Book Review

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

This quickly became one of my favorite books. It falls under the category of a young adult novel but I think it could easily branch over as an enjoyable book for adults as well. This book follows the exciting account of Charlotte Doyle and her adventures at sea.

When we meet Charlotte she is a polished 13 year old girl. She believes that she should be treated with the utmost respect because her father was a powerful man in England. Her family moved to Rhode Island some years previous, leaving her to complete finishing school in Liverpool. One thing I love about this book is that it is full of twists, the first occurring within the first few pages. Charlotte was scheduled to sail with family friends but they never arrive at the port. Resolved to see her family again she embarks on the dangerous voyage to Rhode Island, as the only female passenger aboard the mysterious Seahawk.

In a matter of days Charlotte finds out that she came on board at a most inopportune time. Apparently the crew that signed on for this particular voyage has some unfinished business with Captain Jaggery. Feeling apprehensive, Charlotte has tea with the Captain and is relieved to find out that he is a respectable gentleman. She forgets her worres and tries to enjoy her trip. However, soon after this she begins to wonder about Captain Jaggery's true character and if she is entirely safe aboard the Seahawk. As Charlotte tries to figure out who is telling the truth she discovers which causes are worth fighting for.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is set up in journal form, which allows the reader a firsthand account of the exact goings-on during Charlotte's voyage. It was thrilling to see Charlotte transform from a polished, naive girl to a brave young woman who literally fights for her life. It's a great "coming of age" story full of interesting twists. There are some scary scenes including whipping, stabbing and several scenes of cruel behavior. While these scense are intense I don't think think they are inappropriate for the young adult age group. There are no other factors that would dissuade my recommending this book.

Question Time

Have you ever liked someone, you didn't want to like? What is it about that that sort of freaks me out? Why is it that I sometimes don't realize what I really want -- right off? And then once I figure it out, I start second guessing myself in everything else. Do I really like what I like? Or do I just like what I like because I know that he likes it...or hates it. Depending on the person I think I might like some things because they hate it - and that's the safest rebellion I've got. And do I really really like him? or is it just convenient? How am I supposed to tell? I can't ever date anyone just for convenience....cuz I didn't ever do that a year ago. I hate how grey life can be, ever since I got into my Philosophy class - I LOVE black and white - the clarity of it all. But the answers I give myself when I ask - Ok, so do you really like __________ or is it cuz you know (insert individual here) hates/likes it??? I don't know! I can figure out of I like it or dislike it - but WHY!?!?

Still set on Psychology, Art Therapy. However, I'm applying to transfer to State for Fall semester :) I LOVE plans!!!

9 Months Later....

So 9 months later - I feel like I should be able to say that I've accomplished something, or at least that I've gotten where I wanted to go. But I can't. I'm still in NC, still living at home, still figuring out what to do, and still haven't quite got it right. I never wanted to go to a BYU school but look where I ended up...and now I'm planning on getting my AA here at WTCC and then applying to Provo, majoring in Psychology. I'd like to get my Masters at Provo, looking into Art Therapy. I might even make it to a Ph.D...ha ha ha - right. I'm excited for Christmas, I hope I get a guitar :) It's the best catharsis I've ever found. I'm still learning a lot about becoming independent, Mom is being really helpful. I hope that Jeff's coming home won't affect that too much :)

Maybe THIS is why...

Some people might say that we want to 'be' like the music we listen to. In denial, more dramatic that necessary, loud, obnoxious,living in the moment...take your pick. But they also say that it's unrealistic - because we have to own up to responsibility and obligations.

But I think we listen to this music because we KNOW we have to reason with life - and for those 3 short minutes - listening to our favorite songs - we don't have to.

At least for me - my music is everything I can't be right now. It's everything I am inside but can't quite express. I'm only 18 I'm supposed to mess up and get things wrong - heck - it's MY first shot at being a kid - I'm GONNA mess it up sometimes! And the only time where that doesn't matter - is when I'm in my music :)

And no, things AREN'T the same now - as when you were a kid...

Plan B

Plan A: Stay in NC for the rest of college.

PLAN B: Go to Wake Tech for a semester and a half - Reapply to BYU-I for Summer/Fall track - Live in ID during Winter semester and work!

The end - which would you choose? I know what I'm doing :)

I'm home! Now what?

So now that I'm home - I'm looking for a job and oh boy! it's fun :) So once I get that taken care of...then what? Do I go back to BYU-I or do I go to Wake Tech??? IDK! I'm thinking things aren't exactly going to be getting much easier - but it's nice to be home again :)

Fly Away Home

I'm flying home today. As a kid when we flew it was for fun - for vacation and I loved it. Now, I'm flying to get from home to home and while flying is still fun and I've gotten pretty good at the whole routine - it's become a lot more depressing. Every time I fly it's leaving something I like and going to something I like - so I'm torn and that makes the day an emotional roller coaster. Who knew flying could get so involved?