The Fault In Ourselves

Guys, I read The Fault In Our Stars.

If you like the book, you probably won't like what I have to say.

You have been fairly warned.

The Fault in Ourselves – Semi-Collected Thoughts Upon the Reading of John Green’s Best-Selling Tearjerker

Spoiler Alert: This is not a review, these are reflections. Spoilers abound.

I. Why I Read “The Fault in Our Stars”

            The fact that I actually read the book might come as a surprise to some, considering my previous posts concerning bestsellers generally bear titles similar to, “Why I Am Not Reading ________”. But one reason I decided to read the tale of two “extraordinary teenagers” – who also happen to be cancer patients – is because, although I may not be an “extraordinary teenager”, I  was once a cancer patient. On October 4, 2005, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – the same kind of cancer Augustus Waters is in remission from in The Fault In Our Stars. And like the book’s main character, I had a wish that came true due to what Hazel – or rather John Green – calls a “cancer perk”. I guessed that I probably wouldn’t agree with the worldview of the book, but I wanted to read it because I wanted to know if the cancer that is making teenage girls cry is the cancer that so many real teens have, or whether it’s some kind of Hollywood/John Green version. I wanted to know whether the death was romanticized or realistic. And so I bought a copy of the book, opened it up, and began to read. But to be honest, my cancer story is nothing like Hazel or Augustus’; I couldn't really compare it at all. Yes, every cancer story is unique, because each person is different and therefore every story and every experience is different. But I have, and I pray that you have, something that Augustus and Hazel do not have. And that is hope – real hope.

II. Initial Thoughts

            I’d read a synopsis of the book so I’d know which sections to skip. Generally to review a book, one must actually read the entire book, but this is not a review and there are some scenes in the story of which I am perfectly content to remain ignorant. I honestly find it hard to understand how Christian girls can read this book without feeling uncomfortable.

            However, when Green’s writing is not a) inappropriate/using swear words or b) ____ about God, he’s a pretty good writer. Some of the book’s witticisms did make my mouth twitch in an upward direction, and I will admit that I teared up (and might have sniffled) at some parts.

            Though I was not surprised, I was frustrated that every mention of God and/or Christianity was either written in a disrespectful or condescending way. Any characters with any kind of Christian inclination are seen as detached from reality or pitifully ignorant at best (and rather unfeeling at worst). Augustus states that he believes in a “Something with a capital ‘S’”, but his musings don’t extend much further than that.

III. Why?

            This book, and seemingly any book about death or suffering, brings up the question, “Why do bad things happen?” Usually the question is, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” But Hazel and Augustus don’t really seem to think of themselves as good or bad. Those factors don’t appear to matter. Augustus fears “oblivion”, and Hazel fears the suffering her parents will endure when her terminal cancer finally takes her life. But neither of them appear to have any fear of hell or even consider it.

IV. Hope

            Let’s face it – this book is just plain depressing. Sure, it has its, “Awww” moments and its laughable sentences, but this book is mostly just, well, sad. The book ends on a mildly happier note as Hazel is assured that her parents will live on even after she does not, and that they will always be her parents just as she will always be their daughter. But in the end, she never knows what happened to Augustus after he died; she never knows whether or not he fell into the oblivion he feared or even if she will ever see him again. The message this book sends is basically, “Let us love and live however we want, for tomorrow we die!”

            The Fault In Our Stars poses lots of deep questions; it prompts readers to think about life and death. But it doesn’t give its readers any answers. In a way, The Fault In Our Stars is just as unfinished as An Imperial Affliction, a book Hazel loves, which ends mid-sentence, leaving the reader hanging and wondering what happened to the main character and her family. The Fault In Our Stars shows us suffering, but it doesn’t give us any true hope.

            The main reason my cancer story is so different from Hazel and Augustus’ is because I have something they didn’t. I have faith – not the kind of faith that is only expressed in stereotypical comments and feel-good “sentiments” hung on walls – but the kind of faith that sustains a family in the darkest of times and brings hope when it seems like all hope is lost. Christ arose and therefore we know that there is a resurrection for us as well. Death is not the end, and those whose sins have been forgiven do not have to fear it.

            Also, I have the answer. The Bible gives us the answer. Why do bad things happen to “good” people? Because we are not “good” people. To parody old friend Shakespeare, one could say, “To obey, or not to obey?” (Spoiler alert: The first two people chose to disobey God, and since then everyone else has chosen to disobey God too). Because God loved us so much He created Adam and Eve with a will so that they would have the ability to choose to obey Him. Death and suffering were the consequences of their disobedience, because sin is serious. Though our unchanging God has always loved us, He has never hated sin any less. But God loved us so much He gives us hope, true hope – that those who trust Jesus as their Savior from sin’s punishment need not fear death. In a way we are all “grenades” because death will come for each and every one of us (unless Jesus comes back first). But spoiler alert – Jesus lives. And because He lives, we have true hope. Jesus overturned death because He gave His life as the sacrifice for our sins. If you know Jesus as your Savior, then you can know that God will sustain and guide you through the darkest of times, and you can hold onto the promise that one day we will no longer have to experience death or suffering, but will be able to worship God forever.

            This makes me think of the hymn, He Lives. The chorus says, “Because he lives / I can face tomorrow / Because he lives / All fear is gone / Because I know / He holds the future / And Life is worth the living / Just because He lives.” (And frankly, I’d much rather have that quoted to me than, “The Red Wheelbarrow” poem {which Hazel quotes to Augustus}). 

V. Conclusion

            Shakespeare was right. The fault, dear friends, “is not in our stars, but in ourselves”. Praise the Lord that He loves us despite our fault and despite ourselves!

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

What's Up?

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Life has been slightly crazy (but in an okay way). Let's see, what's new?

- I've been reading a bit more lately! I found a fascinating book at the library called Gideon the Cutpurse (or The Time Travelers), about two British children (in the 21st century) who are flung back in time by an anti-gravity machine. They find themselves in 1763 where they are befriended by a "reformed cutpurse" named Gideon. I really enjoyed the book, and I pretty much adore Gideon. :) {In warning though, the book mentions evolution... there's also a bit of swearing, though I think it's just the "d word"... which isn't a bad word for British people. But I'm getting off topic.} I stayed up late on Friday night reading, in hopes of going to the library the next day. I finished reading the book (cliffhangers... grrr!) but the library on Saturday was CLOSED! (Or, in more technical terms, not open until 12:00... I went there around 10) So, I shall now have to wait until Thursday. I am attempting to satisfy my impatience by rereading my favorite parts of Book 1... (I refused to return the book since I couldn't get book 2. Don't worry, it's not due until next week.) 

- I stopped wearing socks inside the house because apparently they are the cause of random objects in shocking me. It's a bit cold, and I do miss my colorful socks, but at least I can enjoy my orange nail polish now. 

- I'm writing again. (though this should technically be on my writing blog... oh well) In other words, working on one of my novels once more. I experienced a trying case of writer's block, but it appears to be lifting. I am very happy about this. :)

- Apparently today is St. Patrick's Day. I unconsciously wore green when I changed clothes after church...

- These paragraphs are getting shorter.

- And shorter.

- Let's move on now... to... 

EPICNESS!!! (okay, pardon the random outburst) --> Lena was kind enough to allow me to interview her about her new book, Hafling Diaries! Check it out here! If you enjoy the interview, please leave a comment [on the other blog]. :) 

Well, I guess that's all for now. What's new with YOU? :)

"Klarabelle"

P.S. Sorry I haven't been visiting your blogs lately... please don't take it personally. I've been busy. :) I'm studying for the ACT, studying for my driving permit, and other fun stuff. :) 

And...they melted.

Didn't see that one coming.

But I guess I should tell this story in the right order.

You should probably know that baking and I haven't exactly ever... hit it off, as the expression says. Therefore I rarely bake, and I have NEVER baked something on my own (with the exclusion of ramen noodles, and the time I put wax paper in the oven. Thankfully, nothing caught on fire) - hence the part of my bucket list that says something to the effect of, "bake something on my own without failing." Today I baked... or attempted to... but not on my own. And it kind of failed.

First, they turned out HUGE.

They splooshed out like weird toadstools with chocolate chips in the middle.

I got the job of bulldozing it off the plate. (Figures, we were out of parchment paper)

We made the next dozen or so smaller... but it didn't help. Because they melted.

(I apologize for the poor quality of the photos...).

I recently read my first steampunk novel (which, btw, was AMAZING)... it was about a young man who found out he had the ability to melt people. (The name of the book is Candle Man... it's actually a series, but I haven't managed to procure myself a copy of Book #2 yet. As an aside, it's a really neat book! It's very exciting - a little bit scary - but really cool, especially if you enjoy action/adventure novels. It also makes some interesting moral points, so if you read it, see if you can figure out the worldview of the author / what he's trying to say in the book. Really cool. Okay, moving on...). It seemed as if there is a version of the Candle Man that eats - I mean melts - cookies. One of them could've cried out, "I'm melting!" like the wicked witch of the west and no one would've been too surprised... (Actually we would've, but... y'know. 'Tis an expression!) The whole ordeal was rather fascinating; the cookie dough slid away from the chocolate chips, then proceeded to bubble and flatten until we were back with the giant cookies / scraping them off the cookie pan / etc.

Ooh, how delicious!
*cough*sarcasm*cough*

Actually they didn't taste that bad. 

Needless to say, however, this experience has not improved by misgivings concerning cooking.

How are you today?

"Klarabelle"

I have no idea why I tagged this art... probably because I don't have a tag for "disaster".
And no, I am not affiliated with Ove Glove or Glenn Dakin. Or the brand of oven used...

Thoughts on The Hobbit

As titled, these are my thoughts on The Hobbit movie... in three+ parts.

Part I: In which I explain that I am indeed aware that I recently posted about this same subject...
I know, I know... I JUST posted about The Hobbit. So I apologize for two similar posts in the near vicinity of each other... I just thought I'd share my thoughts on the movie before I became busy and forgot to do it.

I really enjoyed The Hobbit... BUT... it was pretty violent (hence, the PG-13 rating). Also, the movie contained many extra scenes as well as characters that were not in the book. Though I'm not a Tolkien purist (that I know of, at least), I have been rereading and enjoying the book recently was looking forward to seeing a movie that stuck fairly close to the said book...

Part II, a fairly detailed mini-review containing lots of spoilers. *SPOILER ALERT! PROCEED NO FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HEAR SPOILERS FOR THE HOBBIT*

A Comparison: Some parts of the movie seemed as if they came straight from the book and were just as fun and lighthearted. Other parts, however, seemed like rehashes of the best scenes from the last movies (people falling off cliffs and getting pulled back up; orcs on wargs; the same music playing when Gandalf says something wise (that was actually kind of cool, though), people falling and getting caught by eagles, etc.).

Other parts, however (like the "Pale Orc"), almost seemed like creative fanfic. The Hobbit as a book was successful without the newly added parts, so why add twists and extra characters to a storyline that is already a classic? Also, the addition of the mysterious stone (whose name escapes me) seems like a new rendition of the Ring, even though The Hobbit tells the story of the Ring, and how it came to Bilbo... NOTE: I did a little more research into the "differences between the book and movie" and discovered added aspects like the "pale orc" are actually some of Tolkien's creations mentioned in the appendix. However, these were my initial thoughts as a teenage girl who enjoys literature, has read The Hobbit and enjoys Lord of the Rings but is not one of those people who speaks Elvish, has read the books more than 10 times and has memorized the appendixes. ;)

Epicness (or not): When I read both The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings one summer, the latter seemed much more lighthearted and fun than the latter. The Hobbit is, as the copy of the book that I read announces on its cover, "the enchanting prelude". I don't think The Hobbit movie needs to match Lord of the Rings in violence, darkness or intensity. Bilbo's adventure about helping dwarves reclaim their homeland does not need to be made on the same scale as the story of saving Middle-Earth. I personally think that The Hobbit would not me less epic if it contained less violence and darkness than its trilogy counterpart. And occasionally, I think that perhaps there is just as much epicness - perhaps even more - to be had in the little things in life (things that hobbits would appreciate) than in grand and violent battles.

Stuff I liked: The Hobbit did have some wonderful moments. My favorite was when Bilbo could've killed Gollum, but he chose to show him mercy, probably remembering Gandalf's words from earlier in the movie...

Bilbo: I have never used a sword in my life.

Gandalf: And I hope you never have to. But if you do, remember this: true courage is about not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one.

Bilbo allowing Gollum to live was a beautiful scene, and one much needed amidst the dramatic and bloody battle scenes and skirmishes.

Bilbo also attempts to leave the expedition several times, feeling unwanted, unneeded and out of place. He repeatedly misses his home, as he does in the book. But he chooses to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland because he comes to understand that they need a home, just like he does. However, the end gets super cliche-ish when Thorin, who has grumped about having Bilbo along, finally acknowledges that Bilbo was needed.

Part III: A conclusion (of sorts)
As I mentioned earlier, I did enjoy the movie. But, I wish the movie would've stuck closer to the book. I think if it had done so, it would be more original and be able to stand on its own two furry hobbit feet, instead of relying on re-hashes of moments from Lord of the Rings to fulfill its recipe of "epicness".

Also, I thought the violence was rather overdone. As I was watching the movie, though I did not know it, havoc and heartbreak were raging in Connecticut as parents and siblings grieved the loss of their children / siblings. Though I'm not saying violent movies are the cause of violence in our society today, I just found it almost ironic, and a little sickening, that I could be watching violence for fun, or entertainment, when real people, real, living, breathing and feeling people, were suffering because of violence. Granted, the violence in The Hobbit is good against evil, done the classic way - handsome [dwarf] men against creepy and evil villains. The violence done in the school in Connecticut was not good against evil, it was and evil act being done against the helpless. I guess it's just my humble opinion that maybe a little more lighthearted charm could've sparked a smile in a dark and depraved world, instead of minutes upon minutes of battle scenes that seemed more numerous, extraneous, and lengthier than those in Lord of the Rings.

More thoughts and the actual conclusion: The Hobbit had some great moments. I also enjoyed the introduction, seeing Frodo and Bilbo as they were before Frodo went on his own unexpected adventure. But I don't think The Hobbit will have the same place in my heart as The Lord of the Rings. I will admit that I'm excited for the next two Hobbit movies and will probably get some hobbit action figures and merchandise. But I am not as excited or supportive of this movie as I might've been, had it been a little more... hobbit-like.

And now, it's your turn to talk! Did you see the movie? What did you think? Please share your thoughts!

Also, please do not forget to pray for the families in Connecticut!

And, in case I don't post before then... have a merry CHRISTmas as you celebrate Jesus' birth! May this time be filled with love, joy and celebration as you focus on Him.

"Klarabelle"

The Hobbit and a Middle-Earth-Related Confession

I figured I would not be a proper fan if I did not make the obligatory hobbit post. So here we go...

Part I: I freak out
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hobbit comes out tomorrow... and yes, I am pretty excited. Yes, I will now publicly confess that I have not been a devoted Hobbit fan... I failed to watch ANY the production videos. *gasp and point* Can I blame it on being in high school!? (Probably not, there are plenty of hobbit-loving high school students who have managed to devote at least a few hours of their time to watching the production videos. Oops).

I will probably be more excited for Bilbo's adventure once I see it... Lordwilling, am hoping to go tomorrow with my mom. (No midnight showing for me...) Hopefully I can post a review afterwards, if you girls would be interested in that?

Okay, I've stopped hyperventilating out of excitement now. I think.

Part II: I talk a little bit about the movie 
The movie that is coming out tomorrow (Lordwilling) is apparently part 1 of the 3 parts of The Hobbit movie, which is based on the book of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. The story is that of a hobbit named Bilbo. (What is a hobbit? A creature resembling a human, but a very small human and one with hairy feet and a good disposition, according to this source. However, I disagree with their statement about hobbits being "imaginary"...). Bilbo a fairly normal hobbit - he does not take part in adventures. He is enjoying life in the town of Hobbiton when a wizard named Gandalf shows up at his home. Then, thirteen dwarves show up as well, practically eating Bilbo out of house and home and inviting him to be a "burglar" on their adventure, Bilbo ends up accepting, and does something that, as I mentioned earlier, is not usually done amongst hobbits. Bilbo sets off on an adventure. (That was a lame synopsis. If you want a better one, type "The Hobbit movie" into your search engine, and you will probably find something better).

Part III: The disclaimer of sorts 
I'm aware that some Christians have chosen not to read Tolkien's books about Middle-Earth, or watch the movies - whether it's because of the violence (in the movies) or the magic, or the fact that there is a "good wizard" in the book, or something else. I completely understand.

My family enjoys the Lord of the Rings movies (as well as the books). There is definitely a lot of redeeming quality in them. The Lord of the Rings tells of an epic struggle between good and evil, including some really neat themes, quotes, and all that good stuff. And, it's an amazing story.

But, I understand if you have chosen not to participate in Middle-Earth affairs. Or, if you are just plain not interested. I enjoy literature and share some of my opinions / likes / dislikes on this bloggo... feel free to ignore me! teehee

Part IV: I should really finish up this post
Anyway, I completely got sidetracked there. Let's just say, I'm excited about The Hobbit. If you are too, share your thoughts below! If you aren't, then, uhh... share your thoughts, too! : )

Have a blessed day!
"Klarabelle"

P.S. An appeal for help (not related to hobbits...) 
Help! Blogger won't let me put any more photos onto my blog (that's why there aren't any cute hobbit pics on this post)! It says my memory is full. Help!!!?>>

UNTIL TOMORROW!!!
(A Tale of Two Cities musical song used in reference to hobbits... ahh... never mind. : )) Have a great day!

One of those things & Christmastime (two posts in one!)

(Part I)
I have always wanted to do one of these!!! So, I guess now is as good as a time as ever... (is that the expression?) (inspired by this post)

Listening to: If I Walk Away by Josh Groban (surprise, surprise0
Reading: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo... or at least, trying to.
Wearing: An Aerpostale t-shirt I found at the thrift store (mwahahaha), blue jeans, a purple sock and a grey sock, an Alice in Wonderland necklace I got for my b'day (thanks, Audrey and Natalie! :)) and my purity ring. And a flower in my hair.
Excited for: The Hobbit (December 14th!) and Les Miserables the movie (Christmas Day!).

(from)

You should probably know, if you don't already, that I am kind of a musicals nerd. Especially when the said musical involves 1800's times, revolutions, handsome young men, and France. I will freely acknowledge here that Les Miserables the musical does include some objectionable content and is not "for everyone", but I do believe that it can have redeeming value because it is a gorgeous story about how one man's mercy changed a life, and how the life he changed was able to influence others. Les Miserables teaches us that one little act of love can go a long way, and that hope and love are real, and they are worth fighting for! But, I also understand the objections some people have to the book / movie / musical; this is just my personal opinion and you may ignore it as you see fit! : )

Christmastime (Part II of the post! heehee)
Now, about your lovely selves... how are you all doing? Are your CHRISTmas decorations up? Christmas Day is coming so fast... I haven't even finished Christmas shopping! Today I got caught up in the stress and havoc that Christmastime can bring, and I realize that I need to slow down and focus on what Christmas is really about.

I love Christmastime. One of my chief pleasures is giving a gift and seeing it loved and cherished. I adore picking out the "perfect gift" for a friend or family member, and seeing their face light up when they open it. So I guess I need to stop stressing about gift-giving and simply enjoy the process!

Have a blessed day!
"Klarabelle"

P.S. Now listening to Josh Groban's version of Little Drummer Boy and not only anticipating two movies, but dinner as well. : ) Parmesan chicken... yum! And wishing my computer wasn't being difficult... but hey, we aren't perfect, so I guess we shouldn't require our computers to be perfect, either. : )

P.P.S. Ooh! I almost forgot to mention. Hobby Lobby, the amazing craft store, is facing some tough stuff right now. They didn't want to provide abortion-causing drugs to their employees (as part of their health insurance), so recently they were forced to file a lawsuit... an excerpt from the e-mail that Hobby Lobby's CEO sent out reads, "... Hobby Lobby and my family are forced to make a choice. With great reluctance, we filed a lawsuit today, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious LIberty asking a federal court to stop this mandate before it hurts our business. We don't like to go running into court, but we no longer have a choice. We believe people are more important than the bottom line and that honoring God is more important than turning a profit." Read the whole letter here and read more about it here. Please be in prayer for this situation!

Smashbook Pics

Hi!

I thought I'd post those pics of the Smashbook I mentioned a while ago! I ended up getting two, a pink one - "Pretty Style" and a red one, "Doodle Style", because the former didn't completely fit my personality / style like the red one did. I'm planning to still use both, but for different things. : )

Pretty Style...Before

(pic of original Smashbook from)

During / After : ) 

I decided to color the front...

 I like color and I like to color...

All finished! 

(Actually, I added a ribbon to it, but I don't have a pic of it! :))

Now, for the Doodle style! If you wanna see a pic, click here. 

(The comp is being difficult and doesn't want me to upload any more pics) 

I colored this one, too.

...and added braided ribbon and bird charms on the side.  

I cut the letters on paper, glued the onto another paper, cut it out and traced the letters. 

A weird angle

 

Finished!

Thanks for looking! : ) Oh, and if you're wondering about the significance of the "Seventeen"... let's just say my b'day is coming up and I'm really excited! : ) And yes, I'm gonna be old. ;)

I'm hoping to use the "Seventeen" Smashbook to put pics, souvenirs, etc. from when I'm 17. But I already cheated and stuck some stickers on there (and, of course, decorated the cover...) before my b'day. :p As for the pink one, I'll probably just put random photos from Pinterest in it... :) And quotes I like.

For those of you with Smashbooks / art journals / whatevers, what do you plan to put in them!? 

On a completely unrelated note, my air plant has a pup! (Actually,two, but only one is pictured). {Pup = baby air plant}

How are you all doing? At the moment I have a bad cold which seems to have settled in my throat. I'm kind of sad because I have something tomorrow (Nov. 17th) that I was hoping to sing at, but I will probably end up just listening. Oh well.

~ Lordwilling, hopefully posting a Thanksgiving / how-to-decipher-the-worldview-of-a-song article / post / thingy soon! ~ 

Have a great day!

"Klarabelle" 

The Love of Books...and Libraries

I went to the library today.

I haven't been in months. :p I haven't read a book in a months, actually. I know it's sounds terrifying and ridiculous (especially for those of you who haven't hit 9th grade yet), but sometimes I really do believe that highschoolers don't have time for books.

:O

I know. I just said something probably radical and horrifying. But that's why I said, "Sometimes" and "I really do believe". You can't argue with that, can you?

Anyway.

"Time for books" DOES NOT count assigned reading, no matter how epic and wonderful that assigned reading is. The "time for books" I'm referring to is reading books for fun. Any book that catches my interest. Sitting down and letting myself become lost inside, completely enthralled with the characters and whatever is happening to them, and not leaving that world until I'm ready (or until the book's over).

I used to read all the time. I could read in the car {which now makes me carsick}, and I had more time on my hands, so both of those things helped. But now I haven't read a book for fun in quite a while, and have not become thoroughly engrossed in a novel for a few months now. I'm not complaining here, just commenting.

I think the last time I went to the library was several months ago. If I remember correctly, it was a stop-and-go visit; Mom (or I) were simply returning the books I'd used for my research paper. Today Mom and I needed to check out some books for chemistry, and I peeked at the novels in the children's section while she was looking for the chemistry books. {For the record, I don't go to the teenager section... it is scary! It is filled with creepy-looking books...} I love the children's section because I feel somewhat safe there, AND I feel tall, cuz the shelves are only a few inches taller than me. (Needless to say, I am short. How short I am is a secret, but...you can guess). 

I'd forgotten how wonderful libraries are. How I walk along the shelves, reading titles until one catches my interest. How I pull out a book and read the back cover or the dust jacket flap, and weigh the odds of whether I am interested enough to commit to - at least - checking the book out, and hopefully read it in the future and return it on time. Sometimes I politely replace the book, or leave it for another time. Other times I can't put it back, and it comes with me to the library desk to be checked out. 

I love books, and I'm pretty sure most of my blog visitors do, too. I encourage you to pick up a book this week, whether it be a beloved, tattered copy that's been read countless times; a book that you bought, meant to read, but have not yet; or a book that calls out to you from the library shelf... make time for that book. :) Even if you only read one chapter. 

"Klarabelle"

P.S. I haven't been very active in the blogosphere lately... sorry! My laptop won't let me comment on blogs that require me to prove I'm not a robot. :p {long-ish story} BUT, I haven't forgotten you all, and I do check your blogs, I just read and then leave without a comment, like a creeper. {Just kidding. If you read my blog and don't comment, I will not call you a creeper...}
P.P.S. How's your life!? 

A Hypothetical Suzanne Collins

* I wrote this several months ago but have delayed posting it. Since The Hunger Games is coming out on DVD tomorrow, I thought today would be the perfect time to publish it. Read on at your own peril; we are entitled to our own opinions but if you would like to read mine, continue on. If not, then feel free not to read any more. If you do choose to read this, please comment {politely} with your thoughts, and - Lordwilling - I will reply to you. If you want to discuss this further, let me know. Thanks! :) * 

A sequel to one of my most popular blog posts...

Over the summer, I interviewed some of my friends.  I haven't interviewed very many of them yet, but I hope to continue so as to make my information more accurate.

"Hi, can I ask you some quick questions about something?"
"Sure!"
"Did you read The Hunger Games?"
"Yes I did!"
"Why?"
"Uhhh...because everyone else was reading them!"
"Why do you think Suzanne Collins wrote The Hunger Games?"
"To make money?"

Most people, when asked why they think Suzanne collins wrote The Hunger Games, reply with answers like, "to make money", "because she was a writer" and sometimes "because she thought the future might be like that".  Very few people come up with the reasons like, "She wrote it to make the world a better place."  "She wrote it to teach teens about morality."  "She wrote it to show the horrors of war."  Only when people are pushed to nailing down a reason to justify why they read this book do they start pulling out such answers.  I know it's very unpopular to compare Twilight with The Hunger Games, but I just want to say: I never heard anyone say, "Oh, I'm reading the Twilight novels to encourage my stand on purity.  I am so encouraged by the fact that Edward and Bella chose not to have sex.  Reading the books inspired me to keep my purity and I'm a better person because I read those books."  Honestly, answers like, "Twilight encourages abstinence" only come out when people are pushed to justify themselves.  (And for the record, there are plenty of other Christian books that discuss abstinence without the use of vampires).

Let's say Suzanne Collins looked at our world and saw a bunch of desensitized lovers of violence.  So she decided to write a series of books that was graphic and horrific enough to shock us out of our shells and pull the blindfold from our eyes.  Because society is so messed up, she had to write something quite tough to read in order to convict us.  She didn't write the book for pure violence's sake, nor did she write it to desensitize us.  Let's theorize and say that desensitizing us was the exact opposite of what she wanted to - instead of making us numb to violence, she wanted to disturb us to the point that we woke up and realized we live in a disturbed society.

Well, that's a noble calling, even if its a controversial way of going about to fix it.

So, has it worked?  Are all these Christians that are standing against the Hunger Games really standing against a noble cause?

I'm actually surprised some of the HG momentum has died down.  The night of the midnight showing and the weekend afterward, almost everyone was talking about the books / movies.  When I went to see October Baby, lines of families (including small children) were in line, and each said, "Tickets to Hunger Games, please."   Maybe the HG obsession has died down because, unlike the preteens in love with twilight, people who like the HG are mature enough NOT to lose their heart over a novel.  Or maybe HG affects people in a different way than twilight affected young girl's hearts.

People are obsessed with the books / movies...  not just the games themselves, but the characters, posting about Peeta or Gale on FaceBook, blogs, etc.  There are fan pages and fan groups and even HG Bible studies (to me, those words should not even be in the same sentence).  I even read an article where someone, in all seriousness, compared Peeta to Jesus.  Whaaa...?  For me, that's going a little too far.  Are people really focusing on what our hypothetical Suzanne Collins wants us to focus on?

I think one of our main  problems is today that people are not thinking. So many teens, Christians and non-Christians alike read books without considering the consequences. When we read something and let it go into our minds, it will affect us in some way or another.

I really liked what Danielle Elizabeth Tumminio said on CNN's belief blog. (I'm not saying I approve of any of her other articles oropinions, I'm just citing her because I agree with her in this case)

"[P]erhaps the great irony revealed by the film is that we are not meant to see it.  We're not intended to watch its violence, because this story, as Gale says, is meant to be protested.  Which means, ironically, "The Hunger Games' " greatest triumph would be an empty theater and streets full of people demanding the kinds of changes needed in Katniss' world and in our own.  What if we did this?  What if we didn't watch?  I like to imagine that only then would the odds be in Katniss' favor.  And in ours."  

I would encourage you to read and consider the full article here.

WORLD magazine reports Suzanne Collins saying, "[TV reality shows are] often set up as games, and, like sporting events, there's an interest in seeing who wins... Sometimes they have very talented people performing.  Then there's the voyeuristic thrill - watching people being humiliated, or brought to tears, or suffering physically - which I find very disturbing.  There's also a potential for desensitizing the audience, so that when they see a real tragedy playing out on, say, the news, it doesn't have the impact it should."

Think about it.

If you're an HG fan, do you think more about the characters, or about whatever point Suzanne Collins may or may not have been trying to make through the writing of her books?

In my humble opinion, we should not obsess over anything, even a good thing that is not the Bible.  Anything "good" that becomes an obsession is no longer good, honorable and noble.  In my mind, a warning flag pops up when anything is immensely popular, when people struggle to justify their motives for joining in, and when churches start trying to do Bible studies using secular novels.  You can't take "the world" and the "righteousness", marry them, and tell them to get along.  The world and God are enemies.  James 4:4 says, "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?  Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4)  Jesus' bride isn't the secular world, it is the church.  But what happens if the church looks just like the world?

You already know what I think about The Hunger Games.  I could debate you, throw Bible verses at you, walk into your house and burn your HG books, but ultimately it's up to you.  I encourage you to come to the Bible with all personal presuppositions put away, and see what God has to say.

"Klarabelle"

Who said...

"Every man's life is a fairy tale, written by God's fingers"?

Hint: Famous author!

Check it out here at... For the Good of the Book

"Klarabelle"

Why I Am Not Reading / Watching the Hunger Games

*takes deep breath*

I've planned to post this for a while for several reasons...

- to dispell the myth that I am a Hunger Games hater

- to explain why I stand where I stand

- to share my opinions

If you are a Hunger Games fan and think you will be offended with what I am going to say, I do not want this to become in any way a separation in our friendship!  You may choose not to read on and that is your choice.  :)  I'm cool with that.

I try not to attack other people's books and I try to respect my friend's opinions.  However I'm getting a lot of questions about why I am not reading / "don't like" the Hunger Games, so it's only polite for me to explain.

First of all, I'm not allowed to read them.  A bunch of my friends told me it was a good series, and one said it wasn't graphic.  So I showed the book to my mom.  She did a LOT of research and decided that I shouldn't read it.  Here are her reasons:

1. It is graphic and violent.  Although violence has become part of our world as a result of sin, that doesn't mean we need to surround ourselves with it or read about it.  There's enough violence in history, if you want to read violence!  I know some people say the author portrays war as evil, but there are plenty of books that will do that for you, in a Christian and less violent manner.  A lot of people tried to justify reading Twilight because Bella doesn't have sex with Edward but there are plenty of other books that are Christian, pro-life, and support abstinence.  Also, seeing a lot of violence will de-sensitize us to violence.  That means in the future, to give you the same thrill of violence later, it will have to be worse.  It will have to be gorier.  It will have to be bloodier.  It could be a challenge to make it PG-13.

2. This is probably the weirdest point of all, but, this book / movie is VERY popular.  I'm sorry to say this, but it's the next Harry Potter or the next Twilight.  Now I know there's some of you who decided to read those books, but I did not read those books either.  Books that are immensely popular are not necessarily bad, but it's something to look out for.  Often, books that people become obsessed with, are not Christian.  Obsessions are never good, since we're supposed to have no other gods except our God.  I'm not saying that just because you like the Hunger Games that it is your idol, but it's with anything we "like", it's something to look out for.

3. Book series / movie series don't get happier.  They get darker and darker as it progresses.  There are people who tried to justify reading Twilight, but I know at least one person who is not so enamored with it anymore.  The Hunger Games movies will only get darker.  If you have any problem with the amount of violence in them now, it will only get worse.

4.  I have not read the books but have heard they do not have the redeeming ending, like Lord of the Rings.  In other words, I watch Lord of the Rings despite the violence, because it overall has good truths and good points to it...and to me, it ends beautifully (although sadly!).  I'm not saying every book should have a happy ending (Don't worry, I've watched plenty of depressing WWII movies...) but honestly, our lives can have happy endings, because instead of being punished for our sins and getting what we deserve, we are offered eternal life in heaven with Jesus.  Just a thought there, moving on...

6. You write what you read.  What I read / watch deeply influences my writing, and I don't really want my writing to become violent (I'm already having enough trouble with that as it is) or disturbing.  

7. Once images are in your mind, they won't leave!  I am disturbed enough by orcs eating orcs in Lord of the Rings.  I don't need to see more people killing other people.  

8. The worldview isn't Christian.  There are some non-Christian books that still have good points, or good morals and make them worthy to read.  But if the worldview isn't Christian, then the book series really won't help me in my spiritual life or my life in general.

I've chosen not to watch this movie or read this book.  Do any of you remember The Golden Compass?  Christians and Catholics decided to boycott the movie, because the author was definitely not attempting to promote God and was in fact doing the complete opposite (saying, "My books are all about killing God" in an interview).  Guess what?  There has been no sequel for The Golden Compass.  I lived in England at the time, and I'm not even sure if the movie came to the American theater there.  I remember hearing a lady on the news doing a short report on the movie and saying how Christians were choosing to boycott it.  Showing, or not showing our support, is a huge witness, or not a witness, to the world.  Just something to think about.

Anyway, I'm sorry if I stated everything bluntly and offended you.  I hope our friendship is stronger than a difference of opinions concerning a book / movie.  I love my friends and am not trying to hit them on the head for liking these books.  But before I go, there's just one question I'd like to ask you...

Does it pass the Philippians 4:8 test?

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

~ Klarabelle

A Call to Writers! And readers! And random people!

There are so many times I've wanted to blog and haven't gotten around to it, or wanted to rant about something and then gotten over it before I had a chance to blog. :) Well, today I actually have time (at least I think I do) so here I am!  Hi!!!

Recently I've been frustrated / saddened / disturbed / whatever by the lack of good books!  I have read so many good books, but lately I have had trouble finding any.  I don't go to the library as much as I used to, which might have something to do with it (hey, the song I was listening to just said "do"...), but still.  I put in an amazon.com order the other day and of course, tried to order a bunch of stuff I didn't really need so I could get the free shipping (for orders over $25, I think).  I know of an very, very good series that recently came out with another book.  I ordered it, but I was sooo disappointed.  Not only was it written differently, it also had language issues. I read it because I am still loyal to the first few books of the series, but I would not recommend that book in particular. 

I have read some really good Christian books lately, which I hope to review.  I also enjoy reading classics, but since they can sometimes be a little tedious, I like to have an "exciting" book to read at the same time.  

Well, I'm not here just to complain.  I'm here to tell WRITERS: Never stop writing!  This world needs good, morally sound books.  This is a (somewhat lame) call to authors not to give up and to keep (hey, the song I'm listening to just said "keep"!) up their work!  To READERS, keep supporting good books.  Review the ones you like and tell others about them.  Also, you really should consider writing!  Some people would disagree with me but I think everyone has SOME kind of writing talent, whether it's poetry, storytelling, novels, song lyrics, etc. And even if you are not "meant" (okay, the song just said "meant"!  I should stop talking about the songs I'm listening to...) to be a writer, that's cool too!!!  RANDOM PEOPLE: Go read / write a good book.  Do it.

"Klarabelle"

Oh yes, and I'm considering making a separate writing blog, BUT, is that insane to have so many blogs?  I've had some ideas for a bunch of writing articles / rants / whatevers and didn't know if I wanted them completely taking over my personal blog. Thoughts?

Trying Out New Things Pt. 3

Alternately, figuring out how to improve old things...

I have this CD player - well, it's not really mine, it's communal property of the Siert household, but I'm the one who keeps it under my bed - and I can control the volume with my foot.  Which can be very helpful when you're sitting in a chair and don't want to lean halfway over looking dumb, to adjust the volume.  But I used to have to do it with two toes, the big one and the one next to it, and sometimes the volume would go waaay higher than I wanted it to - embarrassing!  So, today I figured out I can do it with only my big toe!  That made me so happy!

I almost fell out of the chair just now trying to adjust the volume with my hand.  Now why was I doing this?  I was trying something new, of course!!!  (jkjk)  Actually the CD player is on the wrong side so I can't reach it very well.

But.  CD players + feet = very interesting.  Try it out!  But wash your feet first, especially if you share the CD player with other people...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLES DICKENS!!!

You know those little things that pop up on Google?  Where the Google image is changed for, say, Isaac Newton's 150th birthday or something cool like that?  Well today is apparently Charles Dickens' birthday, so I just wanted to blog about it!!!!!!!

I guess there's not much to say about his birthday exactly, I mean, he's not here on earth anymore and I recently blogged all about how you should read A Tale of Two Cities.

So I guess I'll just take this moment to say, Happy birthday, Charles Dickens!  I love your books!  A Tale of Two Cities is my favourite.  :)  I kind of wish you'd been here to see all the cool movies they've made of your books...  but your books are wonderful all by themselves!  Anyway, happy birthday!!!

The Sydney Carton Fan Club *or* My Dickens Rant

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
If you haven't heard that famous quote from one of the best books EVER (in my humble opinion) then you haven't lived.  Just saying'.
But I'm not here to offend, I'm here to encourage and inspire (or not).  I want to share my love of Dickens...with you!  (I will take this moment to point out I've only read one Dickens book - A Tale of Two Cities.  But, I know the storyline / have seen movies - I know, never a substitute!  But there are some really good Dickens movies - of many of his other novels and hope to read them someday, too!)

For starters, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is an amazing author who wrote a number of wonderful and famous books such as Great Expectations, Oliver Twist (you may know this one as the musical, Oliver!) and A Tale of Two Cities.  Although I am not sure of his spiritual relationship with God, the majority people "back then" had a large understanding of the Bible, church, etc. and he makes many allusions to Bible verses in AtoTc (A Tale of Two Cities).  His books are morally correct and his characters range from the sweet Amy Dorrit, to young and foolish (but very nice!) Richard to the trusting Mr. Pinch...  However my favourite Dickens character is a drunk, careless lawyer by the name of Sydney Carton.

Granted, it was pretty weird being the only twelve-year-old girl on the block in love with a character no one else knew about.  But believe me, they soon knew all about him, because I couldn't stop liking him!  Even though I'm not, per se, obsessed with him now, he has a special place in my life because he's just so stinkin' amazing!  AtoTC is a book I think everyone should read if they want to have a better life.  :)  I'm serious!
I've heard it said that Dickens was paid by the word...  i.e. his descriptions might be considered a little wordy to some.  BUT, when I read Lord of the Rings, parts of Tolkien's fantastic novel could also be considered a little wordy.  So delete that excuse.  Many people have read LotR but not AtoTC.  That's not right.  In my humble opinion.

I read A Tale when I was twelve, I think.  BUT, I didn't just grab the book and read it, I watched the 1989 version of the movie first.  Now I know there are some book purists out there who refuse to watch movies before reading the books.  That's fine, but the 1989 version of AtoTC is extremely loyal to the plot of Dickens' famous novel and it really helped me understand the character's personalities as well as the storyline so I didn't have to focus on that as much as I read.  Last night I finished reading AtoTC for school and I loved it even more this time - in a different way.  I paid a lot more attention to detail (when I read it the first time I skimmed some parts) and the beauty of Dicken's writing.  I also love A Tale of Two Cities, the Musical and was able to find sections of the book that must've inspired certain lines in the songs.

So here's my mini review / everything you know in order to read AtoTC...

What's it about?
AtoTC is the story of guillotines, romance and true sacrifice.  The book begins as a prisoner of the Bastille (French prison), Dr. Manette, is "recalled to life".  He has lost his mind, but through his daughter Lucie, he remembers who he once was.  On the ship from France to England, they meet a kind man named Charles.  *SPOILER* Later, Charles is being tried for treason, but an uncanny resemblance between him and a lawyer named Sydney Carton saves him.  As Charles and Sydney both fall in love with Lucie, their fates intertwine up to the point of the book's last pages.  Will love and goodness truly win over evil?

Storyline
Compared to some of Dicken's other novels, the storyline of AtoTC isn't that confusing.  But if you read a Wikipedia article on it first, watch the movie, or ASK ME for a synopsis of it (I WILL give you one!  lol  Well Lordwilling that is) then that might help.

Characters
AtoTC contains some of the most amazing characters that ever lived.  Read it.

Sydney
Sydney's mine.  Don't steal him.  I'll share, don't. steal. him.
(Admittedly, there are people who fell in love with Sydney long before I did, but still.  He's mine.  At least partially.)

Footnotes / The Dickens Rant
This brings me to another point of this discussion / post / rant / thingy.  This is kinda the rant part I guess.  People really need to read Dickens in my humble opinion to get a taste of what true...book...um, beauty can be.  I'm not saying that modern writing isn't talented and that there aren't good authors out there anymore (there are!) but for the most part, the style is completely different.  However, this brings me to my Dickens theory.  Technically, hypothesis.  1)  I think this generation is getting dumbed-down.  We spend so long reading easy-read books that we can never push ourselves up to the level of great classics.  Now I am not trying to brag here just because I've read Dickens!!!  Reading classics is often a struggle for me - for example, I never made it through Kidnapped, The Scarlet Letter or Robinson Crusoe...  But we still need to try!  (I read easy-read books and sometimes they're really cute / good, but we don't want to get "stuck" there!)  Point 2)  Sometimes I wonder if people don't like to read Dickens because they have no clue what he's talking about sometimes!  That seems like a valid reason, doesn't it?  Well, there's a solution to that.  Many authors back then make references to Greek and Roman mythology and literature.  You might hear someone mention "Damocles' Sword" (look it up!  Please!  Do it!  After you're done reading this, though) or some Greek hero.  If you familiarize yourself with Greek mythology and literature, then you will be able to understand the depth and meaning of Dickens' allusions.  Or, if you'd rather just get on with the reading, buy a book with footnotes.  The version of AtoTC that I have is the Penguin Classics version.  I think I got it at the British library gift shop in England (which is why I was so MAD when the movers kinda bent it accidentally!!!).  When I first read it, I thought the footnotes were distracting, but on my second reading I was able to discover, however, what the Loadstone rock was.  It's a reference to a magnetic rock (supposedly in Arabian Nights that was so strong it could pull nails out of a ship).  So when the name of the chapter is "Drawn to the Loadstone Rock" it's referencing that Charles is drawn to France in a way that magnet is drawn to metal.  See, isn't that epic?  Yet maybe this modern generation doesn't all enjoy Dickens so much is because they don't know what these things mean.  If the words mean nothing to you, then the book will most likely not seem like a worthy book to read.  (However I do have this "thing" against introductions.  Sometimes they're good to read, because they analyze the plot and point out important things.  But if you're reading AtoTC for the first time, without knowing the storyline, skip the intro; it will probably have spoilers in it.)

Abridged Versions
Eh...  well, I now own an abridged version of AtoTC because it came with my school program.  It looks pretty good - it's the Puffin Classics version -  but I will have to read it first to give my true opinion.  Actually, the first version of AtoTC I read was the Great Illustrated Classics version that has big letters and a picture on every page.  But I wouldn't recommend that if you want to get the true Dickens' flavor.

Other Versions!
I'm extremely loyal to the 1989 movie and James Wilby makes one of the most amazing Sydneys ever.  I am hoping to watch more versions of AtoTC though, so maybe I will review those in the near future.

The musical of AtoTC is epic.  I will probably review that on its own separate blog post.  Unfortunately it is no longer performed and the only versions available are...

The International Studio Recording {CD} - really good, except no libretto (lyric booklet)
The Concept Cast Recording {CD} - good, but I haven't heard all of it
The Concert {DVD} - really good except it cuts out a lot of songs, so it seems a bit choppy and doesn't give you the whole feel for the musical.
So, I really wish I could see it live.  But there are dreams that cannot be!  (That's a quote from Les Miserables for any of you who picked up on that.)

And last, the conclusion...  (I know, you're thinking, "Finally!")
AtoTC is a well-written book with a great moral and storyline.  If you feel inspired (or disturbed) by this random Sydney-Carton-Fan-Club-menagerie post, then go to the library, go to a used book store, or get on amazon.com and order a copy.  Read a chapter a day.  If you find yourself getting "stuck" (it took me 6 months to read AtoTC the first time.  That's okay.) then take a break.  If you need to, skim over some sections that seem tough.  If you have no clue what's going on, e-mail me!  But I challenge you to read AtoTC this year.

SYDNEY CARTON = (One of my) HERO[es]
"Klarabelle"

^ Okay not the best pic of me but this is me and my copy of AToTC:)