The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

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*this review may contain spoilers

Honestly, I have been a bit of a reading slump but I decided to check this book out in hopes to regain my love of reading again. It did its job. I have never been so fascinated and invested within a book than I have with this one.

The writing style that Hilderbrand uses is truly unique and constantly makes the readers wanting to read more. The book follows a WIDE amount of characters and their summer in beach town Nantucket, specifically their experiences within Hotel Nantucket. This hotel has been perceived negatively in the past due to the horror relations that have involved this hotel and how a ghost continually haunts the guests and anyone within the hotel. However, a rich-man, Xavier Darling, rebuilt the hotel to be one of the finest hotels and hopes to be critiqued positively by a numerous amount of hotel reviewers. Xavier’s main goal is to impress hotel reviewer, Shelly Carpenter, and allow Hotel Nantucket to become the first hotel to receive 5 keys (which has never been given to any hotel).

I think what I particularly like about this book is that is follows a plethora of characters like the staff, guests, and ghosts of the hotel. I love multiple POV book, the best!! The book is a bit long but that just means more time getting invested with the storyline and characters that Hilderbrand presents. I wish I had read this book during the summer since it is set in a beach town but honestly with Hilderbrand’s writing, I still found a great read.

I would recommend if you are interested in exploring outside your preferred genre and I would suggest those that are in reading slumps to read this book, to get you out!

-Madison C.

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Angels VS Orioles

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On September 5th, we went to an Angels game with me, mom, and my baby sister. This was our 10th baseball game we have been gone to. I went to my usual spot, the corner of the seats in left field near the bullpen, where we could get autographs and baseballs at the Trout Farm.

Baltimore Orioles Starting Lineup:

  1. A. Rutschman: Catcher
  2. R. Mountcastle: Firstbase
  3. A. Santander: Designated Hitter
  4. A. Hays: Left Field
  5. G. Henderson: Thirdbase
  6. J. Westburg: Secondbase
  7. A. Hicks: Right Field
  8. R. McKenna: Center Field
  9. J. Mateo: Short Stop

Game Results:

Baltimore Orioles vs. Los Angeles Angels

5-4

Balls and Autographs from players and Coaches:

  • A ball from Reid Detmers that he was playing catch with.
  • An autograph on my baseball glove by the Orioles Pitching Coach, Chris Holt.
  • An autograph on my baseball by the Angels Pitcher, José Soriano
  • Three autograph on my baseball, my glove, and my sister’s headphones by the Angels Second Basemen, Brandon Drury.
  • An autogrpah on my baseball glove by the Angels Pitching Coach, Matt Wise.
  • A foul ball cought at my seat from Brandon Drury.

My favorite player on the Angels is Shohei Ohtani the reason that he is my favorite baseball player is because he can pitch and hit really good. This gives an advantage of playing time because pitchers have to rest for three to four days after pitching in a game but Shohei Ohtani can hit after pitching as a designated hitter because hit can hit good also. And my favorite player on the Orioles is Adley Rutschman this is because he is really good at catching and he can hit from both sides. Hitting from both sides is a really good advantage as a baseball player because he can hit depending on the situation, many situation can be a runner on first and want the runner to score from first by hitting to right field instead of left field.

Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice

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Estimated Baking Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

This is a spicy and savory dish ready for anyone to make!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of sushi rice
  • Tuna (make sure it is sushi grade)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha
  • Vegetable or Canola oil
  • One avocado
  • Scallions (optional)
  • Seaweed
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Sushi Rice:

To make sushi rice, you first need 2 cups of sushi rice, 2 tablespoons of sugar, one teaspoon of salt and a third cup of rice vinegar. Regular vinegar won’t work for this recipe.

Rinse the rice with cold water until the water is clear, then pour it into a pot with 2 cups of lukewarm water. Let it sit there for 30-45 minutes. Cook it in a rice cooker on the sushi mode for 10-15 minutes. After it is done, let it sit for 15 minutes. In a pot, combine the sugar, rice vinegar and salt. pour it over the sushi rice and combine. Let it rest until needed.

Spicy Mayonnaise:

Combine 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise to 3 tablespoons of sriracha. Then add one teaspoon of sugar and one teaspoon of soy sauce. This is option but finely chopped scallions can be added in as well.

Spicy Tuna:

Finely chop or mince the tuna into an almost paste like form. Combine the spicy mayo with the tuna. Mix thoroughly. Add a bit of sugar and salt until its to your liking.

Crispy Rice:

Now shape the now chilled sushi rice into squares before transferring them into a pan with canola oil. Fry each side until golden brown. Transfer them onto a plate after finishing.

Now slice up your avocado and put thin slices on the rice. Pieces of shredded seaweed can be tossed onto there as well. Put a spoonful of spicy tuna onto the mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds. And you are done! Enjoy!

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

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To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee has to now be one of my favorite books, up there with The Outsiders and The Institute. I never expected to like this book so much but it’s always the ones you look down on that come back to bite you when you least expect it. To Kill A Mockingbird was our fourth required reading for my English class this year and when my teacher said that it was a good book, I should have believed her more.

To Kill A Mockingbird is one huge flashback told by Scout Finch. It starts when Scout is six and she introduces her older brother Jem and her dad Atticus. They all live in the town of Maycomb, Alabama, set in the 1930s, The Great Depression. Scout begins the story talking about how Jem had broken his arm. As simple as it sounds, it’s such a long story to get to that point that you completely forget that that was how we started the story until Scout brings it up again. It may be a long story, but it included some of the most interesting and engaging stories I have ever read. 

Lee’s characters are so well written that they will have a special place in my heart. Atticus was definitely my favorite character in the book. He was an amazing single father, especially when so many parents in books are either dead or awful to their kids. Of course not all books have those kinds of parents, but this was a nice piece of fresh air. Atticus was a fantastic role model, person, and father. He is such a good person and healthy both physically and mentally. The way he fought discrimination and racism was admirable but he was even more admirable to teach his kids and those around him not to discriminate or be racist.

While Atticus was my favorite, there were so many good characters in the book. Starting with Scout, her mental capability and persistence was super fun to read about. To see everything happen through her eyes was very interesting. Jem was also really fun. His growth from boy to man was nice to see, even though Scout didn’t really understand it much. Jem being a good older brother to Scout and doing his best to do the right things at school to make Atticus proud was great. Atticus helped give both of his kids great morals and empathy and it is really apparent in the book. 

I really loved the characters in this book. I didn’t mention all of them but they were all very memorable to me. To Kill a Mockingbird was incredibly well written. Lee did a fantastic job making the story interesting and fun while having subtle themes to make this novel literature. This was a fantastic book that I would highly recommend for others to read. Despite some language that wouldn’t be allowed today, if you could look past the period-typical racism, this book can teach people a lot and can overall be very enjoyable. 

-Nicole R.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Fuel Your Travels with These Delicious and Nutritious Snack Ideas

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Airplane travel can be exciting and tiring, especially for a teen like me. Amidst the anticipation of the journey, hunger pangs can strike unexpectedly. It’s essential to be prepared to ensure a smooth and satisfying trip. Packing the best snacks is crucial-easily accessible, healthy, and delicious snacks that won’t create a mess in the confined space of an airplane cockpit. Here are a few snacks I plan to bring on my upcoming trip. Let’s explore some delectable options that will satisfy my teen’s appetite and energize me throughout my journey.

  1. Fruit Medley: A delightful assortment of fresh fruits is perfect and easy to pack. Wash and cut your favorite fruits, such as apples, grapes, berries, and oranges. Place the cut-up fruits in a resealable container or small zip-lock bags. Not only are fruits rich in vitamins and antioxidants, but they also quench your thirst and provide a refreshing burst of natural sweetness.
  2. Nutty Delights: Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, proteins, and essential nutrients. Create a custom mix of your favorite nut, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews. Add dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a savory and crunchy snack. Portion them into small containers for easy snacking during the flight.
  3. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Cut various veggies into sticks to dip with hummus. Crunchy carrot sticks, celery, cucumber, and bell pepper slices paired with a small container of hummus make for a healthy and delicious snack combo. Vegetables are packed with fiber and vitamins, while hummus adds a creamy and flavorful touch to the snack and provides healthy fat.
  4. Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein, making it a filling and nutritious choice for teens like me. Individually wrapped cheese sticks or small cheese cubes with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying and balanced snack. I have gluten allergies, so I usually pack rice, lentil crackers, and vegan cheese like Daiya. If you have food allergies, be careful to choose the cheese and crackers you like. 
  5. Granola Bars: Preferably homemade or store-bought, granola bars are a convenient option to keep hunger at bay. These are easy to make. Mix the Nutty Delight on #2 with almond or nut butter, roll them into coconut flakes, and have an excellent granola bar. But there are many options if you prefer to buy them. Look for bars that are low in added sugars and high in fiber, providing a quick energy boost during the journey.
  6. Protein-Packed Sandwiches: Prepare sandwiches with whole-grain bread, lean meats like turkey or chicken, or smoke salmon; if you want to be fancy, add lettuce, tomato, and a light spread like mustard or avocado. These protein-packed sandwiches will you satisfied and provide essential nutrients.
  7. Energy Bites: Create homemade energy bites with oats, nut butter, honey, and add-ins like chia seeds, dried fruits, or dark chocolate chips. These bite-sized treats are tasty and provide a great energy source during travel.
  8. Yogurt with Berries: yogurt is rich in protein and calcium, and when paired with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey, it becomes a delectable and nutritious snack.
  9. Rice Cakes with Nut Butter: Rice cakes are a lightweight, mess-free alternative to regular crackers. Spread nut butter (like almond, Macadamia, or cashew butter) on top, and add dry fruits and chocolate chips for a satisfying and healthy snack.
  10. Dark Chocolate: Satisfy a sweet tooth with a small amount of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is delicious, contains antioxidants, and can boost mood during long flights.

Use reusable containers or eco-friendly bags to pack healthy snacks to minimize waste and be mindful of potential allergies or dietary restrictions. Remember to stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle and avoid excessive sugary beverages or energy drinks. Also, when you pack many high-water content fruits and veggies, such as cucumbers and watermelon, you can easily stay hydrated and need less water. 

Preparing various easy-to-pack, healthy, and delicious snacks for airplane travel can ensure a satisfying journey without feeling sluggish or hungry. The key is to balance taste and nutrition, making the travel experience enjoyable and stress-free. 

Bon voyage!

Bella H.

Book Review: Sword Art Online: Progressive 1

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Sword Art Online: Progressive, written by Reki Kawahara, is the first book in a series by the same name. SAO: Progressive is a spin-off from the author’s main series, Sword Art Online, and exists to show the floor-by-floor progression throughout the floating castle of Aincrad. The novel primarily follows Kirito, a normal if somewhat awkward boy, who happened to be one of the beta testers for SAO. Progressive does a lot of things well and I genuinely believe it to be one of the best-written stories to come out of the Sword Art Online franchise. Also fair warning but while SAO Progressive can be read without foreknowledge of the series, this review can not.

One thing Progressive does very well in comparison to other works from the same series is the characterization of the protagonist. Kirito, in the other SAO stories, is characterized poorly at best. In the original novels, the author tries to make him seem like an awkward but relatable guy something which is happened by all the cool and awesome powers and people constantly throwing themselves at him while on the other hand, the anime decides he doesn’t need a personality if he’s a badass. Meanwhile, Progressive actually lets the boy have a personality that is honestly pretty endearing. With Progressive’s Kirito it seems like he has a variety of reactions around various people and situations. In situations where he gets to talk about the game, he tends to be pretty well-spoken while he tends to flounder in any social context. Also, he did mental math to determine exactly how big a cake was and then how much he would get if he got half the cake which I find more hilarious than I probably should.

Another thing that I know I and many others enjoy about Progressive is actually getting to see more of the game Sword Art Online. In the original series, the author had a tendency to skip around and only really focus on the main romance and a few minor side stories while in this story we get to see much more of the castle of Aincrad. It’s really interesting to see how things play out and what new floors look like not to mention mysteries that begin building up.

All in all, I think this is a pretty good read especially if you already like Sword Art Online or at least the concept it presents.

Apple iPhone 15

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About a week ago, as it happens every year at this time, Apple released its new and improved iPhone, the iPhone 15. The original 15 currently has a starting price of $799, meanwhile the 15 Pro and Pro Max each have starting prices of $999 and $1199, respectively.

One of the biggest new features added to the iPhone 15 is the action button. This major addition replaces the ring/silent switch, which has been around since the creation of the iPhone, back in 2007. On top of just toggling between ring and silent mode, the action button is able to record voice memos, run shortcuts, turning on the flashlight, etc. It is a convenient way to perform smaller tasks, which enhances the user experience. The graphics have also been drastically improved in the new phone. The maximum brightness has been significantly increased since its predecessor. The 15 uses an A16 Bionic processor, which is not found in the original iPhone 14. Because of the USB-C 3.0, the the iPhone 15 has much better speed. It allows the phone to go about 20 times faster than the previous USB-C 2.0 port, creating a huge difference for the user. However, the iPhone 15 Pro is relatively the same as the 15. The only main difference is the camera hardware and quality, but for an extra $200, it may not be worth it for some.

Ultimately, the new iPhone 15 does have some tweaks and improvements compared to its predecessor. There is nothing extremely different that makes it seem like an entirely new phone, but it would be a good upgrade for a 2-3 year old phone.

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

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If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a murder mystery novel centered around a group of theatre students at a university in Illinois. The story is told from the perspective of Oliver, one of the members of the group. The novel starts off with him being released from prison and retelling an incident that put his entire group in jeopardy, and ultimately changed the trajectory of their lives.

While reading this book at first, I wasn’t entirely sure if I enjoyed it, mainly because the style of writing wasn’t my taste and the plot seemed rather slow. However, the story began to build up during the second half, and the plot twist left me shocked. Given that the events were told from the perspective of a student who wasn’t entirely involved with every member of the group, there were several loose ends in the plot that ultimately came together to create an ending that readers would never expect. Therefore, although the narrator could be seen as unreliable, he added a sense of suspense and mystery that the story would otherwise be bland without.

Overall, I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in mystery or dark academia genres. Although it didn’t fully live up to my expectations, I still enjoyed the plot in the end and could see it as something that many readers would be intrigued by.

-Aysha H.

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Book Review: The 99% Invisible City by Kurt Kohlstedt and Roman Mars

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Recently, I was looking for a new book to read and I found The 99% Invisible City by Kurt Kohlstedt and Roman Mars. I found this book about engineering in a city very interesting, as it specifically talks about how many elements of a city go unnoticed but help to lead our everyday lives in the background. I enjoyed how it expressed the complex concept of civil engineering in a more readable way, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in engineering.

One thing that is remarkable about this book is how well-researched that the entries in the book are, providing a detailed history of many different aspects in separate cities and how they have changed over time. The book also taught me a lot about design in cities that I thought was very interesting. I was also intrigued how the book showed how much design and effort has gone into designing the modern world.

One of my favorite sections from the book is about how the national highway system was built. I thought it was interesting how much we use this piece of infrastructure without noticing it much. I also enjoyed the detailed history and backstory of these highways. I also enjoyed how it talked about how different famous landmarks around the world were constructed, and how many of them have secondary purposes, as well as how many important functional pieces of the city are hidden away.

This book is also great to read if you are interested in engineering or design because it also elaborates on its detailed descriptions with many colorful drawings and schematics, helping break down the book into readable sections. It uses both technical and understandable language to describe different ideas, and not only is it an entertaining read, but in the end I actually learned many new things from this book as well, so I would say that overall this was an extremely good read.

In the end, The 99% Invisible City was one of the best reads that I’ve ever read so far, and it’s sure to be entertaining and interesting for you as well. I would especially recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about engineering, or is interested in civil or mechanical engineering. I would also recommend the 99% Invisible podcast if you enjoy this book. It is by the same authors of the book and is very interesting as well. And don’t forget to check out this book for yourself sometime!

The 99% Invisible City by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Back-to-School Jitters? Let’s Crush Those Anxieties!

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 It’s that time of year again when summer days turn into school days. For many of us, returning to school can bring excitement and, let’s be honest, a bit of anxiety. But don’t worry; you’ve got this! Let’s dive into those back-to-school butterflies and uncover strategies to conquer them like you’re champs.

Let’s examine what really causes our anxieties:

First off, it’s totally okay to feel a little jittery about returning to school. It’s super common, and almost everyone goes through it. So, what’s causing those butterflies in your stomach? Here are some common back-to-school anxieties:

  1. Meeting New People: Meeting new classmates can be nerve-wracking whether you’re starting a new school or just moving up a grade. Many questions and worries go through your mind- Will they like you? Will you fit in? Everyone’s feeling a bit uncertain, so remember you are not alone.
  2. Academic Pressure: The thought of new subjects, more challenging assignments, and exams can be overwhelming. Be bold and ask questions. Good teachers love students who ask questions and are eager to learn. So ask away! Remember, it’s okay. Learning is a journey.
  3. Social Expectations: The pressure to have the “perfect” social life can be intense. Real friendships take time to develop, and it’s okay to be yourself. No judgement! Usually, we are harder on ourselves than others. Most of the time, friendship comes naturally. 
  4. Organizational Stress: Keeping up with schedules, assignments, and extracurriculars can feel like a juggling act. But guess what? You can become a master organizer with a bit of practice. A schedule app is the best for this. 

Now that we know what are some things that cause our anxieties. Let’s look at some strategies for overcoming them. Let’s kick those anxieties to the curb.

Strategies for Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety:

  1. Prepare Ahead: Knowing what’s coming can be a game-changer. Be organized- Get your school supplies, organize your backpack, and plan your outfits in advance. This will give you one less thing to worry about.
  2. Talk It Out: Don’t keep those feelings inside. Talk to friends, family, or trusted adults about what’s on your mind or what’s bothering you. You’ll be surprised how many people have felt the same way.
  3. Set Achievable Goals: Don’t expect perfection from the start. Set achievable goals, and celebrate your progress along the way. You are more likely to continue when you see progression in your dreams. 
  4. Breathe and Mindfulness: Take some deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. Stop anxiety before it starts creeping in. Consider practicing mindfulness techniques to help you stay grounded and focused. Taking time to breathe makes you feel less stressed because it gives your mind time to relax and rethink.
  5. Eating well & staying healthy: Eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying active can improve your mood and overall well-being. Take time to eat snacks like fruits or cut-up veggies; eating healthy provides your body the energy to finish what you need that day. 
  6. Stay Positive: Stop overworrying. Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, consider all the exciting things that await you this school year, like making new friends, learning interesting subjects, and remarkable experiences just around the corner! 
  7. You’re Not Alone: Everyone has their version of back-to-school jitters. You’re part of a considerable community of teens going through this together. It’s hard enough to be a person in this decade because of all the changes and uncertainties. Lean on each other for support.
  8. Ask for Help When You Needed: If anxiety becomes too overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to your school counselor or a mental health professional. They’re there to help you navigate these feelings. These individuals have training and experiences to help you navigate your uncertainty and bring them into clear focus. So don’t hesitate to ask. 

So there you have it! Back-to-school anxiety is normal, but you have a toolkit with many strategies to handle it like a pro. Remember, you’re stronger and more capable than you think. Embrace the new school year with confidence to be true to yourself and shine! ✨✨

You got this!

Bella H.