Delirium by Lauren Oliver

General Synopsis:
      Delirium by Lauren Oliver is a dystopian novel in which Love is a disease and the government has found a cure for it. When you are 18 you get the cure which removes all love from you, turning you into an compliant apathetic citizen and Lena, the main character, can't wait to have the procedure. The thing is when you take away love you also take away passion. A child could fall and scream and cry and no one would go to help him/her because they know s/he will be ok eventually. But there are those who resist and live in the Wilds, the area outside of the fences. This story follows Lena and her struggle to realize that love isn't a disease but a blessing.

Quality Rating: 4 1/2 Book
     This is a page turning first book which I thoroughly enjoyed. I finished this book in two or three days. I was very well written and there was one part where I gasped out loud (earning some curious/concerned looks from the other people in the room) and parts where my breath quickened. If you like dystopian then you will love this book. I am eager to read the next book Pandemonium.

Content Rating: 3 Books*
     There are some problems with this book content wise. It is implied that Alex and Lena sleep together and are very intimate and there is quite a bit of language in the last half of the book. Those two factors led me to give it three books. I will explain it in more detail a little further down.

Age Scale: (Again parents you know your children better than I do this is just a general guide)
      0-11: High Caution: this is defiantly a YA book and is not appropriate for young children
      12-15: Medium Caution
      16+: Low caution.

Positive Elements:
    This is a story about the importance of love and how it conquers all. Another theme is truth and how important it is to pursue and protect it. Throughout Delirium the consequence of not thinking for yourself are very clear and pretty realistic. I feel that this is one of the most philosophical dystopians I have read to date. For those of you who don't like philosophy never fear they are underlying themes.

Language: 2 Books
      Like I said earlier the language doesn't really start until half way through the book and if I am not mistaken the most popular swear words are used at least twice through out the book.

Romance: 3 Books
     It is implied that Alex and Lena sleep together and are very intimate but this is a fleeting reference. There are many kisses shared between these two character but most of them are sweet kisses.

Violence: 4 Books
         There was some intense violence and some of it was graphic but the reason I didn't take away more books is because the amount of violence and depth of description is necessary for the plot and the over all feel of the book. If you are super squeamish or can't stand violence in books this is probably not a book for you.

Alcohol/Smoking: 4 1/2 Books
     At one point Lena recalls the day when her and Hana (her best friend) got drunk.

Beliefs:
     There are several mentions of a Judeo-Christian-ish God and it appears that the main character believes in God however this particular believe seems out of place. She doesn't quite believe in a personal God but he isn't a fully scientific God either...I am just kinda confused on this aspect.

Magic: N/A 

*Note I am still trying to figure out the system for content stars. Right now I am just going with my gut but soon I will have a more consistent. If you have any questions about my rating system let me know in the comments.

An Amazing Video

So I attended Teen Pact last week (a post to come) and during one of the evening sessions they showed one of the most amazing videos I have ever seen. Full of truth, entertaining, and theologically dense. I encourage you to take a listen and tell me what you think in the comments. 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Source

General Synopsis
     This book, set in Nazi Germany, follows the story of a young girl named Liesel. Liesel lives with a foster family and begins stealing books, which is where the title comes from. She steals books from a Book Burning, a graveyard, and even the mayors house. Death, the narrator, follows the life of Liesel in her new foster home. A little ways through the book a Jew by the name of Max shows up on their doorstep and we see the relationship between Max and Liesel bud. Then the air raids begin.

Quality Rating: 5 Books
      This is a fantastic book with a unique narrator. The format is also unique but it worked for this book. I would give it 5 stars because it is just that good! This might just be my new favorite book. If you don't like books with sad endings this may not be for you but you will be missing out on a fantastic book.

Content Rating: 4 Books
     Overall Zusak kept the book pretty clean. Minus some language he didn't go too in depth to the horrors of bombings or what the Nazi's did to the Jews. There are several scenes where Death talks about taking the souls up in his hands and plenty of talk about the dead (what do you expect the narrator is Death). I would give this book 4 stars out of five for cleanliness.

Age Scale (note: This is my view on the age scale but I also checked other sites to make sure I wasn't way off.)
      0-9: High Caution. The content is (in my humble opinion) too weighty and mature for such a young age.
     10-12: Medium Caution. Again there is some mature content and the language could be an issue to some people.
      13+: You are good to go. I think this book has some great aspects and it is beautifully written.

Positive Elements:
     From what I know of history there are many elements in this story that are true. For example the German's did have huge book burnings and there were Hitler Youth groups. Friendship is a huge theme in The Book Thief and racism is, in many ways, looked down upon by the main character and the narrator. Another theme is strength through trials and Zusak illustrates that life can go on even when horrible things happen.

Language: 3 Books
     There is a fair bit of language in this book. Most of the time it is in German but you do know what it means and it doesn't change the fact that they are cursing. Another phrase they say is "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph". To be honest I am not really sure if it is a bad thing. Sometimes it is used when a character is surprised and other times it is implied that this phrase is a curse. There are a few other instances of cursing but the two above are the most prevalent.

Romance: 5 Books
      There are a couple times where Rudy asks for a kiss and eventually Liesel does give him a kiss. But it is a very sweet kiss and rather sad.

Violence: 4 Books
     As this book is set during WWII there is a certain amount of violence but it isn't graphic (doesn't really go into a detailed description of the effects of the bomb). Most of the violence and cruelty that happened in during the war is simply implied. Death does talk about carrying the souls of the broken bodies away in is arms.

Alcohol/Smoking: 4 Books
      Children and Adults smoke and there is a scene where Liesel tastes champagne but no one gets drunk or anything. Just FYI the thought of champagne makes me want to cry...

Beliefs (I am not sure how to rate beliefs because your rating may change depending on what religion you have. I will try to stay impartial and just present the facts presented in the book)
     At one point Death acknowledges the fact that God exists however he says that God is silent and that he doesn't answer even his prayers. As state earlier the phrase "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph" is used frequently.


Magic: N/A

Sixteen: Excert

Emily Rachelle just published a book called Sixteen. This book is about mistakes made as a teenager and is very dramatic. This book is full of themes such as redemption, love and forgiveness. I feel that Sixteen is especially relevant in today's world where this happens so often. Emily also demonstrates that witnessing is about relationships and unconditional love. My only complaint is that it was way to short! I wish I had been able to get to know the characters more and spend more time with them. This book had me on the verge of tears at one point. Because of the mature content I would not recommend it for anyone under 13 and I would suggest a discussion between kids and parents. Anyway I highly recommend this book and here is her bio and an excerpt from Sixteen. I will also post links to her blog and the Amazon page.

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Bio

Born in Panama, Emily Rachelle has traveled throughout the country and the world with her Air Force family. Currently, she lives with her parents and three brothers in middle Georgia. While Emily enjoyed reading as far back as she remembers, writing didn't come to her until she learned the forms of poetry and the basics of story in fourth grade. Since then, she's written scripts for homeschool dramas, poems for birthday presents, and stories for friends and family to enjoy. Sixteen is her debut into the professional world of words. You can find Emily at her blog, Emily Rachelle Writes, http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com.

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Excerpt

She dropped her harvest carefully into a bucket, then set her sights on the next apple. It didn't seem that high. No matter how many times she jumped, though, Nikki couldn't seem to get a proper grip on the stubborn thing. "Matt, come over here and help me! I can't reach."

She watched as he slowly made his way over to her tree, hands in his pockets. He wore the same style of old denim overalls as his father; Nikki had missed the memo and worn shorts with a Princess Jasmine top. The sunlight danced over Matt's blond hair, which stuck out in all directions today.

"Why don't you just find a new tree, or help me over there?"

Nikki pointed up at her gleaming red antagonist. "Because I want that one."

He laughed. "Why that one?"

"Why not?" She crossed her arms. "Can you reach it?"

"Of course." He leaned over her, and she threw her arms out to balance herself.

"Hey!"

They both laughed. He reached out and plucked the apple, but when Nikki held out her hand, he shook his head. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her and took a bite from the shining fruit.

"Really, Matt?" She rolled her eyes, still grinning.

"If's goot!" He swallowed and repeated, "It's good!"

"I know. That's why I wanted it!"

He just kept eating while Nikki attempted to squirm from his grip. When he finally finished, he tossed the core over his shoulder and released her.

"About time!"

He smiled at her, but it wasn't his teasing grin. Something different lit up his eyes. What was he up to now? "You wanted to taste it, right?"

"What, the apple? Well, eventually. Guess I'll eat one of the others now."

He shook his head. "No need to."

She raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

In one fluid motion, he grabbed her wrist, pulled her towards him, and pressed his mouth to hers.

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Links

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Sixteen-Emily-Rachelle-ebook/dp/B00HVOD5SW/
Emily Rachelle Writes http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com/
Facebook http://facebook.com/emilyrachellewrites
Twitter http://twitter.com/emilyrachelle15
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/emilyrachelle15
GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8818047-emily-rachelle

LibraryThing http://www.librarything.com/profile/writergirl15

Favorite Books of 2013

Happy (late) New Year! Last year I read 42 books just shy of my goal of 50. This is partly because I didn't read as much during this summer as I wanted. Oh well better luck this year! So here are my top books of 2013. They are not in order of which ones I liked best because once I can't get place them.

Fiction

The Book Thief by  Markus Zusak: I loved this book. It is about a little girl named Liesel and she steals books. For a book lover this is a fantastic book. It takes place during WWII and is narrated by Death. I couldn't put this down seriously guys you should read it!

Matched by Ally Condie: This book has gotten a lot of mixed reviews. A lot of people thought there was no conflict but they don't realize that all of the conflict is internal. I usually don't read books set in the future but that seems to be changing. Anyway this was another book I couldn't put down and I just bought the next one. I enjoyed it and can't wait to keep reading the series.

The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell: I really hope there is going to be another book. Although it was a satisfying ending I was left with a lot of unanswered questions. I really, really want a second book...like a lot.

Waterfall and Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren: Ok, I know these are two books but the series are so interconnected that they are pretty much one book. The second book takes up almost exactly where the first book ends. In fact the second books starts like five minutes after the first book ends. This is a fantasy romance and very fast paced. Each book ends in a cliffhanger so I would suggest getting all of the books at one time.


Non-Fiction

I only read a couple of these so I only have the top book. And the winner is *drumroll*


The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell: If you are a writer this is a must have. Each 'chapter' is short one or two pages on average. I learned a heck of a lot from this book and it was very well written.

My Lifeblood

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     "Books are useless."
     "Why study literature, we can't use it in the real world?"
     "I don't read"
     Each of these statements is like a shot to the heart. People always laugh when I say that but seriously guys, often, it is a physical pain in my heart. Because of books I have lived hundreds of lives and seen thousands of places. I have learned the meaning of bravery, compassion, love, and friendship. I have learned the consequences of poverty, war, and anger. I have learned that I am not alone and that every storm runs out of rain. I have learned you can't write fiction without fact. Books have taught me that you must stand up for what you believe in no matter the consequences for if you stand for nothing you fall for anything. Books have given me friends when I have none. For me books are home. C.S. Lewis once said "But in reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself. Like the night sky in the Greek poem, I see with a myriad eyes, but it is still I who see."

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      The power of books is undeniable and unmistakable if only you would open your eyes to see it. There is something beautiful in the smell and feel of a good book. There are books that are meant to keep you company through your loneliness and your trials. E.B. White once said "A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book you may have your questions answers. Books are good company, in sad times and happy time, for books are people - people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book" And  according to Steve Leveen "When you are reading a really great book, burdens feel lighter cares smaller"  
      Some people say that they don't like Realism because it is too close to real life. I came to the realization in Literature Class the other day (with the help of a scholarly paper which I can't remember) that while yes realistic literature is realistic and doesn't

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provide an escape from the real world it brings about the romantic notion in all of us to do something. Anything. About the injustice and evil in the world. It drives us to action and makes us more compassionate and understanding. Sure it isn't always an 'escape' but sometimes we need reality in order to face what is going on in our lives and in the world. According to Ursula K LeGuin "We read books to find out who we are. What other people, real or imaginary, do and think and feel...is an essential guide to our understanding of what we ourselves are and may become." All forms of literature provide us with this understanding. Sometimes it is obvious while other times you have to really search for it. I don't think people realize that those books that are 'escapes' have very real elements of reality scattered throughout them. For as Julian Barnes says "When you read a great book you don't escape from life, you plunge deeper into it."
     See books are like oxygen for me. I need them to breath. To cope. To live. I love this quote from Anne Lamott as she sums up many of my feelings perfectly. "For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you." Some might say I'm obsessed. Other's will think I'm crazy and to tell you the truth I probably am. 

A bookstore which was ruined by an air raid.
London 1940 Source

     I can't make anyone read. I can't make them understand but if books are so unimportant, so useless, why did Hitler burn them during WWII? Why is Uncle Tom's Cabin considered one of the main causes of the start of the Civil War? Martin Luther once said "If you want to change the world, pick up your
pen and write." 
   I don't know if that makes sense but books are such an important part of my life and it pains me to see how little our society appreciates book. I will leave you guys with one last quote from Po Bronson "Books have been my classroom and my confident. Books have widened my horizons. Books have comforted me in my hardest times. Books have changed my life"


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Words Hurt by Mandee

So a friend of mine posted this amazing post on her blog and I wanted to share with you guys. As many of you know I am writing a speech on Conversations and this just ties in perfectly with everything I have been thinking over the past couple of weeks. Enjoy and visit her blog y'all because there is some epic photography that y'all need to see. (Photos are Mandee's as well)

I’m not quite sure what made me think to do this shoot. But I don’t think that there is a topic that needs to be discussed more than this one. There is so much hate in this world. So much sadness and hurt. A lot of kids get bullied. They get called names and beat up and mistreated. They feel like nobody cares. They think “why do people hate me so much? what did I ever do?”. They don’t deserve it. But it still happens. It hurts so much and it’s killing them on the inside. And you know what happens? They start to think that they do deserve that pain. And so they make themselves hurt.

Self harm is so common these days! It’s so sad. Self harm consists of lots of things, not just cutting. One out of twelve kids self harm. Teens start to hate themselves because they think that everyone else hates them. They get depressed, lonely, and don’t know what else to do.

I’ve heard that depression is like drowning. But people are all around you, and instead of worrying about saving you, they’re just concerned about what colour your bathing suit is. Like, they don’t even realize that you’re drowning at all! They just go on with their lives. Nobody notices, it feels like nobody cares.

I guess that example just shows what people these days care about. A lot of times, the stuff we care about doesn’t even matter! We care so much about how we look, and what other people think about us. It’s sick that 40% of girls between the age of 10 and 16 develop eating disorders because someone had the nerve to call them fat.

A lot of people think that it’s stupid. That a person could let such a little statement change the way they view themselves or the way they feel or think about themselves. But obviously it’s not a little problem if 40% of girls are going through it. Teens feel so much pressure to be perfect, and not to disappoint. They don’t want to be a failure. They want to make everyone happy.

We make mistakes a lot. Everyone does. But we’re teens. We’re the next generation. We’ve got so much pressure on us, trying to live up to expectations and meet standards. And a lot of teens just give up. They don’t feel good enough or smart enough for anything. They think life is meaningless. And they say goodbye. There are 30,000 suicides every year in the United States alone. Suicide is the 11th leading cause for death, homicide is 15th. And for every one male suicide attempt, there are three female suicide attempts.

There’s a million different voices coming from a million different directions and they’re all saying something different. And some of them encourage us and some of them tear us apart. Words. They change everything. We can use them for good or for evil. Everything we say can either help someone or make someone want to curl up and cry.

And it’s hard to tell what someones going through. Because a smile hides a lot.

So try to make everything you say lovely. Be kinder than necessary. Because you never know who you’re going to be talking to and what they’re going through. Make every word, action, and thought count. What you say and do can save a life.

-Mandee