Happy Holidays

Hey, I know it's been a while since my last post (which was for school). But then again, I'm on my Christmas break after a hectic semester and I feel I deserved a week or two to rest. Whatever the case, I'm back now after reading a lot and finding some fun Youtube videos. I wanted to share this one on media bias after all my posts on journalism. I like the "What You Ought To Know" videos and this guy's research is accurate to what I learned in class.

So yes, I've been reading a lot. It's Christmas break, right? Since I don't have to read for school, I read for fun. The books include "The Power of Six" by Pittacus Lore, "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan, "The Peach Keeper" by Sarah Addison Allen, and finally, "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak.

Of these books I have to say I'm most excited about "The Book Thief." I've wanted to read it for years, but because it wasn't my typical choice I preferred to borrow it from the library first, and it was always checked out. "The Book Thief" is a story of WWII and Nazi Germany as told by Death. It's about a girl who steals books while Germany falls apart around her and her foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement. But more importantly, it's a story about the power of words. Hitler rose by the power of his words - he was no intimidating soldier, he was an orator - and the protagonist of Zusak's book is stealing back the words. As a potential writer I like the message that reminds readers of the power of language. I want to learn how to wield that power well and for the right reasons.

Overall, it was a good story and I'm glad I own a copy.

I also read "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan. Just when I think this author can't get better, he does. I'm not saying these books about the demigod Percy Jackson are one day going to join the ranks of classic literature, but I have to say Riordan does a very admirable job translating mythology into a modern world. Not only that, but his plots are exciting and tight and his characters feel real. The characters are clever, funny and heroic. I just found out that there will be a film version of the second Percy Jackson book "The Sea of Monsters" and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

As for my writing, I'm taking a break. Well, sort of. I have a couple of friends reading "Nightshade" right now and after I return to school I will get their feedback. As for the thesis (tentatively titled "The Shifting" or "Midsummer Magic"), I'm resting before the last final dash to the finish. I'm becoming antsy, though. I may start the project up again in the next few days. Stay tuned for updates.