Happy Birthday Harry Potter and JK Rowling!

Today is a special day in literary history. It is JK Rowling's birthday, and Harry Potter's birthday!

Harry Potter holds a special place in my heart. As I read the books, I grew up with Harry, and I shared his adventures with my father. Ron was my spirit animal, Hermione was my role model, and Hogwarts was always there when I wanted to read about magic, adventure and heroism. 

Not only did Harry Potter's story inspire me, but the story of JK Rowling herself. She began writing Harry Potter during a very difficult time in her life, when she wasn't sure how long her next paycheck would last, but she never gave up on her story, and once it was published, it became a source of inspiration around the world. 

I was part of the generation that was the same age as Harry when the first book came out, and I remember the day I first saw it at the school library, sitting on a display of many other fantasy books. I picked it up, read the back, and then I couldn't put it down. I showed the book to Dad that very day, and he had finished it the next day. After that, we bought the book, and waiting for the next one became an event. 

Dad would read them first, because he was a faster reader than I was, and then we would talk about the books when I finished reading them.

The second book was one of the scariest for me because of the giant spiders!

The third book was one of my favorites, and Sirus Black and Professor Lupin were my favorite characters. 

I remember Dad warning me not to read the fourth book at night while we were on a hike in the mountains, but of course I did anyway, because the story was so intriguing, and Harry was so brave.

The fifth book made me cry, and I remember having to put the book down for a moment in tribute to a great character.  

The sixth book was the most difficult to read when Dumbledore told Harry something that was impossible until it happened. 

There was only one book that I didn't discuss with my Dad right after I read it. I was at the Disney College Program when the last book came out, and during my day off, I found a nice park and read the book for the whole day. As I read, I thought of home, and for awhile Disney became Hogwarts in my imagination.

I was able to talk to my Dad about it on the way back from the program, and I remember feeling sad that it was over. 

But the movies kept coming out, so Hogwarts was not truly gone, and even then I knew that all stories must end, and I had to find a new series to read. Still, Harry Potter remains a very significant part of my childhood, and I enjoyed talking with my Dad about what would happen next, and how Harry would defeat Lord Voldemort. 

Once the news announced just how Harry Potter was published, I became determined to publish my own epic story, and now JK Rowling is on my list of role model authors. I later learned that she was inspired to write through the works of C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien: two amazing authors with epic stories to their names. 

JK Rowling is an amazing writer, and one day I would like to meet her, shake her hand and thank her for creating a magical, powerful story that can be read and enjoyed by all ages. 

Happy Birthday JK Rowling. 

Happy Birthday Harry Potter. 

Thank you for the magic. 

Like Father Like Daughter

To celebrate Father's Day, I'd like to tell you where my love of stories started: my Dad. 

When I was little, my Dad would read to me, and he was always there to help me with homework. He introduced me to great works of literature, like The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Wrinkle in Time. When I was ten, I brought Harry Potter home, and it got to the point that Dad would finish reading the books before I did! We loved talking about the books and making up theories for the next release. He also introduced me to Marvel comics and the Magic card game. We would play Magic together and Dad would answer my questions about The Xmen, Spider Man and Doctor Strange. 

As I got older, he recommended epic stories to read like The Lord of Rings, Dune and Ender's Game. We talked about the detail and the well written plots of those stories. Today, Dad and I talk about writing, and we still recommend books to each other. Reading, writing and talking about stories with my Daddy are some of my favorite memories. 

I'm so proud of him for publishing his first novel, and I'm so grateful that we share this hobby. 

(My Dad also introduced me to video games ^_^)

My Ideal Bookshelf

So Tattered Cover sells this book called My Ideal Bookshelf by Thessaly La Force, and I came across it yesterday.

This is a coffee table book where well known authors, designers, movie producers, poets, doctors, and so on select the books that represent who they are. It's a cool assignment, and this is how it works:

"Select a small shelf of books that represent you - the books that have changed your life, that have made you who you are today, your favorite favorites." 

So this is my book shelf: 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle by CLAMP

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeline L'engle

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

StarDust by Neil Gaiman

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien

Best-Loved Folktales of the World by Joanna Cole

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Dune by Frank Herbert

Mara Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw 

A Walk to Remember by Nicolas Sparks

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Mattimeo by Brian Jacques

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'engle

Beastly by Alex Flinn

What's on your bookshelf? 

Writing Prompt 56: 10 favorite words

Prompt: 10 favortite words

1. Sanctuary: a small, safe place in a troubling world. (A Series of Unfortunate Events)

2. Constellation: a pattern made of stars.

3. Fantasmic: the fantastic power of the imagination. (A Disney term)

4. Yume: the Japanese word for dream.

5. Saranghae: the Korean word for love

6. Ohana: family in Hawaiian language

7. Hope: light in darkness

8. Belle: French for beautiful

9. Fable: a fairy tale

10. Verisimilitude: creating the sense that something is real (Influenced by the Lizzie Bennet Diaries)

What are your favorite words?

Books that I would recommend to anyone, no matter what

There are no classics in this list. I will make a separate list for classics later.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I recommend this book at least once a day at work. It's my favorite YA novel and I agree that once you read it, you look at life differently. It's not a predictable book either, and it's the best slice of life novel that I've read in a long time.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

In my opinion, this book is a charming coming of age and adventure story.  The voice in this novel reminds me of Jane Austen. 

Dune by Frank Herbert

This novel is a must read! People aren't joking when they call this the best SciFi novel of all time. The story has layers, and it's deeper than it appears to be.

Luka and the Fire of Life by Salman Rushdie

This book is another philosophical reflection in disguise. The story also revolves around the marvel of stories and how powerful they can be.

A Walk to Remember by Nicolas Sparks

This story is an amazing tale, not only about love, but about the choices you make without even noticing. Landon's voice rings true and his honesty makes this book even more refreshing.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling

This story grows with you, and appears to be a celebration of myth and folklore. Whether or not you read children's literature, Harry Potter is a timeless tale.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

This story is intense, but I think that it's an important statement about how the world works, what power can do, and how life changes you.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

No matter how old you are, The Hobbit is an adventure story that is structured like the great myths and legends in history. Bilbo's journey from a Hobbit to a hero is another timeless story that you can enjoy no matter how old you are.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

A psychological tale of the way life is. This novel is another story that is deeper than it appears to be. The boy's journey is a reflection of your own journey.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

This story is a wonderful example of a layered tale. The book follows three different generations, and ties them together with one book of fairytales.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

This series is underrated. Percy is not only an entertaining narrator. He is also a wonderful character who faces many difficult obstacles and struggles to discover who he is. As his battles become more epic, and as he grows from a sarcastic kid into a true hero, (no pun intended) Percy learns important lessons in life.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

I don't care if you hate anime or if you've never even heard of a manga. Fruits Basket is the best slice of life tale that I have ever read. Every single character has a story that is believable and relatable, and the series itself has its own unique charm. Of all the books I read growing up in middle school and high school, Fruits Basket was the one that changed my life for good.

Full Metal Alchemist

Again, if you judge this story by its format, then you are missing out. Full Metal Alchemist is a philosophical journey that reflects on the human race. There is so much to learn from this series, about fear, power, culture and countries.

Book Challenge Day 15: Your favorite male character

Jem Carstairs from The Infernal Devices

This was actually a very difficult decision. There are several male characters that I can put in this catagory. Landon from A Walk to Remember, Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars, Costin from Wildwood Dancing, Adrian from Beastly and Dexter from This Lullaby are some of my favorites. But it had to be Jem. 

Jem is not only a shadow hunter, he is also a violinist, romantic and a loyal friend. Jem is faced with a terrible fate. The very poison that he was tortured with has become his drug in order to survive, but it is slowly killing him, and he knows he only has so much time on this world before he is gone. Jem is wise and patient. He is also funny and kind. His character has the most difficult journey in the series, and his choice between living and surviving is a difficult but admirable one. He becomes a very important character in the series, and he was the character that kept me reading. I don't won't to spoil the series, so I won't reveal his fate, but I will say that Jem was my favorite character in the series, because his story was the most human. He had to face his weakness, make a life changing decision and decide what type of life he would have. Jem actually taught me about inner strength that is so subtle, it is hard to recognize at first. Once Jem discovers his inner strength, he doesn't rely on fate. He does what he can to be the hero he always wanted to be. 

On writing and Kate DiCamillo

I had the opportunity to get my Tale of Desperaux book signed, and to hear Kate DiCamillo talk about writing, imagination and all things silly. 

I'll admit that when it comes to writing, I've been in quite the slump. Whenever I write something, I feel like I'm only brainstorming. 

Now, I have heard a lot of authors talk about writing. I've read books on writing, I've met local authors at the bookstore and I've been lucky enough to meet one of my favorite authors. 

Kate DiCamillo talked about writing as more of a commitment. I'm glad she didn't just say, "Write." when a kid raised their hand and asked for advice on being a writer. DiCamillo said to make a contract with yourself. If writing is important to you, then you can even write on bad days or during writers' block. Writing has to be important, and in order to make it important, you have to believe in yourself and your writing. Even the most famous author will sit at their desk and ask themselves, "How am I going to write a book in this amount of time?" 

As long as you keep writing, you are proving to yourself every day that you can. This proof is important. It builds your self esteem and comforts you on days where you feel down or don't think that you can write. By writing everyday, you can tell yourself "Well, I did that yesterday." 

I think that this attitude is a successful one. So I'm going to write everyday, but I might try and apply this mindset to other areas in my life. This may be the key to facing my fears and following my dreams. 

Everyone writes differently. No one writer has the same method or muse when writing. As DiCamillo says, "That's the scary part." But once you commit to it, the work gets done little by little, and you have the opportunity to look back on it all and say "I did it!" which is a great feeling. 

Small steps, small commitments, and small changes to your mindset can work wonders and inspire you to be the best at whatever you wish to achieve. 

So I wanted to pass this message on, and hopefully if you're a writer, singer, author or any other profession, this will inspire you and maybe even ease your fears about following your dreams. Commit to small things a day, and step by step with a hopeful mindset, you will get to where you want to be. Commiting to your dream is the key.

Book Challenge Day 13: Favorite Writer

Juliet Marillier

This was an extremely difficult decision. First, let me list a few writers that are runners up: J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Jane Austen, Sarah Dessen, John Green, Robin Mckinley, Sarah Beth Durst, Gail Carson Levine, and Mary Hoffman.

Among other writers, I have never thought of choosing a favorite, because each writer brings their own elements to their stories, and in many cases they can't be compared to writers. 

To me, writing is not just an activity. It is a way of life. There are so many layers to writing, and each author brings something unique to their stories.

But once I examined the number of times I read these authors' books, Juliet Marillier won. 

What I enjoy about Marillier's stories is the element of folklore and the powerful voice of the protagonist. She combines mythology, magic and the coming of age story into a powerful epic. Of the books I have read by her, I become completely emmersed in the world and the main character's role in the story. Listening to the character tell their tale is magical. 

Reading Juliet Marillier's writing reminds me of the stories I want to write, and the strong voice I want the main character to have. So with many favorite authors on my list, I chose Juliet Marillier because her stories balance the human condition with the elements of folklore. 

If you're curious, here's her website:

http://www.julietmarillier.com/author.html

Book Challenge Day 12: A book you used to love but don't anymore

Eragon or the Inheritence Cycle by Christopher Paolini

I used to love reading this series. With Paolini being published at age fourteen, it gave me hope that my stories might amount to something one day. I currently own all of the books in this series, but I was disappointed in the ending, and the note in the last book, and I feel like I can't read them anymore. It may not be fair of me to say that I can't believe an author would fall out of love with their own story. I understand that there is a lot of pressure to release novels, eventhough I have yet to experience that myself, but I am sad whenever I see this series. To hear Paolini's account of the journey he went on while writting these novels, it seems he became sick of his own story, and that, as a fellow writer, leaves a bad taste in my mouth. 

I think of Tolkien, who even when he was pressured and bribed to write more of The Lord of the Rings told the world he wouldn't write anymore. He knew the story was finished. J.K. Rowling said something along those lines about the Harry Potter series as well. 

So even though I enjoyed reading Eragon and followed the protagonist through the entire story, I don't believe I'll be able to read it again. The fact that the author became burdened by this story makes me feel sorry for both the author, and the story itself. 

Book Challenge Day 9: A book you thought you wouldn't like, but ended up loving

Snow-walker by Catherine Fisher

I picked this book up on a whim, and ended up loving it on the spot. It's filled with Norse mythology and reminds me of East of the Sun, west of the moon. Kari is probably my favorite character, because he is a snow-walker, and the ice prince of the north. What I loved about this book was the adventure. The main character Jessa was a strong, brave and resourceful girl who accepted Kari for who he was, and taught the people of the north to trust the Jarl, or ie people, again. Not only was the story unique, but the characters were amusing, and the events were a mix of action and comedy, with some mystery thrown in for good measure. This book inspired my own tale of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. 

Book Challenge Day 8: Most overrated book

The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks

I'll begin by saying that this is my opinion, and it relates to the novel. I will add that the movie had its moments, but it was too sappy for me at times. (Yes a Disney fan said that. But for the record, Disney isn't sappy to me.)

The novel is very different from the movie. It begins way after Highschool, when Allie has to make her choice on who she's going to marry, and she runs into Noah again. 

I just didn't understand the story of this novel. I did feel bad for Allie's loss of memory, but when I turned to the last page, my reaction was "really?" 

I just felt like the story was trying too hard to get my attention, and it miserably failed. Yes, I read the book, but in my opinion, this book was nothing compared to A Walk to Remember (probably my favorite novel by Nicolas Sparks, possibly ever) and it really felt sappy and way too emotional for me to believe the story at times. 

It might have been the way it was written, but I just didn't understand what the big deal was about it. It was more of a soap opera than an actual story. 

Book Challenge Day 7: Most underrated book

Mara Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Javis McGraw

I read this book in middle school, and it is on my reread list. I'm surprised that it isn't very popular, and it's not found in most bookstores these days. I feel like this book could inspire an amazing film. The Egyptian history, spirited heroine and mysterious love interest make this story charming, but the double spy story and the politics make this novel interesting. Mara is a great protagonist and her allies and enemies depend on which path she chooses to follow in the end. All of Egypt lies in the hands of a slave girl from Menfe, transformed into an interpreter and double spy for the two political parties of Egypt. Who claims the throne will depend on who Mara decides to work for in the end. 

If this book had more recognition, I feel like it would be an instant classic and a wonderful film. 

Book Challenge Day 5: A book that makes you happy

Whenever I feel down, or upset, there are two books I usually turn to. One of them is Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, and the other is Penelope by Marilyn Kaye. 

Not only do I love the story of someone breaking free of negativity and low self esteem, I love the fact that the character breaks their own curse and rises above their misery. 

Resse Witherspoon has a powerful introduction to this story. She says, "I've been all over the world and met so many people, and I've come to discover that each and every one of us has insecurities. Young or old, short or tall, we all have something we wish we could change about ourselves. Sometimes we let those insecurities define who we are and get in the way of all the great things we could accomplish. Penelope teaches us to rise above our fears, to embrace the things that make us unique, and to celebrate our individuality."

Long before I read Penelope, I already knew that I had a curse. My negative attitude haunted me, and yes it still does at times. I have this curse of being terrified when anything good happens. I always expect something horrible to follow, and I literally wait until it does. I have never been an optimist on so many levels. 

Just like going to Disney, I feel so thankful that I decided to pick up this book, just before Borders went out of business, and give it a try. Even though I had long given up on the possibility of things actually working out in real life. 

This book opened my eyes, and I read it as a reminder to hope and believe in something more. Something happy, real and true. Penelope was the story that finally convinced me to pursue my dreams, and it taught me that breaking free from the past is not a bad thing. 

Penelope does the unthinkable in her own fairytale. She breaks her own curse! She doesn't wait around for Prince Charming. She stops listening to the negative words that surround her and decides to go out into the world and discover who she wants to be. She becomes her own hero, and once she breaks away from the curse, nothing can stop her from living the life she's always wanted!

So whenever I feel down, depressed, angry or frustrated with life, I read this book to remind myself that the only one preventing me from my own happiness is me. 

If I take the leap, brave the unknown and start to actually believe I'm capable of good things, maybe even that I do deserve to be happy, I can become the hero in my own story. I can, and will break my own curse.

Book Challenge Day 4: Favorite Book of Your Favorite Series

Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark

I love the first two books of this series, but the first one is my favorite. I loved the Stonecutter's Tale, the spooky rides after dark and the creepy rhymes of Maleficent. When I first discovered this book, I had returned from the Disney College Program, and I missed the atmosphere of the Disney Parks and all that they stood for. I picked this book up, and I was back in my second home. The epic battle of good and evil, the diseny trivia, and the endearing characters made this book a favorite on my book shelf and a reread every year or half year since. When I go back to the parks, I will look for the Kingdom Keepers quests and imagine that five kids saved the park from Malificent and saved the world with The Stonecutter's Quil. 

Book Challenge Day 3: Your favorite series

The Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson

There are so many reasons why I love this series. Not only does it put me back in my second home, The Disney Parks, but it is also an epic adventure with the most feared Disney villains. The first book introduced me to the Stonecutter's tale, which I had never heard before. The second book took place in the park where I used to work, Animal Kingdom and taught me the original story behind the scariest villain in Fantasia. With each book I learn more about the Disney parks, the Disney characters and conquering fear. The powerful themes and the clever characters will stay with me for a long time. Kingdom Keepers has the spirit of Disney, the structure of adventure and the important lessons that heroes teach us with each story we learn. 

Book Challenge Day 2: A book that you've read more than 3 times

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

I still remember how I was introduced to this book. A friend from High School told me about it, just before the Hayo Miazaki film came out to American theatres. I read the back, opened the first page and couldn't put the book down. I honestly can't even count how many times I've read this book. It has everything: adventure, humor, romance and of course the classic elements of a coming of age story. Sophie is an amazing protagonist, and Howl is one of the silliest and charming characters that I have read in fantasy literature. Just like Sophie, you grow to love him as the story progresses, learning the difference between the rumors and who Howl actually is. The sequels to this book are comical and magical. Castle in the Air seems inspired by the Middle East, while House of Many Doors seems to be a silly children's adventure. Of the series, this is my favorite book, and the one that I could relate to the most. It has a powerful message that involves believing in what you can do, and learning who you truly are. Sophie discovers that she is more than a Hatter's daughter, and more than a house maid. She becomes a hero, or heroine, who discovers that she can not only break her own curse, but save the people she cares for with courage and confidence. 

I have definately read this book more than three times. It is one of my favorite rereads.

I found a book challenge!

Why? This will probably be the most difficult challenge I have ever done. 

To quote Danielle from Ever After about books:

"I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens."

Well starting tomorrow, here goes nothing!

Dreams and Wishes

She read everyday, anywhere that she could find. By her favorite tree, in the garden, near the swan pond, and, of course, in her own reading nook on the second floor. It was a special place, where she could escape anything unpleasant that reality often shoved upon her. The stable boy often found her asleep, a book in hand while he walked to tend to the horses. Her head on her shoulder, and a fairytale book nearly falling from her hands. He would smile as he walked by, knowing full well that her governess would find her sooner or later, and in her dancing dress! Like the swan from the story, she felt trapped, and often told him so. Once, she read to him, and he loved the story. It was about a poor boy, like himself becoming a hero and saving a princess from the giant's castle. One day, he was sure, he would rescue her, and they would find a place to be free. But these were dreams, wishes and fantasies that they both clung to. Maybe if they believed in wishes, dreams and fairytales, their belief would be strong enough to set them free. 

The Quarter Life Crisis

 http://www.ludlowandco.com/2012/08/bookaholics-anonymous/


I think I'm going to give this list a try. I've already read a few books on the list, and who knows, maybe I'll learn something about courage and living. I have heard of the quarter life crisis recently and I didn't take it seriously until now. With everything constantly changing and hardly anything familiar around me anymore, I might be going through this process after all.
In many ways, I feel like I'm left behind, especially in my generation, but I know that if I am, it's my fault. I never truly lived . . . and I still have to push myself to try something different or new. It's a constant struggle, but a personal one. No one can help me with this problem except myself. It's my own dragon, and though I have armor, I don't have a sword to defeat it with. My battle has probably only just begun by realizing what's wrong and what I have to do about it. If I continue to ignore it, or distract myself, it will only get worse. Usually things happen for a reason, and now I have to find out the reason I've been this way, and what I can do to prevent myself from staying this way.The goal is to get out there and just allow myself to be. Not to be torn by indecision, racked with worry or swamped with fear. Negativity is a huge part of this, but there's something else as well, some sort of indifference to myself or maybe even other people.
I'm really bad at this, talking without constantly dreading what I say. Every time I vent I just feel like I'm whining and complaining about something I can't do anything about. Most of the problems and worries I drag around with me are issues I can't change. It's up to other people and it's up to life itself in some cases. So I have my armor, but it's extremely heavy, and I still need to make a sword. This is the part where I feel left behind.
It's probably silly, but I feel like most people my age learned how to make their swords already and they have taken another step. One step I can't understand or define, and they are prepared or possibly they have even won their battle. This sword is probably made by taking a step I can't even think of. It might be something so different and so strange to me that I might not recognize it.
Whenever I talk like this, I guess it sounds like I'm saying my life is more difficult than others, but  I don't see it that way. I understand that everyone has problems and everyone deals with them differently.  I'm just trying to learn how to deal with mine.
Maybe the answer will come tomorrow, or maybe years from now it will suddenly be clear what I need to do, but right now, it's just a mess I stare at day after day. This is no way to live, and it's ridiculous that I am my own worst enemy.
Hopefully these stories, written by people years ago, some living and some gone, will teach me that step. Life is a journey, but in order to journey, you must walk on the path. Stopping midway won't get you anywhere.

My Logic:

So I have created a Book Blog.

First post here: http://moderndaybookshelf.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-new-year-and-new-reading-list.html

I may post random book appreciation posts on this blog as well. Feel free to visit, comment, and recommend titles ^_^