Just Some Book Recommendations

Hey everyone! 
I really had no idea what I should blog about, so I decided to recommend some of my favorite books by genre. Hopefully, you can find something here you like! 
Okay here we go...

- Mysteries - 

Mystery is probably my favorite genre, so it was hard for me to pick my favorites. However, I was able to chose my top two mystery series. 

     ~ The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell #1), by Laurie R King
          
When Sherlock Holmes retires to keep bees on the Sussex Downs, he doesn't expect to meet his intellectual equal or take on a teenage girl apprentice... But he does. *cue dramatic music*
BKA is one of my favorite books of all time, so if you like Sherlock Holmes and / or mysteries, you must read this. The summary of it may sound a bit cheesy, but I promise that this series is amazing (especially the writing and portrayal of characters). 


     ~ And Only to Deceive (Lady Emily #1), by Tasha Alexander

This series is about a young women in Victorian England who begins unraveling suspicious goings-on out of personal interest. Some of the books in the series are weaker than others, but they're worth a try! 

- Historical - 

While thinking about what books to recommend, I realized a read a lot of historical novels. Here are my top three. 

     ~ The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak 

Narrated by Death, this book tells the story of a girl growing up in Nazi Germany. It takes an interesting angle in the fact that the main character starts out supporting Nazis, because it's what she learns. Her view, however, changes. 
It's a tear jerker, but it's also overwhelmingly fantastic. Apparently, it's becoming a movie. So. Yeah. There's that, too. 


     ~ The Shoemaker's Wife, by Adriana Trigiani 

This book follows the life of Enza and Ciro, who have a minor connection that grows, from their youth in the Italian Alps to their adult life in America. The time spans from late 1800s to early 1900s. 
The writing is stunning and you finish feeling very satisfied, if a little sad (but in a good way?). 


     ~ Violins of Autumn, by Amy McAuley 

Oh, another WWII book! Didn't mean for that to happen... Oh well! Violins is about a young female spy for England during WWII. It's a YA  book, so if that's not your thing, don't read it I guess. It's a more mature YA, though, if that changes your opinion. *shrugs*

- Fantasy - 

If you want some magic or creativity in the books you read, here you go. 

     ~ Graceling (Graceling Realm #1), by Kristin Cashore

In a land where certain people have Graces, or incredible talents, Katsa is Graced with killing (or is she?). When she meets Po, she begins to rethink not only what her Grace is, but how she can use it. 
One of the things I love about this series is how the books connect to each other; they aren't all set during the same time or place, but they all happen in the same world. 


     ~ Wildwood Dancing (Wildwood Dancing #1), by Juliet Marillier 

This is a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale, but with a twist. There's a castle, a frog, and a secret since childhood. Oh, and it's set in Transylvania! 

- Fiction - 

Fiction, pure and simple. But good fiction. 

     ~ Just One Day, by Gayle Foreman

Allyson goes on a travel tour after graduating high school, but, in a split second decision, ditches the end of the tour to spend a day in Paris. This one day changes a lot.
Gayle Foreman writes some really stunning stuff, so there's that. Then, there's the fact that this book makes me really want to travel. It's just a really enjoyable book to read! 

- Classics - 

Some classics are over-rated and you wonder why they're a classic. Not so with...

     ~ Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre is what made BKA one of my favorites, instead of my favorite (which it had been since fourth grade). I love it so much. If you think Jane Eyre and Jane Austen are the same... yeah, no. Completely different. Jane Eyre has a darker more exciting plot than Pride & Prejudice (to me). So, even if you hate Jane Austen, you might like Jane Eyre. (Hint: it's a great book for October and November (I guess this only makes sense if you're like me and you like to coordinate reading with seasons, weather, places, etc)). 


~~~


Whew! Okay, that's it, guys! Here's a link to a shelf I made of these books on Goodreads, if you want to look at summaries, ratings, and reviews:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/11344168-maria?shelf=my-recommendations

If you want more recommendations, just let me know, and feel free to give me suggestions as well! 

Hope everyone is enjoying their half day / day off :)

- Maria 

Don't Write History As Poetry

Hi guys!  I've been loving everyone's blogposts so far!  I think that the diversity of the topics                (everything from John Green to beating test anxiety) has really added to the uniqueness of the blog, so I decided to add another topic: poetry!

I first read Mahmoud Darwish's poem "Don't Write History As Poetry" at the writer's workshop I attended at Kenyon College over the summer.  The poem actually created quite the stir.  Half the class (myself included) thought that Darwish  was wrong, that poetry was a perfectly acceptable medium for historical events.  However, the other half of the class sided with Darwish, arguing that the cold, calculating, and often violent nature of history is incongruous with the organic and meditative nature of poetry.  Things actually got pretty serious (or as serious as a debate between adolescent writers can actually get).  What do you guys think?

Don't Write History As Poetry

Don’t write history as poetry, because the weapon is
The historian. And the historian doesn’t get fever
Chills when he names his victims and doesn’t listen
To the guitar’s rendition. And history is the dailiness
Of weapons prescribed upon our bodies. “The
Intelligent genius is the mighty one.” And history
Has no compassion so that we can long for our
Beginning, and no intention so that we can know what’s ahead
And what’s behind . . . and it has no rest stops by
The railroad tracks for us to bury the dead, for us to look
Toward what time has done to us over there, and what
We’ve done to time. As if we were of it and outside it.
History is neither logical nor intuitive that we can break
What is left of our myth about happy times,
Nor is it a myth that we can accept our dwelling at the doors
Of judgment day. It is in us and outside us . . . and a mad
Repetition, from the catapult to the nuclear thunder.
Aimlessly we make it and it makes us . . . Perhaps
History wasn’t born as we desired, because
The Human Being never existed?
Philosophers and artists passed through there . . .
And the poets wrote down the dailiness of their purple flowers
Then passed through there . . . and the poor believed
In sayings about paradise and waited there . . .
And gods came to rescue nature from our divinity
And passed through there. And history has no
Time for contemplation, history has no mirror
And no bare face. It is unreal reality
Or unfanciful fancy, so don’t write it.
Don’t write it, don’t write it as poetry!

-McKenna 

Stress Tests - Dealing with Pre-Exam Anxiety by Che Esch

Hello everyone!

One problem I have noticed that quite a few students at our school have is pre-test anxiety; that is, being stressed about a test before you take it. Studies have shown that high levels of stress can limit a student's ability to do well, in school and in other areas of their life. Additionally, being negative going in to a test, or expecting to fail, can have an impact on how you perform. I have found that often, the less stressed I am about a test, the better I feel and the better I perform. While some assessments will be more stressful than others, there are several methods to reducing your anxiety before taking tests.

Firstly, many of these tips apply mainly to large tests that will have a major impact on your grade. For minor quizzes, there is no substitute for studying. There won't be too much material on the majority of these smaller assessments, so it isn't too hard to thoroughly cover everything you need to know. Once you are confident and comfortable with the subject matter, try to refresh yourself throughout the day. If you have the test early, study a little during QRT and announcements. If you have it later in the day, review during lunch. Of course, these are good things to try for big tests as well, but for quizzes, studying thoroughly and refreshing the day of should have good results on their own. (Additionally, if you're having trouble, always take advantage of any study sessions your teacher may offer).

For bigger tests, the problem many students have is overwhelming levels of stress, rather than a lack of preparation. Many people study for hours on end, only to find themselves still anxious for the test. A certain amount of nervousness is fine, and can even be helpful; you want to be on your toes to avoid silly mistakes during the test. However, if you've studied exhaustively, you know the material, and you're still more than a little nervous, there are some helpful tips.

One consolatory remark that a lot of people give (and one of my least favorite) is the famous "What's the worst that can happen?" This is not helpful. The worst-case scenario is one of two things, depending on your priorities: either you are killed in a horrible accident, or you get a 0% on the test, and the next test, and the next test, costing you your grade in the class, and thus, your chance at college, a career, and a happy life. These are extremes, and they will probably never happen; they are also truthful answers to the question your friend has posed you. Thus, I find it better to consider two scenarios: a realistic, bad outcome, and a realistic, good outcome. By envisioning a bad outcome, you can also envision the road to recovery. Let's say you get a score ten percentage points below your goal. For most people, this means earning a letter grade below what you're shooting for: if you want a grade in the 90's (an A), you get one in the 80's (a B), and so forth. So envision yourself getting a letter grade below your goal (for the majority of students, this is a bad scenario). This will probably drop your grade a couple of percentage points down, perhaps to below where you want to be. How do you recover? By doing better on the next big test. Bad grades, while unfortunate, serve as great motivational tools if you're willing to use them. Use your test as fuel, and prove to yourself that you can do better next time.

Before the test, though, don't forget to envision your good scenario: meeting or exceeding your goal. There are few things as rewarding as studying hard for a test, and having your work pay off. Taste the victory, and make it your expectation! While it's good to be a little nervous, you should strive to be confident, both going in and coming out of tests. If you know the material well enough, and if you can effectively demonstrate all the skills (writing, algebra, etc.) that your teacher is looking for, you have the capacity to answer every single question correctly. Go in to the test ready to fulfill this capacity to the highest extent possible, and know that you can do so. This can make a world of difference in your confidence about an upcoming exam.

This is getting to be a very long-winded blog post, so I'll wrap things up here. I'm only a sophomore, so I haven't been exposed to many of the tests that students take throughout their years at the high school. However, I think that these tips apply to most tests here. Having knowledge of the material is important, but so is being confident in your ability to meet your goals. Don't go in expecting failure; strive for success! If you're still nervous about what happens if things fall apart, visualize your road to recovery; it may be a lot easier than you think.

Thanks everyone!

Che.

Can it be Halloween every day? by Sarah Ssemakula

October: Homecoming, PSAT, but most importantly, Halloween.  October 31st is probably my favorite day of the year.  Who doesn’t love trick or treating?  For one night you can dress up and act like whomever you want to be and for two hours you get free candy.  Why wouldn’t you want to do that?  I tell people that I want to go trick or treating and I get the same response every time.  “Aren’t you a little old for that?”  Halloween is for everyone; young and old.  I will NEVER be too old for trick or treating.  I may be 16, but free candy?  I’m in.  Personally, I think that trick or treating is more fun than handing out candy to the little kids on the street.

First of all, you get to create a costume, which is always so much fun.  One year, I was Lady Gaga.  I attached white balloons onto a black jumpsuit, trying to replicate her bubble costume.  (http://greed.typepad.com/.a/6a011168a59308970c012875a66d9a970c-800wi)

This year, I’m thinking of dressing up as Gustavo Fring from Breaking Bad. (http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120714062160/breakingbad/images/c/c4/4x13_Gus'_face_off.png)

Secondly, having a competition with your friends to see who can get the most candy is so much fun.  But you know what I can’t stand?  Receiving anything that isn’t candy; apples, popcorn balls, or pretzels.  Halloween means CANDY.  Good candy.  When I get home, I should have an endless pile of Reese’s, Twix, and Snickers, NOT a pile of... apples.  The worst is when I’m given crappy candy, like Dots.  Why are Dots even considered a candy?  They taste like half hardened rubber cement and should seriously be banned from every house’s candy bowl.  All in all, I’ll always love Halloween.  Only 23 more days.

How to Write a Nonfiction (by Dani Burton)

Though I will be otherwise engaged at a family bar mitzvah, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a fabulous time at homecoming this weekend! I hope you all have the best time. Now on to my post in honor of college essay season for seniors and the nonfiction unit in creative comp!

• Choosing the subject matter will dictate how well you can go about writing the piece. 

Looking for important and telling personal experiences is probably the wrong way to pick the perfect topic. Think of what would be easiest or most fun to write... your favorite food, the walk to the bus stop every day, the topics you think about right before you go to sleep, an inside joke, something you're embarrassed to like, the slightly awkward relationship you have with a coach. It should be personal so you can tell the truth of a part of your life. You should associate everything in the piece with specific feelings and visual memories so that you know it's really significant to your experience. (But you don't have to be the main character unless it's a college essay, so you could write nonfiction that tells your brother's truth, as an example) Big firsts and obvious "essay" topics can set you up for a dramatic memoir or college essay, but small natural moments that show your everyday identity and use your own voice can accomplish a lot more artistically in less words about the moral behind the story. 

• Try to do more with fewer words. In essence, use Mrs. Green's classic "show, don't tell," and balance the telling the message with careful subtlety.

For a college essay, the topic choice itself should indicate much about your character-your values-without you having to state it and restate it (for example, writing about going to the zoo with parents says you love animals, have a close relationship with your family, and get joy out of going places and experiencing things). Then make your words achieve more effect in the crafting of the language. Just because it's not a poem doesn't mean sound devices wouldn't be lovely! Your detail can put the reader into the story like a short fiction piece. Remember that the writing should be good writing.

• In your approach, try to tell the story.

Pretend you're whispering this to someone. You're revealing something secret within the fabric of your story. Or pretend you're giving the full report over fast food, eating and excited and gossiping. Nonfiction writing can be humorous and emotional, full of heart and personality. Try to avoid slipping into the mindset of an essay-writer by leaving out the right word because it's too simple like speech or by always having topic sentences and repetitive structure. The story can move and flow naturally. Imagining yourself excited to reveal your latest gossip will make you feel like your memories truly are interesting and worth sharing with a reader. You're interesting! Your embarrassing habits, your pathetic encounters with boys/with girls, breakfast, the color on the spine of your favorite book, these things are interesting!

• The reader will accept your flaws.

Some of my favorite examples of memoir and college essays work because they are self-deprecating. The writers know how to poke fun at themselves and write about themselves as multifaceted people with strengths and weaknesses they are aware of. You can come out and say that you made the wrong choice when it mattered, that you were nasty to a friend, that you will never be first string on a football team, that you are a little vain or materialistic, whatever! I'm willing to bet your reader will love your honesty.

Hope this helps you find inspiration and direction in your writing! (Remember, I'm no expert!)

The Fault In Our Stars

When I used to think of movie sets, I thought of tall movie stars with a little too much blush and cloaked in sparkling designer clothes. I imagined bright mirrors and gourmet food. That is, until the third Monday of September, when I went to the Fault In Our Stars movie set in Pittsburgh. 

As I arrived at the filming location of TFIOS, I noticed nearly twenty large white trucks and many police cars. My mom parked the car and we started towards the set. The whole time, I expected one of the police men to come up to us and tell us that we weren't aloud anywhere near the set, but we kept walking and no one came up to us. As we passed the trucks, the people outside of them waved, welcoming us to the set. 

We approached the set and I noticed that there were about ten other teenage girls sitting in the grass with their copy of The Fault In Our Stars, flipping through the book to find what exact scene they were filming (the picnic scene with Augustus and Hazel if you have read the book). I asked them if they were here to meet John Green, as I was, and they said yes. We started talking about the whereabouts of John Green and how excited we were to meet him (I was hopeful because two of my friends had already had the chance to meet him a week before).

The set was nothing like I had expected. It looked more like a construction sight than it did a movie set. There were white tents where food was kept and huge lights that shone on a very small area where they were filming. The members of the crew were dressed in Pittsburgh sports attire and waved at us when they walked by. 

One of the crew members walked up to us and asked whether or not Ansel, who plays Augustus Waters in the movie, had come over yet. 

Five minutes later, John and Ansel started walking towards us. Ansel was dressed in a basketball shirt and jeans, and John was wearing gray polo and jeans. They approached us casually and asked us if we wanted to take pictures or to have anything signed. I told Ansel that I was so excited for the movie, and he replied "I know, right? I am, too!" 

There was nothing glamorous about the actors or the set. They were normal people who just happened to be good at acting. Going to the TFIOS set made me respect people in the movie making industry much more than I had before. They are hardworking people who have a passion for telling a story through a movie screen. 

- Emily

Blog Schedule!

Hey Tapestry Senior Staff! 

This October, Tapestry is starting our daily blog schedule! You have been given a date on which you can post your writing, your favorite poems, pictures, etc. (Keep in mind you are absolutely allowed to post more than on just the day you are assigned.)

The schedule for October is:

Oct. 1 - Emily F. 

Oct. 3 - Dani

Oct. 5 - Bailey

Oct. 6 - Sarah

Oct. 7 - Adlai

Oct. 8 - Che

Oct. 10 - McKenna

Oct. 12 - Emily K.

Oct. 14 - Jaagrit

Oct. 15 - Marisa

Oct. 16 - Maria

Oct. 18 - Habiba

Oct. 20 - Rachel

Oct. 22 - Stephen

Oct. 24 - Faith

Oct. 25 - Emma 

Oct. 26 - Megan

Oct. 28 - Juliet

Oct. 30 - Sophie