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Added Dec 29, 2015
Added Dec 29, 2015
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Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen is a novel that is famous for its very realistic portrayal of mental illness. This memoir recalls Kaysen’s experiences with mental illness and borderline personality disorder as a teen in Belmont, Massachusetts. It is a collection of anecdotes and reflections of her personal experience in a mental institute and dealing with her condition. During her stay, she meets a number of notable characters such as Lisa the sociopath, Polly the schizophrenic, and Daisy who suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder. Susanna tells her personal story through her interactions and experiences with the other girls in the institute such as her escape with Lisa and her visit to Daisy’s house. Throughout the book, Susanna also struggles with her own personal breakdowns following her suicide attempt which landed her in the institute. She begins to imagine that sanity is only an idea constructed by society and believes in parallel worlds. Overall, I feel that Girl, Interrupted is a very heavy read that is brutally honest about the world of illness and what it feels like to be in that position rather than looking from a distance. Susanna’s experiences can help those who have never experienced mental illness understand and get an insight into the life of someone who has. They can also serve as comfort for those who have dealt with mental illness and show the world that depression is not something that can just be ignored. I would recommend this book to anyone who has any curiosity about or any relation to the world of mental illness.Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen is a novel that is famous for its very realistic portrayal of mental illness. This memoir recalls Kaysen’s experiences with mental illness and borderline personality disorder as a teen in Belmont, Massachusetts.…
Palo AltoPalo Alto, BookStories
by Franco, JamesBook - 2010 | 1st Scribner hardcover ed. --Book, 2010. 1st Scribner hardcover ed. --
Added Dec 29, 2015
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Palo Alto is the debut novel by actor, director, screenwriter and artist James Franco. It is a collection of short stories surrounding a rotating cast of “troubled” teenagers who are vaguely based of Franco and his friends from when he used to attend Palo Alto High School. The book features twelve stories that are both oddly captivating and different. Franco’s diction is choppy and easy to follow: perfect for the teenage voices that he portrays through each story. Each story tackles a different aspect of adolescence. For example, in “Lockheed” a teenage girl recalls an incident of violence at a high school party, and in “I Could Kill Someone” a boy purchases a gun in the hopes of killing his bully, but instantly reflects on the bully’s own life. Franco’s commentary on these issues is refreshingly original, using the same humour and sometimes strange ideas that we see in his many films and art pieces. The book seems almost like a reflection of Franco’s childhood and a statement on the youth of California. These stories are simple and quick reads perfect for people who do not want to commit to an entire novel at a time.To sum up the overall tone of the novel, here a quote from the end of the book. “When you’re in high school everything can seem painful:either painfully boring or painfully disappointing. But after high school, you can look back on it and see that it was all experience, all vital life, and it can be used to make art."Palo Alto is the debut novel by actor, director, screenwriter and artist James Franco. It is a collection of short stories surrounding a rotating cast of “troubled” teenagers who are vaguely based of Franco and his friends from when he used to…
Added Dec 29, 2015
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The Virgin Suicides is a critically acclaimed novel by author Jeffrey Eugenides. This novel surrounds the mysterious suicides of the Lisbon sisters: five teenage girls in Gross Point, Michigan. The novel is told from the point of view of the neighbourhood boys who are fascinated with these girls and are seeking an explanation for their tragic deaths and the strange circumstances surrounding them. The girls are a complete mystery to the boys, and they find themselves infatuated with the sole “idea” of the Lisbon sisters. The author goes through the Lisbon girls’ lives as explained by the boys, and shows how strange they really were: unrealistically strict parents, secret love affairs, self harm, and a special focus on the youngest sister Cecilia, who had attempted suicide before, and Lux, the heartbreaker of the group. This novel acts as an exaggeration of the life of a teenage girl: filled with drama, sadness, love, heartbreak, and finding yourself. The novel has a very nostalgic feel; reflecting on the wonderful and tragic period that is adolescence. It also touches on the theory of “idea vs. reality and shows how the boys were fascinated with the facade surrounding the girls rather than the actual girls themselves. This novel was turned into a film by director Sofia Coppola which serves as a perfect companion and accurate representation of the story. It’s quite a mature read, but I feel that it’s a very powerful and touching story suitable for both teens and adults.The Virgin Suicides is a critically acclaimed novel by author Jeffrey Eugenides. This novel surrounds the mysterious suicides of the Lisbon sisters: five teenage girls in Gross Point, Michigan. The novel is told from the point of view of the…
SubmarineSubmarine, DVD
DVD - 2011DVD, 2011
Added Dec 29, 2015
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Submarine is one of the strangest, funniest, quirkiest, saddest and most touching movies I have ever watched. This British comedy/ love story directed by Richard Ayoade is about Oliver Tate, a young teen experiencing a strange and oddly-beautiful first love with an equally strange girl named Jordana. The whole movie features a mellow soundtrack by Alex Turner, lead singer of The Arctic Monkeys, which sets the slightly melancholy and soft tone of the film perfectly. The story takes place in Swansea, Wales which provides a beautiful setting that is showcased greatly within the film. Oliver Tate is a boy who is completely head-over heels for Jordana Bevan, a girl who is quite frankly, using him to make her ex-boyfriend jealous. He lives at home with his parents: who he suspects are going through a rough patch based on their lack of intimacy. In this coming of age tale, many pressing issues are explored such as infidelity, mental illness, bullying, sex, and heartbreak. Through Oliver’s many misfortunes and wild endeavours, he learns to empathize with those around him rather than harming them. Although quite a light movie, this film leaves one with a certain sadness that cannot be explained by words. It fills you with nostalgia and the pessimistic “no-filter” protagonist leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for what mess he will get himself into. Overall, Submarine is a very alternative movie perfect for anyone who loves “real” movies that are relatable, funny, heartbreaking, and romantic.Submarine is one of the strangest, funniest, quirkiest, saddest and most touching movies I have ever watched. This British comedy/ love story directed by Richard Ayoade is about Oliver Tate, a young teen experiencing a strange and oddly-beautiful…
Me and Earl and the Dying GirlMe and Earl and the Dying Girl, BookA Novel
by Andrews, JesseBook - 2013Book, 2013
Added Dec 29, 2015
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Me, Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews puts an alternative twist on a classic plotline. This “not-a-romance-novel” story has faced many criticisms that compare it to novels such as John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars” and many other young adult novels. However, this book seems to stand apart from the rest with its self-deprecating humour and unusual twists. The novel stars Greg, an awkward high school senior notorious for associating with every social subgroup of his school rather than being attached to only one to avoid trouble. Him and his “co-worker” turned best friend Earl are fascinated with movies and spend their time making parodies of classic films. But when his mother forces him to visit a distant childhood acquaintance who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, an unlikely friendship between the three teens forms resulting in a beautiful story of friendship, loss, and love (even if it’s not the romantic kind). It teaches lessons about standing out when used to fitting in and learning how to deal with grief. This book is quite different to many of the young adult novels on the shelves currently. The protagonists and events of the story are out of the ordinary and oddly charming. Author Jesse Andrews uses a quirky narrator to tell a beautiful tale of finding yourself through someone else, even if it’s not exactly what you expected. I would recommend this to anyone wanting an easy to follow novel that will make you laugh out loud, cry, and stop to reread scenes over and over again.Me, Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews puts an alternative twist on a classic plotline. This “not-a-romance-novel” story has faced many criticisms that compare it to novels such as John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars” and many other young…
Added Sep 03, 2015
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The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is possibly one of the best books I’ve ever read. Published under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas shortly before the author’s suicide, this semi-autobiographical work has made Plath a literary icon as well as a feminist icon.
Esther Greenwood, the protagonist in this novel, has just won an internship at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Along with a dozen other girls her age, she must endure photoshoots, banquets, and the constant pressure put on her by her boss Jay Cee. Unlike the other girls, she also must deal with a hospitalized college boyfriend, her doubting mother, a struggling writing career, and trying to deal with a mental breakdown.
During this shockingly honest novel, the author shows the main characters rapid downfall into the world. Plath also touches on many controversial topics in this novel such as purity, suicide and society.
In my opinion, the reason this book resonated with me so greatly was because of how real Esther’s character is. This could partially be because the main character and her struggles are greatly based on Sylvia Plath’s own life. In fact, often times while reading this book, it seemed like the lines between Esther’s fictional world and Sylvia’s real one were blurred perfectly, which kept me thinking long after I had finished the book. The novel is raw, painfully honest, heartbreaking, and brought together by Plath’s undeniable intelligence.
I feel like this book is a very important read for all feminists, and also anyone who wants to read a book that leaves you hauntingly satisfied. All in all, it is a book that I can read over and over again; because every time I read it, I understand it a little bit more and relate to Esther and Sylvia even stronger than before.The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is possibly one of the best books I’ve ever read. Published under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas shortly before the author’s suicide, this semi-autobiographical work has made Plath a literary icon as well as a feminist…
Added Sep 19, 2014
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An Abundance of Katherines is the second book by critically acclaimed author John Green. Jam packed with anagrams and footnotes, this novel stars Colin Singelton: a child-prodigy turned heartbroken mess. Distraught from recently being dumped by his girlfriend, Colin sets out on a road trip to clear his head and figure out why he has been faced with such bad luck. Because not only did Colin get dumped by one girl named Katherine, he’s been dumped consecutively by eighteen girls all named Katherine.
His search for some answers takes him to Gutshot, Tennesee where he steps completely out of his comfort zone by doing things such as embarking on a feral hog hunt, rooming with strangers who run a tampon string making factory, and learning how to really communicate with girls. During the course of this road trip, Colin hopes to predict the outcome of any future relationships he has by using his “Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability.”
Aside from being very humorous and quirky, like most of his works, John Green brings a mentally stimulating aspect to this book. Filled with many footnote facts and even a real “theorem,” this book is equally entertaining and brainy. The only one of John’s books narrated in the third person, we get a more personal look at John’s own writing style, rather than the style of the characters he portrays. All in all, this book shows the feeling of first (or eighteenth) loves, the pain of heartbreak, and the eventual feeling of acceptance. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read and to any John Green fan not wanting to be disappointed.An Abundance of Katherines is the second book by critically acclaimed author John Green. Jam packed with anagrams and footnotes, this novel stars Colin Singelton: a child-prodigy turned heartbroken mess. Distraught from recently being dumped by his…
Added Sep 11, 2014
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The Book Thief is a book that surpassed my expectations completely. From start to finish, Markus Zusak tells a captivating story set in 1939, Nazi Germany. This novel features young Liesel Meminger, a girl recently turned orphan and only-child by the tragic loss of her family. After moving in with her new foster parents, Liesel’s foster father teaches her to read a book she had stolen from her brother’s graveside. And so, begins Liesel’s infatuation with books and her adventures of stealing books from book-burnings and houses. But everything changes when Liesel’s foster father has to hide a Jew in their basement because of something that happened years before. Liesel has to learn to trust the strange man in her house, to protect herself and her new family from being caught.
This book is very unique, and one of the very interesting features is that the book is narrated by “Death.” This is a very hard “character” to portay, but Zusak uses dark humor and wise words to fit the part perfectly. The Book Thief is a wonderful historical fiction novel, somewhat similar to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. The writing almost makes you feel like you are right there in Himmel Street with Liesel and her friends. It gives a very different perspective, because it is not shown through the eyes of a Jew, but merely a young girl confused by the nature of the times. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a book that will make them look back on life before our time and change their perspective on the life that’s still to come.The Book Thief is a book that surpassed my expectations completely. From start to finish, Markus Zusak tells a captivating story set in 1939, Nazi Germany. This novel features young Liesel Meminger, a girl recently turned orphan and only-child by…
Where Things Come BackWhere Things Come Back, BookA Novel
by Whaley, John CoreyBook - 2011 | 1st edBook, 2011. 1st ed
Added Sep 04, 2014
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Where Things Come Back is a beautifully bizarre novel filled with first loves, obsessions, and tales of an extinct woodpecker. Cullen Witter, this novel’s protagonist is a seventeen year old boy who can’t wait to get of his small and seemingly uninteresting hometown of Lily, Arkansas. But after his cousin Oslo overdoses, Cullen’s knowledge of his town, family, and himself, disappear completely. The whole town suddenly takes a large interest in the suspected return of an extinct woodpecker, dedicating haircuts and burgers to the creature. This annoyed Cullen, and he would usually seek the words of his abnormally wise younger brother Gabriel to explain all the madness. But devastatingly, his smart sibling had somehow disappeared out of plain sight. This starts Cullen’s process of dealing with a missing sibling, and the uncertainty that comes with it. Meanwhile Benton Sage, a missionary in Africa, sets out on a search for faith in his hardest times. As the novel goes on, Cullen and Benton’s stories intertwine seamlessly to form an unexpected, thrilling, and satisfying ending.
John Corey Whaley writes humor, wisdom, angst and sophistication into the voice of a seventeen year old. His poetic style can be compared to no other, and every character’s tale is crafted beautifully. As for the title, I feel like it speaks for itself. A reappearing woodpecker, the hope for a returned boy, and many returned loves and feelings. This novel, a surprising masterpiece from start to finish, features a town full of those things that can only be known as one thing: the town where things come back.Where Things Come Back is a beautifully bizarre novel filled with first loves, obsessions, and tales of an extinct woodpecker. Cullen Witter, this novel’s protagonist is a seventeen year old boy who can’t wait to get of his small and seemingly…
Added Aug 04, 2014
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Susie Salmon had a fairly good life. She was pretty, had supportive parents, two wonderful siblings, a boy who thought she was beautiful, and she excelled in most subjects at school. But from the first sentence of this book we learn that none of those things mattered anymore. Yes, her last name was Salmon, like the fish. Yes, her first name was Susie. But she was also fourteen years old, and she would be fourteen years old for a very long time. Because Susie Salmon was fourteen years old when she was murdered, on December 6th, 1973. Susie begins with the gruesome details of her murder. Early on, we learn that she was murdered by Mr. Harvey, a man who lived in her neighbourhood. Susie enters heaven, where she is able to watch over her family and the life she was pulled from. She sees her family struggle to move on and watches as her murderer remains in his home. Mr. Harvey begins to seem very suspicious to Susie’s father, and so begins his quest to find his daughter’s murderer.
Alice Sebold writes The Lovely Bones with a wisdom that could only be expressed through the eyes of Susie. The title refers to something Susie says while recalling her family’s newfound strength. “These were the lovely bones that had grown around my absence: the connections—sometimes tenuous, sometimes made at great cost, but often magnificent—that happened after I was gone. And I began to see things in a way that let me hold the world without me in it.” This novel shows that out of great tragedy can come hope and love. Susie Salmon is a character who leaves an impact on people with her chilling parting words of, “I wish you all a long and happy life.”Susie Salmon had a fairly good life. She was pretty, had supportive parents, two wonderful siblings, a boy who thought she was beautiful, and she excelled in most subjects at school. But from the first sentence of this book we learn that none of…
It's Kind of A Funny StoryIt's Kind of A Funny Story, Book
by Vizzini, NedBook - 2010 | 1st Hyperion pbk. ed. with film art. --Book, 2010. 1st Hyperion pbk. ed. with film art. --
Added Aug 04, 2014
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“It’s so hard to talk when you want to kill yourself,” are the opening words to Ned Vizzini’s insightful novel on the pressures that come with ambition and everything that comes with those pressures. It’s Kind of a Funny Story tells the story of Craig Gilner, a teen who recently got accepted into Manhattan’s most prestigious Executive Pre-Professional high school. Determined to become successful in life and get into the right college, he soon crumbles under the stress of this highly demanding school. Unlike his friends who also attend the school, Craig begins to isolate himself from his friends, stops eating, and stops sleeping. Then one night, he almost commits suicide. He then calls a suicide hotline and checks himself into a psychiatric ward. There he meets an array of different people, some of which he becomes friends with and some he even develops feelings for. This stay is hard for Craig and his growing anxiety, because while trying to recover, all he can think about is the school work that’s piling up on his desk. Over time, he learns to deal with his anxiety, and must also deal with his problems outside the ward: his family, friends, and the rumors going around school.
Vizzini handles the topic of depression wonderfully, making a seemingly depressing book full of outbursts of comedy, romance, and drama. The title, “It’s kind of a funny story,” sets a tone of lightness but depth to this book. Both teens and adults alike will find comfort in his words, no matter if you can relate to Craig’s situation or not. This author teaches people that depressed people are not “strange” because they are depressed. They are “strange” because human beings are “strange” and those who are depressed just happen to be human beings. Because of the witty narrating and beautiful message, It’s Kind of a Funny Story will always have a special place on my bookshelf and in my heart.“It’s so hard to talk when you want to kill yourself,” are the opening words to Ned Vizzini’s insightful novel on the pressures that come with ambition and everything that comes with those pressures. It’s Kind of a Funny Story tells the story of…
The Perks of Being A WallflowerThe Perks of Being A Wallflower, Book
by Chbosky, StephenBook - 1999Book, 1999
ashanthifrancis's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2014
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The perks of being a wallflower by Steven Chbosky is narrated by fifteen year old Charlie, in a series of letters to someone addressed as “friend.” Right from the beginning of this novel, we learn that Charlie has not had a very pleasant life. Although the despair in his tone is not completely evident, we learn that he has issues with his mental health which may have been the result of two tragedies in his life and also incidents of domestic abuse. We also learn that Charlie is starting high school. He, like many, was nervous for the first day and found high school unlikable. The only enjoyable things about high school were the books he was given to read by his advanced English teacher. As Charlie ventures further into high school, he meets Sam and Patrick, two high school seniors who seem to understand Charlie in a way no one ever had before. They take him under their “wing” and send Charlie head first onto the roller coaster known as “adolescence.” Patrick even labels Charlie a “wallflower,” saying ““He's a wallflower. You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.” This explains the meaning of this book’s title. This also touches on the fact that Charlie being a wallflower affected his mental health greatly. He spent his whole life on the sidelines observing many terrible things and listening to other peoples problems so much that it created problems of his own. Other than this book’s personal view of the effects of mental illness, Chbosky also writes about adolescent issues and experiences such as: sexuality, family problems, drugs, love, and acceptance. He has created a main character that may not always be likeable, but always is interesting and well spoken. Readers can sympathize with Charlie on his year long journey in The perks of being a wallflower, a book which changes your perspective of teenagers and of life itself. This haunting novel really puts meaning to Chbosky’s quote, “Standing on the fringes of life…offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.”The perks of being a wallflower by Steven Chbosky is narrated by fifteen year old Charlie, in a series of letters to someone addressed as “friend.” Right from the beginning of this novel, we learn that Charlie has not had a very pleasant life.…
Added Jul 21, 2014
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The first book by this British fashion/ modeling icon; Alexa Chung’s It has won over many readers with her 192 page collection of anecdotes, photography, style tips, inspirations and drawings. The title refers to her constantly being labelled as an “it girl,” which she explains further in the book. Chung writes of her childhood, talking about her introduction to topics such as feminism and individuality. She looks back on the influences that pop culture had on her during her early years, including the story of how The Spice Girls supported her like “the training bra of womanhood.” Along with these reflections, she provides useful instructions on how to look “effortless”, how to take the perfect selfie, and how to become a karaoke star.
Other than makeup lessons and hair tips, It provides an insight of the world of fashion and valuable life advice suitable for people of all ages. Chung gives words of wisdom straight from her mother about the perils of heartbreak and getting over it. She also speaks about how restricting the modeling process can be in the sense of trying to find your own style and figuring out who you are.
Despite the criticism of some, I believe that Alexa Chung has created a book directed to both teenage girls and women alike. Her words give reassurance to those going through changes in who they are, whether or not those changes may be for the best or for the worst. She gives a fresh take on the fashion industry and on life itself. I know that this is said to not be true, but after reading the book by this model/style guru/fashionista/television host/writer, I think that maybe some people really can do it all.The first book by this British fashion/ modeling icon; Alexa Chung’s It has won over many readers with her 192 page collection of anecdotes, photography, style tips, inspirations and drawings. The title refers to her constantly being labelled as an…
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