Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green

You know how you were expecting so much of a book but it somehow falls short? Yeah. That feeling. It sucks. So the other day I read Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green. Since John Green wrote this, I had high nerfighter expectations for it. And I was disappointed. But that's not to say that it wasn't a good read; just not the best one. So here's the synopsis for y'all.

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The novel follows two boys who both go by the name Will Grayson. The first Will, whose name is always correctly capitalized to reflect his intelligence, is described as trying to live his life without being noticed. This is complicated by the fact that his best friend, Tiny Cooper, described as "the world's largest person who is really, really gay" and "the world's gayest person who is really, really large", is not the type to go around unnoticed.

Tiny is also, throughout the novel, trying to create an autobiographical musical, which further draws attention to himself and everyone around him. The other will grayson, whose name is never capitalized to reflect his depressed and angry non-caring of the matter, goes through his life without anything good to hold onto besides an online friendship with someone who goes by the name Isaac. Intent on meeting up with Isaac, will grayson sets up an encounter one night in Chicago. What ensues brings both characters together and changes both of their lives forever in ways they could never have guessed or imagined.

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So that sounds interesting, yes? I certainly thought so. When I read the book, it was a quick read but one that anybody could relate to. However, I had a couple bones to pick. The book seemed like it covered more the life of Tiny rather than the Will Graysons. Everything happened in relation to Tiny Cooper which annoyed me so much. I mean, the title is Will Grayson, Will Grayson not Tiny Cooper.

However, there was a lot I really enjoyed in this novel. The way that it approached the plot idea was great. I especially like that one of the Will Grayson's POV was written all gramatically because it made him seem more intelligent and put together. The other Will Grayson that was manic depressive was written with lower case letters and had swear words to show the intensity of his feelings.

All in all, I would rate Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green a 4 out of 5 stars. Intriguing plot idea, great execution, but focus on the main characters please.

Also, if any of you wanted to know, John Green has a youtube channel that he shares with his brother. It's an interesting way to connect with the author. Their channel name is vlogbrothers. Go check it out- John gives interesting insight on a lot of topics. Eye opening.

Quote of the Day:  

"Saying 'I notice you're a nerd' is like saying, 'Hey, I notice that you'd rather be intelligent than be stupid, that you'd rather be thoughtful than be vapid, that you believe that there are things that matter more than the arrest record of Lindsay Lohan. Why is that?' In fact, it seems to me that most contemporary insults are pretty lame. Even 'lame' is kind of lame. Saying 'You're lame' is like saying 'You walk with a limp.' Yeah, whatever, so does 50 Cent, and he's done all right for himself."  — John Green

Sea Glass Review and an update on life

Hullo. How have you been dear blog and readers? I'm hoping y'all have been pr-etty awesome. I just have a few things to say about my self-challenge and my rather chaotic life then, we'll get to the review of the day.


So, change of plans for this summer. Instead of the Nature Center Independent study, I'm going with the Algebra 2 independent study. The nature center one was full, so this my calling for the summer. Also, I don't think I will be getting the job at Dairy Queen, I'm instead going to apply as a shelver. Much better suited for that, methinks. School's just getting tedious at this time of year and the weather outside isn't really helping. But other than that, I've had a pretty awesome day. That's always great.


Anyway, my self-challenge started a while back so I have read a lot of books before I started this blog. I keep a running tally on the little widget dooblido on the right if you want to check those out. I'm a little behind on posting my reviews but will get those done asap. Right now though, on with the review!

I read Sea Glass by Maria V Snyder this past couple days and I have to say, I enjoyed it a lot. Here's a description from goodreads.com.

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Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man now her prisoner has switched souls with Ulrick.

In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain....

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Truly fantastic storytelling, I loved Sea Glass. I think it is one of Maria's best works so far. In this one, we see Opal go from a scared naive girl to someone who is really BAMF. She learned lessons is Storm glass and displays her new realist attitude with gusto. Maria's plot hasn't suffered at all, and with Opal's inner searching, it makes it all the more interesting and relatable for us as a reader. 


There were events in Sea Glass that had me gripped. Made me feel as if I were really there and experiencing everything. This is one thing that HAS TO work in a novel, otherwise it feels mediocre. 


The icing on the cake for me was the way Opal is so persistent and believes in herself. In the book, nobody believes Opal on certain events in Storm glass. Yet she goes on. You go girl!  Oh, and the hurmor didn't hurt at all. Sarcastic dry humor? Definetly a sign of an interesting book. 


And the ending was something I never, ever would have expected. As for what that is though, you'll have to find out by reading Sea Glass by Maria V Snyder. Kickass book, fo sho.

Quote of the Day: 

"....of being a piece of sea glass. High tides, low tides, storms, sand and mistakes all contributed to the polishing process. Though difficult to endure at the time, the demanding elements helped smooth the surface, transforming one into a better person, not worse. A person who learned from the harsh environment, who knew the storm would end, and who felt confident she would still be in one piece." 

Stormglass Review

Today was rainy, wet, and cloudy outside. I had no school (Yay Big 9 Festival!) so, I decided to read. Hot chocolate, book, couch, here I come! So I finished Stormglass by Maria V Snyder.That  picture ------ was me for a long time today. It was hard to put down once you got into the book. See here for the synopsis.

Stormglass also connects with with Maria's other series, the Soulfinder books that starts with Poision Study. You can however, read this as a standalone as Maria does a great job explaining background information. I recommend reading Poison Study.  It's my favorite book by Maria so far!

Stormglass is an interesting book because the protagonist in the Soulfinder books is portrayed almost as if...all powerful. Yelena didn't make mistakes. But Opal Cowan, the main character is anything but. She's more relatable to us as an audience. However,  People call her "the One-Trick Wonder" because she can only preform one trick and causes her to be self deprecating and self pitying. It's actually really annoying because you can see that she's obviously going to develop potential. Grow yourself some backbone girl!

My favorite hunk-a-lunk is Kade Stormdancer rather than Ulrick Cowan. He's the strong, silent, and tragic kind of guy. Veerry nice. ;)

There are quite a few reaccuring characters like Janco, Lief, the Master Magicans, and Yelena.  One reason that I really love Maria's work is for the way she does sarcasm and dry humour. Never fails to make me smile.

"Yippee. I’ve been promoted from fire lighter to delivery boy. I’ll write a letter home to Mother. She’ll be so pleased.”
--Leif

All in all, I'd give Stormglass by Maria V Snyder a four star. A great book with potential to become more with the other books in the trilogy.
Have a great day everyone! :)

Update-Storm Glass

You know a book is good when you stay up till the wee hours to read. Well, I'm currently on page 176 of Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder and it's a rocking read!

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Here is the synposis from Maria's website.
As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it’s time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan’s glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal’s unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap into a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she never knew she possessed...powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she’s ever known

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So, I don't have school tomorrow and the stress of midterms is over (YES!) so I'll be able to read and post a review for all!  Have a lovely day everyone. :)

Quote of the Day: A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

                                       -Emo Philips

The Hunger Games Review

So, I know I'm not supposed to be rereading books for my 120 of 2010, but The Hunger Games is an awesome book that just has to be reviewed!
 Also, this picture of the book is from http://casacamisas.wordpress.com/2009/01/.

The Hunger Games is set in a not so distant future North America which is now called Panem which is divided into 12 districts. The Capitol is cruel, harsh, and inhuman. However, it has a rather ingenious way to keep the districts in check by hosting the Hunger Games. The inspiration was the Greek myth of tale of King Minos of Crete who, after defeating Athens, demanded that every nine years his vanquished foes send seven boys and seven girls to be devoured by the Minotaur.

Every year, every district must send a boy and girl tribute to basically have an all out fight to the death between each district. Katniss's sister, who is merely 12 and therefore has a slim to none chance of getting reaped, is called up. Katniss volunteers to take her place which is quite the surprise as District 12 hasn't had a volenteer for so long that they've forgotten the procedure. The male tribute is Peeta Mellark. And it just so happens that he's loved Katniss Everdeen for pretty much his whole life though she doesn't know it...

From there, all the action escalates. Katniss may just be the person to spark a rebellion in the desolate people of Panem.  You'll have to read this book, The Hunger Games to find out what's gotten the literary community in a buzz. Also, you might want to check out Suzanne Collins' other series, The Underland Chronicles.

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Now, for the fangirl part of the review. WARNING, SPOILERS BELOW!

Oh, my goodness! This is a book filled with so much action and tension and ARGH! It's amazing. This is the book that convinced me TEAM GALE FTW! He just sounds so considerate and perfect for Katniss and her family. Whereas Peeta...Peeta,Peeta,Peeta. He's adorable and all, but he's just not for Katniss.

Okay. I've gotten that at out of the way. Been dying to write that since I started the review. ;P

The idea of this book is so... intriguing. I mean, it's basically what society could be. What it could end up changing into. And when you think of the reapings and all the other ways that the government controls the people, it's kinda scary.

Example: Haymitch Abernathy. He was a victor of the Games, obviously. But he's turned to drinking just to drown out all the horrors he experienced there. He could have been one of those that took on the government, if he wasn't so messed up with the inhumanness of the Games. He's cynical but still so, so clever.It makes his drinking seem like a ruse, so they won't take his rebellious nature seriously. Makes him my favorite character after Katniss. They just understand each other. And he's hilarious. A quote,

"You’ve got about as much charm as a dead slug."

Also, my other favorite character is Cinna. Cinna is like a ticking bomb that you don't know about.

"It crosses my mind that Cinna's calm and normal demeanor masks a complete madman."

I seem to love the mad ones the most. Wonder what that says about me?

Procrastination to the extreme...

So I really should be working on my genocide english paper. But guess what? I have the flu so that's pretty pointless at the moment. My sinuses and brain refuse to work together  and that's totally fine with me. So guess what I get to do instead? I finally am updating a blog that I've been wanting to write in for about a year now. Yes, that's kind of sad. Oh well.

Anyway.  I actually have a lot of plans for this summer. I want to get a job so I can go spend the money and beg for more from my parents. Yay. But I really do plan on getting a job and being 15 in a small town, there are not very many places that hire people my age. But apparently, Dairy Queen will. I've got an application, recommendations thingamajigger, and a luff of ice cream. Hopefully, I will get hired. Keep those fingers crossed!

Besides work, I'm going to be taking driving classes this May. The streets of my small town will never be safe again. Old folks crossing the streets, betta watch out. I'm actually really excited for this. A lot of people always say it's boring but I dunno. The class part will probably be boring but the behind the wheel stuff is going to be pret-ty darn awesome.

So let's see, we've got job, driving school, um...oh yes! I'm also taking this independent study class for my local nature center. It sounds like a ton of fun but I haven't gotten a reply email back yet.On another nerdtastic topic, also do a bit of programming. I'm in YCTP which stands for youth computer training program. I learn how to make pretty websites and how to make them work. We're going to Philadelphia this summer for the national conference which our chapter has taken 1st place for like four years. Fun stuff, fun stuff.

Also, in February of this year, I wanted to see if I could read 120 books that I've never read before. That means about 10 books a month. It's actually harder than I thought it would be. So far, I've read 27 book. That's pretty good, but I'm behind by about 13 books. The widget below is what I've read so far if you want to check that out.

Ekram's 120-of-2010




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