BOOK REVIEW: The Giver by Lois Lowry

"Memories are forever."

For most, The Giver was required reading during middle/ high school. And I'm sure many can remember enjoying it, or at least that it was not the worst of all of the required reading, but today they wouldn't recall what happened in the novel. This is unfortunate especially now when dystopian novels are so abundant, that you would miss out on such a fascinating and truly timeless read. 

As I've stated this is a dystopian novel, set in no particular time in the future that follows Jonas, a 12-year-old boy who lives in a small rural society. The defining attributes of this community is their sameness: there is no true individuality between the people, or at least none to truly set one apart from all other people. Every year there is an aging ceremony for the children from one to 12-years-old where they are bestowed with a gift of sameness that is to teach them how to function and mature properly in the community. This includes identical jackets or community bikes for example. But the most important ceremony is that of 12: where each child will be given their position within the community. 

As the novel begins Jonas contemplates and fears what will be chosen for him. While others seem inclined to end up in certain professions (IE a caregiver, a nurturer) he doesn't believe he has such a defining attribute. In an upset at this ceremony his name is skipped, making Jonas fear that he has failed his community and may be released. However, he is actually given the position of the community Receiver, the most prestigious position the community holds and the most confusing as no one seems to truly understand its position.

Soon Jonas begins to find out the truth: The original receiver now known as The Giver is the holder of all memories from the distant past, and has knowledge of all human existence. It is his role to hold these memories for the sake of the community to be able to keep their desire to stay the same. But Jonas quickly discovers how wrong the community has been.

"We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others."

When all people are the same and individuality is removed it means the removal of what makes humanity beautiful. There can be no color, no music or art, no emotions. There is no depth to humanity, no soul. This is what Jonas discovers. Humans become nothing but hollow shells, biding their time. And while it seems the original desire was to get rid of the bad such as pain, suffering, fights, anger, war, hunger, etc., it must be understood that to remove all bad things from humanity would erase humanity as well. The beauty of being alive is that there is good with the bad. Jonas understands now why it is worth the risk of pain so that one can feel love. 

What sets this novel apart from other dystopian novels:

The general theme of dystopian young adult novels currently is a strong lead who sees the wrong in how their community has existed and seeks to change it. This can also be said of The Giver. However, there are some key differences between this and for example The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner or any others that have been more recently written.

The efforts of the protagonist typically are more physical in newer stories, causing our hero to need to defend themselves physically in order to exert power and show strength. Jonas however finds his strength intellectually, using his knowledge of the past now that has been given to him in order to make a difference. He chooses to leave the community in order for his memories to be released to the people, forcing them to face what they fear: change and individuality. And unlike many of the newer young adult novels that seem to develop a love story within, The Giver relies on the love of the past versus Jonas falling in love with a girl. Jonas desires no more than to sacrifice himself in order to free his community of their sameness. 

I believe these key differences are what make The Giver an individual amongst other dystopian novels of today. It sends a message to listen to the past, our history, when making decisions but not to allow fear to overcome the good and beauty of humanity.

"The worst part of holding memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared."

RoxieReads Rating: ✭✭✭✭✭ (out of 5)

BOOKSTORE LOVE AFFAIR: Daunt Books in London, England

Name: Daunt Books

Website:Daunt Books England

Address: Several locations!

Marylbone High Street
83 Marylebone High Street, 
London W1U 4QW. 
United Kingdom.

Chelsea
158-164 Fulham Road, 
London SW10 9PR.
United Kingdom.

Holland Park
112-114 Holland Park Avenue, 
London W11 4UA.
United Kingdom.

Cheapside
61 Cheapside, 
London EC2V 6AX. 
United Kingdom

Hampstead
51 South End Road, 
London NW3 2QB.
United Kingdom.

Belsize Park
193 Haverstock Hill, 
London NW3 4QL. 
United Kingdom.


What makes it beautiful: The original location on the High Street is truly beautiful. An Edwardian bookshop with gorgeous skylights to allow for natural lighting is ideal for any bookshop. And there are several locations to mimic its beauty throughout England, making it also a convenient choice. I fell in love with the simplicity and comfort of this venue, looking both intriguing and peaceful.

BOOK REVIEW: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders By S.E. Hinton

"They grew up on the outside of society. They weren't looking for a fight. They were looking to belong."

It came as a surprise to most people I know that I had never read The Outsiders or even seen the star-cast movie until this year. After seeing the cast of the film (Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, etc) even I was shocked that I had never ventured into at least seeing the film. After first reading the book and then watching the film, I know for a fact that I had long been missing out. 

This coming-of-age novel from the late 1960's is an amazing depiction of a group of boys, deemed outsiders due to their small wealth and rough neighborhood, just trying to survive. They are constantly terrorized by those who are above them in status in the most gruesome ways. They are called Greasers, due to their love of their hair and the grease they apply to it (what they consider their best quality). Their biggest rivals are the Socs, short for Socials, an elitist group who feel it is acceptable to jump them and torture them for fun. In their world carrying knives or guns for protection, stealing to eat, and even sleeping outside to avoid abusive families is nothing new. In actuality, it is all they've ever known. Ponyboy, one of the youngest members of the group and also one of the smartest tells the story of their lives and how they strive to stick together.

" It seemed funny that the sunset she saw from her patio and the one I saw from my back steps was the same one. Maybe the two worlds we lived in weren't so different after all. We saw the same sunset."

The rivalry between the Greasers and Soc's comes to a peak in this novel causing devastation and death on both sides. It is only then that they all begin to realize that things are great for either side. Cherry, A Soc, tells of her jealousy of the Greasers passion and love, where she feels nothing. It is with these small reveals that the reader comes to realize that the rivalry is merely out of jealousy on each side and that maybe, these groups aren't so different after all. 

"You take up for your buddies no matter what they do. When you're a gang, you stick up for your members. if you don't stick up for them, stick together, make like brothers, it isn't a gang anymore. It's a pack. A snarling, distrustful, bickering pack like the Socs..."

The reason I loved this novel so much was the love between all of the boys for one another. It was so intimate and genuine. They are each others true family and would die for one another. They don't judge one another for bad choices or questionable morals, but instead they full accept one another for who that person is. You can feel the love and devotion they have to one another throughout the entire novel. It was so touching and real. I feel like even in real life you don't see this kind of devotion. It felt so raw and uninhibited which is exactly how it should be. The Greasers don't know how to better their situation, but they know what matters in life; the bonds they have with each other. Even after finishing the novel and then watching the film I couldn't get over how powerful their sentiments had an effect on me. 

"Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold."

Arguably the most quoted line from the novel and story, its impact is so much deeper. As Johnny lies dying in a hospital room he explains to Ponyboy the impact of this poem from Robert Frost, how when we are children everything is new and green, and then when we stop acknowledging the good and wonder of the world everything fades away. It is only when we each seek to find love and passion in the world around us, to try to see the good in the world despite all the bad we might face, and then embrace it, only then are we gold. Anyone who takes the time to acknowledge this fact will be able to live a more fulfilled and happy life. 

My rating is below!

The Outsiders- ✭✭✭✭✭

You can follow me @RoxieReads on Twitter or @MissRoxie on Instagram

Follow me on Goodreads! ~Nicole Valdez

BOOK REVIEW: The Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks

The Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks

includes: Of Poseidon, Of Triton & Of Neptune

"My kingdom is threatened by war, extinction, or both, and the only way to solve it is to give up the one thing I ever really wanted."

It seemed an impossible task to write a review on just one of these YA novels by Anna Banks, especially being that I needed to keep reading to decide how I truly felt about the story as a whole. We are introduced to two narrators, Galen and Emma, who meet under strange circumstances.

What we don't realize in the beginning is they both have a secret, but only one knows the truth. Galen is a Syrena, or how we modernly would put it a merman (though in the novel he gets quite angry at being referred to in that way). Emma is a half-breed, and though she has felt out of place or that she is different from all other human beings (being that she has extremely light hair and violet eyes) she was unaware of her true heritage; part Syrena, part human. Galen witnesses a tragedy that involves Emma using a power that is exclusive to the Syrena people, the gift of Poseidon, which drives him to follow her and find out who she is and how it is possible that she exists.

Of course they have this constant "will they both realize that they have feelings for each other and get together already" beginning, and then finally, throughout the rest of the series, how could they possibly make a relationship work (being that he is a prince of Triton and has obligations to his kingdom, and she is a half-breed who is incapable of living under the sea for all the rest of her life). 

There is problems on all sides it seems that this young couple is forced to face: Acceptance of half-breeds who are deemed an abomination and must be destroyed; the discovery that she got her half-breed status because her mother was a Syrena who fled to land during a misunderstand where she thought she killed her fiance, Grom, Galen's much older brother; an uprising of those who oppose the rule of the Poseidon and Triton royalty; discovery by humans that can annihilate their existence entirely; and then the discover that there are full towns of half-breeds that now seek to rejoin and claim their Syrena legacy. 

Of the three, Of Poseidon was my favorite. I loved the couple learning about each other, and falling in love despite all the reasons they shouldn't. I felt it was an exciting story and couldn't get enough. I enjoyed Of Triton as well as Emma learns more about who she is and her special gift which makes her valuable to the Syrena community. However, Of Neptune I really felt was unnecessary to the overall story. While I enjoyed the existence of other half-breeds existing, I found most of it unrealistic. Galen and Emma need to get away due to the tragedy that occurred at the end of the 2nd novel (Of Triton) before they start their lives together as they had originally planned. And then they meet one half-breed named Reed and all of a sudden all their plans are thrown out the window, including the faith either of them have in their relationship. Galen leaves and is kidnapped and more than half the book is Emma running around with Reed, not even really being all that concerned that Galen is gone (she texts and calls him, but that is the extent of it). The relationship had already been established to be so much stronger than that, and in one instance it all falls apart.

Of course the ending did bring Galen and Emma back together, but I found most of the middle part very unnecessary. I also didn't find it totally believable that Reed was throwing himself at her the moment he met her. He's met other half-breed girls so it wasn't a "she's just like me so we are meant to be" situation. 

Overall the series was very entertaining, but I would say the first 2 novels were enough. I understand the use of a love triangle in YA trilogies but sometimes, they just aren't necessary. This was one of those instances. 

My ratings are below!

Of Poseidon- ✭✭✭✭ 

Of Triton-✭✭✭✭

Of Neptune-✭✭✭

Follow me @RoxieReads on Twitter or @MissRoxie on Instagram

You can also find me on GoodReads! Nicole Valdez!

THE RETURN OF ROXIEREADS

Hi everyone,

I have returned! Due to some changes in my personal life (most specifically in starting a career) I was forced to take a hiatus from this blog that I love so much.

But now I am back!

For those who have actively read my blog, thank you so much and I hope I further enlighten and entice you to explore your literary world.

Some book reviews coming up include:

- The Outsiders
- A Wrinkle In Time
- To Kill A Mockingbird
- Some more YA Lit


Also:

- More beautiful bookstores and libraries from around the world
- More highlights of Comic Books (and some of my favorite story lines)

Additionally you can follow me on Twitter @RoxieReads and now on Instagram @RoxieReads !

It feels great to be delving into my passion once again!

Stay tuned for postings this weekend :)

~Roxie

 

LIBRARY LOVE AFFAIR: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library (Conn, USA)

Library Love Affair: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Address: 121 Wall Street
               New Haven, CT 06511
               USA

Things to know: This was a gift from the Beinecke family to Yale University in the 1960's. It has a breathtaking modern architectural style and is the largest library in the world to be used exclusively for the preservation of rare books and manuscripts.

Enjoy!

BOOK REVIEW: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi (YA)

"I spent my life folded between the pages of books."

Shatter Me is the first novel of the Shatter Me trilogy by Tahereh Mafi. When first reading a summary of this novel I was instantly attracted by the premise. Take a girl, named Juliette, who lives in a dystopian world where the earth's ozone layer has been destroyed and now a government body called The Reestablishment monitors and organizes every aspect of every one's lives. Now this girl is no ordinary person. She has a unique ability or rather a curse it seems which causes her to drain the life of any other individual by simply touching them with her skin.

The reason I was so drawn to this is as a fan of X-men, and Rogue being in particular my favorite member, she had a similar affliction which never allowed her to touch any other human being without severally hurting or killing them. 

Juliette has been put into an asylum, since it seems no one knows what to do with her, and left to die. She soon gets someone to share her cell which could not be more terrifying for her. It turns out however the presence of this newcomer is not what it seems. She soon finds herself being taken out of the asylum where she finds out the truth about the newcomer: the leader of sector 45 has been watching her, and he wants her for himself.

"' You are absolutely delicious when you're angry.' 'Too bad my taste is poisonous for your palate'"

Juliette understands now that Warner, the leader of sector 45, means to use her curse to his advantage and possibly as a weapon of torture and murder. She soon realizes that Adam, the original soldier placed within the confines of the asylum with her knows her better than he let on, and actually means to help her.

Juliette and Adam find solace in one another and quickly fall in love, as he too has a special gift meaning he is the only one who can get close to her. Or so we think for some time. As they attempt to escape she finds out more about Adam, and realizes she has known him all along, and he quickly discovers why she was considered so dangerous that she was locked up to die.

"My face is in his hands and my lips are on his lips and he's kissing me and i'm oxygen and he's dying to breathe."

They also find help from other unlikely sources and soon discover that in fact they are not the only ones with these gifts and are able to escape the base of sector 45 to a haven called Omega Point. It is here that Juliette realizes that her abilities are not truly a curse but a power she has yet to harness and she becomes determined to do just that for the greater good of all mankind.

This first novel of the series was incredibly gripping and action packed. I have to admit my love for dystopian novels with female leads, especially those who have yet to find out just how truly strong they are and how much the world needs them to help fix what the powers in charge have broken. The similarities between Juliette and Rogue from the X-men is really uncanny whether the writer meant it to be or not. And the leading man, Adam, is exactly what you would want in a male hero; he doesn't just take over but he recognizes the need for her to not just let go of her fear but to embrace the concept that she can be loved. When everything in her world has told her that no one could possibly hold any feeling except disdain and panic, he loves her so fully and openly. It is both refreshing and of course my own heart skipped a beat.

"All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands, but with my heart."

Warner is not what he seems I would think. While he comes across has a sociopath with nothing but murder in his mind, it seems like there has to be another element there. A piece that we as the readers are missing.

Overall the first novel definitely kept me hooked for the upcoming novels.

Questions or Comments? leave them here :)

BOOKSTORE LOVE AFFAIR: Book/Shop in Oakland, CA

This week's bookstore love affair is located in Northern California!

Name: Book/Shop

Location: 482d 49th Street
               Oakland, CA 94709

Why it is awesome: I came across this when I was looking up cool bookstores on a route to Seattle for a trip. It is small and boutique like, but I love the look as well as the mission. They seek not only to sell books but to sell the inspiration to read. They have cute decor such as wall art and vintage literature posters as well as people who want to help you complete a one of a kind unique library of your own by helping in anyway they can!

You can check out their website here :)

http://book---shop.com/

BOOK REVIEW: Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin

"The city is going to burn because its time is over."

I, like many of you, may have recently seen the trailer for the upcoming film Winter's Tale and felt an instant desire to read the novel that the story is based on. I was surprised to see that it was written in the 80's but nonetheless, I was thrilled to get started reading it before I go to see the film.

I don't know if you would consider this a spoiler but I have to say that the novel was really not at all what I was expecting. From the trailer alone I get the sense of this love story that seems so epic in nature that it is able to stop time. However, the actual story is so much more complex and deep than that.

"And you will know exactly who you are, forever, by knowing what it is that you love."

You are introduced to a number of different characters, some from the beginning of the 1900's and then some from the soon turn of the century (the novel is based in the future of 1999 from when it was written in the 80's.) Each character is significant because they have a purpose, and most of all, their purpose is how they ultimately change or impact the upcoming events within the city of New York City. 

New York City is at the core of the novel because the city itself is what forces each character's actions and decisions. Helprin is constantly describing in detail the life of the city and its impact on the people who attempt to survive within it. It is both dark and light, both corrupt and pure. He pays special attention to the colors of the city which I found the most beautiful in his writing. The colors have such an effect on how you feel or visualize the scene he is describing to you and it makes it so easy to place yourself within the moment. 

"We learn that justice may not always follow a just act, that justice can sleep for years and awaken when it is least expected, that a miracle is nothing more than dormant justice from another time arriving to compensate those it has cruelly abandoned."

I had originally believed that I was going to be reading this great love story. The truth is the story is truly based on how love builds this bridge to harmony and peace. It allows life to rebuild and sustain even in its darkest and most terrifying moments. This love is infinite and continues to pass from one person to another. Each person makes sacrifices that impacts those around them so much that it is impossible for them to not continue to pass it on. And most interesting is the crossover in time. Peter Lake and others have found this time loop in which they re enter NYC almost 100 years later. Their purpose has not been completed and they are then needed in order to pursue justice in the city either by contributing positively or to keep the balance between depravity and righteousness. 

"He knew that, in the eyes of God, all things are interlinked; he knew that justice does indeed spring in great surprise from the acts and consequences of ages long forgotten; and he knew that love is not broken by time."

This was the true underlining meaning of this story. The city is able to live and thrive due to those who care enough to help it and help each other. You ultimately see many of these characters as angels on earth, though some might seem really unlikely because they have been corrupt in their past. Their love redeems them.

It is a beautifully descriptive story. The length might be intimidating for some but I would argue that it is completely worth it. I'm fascinated to see the movie to compare from the novel.

If you'd like to see the trailer check it out here!

Winter's Tale: Feb 14th!

LIBRARY LOVE AFFAIR: Library of Alexandria (Egypt)

This week's library love affair: The Library of Alexandria (aka Bibliotheca Alexandrina)

Address: Located on the shore of the Mediterranean in the city of Alexandria, Egypt

This modern library was built upon the original area where the ancient Library of Alexandria stood. It is not only a library but houses a museum of antiquities.

BOOK REVIEW: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

"Real life was something happening in her peripheral vision."

Knowing when it is time to move on and accept the changes in your life is something we all must face at one or more points in our lives. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell introduces us to Cather, or Cath as she likes to be called, a girl who is beginning her first semester at college and faced with the difficult notion that everything in her world is being turned upside down.

Cath and her twin sister Wren go off to college and much to Cath's surprise her sister has no intention of being a part of a duo any longer. All of a sudden she finds herself alone, without her father, who lives now a few hours away, without her twin, who wants to become her own person away from her twin sister, and away from basically all that she loves. All except her fan-fiction.

"I'd rather pour myself into a world I love and understand..."

Cath is obsessed with Simon Snow (which as the reader we can basically tell it is a fictional version of the fictional story of Harry Potter) and is one of the most active fan-fiction writers of Simon Snow stories. In fact she has a huge following that hang on her every word through the fan-fiction community. It seems that only when she is writing that she feels any joy, traumatized by anxiety of meeting new people and having to find a life of her own.

Cath continues to face numerous challenges that come with becoming your own person: Meeting new people, balancing past relationships and family life, dealing with an absent mother who attempts to show up again, how to preserve her love of fan-fiction and becoming a writer, and of course men.

" He liked to talk about Simon Snow, too. He'd seen all the movies two or three times. Levi saw lots of movies- he liked anything with fantasy or adventure. Superheroes. Hobbits. Wizards. If only he were a better reader, Cath thought, he could have been a proper nerd. Well... maybe."

Being a typical nerd girl, I fell in love with this story. This struggle with your secret nerd life that you feel no one will ever understand, and then trying to be a part of the real world is definitely a challenge. But the truth is, everyone has a secret nerd life, something they obsess over that we feel no one else will ever understand. The trick, as Cath will discover, is that even if others don't understand it, this doesn't necessarily mean they will shut you out for it. Her deep love for Simon and Baz makes her feel that she is actually a part of the story and fan-fiction allows her to create the story she wishes to see. How many people have read a novel and you just keep wishing you could decide the outcome? It is the same reason we continue to read tragic stories and keep thinking that this time when I read it the outcome will be a happy one.

What Cath comes to realize and what most people realize when faced with these drastic changes in our lives is that the people around us, our friends, our boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife don't have to understand our nerdy fascinations. They just need to embrace that it is a part of us. Everyone has to geek out over something and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

As for a love story, it was subtle and sweet and not a great romantic drama which is perfect. It is what love really is in life. And I found that refreshing.

This novel certainly hit close to home, but it was cute, funny, quirky, and I adored every nerdy moment.

"You win when no one finds you, even if they're not looking."

BOOK REVIEW: The Catcher In the Rye by J.D. Salinger

"Among other things, you'll find you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know."

In J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye we are introduced to Holden Caulfield, a young man who has been dismissed from his private school Pencey Prep. As we are introduced to him from his own point of view we discover this is not the first time. He has continued to flunk out of private schools for quite some time, but as he continues his introduction we realize it is not for lack of intellect but rather lack of interest.

Over the next several days we follow Holden's life as he avoids returning home to his family and facing his parents, where he will have to explain why he has once again been expelled. He heads to New York (where his family resides) but instead avoids going home through numerous activities such as staying at a hotel, going out to bars though he is underage, attempting to hire a hooker, ringing up ex girlfriend Sally Hayes for a date as well as an old prep school friend, and eventually sneaks to see his younger sister.

Through all of these activities is when we really discover Holden's character. He is extremely depressed which he refers to over and over again. It seems almost impossible for him to find any joy in anything, but rather is constantly referring to how any item, person, or activity only deepens his despair.

"I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. It's awful. If I'm on my way to the store to buy a magazine, even, and somebody asks me where I'm going, I'm liable to say I'm going to the opera. It's terrible."

For the reader, it is difficult to not let your mind go to these dark and depressing corners of your mind while reading this novel. Though the story is filled with teenage angst and contemplation of "what's the point to life" even as an adult it is difficult to not feel the same way. Holden's attitude towards others seems more like a projection than a reflection of what is around him.  He continues to mess with people when he has conversations, making up lies or goading them, yet he constantly is speaking about how fake everyone is. But it seems to the reader that it is Holden who is constantly putting on a mask. I had the continual feeling that in order to preserve his despair and not face his lack of ability or lack of desire he continues to project his own character on those around him. It is true some of the people in his life are pretty ridiculous and superficial, but according to Holden everyone is this way.

The only thing in his life that seems to make him happy in any way is his younger sister. And it is really easy to see why. He admires her, not only for being younger and already so talented, but because she loves unconditionally. It is in her that he is unable to project these depressing thoughts, but rather seems encouraged to make himself better and worthy of her praise. She loves him so much and she would follow him anywhere which she attempts when he threatens to leave forever. It is for her love that he ultimately faces his future rather than running from it.

"That's the thing about girls. Every time they do something pretty, even if they're not much to look at, or even if they're sort of stupid, you fall in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are. Girls. Jesus Christ. They can drive you crazy. They really can."

I don't want to worry any future readers that the entire book is just a depressing mess that leaves you questioning your worth. Holden's love for his sister is so uplifting and you realize that even in his deepest despair, there is still some sign of hope and love amongst him. He also is rather funny in his cynicism especially when it comes to referring to women. And most importantly, through his questioning of his purpose he never seems to question the value of living. So while it has angst, it doesn't repeat the same tone of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar which has a much darker undertone.

The Catcher in the Rye has been long considered a classic, dealing with questions that we have all faced in our lives. Though it is set among the life of a teenager, its undertones and situations apply to anyone who reads it.

"Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody."

BOOKSTORE LOVE AFFAIR: Libreria el Ateneo

This week's bookstore love affair features a beautiful and creative use of space located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Address: Avenida Callao,

                Buenos Aires, Argentina

                + 54 11 4813-6052

Why you'll love it: This bookstore is incredibly beautiful and unique. The building itself (known as El Ateneo Grand) was once a gorgeous performance palace. The bookstore uses the main floor where seating once was as well as the opera boxes to store books and provide reading rooms. Though it now functions as a store, it has been able to keep its original luster of a performance venue from the 1920's.