Reading Log: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

16% into The Perks of Being a WallFlower 
Charlie is the main character and narrator of this book. His unique letters to someone unknown is hilarious and devastating. His diction and writing style fits perfectly for his stages in high school. We get to see him grow, experience, and break down in his writing. He doesn't give much information as to where he lives and to whom he is writing to, but he does share with us his world, and that has been enough and more. His letters are humorous, saddening, and sometimes frightening recounts of high school experiences from observing the arenas of sex and drugs to first dates and mixed tapes. I've found this novel that all of us can relate to in some way. I look forward to Charlie's roller coaster journey.

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice

The plot deals with the five Bennet sisters, whose fanatic mother obsesses over marrying off the girls as quickly and as advantageously as possible. Her only concern is to have her daughters financially secure by marriages to wealthy and "ideal" men. A happy marriage filled with unconditional love is foreign matter to Mrs. Bennet.

Most of the action of the novel centers on the two eldest Bennet girls: dutiful Jane and practical, quick-witted Elizabeth. These sisters are occupied chiefly in damage control against the various disastrous almost-engagements set up by their mother, by chance, or by mere follies. Jane and Elizabeth pine after their various objects of affection: the dashing yet befuddled Charles Bingley for Jane, and the grave, calculating Mr. Darcy for Elizabeth.

It's Elizabeth and Darcy that really drive the plot through a combination of their compatibility and their total inability to get together due to stubbornness, pride, and prejudice. Once the two characters break down their barriers, try to understand one another, and receive all the facts about one another, they (especially Elizabeth) realize and acknowledge the undeniable love and respect they have for one another.

Book Review: The Fault In Our Stars

Throughout the whole book, I laughed, tensed up, and cried without restrain. I fell in love with the characters of the story, especially the philosophical pair, Hazel and Augustus. Their humor and love kept me clinging onto my kindle for more, and I never lost touch with the story. Although the plot revolves around cancer patients, there is much more significance to the novel then just a regular "cancer book."

At the age of 12, Hazel was diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer. Until the age of 14 when she received a medical miracle that shrunk her tumors in her lungs, she was prepared to die, and even later she still feels that sense of nearing to death.

As a 16 year old now, she is attending college early, and has lost the opportunity to partake in high school experiences ever since she was diagnosed. She has a small circle of friends and she still lives under the care of her parents (which can sometimes be tiresome for her). Even though she can live for a long time (shorter than for healthy individuals), she must live with this oxygen tank tethered to her.

Every wednesday, Hazel attends a support group meeting held at this church. During one of the meetings, a new person appears. The stranger is Augustus Waters. He is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, very interested in Hazel. Being with this whimsical and equally intelligent guy will carry her on an unexpected destination and a long-overdue journey. The time she spends with Augustus will not bring her extreme happiness, but will also push her to re-examine all aspects of life and death. Their close relationship will teach her and the readers the defining significance of human life.