Tillie is a girl whose life centers around ice skating. She wakes up before sunrise for practice, attends school, and goes to another practice at the end of the day. She finds comfort in skating and her friends. Then, Tillie learns she is moving to Texas.

As a result of the move, Tillie is forced to make new friends and adjust to a different skating environment. Spinning by Tillie Walden takes readers on Tillie’s journey as her eyes are opened both to the world around her and the truth within. The images and words demonstrate how Tillie evolves from a young girl trying to survive the trials of middle school into a woman who knows what she wants and where she is going.

After receiving this graphic novel from a Goodreads giveaway, I was not sure what to expect. Typically, I do not read many graphic novels. I must say, this story may have converted me. I loved how the novel carries the reader through Tillie’s childhood and into her late teenage years. The story felt incredibly real, and I could visualize Tillie as any other teenager. She is pressured to pursue a sport and succeed in life. She faces bullies and learns to survive the world where evil hides in the shadows. Her character provides raw insight into the very lives lived by teenagers all over the world.

Additionally, I loved Tillie’s perspective. She is a lesbian girl simply trying to gain acceptance and love by her friends, family, and peers. Despite doubts, she ultimately begins to understand the truth about herself while developing confidence and hope. I really enjoyed reading (and seeing) her evolve as she realizes her true talents and aspirations.

Since Spinning is a graphic novel, I should address the artwork. I really loved how the art is primarily black and white with sprinkles of color here and there to add details and show emotions. I noticed yellow is the main color used besides black and white. I appreciated the usage of yellow because I felt it represented the light growing in Tillie’s life.

Overall, I really enjoying reading Spinning. The book successfully opened my eyes to how powerful and compelling graphic novels can be. After reading it, I may extend my to-be-read list to include a few more graphic novels. I would recommend Spinning for any teenagers seeking a deep and beautiful story illustrated with gorgeous, eye-catching imagery.

Rating: 4.5/5

1. An Overhyped Classic You Really Didn't Like
This is a rather hard question because I have enjoyed most of the classics I have read. I guess I would say One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. While I didn't "dislike" the novel, it was not one of my favorites. The characters were intriguing, but the story never really resonated with me.

2. Favorite Time Period to Read About
Okay, so I absolutely LOVE reading classics set during the Medieval times. I know, a tad basic, but I adore the idea of knights, kings and queens. I have also enjoyed many classics which take place during the late 1800s.

3. Favorite Fairy Tale
To be honest, asking me to pick a favorite fairy tale is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. It's an impossible decision. I will say a few (there are many more) of my favorites include Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel. I have many precious memories of reading these stories when I was little, so they hold special places in my heart.

4. Which classic are you most embarrassed about not reading it yet?
There are actually a few. I am rather ashamed to admit that I have not yet read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

5. Top Five Classics You Would Like to Read Soon
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
2. Les Miserables by Rolland Livingstone
3. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
4. Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
5. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

6. Favorite Modern Book/Series Based on a Classic
I have two favorite books based on classics. First is Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell. Additionally, I love The Looking Glass Wars series by Frank Beddor. Unhooked is inspired by Peter Pan and The Looking Glass Wars series is inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

7. Favorite Movie Version/TV Series Based on a Classic
Definitely Clueless. It is an incredibly funny modern version of Jane Austen's Emma.

8. Worst Classic-to-Movie Adaption
To be completely honest, I have not seen enough classic-to-movie adaptions to comment on this because I have enjoyed all of the ones I have seen. If I see any in the future, I'll update this post!

9. Favorite Editions You Would Like to Collect More Classics From
I have been eyeing the Barnes and Noble leather bound editions for YEARS. I don't have any from the collection right now, but they are beautiful and I would love to add a few to my personal library!

10. An Underhyped Classic You Would Recommend to Everyone
Alright, so I don't know if this one is exactly "underhyped", but I feel anyone who enjoys and treasures reading should check out Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

I hope you enjoyed my responses to the Classics Tag! Let me know your favorite classics in the comments below! If you would like to see more, please subscribe!

The Last Magician tells the enticing story of Esta, a girl with a magical affinity to manipulate time.  Esta works with her mentor who guides her in chasing down various magical objects throughout New York City.  As time passes, she proves her skills with every new object she obtains.  Then, her mentor sends her on the hardest and most imperative journey of her life.  She must travel back to 1901 to steal the Ars Arcana, a powerful book desired by many Mageus.  On her journey, she realizes people are never who they appear to be and that even the very people she trusts most may actually be her greatest foes.

One of my favorite parts of The Last Magician was the characters.  Esta portrays a strong young woman who does not depend on men for rescuing.  Instead, she works in unison with others to accomplish her goals.  I really appreciated how she experiences deep and painful human emotions despite her desire to appear unbreakable and powerful.  As for the other characters, I was equally pleased.  Harte Darrigan is astounding as the mysterious, brooding magician who struggles with his own flaws and conflicts. The chemistry between Harte and Esta is flawlessly executed.  It feels completely natural, and I enjoyed every scene where the two banter among themselves.  However, the romance is not the center stage of the story.  Instead, Maxwell focuses on the politics and battles between the Mageus and the Order.  The universe she creates within New York City is crafted impeccably, and the way she incorporates mobs into the magical universe is absolutely fascinating.

Additionally, the story lacks predictability.  I cannot recall a single moment where I correctly anticipated what was about to happen.  The characters kept me on my toes as Maxwell slowly peeled away their layers to reveal their true selves lying underneath.  

Now, I won’t spoil the ending, but it is a cliffhanger.  As I turned the last page, I knew I wanted, no, needed more of the world within the book.  Luckily, I can settle with a cliffhanger because it means there will be a sequel, so I will get to spend more time with amazing characters and a story full to the brim with twists and turns.

The Last Magician is a complex tale woven with history, magic, and betrayal.  I would recommend it to teens (and adults) who enjoy delving into fantasy and historical fiction novels. 

​Rating: 5/5

​

1. " 'I always get lost in the library' he said, 'no matter how many times I go.  In fact, I think I get lost there more, the more that I go.  Like it's getting to know me and revealing new passages.' "
-Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl

2. "When you are imagining, you might as well imagine something worth while."
-Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

3. "If you don't imagine, nothing ever happens at all."
-John Green, Paper Towns

​4. "Without music, life would be a blank to me."
-Jane Austen, Emma

5. "Sometimes your world shakes so hard, it's difficult to imagine that everyone else isn't feeling it too."
-Nicola Yoon, The Sun is Also a Star

​6. "So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that can be."
-Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

7. "It takes a great deal of our bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."
-J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
​
8. "Why is time like that?  Why does it slow down in the places you don't want it to, but it speeds away when you're happy?"
-Robin Roe, A List of Cages 

9. "You can't go back to how things were.  How you thought they were.  All you really have is... now."
-Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why

10. "The world was hers for the reading."
-Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I hope you enjoyed reading my favorite literary quotes!  They were handpicked from a few of my most loved books.  Let me know your favorite literary quotes in the comments below!

During the past few months, a certain TV show has taken over social media: Thirteen Reasons Why. Based on the novel by Jay Asher, the show tells the tale of Hannah Baker and her reasons for committing suicide. In the novel, the story is told in a back and forth format between Clay Jensen and Hannah Baker (in the form of tapes recorded by Hannah prior to her death). As he listens to Hannah's tapes, Clay discovers how the cruelty of bullying can destroy a person's confidence and hope.

After watching the TV show and reading the book, I noticed a few key differences between the two. Which one did I enjoy more? Keep reading to find out! Please note that there may be spoilers in this article for the purpose of providing a full and honest review. If you have not read the book and/or seen the show, continue with caution!
​

The Book:
Interestingly enough, I actually read the book AFTER watching the show. I usually try not to do that, but yes, it happened. Here are some of my thoughts on the book.
•I LOVED the back-and-forth between Hannah and Clay. It was gut-wrenching to read all of Clay's reactions to Hannah's final words.
• In the novel, Clay listens to all of the tapes in one night. This packed an emotional punch, but I did not see character development for any of the characters except Hannah.
•You don't find out how Hannah dies. There are some hints that "maybe" she took pills or drowned herself, but nothing is ever defined. The primary focus is on why she died and not how.
• Adults have a very limited presence in the novel.

The TV Show:
• Clay listens to the tapes over the course of many days and becomes increasingly angry at the other individuals mentioned on the tapes.
• Hannah is shown with slit wrists in a scene in the school's gymnasium.  Later on, her suicide is shown graphically as the camera does not shy away from the blood and devastation. There are also two rape scenes, both of which are very graphic and disturbing.
• Both Clay's and Hannah's parents have decent roles in the show. While they are slightly clueless to what Clay is going through, they notice he seems "off" and express a desire to help him. Meanwhile, Hannah's parents perfectly portray a grieving mother and father. Their scenes will tear apart the souls of viewers. The pain in their eyes is visible, and they accurately depict the devastation suicide causes in a family.
• Each character featured on a tape develops as the show goes on. While I understand it would have been hard to do so in the book, I really appreciated how I was able to see the stories behind each side character in the show.

My thoughts?
After watching the show and reading the books, I have to say I found both to be equally enticing. They both successfully depict the tragedy that can occur as a result of bullying and how suicide can impact a family and community. Both also acknowledge how our actions impact others, so we should treat our peers with kindness and compassion.

As for Hannah's suicide, I have noticed it is a widely debated topic on the internet. In the book, her methods are not described in detail. Meanwhile, the TV show leaves nothing up to the imagination. The scene in the show creates a saddening and raw image of the pain and hopelessness felt by a suicidal individual. With this kept in mind, I was happy to see a trigger warning before the episode because the scene was VERY graphic.

So, to wrap it up, how do I rate the show and the book? Well, here are my final ratings:
Thirteen Reasons Why (book): 4/5
Thirteen Reasons Why (TV show): 5/5

WHAT? The show is ranked higher than the book? Typically, I would not rate this way.  Both the book and the show were INCREDIBLE, but I really appreciated the character development and side plots in the show. While I rated the show higher, I really, really recommend the book as well. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you prefer the book or the show?

​