The Fault in Our Stars

"Literature is my Utopia. Here I am not disfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourse of my book-friends. They talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness." -Helen Keller. Reading is used for all types of intents and purposes; education, entertainment, symbolism, and profound life lessons. Through literature, I have discovered all of these things. A few of my favorites are Pride & Prejudice, The Mortal Instruments, and The Infernal Devices. The most recent book I have read is named The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. It is about two unconventional teenagers by the names of Hazel Grace & Augustus Waters who have both battled cancer for an exceeding amount of time. The two fall in love, and learn how to support one another through joyful and trying times. Along the way, each of them find out a thing or two about themselves as well. The meaning of life is a consistent question throughout the novel. At the beginning of the book, Augustus is asked what he fears the most. His reply is "oblivion". As his character transitions, Augustus realizes that we find meaning through our relationships with one another. "I  believe humans have souls, and I believe in the conservation of souls. The oblivion fear is something else, fear that I won't be able to give anything in exchange for my life. If you don't live a life of service for the greater good, you've gotta at least die a death in service of the greater good, you know?" Hazel has more of a pessimistic outlook. She trusts in the idea that life has no meaning to it other than enjoying it while you  are here. This changes when her disease grows worse, and she begins to love in a way that she once thought was useless. Both of the characters have an appreciation for life that many take for granted. The thing about books is that they can enter into the mind of a reader and make them think. Make them question life, the meaning of it, the relationships they have with others, how we treat one another, the things we take for granted or should appreciate more, etc. We are able to open our minds and explore ourselves through literature. In this book in particular, I learned to appreciate every moment you are given and to look for the best in each experience. Always treat someone with kindness because you never know what they may be enduring. In this way, life reflects art. We can identify ourselves in a story or in a character, and that is the wonderful thing about reading. Not only is it an escape from reality, but you also learn more about yourself along the way. 

Are our favorite Gossip Girls no more?

Gossip Girl is an exceedingly prevalent television show. The primary target audience is teenage girls, and it is
quite addictive! With tales of love and betrayal (and of course, GOSSIP!) entailed in every scene, this show
is a brilliant and witty escape into the upper east side preparatory high schools of New York City. The two
main characters are best friends Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen, portrayed by Leighton
Meester and Blake Lively respectively. It has been rumored that after seven years of working together, the
two have gone their separate ways. Now, this definitely the first precedent to be set for any real life Blairena
drama. The idea is essentially unheard of! The two have always been so cordial to one another, and we love
their friendship on and off screen. Could life be reflecting art in this instance? An inside source has reported
 that Blake Lively did not congratulate Leighton on her engagement to Adam Brody.  Can you believe it?!
The source continued, “After something of a thaw in their relationship during the final two seasons of 
Gossip Girl, Leighton and Blake don’t speak anymore. I think it’s simply a matter of both of them being

happy not to have to spend 18 hours a day with each other, but the friendship they struggled to build

 at the end of Gossip Girl has evaporated and they continue to stay as far away from each other as

 possible." Think back to season 4. Blair was engaged to Prince Louis, and Serena refused to even 

acknowledge this as a solid fact. What is going on with these two? The two talents have been quite

 busy as of late, so let us hope that it is only a matter of schedule as opposed to genuine attempts of

avoidance! Besides, Lively has always been the type of girl to treat her friends and co-workers very

 well. Let's hope our two "it girls" are still starlets who remain best friends instead of viewing each 

other as rivals. 

Top 5 Fashion Risks of the Now--Vogue

Fashion has consistently been a form of expression for the individual. Your style reflects who you are as a person. Whether you are more laid back with a comfy collection of sportswear, trendy with the most popular handbags and shoes, or provocative with Prada. On January 6, 2014 Vogue introduced the top 5 fashion risks to conquer this new year as seen during Paris Fashion Week. The list commences with the "Cold Shoulder", which is bringing the '80's back to present day with a force! Number 2 was labelled as "Suit Up". Whether you are going to a job interview or attending a gala, this outfit is striking for all formal events! #3--Think Pink, this look is exceedingly exquisite and girly. Very sweet. Number 4--Half Time! Look elegant and effortless! Match your long skirt with a crop top, and you have the perfect evening wear look. To top off the list, we have number five as "It's All White". White after Labor Day has actually become a very popular trend in today's time. Risk taking is all the rage.