O, the Many Paths of Life

Do you ever feel like your life is one of those choose-your-own-ending books? I do.

It seems like there are so many options and so many different turns your life can take, each one affecting the outcome. Should I go here? Should I go to this school? Should I take this job? What should I write about? What should I eat for lunch?! Okay, so maybe what you eat for lunch isn't as major, but it really is if you think about it in the long run (but that's an entirely different post).

Even little, seemingly insignificant decisions can lead to running into a person you wouldn't have otherwise seen, or hearing something you needed to. All events in our lives build upon each other, making us who we are. So what if you make a decision differently than how you should? How will it alter your life?

Long Time, No See/Book Snobs

I love books...obviously. Otherwise, I wouldn't be an author. For some reason, I just took it for granted that everyone enjoys reading. You've probably already figured this out, but I had to travel to a different time zone to notice this. When some fellow college students from my church and I went to China I was uber excited to build incredible friendships that I assumed would be based on a shared love of books (because I'm a nerd :P). When striking up initial conversations one usually starts with asking questions depending on your own interests. Naturally I asked "do you like books" when I meet my first Chinese friends and the first few really loved to read so I remained in my delusional bibliophile world. Ironically, my dearest friend met in China (whose English name is Alana) didn't like reading at all. I was shocked. I don't know why. Reading is a hobby so it only makes sense that some people wouldn't prefer it, but I was still taken aback.

Usually in the States I looked down on people who didn't like to read, but when I met Alana it all came together. Not everyone likes the same things...what a concept, right? Despite having basically nothing in common, Alana and I stuck together like glue and really enjoyed each other's company. Thus I realized another truth: not all people that don't like reading for fun are stupid. Of course, I had never said this out loud, but subconsciously I believed it. I was a book snob.

Then, when I came back to the States, I discovered that one of my Korean students/friends also dislikes reading for fun. Gasp! It too was a surprise. We think that reading is a way of learning to analyze and explore things, which is true; however, this student is the deepest, most astute person I know. She understands concepts of humanity that most avid readers I know are completely blind to. I have a very good friend who "loves books" but isn't nearly as observant or considerate of the world around her. I chalk this up to personality, but also to the type of books my "good friend" indulges in. A bonus truth: most dedicated readers only read escapist fiction, which almost always has deeper, hidden meanings, but usually they aren't looking for meaning, only to runaway from the world.

So, in case you are a book snob still in denial, let me tell you that people who don't share the same opinion as you are not ignorant illiterates.

Of Vampires and Such Nonsense

Am I the only one who’s getting tired of the vampire-romance phenomenon?

As a writer hoping to break into the Young Adult Fiction market, I find it very discouraging every time I go to Barnes & Noble and almost everything I pick up is rubbish. Don’t get me wrong, there are many (MANY) wonderful books and authors, but you can’t swing a stick without hitting something that involves vampires or other mythical creatures that fall under the category of “undead.”

I’ve read Twilight. Originally it was only to see what all the hoopla was about and later mock it (I’m not a person who catches on easily to trends or likes to jump on band wagons). But I actually liked it, unlike almost all or virtually any of my peers (although I do have one friend who is a rabid fan). I applaud Stephanie Meyer on the accomplishment of the first Twilight book, as for the others in the saga…well, that’s an entirely different rant. And let’s face it, even if you don’t like Meyer or her books, she has sparked a phenomenon. I’m not using that word lightly. A Phenomenon. Were vampire stories around before? Of course. Were they popular? Yeah... But who has spiked the resurgence of vampires, causing millions (if not billions) of teenage girls to be bitten by the book-bug? Stephanie Meyer.

Regardless, I’m sick of it. I’m sick of all the shameless rip-offs. Sick of second-rate authors taking over the classics. Just the other day I encountered a rather disturbing rendition of “Jane Eyre.” The title? “Jane Slayre.” Is that the best they can come up with? I can guarantee you that Charlotte Bronte is rolling in her grave (but not as a vampire!).

Another thing I’m concerned (but mostly irritated) about is the fact that these tactless and just downright stupid books are getting published. Was there a sudden lapse in judgment at the publishing firms? Were the editors themselves turned into brainless zombies? I’m beginning to wonder. There was a book (the name of which I will refrain from mentioning) I read about a year ago (“Fallen” by Lauren Kate!) which scarred me beyond repair. The plot was fairly predictable, but I was intrigued enough to be led about ¾ of the way through the story when something horrible happened. As soon as the two clueless and rather clichéd main characters professed their love for one another they’re personalities entirely changed. I was angry. Downright vengeful. I read two more pages of the spineless, mushy dialogue between the two before I closed the book, wanting nothing more than to vomit (perhaps I exaggerate). How could this happen? How is it that the publishing companies are letting us down? How is it that authors can forget their own characters’ character?!

That being said, let me clarify for the record that I am not entirely prejudice against the genre of “Teen Paranormal.” In fact, I’m a fan of “Need” by Carrie Jones and Maggie Stiefvater’s novels (expressly “Lament” and “Ballad,” despite the occasional bad language). Recently (last week actually) I even gave Claudia Gray’s “Evernight” books a chance. It seemed like the usual…new girl goes to a new school meets mysterious boy and he’s a vampire (some people even switch it up and make the guy a fallen angel—note the sarcasm). However, there was a plot twist (SPOILER ALERT) and the leading girl is actually the vampire. What a curveball, right? I appreciated it. But it still wasn’t enough for me to enjoy the rest of the book. It soon became really weird. Instead of the overly protective vampire boyfriend, the girl becomes an overly protective vampire girlfriend, which to be honest just freaked me out.

I feel like it’s unfair to end this post on such a negative note. So I’ll add that I recently began a book published by Harper Collins Teen (the very same company that publishes “Evernight” and such rubbish) that I’ve actually fallen in love with. It’s called “The Last Knight” by Hilari Bell. It’s quirky, funny, original, and skillfully written. Try it on for size and see if it’s not refreshing to read something you won’t be ashamed of.