The Book Alcove: 2009

So, I'm really tired of trying to defend myself when people will walk up and say, "Oh, you're talking about Twilight..." So I'm going to vent here.

First of all, I shouldn't have to defend my likes or dislikes. I don't see people ganging up on the Harry Potter fans just because a lot of people like the series. Many would argue that Harry Potter is good, and Twilight just...isn't, but that's their opinion. Why can't I have my opinion and they can have theirs?

Another accusation of Twilight is that it takes the original idea of vampires and makes it into something that goes against everything that we thought vampires were. But, here's the deal, who is to say that vampires burn up in the sunlight or sleep in coffins? That is the traditional vampire, but the traditional wizards didn't have a lightning bolt scar now did they?

Now, I'm not saying that I agree with everything that Stephenie Meyer put into her books. For one thing, Edward being in Bella's room is kind of pushing the line. I also think the fourth book went into detail that probably shouldn't have been there. Also, Bella really needs to get her priorities in order and figure out that Edward isn't the only one in her life.

However, there were things that I did agree with. Despite what some of the people I know say, I think that the females in the Twilight saga are very strong. Edward is a vampire he's got the super-human strength, I wasn't expecting Bella to be stronger than him physically. Yes, she gives in to him, but that's because she loves him. Now, like I said, she needs to realize that he's not the only one in her life and isn't always right, but I think she's pretty good at making her own choices. (Plus, what would you expect from a girl who grew up taking care of her mom?)

Alice is probably one of the coolest females I have ever read about. She is the loving sister and best friend. She knows what she wants, and isn't blinded by love like Bella is. When she goes to Italy with Bella she leaves Jasper behind because she wants him to be safe. To me, that shows an amazing amount of courage. Plus, she's the bubbly person that makes everyone feel happy. I know I love those people to death and they are incredibly strong people, who know who they are.

Finally, it's a book, and I feel really weird even reading this far into it. I shouldn't have to explain why I like something. No, Stephenie Meyer is not the best writer. But personally, if the best writer in the world wrote a boring book, who would read it? Sometimes the amazing storytellers are the ones who capture your imagination.

It's amazing how the sense of smell can trigger your memories. Both good and bad. For example, whenever I taste a certain type of antibiotics, I remember back about ten years ago. I had to take this antibiotic for the kidney infection that I could have died from when I was born. I had to take that medicine until I was about four years old. (In my memory at least; My mom might say differently) To this day that antibiotic is really yummy.

Another example might be my sense of hearing. When I hear certain songs that were a part of my childhood, I tend to start giggling and sing along. Some examples might include The Apples and Banana song that Barney used to sing, or Something Good About Myself by Janice Kapp Perry.

Today I had an interesting, bitter-sweet run in with my sense of smell.

Try to imagine, if you will, a packed eighth grade lunchroom. It's Friday, so the Cafeteria is handing out pizza from Papa John's and everyone is enjoying the break from learning. So, one of my best friends (who shall remain nameless) is well known for his collection of cologne. Our running joke is that he probably has more cologne than us girls have perfume.

Now, imagine me, Kaylin. You've all seen me, so you'll do well with this part. Today I'm in my Friday mode. Sweats, sweater, and ponytail.

(You may think this is going off topic, but bear with me, it applies)

It's weird how we take people for granted when there a room away, always available when we need them. Now, it's true, the particular person I'm thinking of didn't always enjoy talking to me, in fact, we were often the one's at each other's throat in the family. Older "brothers" can be so annoying, but when they go off to collage to study calculus, you miss them.

My best friend was wearing Abrocrombie and Fitch cologne today. I noticed right away because there's only one other person I know who wore that cologne, even though he hates Abrocrombie and Fitch and only makes one trip per year there to buy said cologne.

I wonder if "For-For" will come back home in time to tease me about dating and interrogate boys when they call. I don't know when he's coming back, but if I don't have my stand in older brother here to do those things for me, then I don't know who else will.

You see, I'll never really be the oldest in the family. That position is filled. Now I don't know what that makes my mom (maybe my older sister/mom/best friend) but Forrest, man you have got to get married and come home. Please.

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My uncle Thomas just posted a reading list on his blog. I figured that since this is "The Book Alcove" I'd update on some the books I've read that have been my favorite.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer- For my friends who dislike Meyer because of her writing style, view on feminine characters, vampire novels, etc; I think that you would still enjoy reading this story. Yes, it is a romance/science fiction novel and I'm sure that we all know that nice, compassionate aliens won't take over our bodies anytime soon (or at all, for that matter), but there is a good lesson to be learned.

As humans we have been given the privilege of not only having a body but, in consequence, thinking for ourselves and having emotions. This book gives a perspective on how it might be to not have the privilege of being in control of our bodies and the miracle that love truly is in this world that can be so cruel. Sometimes we take the most basic gifts for granted.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis- Other than a great storyteller, C.S. Lewis also helps us to better understand ourselves and the overall play in which we have such a small, but impotent role in.

The Books of Bayern, Book of a Thousand Days, and Princess Academy by Shannon Hale- These books are all of the fairy tale genre, but they take you into there story and keep you there. Sometimes comfort books can help us more than we know.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park- This book captures your interest and you sympathize with the characters in a very deep way.

Others:

The Thief

These is my Words

Little Women

Bud, not Buddy

Number the Stars, Gathering Blue, The Giver, etc.

Treasure Island

Harry Potter, etc. :) ((You knew I'd put that))

Inkheart and The Thief Lord

The Secret Journal of Brett Colton

The Work and the Glory #1-9 (My favorite is Volume 6: Praise to the Man)

East

Spindle's End

A Walk to Remember

The Lightning Thief

If there are any others you think I've read, comment. Also, if you want to read any of these that I didn't post authors for, just ask.

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So, I just got back yesterday from Wyoming. I had such a great time and learned so much. We got to hike up Rocky Ridge and go to 6th crossing. We also went to Martin's Cove hiked into the cove. There are so many amazing stories but I learned one that was simply amazing.

In 1856 Brigham Young held the general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He announced that the Willie and Martin handcart company were still out on the trail very late in the season and that they needed help from their fellow brothers and sisters. This is the story:

Brigham Young, Salt Lake City

5 October 1856

General Conference of the Church

"I will now give this people the subject and the text for the Elders who may speak to-day and during the conference. It is this. On the 5th day of October, 1856, many of our brethren and sisters are on the plains with handcarts, and probably many are now seven hundred miles from this place, and they must be brought here, we must send assistance to them. The text will be, 'to get them here.' I want the brethren who may speak to understand that their text is the people on the plains. And the subject matter for this community is to send for them and bring them in before winter sets in.

"That is my religion; that is the dictation of the Holy Ghost that I possess. It is to save the people. This is the salvation I am now seeking for. To save our brethren that would be apt to perish, or suffer extremely, if we do not send them assistance.

"I shall call upon the Bishops this day. I shall not wait until tomorrow, nor until the next day, for 60 good mule teams and 12 or 15 wagons. I do not want to send oxen. I want good horse and mules. They are in this Territory, and we must have them. Also 12 tons of flour and 40 good teamsters, besides those that drive the teams. This is dividing my texts into heads. First, 40 good young men who know how to drive teams, to take charge of the teams that are now managed by men, women and children who know nothing about driving them. Second, 60 or 65 good spans of mules, or horses, with harness, whipple trees, neckyokes, stretchers, lead chains, &c. And thirdly, 24 thousand pounds of flour, which we have on hand. . .

"I will tell you all that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of you in the Celestial Kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains. And attend strictly to those things which we call temporal, or temporal duties. Otherwise, your faith will be in vain. The preaching you have heard will be in vain to you, and you will sink to Hell, unless you attend to the things we tell you" (quoted in LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen, Handcarts to Zion [1960], 120-21).

29 men were part of the first rescue team. In that group there was a man by the name of Ira Nebeker. He was seventeen years at the time that Brigham Young called the members of the church to action. He was seven when his family had crossed the plains in 1847. They were one of the first to make it to the Salt Lake Vally. Ira was a part of the 29 of the first rescue team. Later hundreds more followed.

When Ira had crossed the plains in 1847 his father was one of the Captains. It just so happens that his father is my Great Great Great Great Grandfather. So that makes Ira my Great Great Great Uncle.

It was amazing to discover that my relatives took such a part in the history of the church.

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"Kaylin, it's time to wake up now."

My mom's voice woke me from the half sleep I was in, and my dreams stopped immediately. Why were Ashley and Randy in the movie I had been watching last night? Was that a camper?

These dreamy thoughts gradually subsided as I pulled myself as quietly as possible into the cold, stale air. Quickly grabbing the clothes I had conveniently stashed on the floor, I tiptoed barefoot out of the room.

Once I was safely locked in the bathroom I proceeded to get dressed. "I'm glad I picked these pants," I thought sleepily to myself. "They're comfortable and one of my favorites." I would need the comfort through the four hour test ahead. The smiling ducks on the walls stared at me in mock horror. "Aren't you going to do your make-up today," they asked. I relented, quickly opening the cabinet to the right. I stationed myself on the side of the sink. Sitting on the counter was the best way to see myself. My horrible, sightless eyes needed to be that close to see my face.

While I was putting on the silver lining around my eyes, I thought about the positives to this day of testing. I wouldn't have to see Ms. Stewart, our evil long term pre-algebra substitute. My math teacher had broken her ankle on a field trip, and her replacement was less than adored. I'd also be able to read in complete silence for the remainder of time I had after I was done. I was in a gripping mage-murder mystery by Tamora Pierce and I couldn't wait to find out how things ended.

I quickly brushed my teeth and wobbled to the sock basket in our hallway right outside the bathroom door. Guess I'd have to borrow a pair of Jayden's today. There was no time for me to sit there and match up my own. Plus, they were white so it wouldn't really matter. I was finally beginning to feel awake as I pranced down the stairs. (I always prance, it's fun)

I had exactly seven minutes before I was scheduled to be headed out to the bus. Mom had already made an excellent lunch, featuring salmon spread and crackers, so I pulled on my blue flowered Nike shoes and walked into the kitchen.

"Good morning love, are you going to eat today," my mom asked. "You don't have much time."

"Yeah I'll eat," I responded, pulling a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast out of a box. "You know what mom," I asked," I think that this is the best tasting chocolate milk ever invented. Carnation should expand and make a whole line of flavored milk. They'd put Nestle out of business. It tastes like it has malt in it."

" That'd be good for them, but then you would just drink all the supply that we had anyway. Then you'd ask for more, and I would say...when it's on sale."

She was right, I would. I quickly downed the milk and walked back into our living room. Pulling on my green coat, slinging my backpack over my shoulder and grabbing my violin, I gave mom a quick hug goodbye before stepping out into the spring breakup air. It wasn't long before the bus came to pick lonely me up from the stop on our corner.

I climbed up the steps with practice, walking swiftly down the aisle. My friend Morgan said hello to me as I sat down in front of her seat. We talked the rest of the way to school, laughing about the recent cop story I had to tell and smiling at the cute pictures of her little baby brother.

As we pulled up to the school, I walked with Morgan to the door, before turning off into the small side hallway where the orchestra classroom was. I quickly stashed my violin in my locker, then turned around and made my way through the swarms of eighth graders that were buzzing around the main floor. Once I got to the stairs I was home free, all the way to my locker. As I reached the top, I smiled at my friend Lily.

"Hey Kaylin," she said. "Guess what?"

"What," I asked, only half interested.

"Mrs. Thomson is back." She was grinning ear to ear.

"Really," I asked hopefully. I wouldn't have to put up with Ms. Stewart anymore? Her college methods would be used at some other school? I was grinning in an instant. My eyes started watering. "Wait, I can't cry," I thought. The first thing I did was walk straight into her classroom, backpack and all.

But the best part was the hug that she gave me the minute she realized I was there, throwing aside the rule in our handbook that said, "Hugging is Not Acceptable."

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