2015

2015 was... Fast. Fun. Weird? Good. Sometimes sad and confusing.
It was so full of... new-ness.
It was losing some friends to distance and being reunited with others.
It was road trips and laughter.
It was poetry nights at Abilene's and picnics in Kris' basement.
It was old vinyls and pretty dresses.
It was new friends and new experiences.
It was swim meets and singing and some of the best musicals I've ever done.
It was the library and Spotify.
It was fangirling over Troye Sivan in the Fine Arts office, rapping the entirety of "Migraine," listening to Bon Iver at night with Holly and Kensi, freaking out when "Jenny" came on at prom.
It was ridiculous costumes and spectacle points and endless coffee shops.
It was the party van and singing Les Miserables with Abby at the top of our lungs.
It was fanfiction and DragonVale, Star Wars and Man of La Mancha, C.S. Lewis and Sarah J. Maas. It was singing on buses and singing in the car.
It was second-hand weed and friends who are more like family and watching Inception four times in the same weekend.
It was shouting over key signatures and being overly competitive about naming rhythms.
It was swing-dancing and bonfires.
It was a whole lot of me realizing I don't understand people or the world or why things happen as they do.
It made me rethink what I want and who I am and all sorts of deep stuff.
It was... good.

The Force Awakens Review -- Guest Post

Let me introduce Kristopher Swanson, one of my dearest and geekiest friends. Kris loves Star Wars more than anyone I know, and when he sent me this after I saw The Force Awakens, I knew I had to post it. It should be noted that the rest of this post is absolutely overrun with spoilers and theories, so if you haven't yet seen the Force Awakens, you should probably close this. Now.
Without farther ado, I hand it over to Kris.
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STAR WARS Episode VII - The Force Awakens
Post-Premiere Thoughts

Okay, let’s be honest. I don’t think that I’m the only fan whose reaction to Disney buying Star Wars and announcing the making of Episode VII was disappointed at best. I also don’t think that I’m the only fan who has been at least slightly annoyed with all these new Star Wars “fans” that just popped up out of hyperspace. Apparently it’s okay to call yourself a fan right before the movie comes out an think you’re cool by going to the premiere. Excuse me “fan,” how many times have you seen each of the Star Wars movies? Have you dueled with plastic lightsabers before or undergone Jedi reflex training using Nerf guns? Have you ever erected a homemade fort and watched Star Wars episodes countless times on a six-inch VHS TV? I’m sorry reader; I’ll stop ranting now.  Star Wars is a lifestyle, an integral part of my childhood, life today, and my heart. So when Disney announced this, of course I denounced the notion, saying things like, “They are going to ruin Star Wars!” “I am never going to see it!” and “Does this make Leia a Disney Princess?” I was so disturbed by this that I discredited the movie altogether. It was only until everything started becoming so real that I started to open my heart to this concept; the original actors all started to announce their return, trailers were made, and behind the scenes footage leaked. I finally started to let these things stir in the jawa juice of my heart, and then, the premiere happened…

Before I begin, let me get this straight. No movies will ever surpass the original Star Wars sequels in the cellblock of my heart. Star Wars (or Episode IV "A New Hope") will always be the movie at the top of my list, regardless of any other productions, even another Star Wars movie. This is closely followed by Episode V “The Empire Strikes Back” and then of course Episode VI “The Return of the Jedi.” No movie will ever trump one belonging to the original trilogy for me, and that is just how it is. So, if you’re getting any crazy ideas, no, this is not my favorite movie, and no, this is not my favorite Star Wars movie. Period. These aren’t the droids you’re looking for…

That all being said, I was absolutely blown away by Episode VII “The Force Awakens.” Yes, the standing in line for hours upon end with hordes of other nerds in costume probably helped. Yes, it being my first IMAX movie also probably helped. But seriously, I am very impressed with Episode VII. I cannot imagine the weight J. J. Abrams had on his shoulders in directing this film. Nothing much, just around 4.4 billion dollars and the hopes and dreams of millions of fans. I am here to tell you that I am thoroughly impressed with what Abrams has done. Props to you J.J. You have done the unthinkable and followed up the prequels to the greatest movies on planet earth.

First, Episode VII “The Force Awakens” felt like Star Wars. Well thanks, Captain Obvious (or Captain Phasma in this case). But, yes, I do mean what I just said. Star Wars has a certain feel. The way the action and the effects and the music and the plot twists and everything draws you in and suspends you in a state of galactic gaping is real. This movie had it. These very things are what make Star Wars Star Wars. The combination of camera pans, jokes, duels, space battles, snarky comments, cantina scenes, and everything in between bring the movie to life. The banner at the beginning almost pixilated and low quality? Completely intentional. Bless you J.J. The original Star Wars was revolutionary. The only film of its kind. This it still is and will always be. I’m going to try and systematically arrange all these, but it is 3:00 in the morning, so we’ll see how that goes.

Second, the parallelism between the original Star Wars and VII was ingenious. I am still in awe. References filled the movie! The trash compactor and 12 parsecs! Then the Death Star and planet comparisons, small jet fighters and their miraculous victory, the trenches of the planet in the space battle, the holographic chess board, Luke’s training droid, the come-from-nothing home on desert planet with Rey’s background. When this comes out on DVD I am seriously going to buy it and make a list of parallel situations and references. These were just some of the few I caught.

Third, the action was impeccable. This is the year 2015, and graphics are great. So, this is sort of a given, but Abrams made a point to keep things classic. The space battles and low-flying action made my blood roar like a Rancor. And the lightsaber duel between Kylo and Rey was stunning. The intensity was to the next level.

Fourth, the music was sensational. John Williams cannot stop writing perfect music, and his tunes did it yet again. I can’t really say much for this topic, because a lot of my appreciation will come with listening to the soundtrack all by itself. This is absolutely necessary for, when in the midst of the movie, you are drawn in by the culmination of every masterpiece, music or non. It was Star Wars music. Blended with effects to achieve the perfect soundtrack.

Fifth, and a huge one on my list, the casting was sensational! Not only were the classic characters appropriately incorporated but also the nobodies, the new rising stars, were perfectly blended for a mixture of young and old blood. Each original actor was not simply thrown in for good measure, but they were all intricately woven into the plot. And then, where to begin with the new characters, but it has to be Kylo Ren. In all honesty, I was more than suspicious about the casting of Adam Driver. Pictures of him in Star Wars apparel juxtaposed with his typical comedy movie aura was not doing it for me. And then, the movie happened…Holy Chewbacca! He killed it! Literally. Hands down my favorite character in the movie. The complexity of his character always kept me on edge. I love complex characters! His voice with and without the mask was perfect; you could hear hints of masked Kylo in his plain speech, and this voice is iconic to the movie. His obsession with Darth Vader is also another aspect I am excited to see continued in the next few. I could see the fire in his eyes, and his anger management and destructive tendencies delivered the Sith I had been waiting to see. Sith thrive off anger and hatred, and his character unleashed that. Not to mention, his lightsaber and mask are pretty dang cool. I am ecstatic to see where his tale goes from here, and I cannot wait to continue to view the path of his villainy and darkness! Rey and Finn were also sensational, and their bond seemed to spill off the screen. And shout out to BB-8, who I dismissed as some random soccer ball droid. Wow. Boy was I ever wrong. Droid personalities. Bless you again J.J.

Sixth, the humor was up a notch. I found myself laughing countless times. BB-8’s thumbs up was pretty memorable, and who can’t love Han’s sass and constant comments?

Seventh, I was super nervous about the script writing crew having to throw in cuss words just because it is the year 2015. This is such garbage. Throw that idea down in the trash compactor too! Star Wars has never been like that, and I was really nervous that this would happen. They simply don’t fit, so I was very much impressed by what was used. I was only able to pick out the use of “damn” once and “hell” twice, and by gosh, that sure is good for 2015. Why has it come to this? Star Wars got it right. No one needs cussing in order to make a funny movie.

Eighth, the plot twists were on point. My suspicions did correctly confirm Kylo Ren to be Han and Leia’s son, but that was pretty much all I figured out. I think everyone thought Finn would be the next Jedi. Wrong. I think everyone thought Poe was dead. Wrong. I think everyone thought Rey was a nobody. Wrong.  And, it pains me to mention this, cutting to the deepest recesses of my heart, but Han…Han…Han Solo…He’s…Dead…D-D-Dead…WHAT? Talk about getting your audience’s attention! Everyone’s favorite space cowboy and beloved character was just betrayed by his own son, Kylo Ren, after the most dramatic of words and watering eyes, and slaughtered on a shining bridge over a span of nothingness, only to fall into the darkness of death. R.I.P. J.J, can I cry on your shoulder until the next Clone Wars? AH! At least the death was meaningful and about the best way I can imagine Han dying: Sacrifice of self (considering his earlier movie motives were highly focused on self). Still haven’t recovered. Never will.

Ninth, the stormtroopers were great. I think they actually might have shot something, or was that just my imagination? The new look works really well, and I am still trying to process the weaponry.

Tenth, VII ended leaving me captivated for the next one. There are so many unsolved mysteries, and I love how Abrams leaves many things to the imagination of the viewer. Of course, everyone is wondering about the mysterious Supreme Leader, and it seems that the idea of the “Eternal Emperor” is the best solution I have (thanks Jacob!). Star Wars is dualism at its core, so one side will never completely destroy the other. Good and evil, the Jedi and the Sith, they will most likely be duking it out until the end. The Emperor is essentially an essence, and he uses bodies as vessels. His life comes by draining life from the universe around him. The strangely distorted character was a hologram, so his large size is probably not a thing. Also, I propose that he looks this way because right now he has a broken body. A lot of his strength was captured when he was betrayed by Vader in Episode VI. Anyway, I know this is speculation, but it completely makes sense in the context of the movie, and it is a super cool idea. He thrives off sucking life out of people and places, misleads people, uses people, searches for a powerful vessel, and tries to regain control. In addition, can I make a crazy prediction and say that Rey is Han and Leia’s daughter? This makes her and Kylo Ren brother and sister and adds even more meaning a whole new element to the snow woods duel! And what would follow? Another meeting, duel, and attempt by Rey to bring back Kylo? The possibilities are endless. Bless you a third time J.J. Did I forget to say that after every one? Good.

Anyhow, VII captivated me beyond measure, and I was enlightsaberened in the same way that I have been with all the others. Though it will never be held to the same standard of nostalgic euphoria as the original Star Wars (Episode IV), it will always hold a special place in my heart along with all the other Star Wars movies, those which cannot be displaced. The best of the best. The greatest in the galaxy. I think I better go to bed. It is 4:11 and I am in this dream-like trance of Star Wars high yet extremely exhausted. This should be fun to read in the morning… I have a bad feeling about this…
May The Force Be With You, Always.

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There you have it. I agree with Kris on almost everything (I don't think Rey is Han and Leia's daughter, though I am inclined to believe she is related to them. I think she's Luke's daughter.) I though he covered everything wonderful about the movie quite well, and I'm very grateful he let me post this. :)

Washington Is The Best State: Road Trip Diaries -- Part Three

July 14, 2015
Day 12
Hours on the Road: 5
States Traversed: Washington

We explored a fort. And it was amazing.
We drove to Whidbey Island, which included a ferry ride, and then spent the day running all over an abandoned WWI fort. There was super intense hide and seek, role playing Star Wars, exploration of pitch-black corridors, and climbing on rooftops.
It was wonderful.
Eventually we wanted to go to the beach, so we went behind the fort and ta-da! ocean.
The water was freezing, again. Sigh.
But there was loads and loads of driftwood, so instead of swimming/wading, we built our own fort. Someone had started it, we just cleared it out and expanded. A lot. We gave it at least twice the area, and probably added a foot of height.
It was so legit, and I am very proud of that fort.
This day was probably the best day of the entire summer.
Like, running around, climbing over driftwood, exploring, just being a kid... My soul needed it. Wow it was good. Wind and salt and pebbles in your shoes and echoes in ghostly corridors and scrapes on your knees... That is so good for you.

July 15, 2015
Day 13
Hours on the Road: 3, I think?
States Traversed: Washington

Into Seattle!
We hit up Pike's Place today. You know, where the original Starbucks was (which we didn't go to, because there was a stupidly long line and a local coffee shop like, right around the corner).
There were so. many. people.
Here's the thing, I liked Pike's Place Market, quite a lot, but I think I would have liked it better without the five younger children. I adore my younger siblings and cousins, but a very crowded outdoor market in the summer is not the best place for them.
That being said, it's a wonderful, thrilling place. Art and flowers and coffee and bakeries and people and food and bookstores and fish and more flowers and wow it is cool.
I would looove to go back and spend loads of money on those flowers. They were so pretty. And there was a whole store full of maps!! It was amazing!! Maps everywhere!! Vintage maps, new maps, maps of cities and countries and oceans and everything and I loved it. I could have bought so much there.
It's probably good I had no money, because between the map store and the bookstore and the flowers, I would be broke.
But yeah, I would love to just sit in one of those coffee shops and people watch for hours. There were street musicians (the ones in San Francisco were better, just saying) and some of the most hipster people I have ever seen, and girls in loooots of One Direction garb, and tourists from loads of countries and cute boys and so many people with stories and lives and thoughts and to-do lists. It was crazy and overwhelming and beautiful.
I love Washington state. I love Seattle, I love outside of Seattle. The trees and coffee shops and fresh fruit and the beach (even though it's freezing), the places to explore, the vibes of Washington in general, my cousins... I don't even know, I just love this state a lot. It's wonderful and interesting and beautiful and exciting and I love it.

July 16, 2015
Day 14
Hours on the Road: Yeah, I have literally no clue.
States Traversed: Washington, Idaho

Um. I read fanfiction. All day.
I have no shame. :) Also, Idaho has Cheesecake Factory and suuuper cool hotels. Ours had like, a loft and it was awesome. I would love an apartment that looked just like that hotel room.
That and driving was all that happened. :/

July 17, 2015
Day 15
Hours on the Road: A lot, I presume
States Traversed: Idaho, Utah

Idaho has a Barnes and Noble. That's really all I remember about this day.
I bought Go Set A Watchman. And cried. I'm still not 100% sure about how I felt about that book. I liked it, but I also... I don't know. It didn't connect to To Kill a Mockingbird quite as much as I wanted it to, but I think that's okay? Because the whole process (from what I've heard) of publishing this book was complicated and it wasn't supposed to be published and... I don't know. I still love Scout/Jean Louise and think she's one of the best fictional characters ever. I'm reallyyyyyyyy bitter that Jem wasn't in the book. Same with Dill. And Atticus... Yeah, there was some very personal betrayal there. But I adored reading about Jean Louise dealing with everything and growing up. Even though it didn't go the way I wanted it to, I really loved the part when she stands up to Atticus and becomes her own person, I suppose. There was something super sad and super powerful about it.
So, yeah. It was really interesting, and I think I liked it overall.
I believe this was the day we stopped in Salt Lake City.
And it was probably the sketchiest city I've ever been in. Maybe it was just the evening and next morning that we were there, but there was something distinctly... off about it. Some strange, creepy vibe that had me on edge the whole time.
However, there was a real good pizza and gelato place there. So it wasn't awful. Just weird and creepy.
So if you've had a great experience in Salt Lake City, let me know. Because my gut was saying "Something isn't right, get out," especially the next morning. Was that just me? Is there something universally uncomfortable about Salt Lake City? I have no idea.

July 18, 2015
Day 16
Hours on the Road: All day. Aaaaall day.
States Traversed: Utah, Colorado, Kansas

Um, I read more of Go Set a Watchman. And cried. And ate leftover pizza. And slept. And was really excited to get out of that car. And tweeted about Go Set a Watchman. That's really about it. It was a lot of driving and lounging and everyone being ready to be home.

Coming home after a trip is bittersweet. It's sad because it's an adventure ending, but the comfort of driving under stars you know and streets you have memorized is so beautiful. Even though I am someone who loves traveling and honestly wants to leave for college and spend years of my life in different places and cities and countries, I think Wichita will always be home. I have so much history and love invested in this city. In late nights and sunrises and adventures and doughnut shops and theatres and soccer games and churches and Wal-Marts. In my Grandma's backyard, in the house where Kensi and Mac were born, in Trinity and CYT and the library. That moment when we get to the tollbooth right before Kellogg, when we exit off 35... every time we come home, that moment makes me feel safe and peaceful and at home, in a way that no where else can emulate. And I love that.

My Heart Is Breaking

Oh God.

Terrible, horrible things have happened today.

Paris. Lebanon. Baghdad.

I'm currently sitting in a hotel closet in order to not wake up Holly and Kensi and I'm just crying and typing.

And praying.

Assuming my math is right and the news is correct -- and I pray that this number is too high -- two hundred and fifteen people were murdered tonight, between Paris, Lebanon, and Baghdad.

Two hundred and fifteen.

I'm not naive. Well, okay, maybe a little. I am, however, an optimist of the highest degree.

But this? This is... Horrific. Appalling. Sickening, disgusting, tragic.

I'm full of all this rage and fear and grief and.... And I don't know what to do.

Why must it be like this? Why can't people be nice and love each other and realize how beautiful other people can be?

This breaks my optimistic heart. This makes me question hope and sunshine and the fact that people can be good and kind and loving and heroic. This is ugly and shitty and dark and it makes me so, so, sad and helpless and furious and guilty about things like sitting in a closet doing nothing when people have just lost friends and family members and lovers and...

Sometimes this world absolutely sucks.

And I hate that.

I'm just praying that good will come out of this, I guess. That the people in Paris and Lebanon and Baghdad will find love and comfort and help and support. I pray that somehow the death count is far higher than it should be. I pray that no one is left to deal with this alone.

I pray that someone will remember to turn on a light.

Because it has been a very, very dark day.

Cookie Dough (A Summary of Senior Year So Far)

Hello.

Hi.

Yeah, um.

What do people talk about?

How do I have like six or seven social media platforms, at least three of which I spend hours on everyday, and yet I really don't have much to say?

That's sickening.

Ugh.

So, life these days.

College applications. Panicking about college auditions. Listening to Adele's "Hello" and Troye Sivan's Wild pretty much constantly. Wishing I was in a musical. Waiting for Lil to come (she'll be here in TWO DAYS!). Being waaay behind of where I should be on NaNoWriMo. Still being sad about James and Lily Potter's death (it's been what, thirty-four years? Is my math right?). Struggling to write music. Working at the library and checking out more books than I can read.

The usual, really.

Life is so weird lately. It's going so fast and yet so very slow. I feel like I'm in an awkward in-between place, where most of my time is spent planning and getting ready for things to come. Which I'm not good at, nor do I like. There are days when I get all panicky and scared and want to cry about college and paying for college and college auditions and everything. But there are also days when I don't even care. I'll go wherever and be fine with it and pay for it somehow. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

These viewpoints are a little at odds with each other.

I'm fine. I'll be fine. I get through the panicky days with cookie dough and fanfiction. I get through the "I'll deal with it later" days with Spotify and NaNoWriMo-ing and more cookie dough.

There's been an unhealthy amount of cookie dough this year.

Things are coming together, though. I have a top three list of colleges. I still don't know what I'm majoring in (go figure), but I'm pretty sure I'm going to minor in music. Even though it is so hard some days, I love it so very much. I know I want to write and travel and love God and love people and point them back to Him however I can. I want to go and learn and experience new things.

So really, my life plans haven't changed much. I think that's good. However vague they may still be, I think they're starting to take shape. Still not sure what that shape is, but hey, that's half the fun (and half the stress, but whatever).

Anywho. I thought I'd give you a few updates before I go write 2,000+ words before going to bed.

Please insert a slightly terrified smile here.

Later, skaters. Have a beautiful day/evening full of cookie dough and Adele. ;)

Book Recommendations: "Real World"

"Real World" 
(Or, I review almost every John Green book in one big post)

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

Read it. John Green has become quite adept at writing realistic, yet original teenage characters. Gus, Hazel, and Isaac are some of the best examples of this. The book is a bit on the cheesy side if you step back and think about it, but it's high school romance. That's okay. Besides being a really good rom-nov, it's also really deep. It explores sickness and death and hope and love in a way that you don't often see in fiction. It stirs your soul and gives you a new viewpoint on people whose stories are not often told this way. It feels very real, very honest.

Eleanor and Park*

by Rainbow Rowell

Set in the 80s, Eleanor and Park is a beautiful story about love and secrets and comic books and mix tapes. It's such a... pretty book. Which is weird, because it's actually quite dark. Eleanor and Park are both very different characters that what you would normally read about. Park is quiet and shy and small and elegant and Asian. Eleanor is big and obvious and new and fat and ginger. There's also hardly any dialogue in the book, which is really hard to pull off. A lot of it happens in their heads. It's very poetically written. This book is kinda hit and miss with people, some -- like me -- love it, and others (like Holly) don't. But it's a very unique and lovely romance, so if that strikes your fancy, read it.

Fangirl

by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl is verrry different from Eleanor and Park. Cath is off to college, and literally everything in her life is changing. She is a super nerdy, socially awkward fanfiction writer who is terrified of change and being on her own. Her twin sister, Wren, is ready to grow up, to be her own person, much to Cath's terror. I love how Rowell explores growing up and loving a story and basically says "Hey, it's okay to be a nerd. It's cool to be a fangirl. And it's definitely okay to let go of some things." I really connected to this book and highly recommend it to anyone who would rather read Destiel fanfiction,or rewatch A Very Potter Musical or cry over "The Angels Take Manhattan" than deal with the real world. Oh, and Rainbow Rowell just recently published a book about Simon Snow, who Cath writes fanfic about in Fangirl. So that's super exciting. 

We Were Liars

by E. Lockhart

This book is amazing. I really don't know how much to tell you, because it's a book you just have to read. Basically, think "perfect," upper-class family with secrets and issues galore. This book is... shocking, and heart breaking, and so elegantly written. It's a bit of a ghost story, a bit of a mystery, a bit of an exposé. I realize this is the most vague description of a book ever, but I really, really think you just need to read it. 

It's Kind of a Funny Story

by Ned Vizzini

Craig Gilner has worked hard for what he wants since forever. But now it's all too much. After enrolling in the school of his dreams, Craig gets overwhelmed and becomes very anxious and depressed. He gets suicidal and ends up in mental hospital. The book is partially based of Vizzini's experience in a psychiatric hospital. It's a different view on depression, and mental illness in general. I, being slightly obsessed with psychology, really liked this book. It feels far more accurate than most books about depression/suicide. Craig has issues, but he never blames it on people, he doesn't play the victim. Which is refreshing to read. 

Looking For Alaska*

by John Green

The first book John Green published, this book is so good and so frustrating. John Green doesn't wrap everything up and explain it nicely, the way you'd like a book to. No, he writes it like it's life: Sometimes you don't understand why. This book has some of the most amazing quotes and really showcases John Green's talent as a wordsmith. There's so many wonderful things about this book; the antics everyone gets into, the mix of humor and tragedy, the suspense, the mystery, the characterization of Alaska and her contradictory-ness, the 10th Anniversary cover (I'm in love with this cover), the quirks of all the characters. 

Paper Towns

by John Green

Yeah, okay, I really like John Green's writing. Paper Towns might be favorite of his books. For those of you unfamiliar with the books, Paper Towns is about a boy named Quentin. Q has a plan for his life. He wants the stereotypical American dream. He'll graduate, go to a good college, get a good job, have a family and house with a white picket fence. One night, Margo Roth Spiegelman -- his adventurous, slightly crazy, super attractive neighbor -- brings him along for a madcap night of revenge. Q has the best night of his life and is sure that afterwards the two will be best friends (at the very least). But the next day, Margo is gone. Q and his friends search for Margo, eventually going on a cross-country road trip, looking for a girl who doesn't want to be found and a town that doesn't exist. This book explores life and personhood -- both our own and everyone else's.

This Star Won't Go Out

by Esther Earl

The story of Esther Earl, a girl who died of cancer at sixteen years old. She inspired John Green to write the Fault in Our Stars, but her tale rarely gets the attention it deserves. This book will very much make you rethink how you live your life and give you a new perspective on things you used to take for granted (like breathing). It's such a wake-up call, I guess. I made it to page seven before crying, so there's that. Reading about Esther's life and then death will probably make you mad. It made me furious. I will give you a word of advice: Use that emotion and do something constructive with it. I don't care what, but I think a huge reason we need to read about Esther and others like her is to try to change things and make them better.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower*

by Stephen Chbosky

Gritty, dark, and intriguing, this book is a very honest look at high school life from the perspective of a wallflower. The main character, Charlie, is the quiet, chill type that everyone likes and accepts because he will never judge. Two seniors, Sam and Patrick, take him under their wing and show him all sorts of things. One of my friends said this book was the epitome of teenage angst, with every single thing that teens deal with in it -- sex, drugs, homosexuality, abuse... You name it, it's probably in Perks. I do really like the book, though. There's something... Relatable about it. I would recommend it. Plus it has a really good mixtape mentioned that you can find on Spotify. 

Into the Wild

by Jon Krakauer

The non-fiction account of Chris McCandless, who trekked across the U.S. (and some of Mexico) for about two years before ending up in Alaska, where he died. I really admire Chris. He had guts, and there's no denying he was smart. He was an idealist of the highest order, and he lived what he believed. I get what drove him. It's a wonderful mystery. It wouldn't be nonfiction if everything was cleared up. I wanted to hitchhike across America after I read it. Krakauer does an amazing job tying McCandless's story to similar stories from the past -- including his own. This is a really, really good book.

*Denotes mature content (i.e. language, sexual content)

P.S. There are links to the books on Amazon if you click the titles. 

Dear Everyone Who Has Asked For Book Recommendations: SciFi

I think I'm going to make this a little series, where I post a group of book reviews/recommendations every two weeks. So without further ado, here's a lot of book recommendations.

Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic/Science Fiction: 

The Matched Trilogy

by Ally Condie

A dystopian society that has taken away choice + beauty. I appreciate Ally Condie's writing style so very much. The plot itself is not incredibly unique, but it was one of the first dystopian novels I read, and therefore has a special place in my heart. The characters and the writing are what make this book so very enjoyable. Cassia, Xander, and Ky are all well-rounded and interesting., and Condie's description and appreciation of beauty in the little things is so glorious. And the covers are sooo pretty. Get it on Amazon here.

The Lunar Chronicles

by Marissa Meyer

Science fiction fairy tales. I love, love, love these. Cinder pulled me in, and Scarlet and Cress were almost as good. I adore Cinder -- the character herself. All the characters in these books are so unique and so much more than the usual fairy tale character. I am a sucker for science fiction, and these books fit the bill. Space ships! Cyborgs! Aliens! They're down right stunning. Winter, the last book in the series, comes out in November, and I am very excited. Preorder it here.

The Partials Sequence

by Dan Wells

A sub-human species was created to be the perfect army... but the plan backfired. Now the few survivors left on Earth face not only these super soldiers but a disease that is killing their children and newborns. This book -- much like Unwind (below) -- very much deals with questions about morality and humanity. It's action packed, interesting, and really quite deep. Kira is a medic, determined to find the cure to the disease, no matter the cost. When a Partial is captured, Kira learns that the solution to her problem might lie with their greatest enemy. Click here to buy it. 

Unwind

by Neal Shusterman

A speculative fiction, Unwind explores a world where abortion is illegal, but an alternative “solution” has been found. Unwanted babies can be “storked” or left on someone else’s doorstep. From conception until 13, children can’t be touched. Then, with their parent's signature, they are can be sent to a Harvest Camp, drugged, removed of their blood, and taken apart. They are "unwound." Unwinding is considered a compromise for the ProLife and ProChoice people. The Unwinds -- some are problem kids, wards of the state, some are tithes (dedicated since birth to be Unwound) -- remain technically alive even after they’ve donated all their body parts. Everything is put to use in a Frankenstein-ian way. The book is haunting. It will shake you. Almost every character has a chapter to tell the story from their perspective - even the bad guys. You see everyone's motives and thought processes and vulnerabilities, which makes it about fifty times more intense. It is terrifying in a really powerful way. It will make you think really hard about the value of life, and what makes a person human. It questions humanity and love, God, death, respect, betrayal, hate, revenge, lost innocence, regret, neglect, fear, hope, leadership... In the first book, a bunch of kids ask each other at what point a person has a soul. If you ask me, that's the whole point of the books. Buy it now.

Ender's Game

by Orson Scott Card

This is a classic sci-fi book. Ender Wiggin is a child genius who is selected for Battle School -- a soldier training program. Ender quickly rises in the program, and it's clear that he's a natural strategist and warrior. Ender is a fascinating character, because he's both gentle and terrifying. His siblings, Valentine and Peter, represent both sides of him. The book explores Ender's growing up and his sense of morality. The people who run the Battle School push him so hard, and Orson Scott Card really explores that piece. How far is too far? Get it at this nifty link.

Avalon

by Mindee Arnett

Reminiscent of Star Wars, Avalon is about Jeth Seagrave and his team of thieves (known as the Malleus Shades. Talk about an epic name). The Shades are sent for their biggest score ever when they uncover a secret that almost anyone in the Confederation would kill for. Action packed, filled with twists and planet hopping and advanced technology and Jeth being awesome. This book is a quick, really fun read, and I absolutely adored it. Also, so much cover love.

The Giver

by Lois Lowry

This is one of Holly's favorite books, and a classic dystopia. The world has been removed of pain. Everything is regulated, safe. Jonas enjoys his life, how ever plain as it may be. Then he is selected as the Receiver of Memory, and he realizes what the world was like before. He experiences the pain and the joy and the color of life. There's a movie for this book, and though the differences are significant, the movie captures the point of the book really well. It's a celebration of life -- all aspects of it. Click here to buy it.

Fahrenheit 451

by Ray Bradbury

One of the first dystopian novels written, Fahrenheit 451 is about a world without books. Technology has progressed and people's lives are surrounded by screens and sounds. The book strangely parallels our world and our dependency on technology. Filled with amazing quotes about books and life, this book is haunting and compelling. Easily in my top five favorite books. I don't have a lot to say other than read it. It's here.

City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau

Earth has been destroyed, but instead of fleeing, the Builders created a city underground. It has been successful, except now everything is running out. Food, supplies, electricity, are all in demand. Two kids start investigating, searching for a way out should the worst come. I read this as a kid, and I loved it. It's interesting, unique, and a fun story with high stakes. Guess what? You can click here to get it.

Red Queen

by Victoria Aveyard

This is my go-to book recommendation. I read it like the week it was released and holy wow I was in love. This is a) one of the most original books I have ever read, b) one of the most beautiful covers in the history of ever, c) so incredibly well-written if hurts. The gist of it is this: there's a world with two types of people, those with silver blood and those with red blood. The people with silver blood have powers (think X-Men) and rule over the Reds. Everything is fine and dandy for the Silvers and terrible for the Reds, until one Red realizes she, too, has powers. Containing a fast moving plot, minimal-ish romance, some seriously wonderful plot twists, this is one of my favorite books. Click right here to get it. Because you really want to get it. It's wonderful.

September First

Oh.

It's James Sirius Potter's first time going to Hogwarts today. 

And Teddy Remus Lupin's last. 

And I'm very emotional about it?

It makes me feel very old. I only read the books... five years ago, maybe six, but they mean so much to me and there's so much beauty in them, and in the fandom and I just can't deal and on days like this it hits you with the fact that this story that means so much and feels so important isn't even real and it's just.... It's weird. 

On one hand, the power of the language, my friends. Can we talk about how amazing it is that we live in a world where symbols can be rearranged into words and sentences and paragraphs and make up beautiful, wonderful stories that can reach millions and millions of people all over the world?

And, going slightly more abstract, the fact that this story started with just one woman's idea? And then it spread and it caught on and then people could share this story and could see in their heads the way she saw it and then other people picked it up and transferred it from words on paper into a movie? And actors portrayed these characters, portrayed them so well that sometimes it's hard to differentiate between the two? 

And then there's all the fans, who make fanart (art pictured here is courtesy of Viria) and fanfiction and fanmusicals and start things like the Harry Potter Alliance, and it just blows my mind how one little story about a boy can literally change the world. 

This is why I love reading and writing and stories. 

And I'm just really emotional right now so excuse me while I go listen to the Harry Potter soundtrack and read Harry Potter and wear my Harry Potter t-shirt and drink butterbeer and pl an a Harry Potter movie marathon and rewatch A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel, and A Very Potter Senior Year and look at Harry Potter fanart and join the Harry Potter Alliance because I adore this story and I adore how much good has come from this story.