru being technically dead mean Yoshiki should see ‘Hikaru’ as something (?) entirely different? What lengths does it take for love to be broken or trust to be gained? Is an entity’s desire to simply live for the first time justified? There is also a great sense of mystery revolving around Hikaru’s past actions and the buried truths of the town, which Yoshiki and ‘Hikaru’ are now on the path to uncovering.
I’d also have to add my comments about the characters and the pacing. Pacing-wise, I genuinely think it is perfect. I love my books and manga to be on the slower side, so this series did a great job of slowing down the atmosphere without making pauses feel forced. I also love how the characters themselves are like tweaked versions of standard character archetypes, or rather, how character archetypes would react in the context of this plot. The characters become nonarchetypal in this sense.
official art
It’s worth mentioning how usually, mangas in this style would be highly character-driven without much plot support. In The Summer Hikaru Died, however, both the characters and plot depend on each other to create this haunting story, making them both equally essential. When I cried as I was reading, I could not tell whether I was crying because of the plot or for the characters, which is great because it means the readers can feel the depth of the storytelling.
Personally, I am very squeamish and get disgusted easily, which made certain scenes in this manga a bit disturbing. However, it quickly became clear that even though I was put off by the body dysmorphia and blood, I was also intrigued to read more at the same time. If you’re like me, I’d suggest searching up some panels of the manga just so you can judge the disturbance level for yourself. I’ll put it out right now that the worst it gets is entity body dysmorphia and blood, so technically not that bad, but still, read at your own risk!
I also want to point out a common misconception people have about this series. The Summer Hikaru Died is not, I repeat, is not, a Boys Love (BL) manga series. Specifically, the series is listed under Seinen horror manga. The author, Mokumokuren (gender not publicly disclosed), has clearly stated in the past that they never intended for the series to be BL, but rather a horror manga with queer representation.
All in all, proceed with caution! And for those who finish reading this review thinking ‘whoever reads this must be out of their crazy mind’, I want to say that there’s never a book/manga not worth trying. I always push myself to try genres that I normally would not like, and boy am I glad I do, because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have picked up this beautiful series in the first place.
As summer approaches, I’ll definitely be rereading this with a slice of watermelon in hand, sprawled out on the ground, wondering what might be out there, waiting, quietly, quietly, quietly….
Also called “Hakka Stirfry,” Hakka Style Stir Fry is a popular dish in Taiwan. Originating from the Hakka people, a subgroup of the Han Chinese from Central China, this dish is salty, fragrant, and greasy, blending delicious umami flavors. Today, around 15-20% of the Taiwanese population has some kind of Hakka blood. This recipe makes 6 servings.
Ingredients:
8 ounces of dried cuttlefish 8 ounces pork belly 8 ounces of Taiwanese celery (1.5 inch long strips) 8 ounces of green onion (white parts, 1.5 inch strips) 4 pieces of marinated pressed bean curd (1.5 inch strips) 1 red chili pepper (de-seeded, thin strips) 2 cups of warm water 3 cups of cold water 1 tablespoon of cooking oil Seasoning: 2 tablespoons of soy sauce 5 tablespoons of rice wine ½ teaspoon of white pepper ½ teaspoon of salt soy sauce rice wine white pepper salt
Preparation:
Soak cuttlefish in 2 cups of warm water for 1 hour, remove the outer skin, clean and cut into long strips (1½ inch x ½ inch). Set aside.
Boil cold water in pot on medium heat, add pork in boiling water for 2 minutes before turning off the heat. When the liquid is cool, remove pork and rub with 1 teaspoon of salt, let it marinate for 30 min. Remove pork skin and discard, cut remainder of pork belly into the same size strips as cuttlefish.
In a heated frying pan or wok, add fattier pork strips first, brown until fat is drained, add the rest of the pork strips, stir until all meat is browned, remove meat from pan and set aside.
Stir fry bean curd in the same pan until slightly brown, remove bean curd and set aside.
Add cuttlefish in the pan, stir fry on medium low heat for a few minutes, drizzle 3 tablespoons of wine slowly around the edge of the pan, and continue stirring until fragrant.
In a clean hot pan, add 1 teaspoon of oil, add cuttlefish, and stir on high heat, add soy sauce, turn heat to medium, add green onions, stir for a few seconds, add celery, chili pepper, pressed bean curd and pork, mix thoroughly. Add ½ teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons of wine, stir until wine is absorbed. Sprinkle with white pepper.
Preparing this dish shouldn’t take more than an hour, and is suitable for everyday meals, or in larger portions, even for special occasions.
The relationship between sports and mental health can not be simplified down to any single factor. The toxic, destructive atmosphere of a sports team is often masked by the ‘friendly competition’ persona.
Often the problem lies in the coaches immaturity and deep desire to win above all else. Grown adults are willing to trash a child’s mental health in the name of the game. While sports can create a strong sense of community among athletes, this mutual support is often dismantled by the relentless expectations set by coaches.
“There’s nothing to lose in practice” is a phrase no athlete is a stranger to, but do not fall into its trap. One bad practice can easily prompt excessive punishments or a loss in playing time. Coaches have no trouble dismissing all an athlete’s hard work and accumulation of excellent performances to validate their dramatic penalization for one off day. Players are expected to exhibit peak athleticism and skill on a daily basis. Coaches fail to recognize the psychological and emotional challenges faced by teenagers in today’s high-pressure society. The media pushes unrealistic standards, convincing young individuals that success is contingent upon being physically attractive, thin yet not excessively so, socially popular, and academically accomplished. Maintaining this lifestyle, while being committed to a sports team is virtually impossible, for those planning to maintain a healthy mental state.
This is not to imply that sports are some nefarious force designed to cause harm to teenagers. Any form of physical activity can prompt the release of endorphins, diminishing feelings of anxiety and immense sadness. High schoolers facing intense stress can take advantage of sports, as a temporary relief from the stressors that plague their mind. The blissful focus required to engage in sports provides a mental break and increased mindfulness. Amidst the intensity of athletic endeavors, athletes rarely have their minds clouded by thoughts of an impending math test.
Though an excessive focus on competition may give rise to anxiety and diminish self-esteem, it can also equip athletes with the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of life. There is no escaping setbacks, failures, and high-pressure situations, so being exposed to them early in a controlled environment can serve individuals in the long run. This is not a justification of cruel coaches, but rather a recognition of the possibility to learn coping mechanisms when faced with healthy competition. Positive stress exists and sports can serve as a form of positive stress. Positive stress exists and can arise through sports, acting as a spark for personal growth and the cultivation of inner strength.
Sports, just like anything, contain both positive and negative aspects. Children should not shy away from sports entirely, in fear of harming their mental health. Instead, they should remain mindful of the amount of competition and pressure they are consuming. Those looking into joining sports as a form of self care, approaching it as a leisurely pursuit may offer the most beneficial balance. Even those seeking a professional career in athletics should not dismiss their mental health, as neglecting it can diminish their natural passion and drive.
On Saturday, April 26th, I had the pleasure of helping the Mission Viejo Library with the Earth Day event. The Mission Library had two booths: one was run by the Teen Advisory Board (TAB), while the other was run by the teen interns. I worked at the TAB booth and helped people decorate succulent pots as well as assemble the mesh bottom cover, the soil, the rocks, and of course, the plant itself. All of our succulents were donated from the community, which goes to show how caring the residents of Mission Viejo are. Many people (including a member from city council) came to spread the joy of Earth Day.
The best part? It was all free! From the live band (that played all day, except to take a short break for the rain) to the assortment of tasty food, residents could stop by and partake in the festivities without having to buy tickets or RSVP. There were multiple stands giving away free merchandise and educating visitors about the environment, such as the El Toro Water District which handed out dog waste baggies. Not interested in getting free items? Our Teen Intern booth had a nature-based scavenger hunt where savvy explorers were challenged to locate birds, insects, and plants in an effort to appreciate our community’s natural beauty. Or, if fairs, aren’t your interest, many volunteers planted trees along the trail behind our booths. Getting to meet so many people who are also environmentally conscious was a delight, and I can gladly say that I made new friends! No matter what you were looking for, the Earth Day event was sure to have it.
While the festivities were wonderful, it is important to consider the message behind Earth Day. Cleaning up after ourselves is extremely important especially when considering the impact of anthropogenic waste has on ecosystems both locally and globally. Thousands of species suffer from genetic bottlenecks, have their mating passages disrupted, or even go extinct every year due to human actions. Taking AP Environmental Science at my high school has taught me about how humans need to take more accountability for our environmental impact, and this event reinforced what I have learned.
Finals suck. The massive projects worth ⅓ of your grade, the crazy long essays that have to be a test, everyone wearing pajamas and giving up. Yup, finals: everyone’s favorite time.
But, finals don’t have to suck this year. Here are some relaxing hobbies to help you calm down and enjoy life during this hard time.
Coloring! Get out your sketchbook and draw, or print some cute coloring pages online and color them in. This is a perfect hobby because NOTHING has to be perfect, you can make it as messy or as perfect as you want. Coloring is shown to help improve your focus and boost your creativity, so definitely consider coloring this May.
Baking! Who doesn’t love a delicious warm chocolate chip cookie, or an amazing decorated slice of cake? Take some time to bake sweet treats for yourself, your friends, and your families. Not only is this a great hobby because you can tune out to some music and just follow a recipe (which takes almost no brain power), but you also get to eat your incredible creations afterwards.
Gardening! Personally, I can’t really garden, but this is a proven hobby to help people destress. By going outside and connecting with nature, you’re letting your brain drift away. This helps your cognitive function, which then helps you with testing.
Literally anything you want. Any hobby of yours can help you keep your mind off of testing. Whether you’re playing video games or biking, just doing something you enjoy will help you feel better.
Take care of yourself this testing season. Try your best to get around 8 hours of sleep. I know it’s hard with sports and clubs, but by doing this you will feel less exhausted and your brain WILL WORK BETTER. Don’t stay up all night studying, because you will eventually fall asleep and not retain anything. So, ENJOY YOURSELF and STOP STRESSING.
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Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice 