The Magic of Stories

I absolutely love books (big surprise right?). New books, old books, big books, small books, and everything in between. I love how stories can contain the power to transfer anyone to different world. They can take you to a different reality that was literally formed in someones mind. It is just absolutely amazing. 

I don't think I have mentioned before that I work in a book store. It's just a small one that sells (mostly) used books. I have witnessed people find a particular book and become instantly happier. I have watched people break out in dance and song when they find exactly what they were looking for. One person sticks out the most in my mind. A couple of months ago a man and a woman whom I had never seen before came into the store. The wife came up to the counter and immediately asked me for a specific book, she then went on to say that she had been looking for this book for quite a long time and hadn't been able to find it anywhere. I led her over to the shelf where it would be and soon I had the book in my hands. The husband just stood there in shock (I'm not exaggerating) and the woman was so happy that she hugged me! They were both giddy the rest of the time they were in the store and left with huge smiles on their faces. These few minutes made my day about ten times better. You never know what you can find in used book stores, I highly recommend checking some out and seeing what they have in stock. 

Stories have always been very powerful. Books can be tickets to happiness and knowledge, I hope that they never lose their capability to fascinate the human race.

I have a bad habit of reading more than one book at a time. These are the three that I have reading lately. So, I am almost done with The Death Cure by James Dashner, which is the last installment in The Maze Runner series! However, I am also reading Atonement by Ian McEwan, I started it a few nights ago and so far it is amazing. And for me, Sherlock Holmes stories are always a must, I try to sit down and read one or more of the short stories from time to time. 

Book Review: The Maze Runner

About a week ago, one of my friends started raving to me about a book series she had just finished. It was The Maze Runner by James Dashner. She pretty much told me that I had to read all three of the books ASAP. Then, believe it or not, a few days later one of my other friends told me to read it as well. So I figured it was time to check and see what all the hype was about!

I was not disappointed. 

The story starts with a boy that wakes up to find himself in a giant concrete structure with only the memory of his name, Thomas. He doesn’t know who his family is, where he is from, who his friends are, nothing. The structure turns out to be (you guessed it) a maze. Thomas and the rest of the boys who were put inside it have to figure out how to solve and escape from it, all the while avoiding getting lost and not getting attacked by the terrible beings that lurk in the maze.

Even though this is a “young adult” book it does cover some very grown up topics and issues. This dystopian story brings up questions about humanity, culture, survival, and even love. Trust me, it is a book that anyone who wants to can read, it is not just a book for teenagers.

The next book in the series, The Scorch Trials!

Change

I realized that it has been a while since I have sat down and just wrote about some of the thoughts that are swirling around in my head. My life is currently changing and I am about to experience things that I have never experienced before. I recently graduated from high school and at the end of the summer I am moving out of my house and heading off to a university. This whole idea is very exciting to me but it also completely terrifies me.

Everyone has change in their life. Some good, but also some bad. Everyone is constantly living their own story. It is important to learn as you go how to deal with new situations and be able to mold yourself into new habits. In my opinion, having a set routine is good and comfortable. But how far and how long can a routine last before it becomes a rut? It is good to step out of your comfort zone once and a while. There's a popular saying that goes something along the lines of "Do something everyday that scares you," which I think is great advice. Changing a little something everyday  doesn't have to be anything drastic, it can be as little as asking a store clerk for help or introducing yourself to new people, anything that makes you a bit nervous. Just slightly pushing yourself beyond what you usually do (as long as it’s safe) can be helpful to your wellbeing. It can boost your self esteem and confidence as you realize that you actually can do the things that scare you.  

So even though learning how to fare for myself out in this great big world scares me, I know it is the right thing to do. I know that there are billions of other people in the same place that I currently am and who are experiencing the same feelings and emotions. If you are one of these people about to head into the intimidating "world of adulthood," remember that you are not alone. Remember that growing up, becoming independent, and meeting new people is all part of life. We all have to take this leap of faith and just hope for the best.

Book Review - Never Let Me Go

I few weeks ago I finished the book Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and I have been trying to figure out what to write about it ever since. I cannot go into detail at all about the plot without risking spoiling the book for people who have not read it yet. This is the type of novel where you (the reader) know something absolutely giant is happening but are not exactly sure what it is, so you just have to keep reading to find out. Much of the answer to the big mystery is revealed about one third of the way into the book, and then the characters have to deal with their situation from there.

I will say just a few things about the main idea of the story. It starts with the main character, Kathy, looking back on her childhood at a secluded boarding school in the English countryside. This school, called Hailsham, is inhabited with kids who are told they are "special." But I am not going to say how they are so special because that would ruin the mystery! We follow Kathy through her thoughts as she observes what happened to her at Hailsham and everything that has happened since. Ishiguro writes in a style that makes it seem like Kathy is talking to you and you alone.

I have seen this novel shelved in stores and libraries in the fiction section as well as the science fiction section. But don't let that scare away those of you who usually stand back from sci-fi in bookstores, it is not your "typical sci-fi book." In addition to containing subjects usually found in science fiction it also contains thoughts and ideas found in romance as well as suspense novels! It is a must read.

England

Here are some more of the pictures from my trip as promised! These ones are just some I took in England. I cannot find the words to fully express my love for this country, I am thoroughly jealous of anyone who gets to live here.

The gates of Regent's Park (in London).

We found a bunch of herons, it was amazing!

The view from the hotel room. 

Looking along the side of a boat in the Lake District.

A graveyard next to a beautifully old church in Keswick. 

One of the many boats-and ducks-along the water's edge (also in Keswick).

 

Looking out the window from the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London.