Haiku Reviews: Books, Recipes, and More

Thursday, October 4, 2012

First 10%

If you have ever tried to lose weight and have tried to make a true lifestyle change, then you know how exciting it can be when you are successful. I've been participating in Weight Watchers (WW) since August, and today I got the award for losing my first 10%. I cannot even begin to tell you how exciting this is! Here's a little haiku about the past couple of months. :)

Working out, eating
less... Growing confidence and
feeling healthy. Yes!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Two star-crossed lovers
Fight forbidden attraction.
Lessons about life?

Age versus morals
Concepts caused me discomfort
Romance was intense

Reading this book was a guilty pleasure for me. It was so entertaining, I actually stayed up until 2:30 in the morning to finish it. So, the basic premise is that two young people meet, immediately fall in love due to a deep connection--perhaps because they are soul mates?--and then the pair can't be together.

Okay, the idea isn't new. Romeo and Juliet couldn't be together either, but the dividing aspect between our characters Lake and Will is totally different, and I'd love to ask the author some questions about her intent. Why make Will's profession a divisor? Why keep bombarding Lake with so many problems? One problem after another doesn't seem realistic to me. I had a problem with the resolution to the story, but even more so with Will's profession. As an educator, I found Will's actions highly immoral, even though he was trying to do the right thing. When educators have inappropriate relationships with students, it is highly immoral, even if they are only a few years apart. Will's focus on how he and his career might be hurt instead of the impact to Lake is disturbing.

Despite the conflict I had with the premise, I must say I enjoy reading the book tremendously. The detail and pacing were good, and man! Some of those romantic scenes were very steamy.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Thirteen Reasons Why

The truth about why
Girl chose to end her own life
Told in two voices

Gripping, disturbing
A glimpse inside depression
Couldn't stop reading

I agree--this did
Glorify suicide. I
Loved it anyway.

Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, is gripping. After Hannah’s suicide, Clay receives a mysterious box of audio tapes he must listen to before passing them along to the next recipient.

Told from two perspectives, Clay’s inner thoughts are interjected throughout Hannah’s narration; the voices ring true, and the realistic conflicts that Hannah encounters are reflective of the modern issues teens face. The one concern I have is that suicide appears glorified— is it possible that readers who are easily influenced might find suicide alluring after reading 13RW? This book would be a great book club read, as it is sure to prompt lots of discussion.