At the Movies: 3 Lessons from "Apes"

Alright, I'm totally not going to lie - I originally, when I saw the trailer for the first time, thought "there is no way I'm seeing that! Monkeys..really?!" And I've thought that every single time they've created a new reboot of the Ape movies.

BUT GUYS - I was wrong. 

"War for the Planet of the Apes" was fantastic. It was action packed, endearing, heartfelt, crazy, and just about exactly what you want to see in a movie. I was pleasantly surprised..in the best way.

(AS PER USUAL..SPOILERS AHEAD)

Sitting in the theater though, I had a few thoughts. I'm sure I'm the only one who listens to dialogue and goes "oh man..that's good..I need to apply that in my own life." Yup, I'm well aware it's a movie. It's not real. BUT - I've always felt, fairly strongly, that the Lord comes to me through my favorite things. He's met me on runs, he plays my favorite songs on the radio when I'm sad, and I've felt him through actors portraying all kinds of things. That may just be me - but here's a few things I gathered from "War" that I think you need to hear too.

1. So there's this darling little monkey that the main characters (main apes?) come across hiding in the middle of nowhere. He came, not from the virus (y'all, there's a lot of backstory that I'm not even going to touch..), but from a zoo. You figure out that while he was at the zoo, his trainer (or keeper) called him a "bad ape". He introduced himself as "Bad Ape". It got me thinking about how, in my own life, and in others, we're told something. Most of the time it's bad..but it doesn't really have a hold on you until you start believing it. Until you start introducing yourself as it. My friend has a quote on a sticky note in her car that says something along the lines of "things don't have significance until you give them significance". You can (and probably will) be told many things in your life, but they don't get a hold of you unless you let them. (Don't let them..) 

This is "Bad Ape". He wears a puffer vest and beanie most of the movie. 

And he was hilarious. Best part of the movie.

2. Woody Harrelson (who is a treasure and a treat to watch, always) plays the bad guy (which he and his biceps do so well..seriously, you should see his biceps in this one!) Come to find out, the virus that originally killed all the humans is dormant in the rest that are still alive, and once activated, brings you back to a more primitive state. Anything that separates us from the beasts (mainly the power of speech) is taken away. I kept thinking that sometimes, if we live in darkness too long (be the bad guy), the thing we're afraid of (and they're always afraid of something) usually overtakes us in the end. There's always consequences to actions. You can't run from things. You're responsible. And there's always light to overcome the dark. Always.

OH HAY Woody's biceps..

3. And lastly - there's something the Apes all do (that felt a little like the three fingers that the Districts held up in "Hunger Games" - saying they believed in you..) The apes said: "Apes together are strong" with a little hand signal. Not only did I think about how I'm always trying to solo EVERYTHING (I'm working on it), but as a country, right now, we're trying to figure out ways to push each other away. We're picking sides instead of choosing each other. The only way that we're going to make a difference in our daily lives is to stick together. That's the only way we'll be strong. We always think we can do it by ourselves, but, until we figure out "together", we'll never be as strong as we could be.

See this movie if:

1. You enjoyed the other ones. I'm sure they're comparable.
I'll have to rent them to find out.

2. You want to see Andy Serkis and Woody Harrelson absolutely blow you away.
Cuz they will. Even as a monkey Andy will rock your face off.

3. You're a fan of FANTASTIC special effects! 

Have you guys seen it yet? Let me know your thoughts!

C

Book Reviews: June 2017

June's books were a mixed bag with mixed reviews. One I really liked, one I totally disliked (that EVERYONE liked..at least the tv version of it) and a few meh's. Let's get down to business then, huh?

1// November 9th by Colleen Hoover

This was one of my meh's. The story is boy meets girl the day before she moves cross country - they spend the entire day together - and then plan on seeing each other (because someone..ahem, the girl) doesn't want to commit after 24 hours (and I agree..but, long distance does work for some people!) and they decide to meet on the same day the following few years. The story itself was semi-interesting, but it felt entirely too much like I had read it before. It was too "One Day" by David Nichols for me.

3 out of 5 stars. 

Would recommend for fans of Hoover, but maybe not to everyone.

2// The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney

This one was billed for fans of "The Girl on the Train" and "Gone Girl"..and sure, I guess so, but it just felt like a cheap knock off. It really was as if one of those (WAY BETTER) books mated with "50 Shades of Grey". Yup, I did say that. And I definitely wasn't a fan. I really just tried to rush through it because it was our book club's book for next month, and I had to know the ending - or I wouldn't have finished it. Yawn.

2 stars out of 5.

Would recommend for..no one. I don't want to be responsible for that.

3// Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire): Stories on Growing Up, Looking for Love, and Walking Down the Aisle for Complete Strangers by Jen Glantz

I felt like Jen was someone you could hang out with and brunch (brunch with?) while reading. She was fairly witty, not self conscious and full of Jewish jokes. Her book wasn't terrible, but it isn't for the self proclaimed book snob. It's definitely a light beach read type of book. And I actually found what she does for a living super interesting.

3 out of 5 stars.

Would recommend for romantic comedy fans of "27 Dresses" or "My Best Friend's Wedding".

4// Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

UGH.

After the utter hysteria of the Netflix series, I told myself I would read the book first - to see if I would like it, and then proceed with the tv show. Needless to say, I haven't seen the tv show.

I actually could spend an amount of time writing my thoughts about this book, but I'll try to limit myself here. 

Self harm, depression and suicide are not to be messed with. The pain is so different for different people. And..that being said, what happened to Hannah..I don't believe it to be reasons to kill herself. I believe her to be selfish and uncaring to the ramifications if she did cease to exist. And then she tried to pin everything on everyone else - especially the main character - which, I didn't understand at all. "I love you..but your totally a reason too.." 

2 out of 5 stars.

Wouldn't recommend. It wasn't even that sad.

5// Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley

"Words" wins the medal of best book I read in June! It's about book lovers (YES..UNITE!), lover lovers and the messes we get ourselves into because of love. I'm not even going to write anymore about it because 1) I loved it and 2) I don't want to give anything away.

4 out of 5 stars.

Would recommend: to fellow lovers and fellow book lovers. (do you think I said lovers enough in the post? Probs not.)

And there you have it! 5 for the month of June - and 29 for the year. (Actually, I just finished one like 5 minutes ago..so, 30.)

Any books I should add to my list? Let me know.

C

Letters to "Riverdale": Season 1

So, friends, my recent Netflix binge was a teen drama (I LOVE TEEN DRAMAS) called "Riverdale". It's based on the Archie comics from years ago - and I'd say "loosely based" - and I thought I'd write my thoughts out in letter form (just to mix things up!) And as always, *spoilers ahead*.

Dear "Riverdale", 

I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you.

Dear Archie,

I had a hard time with your character at times. You indecisiveness drove me bananas. You're allowed to like both sports and music - let Troy Bolton be your spirit animal in season 2 please. #wereallinthistogether

Dear Betty,

Besides the minor slip up with the jerky football player (what was his name anyway?), I thought your character grew the most during the season. You grew a bit of a backbone and went after what you wanted. But, I also think you have hardcore anxiety and should see a counselor..but that's just me.

P.S. I'm a HUGE fan of you and Jughead. HUGE.

Dear Veronica,

I'm thoroughly glad we moved on from you trying to be the ultimate vixen/mean girl/kissing girls for fun situation that was at the start of the season. You tried (and failed at times) to become a better person, and I liked that. 

Dear Jughead,

I LOVE YOU. That's all. I totally look forward to season 2. I can't wait for you to start your life into the Serpents..or your struggle with it. Whatevs, I look forward to it anyway.

P.S. What kind of name is Jughead?

(also, SAME)

Dear parents of Riverdale children,

You're way more bananas than you have the right to be. That's the crappy part of growing up somewhere and then staying - you're the same person your entire life. You never, EVER get to grow up and move on, because there's always going to be someone who remembers high school. That really sucks for you. But you crazy. Every. Single. One. Of. You.

P.S. I did not expect you Mr. Blossom, at all. You're a good actor, pal.

Dear Miss Grunky,

Or whatever the hell your name is. The "hot for teacher"/"you being a pedophile for a 16 year old" is done, done and overdone. Glad you left. Girl bye.

Dear Cheryl,

Besides being a clone of Lydia from "Teen Wolf" (another teen drama worth watching y'all), I kind of loved watching you be a train wreck. I hope season 2 brings more craziness and you rocking the red lip. Thanks girl.

Dear Josie (and the Pussycats),

Girl you entitled and mean. I don't know what to do with it. 

P.S. Valerie should sing lead.

Dear Kevin,

You get a gold star for being the token gay with the witty comments! Gold stars all around!

and Dear writers/producers of the show:

Some thoughts:

1. The characters need a little more oomph next season. 

A little more substance, a little less crazy.

2. Molly Ringwald as Archie's mom totally threw me off. 

I wouldn't mind if she wasn't in the show again.

3. I approve of any and all sartorial choices. Knocked it out of the park!

4. Please keep Betty and Jughead together. I ship it. I need it.

5. I'm totally digging the 1950's meets Stranger Things meets the Breakfast Club vibe.

<3

C

5 Thoughts on "Everything, Everything"

Last nights solo movie date was to "Everything, Everything". It is based on a YA novel by Nicola Yoon. It follows the story of Maddy (who has a rare immune disease) as she falls for Olly. There's a few other things that happen, but I definitely don't feel like spoiling that tonight.

BUT - I do have some thoughts, so let's do that instead.

1. Amandla Stenberg (Maddy) and Nick Robinson (Olly) were great choices. Both are cute kiddos who were equal parts good looking and awkward. I mean wasn't that everyone's high school experience - being both good looking AND awkward? 

I was just awkward.

2. It had a great soundtrack. Which, if you've read this blog long enough is 100% how I judge any movie - ever. My favorites from this movie?

"Howling" by Ry Cumming

"Heartbeats" by Jose Gonzales

"Stay" by Zedd ft Alessia Cara

3. I actually super enjoyed the styling in the movie - from Amandla's outfits 

to the set-ups with the astronaut (which, is something you only truly understand if you've read the book..and I can't find a picture! Sad.)

to Hawaii

everything was styled beautifully and almost flawlessly. 

(ESPECIALLY AMANDLA'S BEAUTIFULLY WILD HAIR. Girl ROCKED it.)

4. It did a decent job of sticking to the original story. There were a few things that I noticed (which is both a blessing and a curse of reading a book before seeing the movie), but I think, for a movie that gets a B (maybe a B+) from me..it did a good job.

5. You should see it if: you enjoy a teen romance movie, a coming of age story, or just want to see something that has no blood, guts, or cursing in it. It really was just two kids who fall in love through an interesting circumstance. Positive, sweet and awkward.

Have a great evening!

C

Monday's Mixtape 4.23.17

Sup dudes?

Today's mix is just a few things I've picked up over the last few days that I can't stop listening to, so let's listen - yeah?! 

1// "Sooner or Later" by Aaron Carter

Now, before you get all judge-y..give it a listen. When I listened to it at first I was pleasantly surprised! It's on repeat during my workouts. I kinda love it.

2// "Humble & Kind" by Lori McKenna

Now, I know it's not the original (and hey Tim McGraw, I do like your version) but Lori's (much) slower version is soothing.

3// "Legend" by The Score

They sound a LOT like Imagine Dragons. It'll be another frequent of my running playlists - it just gets you pumped up!

4// "Somebody Else" by The 1975

This is easily one of my favorite songs right now. It was featured on "The Edge of Seventeen" soundtrack (which was SO DISAPPOINTING - I need to blog about it, but haven't..because it was crap) and it was definitely the bright spot in the soundtrack. It's a bummer lyrically, but, I just kind of dig it.

5// "Broken Halos" by Chris Stapleton

I just really want to be best friends with Chris. And to see him live. 

I'd take either. Just saying.

So, whatcha listening to this week?! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think I should be listening to!

C

Thoughts On: "The Office"

I know what your first thought is - it's 2017, why are you talking about a show that ended 4 years ago?! Well, my friends..I actually am just now getting around to seeing it.

Go ahead, be shocked.

Honestly though, I don't really have a reason. I've seen a ton of episodes over the years, but this was the first time I sat down and watched them in order. 

Let's get started then, hmm?

My Favorite Episode(s):

1. The Christmas ones. Every. Single. One. 

2. The first Dundie's when Pam says "I feel God in this Chilis." It's so classic.

3. And Jim and Pam's wedding. That whole speech where Jim talks about the church being Plan A and all that..I swoon every single time.

My Favorite Relationships:

1. Pam and Dwight: 

Yup, you read that right. I love that by the end, she is the one he trusts so much - and she has such a soft spot for him. I felt like they needed each other.

2. Pam and Jim: 

OBVIOUSLY. It's like blasphemy if you watch the show and you don't root for them.

3. Phyllis and Bob Vance:

 Even when they're weirdly doing it in the bathroom at the restaurant. 

They look at each other like you want to be looked at by someone you love.

4. Oscar and Angela:

I guess this is mostly because of the end. They were everything the other didn't love (or didn't understand), but they needed each other and they never questioned it. They just jumped with both feet.

Characters I Didn't Like:

1. Meredith: everything about her is so sloppy.

 2. Jan: PSYCHO. And she cared SO little about Michael. If I said the B word on my blog, I'd say it about her.

3. Gabe: What an absolute CREEPER.

4. Ryan: Everything about him is pretentious. And he was never funny to me. I think if I met BJ Novak on the street, I'd probably trip him. I think that little of him.

5. Karen: she's the other woman. Why would I like her? (I also don't like her in Parks and Rec. She just isn't my favorite in general.)

6. Robert California: EW. Ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew.

7. Todd Packer: but I feel like that goes without saying.

My Favorite Characters (that aren't Jim and Pam):

1. KEVIN: HE IS THE BEST EVER. 

2. Stanley: His grumpy little self is my spirit animal.

3. Darryl: He just gets better and better as the episodes go by. And that final episode where he dances with everyone? LOVE.

Story Lines I Loved:

1. The lead up until Jim finally makes a move. YES. #praisehands

And then I'm glad for Jim and Pam's story after that too. How they continued to fight for each other - instead of giving up when it got hard.

2. Jim and Dwight at the end. Just becoming BFFS - like you knew they would.

3. Erin. I was super surprised at this one - I thought I was going to get annoyed with her after 10 minutes - but I'm so glad they kept her. She became her own person, she loved everyone so fiercely, and then she finally got to meet her parents at the end. That made me cry as well. So sweet.

4. Angela and Dwight - well, mostly just the end. His deceleration that he would love any child from anyone of her lovers (ha!). I cried. It was ridiculous. They belong together.

5. "Threat Level Midnight"..because, obviously. 

Story Line I Didn't Love:

1. Anything to do with Jan or Robert California. GO AWAY.

2. Andy acting like a jerk when Nellie came around and he was named manager. I And then promptly left for 3 months. I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU.

3. The cheating: Ryan and Kelly, Stanley and his wife, the Senator and Angela. It was just too much, and it wasn't funny.

Final Thoughts:

I'm actually a little upset that I'm sitting here wondering what I'm going to do now that I'm finished. I'm still pretty much #TeamParksAndRec - but..I kind of loved "The Office" as well. The characters fleshed out in such a real way. I felt like (most of the time) they had real problems with real struggles and solutions. And it wasn't this big group of conventionally beautiful or talented people. They were just a crew that really just loved each other. Maybe not always, but they were each other's biggest support systems at times. I liked that.

I'm glad I gave "The Office" the time of day, and I totally understand why it's so iconic and loved by so many people.

And fine..

INCLUDING ME. 

I loved it. I did.

- C

At The Movies: 5 Thoughts On "Life"

I know, I know - it's been a minute since I last was here, right? Well..I'm baAAACK!

Let's talk "LIFE" shall we? If you aren't familiar with the newest Ryan Reynolds flick (because, let's be honest - that's the only reason I went to see it..) here is the trailer:

And if you still aren't sure what it's about, here's a synopsis:

"A team of scientist aboard the International Space Station discover a rapidly evolving life form, that caused extinction on Mars, and now threatens the crew and all life on Earth." 

(via IMDB)

I KNOW, right?

So I've got a few things to say about it (and I'm going to be honest and they aren't all diamonds) so let's get started! As usual, **SPOILERS AHEAD**

1// I have a hard time believing Ryan would be the first one to die in any situation. I really, really do. He plays the smart ass (because, what other character does he know?) with a savior complex, and he ends up dying first. It's really ridiculous.

2// I would never EVER go to space. I know some kids have that at the top of their list, but I definitely don't. Being sucked out into the universe, space rocks, TERRIFYING ALIENS, no oxygen..I mean, WHO WANTS THAT?!

3// The movie is slow. Even with all the build up and the scary creature - it's slow. It felt like it took an eternity to even GET to the scary alien, so I sort of lost interest in the middle. (until the alien sucked all the muscle and bone off some guys leg..YES)

4// One astronaut DROWNS..because that's a THING in SPACE. Something happens with her suit (while outside the space station) and her suit fills up with water. Who even knew that was possible? I sure didn't.

AND

5// I GUESSED THE ENDING. I'm really quite proud of myself, because most movies are totally able to stump me..and this one didn't. And let's just say the ending..it sucks.

Now, the real question is: should you see it? 

While I thoroughly enjoy Ryan Reynolds in all his forms, he wasn't 100% able to save this one for me. It's slow, and while the premise is really cool - they don't quite pull it off. AND it has a predictable ending. So, all in all, I'd wait til the DVD comes out.

Have a great weekend!

C

Book Review: Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

 

Another adventure in listening to books in the car as opposed to listening to the radio..and this adventure was:

 

Courtesy of Goodreads.com:

"Eilis Lacey has come of age in small-town Ireland in the hard years following World War Two. When an Irish priest from Brooklyn offers to sponsor Eilis in America -- to live and work in a Brooklyn neighborhood "just like Ireland" -- she decides she must go, leaving her fragile mother and her charismatic sister behind.

Eilis finds work in a department store on Fulton Street, and when she least expects it, finds love. Tony, who loves the Dodgers and his big Italian family, slowly wins her over with patient charm. But just as Eilis begins to fall in love with Tony, devastating news from Ireland threatens the promise of her future."

  

I wrote "sweet, uncertain, and beautifully (yet simply) written. I loved it." as my Goodreads review, and it's true. That's exactly what I thought of it. I've heard many people talk about it's simple nature. It's "cardboard cut out characters" and it's lack of a fast pace.

And I don't necessarily disagree with them.

Most of the time though, when I listen to a book as opposed to reading it, I'm drawn into it. It all becomes more alive, more real as I'm being lulled into the story. 

I like a good "coming of age" story - I've always been drawn to them. I guess that's why I'm still reading YA Fiction instead of moving onto classics (that's what you're supposed to be reading at my age apparently..)

It was sweet, but slow.

It was uncertain, but there was hope.

It was simple, but you had the desire to finish it.

And it was beautifully written. 

That's all. The end.

 

“In this waking time his presence, once so solid, lacked any substance or form; it was merely a shadow at the edge of every moment of the day and night.” 

It just reminds me of people that have come in and out of your life. They were once such a part, but now it almost feels like phantom limb. They don't help you anymore. They start to not matter as much. Life goes on. On and on. 

“In the morning, she was not sure that she had slept as much as lived a set of vivid dreams, letting them linger so that she would not have to open her eyes and see the room.” 

I think we've all had that moment. Regardless of circumstances.

 “She has gone back to Brooklyn,' her mother would say. And, as the train rolled past Macmire Bridge on its way towards Wexford, Eilis imagined the years already when these words would come to mean less and less to the man who heard them and would come to mean more and more to herself. She almost smiled at the thought of it, then closed her eyes and tried to imagine nothing more.”

SPOILER ALERT: this is the last sentence of the story. And it didn't exactly end like I thought it would - but I think the beautiful part of it was that after all she had been through, she was able to make a decision and go when she needed to. 

I'm thinking of getting rid of this part of my review..because it's not like I have real reasons every time. You just should. I think I'd stick with the audio book for this one though. And I'm looking forward to seeing the movie finally too! I'll let you know what I think of it too :)

C

At the Movies With: "The Fundamentals of Caring"

It's been a while, right? Life has included a lot of big changes, and while I don't talk about those..I do miss writing. I watched a movie today, "The Fundamentals of Caring" that I feel HAS to be talked about. Mostly because I found myself laughing out loud during it.

The trailer:

The positives:

1// The relationship between Craig Roberts (a wonderful little English man who is hilarious) and Paul Rudd. They play patient and caregiver. Each spewing sarcasm and developing a deeper relationship than they even realize. It's sweet.

2// And then you add Selena, who plays "rough and tumble" Dot. I say that with a bit of sarcasm, because a filthy mouth doesn't exactly make you rough. She adds a different element to the movie that I really did enjoy having her.

3// The "John Green element". The story is straight out of a John Green novel - and really, you have to know that anything JG touches turns to gold. I'd be interested in reading the novel this is based on, for sure.

4// The soundtrack. You know I love a good soundtrack.

The negatives:

1// The story is SAD. While it makes for a good emotional pull, you really do feel a lot for Rudd's character - and even for Robert's character. You become sad for the things people go through..how life beats them up. Good thing we're all tougher than we seem.

Wait, that's all I have for negatives :)

It's a simple road trip movie with simple characters who care deeply for each other. They're messed up, messy, and talented - the whole lot of them. It's the type of film, like the Breakfast Club, where you so want to be apart of it by the end. And one you hope the actor's became best friends by the end.  Or is that just me? I know it's acting, but geez..I want everyone to be best friends.

I think I'm getting sappy in my old age.

Anyway, I loved it. If you're looking for a feel good film - you need this one in your life. Head over to Netflix and get your watch on!

C

Fun Found Things: Pt 2!

Remember that time I used to blog? Yeah, I don't really either. Life is bananas right now..I'm throwing around the word "coping" a lot..and I had Chick-fil-a three nights for dinner this last week. So, I don't exactly have a lot to update y'all on (maybe when things have quieted down a little), but, after reading through some of my blogs..I've got a few things that HAVE to be shared.

 1// 49 PHRASES to Calm An Anxious Child.

But for real, it's for adults too.

2// What? FITNESS PROS are insecure too?

Obviously, they're human. I just don't think people think they do. 

3// Living with BIG EMOTIONS.

The third solid read in a row. I loved all three. So applicable to my life right now.

4// There's new flavors of M&MS!

Spoiler alert: they're all bad. The Everywhereist always says exactly what we're all thinking.

5// Places to go: The TREE CHURCH!

Uh, can I just live in the tree church? Because I wanna.

and, a song:

Oh, because you've been listening to something OTHER than Lemonade this week? 

Liar.

Also:

1. Those are CHILDREN. Except for the guy with the dreads at the beginning. He does by Wildebeast..he does all the choreography. 

2. The girl in the purple..right?!

K, byeeeeee

C

Book Review: "Weightless" by Sarah Bannan

I feel like I haven't posted in such a long time! I've actually read a few since last posting, but none really worth mentioning. SUCH a bummer. It's probably my reason for listening to "Goblet of Fire" in my car. It's reliable.

Today I'll be talking about:

From Goodreads.com: "When 15-year-old Carolyn moves from New Jersey to Alabama with her mother, she rattles the status quo of the junior class at Adams High School. A good student and natural athlete, she’s immediately welcomed by the school’s cliques. She’s even nominated to the homecoming court and begins dating a senior, Shane, whose on again/off again girlfriend Brooke becomes Carolyn’s bitter romantic rival. When a video of Carolyn and Shane making out is sent to everyone, Carolyn goes from golden girl to slut, as Brooke and her best friend Gemma try to restore their popularity. Gossip and bullying hound Carolyn, who becomes increasingly private and isolated. When Shane and Brooke—now back together—confront Carolyn in the student parking lot, injuring her, it’s the last attack she can take." 

UGH.

I really genuinely wish I hadn't read this all the way through. Doesn't that synopsis just make you question my taste with choosing what I read? I would.

Needless to say, this book was a BEATING. First, the narrator speaks in a first person plural. "We think this.." "We knew this.." It's kind of interesting, but mostly it makes things confusing and tires you out. You're just left wondering who they're talking about.

Secondly, it ends exactly how you think it will. Think about it. What do you think Carolyn will do at the end? Will someone save her? No. Will she save herself? No. I kept hoping that she would pick herself up or have someone change her mind. I know..by golly I know that depression is hard. Whatever you're feeling, no one can truly understand that. I know. But there was a point where positive light was found, only to be trashed and blown out again.

My heart hurts for kids like Carolyn. Kids who can't see past the situation..and who really can blame them? With your cellphones able to capture video..and Facebook being ever present. Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat. It's all there and it's used and used. You're not safe from anything. Even Snapchat has ways for you to save images. It doesn't just go away..not if someone doesn't want it to. 

And these kids..they don't get a break from it. It's a constant. And it can be anonymous. What kind of trash is that? Where you can say whatever you want, whenever you want and it be covered because you didn't own up to it? It's hard. It's so unbelievably hard. 

And this book..it didn't say anything. It didn't do anything. There wasn't one good person in it. It was a waste of paper. She didn't once say "it's okay to feel sad, but never EVER think that your life doesn't mean anything..that you'll never get out of this place and this season." 

Not once. And it's a damn shame.

You have to use the platform when you have it. Otherwise it's just a waste.

Let's go ahead and say..I didn't have any favorites, but this quote stuck out:

"We thought it would never feel better, that this would stay around our necks forever. We'd carry it with us to college, and to our first jobs, and into our marriages, and bestow it on our children and then our grandchildren. Not a gift, but a curse, or just a heavy stone that you picked up as a child and never took out of your pocket. Later, when things did start to feel more normal, the guilt would kick in: You did something horrible. And you are too horrible to even realize it." 

It sums up exactly what I've been saying and feeling towards this book. No sympathy, no empathy, no heroes. I know life isn't about saving one another, or even about the underdogs all the time - but what's the point of life if all your energies are flooded into just you. You wouldn't do anything. You wouldn't change anything. Again, such a waste.

I don't recommend this book. Not even a little bit, and there have been a few others that I haven't finished or I've totally disliked that I've skipped talking about. This one needs to be talked about. You need to hear about empathy, and you need to get some. You need to be reminded that being in high school sucks, but it doesn't forever, and you will come out the other side. And you need to know that you don't need to brandish a knife and stab someone to kill them. There are other ways - and you need to be reminded that it is NEVER okay to treat someone the way Carolyn was treated.

Never.

C