one of my favorite places.

It’s been months since, but I had to share with you of that time I went back to one of my favorite places on Earth – Orcas Island. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Washington state, I spent a full weekend there, experiencing true beauty in its purest form. 

@mhitchner1 and I

I remember falling in love with the place when I first visited a few years ago; it was during the winter time. It was quite cold, and I remember feeling invigorated by the chilliness of the seemingly empty island. Since it was off season, there weren’t a lot of people. It was so quiet. We drove around, walked around, and we welcomed the serenity. I found myself realizing that I may have found the most peaceful place I’ve ever been in.

Going back during the spring/summer time a few months ago was a much different experience. It's a time when locals open up their shops and stores to the tourists (like me) that flocked to their little island. It gives you a much busier vibe, but you relish in that colorful atmosphere too. We mainly stayed out of town, opting to camp. Nothing beats sleeping under the stars, roasting marshmallows at night with good company, and waking up in the morning to watch the sunrise and see deer next to you. 

The more I think about it, the more I feel that the reason I love this place so much is not necessarily because of the place itself. While Orcas Island is truly awe-inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful, I feel its power lies in its ability to transform. For me, while in a serene place like this, I feel I am given time to open my eyes, to help discover myself, to uncover the flaws needed to be fixed in my life, and to realize what truly matters in my life. 

our friends while we were kayaking

I feel that being one with nature, walking on the rocky beach, hiking up muddy hills, smelling the ground, kayaking in the clean water, and breathing in fresh, untouched air can do all that. I’m grateful for that. It's quite an invigorating experience.  

@mhitchner1

I remember as we got on the ferry back home, I looked back at the island with its natural beauty, thanking it for the memorable moments yet again. Until next time, I thought to myself. Until I see you again.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter is life. It just is. It was after all a decade (and more) of growing up with Harry’s story, so like many, I waited for this book and bought it with so much uncontrollable excitement. 

First off, I knew even before that this novel was written as a play. I expected it to feel different and I knew it wouldn't be the same, but I welcomed it anyway because it's Harry Potter after all. I was just happy that I had the chance to come back to the same characters I loved. That's all I wanted. 

I should also mention that I am not a picky Potterhead at all. That being said, I did finish it last night and what a disappointment. This work truly upset me, made me sad. 

I'm skeptical as to how much Rowling actually put into this. There were two other writers, and honestly, it was kind of obvious. First off, the atmosphere is way off. The magic just isn't there. Is this taking place in the same Wizarding world? It didn't feel like it. Then, the character, which arguably, are the heart and soul of the stories, were butchered! They deserved better. As for the plot, I felt it was incredibly contrived. It just read like a really bad fanfic and I enjoy a good fan fic every once in a while. There were many moments I rolled my eyes, wanting to scream at the writers, knowing that Rowling would have never done this to these characters and this world if she had 100% control over the story. Perhaps if her name wasn't attached to this and it's not considered canon, I would like it much better because this excuse of an 8th Harry Potter book was just a sad and stunning disappointment. 

Should YOU read it? Sure. I know some who liked it, so you should definitely read it and judge it for yourself. I hope you love it more than I did, because sadly, I didn’t. Now I’ll just post this photo I took of the Hogwarts castle, purge this “8th book” from my memory, and reread the other seven books I loved so much. 

Fell out of love (with my Kindle)

When I first got this ereader a year and a half ago, I immediately fell in love with it. It made my reading life so much easier. It offered hundreds of books in one location and incredibly fast and easy access to them in an instant. It gave accessibility, convenience, and portability. It also did not hurt that its screen resembled that of a real page from a book. I read many books in it, and I thought everything was going great.

Like most love stories I guess, I fell out love with my Kindle too.

It just did not have the same feel naymore after a while. It also felt a lot like cheating - not supporting bookstores or print.

Truthfully it's about six months since I last used it, and after months of mainly choosing to buy and read physical books instead - even while traveling - I think it's safe to say that I will probably never reach for it again.

I figured this can be a little goodbye post - an ode to the device I thought I'd always love. We've had great moments, but alas, physical copies won me over yet again.

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon Recommendations

My favorite book event is here yet again - Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon. It is a 24 Hour event wherein readers around the world get to read along together for an entire day. I feel like after participating in this event five times now that I know which books tend to work. Obviously, there are so many other ways, but for me, I think the key is not to overwhelm yourself and to just have fun. As for book choices, I feel like the best options are those that are effortlessy easy to read and books that are fast-paced page-turners. If you are still looking for options, here are just some of the books I had in mind:

In this stack, I have a mix of different genres. There's the non-fiction choices: memoirs and historical accounts, the poetry and short stories for when you need a fresh break, a children's classic, unputdownable contemporary fiction, thrilling mystery, ridiculously fun science fiction, easy-to-get-through Young Adult, and not pictured, because my brother borrowed them: comics and graphic novels. Watchmen would be my top pick, as always.

What are some books you think would be perfect for the readathon? Suggest away!

Reading Stoner by John Williams

I am finally about to start this novel, Stoner, written by American author, John Williams. This has been on my to-be-read list for a while now, but just haven't gotten to it until I found myself in the bookstore last weekend, locking eyes with a copy of this 1965 novel. It was a used paperback, and it looked like it was in pretty good shape, so I bought it.

I will be reading along with other readers through Instagram, which I think will make reading this classic novel more fun. Together we will be using the hashtag #SundayswithStoner, which basically means we will take the time to discuss the chapters with each other. I feel like it's the kind of book that can be incredibly engaging and can spark different perspectives. If you have already read this book, what did you think of it? Let me know your thoughts, without spoilers of course.

Shirley Jackson and Her Subtle, Masterful Creepiness

Just two weeks ago, I purchased a copy of We Have Always Lived in the Castle, a now-classic novel that was originally published in 1962. This was Shirley Jackson's final book before she died in 1965, and it's a book I've repeatedly told myself to pick up. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.

This eerie tale is narrated by Merricat Blackwood who lives on their family estate with her sister, Constance, and their uncle. There used to be seven Blackwoods in their estate until one night, a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl. Later, after Constance was acquitted of the murders, she has returned home and it's Merricat's mission to protect her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers in the town. They happily stayed put in their home until their cousin, Charles, appears. Only Merricat can see the danger and she must try every possible way to keep Constance away from him.

The premise is enough to capture any reader's attention; it is full of intrigue and mystery! Add to that the never ending praise this novel has gotten over time and I found myself expecting something from this book as I was reading it. I have to admit that I wasn't sure what to think. I spent most of my time trying to find the 'creepy parts' that everyone keeps talking about. I was waiting for the horror part of the novel. It didn't come for me, and when I finished it, I felt disappointed because I wasn't creeped out at all. I mean, yes, it was perfectly paced, excellently told, effortlessly written, and it was so easy to read and get through. However, something seemed to be missing for me while I was reading it.

Then that night, I found myself laying in bed, ready to sleep, but unable to, as images of the Blackwoods sisters kept creeping into my mind. It was such an uncomfortable situation, being bothered by a story I thought I was done with. I even ended up having a dream about some events in the book. When I woke up from my dream, I felt disturbed.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is, Shirley Jackson proved to be a master at creating subtle, eerie moments that will sneakily creep up on you when you least expect it. As the reader, you will surrender yourself and be lost in the world Shirley Jackson created. You might be like others who will get lost in her world while reading it or you could be like me, who won't experience the book until right after. Either way, her stories will feel real. They will be raw and they will make you feel something; it's incredibly immersive, sometimes uncomfortably so. It left me disturbed, but also wanting more from Shirley Jackson. What a fantastic writer and storyteller, and I'm so happy I finally got around to reading this. It's been a long time coming.

Why Everyone Should See The Revenant (even though it's not for everyone)

I saw The Revenant the day it came out. I was waiting for this movie for a while due to the promising trailer and anticipation from others, and I was so excited to see another Leonardo Di Caprio film. I also could not wait to watch another film directed by Alejandro Innaritu. After seeing his creative work in Birdman, I craved his sense of style - original, transcendent, and artistic.

The Revenant certainly did not disappoint. Leonardo di Caprio delivered a haunting performance. He played it with the kind of passion that is unforgettable. He is unrelenting, and it was easy for me to personally empathize with the character, completely forgetting that this was the same actor who starred in many other familiar movies. He was just different here! He truly captured the anguish, sorrow, despair, and many other emotions stirred in this film.

Of course, Innaritu delivered as well. I believe that there hasn't been a film that has offered a more visceral experience than this. He truly made the world immersive, and he made it as realistic and believable as possible. I'd like to mention that when filming this, he only used natural light and they only shot during certain times of the day, aiming to capture the raw essence of the environment. That to me is dedication.

Innaritu (left)

I also have to mention the cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki, as his shots, to put it simply, were magnificent and unforgettable! Both Innaritu and Lubezki showed the harshness of their unforgiving location and they showcased its undeniable beauty. They both truly partnered into creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

As for recommending this movie, I do think this movie is not for everyone. In fact, certain moviegoers would think of The Revenant as an absolutely boring and slow film. Some would say the story is mediocre. While I personally don't see it that way, I do see it from their perspective. Now the reason why I still think everyone should see the movie whether or not one might like it is simply because it is different. It does not dumb itself down, it is serious, it is aggressive. It is slower paced than most movies nowadays, which is something not everyone's used to. It took its time telling its story and it developed the suspense, thrilling the audience with its slow peak to an epic conclusion. As for the story, it may seem like a mediocre story but the film showed how magnificent Hugh Glass's story is. Learning more about him is great enough, but seeing it told in a visual way like this gives it a bit more of a relatable feel.

All in all, I believe The Revenant demands to be seen and it deserves to be seen by everyone, whether  or not you might like it. You could very well hate it, but you might also appreciate it for what it is and for what its goal is - to give the viewers the ability to have a visceral cinematic experience. Any movie that is as ambitious and creative as this is a winner in my book. 

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

instagram

Rating: 4.5 stars
The Master and Margarita is one of the seminal works of twentieth-century Russian literature. In this book, the devil is disguised as a magician who goes to Moscow in the 1930s, accompanied with a talking cat and an expert assassin. Admittedly this crazy-sounding story intimidated me, and I wasn't wrong to feel this way. As everyone has warned me, it is quite an unusual story. To be honest, I'm not even sure I fully understand it, but it has sparked my interest and I've been reading essays on this, learning more about others' take. Generally, I think it is a satirical and philosophical look on communism, religion, history, and maybe even fantasy. It is quite strange but beautiful at the same time. With a genius prose like Bulgakov's, you can't go wrong. I do this it is entertaining on its own, so if you're looking for a well-written story, go for it. However, understanding the subtext and deeper messages make it even more hauntingly substantial! Overall, I thought it was unnerving, poetic, funny, terrifying, and truly transcendent.

Recent Acquisitions: Which One To Read First?

I rarely treat myself, but after working a bit and not buying anything for myself, I decided to treat myself and buy some books. These titles have been on my wishlist for a while now. Since our local bookstore was having a 40% off sale going on, I decided to take advantage of this.

As expected and just like any other reader, I am having a hard time deciding which one to read first. Should I pick the memoir of a neurosurgeon faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis? I keep hearing how astounding it is. Or should I finally dig into this eerie classic by Shirley Jackson that I shamefully haven't read even though I should've by now? Or maybe I should start with H is for Hawk, which has been getting all the hype and accolades lately. Help!

Just Finished and Currently Reading

I finished The Bookman's Tale by Charlie Lovett and as it promised, it really was a "delightful tale of love and bibliophilia." This fictional novel is about a young antiquarian bookseller who relocates to the English countryside, hoping to outrun his grief from the loss of his wife and rediscover the joy he once took in collecting and restoring rare books. This premise automatically caught my attention as I was craving a bookish book.

I thought that it was an effortless page-turner that is charming and compulsively readable. It was hard to put down, and it was so easy to read that I just went through it pretty quickly. I did like the relationships in this story, especially the romantic connection between two characters as I thought it was believable. However, there were admittedly some parts of the book that were just too over the top and not as realistic as I wish it was. For a book that calls itself a mysterious thriller, I felt that it lacked that thrill I was looking for. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this novel. I would recommend it to readers craving for a very bookish book as it is essentially a novel for bibliophiles. 

Currently, I am reading The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. This novel is considered a phenomenon and is one of the seminal works of twentieth-century Russian literature. In this fictional story, the devil is disguised as a magician and he goes to Moscow in the 1930s, accompanied with a talking cat and an expert assassin. Yes, you read that right. A little odd? I guess you could say that. I am really liking it so far though, even though it is a bit of a strange novel. We'll just have to see what I eventually think of it when I'm finished with it. 

What was the last book you read and your current one? Would love to know! 

Books Are Everything

Books are everything. They are loyal and constant companions. They accept our unpredictable moods, understanding when we want to take a break from reading and welcoming us back with open arms when we want to start over again. They offer much-needed escapism, but they also force us to see both the beautiful and harsh realities of life. Books of course also educate and inform. They broaden minds and open worlds we otherwise would never know about. We learn about people, about situations, and different scenarios. They show pathways in life and they mirror life itself. 

Books have opened doors to endless opportunities for learning and discovery, understanding and empathy. They make us more well-rounded and more sensitive individuals. To me, books are more than just a hobby. It is a necessity. Although yes, let's be honest - it is undoubtedly one of the most fun and relatively affordable forms of entertainment. Simply put, books feed one's soul. 

Love Affair with Bookstores

I can not resist a bookstore. I support all kinds and all types from big box stores like Barnes and Noble to online stores like Book Depository. I do have a special place in my heart for independently owned book shops though, and when I can, I will buy from them specifically.

2015 was no different. I visited many bookstores. There's just something about walking through rows and rows of shelves filled with stories written by passionate storytellers. It's such a simple thing, but sometimes it's the little things like this in life that make everyday much more special.

first week of December; I think I already know my favorite book of the year

I may sound like a broken record for talking about this book one more time, but I can't help myself. I loved this book so much that even though there's still a few weeks until the end of the year, I have already made up my mind that this book is definitely my favorite from this year. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in France during WWII and tells the story of two women during this time period. I already wrote a full review on this, so if you would like to read that, click here, but basically, I can not rave about this book enough. I have to recommend it to you if you haven't picked it up yet, because it is completely worth your time! 

It is just such a perfect and beautiful story; it is eloquently told and is such a page-turner that you may find it difficult to put down. At the same time, you would probably want to force yourself to put it down, for fear of the story ending. While I can go on and on about it, I still would not be able to give justice to the purity and very essence of the story. There simply aren't enough words to say about it without sounding repetitive and cliche. What I will focus on is how much it moved me. It moved me to tears as I was reading it, and it broke my heart so many times that I've lost count. And when I was done with it, all I wanted to do was talk to the characters, hug them, as I felt that they become my friends; they have become my sisters. 

On that note, I would like your top favorite reads this year so far. I am just starting to get back into reading after a bit of a break so I'm excited to pick one and read it before the year ends. Maybe it will become my favorite too. 

Christmas Wishlist

I've never made a wish list before, and I always have a hard time picking my gifts when asked what I want. Honestly, I would be pretty happy with fuzzy socks, candles, books, and pajamas! But hey, just because, I thought it would be fun to make an actual list for a change, here's mine. 

• Yosi Samra flats
  These have become my favorite flats. They are so cute but more importantly, they are comfortable.
• Banned Books pouch 
  MAKEUP BAG. That's all. 
• Le Petit Prince tank top
  The Little Prince is one of my favorite books!
• Marauder's Map dress
  Because it's perfect. 
• the perfect pink pea coat
  This specific one is from Romwe, but unfortunately they don't sell it anymore. 
• Frostbeard Studio candles! 
  I think the scents I would like are: Winterfell, Sexy Librarian, and Bookstore.

As for books, the only thing on my list right now is definitely Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Illustrated version! It is just so beautiful and beautiful and beautiful and I just want it but I can't justify buying it because I don't really need it, but let's be honest, I do.
I also would very much love to have The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones because I love that expansive world so much. 

What's on top of your list this holiday season? 

On Grief and Coping

One of my close friends passed away in late August, and three months later, I still feel completely lost and heartbroken. I don't want to give away more details, out of respect to her family, who are also my friends, but basically, a tragic accident took her life. It was and still is devastating. There aren't words to describe the shock and the pain, but here I am, wanting to share, because I think at the very least, people should know who she is and how much of an impact she has made on so many people.

My friend, Medina, was 20 years old. She was young, carefree, and incredibly beautiful inside and out. Whether you were close to her or not, everyone felt her strong and confident presence. She was vibrant - a true beauty and a go-getter with a nurturing quality. At times, she would get into this mom-mode in which she would speak with such maturity and authority that I sometimes forgot how young she still was.

Why am I writing this blog post? I'm not sure. Maybe I'm writing this because I am not sure how else to cope. I've always found this blog to be a great outlet, and countless times I've gotten genuine feedback and conversations here, and I feel like talking about my friend and remembering her are the only things I can do right now. So here I am. 

That being said, I do also want to take my time to thank those that left me nice comments and messages on Instagram and Twitter when I shared the news in August; your support was not left unnoticed. I really appreciate having a group of people online that I've never even met in real life, help me through this tough time. 

While I'm not sure I am 100% there yet, I feel I've made some progress as I'm blogging again. I'm reading again, which was the hardest thing to do after it happened because she used to love my book posts on my IG. I'm also considering going on trips to places similar to the place she was once last, which is a big deal. Will I actually go? Maybe not, maybe yes, but like they say... baby steps. 

End of Nanowrimo - what?!

what November looked like for me

Challenge: 30 days to write 50,000 words.
Challenge accepted!

I can't believe today is the last day of Nanowrimo or National Novel Writing Month. It was my first time participating, and it was a lot of fun. Honestly though, the entire November was such a blur to me - full of late night and early morning writing sessions in between 'real life.' Overall, it was exciting, and thankfully, I managed to reach that 50,000 mark on Day 25 even though I seriously doubted myself along the way. 

I think I still have about 30,000 words or so left to finish the story, but just the fact that I have words down now and an actual story is very encouraging to me.

I have to thank the entire Nanowrimo community as well as the writing community on social media, specifically on Instagram. Of course, I have to thank my boyfriend for pushing me to write everyday and for understanding when I can't.

Now time to write more, to finish, and then to edit 0_o. If you also participated, I hope that you hit your own personal goals for your novel too!

Scariest Book You've Read?

It's October. It's almost Halloween. It's that time again - that month to read some scary books. I have to admit I am what you can call a chicken when it comes to horror stories. I have such an overactive imagination that it's hard for me to get things out of my mind, especially if those said things are terrifying things. 

Despite that though I love horror because it really challenges me and yes, it's kind of fun to be scared every once in a while. This novel by Stephen King is my favorite horror. It scared me so much and the movie didn't make it any better either. That terrified me as well.

Currently, I'm reading Salem's Lot because so many recommended this to me when I

asked for a horror recommendation. That may or may not be a good idea. What's the scariest book you've read? 

I Am Malala: FIVE stars and nothing less

When the Taliban took over the Swat Valley in Pakistan, a girl refused to be silenced. All she wanted to do was to fight for her right to an education. In 2013, she paid the price for her bravery and was shot in the head by a member of a Taliban armed with a pistol. Her future was not promising and nobody expected her to survive. Over time and through countless support globally, she recovered from her injuries, and instead of letting the events silence her, it made her even more motivated. You might be familiar with her through her powerful speech when she took her cause to the halls of the United Nations and when she spoke with powerful leaders around the world. Until today, she continues her efforts to fight for the right for all people to get an education. I Am Malala is the story of this heroic girl, and what a story indeed.

Since I've known about her story before, I knew I was going to appreciate this book. However, there was so much more that I did not know about her. While reading, I found myself not able to put the book down, and in just a few hours, I finished it. From the moment I read the first page, I was immediately captured by Malala's voice. She sounded so relatable to me, as if she was just a friend talking to me about her daily life. But she's not an ordinary person, not like anyone at all. She is Malala, and her story is anything but ordinary. 

Another huge thing for me was how this book opened my eyes. As a person residing in the U.S., we hear about all the things happening abroad through the news and the press coverage. We are informed that way, but there's so much more that we do not know about. It was a shock to me in a way, and it was extremely moving to see it from the point of view of a teenager who actually lived there and has seen it all. Admittedly, I found myself in tears while reading some parts, because it really made me realize how much we take things for granted: being able to walk outside freely without fear, being able to wear whatever we want, read whatever we want, and more. The fact that this is just one story makes me feel sick to think about all the other stories left untold. 

If there's anything else that my review can do for you, I hope it's to encourage you to get the book and read it too. It's Malala's story, but it's also more than that. It's a story of her country, her culture, and her family. Of her relationship with her father. It's a story that shows courage, resilience, and strength. It is inspiring and motivating, and it deserves to be read just like Malala deserves to be heard all around the world. 

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon: Reading for a Cause

I am so excited that the Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon is here yet again. It's probably one of my favorite things from the book community. I love the fact that we get to dedicate a whole day to reading, but I especially love how it gives us readers a chance to interact with fellow book lovers.

This time around, I, along with four others (Melissa, Roberta, Jennifer, and Rikke) decided to read for a cause. Together we started a fundraising campaign for Pencils of Promise, a global organization that focuses on providing quality education for all. Their proceeds go directly into building schools in communities, supporting and training teachers, and providing a safe and sanitary place for education.

I ask you now if you are participating in the readathon to donate any amount that you can because every little bit counts.

Click here to learn more about the campaign 

We also of course are very excited that we have extra "perks" to offer those who donate to the cause. Thanks to our generous sponsors like Out of Print, among others, we are able to host mini giveaways for very cool bookish items. We will make announcements regarding the giveaways later, but in the meantime, enjoy the readathon and please support an organization that could potentially help provide a much-needed quality education for those that do not get the same privilege that we get everyday.

Man Booker Prize Shortlist

The Man Booker Prize is an annual literary award that is given to the year's best original fictional novel, and just this month, the shortlist was officially announced. I was so excited to see that A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara was one of the finalists because so far this year, it's one of my favorite reads.

Aside from the heartwrenching novel by Yanagihara, the others nominated are:

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma
A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
The Year of the Runaways by Sunjeev Sahota
Satin Island by Tom McCarthy

Because of I really loved A Little Life and am rooting for it to win, I wanted to also give the others a chance. I mean, if the book is shortlisted, it probably means it's worth a read, right? So I picked up and am currently reading A Brief History of Seven Killings. This imaginative novel has a plot that is difficult to explain, but it takes true events and twists them to create various perspectives.

If you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought of them!