First Quarter Outside Reading Book Review

Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Harcourt Books, 2008. Genre: Fantasy.

Graceling is a fantasy book. It takes place in a land with seven kingdoms. The main character, Katsa, is from Middluns, which is the kingdom in the center of them all. Katsa is the niece of the King of Middluns, King Randa. In this world, some people are born with Graces. Graces give you a special power/skill to do something remarkably well. In Katsa's case, everyone thinks she is born with the skill of killing, but it turns out to be more than that. To distinguish Graced people from all the rest, they have two different colored eyes. The main conflict Katsa has to face is saving the kingdoms from a manipulative ruler, King Leck who has a Grace that is unknown to most.

"A brilliant, unforgettable story that I inhaled in one sitting. For a first novel, for any novel, Graceling is extraordinary."
- Catherine Murdock, author of Dairy Queen.
This quote was found on the jacket of the book.

Graceling is all about Katsa's journey to find her true self and save the kingdoms from King Leck. Along the way she also finds love. Considering this is the author's first novel, it is very well written. The book is divided into three sections, and each section has a mini-conflict. The author is also very good at description and painting a picture in our minds of the characters and settings. This book reminds me of Eragon. There are not two many parallels besides the fact that they are both fantasy books, but they remind me of each other. The two main characters, Katsa and Eragon, are both blessed with special talents and have to learn to use them wisely.

Here is a quote from the book: "A long, blue carpet led from the doors to Randa's throne. The throne was raised high on a platform of white marble. Randa sat high on his throne, blue robes and bright blue eyes. His face hard, his smile frozen" (165).

Graceling was Cashore's first book, but I enjoyed it. I would definitely read another book written by her. In fact, I think a sequel to this book would be a good idea. I liked how she wrote the book. To me, her message (theme) was that people are misunderstood. Most people were afraid of Katsa, which they did have a right to be, but she was a very loving person if you got to know her. I think the author was trying to tell us not to judge somebody until we get to know the person. I liked the book because she clearly displays an important message and wrote an interesting read in the process.

"I Think I'll go to Boston"

In a changing society, such as ours, it only makes sense that our values would be changing as well. Economists say we're in a recession, and that means most of us are cutting back. Although, does that mean just because a flashy sports car isn't affordable, it isn't valued? Does that mean that we're finally learning to cherish the special moments with our friends and family? Maybe, or maybe not, but that is a decision for each of us has to make.

As I step into the car, I’m already about to fall asleep. The sun is slowly making its way over the horizon, but for now it’s still dark out. I get into the car, and before I know it we’re on the highway. I slowly take my iPod out of my bag. It’s the only thing that can keep me calm and relaxed on a day like today. I put the white and pink headphones into my ears as the black screen comes to life. I scroll down to shuffle songs because it's one of those times where I can't pick a song on my own. It just happens to be "Boston" by Augustana, which is one of my all-time favorites. I'm thankful that this car ride should only be about two hours, because my iPod battery only lasts for three. As we drive along, I stare out my window at the beautiful landscape and quietly sing the words to each and every song.

My iPod is a second generation, four gigabyte, white nano. It's a little beat up-actually really beat up-but it doesn't bother me. I like to think that every scratch that can clearly be seen on the shiny, silver back represents each time I've used it and abused it. And sure, there are bigger and better iPods out there today, but I wouldn’t trade it for any of them. My iPod has the ability to pump me up before big games, and soothe me when I’m upset. Whatever mood I’m in, there’s a song on there that fits it perfectly, and that is the most important thing.

The hour and a half ride to Boston goes by in a flash, and before I know it we're going through the tunnels. The tunnels are my favorite part of the ride, even though we're only in them for about two minutes. Soon enough, we're parking near my uncle's apartment building. As my dad, mom, and I walk to my uncle's apartment building, I'm already excited. He buzzes us in, and we start walking up the stairs. This has got to be the least favorite part of the day, walking up all the stairs to his penthouse apartment. It's Easter morning, and there's not any other way I'd spend it other than here. When we get to the door, we're greeted by my cousin, Maryanne. After a hug and a quick hello to everyone there, we're settled in. My mom helps out my uncle and cousin in the kitchen. I get to talk to my grandma, who I don't see very often. We always catch up on Easter. Then, I convince my dad to go into the living room with me. We pretend to play Chess, but I actually don't have any idea how. I just like to look out the window and see the cars drive by and watch people wander around the city.

When it's finally time to eat, we all go into the dining room. Year after year, the dining room always looks the same. A long, dark brown, wooden table takes up practically the whole room. On the left side of the room, there's a small portrait of van Gogh with no ear that always makes me cringe. It just happens to be right next to the dessert table that displays the Italian pastries awaiting us. As we sit down to eat, the seating arrangement chosen by my uncle, my stomach rumbles. He fills the wine glasses, and I get a glass of ice water. After we say Grace, we dig in. There are all kinds of food, but that's not what I remember always about these meals. I remember the conversations, and how much fun we had. How together we all felt. Some of these people weren't even my actual relatives, but I still feel close to them.

My iPod and Easter dinner with my family are both very valuable to me. My iPod is valuable to me because I can listen to it no matter what mood I'm in. It's was not too expensive, about $200, but it was also the first big electronic I ever had. The thing I value most of all about it is that it helps me forget about whatever I'm stressing about, even if it's only for five minutes.

I value Easter dinner with my family, because it brings us all together. I only get to see those relatives a couple times a year so it's nice to catch up and chat with them. Whether we're playing Chess or watching a movie, we always have a lot of fun. I have so many memories and I know I'll never forget them.

Although these two values seem totally different, they're actually not. My iPod and Easter dinner with my family both make me feel genuinely happy. Both of them seem to always to cheer me up when I'm down. No matter what day it is, my iPod can always be found on the table beside my bed; fully charged, and begging to be played. Then, there's that one day a year, Easter, where I'm with my family, and everything feels right. Those are the days, and the moments, I live for.