Sage Nestler's Blog, page 31
September 30, 2017
Happy Banned Books Week
Since this week is Banned Books Week, I wanted to celebrate by discussing some of my favorite banned books! Challenged or banned books have always been a hot topic due to their controversial nature. Some people say that banned books violate our freedom of speech and our freedom of the press, while others agree that banning certain books will protect individuals due to their age.
The full list of banned or challenged books is quite immense, and many of them share the same themes that contribute to them being challenged. Since most of the books on the banned list have been banned from schools and/or curriculum, it is safe to say that they were originally challenged to protect young adults. But I ask you this, do you think that young adults need protecting from certain literature? Do you agree with banning books from school and/or curriculum? Let me know in the comments!
Much love,
Ashley
My Top 3 Banned Books
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Killing Mr. Griffin
Synopsis:
They only meant to scare him.
Mr. Griffin is the strictest teacher at Del Norte High, with a penchant for endless projects and humiliating his students. Even straight-A student Susan can’t believe how mean he is to the charismatic Mark Kinney. So when her crush asks Susan to help a group of students teach a lesson of their own, she goes along. After all, it’s a harmless prank, right?
But things don’t go according to plan. When one “accident” leads to another, people begin to die. Susan and her friends must face the awful truth: one of them is a killer.
Leave the lights on when reading this classic thriller! This new edition features modernized text and a new introduction by Lois Duncan, the master of teen horror.
Discussion:
Now, it is pretty clear as to why Killing Mr. Griffin made the banned books list. The plot itself was challenged since the book focuses on students who kidnap and kill their teacher. However, the book was also challenged due to inappropriate language. Due to the controversial plot, Killing Mr. Griffin is the 4th most challenged book in history. Many parents do not agree with schools including Killing Mr. Griffin in their curriculum, and very few schools still teach this book.
However, one thing that does bother me is that Killing Mr. Griffin has been accused of challenging authority, and that plays a big factor in why it has been banned. But if you read the book, you will understand how Mr. Griffin is borderline abusive towards his students. Even though kidnapping and killing is not an option, the students in the novel should have had the right to speak out against the way that Mr. Griffin was treating them. I personally do not think that “challenging authority” is an excuse for banning a book, and art should be allowed to be expressive. Fiction is a great way for authors and readers to imagine what life would be like if they fought back.
Even though I do understand the concerns surrounding this novel, I think that it is a great book to get teens in the thriller/horror genre. If you haven’t read Killing Mr. Griffin yet, I highly recommend it! It is a short novel that is sure to keep you up all night.
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The Face on the Milk Carton
Synopsis:
No one ever really paid close attention to the faces of the missing children on the milk cartons. But as Janie Johnson glanced at the face of the ordinary little girl with her hair in tight pigtails, wearing a dress with a narrow white collar–a three-year-old who had been kidnapped twelve years before from a shopping mall in New Jersey–she felt overcome with shock. She recognized that little girl–it was she. How could it possibly be true?
Janie can’t believe that her loving parents kidnapped her, but as she begins to piece things together, nothing makes sense. Something is terribly wrong. Are Mr. and Mrs. Johnson really Janie’s parents? And if not, who is Janie Johnson, and what really happened?
Discussion:
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney is one of my favorite novels of all time. I devoured the entire series when I was in middle school, and it really opened my eyes to the darker side of young adult literature.
However, some people do not agree with letting young adults read The Face on the Milk Carton. Like Killing Mr. Griffin, this novel challenges authority; however, it also presents sexual language and has been deemed inappropriate for the intended age group.
In the novel, Janie questions whether her parents are her real parents or not after seeing a picture that looks a lot like her on a milk carton. The way that Janie challenges what she has always known shows initiative and strength. I feel that Cooney’s series allows young adults to take control of their lives and question what is being told to them. This is more than invaluable, and I honor Cooney for her initiative.
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Synopsis:
Read the cult-favorite coming of age story that takes a sometimes heartbreaking, often hysterical, and always honest look at high school in all its glory. Also a major motion picture starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a funny, touching, and haunting modern classic.The
The critically acclaimed debut novel from Stephen Chbosky, Perks follows observant “wallflower” Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.
Discussion:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is my last pick for my top three favorite banned books. This novel helped me immensely when I was in high school, and it has changed so many lives. However, with power comes opposition.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been mostly challenged due to the homosexuality present in the novel, sexual language, and discussion of alcohol and drugs. Many people believe that young adults shouldn’t read the novel because it glamorizes these topics, but I disagree. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of those novels that is so similar to the true teenage experience that it hurts. Chbosky knows how to connect to young adults, and I would hate to see this novel disappear.
NOTE: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
September 29, 2017
Literary Vacation Club October Theme Reveal
I am super excited to announce our October theme at Literary Vacation Club! Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I wanted to honor it by doing a Halloween inspired box. However, since we base our boxes off of a different destination every month, I wanted to take you all to my version of Halloweentown – a town where Halloween is eternal! Therefore, our October theme is “Halloweentown” and the box will include one of my favorite dark fantasy novels. One of a kind items to sport your Halloween pride will also be included; and the best part? These items can be used year round!
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Due to the personalized nature of each of our boxes, we only have a limited number available to start with, and with this box, we ONLY HAVE 4 BOXES LEFT! Make sure you pick yours up before we run out!
Much love,
Ashley
Use code “HALLOW15” for 15% off of your first box!
September 28, 2017
Pre-Order: Dawning Ascent by Jen L. Grey
An exciting new fantasy novel titled Dawning Ascent is now available for pre-order! This novel has elements of romance, wonder, and excitement. I can’t wait for you to try it out! If you are a fan of thrilling fantasy, then you won’t want to miss Dawning Ascent.
Much love,
Ashley
.•*¨) ★¸.•*´¨) ★.•*´¨)
★(¸.•´ Dawning Ascent
Now available for Pre-order!
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Struggle and betrayal will lead to heartache but light can prevail.
Treated like a stranger in her own kingdom, Ariah has learned to live in the shadows. She catches the eye of her lifelong crush and an unlikely ally as she comes into her own powers. She struggles to find truth and trust along a dangerous journey. Only one thing is certain; nothing will ever be the same for her again.
Enemies come to light and distrust spreads. She is no longer safe; will she make the right decision on who to trust? Will she be able to keep her growing powers hidden? Only time will tell in the dawning ascent.
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Teasers
September 27, 2017
Box Review: The Creatives Container
I have quite a treat for you today. I have discovered a new box that sends you DIY projects each month, and I just love it! The box comes with everything that you need to complete the project, and it is a great way to get your craft on. The box is called The Creatives Container and I am sure that you will love it! Enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
A New, Fun & Fabulous Design DIY Project Sent to Your Door Monthly
Packaged in re-usable containers, each delightful delivery brings the opportunity to learn how to make beautiful things from the comfort of home.
High-quality materials and tools used by professional designers.
Fashion-forward design projects created by a fashion industry veteran and a graduate of the world-renowned Fashion Institute of Technology.
Easy-to-follow instructions enclosed PLUS online videos in case you get stuck.
Each reusable container is jam-packed with enough materials for sharing! Invite a friend over for a fancy craft night!
Learn new skills without leaving home! Great for hobbyist or entrepreneurs!
Plan Options:
Month – to – Month: $24.99 + FREE SHIPPING*
3 Month Pre-Pay: $69.99 + FREE SHIPPING*
6 Month Pre-Pay: $124.99 + FREE SHIPPING*
*Only ships within the United States
The Creatives Container is a delightful box that brings DIY projects to your door! I couldn’t wait to try out this box because I absolutely love crafting.
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The Creatives Container comes in a reusable tin! Inside is everything that you need for the provided project. I really appreciate the reusable aspect of this box!
The project in the box that I received is for making Perfumed Drawer Sachets! The box came with fabric, a sewing kit, rice, perfume oil, and instructions on how to make the sachets.
The instructions were very easy to follow, and I liked how the box included a pattern to pin onto the fabric! This helped me to be able to cut the fabric to the correct size. The project came with a couple of different fabrics to work with, so that variety was nice! I also never needed any other materials than what was given to me. That is something that I really appreciate! There is nothing I hate more than needing another material halfway through a project.
Here is my finished project! I love the heavy duty fabric and the sweet scent of the sachet. It is perfect for putting in the bathroom or in a clothes drawer! The kit comes with enough materials to make two sachets, so this is my first sachet.
Final Thought: The Creatives Container is a great box for anyone who wants to try out new DIY projects! I love the thought that goes into creating the projects and providing subscribers with all of the materials needed. The box is also very fairly priced considering the cost of DIY materials nowadays. It is clear to me that the owners of the box are very educated in what they do, and I would happily get their box again. If you love DIY boxes, then The Creatives Container is a must!
September 26, 2017
Book Review: Achilles by Greg Boose
Title: Achilles
Author: Greg Boose
Technical Rating: 3/5
Enjoyment Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Lost meets The 100 in this action-packed YA science fiction series-starter.
“WE’RE ON OUR OWN NOW…”
The year is 2221, and humans have colonized a planet called Thetis in the Silver Foot Galaxy. After a tragic accident kills dozens of teenage colonists, Thetis’s leaders are desperate to repopulate. So Earth sends the Mayflower 2—a state-of-the-art spaceship—across the universe to bring 177 new homesteaders to the colony.
For Jonah Lincoln, an orphaned teen who has bounced between foster homes and spent time on the streets of Cleveland, the move to Thetis is a chance to reinvent himself, to be strong and independent and brave, the way he could never be on Earth. But his dreams go up in smoke when their ship crash-lands, killing half the passengers and leaving the rest stranded—not on Thetis, but on its cruel and unpopulated moon, Achilles.
Between its bloodthirsty alien life forms and its distance from their intended location, Achilles is a harrowing landing place. When all of the adult survivors suddenly disappear, leaving the teenage passengers to fend for themselves, Jonah doubts they’ll survive at all, much less reach Thetis—especially when it appears Achilles isn’t as uninhabited as they were led to believe.
Review:
Achilles is a new young adult science fiction novel packed to the brim with adventure and fear. The story mimics American colonial history, but it is set in the future and taken to space. Greg Boose brings rich imagination to his writing while playing to traditional science fiction elements. Even though Achilles is directed towards the young adult audience, the novel can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Science fiction is one of those genres that often comes with heavy storylines and plots that are sometimes hard to keep straight. Achilles reflects this aspect of science fiction, but it compiles a story that oozes excitement and intrigue. Seasoned science fiction readers are sure to absorb Boose’s writing well, and they will find themselves lost in his beautifully imagined world. Achilles promises high action and diverse characters, which I always appreciate in literature.
However, the novel did have a few flaws. For one thing, the sentences were often long-winded and over described. The dialogue was not a big element to the story, so the writer tended to “tell” more than “show” the reader. Even though I enjoy description in novels, I found that some parts of the novel could become redundant. Boose’s cast of characters was also quite large, and it was hard to keep track of them throughout the novel. It was also clear to me that Boose purposefully cut the story short since this novel is the first in a series. I would have rather had a longer novel than a longer series, but I do understand what his intentions were.
Achilles is a thrilling young adult science fiction novel, and I enjoyed falling into the story. Fans of The 100 will surely enjoy this novel, and I think that it is a great book to get into the science fiction genre.
*NOTE: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.*
Achilles Release Day Blitz
Today is the release day of a new young adult science fiction novel titled Achilles by Greg Boose! This novel is great for fans of Illuminae, and I love how inventive it is. If you are new to science fiction, Achilles is a great introduction to the genre! I am very excited about this novel, and I hope that you will check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
Much love,
Ashley
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Lost meets The 100 in this action-packed YA science fiction series-starter.
“WE’RE ON OUR OWN NOW…”
The year is 2221, and humans have colonized a planet called Thetis in the Silver Foot Galaxy. After a tragic accident kills dozens of teenage colonists, Thetis’s leaders are desperate to repopulate. So Earth sends the Mayflower 2—a state-of-the-art spaceship—across the universe to bring 177 new homesteaders to the colony.
For Jonah Lincoln, an orphaned teen who has bounced between foster homes and spent time on the streets of Cleveland, the move to Thetis is a chance to reinvent himself, to be strong and independent and brave, the way he could never be on Earth. But his dreams go up in smoke when their ship crash-lands, killing half the passengers and leaving the rest stranded—not on Thetis, but on its cruel and unpopulated moon, Achilles.
Between its bloodthirsty alien life forms and its distance from their intended location, Achilles is a harrowing landing place. When all of the adult survivors suddenly disappear, leaving the teenage passengers to fend for themselves, Jonah doubts they’ll survive at all, much less reach Thetis—especially when it appears Achilles isn’t as uninhabited as they were led to believe.
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Greg Boose is the former Los Angeles and Chicago Editor for BlackBook Magazine, and his work has appeared online and in print publications. Greg holds an undergraduate degree from Miami University and an MFA from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He lives in Santa Monica with his two young daughters. He has previously published The Red Bishop with Full Fathom Five Digital, as well as ghostwriting two Young Adult novels that hit The New York Times ‘ bestseller list.
Visit him online at http://www.gregboose.com.
Social Media Links
@diversionbooks @greg_boose
Tweets by DiversionBooks
Tweets by Greg_Boose
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/diversionbooks/
https://www.instagram.com/greg_boose/
September 23, 2017
Box Review: Inspired Book Club – September 2017
I have found another awesome book subscription for you, and I am so excited for you to see it! This subscription is called Inspired Book Club, and it focuses on bringing inspiration to subscribers through books and artisan goodies. I have officially named this box as one of my must-have boxes of 2017, so please have a look! You won’t be disappointed.
Much love,
Ashley
A Book Club To Inspire Your Lifestyle + Tribe
We send books + goods to inspire your life.
Each month we send 1 personal development book, bookmark, organic tea and other artisan goodies. 4-6 items total. Create your own Inspired Book Club Circle with your tribe! Done with your book? We pay to ship your used read to charities supporting people who could use a little inspiration & light. Keep for your collection or pay it forward.
Inspirational Book
Organic Tea, Bath Product & Other Goodies
We work with charities each month to share inspirational books with the world!
Create Your Own #InspiredBookClubCircle
FREE online book club community!
Plans:
Month to Month: $34.95 + FREE SHIPPING*
3 Month Pre-Pay: $101.97 + FREE SHIPPING*
6 Month Pre-Pay: $197.94 + FREE SHIPPING*
12 Month Pre-Pay: $383.88 + FREE SHIPPING*
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Inspired Book Club is an awesome subscription to bring women an inspirational light into their lives! I absolutely love what they are doing.
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Inspired Book Club comes in such a unique box! I love the quote on the top. It just shows how positive the box experience is!
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The box comes with an item card as well as a bookmark and a suggested reading schedule! One of the coolest things about this box is that once you finish the book (if you don’t want to keep it) Inspired Book Club will pay to have it shipped to someone in need. I love that charitable element to this box!
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This month’s book is You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. I love the “badass” theme to this box because I really needed a boost of self-confidence when I received it. It is perfect!
YOU ARE A BADASS IS THE SELF-HELP BOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO DESPERATELY WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES BUT DON’T WANT TO GET BUSTED DOING IT.
In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW, Make some damn money already. The kind you’ve never made before.
By the end of You Are a Badass, you’ll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can’t change, how to change what you don’t love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.
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The first item is a set of “Total Badass” pencils! I love how pink these pencils are, and the quote is awesome. They are perfect for me to use at work to give me a boost of confidence!
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The next item is a bottle of grey nail polish from Black Dahlia Lacquer! This nail polish brand was created by a mother/daughter team, and it is a wonderful nail polish brand created by two badass women. Their passion really inspires me!
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The next item is a tube of Radiance tea from Luna Tea Co.! This tea smells like pumpkin spice, and it is the perfect fall blend. The owner of Luna Tea Co. is one badass woman, and I love how she promotes self-care!
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New subscribers also receive a tea strainer with their first box, and mine came with a gorgeous Goldstone point on the end! I am a crystal healer, and I love using Goldstone for depression and relaxation.
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The last item is a grey-silver scarf! These scarves are perfect for fall, and they can be used as a shawl. I love it!
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Final Thought: Inspired Book Club blew me away! I love how relaxing this box is, while also boosting your self-esteem. Each item was packed with such care, and I think that it is the ultimate box for women who need a monthly boost. They also won me over with their charitable giving, because that is very important to me. This box is officially on my must have list!
September 22, 2017
Book Review: An Unemployed Autobiography by Krishna Chaitanya Dharmana
Title: An Unemployed Autobiography
Author: Krishna Chaitanya Dharmana
Enjoyment Rating: 4/5
Technical Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Krishna decided to commit suicide on his prolonged unemployment and poverty. Before his death, he wanted to visit the biggest Hindu temple, where surprisingly he meets with an old English Muslim man inside, who bets and wins against the boy. Krishna reveals his story to the old man with the emotions carried in a traditional home of love and the unemployed memories. Krishna connects to the old man’s philosophy and the mysterious pouch hanging to his shoulder leading to a glowing soul like never before.
Review:
An Unemployed Autobiography reads like a philosophical text. Since the book is part non-fiction with fictional elements, I could feel the author’s passion in the words. I love reading and learning about Hindu, so I found this novel to be an interesting window into the religion! Even though the book is short, it provides a profound impact.
Krishna is a suicidal man who decides to visit the biggest Hindu temple before he dies. It is at this temple where he meets an elderly Muslim man who begins to play bets against him. Through this game, Krishna reflects on his life story and his emotions. I appreciated how the author took the time to explain different Hindu concepts to increase the width of the book’s audience, and how deep they made their main character’s emotions. Even though the writing explained more than showed the reader, it felt like an appropriate writing style for the story.
An Unemployed Autobiography is an eye-opening spiritual text that is unlike anything else that I have read. Even though the novel is short, it is powerful. I enjoyed the soothing read of the text, and I feel enlightened after reading it. This novel is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys religious or spiritually based stories!
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.*
September 20, 2017
FREE BOOK: Touched By The Wolf by Rebecca Murray
For a limited time only, Rebecca Murray is offering her novel, Touched By The Wolf, for free on Amazon! Check out the novel below and grab your copy while it is available.
Much love,
Ashley
.•*¨) ★¸.•*´¨) ★.•*´¨)
★(¸.•´FREE ON AMAZON FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY
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HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR IMMORTALITY?
It has been a century since the wolves of the Silent Walkers waged war against the Vampires of the Lamia for the Dark Blood of Immortality they possess
As the battle lines are drawn once again, it will be up to the White Witch Emilie to use all in her power to bewitch the youngest of wolves Maccon. To gain his trust. To seduce him. To bend him to her will. To stop the impending war.
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BUY LINKS
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2f7BhYp
AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2xMJHjo
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2hdrhRQ
AMAZON CA: http://amzn.to/2fw9jWW
SOCIAL LINKS
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RebeccaMurrayAuthor/
Readers Group: www.facebook.com/groups/rebeccawolfpack/
#creativebooknerds
Excerpts
Cover Reveal: Game of Faith by Rebecca Murray
I am excited to share with you the new cover for an upcoming novel called Game of Faith by Rebecca Murray! This book is part of a fantasy series focused on vampires and werewolves, and it is just a thrilling ride. I hope you enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
*•.¸(´*•.¸(*•.¸COVER REVEAL¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*
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She is hunted by both the vampires and the wolves for her blood.
She is the most powerful being amongst the forsaken.
Yet Samantha has only just discovered her fate.
The war for immortality is drawing ever closer and the vampire-witch is the prize!
Book two in the Dark Blood series asks the question:
Just who can you trust in a world full of greed?
Release date 10th October 2017
