The Five Books You Meet in the Library

It's hard to believe we've reached the foot of the line, the end of the road, the closing of this chapter at Penn State. With freshman year drawing to an end, it is hard to not look back and some of the best moments that have shaped my time here thus far at dear ol' State. The friends I made, the laughs I've shared, and things that changed me to prepare me for the next step in life.

At the same time, I want to look back on some of the most impactful books I've read, and share with you their glory. There are some that made me laugh, some that made me cry, some that did both, some that had me stumped, some that kept me guessing, and some that were just so darn good that it would be a crime against the written word to not share. These were the books that made me love reading, or make me fall back into my obsession (if I ever strayed). So, let us begin...

My very own signed copy!

To Catch A Pirate by Jade Parker
I would arguable say this is my favorite book, which is not a label I give to any old paperback. It was originally my older sisters book, but I read it so many times when I was younger that she let me have it. But then, I lent it to my friend (Katherine Terzo, I'll never forget) and she lost it!! I was devastated, I looked everywhere but I couldn't find it. I had all but given up until my mom (glorious woman that she is) got it for me for Christmas. The book is no longer published, which is why I couldn't find it anywhere, but she got in touch with the author for me, and after explaining my love for the book, she sent me one of her personal (and signed!) copies. I am not ashamed to say I cried like a kid getting a pony on that Christmas morning. No one is allowed to borrow it from me anymore, I even keep it by my bed so I'm sure to not loose it.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
This five book series was my absolute favorite when I was in the 5th grade, and I've read it countless times since then.  It is so light and funny, but well written and interesting, so it is the perfect thing to read when I'm between books. It even got me into Greek Mythology, which is one of my favorite things to research now!

Harry Potter by (the writing goddess herself) J.K. Rowling
Okay, does this one really need an explanation?? 

Via observationdeck.kinja.com

The Host by Stephanie Meyers
Now I do have to say, I used to love the Twilight saga. I was in love with Edward, I wanted to be a vampire, I even frequently visited the official website that had the countdown clock to the release of the first movie. However, as I got older, I feel out of love with this series (which is always a sad thing), but I fell deeply infatuated with her other book, The Host. It is so different than Twilight, but is is still as wonderful. (And don't worry, it has nothing to do with vampires).

Via goodreads.com

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett  
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE. It is beautiful, it is emotional, and it is the most gut wrenching, yet heart soaring, book I've ever encountered. Coming in at an astounding 816 pages, this is no easy read. I read it the summer going into 8th grade, and I remember hardly leaving my room for 3 days as I tore though this book. I couldn't get enough! You follow so many complex stories that wind in and out of each other in the most enthralling way that you forget you are not there with the character. Just thinking about it now is getting me emotional, let's move on...


Stolen by Lucy Christopher
This book really tore me up. It blurred the line between right and wrong so much, and I was so shocked at the end that it took me a few hours to process what happened. Once I did, it all hit me at once and it was a mess. I sobbed for hours, and for days I was in a near comatose state. Maybe it's just because I'm overly dramatic. Or maybe it's because it is a LIFE ALTERING BOOK. I guess you'll have to decide for yourself.

Those are just a few of the hundreds of books that have shaped the way I live my life. Books have so much power, if you let them. They have the ability to pluck you up out of your own world and take you to a different one, one that you can shape in your own mind. Now maybe I love books too much, maybe printed words on paper shouldn't have the ability to move someone as much as they move me, but I can't imagine being without them.

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Doctor Who, one that follows me and never fails to make me smile;

"We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?"

Dark Books

I'm sure most of you, if not all of you, have seen or at least heard of the movie Gone Girl that came out in 2014. Now for those of you who haven't seen it, it was fantastic. It was twisted and crazy and totally insane, but somehow that just made it even better. I left the theater thoroughly mind blown but determined to read the book myself. However, once I started it, I realized that since I knew the ending twist, I couldn't really get into the book. So, I figured I'd try to read a different book of Mrs. Flynn's, hoping that it would be just as incredible as the first. Luckily, I was not disappointed.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Genre: Mystery

Via theimn.cm

Setting: Rural America

Published: 2005

Pages: 348

Now before I begin, I would just like to warn you - this was a very dark book. It was sad and confusing and made me not want to move for days because it took an emotional toll on me (although I admit that I can occasionally get a bit too emotionally invested in the books I read, but still. This one was rough). But hopefully that does not deter you, as this is definitely a book you should try! 

It takes place in a fictional town in Kansas called Kinnakee (I couldn't help thinking of the iconic Grease character). You follow Libby Day, the sole survivor of a believed Satanic massacre in which her whole family, except her and her brother, were brutally murdered. The police pin the tragedy on her brother Ben, who was only a teenager (Libby was only 7). Twenty-five years later, Libby is still without a path in life. She is a loner, who doesn't seem to care about anything or anyone. 

Although she had been living off a fund that had been started when she was younger by generous people who felt for her situation, the money is drying up now that she is 32 years old. Hoping to make extra cash, she agrees to go to the 'Kill Club', a place for murder enthusiasts (studying them, not committing them). Invited by eccentric Lyle, Libby finds herself in a place where people know her history as much as she does, however, they believe her brother was wrongfully convicted.

After that, the book rapidly unfolds. It goes from present day in Libby's point of view to the days leading up the murder, coming from the point of view of Libby, her mother, and Ben.

These viewpoints do not paint a pretty picture of their home life. Patty, Libby's late mother, takes about the trouble she has after her husband leaves her and her kids. The family farm is falling apart, and with no money to upkeep it, they are in a very precarious situation. Ben's story takes us on a journey of a scared boy who will do anything to fit in, even if it means getting involved in a dangerous crowd.

Those stories as the backdrop, paired with Libby's newfound desire to find out what really happened the night of the murders, make it hard to put this book down.

And let me tell you - that ending makes the ending of Gone Girl look as tame as a Disney movie.

I’m a Bookie Here Myself

This week, I decided to read something I’ve never read before; a memoir. Why I have never read one is something I’m not really sure about, I mean, they seem like a perfectly wonderful style of book. So, I picked this book so that I could finally experience the allusive memoir. Then, I realized something else original about this particular book; is also an autobiography (which I haven’t read before either. To be honest, I don’t know the difference between the two) and also non-fiction (which I hate).

I have many reasons for my dislike of non-fiction books, from the idea that they are generally dull to the fact that most books I was forced to read in elementary school were non-fiction; that just left a bad taste in my mouth. My biggest issue with non-fiction is simple- why would I want to read about real life? I live it! I don’t need to read about someone else living their life! With the whole universe of incredible things the human mind can dream up and capture into book, why would I want to read about reality? I don’t know, that’s just how I think of it.

Let’s see what this non-fiction has in store…

Via amazon.com

I’m a Stranger Here Myself  by  Bill Bryson

Genre: Memoir, Autobiography, Non-Fiction

Setting: 1995 United States 

Published: 1999

Pages: 288

Well first off, this was not at all what I was expecting. I didn’t really look too much into this book before I started to read it (I hardly ever do), but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. There isn’t really a main story, only a main plot. Mr. Bryson has just returned to America after almost 2 decades living in England. An American by birth, Mr. Bryson moved to England in his 20s. He got married, and has 4 children there, all of whom moved to America with him. They settle in Hanover, New Hampshire, described by Bryson as, "... it is a friendly, well-ordered, prettily steepled community... Dartmouth College, whose benignly dominate presence give the town a backdrop of graceful buildings... and the presence of five thousand students, not not one of whom can be trusted to cross a road in safety." 

Instead of simply recounting his assimilation back into our culture, each chapter he talks about a different thing that either surprised him or was different than the land across the pond. There are chapters titled “Well, Doctor, I Was Just Trying To Lie Down…” where he expresses his astonishment as to the amount of injuries that result from things like beds, mattresses and pillows. Or his chapter “On Losing A Son” where he gets sentimental about how he has ‘lost’ his son to college, an experience most parents can relate to (I immediately called my dad and told him how much I missed him). My personal favorite is “Rules for Living”. This glorious chapter delves into ideas Mr. Bryson has that would, in his words, “make the world a better place.” Out of the 28 hysterical (and I think very wonderful) rules, my favorite is #1: “It is no longer permitted to be stupid and slow. You must choose one or the other.” I think we can benefit from that one.

This book is almost like his love letter to the U.S. (if love letters occasionally go on rants about how the US Postal System is pale in comparison to the ones in England, and are hysterically funny).

It made me see everyday things in a whole new light. Maybe non-fiction isn’t so bad after all…

Rachel and the French Book

This week's book has a special history with me and my sisters. My older sister Claudia read this book years and years ago, and convinced my younger sister Debra to read it soon after. Once Debra read it, she tried to get me to read it, but I kept saying no. Honestly, I didn't have a reason other than I didn't want to make Debra happy (I used to be a mean older sister). Finally, after years of pleading with me, I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Via amazon.com

Genre: Romance
Setting: Present day Paris
Published: 2010 
Pages: 372

Okay so do you remember in my very first post how I said I love romance books? Well, I've been trying to stay away from them as long as possible so that I could enjoy a wider range of books, but alas, the heart wants what the heart wants. And my heard wanted a cliche romance novel, so here we are.

It's been a while since I've read a book that makes me squeal when something super cute happens and keeps me up until 2 am (much to the dismay of my roommate) to finish it. I actually have photograph evidence, thanks to said roommate.

Now, onto the book. I will try to convince you to read this as Debra tried to convince me, although my argument will be more compelling than hers ("you just HAVE to read it, common!!").

The book starts off with Anna Ophilant, a senior from Atlanta who had just gotten life changing news; she was to spend her senior year of high school in Paris at the School of America in Paris (SOAP for short). Now to me, this seems like a dream come true, but unfortunately for Anna, this is the worst possible news. She is about to start to date a new guy who she has been crushing on all summer, and her and her best friend have plans to have the best year yet, that is, until her father tells her she is off to Paris.

Side note about her father- he is Nicholas Sparks. Which I think is hysterical. Now, it is never really says he is, but it is implied. I wasn't sure at first, but when I brought it up to my sister, she confirmed my suspicion. It really made the book entertaining and interesting.

Now, back to Paris. Anna is terrified and totally alone, but come on, she's is Paris without her parents. Basically my dream (and the dream of most people, I imagine). She quickly befriends her neighbor Meredith, who has a group of talented and interesting friends that welcome Anna into their little group. Among them is Étienne St. Clair, the absurdly attractive English student who is perfect in literary every way- except that he has a girlfriend. But did I mention the British part? The accent?? *swoon*

Me at 1AM finishing the book, the caption has been blurred
 for posterity (complements of my roommate)

It's the pretty classic boy meets girl situation, but boy and girl are in Paris. So it makes everything better and even more romantic. Anna quickly falls for Étienne (not surprising, I fell in love with him too) but since he has a girlfriend, she just remains his friend. But between the lovely trips around Paris and the flirtatious interactions between the two, their relationship is anything but platonic.

It was cliche, cheesy, and sickeningly sweet, but totally wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick and fluffy read that will make them perfectly happy. If you do read it, let me know, I am dying to talk about it. I've just about talked Debra's ear off about it, and as pleased as she is that I've finally read it, I think she is getting sick of hearing about it.

So go, dear readers, and fall in love with Paris (and maybe an English boy along the way).

The Dewey Decimal Code

I couldn't wait to read this book. Dan Brown, an author who has mixed reviews, has an incredible talent of blurring the lines between real facts and conspiracy theories (which is something that generates his mixed reviews). I've read most of his other books, three of which include main character Robert Langdon (Angels and Demons [2000], Inferno [2013], and The Lost Symbol [2009]). This book also follows the intelligent Langdon, but with new comrades, and a new mystery that only he can solve.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Via Wikipedia

Genre: Mystery, conspiracy fiction, thriller
Setting: Present day
Published: 2003 
Pages: 454

I'm always game for a good mystery book, but I love it even more if there's a crazed conspiracy. Luckily, Dan Brown delivers both of these on a silver platter in this novel. He was able to convincingly weave fact with fiction, that I actually found myself sitting in dumbfounded silence questioning my very own beliefs.

The book begins how all good mystery books begin- with a mystifying murder. Harvard Symbologist Robert Langdon is in Paris for a presentation on religious symbology, his dictation as a professor. He gets a visit from the Lieutenant of The Judicial Police force of France (our version of the FBI). Lieutenant Jerome Collet informs Landgon of a murder they need him to consult on, as it involves what they believe to be religious symbols. The victim was curator of the Louvre, found in his very own museum in a horrific manor. When Langdon sees the photos, he says to Collet, "I can't imagine who would do this to someone", to which Collet responds, "You don't understand Mr. Langdon. What you see in this photograph... Monsieur Mauniere [the curator] did that to himself".

Now keep in mind, that chilling exchange happens on page 11. Only page 11! We are in for a wild ride after that, if you couldn't already guess.

The book flips between Langdon and Silas (the murderer). Silas is described as a 'hulking albino', and as we delve deeper into his story, we see he is religion obsessed. And I don't mean he goes to church every Sunday. I mean he believes he is killing in the name of the Lord. A real nutcase. Although his exact reasons for killing Mauniere are not stated until later on, we can tease out that Mauniere, and the three other men that Silas killed before him, were hiding a secret that Silas, and the people he works for, believe is too dangerous to ever be exposed.

Because the book has so many plot twists and "OH MY GOD WHAT' moments (my personal favorite), I can't say much about how it progresses, but I can promise you it is wild.

With the help of French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, she and Langdon are thrown into a trail of clues left by Mauniere before his death, most involving some of the most famous paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci, leading them to a religious conspiracy as old as the Catholic religion itself.

Let me tell you, it is a crazy conspiracy. Being a Catholic myself, I had to be sure to not get too invested in it, as I believe the conspiracy is entirely untrue. However, if you can keep the distinction between fact and fiction separate, it really is a genius book, and it's a great book to keep you interested while you relax on the beach (or your couch) this spring break!!

 Happy Reading!   

The Game of Books

"When you play the Game of Books, you read, or you die." - George R.R. Martin, probably

Full disclosure, I am a Game of Thrones nerd. I've seen every episode at lease three times and I can talk for hours on end about any aspect of the series. I love it.

Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of reading the books as there are a lot, they are quite long, and I know exactly what happens in them. However, I believe a true fan reads the book as well as watches the show (or the movie). And I am of the opinion that the books are almost always better than their movie adaptations. With this mentality, I went right into the first book.

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin 

via iceandfire.wikia.com

Genre: Fantasy, Political Strategy, Epic Fantasy  
Setting: Fantasy World 
Published: 1996
Pages: 674


First off, I'd like to debunk a common misconception; the series is not called Game of Thrones. That is only the name of book one. The actual series is called A Song of Ice and Fire. I know, I was as shocked as you are.

But anyway, WOW. This book was fantastic, even though I knew what was going to happen. The way Mr. Martin was able to create a whole fantasy world around the reader was very impressive. It's one thing to see it in the show, but it's a whole other to have to visualize it yourself in your head. Somehow, things were more vivid in my mind then I remember seeing them on TV. I loved seeing each character described, as each has a very distinct and complicated personality that took a while to develop (which Mr. Martin was able to do masterfully).

The book toggles between 8 characters; Bran, Catelyn, Daenerys, Eddard, Jon, Arya, Tyrion, and Sansa. Their stories are all vastly different, but each delves deeper into their personality and into their unique stories. It's hard to talk about each story without giving anything away, since there are so many twists within the first few chapters alone, but I can tell you this; Daenerys is my absolute favorite person ever. Her story is so heartbreaking but empowering, and I would flip ahead to see when her story would come next (not that the other stories weren't equally as enticing).

Daenerys via fanpop.cm

Compared to the show, I do have to say they did a very good job keeping it to the book. There were whole scenes that were verbatim from the book, which is impressive. However, there were some glaring differences that were made (I think) to make the book less disturbing. Characters were made older, which made certain scenes somewhat less shocking. However, neither the book or the show are family friendly. At all. Both are very gory and incredibly inappropriate so it was difficult to read at times, but soooooo worth it. Also, had I not watched the series first, I would have been incredibly confused because there were so many characters with so many overlapping stories.

All in all, I'll definitely finish the series (even though I know what will happen) because the books are a lot more detailed and interesting than the show. I won't be posting a review on my blog about each one, as anything I say past the basics will give away a information about the story, and I don't want to ruin it for anyone, because it is AMAZING. Literally my MIND was BLOWN almost every episode. There was one twist that was so unexpected that I gasped loud enough to wake up my roommate (it was 3 AM, one doesn't simply fall asleep while in the throws of a good episode of Game of Thrones). Thon weekend probably isn't the best time to start this series because you will be glued to it and you won't make it to Thon. But definitely read it at some point, or at least watch the show.

And hey, if you do, let me know; I'm always up for a good GoT discussion!

Just Keep Bookin'

This week, I took a more serious turn. After Fight Club, I wanted to read something inspiring, something gut wrenching, but something strong. I actually had the book in my room the whole time- I had brought it from home in the hopes that I would have the chance to finally read it. And luckily, the time came. After a quick search on the Penn State Library data base to be sure they carried it (they do!), I was off.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption  by Laura Hillenbrand
Genere: Non-Fiction 

Setting: World War II

 Published: 2010

Via newportbeachindy.com

Pages: 398

I was hooked by page 4. I remember thinking to myself, "oh man, I'm in for a good one". I would be horribly remiss if I didn't address the most amazing thing about this book; the writing style.
Personally, I think that is the most important thing about a book, it can make or break it. You could have the most interesting plot in the know literary universe, but if it isn't conveyed properly, it will fall flat. Luckily for me (and you who choose to read it), Hillenbrand is a goddess among writers. I can tell you the exact lines that prove my point too.

 "...The ship passed over Nuremberg, where fringe politician Adolf Hitler, whose Nazi Party had been trounced in the 1928 elections, had just delivered a speech touting selective infanticide. Then it flew east of Frankfurt, where a Jewish woman named Edith Frank was caring for her newborn, a girl named Anne..." (page 4)

With those few lines, the setting was established, and my heart was invested. I mean seriously, that is some beautiful writing. Thus began three days of only moving to go to class, sleep, and occasionally eat (if I could tear myself away from the book for long enough). To be honest, I did bring it to the dining hall one night, to the confusion of my friends. I felt emotionally attached to this book, and it's pretty clear to see why.


It preface opens with three men, apparently shipwrecked, about to be attacked by Japanese pilots. Only one full page in length, it sets an ominous tone for the book. However, then Part I begins, and you are thrown back to August 26th, 1929 where you meet Louis Zamperini. One of 4 children (two girls, two boys) born to Italian immigrants, Louie is thieving and uncontrollable. Hillenbrand masterfully recounts his youth, having done a copious amount of research by both working with Mr. Zamperini, and talking to anyone who knew him. This weaves a wonderfully rich, and at times amusing, tale of a boy, who eventually becomes a man.

Without giving too much away, I will say this; Louie Zamperini could run. Coached by his older (and by Louie's account 'better') brother Pete, Louie is able to channel his childhood rambunctiousness into training for a multitude of track events, and then finding his niche in distance running. A whole swell of amazing things happen from there (you'll have to read the book to find out what!), but then the war comes.

This is where the book gets difficult. Without giving anything away, I can say this much; Louise joins the war, and has to go to hell and back to get home.War is horrific. And as I've said before, Hillenbrand has a knack for writing things just as they are. I'd advise anyone who is squeamish or anxious to take care; this is not a book that can be taken lightly. It will take you to the deepest parts of humanity, so be prepared.

That being said, it is not a book that will every leave you, nor will you want it to. It is a story of, as the title promises, 'Survival, Resilience, and Redemption'. Interspersed are helpful footnotes that give the reader a better understanding of the world in which the books takes place, as well as pictures to give faces to the heroic men who's stories adorn the pages of this book.

Unbroken was one of the most powerful books I've ever had the pleasure of reading, and I urge all of you to give it a go yourself.