The Secret Superhero

There is a very underestimated superhero that many people forget about as they grow older. But there's a magic and healing power associated with this secret superhero that truly never gets old. Books.

Today, A brought me a super belated Christmas present. My fault, as I still haven't found her the perfect gift, and I was telling her that she couldn't give me mine until I got hers. She said that she couldn't wait any longer, and had to get me this. So she dropped it off today at my house (she's seriously such a great friend). 

Inside was a pack of fuzzy socks (seriously fuzzy socks are a lifechanger. If you don't have a pair, go buy them anywhere. Just go buy some!), the cutest mug with a sweater (perfect for hot drinks! And fitting for me as I am sweater obsessed!), a package of hot chocolate mix, and her favorite book: Paper Towns. We talked about it recently and I mentioned that I hadn't read it, and she told me that was going to be my Christmas present. And it was. And truly one of the best presents I've ever received.

I read The Fault In Our Stars before people knew about it and I fell in love with it. It was an amazing book and I was hooked onto John Green. A told me that she preferred Paper Towns, so I had high hopes. When I first started the book, I didn't see the epic love story that would occur, and I thought that maybe it wasn't a love story, I was still intrigued. I kept reading and it turned out to be a heartbreaking, sad, relevant escape from reality. I was fascinated by the Margo Roth Spiegelman, who was fascinating, exciting and adventurous, but there was a whole 'nother side of her that Q discovered. The book truly kept me wanting to find out what happened and how it would all end. 

After finishing the book in 4 hours after receiving it as a gift, I was sad but content. It was a strange feeling. The book truly changed my perspective on life and what's truly important. Just one of the many reasons why it's my new favorite book.

It's an amazing book and I'd definitely recommend reading it! The main thing though is that I forgot the magic of reading books and truly escaping. It's different than TV shows, you just get so emotionally invested and you can picture it all for yourself in your head. Your idea of the book might be totally different than your friend's, the author's, the movie producer's; you get this fantasy and you can truly imagine yourself being there. Books are truly the secret superheroes.

I have now decided that books are probably one of the best gifts to give. While it can be difficult to give books to just anyone, since book preferences are a personal choice, it can truly change one's mood completely. And it gives you something to talk about after the receiver is done reading! I love talking about books with others, especially books like Paper Towns with lots of underlying messages, metaphors and things to think about.

Next on my list is Looking For Alaska, Divergent, Amy Poehler's book, and Where'd You Go, Bernadette? We have a few days off between the semesters, so I'm going to try and get as much reading done when I'm not studying. 

I also learned that I prefer the paper copy rather than the Kindle version. I guess it's easier to cry on pages rather than a screen?

What's on your list? Did you read Paper Towns? What do you think? I'd love to hear your recommendations and thoughts!

To Read or Not To Read

My answer will always be "To read," I love reading. My favorite subject is English and a good book puts me over the moon. Unfortunately, I haven't read as much as I'd like/should have recently. Why is that? Well I don't go to the library that much anymore, and the books I do want to read are usually checked out. I'm not crazy about rereading books, so to buy them from the bookstore or for the Kindle doesn't appeal to me. My brother has a Kindle that he doesn't use often, and when he does use it, it's for apps. (So pointless, I know!)

However, with the library having due dates and me never returning the books on time, I think it might be best for me to borrow my brother's Kindle and buy some books to read. Depending on my schedule, I might spend an entire rainy afternoon curled up with a book, or just 10 minutes a night. (Does anyone read right before bed? I typically can't do it because I either get too into the book and have to keep reading or I'm reading an exciting, action book and I can't go to bed with all the dangerous adventures in my head... I'm a scaredy cat. I don't do scary movies. I love action movies, but scary movies are a no. Even when I watch One Tree Hill (especially when some of the crazy, scary drama happens, I have to watch a happy episode of How I Met Your Mother or New Girl before I go to sleep. I have to.))

One of my goals for the 2014-15 school year is to read more books, at least one book a month. (More on my goals in an upcoming post!) Hopefully with the usage of a Kindle, I'll be able to accomplish this goal.

What books do you recommend I read? My mom wants me to buy one book at a time to ensure I read the entire book...

Here are some books I've been looking at for a while...

Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison

After watching the infamous Orange Is the New Black on Netflix and falling in love with the different characters with such interesting backgrounds... I'd love to hear the real story. (Did you know OITNB was based off this book which is a true story?) I know that the TV show is probably more "dramatic," but I'm excited to hear all about Piper Kerman's story. I love memoirs; my eighth grade English teacher recommended The Glass Castle to me and I loved it!

Where'd You Go, Bernadette: A Novel

After hearing millions of bloggers talk about how amazing this book, I know I must give it a try. I love smart, funny, quirky reads, which is why I'm really excited to try this book out! It might be the first book I read. Check out the reviews if you aren't convinced!

Divergent

I'm debating between starting Divergent or Where'd You Go, Bernadette? first. When Divergent was all the rage, all my friends were reading it. As I was loaded with schoolwork and didn't read much, (I get addicted to good books and can't stop reading them, which is why I didn't read during the school year) I didn't read it. But everyone wouldn't and couldn't stop talking about how good a book Divergent was. EPP, who isn't into reading, told me about how awesome Divergent was and emphasized that she typically doesn't like books. I'll be reading it either first or second! I'm considering buying the entire series at once, but I read the third book was horrible, so I'll probably just buy the first one first.

The Da Vinci Code: A Novel

I remember in eighth grade talking with my English teacher (she was amazing) about book recommendations, and she recommended this book to me. She said she'd need my parents' permission before lending it to me, and my parents were fine with it, but by the time I had gotten it, she had already given me another book to read. Ever since I was little, I have loved mystery books. Cam Jensen, anyone? Even to this day, mysteries still appeal to me... White Collar, Psych, Sherlock. This book sounds so interesting with the mixture of mystery, religion and art- some of my favorite things! I can't wait to start this novel.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

I adore Mindy Kaling. I was about to do a blog post about how I need to start watching The Mindy Project as it sounds like it'd be my new favorite show. I loved her in The Office and her tweets are on point. At a sleepover with my two of my favorite people in the world, MNR (BFF since kindergarten) and AF, MNR recommended this light, hilarious read.

Bossypants

Another light, comical read recommended to me by MNR and AF. The title of the book is me in a nutshell, and it's Tina Fey. I'm excited to read it. I love reading those "laugh out loud" reads. I can totally see myself reading this book in public (like on the subway) and laughing out loud... Is that a thing? Do people bring their kindles with them on the subway? Well one day, when I'm a local NYC-er or DC-er. One day...

If I Stay

The current #1 bestseller of Kindle. The reviews are outstanding and the book sounds interesting. I've read lots of books dealing with death, such as Thirteen Reasons Why. One of the questions the author answered was "This is a book about death, but it's not depressing. Why is that?" She answers with "Maybe because it's really about the power of love- of family, friends, music- and therefore it ultimately affirms life." Such a beautiful answer and I can't wait to read this book.

I'm really excited to read these books! Do you have any other book suggestions? I'd love to hear them! I'll be doing my research on more books to read through blogs and reviews... I will be reviewing the books as I finish them, so you can hear my thoughts on these books!

"You're a Wizard, Harry!"

Image via Amazon

In honor of Harry Potter and J.K Rowling's birthdays today (July 31st, I'm just typing this really late)... today is the perfect day for a Harry Potter appreciation post.

My best friend in the whole wide world, MNR and I met in kindergarten. We went to the same elementary school. In 2nd grade, she started reading the Harry Potter books. I didn't really know what Harry Potter was, and I preferred other books, so we didn't really talk about Harry Potter. (PS: Yes, reading HP in 2nd grade... She is one of the most intelligent girls I know and she loves to read!)

In 3rd grade, everyone started reading Harry Potter and MNR had started reading the 5th book. She told me that I just had to start the Harry Potter series. Everyone seemed to love the series, so I decided to give it a try. I fell in love with the magical world of Hogwarts and fell in love with the idea of receiving a Hogwarts acceptance letter (every little girl's dream, right?). I don't think I ever loved a book so much.

As we went to 4th grade, MNR and I were in the same class with the coolest teacher ever, Ms. M. She did a cartwheel every time everyone turned in their homework, and she got us free Jibbitz since her daughter worked at Crocs (Crocs were the coolest shoes in the world back in 4th grade. Side note: I got a light up Tinker Bell jibbit- talk about awesome!). Ms. M was a huge Harry Potter fan and we actually read Harry Potter in 4th grade, since she was such a fan of the book. We even had a Harry Potter Day complete with a Hogwarts feast, potions class (with dry ice, of course), a sorting hat which divided us into different houses, and we all dressed up as Harry Potter characters! I was Cho Chang (since I was Asian...) and MNR was Hermonie. It was one of my favorite memories of elementary school, and that's saying something since my elementary school had the best activities! It was a very elaborate day and the entire classroom was transformed to Hogwarts. Ms. M was dressed up as Professor McGonagall.

I remember getting the 7th Harry Potter book before it was officially released! I took these fun science activity classes and my family had became close friends with the lady who taught them. She owned the cutest science store where we took the classes. She knew a book publisher who got some copies early so I bought my copy from her! It was crazy to me that I could get a book before it was officially released... coolest feeling ever! I still remember the main question I was thinking before I read the last book "Was Snape good or bad?"

Lots of my childhood memories are associated with Harry Potter, and even now, Harry Potter is still a part of my life. My little brother is starting to get into the books (finally!), since his class has some Harry Potter themes incorporated. We started watching the movies on the drive home from Canada and he's really into it.

I still haven't made my way to Harry Potter World, but I'm pretty sure, once my brother reads all the books, we'll be making a trip down to Florida. I love this Buzzfeed article about hidden gems in the latest section of Harry Potter World- Diagon Alley.

Does anyone else remember these videos? They were the thing in middle school!

Snape... Snape... Severus Snape!

My friend A is the biggest fan of Harry Potter. The biggest. Go against her in Harry Potter Quizup, chances are you'll lose. I was talking with ALD and she hasn't read Harry Potter yet, but she's thinking of starting the series. It just goes to show that there's something about Harry Potter that makes it timeless... the dynamic characters, the amazing location and unique storyline. 

To "The Boy Who Lived!"

Happy birthday Harry and to the mastermind behind the wonderful world of Harry Potter, J.K Rowling!

PS: Also a happy birthday shout-out to my sweet friend in elementary school who's also friends with MNR and me... AF. I hope you have the best day! I trust and value your opinions like no other. Thanks for always teaching me something new.

Summertime Beginnings

I wanted to start this post with this photo.
It's from a few years ago and I went with my Girl Scout troop to the beach.
A friend took this photo without me knowing after sunrise.
We woke up early to go see the sunrise, and it was amazing.

I have had my first two days of summer! Today is day 2 of summer vacation. It's been pretty good. I'm really hoping for the chance to do stuff this summer. Experience summer. Not just sit around and watch Netflix.

Although I am expecting to catch up on some Netflix and watch some new movies and shows. Any recommendations? I want to watch some more Audrey Hepburn movies.

Oh, I'd love to read some books too. John Green's Paper Towns and Looking for Alaska. I pinned this Buzzfeed article, "17 Books To Read If You Liked "The Fault In Our Stars." The books Zac and Mia and Anna and the French Kiss sound good!

I also pinned the Refinery 29 article "The 10 Best Beach Reads, According to Us," which has some great reads: Crazy Rich Asians sounds hilarious and relevant to myself, The Secret History is my ideal story dealing with mystery and Young Money sounds like an interesting read about Wall Street.

Another pin (Pinterest obsession? Yes.) led me to Ellie Hutchison's 2013 Summer Reading In Review post, which introduced me to some great reads. Interesting fact: I love non-fiction books, especially business books. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead sounds amazing! I love books about women in power.

And... another pin to this book review. I love these types of books. Going out in the world, learning about yourself and your values, discovering the world around you. A Year Without Make-Up sounds like the perfect summer read! And I love to travel, so I'll be wanderlust during this summer.

After my first slideshow of books from Refinery 29, "Book Recs, Courtesy of L.A.'s Best Authors:" I love books written in letters Love, Nina sounds great and again Crazy Rich Asians and Where'd You Go, Bernadette. Yes please!

Let's do this summer. Let's do this!