The first 31 pages of Odd Girl Speaks Out By: Rachel Simmons

Everyone says girls are supposed to be one big "happy group" (8). The fact is, "we live in a culture that tells girls to be friends with everyone" but, "no one prepares us [girls] for the [messy fights and break ups], what to do, or what to expect" (30).

Over the past two years I have lost my best friends, had to find a new group, and recently got in a fight with another friend. Although all girls go through the same sort of things, we/I felt very alone.

Although I have read only the first 31 pages of this book, it makes me feel less isolated. It seems no one ever really thinks about how deeply words, body language and the silent treatment can cut.

One story, so far, described how a girl's friend used to give everyone a "report card" of sorts on how good of a friend they were. The girl's "report card" said that she was too fat. "In an attempt to be pretty and fit in, [she] developed an eating disorder. In sixth grade, [her] desire to be popular had fueled a full fledged problem that has since been diagnosed as anorexia" (24).

Although I never developed as big of a problem as anorexia, I did get two summers worth of tears and pain. Girls can be brutal but this book has helped me feel less alone.

Until next time,
Devon

A complete overview of New Moon By: Stephenie Meyer

Over the summer, I read the second book in the Stephenie Meyer series, New Moon. As in the first book, Twilight, Bella is still madly in love with Edward yet, Edward leaves and tells Bella she must move on. Edward makes a point to leave nothing behind that would remind Bella of him, like he never existed (as Edward would describe it). This immediate disconnect throws Bella into a very deep depression that lasts for months. Just the mention of Edward's name and Bella has to grab her sides so she doesn't explode from the agony of his absence.

As the months go on her friendship with Jacob Black grows, which is the only thing that keeps her sane. Before Jacob, Bella was like a robot doing everything mechanically to avoid facing the pain. Yet, when Jacob comes into the picture, Bella really looks forward to seeing him and hates saying goodbye. Unintentionally, Bella begins to fall in love with Jacob and even catches herself thinking that they could possibly have a happy life together.

But, then Jacob turns into a ware-wolf and Edward comes back! Bella doesn't necessarily make the right choice. You decide.

I recommend this book to girls who liked Twilight. In my opinion Twilight was better than New Moon but New Moon is definitely a good read.


Until next time,
Devon