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.

Ksiezniczka (Princess)

A Child Called "It", David
Briar Rose, Becca
setting: Becca's parents house from Briar Rose

It was a warm autumn day, which was rare around these parts. The oak tree outside Becca's parents' house was losing it red-orange leaves one by one. Her mother was at the store, and her father was at work, so Becca had the house to herself. She was making a sandwich for lunch when she heard a knock at the door. As she hurried to the front door to answer it, she wondered who it could be. Becca looked out the peephole; a man was standing outside with a newspaper in his hand. He was average height, slim, and had brown hair. He didn't look dangerous so she decided to answer the door. Besides, she had taken some self-defense courses a while ago if anything bad were to happen.
"Hello, how may I help you?" she asked.
"Hi, you don't know me but I'm David and I read your article in the Advocate, and I was fascinated by it," he replied.
"Really?" Becca was shocked, she'd only published Gemma's story because Stan had insisted she did.
"It's an amazing piece, and if you don't mind, I was wondering if we could talk about it, maybe over coffee?" David asked shyly.
"Sure, would you like to come inside?" she asked.
"Yes, that'd be wonderful," he replied happily.
The two of them went inside and David waited at the dining room table while Becca made sandwiches for the both of them. Then, Becca brought out the sandwiches. When she walked into the dining room, she noticed David was staring at the pictures of her family on the wall. Becca and David chatted over lunch about the article. David loved how Becca put so much time and effort in to figure out Gemma's story. It felt good to talk about Gemma's story with someone other than her family and friends.
As lunch was wrapping up, David started to seem a little uncomfortable. Becca thought it was because he didn't like the chocolate cake she had given him for dessert. Suspecting that, David assured her that the cake was delicious. Then he admitted that he had come to meet her for more than one reason. It wasn't just how much he loved Gemma's story, it was how much he loved the togetherness of the family. He told her it was something he never had, and when Becca asked about his family he seemed a little hesitant. Becca then realized that maybe she had crossed the line. David took a deep breath though and let it all out. He told her all about his childhood and what his life had been like. How he had been abused for most of his childhood and bullied. He poured his heart out to her, and Becca had no idea what to say. All she could say to him was sorry. He said it was all right because it had made him who he was today. They chatted for a little while more, about current events and things like that, but it was almost four and David had to go home to cook dinner. As Becca walked David out she said, "It was really nice talking to you, and I'm really glad you stopped by."
"No my pleasure, it felt good to talk someone about everything," he responded.
"That couldn't be more true," Becca said, while nodding.
"Maybe we could stay in contact, I'll give you my email address," he asked tentatively.
"That'd be great, let me get a pen and paper," she said and she walked to the desk for a post-it and a pen for the both of them. David wrote down his email and phone number and gave it to Becca, and Becca did the same for him.
"Well, I'll be going now," he said, almost sadly.
"Alright then, have a good evening," she replied.
"You too, bye Becca," he said, smiling.
"Goodbye David." she said, and she closed the front door.
After David left, Becca began thinking. Not all princesses get the fairytale ending they wanted, and not everyone gets the perfect life they dream about. But in the end, as long as you have friends and family who love you, that's all that really counts.