Palace of Mirrors book review

Margaret Peterson Haddix’s Palace of Mirrors caught my eye with its medieval theme and mystery story.

What I learned form this book is things are not always what they seem and do not believe what everyone tells you. Even your closest friend might be lying just to save themselves.

Haddix did a good job at details. I was able to imagine everything that was happening. Right down to the clothes they were wearing and their facial expressions. When Cecilia and Harper went into the Palace of Mirrors, I could imagine just what it looked liked. I enjoy reading books that you can visualize the story in your head.

Cecilia is just another peasant girl. Or is she? No she is not. Cecilia is the true princess, but she is hiding because there are evil forces that want to kill her. They have killed her parents so it is not safe for her to be on the throne. There is a decoy and her name is Desmia, but she thinks she is the real princess. While Cecilia is in hiding, she is studying all of the palace rules and how to be royalty. As she gets older, she knows that it is time to take back her crown. Cecilia and her best friend Harper go to the capital city and to the famous Palace of Mirrors to reclaim her throne. Along the way they face many struggles that may even endanger their lives.

I enjoyed this book because Palace of Mirrors kept my attention and I always wanted to keep readying. This book is good for teenage girls that love a good mystery and suspenseful story.

That Summer book review

Sarah Dessen’s That Summer caught my eye and made me think about the real hardships that teenage girls like me go through.

This book is the kind of style I like simple and easy to follow along. The style is like most books I have read. Usually the style is easy to paint a picture of the setting in your head. You can see the buildings and the emotions on the character’s face. I enjoy reading books like that.

For fifteen year old Haven, this summer is going crazy. Her father and mother got divorced and now her father his getting married to the local weather lady, Lorna Queen. Her sister Ashley is getting married to Lewis Warsher, who does not seem to suit her at all. On top of everything, she is almost six feet tall and still growing. Ashley had an old boyfriend Sumner, who made Ashley care free and Haven missed that. Luckily he shows up and makes Haven summer exciting. There is something about Sumner that Haven does not know. Is it good or bad? Read the rest of That Summer to find out.

I recommend this book for teenage girls. This book is exciting and keeps you wondering about what will happen next.

Book review of Julius Caesar

Shakespeare's play on Julius Caesar shocked me with its true story of Caesar and how his friends betrayed him.

Something I learned from Julius Caesar that you need to keep your friends close and do not take anyone for granted. For example, just because someone is nice to you, they might be a jerk behind your back and not like you at all. Brutus, Caesar’s friend, was very close to him, but yet he was the one who helped plot a plan to murder Caesar.

Caesar was the emperor or to be emperor of Rome. He had a wife Calpurnia. Brutus and Cassius were patricians that conspire against Caesar. During the play, Shakespeare did not talk much about their characteristics much. That made it hard for me to get a mental picture of them. I could not paint a picture of what they looked like or what the scenery looked like. There were just voices in my head instead of a whole picture.

At the beginning, Caesar is offered the crown of Rome, but he refuses. Throughout the play, many people are telling Caesar to beware the ides of March. He refuses because he thinks that is showing weakness and the Gods will decide when he dies, so he cannot do anything about it. Caesar goes to the senate meeting and he his murdered by Cassius, Casca, Cinna, Brutus, Ligarius, Cimber, and Trebonius. After Caesar’s death there is a war for power and the ending might shock you.

If you want to find out what happens then read the play Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. You will like this play if you are a Shakespeare fan and you love drama.

What makes a leader a true leader?

What makes a leader a true leader? Many people in our world try to make themselves the ideal leader. There have been cruel leaders and angelic leaders, but even the cruel leaders have made a difference in the world.
When people say cruel leaders many people think of Hitler. He was a powerful leader, who made many people follow him. He was a dictator of Germany. In his ruling, he killed an astounding number of innocent people. In a way, Hitler was a true leader because he was able to connect with a lot of people and make them follow him. Even though he did some bad things, he is still a true leader none the less.
Another leader I think of is Martin Luther King Jr. because he spoke out to everyone and was not afraid of the harsh consequences. Martin Luther made speeches about how he was hoping one day that everyone would be equal and there wouldn't be a border line between whites and blacks. Not everyone agreed with him, but many people agreed and followed him. I think many people can look up to Martin Luther because he was a courageous man. He was a true leader because he believed in blacks and whites being equal and did everything in his power to achieve that goal.
There are many characteristics that can make people true leaders. Hitler and Martin Luther are the people I think of when I hear the words true leader.

My name

My English teacher asked my class to find out what our name meant. The results I found where very interesting to me. My name Natalie is very pretty to me, but I have always wondered what my name meant and why I was named Natalie.

The name Natalie means born on Christmas Day or the name means the gift of God. That makes me feel special because I am a gift of God. Even though I was not born on Christmas Day, the name is still special to me. I did not know what my name meant until I looked up what Natalie meant and I was very surprised. I feel special now and I want to live out what my name means.

The origin is French and Natalie comes from the Latin name Natalia. When I found that out I found that funny because some of my friends call me Natalia just to mess around with me. I am neither French nor Latin so I do not know why the name Natalie came up, but I am glad the name did.

My mom picked my name out. Not with my dad’s help, but all her idea. My dad only said the name was pretty. My name is not in the family. My mom told me that she thought the name Natalie was a very pretty name and it was her favorite, so if she had of girl of course she wanted to name her Natalie.

My name has a special meaning to me and I am glad my mom and dad decided to name me Natalie.

Reasons For The Seasons

Happy Thanksgiving! We hear that a lot this time of year, but why is that? What are the reasons for the seasons?

1) We have Thanksgiving because this time of year is when the Pilgrims came to America.

2) This is a time when families come together and catch up on life. I do not get to see my family all the time, so Thanksgiving is a time when I get to see them.

3) Grocery stores get a bunch of business during Thanksgiving. Everyone is buying turkey and dressing.

4) The grandparents have something to look forward to. They love seeing their grandchildren.

5) All of the homeless people get fed around Thanksgiving Day.

6) Everyone has an excuse to eat everything in site and not feel guilty about it.

7) Wives love to cook, so they get to cook for everyone on Thanksgiving.

8) People can feed the dogs the left overs and not feel guilty.

9) Little kids can eat all the pie they want.

10)Everyone gets in a giving mood and they give, give, and give some more.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens was a very informative book. This book made me think about my life and the good and bad habits I have. I enjoyed the book because Sean Covey made his book interesting and fun to read and the book was informative.

My favorite habit was habit 2, begin with the end in mind. This habit is very important because many teens just go with the flow or do whatever they want, without really thinking about the future. Covey starts out by asking us to make a personal mission statement, which is like a personal motto that states what your life is about or the rules you would like to follow. This doesn't have to be long, but needs to state the rules or guidelines you want yourself to follow daily. In this chapter, he talks about goals. You need to think about the costs for your goal. Whether or not you are willing to make those sacrifices. Put your goal in pen so that the goal is no longer wish. He tells us to just do it! Go for your goal and try your hardest no matter what gets in your way. Don't be afraid of failing and if you need help then there are plenty of people around you who will help you with your goal. They want you to succeed not fail and they will support you. Last he says to make our lives extraordinary! Life is too short to be scared. This is the habit I am going to fulfill. This will help me later in life and thinking about my future gets me motivated to do my best now. In this book, Covey has put little exercises that help you with the habits. I thought they were fun and a way to get involved.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is having a tough time. This book will help you be more positive and get your life back on track. If you are doing just fine in life, then I still recommend 7 Habits because the book is fun to read and will still help you in life.

Homecoming tips

"Oh no! I have nothing ready for homecoming! What ever shall I do??" I need a dress, some shoes, I have to make a hair appointment and get my nails done! Can someone help me?" If this is you before homecoming, then you are reading the right blog. Many girls have this problem before homecoming. They are disorganized and caught up in the excitement, but yes all of this can be done! Have no fear girls. I am here to help.

Homecoming has already passed, but did you have a night to remember? So many things come up and you have to make sure you have completed all of the tasks. If homecoming was a drag for you, then here is a checklist you can use for next years homecoming and make it the night of your dreams!

1) Start early enough so that you have enough time for everything. Then make a list of ALL the chores that need to be done! Make sure you have written everything down. Do not forget any little detail.

2) Get your dress now! Get a color that looks good on you and not one that washes you out. Do not get one that everyone will get. You want to be unique and stand out at your homecoming. Make sure the dress shows off your features well.

3) Shoes, Shoes, Shoes! Get a pair that matches your dress. This is very important. You also want to be able to move on your special night, so do not get drastically high heels.

4) Pedicure time! Clean up those nasty feet. Absolutely no hang nails, no long toenails, and especially make sure ALL the toes are painted. You can do this yourself (its cheaper) or you can go to a professional.

5) Hair! I recommend you go to a salon for your hair. Moms are great, but sometimes they go a little crazy. Most people go curly. You can or just what your comfortable with, but make your hair special. You might not be able to pull of the half up half down look, but if you can then that is great! Just make sure your hair compliments your face features.

6) This step is not necessary, but if you have time and want to then tanning is appropriate. Some girls have the summer tan lines and want to get rid of them before the big night. You don't have to, especially if your very pale because then you will burn easily. (or if your afraid of tanning beds, which is fine) If you do decide to tan then follow the rules and be safe!

These are tips that will make your homecoming dreams come true!

Book review of Dream by Jeanine Le Ny

Le Ny's Dream caught my attention with her story about the real high school world and all of the drama.
Her style was much the same as other books I have read. The story was easy to follow along and she wrote with enough detail so that i could paint a picture in my head. I like reading books like this because they are easy to follow along and fun to read. This book is girly, but this kind is my favorite.
This book reminds me about my high school life. This book talks about drama and what happens when you keep secrets from your friends. I was able to connect with this book and really relate to what the book was trying to say to me. Books about real life are always good to read because you can really get something out of them.
In this book, three friends are all getting ready for prom. Jordan is running for homecoming, but wondering if she really wants that or her cute boyfriend. Tara is head of the committee and has to make that night perfect, but she needs to find a date all at the same time. Could her secret admirer be that date? Nisha does not even know if she can go to prom because her parents are so strick, and another problem is that she needs to tell them she already has a date. Will the girls get everything done before the big night?
This book is for teenage girls, who like a book about drama and boys! This story is interesting and a page turner.

Book review of Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

I have actually read Twilight two times because this story is so good! I have fallen love with this story. Meyer's Twilight mesmerized me with the brilliant story and non stop action.
Meyer's style is the kind that I like very well. The writing is very elegant and easy to follow along and not many twists where I have to think a lot. When I read this book, I always feel sophisticated. That is probably because her writing is classy, but at the same time she adds a little humor to go along with the serious story.
In the book, Bella is moving back to Forks, Washington to live with her dad. On the first day of school, she sees this group of kids that are not sitting with anyone and they are extremely beautiful. They are the Cullens. Edward Cullen is in Bella's class and he is always acting like he is in pain when he is around her. The funny thing is.. he is in pain. Bella finds out that Edward is a vampire and has been alive for quite awhile. When she finds that out, she finally realizes why he acts different around her. He wants to drink her blood, but he can not because he is in love with her. One day in Forks, there has been a report about hikers that have been killed. Edward is skeptical about that so he finds out that there are other vampires around and these vampires drink human blood not animal blood. James is another vampire that is attracted to Bella, but does he get to her or do the Cullens protect her?
This story is breathtaking and exciting. Readers who like romance, action, and vampires will love to read this book.

This book is 498 pages long

Book review of Ttyl by Lauren myracle

Lauren Myracle's Ttyl opened the girly side of me with her text message style and interesting story.
I have never read a book like this one before. Ttyl was written in text form and that made the book fun to read, but that also made the book hard to follow. I never really got the feeling that I was there with the girls. They were always talking about their day after the day had already happened. I always like a play by play when I read. Reading this book was enjoyable though because I had never read a book like this one. I always like to mix up my reading styles.
Myracle talks about three girls in her book. Angela, Zoe, and Maddie are best friends. Angela is the more outspoken one, and always looking for a boy to date. In the book, she has a crush rob and they date for awhile, but then he dumps her and she moves right on to the next guy! Zoe is more calm. She is shy and doesn't look for boyfriends. Zoe just lays low and goes with the flow. Maddie is harsh and rough. She is the tough one out of the bunch. No one messes with her but she does have a soft side. Maddie is also a little boy crazy. All of these girls remind me of the different types of people in high school.
In this book, the girls are starting their tenth grade year. They all get mixed up with the boys and then all of a sudden, Maddie becomes best friends with Jana! Jana used to be their enemy, but Angela and Zoe do not know why Maddie is friends with her. Jana tries to take Maddie away from the girls. While this is all going on, the three best friends are trying to plan a road trip, but Angela and Zoe do not want Jana coming. Do the girls get to go on their road trip with out Jana? Will everything fall into place before the trip? Read and find out what happens!
This book would be great for teenage girls. They would love to read the young, exciting novel by Lauren Myracle. This book will keep them entertained and turning the page.

Book review of The Time Machine by H.G. Well's

H.G. Well's The Time Machine filled my head with thoughts about time traveling and the scary future he created.

This book was very different from other books I have read. The author wrote with very long sentences and used many words I did not know. At the bottom of the pages, there were definitions and explanations of the meanings of phrases and words. That helped me follow along better.

The Time Traveler was a character the author wrote a lot about. He was an older man and seemed very ambitious with his work. He always wanted to show his fellow comrades The Time Machine. When he went back and time, The Time Machine was stolen and hidden and he did everything he could to get it back because that was his only way out of this new world he was in.

When H.G. Well’s described the future, his description was very different. I would have thought the future would be high-tech and advanced, but that was not true. In the book, the future had creatures that did not speak English. The two races were they Eloi and the Morlocks. They were very strange creatures and the Morlocks would try and eat the Eloi species.

When Well’s described the future, he used specific detail. I could picture myself there. When The Time Traveler was trying to get The Time Machine back, I could see him in my head hitting the bronze sphinx.

If you are a person who likes the futuristic and scientific books, then you will enjoy The Time Machine. You will feel like you are actually going to the future with The Time Traveler.

Book review of Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Ashar

Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why caught my eye with his deep story and amazing detail. This book was very deep because the story explained the dark truth about suicide. In the book, a girl named Hannah records her life story about why she committed suicide. After she has committed suicide, she sends these tapes to thirteen people. All of the people on the tapes were part of the reason Hannah killed herself. In the book, the tapes go to a boy named Clay. He did not know her very well, but he had a crush on her. He has to listen to the tapes and figure out why his name is on them. The tapes change his life forever.
The author's style was very unique. Clay would talk for a little while, then he would play the tapes, then Hannah would start talking. When it was Hannah's turn to talk, the author italicized what she was saying. That made the story easier to follow along.
Every time I read the book, I felt like I was there. For example, I could close my eyes and see the characters and what they were doing. All of the actions were very detailed. He talked about Hannah and Clay being at a party, and I felt like I was there with them.
This is a very exciting book and if you are looking for a thrilling and suspenseful book, then this is the book for you. The story will keep you on edge and turning the page.

Food

Food. Everyone loves it, but some food isn't good for you. For example, fast food restaurants sell you unhealthy food and they know that it is bad for you. Yes, people have to make a living, but find another way to do it or at least upgrade to healthy food.

Many restaurants all over have healthy foods. Why are the prices so high? People have to pay higher prices just to eat healthy. It amazes me. Olive Garden has high or average prices, the food is healthy, and the environment is clean. Not all people can eat there. I think there should be places with lower prices and the environment and healthiness of Olive Garden.

I have noticed that fast food places have upgraded and have salads and green type foods,which is good, but the salad dressing still has a lot of fat and sugar.

In the future, I would like to see restaurants or fast food places with cheaper, healthier meals. We the people need to eat right and not be overly charged.