Book Nook

YOU GUYS I FINISHED THE THIRD BOOK IN THE OZ SERIES. It really is getting intense y'all. I am 3/4 complete and I just started book 4. But that is not what I am here to talk about. I am here to review book 3: Yellow Brick War.

This book was so intense. It had dimension switches, battles, and a lil bit of love. All my favorite things. Amy thought the fight was over when she winded back up in Kansas, but the order had another idea in mind. Find Dorothy's shoes and get back to Oz. So that is what this is about. A mystery that introduces a new villain and brings back an old one.

This book was a great way to keep the series interesting. Usually by book 3 you get bored because it's not the beginning so it is not as intriguing and you just want to know what happens, but it isn't the end yet. However, BAM book third kept me going. Reading like 50 pages in like 20 minutes. I actually felt like I was a character. Feeling the emotions and seeing the sights as Amy, Nox, and the witches.

I highly suggest you start this series. The 4th book just came out this month and this year, so it's fresh off the press. And hey hollywood still has time to maybe pick it up as a movie. They've been loving sequels these days. I'm obsessed and you should be too!!!

Favorite character: Amy killing it always.

Favorite Quotes: "I was tired of everything. Of fighting, of running, of losing."

"Caring too much only meant you were that much easier to hurt."

"Good ahead and look, I thought. They should look. Because whatever they thought happened to me while I had been gone, the truth was so much crazier. And anyway, I wasn't here to run for prom queen. I was here to save the Whole. Damn. World. The only annoying thing was that these people would never even know it."

"The more things change, the more they stay the same."

"The world I grew up in is gone too, I said quietly. But that doesn't mean I'm going to give up on it. Because if you give up -- then what is there left to live for?"

"You always have a choice."

"Kindness can be a weakness too."

A Note To The Volleyball Player I Used To Be

I'd like to first start this out by letting you know I miss you. I miss you a whole lot. You were one of the biggest parts of who I was and still am today. Its been so long that sometimes I miss the soreness that makes my legs ache and the red burns that sting as soon as I take a shower. I miss sacrificing my body for the ball and running towards it even if I knew it was out of my reach. It sucks because I remember you like it was yesterday. It was a time where you were everything that I ever thought about. Without it I feel like a part of me is missing.

I remember the first time I picked up a volleyball. I was watching my sister play and she let me mess around with her while see practiced. I was so young, but I was so intrigued. I wanted to learn everything the sport had to offer. I never let you go after that. I continued to play and play till I got good enough to try out for a real team. 

I remember the joy of winning a match that you fought for with your blood, sweat, and tears. A game that you know you deserved. You are so out of breath but you can hear the screaming and cheering erupting from everyone. The glory is shining in your eyes and you're so proud. But I also remember being on the other side of the net disappointed with yourself and thinking of all the ways you could've changed the score. 

I remember day where I didn't want to go to practice because I was scared of coach making us run. Now that I look back I wished I wouldn't have missed a single practice because the practices that challenged us and made us work hard were the most valuable. They taught us to never give up and team work is the only way to win. I remember the practices were if a single ball dropped we would have to do 10 burpees or if we didn't communicate we had to run. Those practices were the ones that taught me that you also have to work hard to get better. You can have talent, but it means nothing if you don't put in the effort. 

I remember the tournaments that we had to be there so early you felt like a zombie our first game, but the second the whistle blew you were wide awake. The days after the tournament when you forget to wash your knee pads and you open your gym bag and you almost pass out. It may smell bad, but it's the smell of hard work. Everyone knew it when you didn't wash your knee pads or if you didn't wear ankle braces you were the odd ball. 

I miss the people I met throughout my time growing and learning. Without the people the experience would not be as rewarding. There is no win without the teammates out on the court. The ones you yell and scream "mine" to and the ones you cheer and high five with. The friendships you have given me are something I am forever grateful for.

I miss the feeling of putting on my uniform, sporting a number that I was proud to hear called on the lineup. The feeling of pride washes over you as you step out showing who you are and why you are there. It's one of the best feelings in the world. 

The thing is volleyball, you have taught me everything. You have taught me about perseverance and teamwork. You have taught me who I am and who I was supposed to be. If I had the opportunity to go back I would never miss a practice even if I was worn out or sick. I would give my all because one day it won't be that easy to get on the court again. These are the times I would relive again. 

If I could relive any moment it would be the moment when you step out onto the court into your position and it is completely silent. You are waiting for the first whistle to blow and the game to begin. It is one the best moments in the entire game. The determination in your eyes and the fire igniting in your soul. You are ready to win. 

Volleyball, you gave me everything I could've asked for. A leader that taught me all I know, friends that are forever, and memories that I could never forget even if I wanted to. I miss you every single day of my life volleyball. My greatest wish is that we meet again and I see the same determination in your eyes. But for now, thank you. I hope you continue to give others the same feeling and the same happiness you gave me for so many years. 

Love, 

Osburn #13 

Book Nook

Okay guys remember that Dorothy Must Die book I told you about I finished book 2. The adventure continues my friends. The second book in the series is called "The Wicked Will Rise" and if you read the first book that title is so fitting.

This book was shorter than the first one and I think is the shortest of all the books, however, the 4th book has not been released yet so I am not sure yet. Either way it was action packed and it felt like such a mystery novel because there was always a clue or a mission going on.

This novel just continues the journey of Amy and how her mission is to kill Dorothy except in this one things go awry AGAIN! Nothing seems to go right for her. Some die and some survive, but who will finally win?

Amy is such a fierce character. In this novel she goes a little wild and worries that she is becoming like Dorothy but we have faith she doesn't. I love Amy and reminds me of other characters like Katniss and Tris. She is an underrated character for sure!

I think this book is one of those books that everyone can read no matter age because everyone knows the story of the wizard of oz. This book can show you how crazy a fairy tale can truly be. I think that's what makes it fun! Read it, love it, and im so excited for the 4th book to release!!

Favorite Character: Amy and Nox are still making my heart beat.

Favorite Quotes: "Look, fear's not always rational, okay? Anyway, there's a difference between being afraid and being a coward. At least there was one thing I could take comfort in: if you're afraid, you must still be a little bit human."

"You can't just cover your eyes and pretend like terrible things aren't happening simply because you can't see them..."

"Some people spend their whole lives searching for the one thing that they can do to say, I changed the world. I had found that thing. I might not be able to accomplish it, but I was going to die trying. So call me selfish."

"Think of all the things you've already gotten to do; all the things you'll get to do. Okay, so maybe things could be better. But you have this life that's just sitting there, waiting for you to take it. It could be worse."

"Faith: everyone knows it's something you're supposed to have, but it's harder to put that into practice when your senses are telling you all hope is lost."

"I got lost. But I'm always lost, pretty much. Actually I kind of like being lost. When you're lost, you don't have to be responsible for anything."

"Not it, He. And if he's worth the risk, then who else is? Are you? Am I? Isn't there a point where we stop deciding to sacrifice anything and start saving people?"

Book Nook

Hey guys new book!!!! THIS ONE IS CRAZY. This is a book that is part of a giant series, the fifth wave. It is the final book to the series, "The Last Star" by Rick Yancey. When I tell you guys that I cried at the end of the book I'm not lying.

This book was non stop action. It took me forever to pick this book up to actually finish the series, mostly because I didn't want the series to end. Also because the beginning is slow, not gonna lie. But once it gets into the book IT IS SO GOOD. I swear I would at least read 50+ pages whenever I picked it up. Once I got to the end it was already midnight, but I didn't want to go to bed till I finished the whole thing.

I got so sad at the end though because of the death of a specific character. I won't tell you, but I was so sad and disappointed that they didn't survive. Overall, the book was fantastic. The book did such a good job on ending the series even if I wasn't the happiest with it. I loved how they were so many perspectives throughout the book because it lets you in on how everyone feels throughout the events.

You guys please go pick up this book. The series is very good and you won't be disappointed. But WARNING I recommend reading the series right in a row instead of waiting to read each book because that is what I did and I kinda forgot things that happened in the previous books. BUT ANYWAY READ IT!

Favorite Character: I have a love/hate relationship with all of the characters because they all are amazing but they sometimes do the dumbest shit!!!!!! If I had to pick I would pick Cassie because I see a lot of myself in her.

Favorite Quotes: "Without fear, life would not exist."

"The answer to the human problem is the death of what makes us human."

"Cogito ergo sum. More than the sum of our experiences, our memories are the ultimate proof of reality."

"Before I became Zombie, that meant prom and cramming for finals and the nervous chatter in the hallways between classes because graduation was coming, a different kind of apocalyptic event after which nothing would ever be the same."

"You know you've reached a very sad place when the only person who can make you laugh is yourself."

"...but you never lose those who love you, because love is a constant; love endures."

"Lying is like murder -- after the first one, each one that follows is easier."

"We bear the unbearable. We endure the unendurable. We do what must be done until we ourselves are undone."

"Love blinds more than it reveals."

"You can't mourn what you never had."

"Why must I always be the isle of crazy alone in an ocean of sensibility."

"We cannot love what we do not remember."

"So there you go. You can love the good in us and hate the bad, but the bad is in us, too. Without it, we wouldn't be us."

"For any of this shit to mean anything, you gotta live long enough for your death to matter."

"Because the universe has no limits, but life does."

"He had believed all their lies but he knew the only truth that matters. The one truth that mattered before they came, when they came, after they came. They had no answer for love."

"Love is forever. If it wasn't, it wouldn't be love. The world is beautiful. If it wasn't, it wouldn't be the world."

"To live is to risk your life, your heart, everything."

"Pain is necessary. Pain is life. Without pain, there can be no joy."

Sorry for all the quotes but it was just such a good book.
READ IT. xoxo

Book Nook

Hey you guys so I have been MIA since new years. School has started back up and I just haven't had the time to sit down and write. Ayway, no more excuses I have another book for ya! This one is an interesting one too. A twist on an old story: "Dorothy Must Die" by Danielle Paige.

YOU GUYS. This book was amazing. I swear to you this is how it goes; I walk into Barnes and Noble not needing one thing and just start searching around. Then I see this book and the title jumped at me. I have read some of the Wizard of Oz books and I've seen the movie so what is this about? So I read the back and it was intriguing. It said that Amy Gumm is the other girl from Kansas who is swept away to OZ by a tornado (figures...) and the people start to people she is the one to save OZ from Dorothy who is now evil.

Literally it is about the story the Wizard of OZ but totally redone! It is set in the time where Dorothy came back to OZ once she saved in from the wicked witch of the west. Dorothy fell in love with magic and became an evil tyrant so she can have all of it to herself, even Glinda the good witch is with her and the scarecrow, tinman, and lion! They have all turned bad even little toto. It is crazy so Amy is recruited to help the Wicked Order KILL DOROTHY! THEY WANT TO KILL HER YOU GUYS!

The beginning of this book is slow because it is mostly backstory but once the action begins I couldn't put this down. Now when I bought it I did not know it was a series, but now I do and because it is so good I am forced to read the 3 sequels, "The Wicked Will Rise," "The Yellow Brick War," and "The End of Oz." I am very excited to continue on with this story, it is a keeper.

I think if you know the story of the Wizard of Oz you'd like this. It is a creative and different take on what seemed to be a happily ever after. It is pure genius and I give props to Danielle. READ IT!

Favorite Character: There is sooo many good characters. I love Amy of course because of her gumption and bravery. I love Indigo because she is sassy and doesn't take anyboy's shit. I love Nox because he is power yet sweet and I love Star her pet rat just cause.

Favorite Quotes: "She looked so sad. It was the worst kind of sad, too -- the kind where you're sad about something that you know will never change. The kind of sad you can't even bother getting angry about anymore."

"No one does anything because it's the right thing."

"Now it was clear: I had nothing except for myself. No matter what happened, it would always be that way."

"You are not where you are from."

"It's your choice. It's not magic that makes you who you are. It's the choices you make."

"It always wants to be something different from what it already is. Now that made sense to me. It reminded me of myself."

"What's underneath is everything.... Beauty has its own kind of magic. And the appearance of something can have power, too."

"The ends do not make it okay."

"Maybe you haven't look around in my head enough. There are no good places."

"I can imagine a lot of things. That doesn't mean they're possible."

"Those who have sacrificed always have the most to lose."

"No matter how tough you think you are, there are certain things that just get to you, and they're usually the little things. The ones you don't expect."

"Haven't you learned by now that the real story is not always the whole story?"

A Fresh Start: year in review 2016

Another year has gone by and so many things have happened. So since another year has passed I wanted to make a year in review post and it is very fitting because this will be by 100th post on this blog. It is crazy that I have written so much on this little blog and that people actually read it, it's kinda really cool. It has been a long 12 months of ups and downs and spins and circles. I will not lie that 2016 was a shitty year. I got cancer and I lost most of my ability to adventure and explore this year.

My senior year was torn to shreds and my physical and mental being was slowly deteriorating, but I couldn't do anything about it. I really do not want this post to be sad and depressing because not every part of 2016 was bad. Once my treatments were over a lot of good things happened such as; my sister got married, I met shane dawson, I went off to school, I turned 18, and I graduated high school. I did have good things happen to me, but all in all 2016 was a crazy year.

Enough about that. Last year I posted a year in review and made a list of resolutions and I am here to reflect to see if I succeed....

#1 resolution was to learn how to control my temper. Honestly I think I failed. Once I got sick I kinda couldn't help my emotions so I am keeping this as a resolution for 2017. Were gonna give it another shot.

#2 resolution was to write more and with that I think I succeed. I wrote down almost everyday so I could express my emotions and feelings. I even have a journal that has a prompt for everyday so you can write to that prompt, it has been nice. I am going to keep writing in 2017 and possibly try to create a new thing of my own. My friend Anna and I are trying to come up with a way we can have our own magazine and that will be my writing outlook this year and I can't wait to write more on this blog as well as other things.

#3 resolution was to give back and I think other people did better at it than I did because I was so sick. All of the people in my life stopped theirs to give back to me when I needed it so now it's time to return the favor in 2017.

#4 resolution was to stress less and I think I failed at this one the most. Honestly, since I started college stress has been my middle name from living on my own to not knowing what the hell I wanna do in the future, school has been crazy. This goal will be pursued again and again until I can be better at controlling it.

And lastly #5 resolution was to live a little more and I think I'm deciding to officially make this an ongoing goal, it will never end and probably never be reached. Every year I will try to live a little more by being spontaneous and more outgoing and to always be up for an adventure. I will never not have this as a new goal for my life. You should do this too.

Even though my 2016 wasn't the best year I hope that it was for you. I remember in my 2015 post I said every year should be your best year and I think that's still true. 2016 for me ended on a higher note than it started and I'm okay with that. I am over what happened to me, it happened and now I am moving on. Yes it will affect me from years to come, but my life will get better, YOUR life will get better. I promise you and I'm promising myself.

2016 was kind of a shitty year for the world and that's okay because that is what a new year is for, starting over and getting a fresh start. I hope that is what you all try to do in 2017, I know that is what I'll be doing.

So for 2017 I am only adding one new resolution to my ongoing ones and it is KEEP THE FAITH. I need to believe in myself and my abilities and to always have hope in the new year. I am going in with a new light and I am so excited.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.. I love you all and I hope you find what you are looking for in the new year. 2017 is gonna be a good one I can feel it. xoxo

Book Nook

Hey guys whats up. It is almost a new year so I am trying to read as much as I can before this years reading challenge is over and 2017s begins!So today's book is "The New Guy (and other senior year distractions)" by Amy Spalding.

I have to say this book was the definition of cheesy, possibly too cheesy. I'm not saying I did not enjoy the plot or the book in general, but it wasn't the best book I've read this year. The plot is basically about a girl named Jules who is a overachiever that cares about grades, her school newspaper, and getting into Brown. However, it all gets screwed up when a new "famous" boy comes into town, Alex Powell. Also a rival to her schools newspaper and editor position means war so it is crazy hs drama book.

Honestly, I hated the main character Jules. She was whiny, annoying, and never believed in herself. She cared too much about the wrong things and she is one of those people in high school that needs everything to be perfect and to go her way. She also overthink-ed EVERYTHING about her life which drove me nuts. I however loved her Alex and I liked thatcher and carlos who are also working in the school's newspaper. I don't know I feel like the less the author talked about the character the more I liked you cause I could make up my own personality for them.

One thing I really did like about this book is that is was about senior year which is ironic cause I just graduated because I felt the same way Jules did about college. Jules really wanted to get into Brown and i really wanted to get into OU. I worked my ass of to get where I am today and in that way I related entirely.

I don't know if it was the way the author wrote the book or what but it seemed like some chapters were dumbed down for young people to understand. It definitely was not one of my favorites and for the first time in awhile I don't know if i would ever recommend it. Honestly, you truly aren't missing out on much with this one just because it is so cheesy.

It just sucks because I saw so much potential I just think it is for a younger audience. However, didn't stop me from liking some quotes from the book :)

Favorite Quotes: "Just that if within the span of days you can feel so honest with someone, you can see how bigger things might be possible too."

"I'm excited about college and I'm excited about my future, but only recently did I start thinking about how all of that means my present has to end."

"When someone breaks your heart, something about that person physically should be required to change."

"When you hear about war heroes, they don't emerge victorious from easily won battles."

"High school is a crazy time to age us so much."

"Who would leave someone they loved?"

"Boys should disappear when they hurt you."