Book Review: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

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Growing up, I had always heard mixed feelings about the Twilight Franchise. My mom had told me that she read all of the books and loved them, but I felt as though they’d be cheesy. Yet, here I am, writing a review on the first book in the series.

Since 2020, I have read the first three books, and am currently on the fourth. I would have finished it a long time ago, but I get distracted very easily. Enough information about me, let’s get to my thoughts on the book!

I had no prior knowledge about anything in the Twilight universe. The only thing I knew was there was a girl who liked a boy who happened to be a vampire. In the first few pages of the book, I was hooked. The way Bella’s thoughts were organized in the book were so relatable to me.

She seemed like a very raw character to me and I loved seeing how she grew throughout the book. She is a very relatable teenage character to me. I see a lot of aspects of me in her character throughout the book.

Before I even read the book I knew I would love Edward’s character. I am always down to read a romance book, but with vampires? Even better! I love mystical creatures like vampires so it was non stop entertainment for me.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Jessi’s Secret Language and the Importance of American Sign Language (ASL)

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This book can be found in both novel and graphic novel format, but the storyline is the same.

Jessi Ramsey, now the newest member of the Baby-Sitters Club, has taken on a new assignment. A repetitive one, it requires the same person every time. Jessi soon learns that the reason this job may be harder than others is because one of the two kids she will be baby-sitting for is deaf. Taking on this assignment means she will have to learn ASL (American Sign Language). However, this job will soon prove harder than she originally thought, since she has to learn a whole new language.

I liked this book because of its emphasis on the importance of ASL. While I do not use it, or know anyone who uses it, I still think ASL is very important to know. This is because even though I do not need to use it or even know it, for the people that do require ASL to communicate with others in daily life, it is a vital tool. If no one else (as in those who do not need to use ASL) do not know anything about ASL, it is a major communicational block between those who use ASL and those who do not. Those who need ASL every day would find it a lot harder to communicate with others on a daily basis, just because everyone else never bothered to learn this unique way of communication. Over half a million people in the US use ASL, with that number expected to increase greatly in upcoming years. So, the more people who know ASL, the easier it will be for everyone else to communicate with those who see ASL as a vital tool in their lives.

In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this book to others. I felt that it really empasized the importance of American Sign Language, a topic which I think should be much more important for both those who use ASL. Knowing sign language makes it easier to lift the communication barrier with those who use ASL and have hearing loss.

Some high schools actually offer ASL as a foreign language course, and colleges/universities accept ASL as a world language. If your high school does not offer ASL as a foreign language, you can dual-enroll at a community college to take the course.

– Peri A.

Jessi’s Secret Language by Ann M. Martin is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

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I had to read this book for my junior honors society and change book and surprisingly found it interesting. This book was outside my comfort zone but the dystopian society built within the book was intriguing and led me to analyze the true meaning behind the text.

It follows main character “Offred” and her journey into this transformed society and their way of life. People are ranked within certain classes which determine what they contribute to society. She struggles reconnecting with her “past” self and reminiscing about her husband and kid. Having to face a new society with strange workings and rules she expresses her feelings with the audience for them to understand what is going on in the world she lives in.

I think I typically enjoy dystopian realms because I feel immersed within the society and the systems portrayed within the book. I’m aware there is also a tv show for this book but the first episode essentially covers the entirety of the novel. I would say Atwood’s idea into creating this book is absolutely astonishing how someone came up with this idea. I would recommend to high schoolers but those sensitive to strong topics (suicide, sexual assault, violence) shouldn’t look into reading this book!

  • -Madison C.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Album Review: Are You Experienced by the Jimi Hendrix Experience

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The 1960s were a wild period of time. Simultaneously, we’d get some of the best music of all time from the 60s. One artist associated with the time’s counterculture and music is Jimi Hendrix, the best guitarist of all time and my favorite “classic rock” artist. During his short yet influential career, he released three studio albums with his band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, and their debut, Are You Experienced, is one of my favorite albums of all time.

The original album cover of Are You Experienced

Are You Experienced is a psychedelic hard rock album. Hendrix was influenced by many genres of music ranging from R&B to free jazz to blues. We have fun, fast songs and great, layback songs such as “Fire” and “Red House”, respectively.

“Fire” is one of my favorite songs in general and I can see why. It’s very happy, fun, and energetic. It’s influenced by soul, funk, and jazz. “Fire” is also one of Hendrix’s most popular songs. Jimi Hendrix’s bandmates do such a great job of complimenting his guitar work.

“Red House” is definitely one of the bluesy songs on the album with it having a 12-bar blues structure played by the Experience’s bassist. What makes it special is Hendrix’s guitar work which never seems to blow me away.

I own Are You Experienced on vinyl and I have to say, it’s a great listen. It’s a 10/10 album that never ceases to entertain me. I highly recommend listening to it. It’ll blow your socks off!

Book vs. Movie Review: Mockingjay

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Mockingjay is the third (and final, if you don’t count the prequel!) book in The Hunger Games trilogy. It’s about the main character and heroine, of the novels, Katniss Everdeen, following her story as she fights the Capitol to end the vicious gladiatorial games called the Hunger Games. Her lover, Peeta Mellark, has been captured by the Capitol, and now they are holding him hostage, altering his memories of Katniss so he will think of her as a threat instead of an ally. This book has a wonderful blend of action, suspense, and romance (with just a little character rivalry thrown in for good measure), like any other Hunger Games novel, but that’s not all. Mockingjay also has, not one, but two movies to go along with it. Here are my thoughts on the book versus the movies.

#1: First of all, here are some things I think the producers of the movie did well. They did quite a good job sticking to the main plot and including what I think to be the most important parts. Yes, they did add in or change a couple of things, but, in my opinion, the overall feeling of the book was captured in the movie.

#2: Of course, there were some parts that I felt needed to be emphasized more in the movies. For example, the vote to hold another Hunger Games, but with the Capitol’s children, was treated as the big decision that it is in the book, but in the movies, they kind of glossed over that part. Also, the death of Katniss’ sister, Primrose, wasn’t as significant as I’d have liked it to be in the movies. It was like she died, and then everyone moved on really quickly, unlike in the book, where Katniss spends years recovering.

#3: The look of the characters was also changed in the movies. In the book, Katniss is supposed to have black hair and olive skin, while in the movies, the actress of Katniss is a blonde, Caucasian woman. Also, Peeta is supposed to have blue eyes and blond hair, but in the movies, his actor has black hair and brown eyes. However, this is just a minor difference and it doesn’t take away from the fact that the actors and actresses did an amazing job of portraying the characters’ emotions, which is what I think is the most important part.

In summary, I think the book Mockingjay is better than both of the movies, but it’s hard to beat the original. However, I wasn’t disappointed with the movies, because the main plot and feel of the book was conveyed on the screen. In my opinion, the books are usually better than the movies, unless the movie comes out first. What do you think?

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

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo revolves around the story of a young aspiring actress who struggles with the misogyny and overall demanding life of the Hollywood film industry. Beyond highlighting the seven marriages throughout her career, the novel also discusses the objectification Evelyn feels as a woman in the 60s, the discrimination she faces for her ethnic Latino background, and the confusion she experiences with her identity all at the same time.

Through Hugo, Reid was able to showcase many inspiring themes, such as ambition and the ability to stand up for one’s self. Hugo’s strive for success, and her ability to rise to such a high position despite the challenges she faces early on in her career, causes readers to feel a sense of admiration, as well as just genuine care and concern for the character. Additionally, the author also emphasizes how Evelyn grows from a young girl who is willing to do what is asked of her to a strong, independent woman who demands respect, and stands up for her own rights. However, these words wouldn’t nearly do the complexity of the character justice, as Hugo is also extremely flawed, and has made some morally shocking choices that can leave readers feeling confused and frustrated, adding to the overall intense atmosphere.

I would highly recommend this novel as it’s not only an engaging, fast-paced story, but also opened my eyes towards the issues of the entertainment industry and the struggles many celebrities go through to get where they are. However, I would beware of some potentially triggering content, especially towards younger age groups.

-Aysha H.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

10 Tips to End Your Writer’s Block For Good!

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These tips have helped me get out of writer’s block and start writing again, and I hope they’ll do the same for you. If you need help, try following some of these suggestions:.

  1. Take breaks: Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer’s block is to step away from your writing and do something else entirely. Walk your dog, watch a movie, play with your cat, or read a book.
  2. Change your environment: If you feel stuck, try changing your writing environment. Move to a different room, go to a park or a coffee shop, or simply switch up your sitting position.
  3. Free-write: Set a timer for a specific time and write whatever comes to mind. This can help get your creative juices flowing and overcome any blockages.
  4. Brainstorm with a friend: Talking to someone about your writing can help generate new ideas and spark inspiration.
  5. Write a different part of your story: If you’re having trouble with one particular section, try writing another aspect of your novel or story.
  6. Use prompts: Try writing prompts to get your creative mind working again. These can be found online or in writing prompts books.
  7. Try a new genre or style: Experimenting with new forms of writing can help you get out of your comfort zone and find new inspiration.
  8. Keep a journal: Writing in a journal can help you reflect on your life and experiences, providing a wealth of material for your writing.
  9. Reading other authors’ work can help you get new ideas and improve your writing skills.
  10. Reward yourself: Lastly, it’s essential to recognize and reward yourself for making progress. Make sure you celebrate your accomplishments with a treat or a relaxing activity.

If you struggle with writer’s block, don’t worry – you’re not the only one. Writer’s block is a common problem that can occur at any time. However, the tips above should help you start writing again and maybe even wholly eliminate “writer’s block.”

Bella H.

Movie Review – Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish

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Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish was directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and released on December 21, 2022 by DreamWorks Animation. Rated PG, the movie is a sequel to the original Puss in Boots movie that was released 11 years ago, in 2011.

The star of the show is Puss in Boots, a spry and adventurous cat, originally from the “Shrek” movie world. Played by Antonio Banderas, Puss in Boots realizes that a bounty hunter Big Bad Wolf, played by Wagner Moura, is out to get him and that he’s on the last of his 9 lives. Puss makes a new and unexpected friend in a chihuahua hiding in a cat rescue and again finds his former rival and now girl-cat love interest Kitty SoftPaws, played by Salma Hayek. The 3 set off together to find the Wishing Star, thought to have the ability to restore Puss’ 9 lives. What ensues is a tale of adventure and overcoming obstacles as the trio make their way through fairytale lands in sometimes hilarious and sometimes frightening scenarios.

In my opinion, this 1 hour and 40 minutes is time well spent, especially if you liked the original Puss in Boots. While it is rated PG, there does seem to be some uproar from parents of young children not expecting the Big Bad Wolf to be, well, quite so big and bad and frightening. But overall, it was everything you expect from a tale of Puss in Boots in a fairytale world full of adventure and excitement. The outstanding graphics animation from DreamWorks never disappoints. It was even nominated for an Oscar at the 2023 Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature Film, so go see it before March 12, 2023, so you can decide for yourself if it was money well spent on a Saturday afternoon.

Book Review: The Sun is Also a Star

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This story is a narrative about two main character love interests: Natasha and Daniel, two young and intensely passionate people. Daniel believes in love, time, fate, and the cosmos, while Natasha is a firm believer of science and all things tangible and observable in nature.

The narrative opens with Natasha’s family being deported back to Jamaica the next day as a result of his father’s DUI, from which the authorities discovered that the family are undocumented immigrants in the United States. Natasha is prepared to do anything to stay in New York because she refuses to accept leaving America, her real home.

Meanwhile, Daniel, who is the son of a Korean immigrant family, is forced to pursue a medical career. He got a interview from Yale in which his parents think is his ticket to a good life. However, he has a passion for poetry. He knows that he has one day to decide whether to attend that interview or save himself from permanently losing himself.

To be quite honest, I was first a bit dubious about this narrative since I wasn’t really much of a believer in fate or the power of the stars to bring people together. However, as I continued reading I realized that we don’t have control over love, and perhaps it does depend on the little coincidences of life that bring people together.

This quote from the book is one of my favorites. “There’s a Japanese phrase that I like: koi no yokan. It doesn’t mean love at first sight. It’s closer to love at second sight. It’s the feeling when you meet someone that you’re going to fall in love with them. Maybe you don’t love them right away, but it’s inevitable that you will” really explains how love is mysterious in its own ways and maybe really is determined by fate.

This book really is though provoking and brings many questions to the surface. For people who believe in fate and the stars: What really brings people together? Is it hormones as Natasha said? Or is it predestined by the stars and fate?

For people who don’t believe in stars and fate, and instead believe in science: How do we know for sure that our world was created by the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago? There are always things we can’t answer and will remain a mystery…

“How did we go from eyes as a survival mechanism to the idea of love at first sight?”…I guess we’ll never know.

– Aleena C.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: Vengeful (Villains 2), by V. E. Schwab

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Vengeful was certainly an interesting book. Be aware that this is the second and final book in the short series Villains- the first book being Vicious which I have written a review on so be sure to check that out! 

To start off, I would give it a solid eight out of ten. This book is definitely aimed towards older teenagers and adults and was quite a shock for me to read. The first book, although having strong language was appropriate enough for eighth grade and up but this book had much more innuendo and language so I would say tenth grade and up. 

Now looking at it from the plot and book point of view it was very interesting and kept up from the first book- the characters all complex the plot being enticing and entrancing. The book is hard to put down and is the perfect dark action book for any teenager. 

As the two college students, Eli and Victor, turn to rivals, time skips to where they now face off as adults. More characters are thrown in and there is a new dangerous EO (extra-ordinary) in town. In a competition to fight to the top these characters all face off on this strenuous climb.

This book opened me up to all sorts of different topics, and it may be a bit darker than most fantasy/sci-fi books but really can have people contemplating the meaning of power, and how life and death can affect us all. For people interested in this genre, and even those who aren’t, it is definitely worth the try!

Have a good read!

-Zayna G.

Vengeful by V. E. Schwab is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.