So as I sit here eating my eight dollar gas station pizza, I am faced
with the challenge of writing a blog to measure up to the awesomeness
(which, yes, is a real word) of the books I love. I mean, how can
anyone measure up to the awesomeness (yeah, I used it again) of
Stephenie Meyer and the Twilight Saga? Impossible. And, no, I don’t
apologize to any Harry Potter fans out there who disagree with me. : ).
I had the pleasure of meeting Stephenie Meyer a couple weeks ago and, I
must say, it was a moment I would love to live over and over again. She
was probably one of the nicest people I have ever met, and by far the
nicest celebrity I’ve ever met. Oh, and beautiful too. But, this is so
beside the point. ANYWAY… the books. Though I don’t think they need
much explaining. If you haven’t read them, I insist you exit out of
this right now, go to your nearest library or book store and get your
hands on Twilight. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.
I love books that not only tell a story but also have stories behind
the stories. The best book I’ve ever read like this was Looking For
Alaska by John Green, which is amazing. Not only does it tell a
remarkable story about a complicated, misunderstood, and unique young
girl named Alaska, but it also explores philosophical ideas about life,
religion, love, and death. It’s a book that makes you think, teaches
you, and entertains you at the same time. Too bad schools not the same,
huh?
Speaking of school, for Government class last year I was required to
read Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Now, imagine the groans that
erupted from that classroom when we all flipped our books open and saw
Copyright 1932. Upon receiving the book, I was told I was to read it
within one week and then write three essays on it for my final exam. I
realized, though, that once you get over the fact that it was written
before even my grandparent’s time, it’s actually an amazing book. A bit
anarchist for the time too, I must say. The topics discussed in the
book are a bit shocking now in 2008, so I can’t imagine the reaction in
1932. The vision Aldous Huxley had for the future was amazing. I
couldn’t believe it had been written so long ago. I think he’s a
brilliant author, and it is a brilliant book. Forced or not, it’s a
must read for everyone.
For any aspiring authors out there, I definitely recommend reading How
Not To Write a Novel by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman. There’s no
specific ways to write a novel worth publishing, but there are
definitely ways how NOT to write a novel worth publishing. And this
book shows you the mistakes many aspiring writers make, and, most
importantly, how to avoid them. I can’t promise you it’ll put you on
the Bestsellers list, but I’m pretty sure it will get at least more
than just your mother to read your book.
-Brenna
Oh, and PS – Anytime you see a book and the author is Ellen Hopkins, just pick up the book and buy it. You won’t regret it.
Oh, and PSS – Obviously any Holly Black book too. : )
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