“What a terrible thing it is to botch a farewell. I am a person who believes in form, in the harmony of order. Where we can, we must give things a meaningful shape. For example - I wonder - could you tell my jumbled story in exactly one hundred chapters, not one more, not one less?"

-Yann Martel, Life of Pi

A lot of people I know have a love/hate relationship with this book, but I happened to side on the love end of it. I read it a few summers ago (thanks to my kindred spirit Elin's highest recommendations) and it was also the summer Cupcake Chic came into town; so my memories of reading The Life of Pi are combined with coconut cupcakes. Maybe that is why I love it so.

Just a few weeks ago, I was able to convince Max to start reading the Life of Pi, and he stayed up way past our bedtime last night just so he could finish it. The end of the book is worth reading all 110 chapters alone - and is definitely one of the biggest twists I had not expected the entire time I was reading it.

Two other books being made to movies are The Night Circus and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (starring Kate Winslet). I loved both of them, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. People always have opinions about books being made into movies, but if I loved the book, I usually hold out hope for the on-screen version of what I read, too.

I've concluded that Les Mis, Wreck-It Ralph and Pi will probably be my three movie friends this Christmas. I still don't know if I'd recommend the book to everyone, but the movie trailer sure makes it look good.

latest favs

I feel like I'm always last on the bandwagon, but these are some of my favorites lately:

1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

I really couldn't put this book down for a few weeks.  The culture and practice of foot binding in nineteenth-century China was fascinating to read about, (albeit, rather gruesome, too) and was so well written that I really felt like I was a part of another time in history. What especially kept my attention, though, was the story of Lily and her relationship with her "laotong" Snow Flower. Their friendship, the intertwining of their lives through their secret messages and fan; you read their story starting from their early foot bindings at six or seven years old, through their adolescence, marriage, family, children, etc. I thought the concepts and ideas in this book such as "old-sames" and "a woman's duty" were intriguing and thought provoking, and was glad my mom had already read it because it was definitely one of those books you want to discuss and ask questions about.

2. Jonsi



Go Icelandic music.


3. The Artist

I will admit, although I'm sure I've tried to sound cultured (read: trendy) enough in admitting that I enjoy silent movies, and periodically visit the Organ Loft, if I were really being honest, I would tell you that I actually get bored every time. It is only fun for the first five minutes, and then I check my watch every few minutes after that waiting for the end. This silent movie, however, (a very, very big however!) was enchanting, charming and simply perfect from start to finish. Max wishes he could be Captain America, I wish I could be Peppy Miller. I have seen it three times already, and can honestly admit that The Artist is definitely a new favorite in every way.


(and what kind of person shares lists like these without sharing a viral YouTube video. now, that is the bestest... it's yumma!)

i will read this once a year.

I finished The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell this weekend, and before I had even ended it, I had already committed myself to reading this book at least once a year for the rest of my life.

I don't know why I'm even bothering to try and write about my feelings and reaction to this book, because it would be nearly impossible to convey the way I felt and what I learned. My favorite books are the books that make me think long after I've finished reading the last page. That was this book. The parables and lessons and inspiration you feel while reading Rick and Carol's story are presented in a way that make you really think about what you assume you already know -- but in an entirely different way and from an entirely different angle.

What makes this book the most special to me, though, was the way the Atonement is discussed. The way it made me feel even closer to my Savior, and in a way that I can't entirely explain, made me feel better understood by my Savior. I felt both spiritually and physically a love that my Heavenly Father and Savior have for me, and a renewed commitment to living my life closer to them; to love myself and my Father in Heaven and Savior as completely as I can, by unconditionally loving those around me.

I can't explain why or how this book inspired me in the way that it did, but I can promise to those of who read it, you will end up reading the last page feeling so renewed and humbled and grateful and loved. It's purpose (or at least from what I gathered) was strengthening its readers desire to do what is right; to love people, to love past circumstance, flaws, failings and mistreatment. But most of all, to recognize a love that our Savior has for us that we can't even begin to fully understand. A love that loves past our flaws, our failings, and our mistreatment toward others - yet His love is always there for us. It would not, and could not, and never will be any other way.

This book was what I needed to read. It had lessons that I needed to learn, and I felt things that I needed to feel. But most importantly, it taught me more than ever before that I was and always will be loved  (no matter my own weaknesses) by a Father in Heaven whose love is perfect. And today, and every other day, that is what matters the most to me.


image "Beside Still Waters" by Greg Olsen

currently reading:

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

"He shall never know how I love him: and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."

Reading this again. And then I will again and again and again. I first read this the summer after seventh grade during a family vacation, and can still remember sitting on the couch those summer afternoons unable to tear myself away from the mysterious Heathcliff and his beloved Catherine. This. book. is. so. good. And Kathleen Kelly (kindred spirit) said she'd read it every winter with a rose as her bookmark... Can I please do that and pretend I came up with that idea on my own? I love it.




The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister

"Contemplate for a moment the magnetic pull when a little child sees her father on bended knee with arms extended. The invitation is irresistible. The reaction to return is automatic. There is no intellectual analysis. It is like reaching for a blanket in cold weather, turning on a light in a dark room. Some things are not mind-driven, but heart prompted. These are natural yearnings of the soul---the need for warmth, light and love. Likewise, our Father in Heaven is extending his arms with the intent to entice us home. How irresistible those arms are to those who seek his warmth, his light, and his love."

Words won't be enough for my love of this book.
I had started to read Jesus the Christ about a year ago, and got through maybe a chapter in a month and then decided to take a break... which I'm still on. It took at least 20 minutes to decipher each paragraph, and I found a lot of it difficult to understand... although one day, I really plan on finishing. However, this past Christmas I received The Infinite Atonement (as a present to myself!) and I cannot tell you how much I love it. Basic doctrinal truths I've learned all my life are explored not only in a way I understand, but Elder Callister explains everything as so profound and inspired, and every sentence, every word, is entirely uplifting.


And then I take a look at this. What is this? Snow for forever, that's what it is. Reading through next Friday (at least) sounds fine with me.

the bookstore is my friend.

A boy doesn't have to fight a war to be a hero, he can say he doesn't like pie when he sees there isn't enough to go around.
Edgar Watson Howe


My favorite part of our trip to the bookstore last night was looking over the book The Art of Manliness. It was worth purchasing alone for the list, "100 Books Every Boy Should Read" in the very back, but after I read the quote above, I was won over -- and all it read after that was: buy me.

Other books purchased:
Skeletons at a Feast - by: Chris Bohjalian
Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - by: Ransom Riggs

I bought both of these after reading only a few pages (so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!) but I always feel the need to purchase books that I'll actually read after spending money on textbooks that I'll probably only use once this semester.

And now with the falling snow, (you're three weeks too late and not necessary anymore in my humble opinion) I plan on keeping company with my new books and my desire to do anything but get out of bed until I absolutely must.
Happy weekend!

image via

best day so far.

Today was so perfect that I hate to see it end. And I know I've said that same thing before, (probably even within the last week) but really, truly, today was so perfect that I absolutely tried to mentally photograph almost everything about it.

It all started with a sudden detour to downtown Takapuna.

Usually when I fly out to New Zealand during Christmas break, it is so sunny and warm, most people are crowding the shops wearing their swimsuits; but this time, the rainy, wet weather reminded me so much of fall. Everyone was rushing in and out of stores to avoid the cold, and it all felt so much more like a cozy and quaint secret than the usual tourist stop. After aimlessly walking in and out souvenir shops for a while, (and after unfortunately discovering one of my favorite stores had been closed down!) we began to make our way back to the car just in time for the pouring rain. Thank goodness we left the house in too much of a hurry to remember our umbrellas, because we stalled and found our way into a used bookstore.

-- Now, I love any old bookstore as much as the next person, but this one was different - and excuse my exaggeration, but it was really like a step back in time.

After finding hundreds of perfectly old and worn books, (Bronte, Austen, Tennyson) and after reading Matthew Arnold tucked away in the corner, (best: "Alas! is even love too weak, To unlock the heart, and let it speak?" -- gosh I love that) I really, completely lost track of time. Boxes filled with pictures from fifty, sixty, seventy years ago were cluttered all around the store, and everything I found felt like it must have been a treasure to somebody at some point long, long ago.

That's when I discovered the most darling book of all-time entitled, "Christmas Is A Time of Giving" - published nearly sixty years ago. All I could think of while turning the pages is of the future Christmases I'd spend reading that same book with my own family. Definitely the best ten bucks spent in a long time, and I'm already searching online for any/everything else the author may have written... all so cute.

But anyway, to end the evening my mom and I sat in Starbucks drinking steamers and hot chocolate discussing (mainly) my sisters upcoming wedding this fall, and all the future family reunions and vacations we'll get to have. On our way out the door I fell in love with a boy who was wearing a blue shirt and had brown eyes. Kylie you will kill me because I kept on walking, but I did turn around to look three or four more times. I talked about him the whole ride home, imagining with my mom a scenario much like this one (minus getting hit by a car) from only my most all-time favorite movie ever... If only my nerves hadn't gotten the best of me.


And now I'm sitting by a space heater. I'm eating Tim Tams and Pringles, telling the internet about my day because my cell phone doesn't get service down here, and so there is nobody I can really call. But the point is, today was really perfect, and I don't think I would trade anything in the world for it. That's all.

the end of harry potter.

About six months ago, I began to read Harry Potter for the first time. Years later than most everyone else, I discovered Hogwarts and Quidditch, Dumbledore's love and wisdom, Harry's goodness and courage, and most especially, a much greater love for friendship and bravery.

I've been so excited to begin a lot of my other summer reading, (like: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close and The Help. I breezed over them both while at Barnes & Noble this past weekend and had to be pulled away) Except once I finally finished the last page in the last Harry Potter book, I didn't feel like reading anything else. In a weird way, it's like I had to allow myself at least twenty-four hours to "mourn" the end of the Harry Potter series.

Is that too much?
Most likely.

But if anything, that means all the late nights regardless of early morning classes were well worth it. The first book that ever made me feel similar was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I must have read it when I was twelve or thirteen years old, but I remember crying throughout the final chapters, not only because Francie was growing up, but because the book was ending.

It all sounds silly, but finishing a book can almost feel as sad as goodbye.

photo

rather: summer reading and such.

Summer means a lot of things, like t-shirts and shorts and ice cream, but the other part of it would probably be reading.

And because my New Zealand getaway is coming up (more on that next time most likely!) I not only have the lemonade park, Barnes & Noble, and my comfy, cozy bed (where I spend late nights buried under the covers just so I can find out what happens next) But I also have a 13 hour plane ride, six week getaway, no school/no work (talk about heaven) on the beach, on the balcony, or again, buried under my bed covers 7,000 miles away - where I will probably make even more time for reading.

Last summer, when I asked my main"go-to" reading kindred spirit (my darling boss Elin) which book I should read next, she suggested The Book Thief. Has anyone read it? Snap I loved it. I cried the last fifteen pages with a roll of toilet paper next to me because I couldn't find tissues. And today as I browsed online over some "to read this summer" book titles, The Book Thief was on one of the lists, with the following critique:

"If you want a fast read, this book is not for you. If you only like happy endings [then] this book is not for you... [But] if you love to read, and if you love to care about the characters you read about, and if you love to eat words like they're ice cream, and if you love to have your heart broken and mended on the same page, this book is for you."

That's all I really have to say about that. I love it like ice cream.

But the real reason I'm writing about all of this, is because it's time to go to all of you --
What books would you recommend? Anything and everything.It's starting to feel a tiny bit like summer, and that means a lot of things, (like t-shirts and shorts and ice cream) but most especially reading.

the secret.

I had a friend convince me the other day that The Secret changes lives... (well that and the Book Of Mormon) but although I was doubtful at first, I found his experience pretty convincing. And if you read the following, you'll see why:

We first celebrated this "life changing" phenomena by getting ice cream on Thursday because of the 96% he got on his Biology test -- a 37% improvement from his first exam. (And if you ask me, seeing "Good Job!" on the testing center screen merits ice cream and cherries and whip cream and cupcakes). But even though his test score was worth celebrating, I still wasn't convinced.

But then -- I got a text on Friday morning, inviting me to a celebratory luncheon because he had finally found the girl of his dreams (and even though he had to pass her a note in the library to actually ask her out) he did it. And she said yes.

And then! Late Saturday night I got a text telling me he had won $500 dollars earlier that day. And that his life is close to perfect. And that all I need to do is: read and believe in "The Secret" -- because as the book states: 1. Believe (and then 2. you shall receive).

Needless to say, his random streak of luck over the past few days made me think twice about "The Secret." So I watched the documentary yesterday afternoon, took notes throughout all 90 minutes, (and although some of their methods were...well, pretty obvious to me...) I thought that it made sense: If I put out positive forces into the universe, the law of attraction would inevitably have to respond by bringing me positive results. So that's what I did: positive positive positive thoughts, and within the past 24 hours I have:

Had a parking ticket.
Learned that the cute delivery book boy I've had a crush on for months already has a girlfriend.
Guessed on about 50% of my English exam this morning (even though I studied 29 hours yesterday).
I was told that rain is forecasted for this afternoon - and my springtime picnic might have to be rain checked (actually...not really, because I will go sit on a blanket, in the park, in my straw hat, come rain, snow or shine. I've been looking forward to this one waaaay too long).
And finally - I don't know how this one happened, but I thought the can of shaving cream under my sink was hairspray for a moment -- and I screamed when I realized I had pink foam covering the top of my head.

The Secret may work for others - but apparently it doesn't for me.

--

Life is still good, but as Forrest Gump would say: That is all I have to say about that.

love letters.

I can’t think of a more excellent time to write a love letter than during this time of year. I’d never want to get married in December, (snow is a good friend of mine, but definitely not a welcome guest at my reception) but I do feel like if I were to ever fall madly in love, or at least spend time being in love, I would like it to take place during the holidays.

And as I mentioned before, the Little Big Book of Love finally arrived. The whole thing is darling. “Forgiveness Breakfast” recipes (strawberry crepes and champagne), poetry from the likes of mr. ee cummings (you know the author already has my attention) - and everything else is just pure wonderfulness, that I have gone through the entire book every single night since it arrived on my doorstep.

However, the most romantic thing to me was the letter this book included from Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams, while he was serving in the Revolutionary War. In fact, she wrote this particular letter two days before Christmas, on December 23, 1782.

My Dearest Friend,
Should I draw you the picture of my heart, it would be what I hope you still would Love; though it contained nothing new, the early possession you obtained there, and the absolute power you have ever maintained over it, leaves not the smallest space unoccupied. I look back to the early days of our acquaintance and Friendship, as to the days of Love and Innocence, and with an indescribable pleasure I have seen near a score of years roll over our heads, with an affection heightened and improved by time -- nor have the dreary years of absence in the smallest degree effaced from my mind the image of the dear untitled man to whom I gave my heart.


How beautiful is that? "Should I draw you the picture of my heart," or "The image of the dear untitled man to whom I gave my heart," - Snap. I love it. In fact I love it so much that I may/may not have had to send this exact same letter to somebody else just because I thought it was one of the most romantic things in the world.

And speaking of love, has anyone seen the Disney movie Tangled?
I loved it. And I cried.

wingardium leviosa!

I'm definitely not the most attractive one of the bunch,
but clearly, Harry Potter has me hooked.
(I was the only one who drew a scar - which signifies my dedication to the series).

Although I'm just reading book 2,
and the movie last night made little sense,
(since when did Malfoy take sides with Voldemort!)
I still felt like one among the many life-long Harry Potter fans.

And even when the people waiting in line would ask me questions about things I didn't know,
(like: can you believe Alaster Moody dies in this movie?)
My first thought was, who is this you speak of?
But instead, I would just smile and wave my straw wand and reply,
Wingardium leviosa!

So even though I've only been a Harry Potter fan for a week,
(and this probably goes without saying)
I want to go to Hogwarts and become a wizard,
I want a Nimbus 2000,
and I think that little elf Dobby is so cute I just might cry.

HP

I've never read Harry Potter.
Not even a page.

A friend (who thought I was crazy) tried to convince me every day that I was missing one of the greatest gifts mankind had to offer. I still remember getting texts at three in the morning saying something along the lines of "I can't stop reading..." But basically my Harry Potter knowledge comes down to this: Voldemort is bad. Harry Potter is good. And Hermione is way, way cute, at least in the movies. But I, for whatever reason, was never interested.

Later on, this same HP obsessed friend even went so far as to go and buy a second set of all 7 books in the series, just so I could have my own copies and finally get around to reading "what I had always been missing,"
But that was last summer,
and I'm afraid the unopened books have only gathered dust on my shelves.

However...
For whatever, out of the ordinary reason,
I've decided that with an open agenda this weekend,
I am going to finally begin book one: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
So even though I'm twelve years too late,
is it too late to start?


PS.
My cute little sis (and only little sis) - so in other words, my favorite little sis Kenna wanted me to pass this on to all those interested: If you're anywhere near the University Mall this next weekend in Orem, Utah, mention her name if you happen to stop by American Eagle, and you can get an additional 20% off your AE purchase!

I forget Christmas shopping is right around the corner...
Stress.

little big books.

the little big book of love,

the little big book for brides,
even the little big book of christmas.

i found out yesterday that i adore the little big books.
so i bought three.

best present to myself in a long time.

the hunger games.

started the hunger games on saturday,
finished it on sunday.
and i'm officially obsessed.

i don't know why it took me so long to get onboard with this series,
but i haven't been able to get enough.

is it weird that i semi have a crush on peetah?
probably,
but i do.

also,
because i will clearly finish the second book, catching fire,
within the next 48 hours,
i've been considering picking up angela's ashes after that --
any input?

also,
the girl with the dragon tattoo
another book i've heard so much about,
but haven't had much interest --
what say ye?

counting my blessings, instead of counting calories.

not as if i usually count my calories, or even necessarily watch what i eat - but i thought that phrase was special, so why not pass it on (and work on being grateful, too).

so...life seems to get busier and busier, and it's beginning to feel a lot like summer - which (considering those two combined) doesn't make much sense, but here are just a few items of business:

1. has anyone read the book thief by markus zusak? i just started it the other day and love it. (thanks for the recommendation elin!) -- any other summer book suggestions?

2. yesterday the radio was psychic and knew exactly what i needed to hear as i made the long unbearable drive down university parkway, managing to hit all 127 red lights in .5 miles (this is usual). i usually prefer one of my cd's (i haven't hopped on the ipod wagon yet - emphasis on yet) but the radio just knew exactly what i liked for once: john mayer, justin bieber, no rocket summer - but that's only because the rocket summer isn't on the radio (yet).

3. but speaking of the rocket summer...
before "kelsie" was the name of choice - i was going to be a "summer." since this news was revealed, i have been convinced that i'd name one of my own daughters summer. and i will.
and just the other day i found out that my friend kylie wants to name her daughter rocket. which means... our children together will be named: rocket summer. in my world, i'd call that fate, but i still don't have any real evidence to support that theory, but maybe one day i will.

that's all for now.

{photo via}

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies.

So i made my visit to Barnes & Noble yesterday,
I even skipped class because I was so excited to take all of you up on your suggestions...

and then i saw this:
"pride and prejudice and zombies."

as heaston would say, "what is going on..?"

K. It's weird. But I must admit, I am kind of intrigued at the same time and I kind of want to see what it's all about...In fact, yesterday at the bookstore I opened up Pride & Prejudice & Zombies for a moment and read over this oh-so familiar opening line:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged....
That a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.”

Apparently, the novel uses about 85 percent of Austen’s own words.

has anyone heard of this?
better yet - has anyone read over them?
it might be a fun halloween read,
and i'm kind-of dying to find out what it's all about.

no pun intended.
at least not really.

I'd Rather Be Reading.

I just finished reading Tess of the D'urbervilles
which, despite the (at times) slow moving plot (perhaps that's because I knew from the start
who she would and wouldn't end up with)
I still fell in love with the book and Thomas Hardy...
more importantly, I re-fell in love with reading.
(Some people say you can't fall in love more than once...
I do often)
Anyway, it's time to make another trip to barnes & noble
and i'd like your help.What are some of your favorite books?
Favorite authors?
Fiction, non fiction...
Anything.
Your feedback would be oh-so appreciated, giving me another perfect excuse to start drinking caramel hazlenut steamers with my nose buried in a book.