Maya Angelou: "Mother, Sister, Friend" and Mentor (1928-2014)

I'm sure most of you have already heard about the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou this last week. The news was shocking to me and I said to myself, "she can't be dead! I just saw her on the Oprah Life Class!" I was immediately saddened by the loss of such an amazing and inspirational woman. Although I had only been introduced to her work a little over 2 years ago now, Dr. Angelou had touched and changed my life so tremendously. Her insights on life and love and respect, have changed the way I see the world. She has taught me about religion and spirituality and most importantly, about forgiveness. Her written works have inspired me to want to write and like everything else you encounter, her writings have influenced how I write and I draw from that often. I think the most important lesson She taught me was the lesson of just being a good person. Being a kind person. Being a caring person. Smile at someone. And always remember, no one has the ability to control you or what you say.

Maya Angelou has touched the lives of so many people around the world and she will be greatly missed. Thank you for all that you have taught me Dr. Angelou.

 

 

-Enjoy!

 

Bookworm 

John Green Has Done it Again! Chasing Alaska and the Great Perhaps

Hey guys! Hope the summer is treating everyone well! This last week I finished yet another John Green book called Chasing Alaska. After reading The Fault In Our Stars, I knew I needed more of John Green's amazing stories. Now I will say that though I do not always appreciate his choice of diction or sometimes uncomfortable scenes, I understand they are crucial to his overall work. If you have yet to read a John Green novel, I suggest you do so. He will have you laughing, crying and confused, and at the end you will be emotionally spent, in a good way of course. I always say, if a book doesn't make you feel SOMETHING then the author has not done their job.

The main character, Miles, or Pudge as the students call him, is fascinated with the last words of famous deceased people. if that wasn't already interesting enough, he is also on a quest for a Great Perhaps, or something that is yet to come. Like most of us, Pudge is searching for meaning and excitement in his life. He needs something to make his life purposeful. And he finds it. Sort of. In the shape of Alaska Young, a spunky teenage girl who attends the same boarding school. Now, before you get ahead of yourself and call this a romance novel, it isn't. Not at all. But I'm not going to spoil so I'll leave it at that.

I went out and purchased yet another JG book but I won't start it until after I finish Cassandra Clare's City of Heavenly Fire. There will be a review on that soon!
Until then,

Enjoy!
-Bookworm