It was cold and murky for a summer vacation. The window splattered with rain as our car shot off the highway, traveling down a small road to the tiny rental house. There were no bright flashing lights like at hotels, instead only one flickering light on the porch. My father turned off the car and made a face. “What’s wrong? Is not everything you expected for 50 dollars a night?” My mother mocked. He rolled his eyes, and said, “Let’s just get in there, maybe it only looks bad from the outside.” We didn’t grab anything, only running inside for shelter from the pounding rain. Once we entered we were hit with this musky smell. It wasn’t the worst thing ever, just wasn’t exactly expected. We walked around a bit, peeking into the rooms. It wasn’t highly decorated, consisting of a simple kitchen, an almost empty living with a tv that looked ancient, and 2 bedrooms, which had a bed, a table side, and a small dresser. Of course there was a bathroom, but had no bath, instead it was a toilet, sink and a single roll of toilet paper. My parents obviously upset, called the owner, saying that this wasn’t what was listed. The owner was rude, saying “You get what you get and you dont throw a fit,” in a snarky tone, then he hung up. My parents, baffled, instructed me to go grab my stuff from the car. I threw my spare jacket over my head to stay dry. As I was getting my stuff, I realized there was a lake behind me. When I went inside, my parents had made small dinner. That night it was hard to sleep with the rain that had become thunder and lightning as well. That morning, sleep deprived, it was much better. The weather was perfect, sunny and there was a nice breeze. I asked my parents if we could go swimming in the lake, but instead they asked me if I was feeling ok. Confused by the question, I said “Of course I am.” They told me I couldn’t possibly go swimming, as there was no where to swim. They  walked me outside and, they were right, there was nothing there. By now I was confused, because I swear I saw a lake last night. My parents no concerned, told me that we were now leaving. Hustled me into the car, and said they will pack my stuff for me. In the next ten minutes we were in the car driving, pulling out of the driveway I looked back and swear I saw a lake again. To afraid to look again I fell asleep, no more vacations for awhile, I thought.

If I could invite any three people to dinner, I would invite my three closest friends, Sydney, Sofia, and Indra. Sofia and Indra go to different schools, but I love hanging out with them. Sofia went to the same elementary school with me, and is in my Girl Scout troop. Indra and I’ve never been in the same school, but I met her through a Girl Scout event, and later she joined my troop. Sydney went to the same elementary school with me, is in my Girl Scout troop and we both go to the same school. We would eat at either someone’s house, or a restaurant. I think we would all meet up at the spectrum, and eat at Pho Saigon Pearl, a good restaurant. After we would go shopping and get boba as a bonus. The reason why I would invite these three people, is because we get along really well. I would invite Sydney is because she makes me and everyone else laugh really hard. She can just look at me funny and I’ll be on the floor dying of laughter. She is also one my closest friend, and I hang out with her frequently. I would invite Sofia for the same reason, she is funny and makes us laugh. We used to be inseparable in our old friend group, but are still close even though we attend different schools. I would invite Indra because she is funny, smart and kind. She would help me buy something at a store if I needed it and I know she’s there for me. I’m also really close to her because I met her at a day camp, where we bonded over artichoke dip, and she loved it like me. I’m so excited I get to share dinner with them!

Love and Gelato

By Jenna Evan’s Welch

In march I read to page 331 of Love and Gelato by Jenna Evan’s Welch. The book is about Addie’s best friend Lina, who’s mom died from cancer. Before her mom died, Lina was asked to go live in Italy with her moms friend, Howard. After her moms death she finds out that Howard is actually her dad. Soon after arriving Lina is shocked to find out that her new found dad is also a cemetery caretaker, and lives on the grounds of the cemetery. Soon after she meets Ren, a cute Italian boy with a heart. He takes Lina exploring in Florence experiencing everything Florence has to offer. All the while Lina is reading her moms journey of Florence through one of her journals.

I recommend this book because of the plot. This is my favorite part because of all the different plot twists. At first it seems like Howard is just a friend and next thing you know he’s actually her dad. And on top of that he lives in a cemetery. Later on in the story when Lina gets her moms journal, she starts to wonder if maybe Howard isn’t her dad, and maybe her moms first love is her real dad.

My favorite character so far is Lina. Since she is the main character, we experience everything with her, both good and bad. So. The fun is that it’s an emotional roller coaster. Like in this quote on page 288 after she meets someone who may be a piece to her moms puzzle. Soon after speaking with him she rushes out and “A wave of nausea washed over me and I ran over to the edge of the street and started dry heaving.” Based on this sentence it’s clear that she is very upset about what happened in the office. Proving that traveling with Lina is an emotional experience.

My favorite quote so far is on page 322 when Lina, Howard and Sonia are returning from the movies and Lina is asking about how Sonia ended up in Florence. After Sonia says “‘You know, people come to Florence for many reasons, but when they stay, it’s for the same two things.’ ‘What?’ ‘Love and gelato.’” I like this quote because it helps to lighten the mood in a semi-sad moment, as Lina is possibly about to break Howards heart. It’s also funny because it’s a nice play on words as the book’s name is Love and Gelato.

If I could have any job in the world, it would be as a high class chef. This seems like it would be fun to have. One reason why I chose this is because I would get to meet famous celebrities when they come to my kitchen to taste my cooking. Of course in order to have my job I would need to be good at cooking, which would come with getting the job. The reason why I want this job is because I missed out on doing home economics in 7th grade, I really enjoy cooking, but not cleaning the dishes after. I will hire a dishwasher to clean the dishes for me, I will also pay them well. Another reason for my choice of job is that I will get to try lots of food, which sounds amazing. My last and final reason as to why I chose this job is because it’s an honor to have that high title proving that you are the best of the best. Additionally I would have so much creative freedom to experiment with ingredients.

A genie has made me invisible for 24 hours! The possibilities are endless! Here is my agenda for the day! After waking up I will eat as I normally do, but I won’t have to change out of my pajamas as no one can see me and I want to be comfy. Then I will go get breakfast, of course I will still pay as I’m not a criminal. Then I will go follow my friends around to see what happens. The reason as to why I’m doing this is that you never know what people will say about you behind your back. This will be helpful to me because I’ll know who are my real friends or not. Next I will go play pranks on people, like holding things in the air so they look like they’re floating, and scaring them by making sounds. I’m doing this because it’s funny, eventually I will tell the person that it was me, but not for a while. I will also try my very best to not blow my cover as I’m invisible, not inaudible. Something else that I would do is mind out what everyone’s grades are for the year so far by looking at the teachers desk. I may even be able to change them for the other kids that are struggling. But I wouldn’t change it too much for else it’d be obvious, of course it’d only be to help the struggling students. After having lots of fun, I will go get dinner the same way I got breakfast, by just ordering online and grabbing it. Lastly I will go home and sleep.

Love and Luck

By Janni Lee Simner

In February, I finished reading the book Love and Luck, By Janni Lee Simner. Love and Luck is a realistic fiction book about a girl named Addie, her brother Ian, and their risky trip across Ireland. The book starts off at Addie’s aunt’s wedding, and her and Ian are tumbling down a hill. Addie, her parents and three brothers have been invited to their aunt’s wedding. But Addie is heartbroken and Ian won’t let her forget it. When her parents leave for the rest of the wedding, Ian abandons the plan of going to Italy together, Addie is forced to come along or have her entire future destroyed. One their journey of visiting many Titletrack spots, a band. Addie is also following a guide to dealing with heartbreak, and so she is coping with it with Rowan, their Irish companion.

I recommend this book because of the small book entries. In the story, Addie is following a guide to dealing with heartbreak, and there are small clips of the book throughout the story with famous Ireland spots. For example, there is an entry about the KIllarney National Park, and the guidebook lady, as Addie calls her, is talking to you all about this place and how it relates to your heartache. Then at the end, there is homework, for this one it says to sit next to a tree and when you’re comfortable, she says to say all the things that hurt most about this heartache.

My favorite character is Miriam. She is a famous music hostess in the music world, and she is really supportive. On page 234, she shoves Addie onto the stage and makes her scream “I am the hero of my own story,” until she feels better. Overall, she is a very lovable character with many fun moments.

My favorite quote is on page 280, “A good friend is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have.” Lina, Addie’s best friend, says this to her. I chose this quote because I needed one and this stood out to me. I think it’s an accurate way to describe a friend who will always be there no matter what the circumstance is. Sometimes it feels like no one is there, but when you have a good friend, no one else matters cause you know that they’ll be there for you.

Love and Gelato

By Janni Lee Simner

In February, in addition to reading Love and Luck by Janni Lee Simmer, I also read her other book, Love and Gelato. I’m currently on page 51. The book is about Addie’s best friend Lina, who’s mom died from cancer. Before her mom died, Lina was asked to go live in Italy with her moms friend, Howard. After her moms death she finds out that Howard is actually her dad. Soon after arriving Lina is shocked to find out that her new found dad is also a cemetery caretaker, and lives on the grounds of the cemetery.

I recommend this book because of the plot. This is my favorite part because of all the different plot twists. At first it seems like Howard is just a friend and next thing you know he’s actually her dad. And on top of that he lives in a cemetery. I have a feeling that there’s going to be a lot more things that we find out further in the book.

My favorite character so far is Sonia. She is an apprentice superintendent caretaker with Howard, and lives right down the road from them. When we first meet her, she is bubbly and kind. She makes dinner for everyone and almost seems like a mother figure. On page 12, she shows that she cares about Lina by asking, “Lina, are you hungry? I made a lasagna.” I think this proves how she is trying to make Lina feel more comfortable.

My favorite quote so far is on page 21 when Lina is talking to her best friend Addie. “… This morning I walked in on one of them eating our cereal. He’d poured an entire box into a mixing bowl and was eating it with a soup ladle. I don’t think Ian was even home.” Addie says this when she is complaining about her brother and his friends. I like this quote because it’s really funny and it cheers Lina up, making her feel a little bit better about having to live in a cemetery.

I live on an abandoned island! I love it here! I got here about 2 years ago when I stumbled upon it on a cruise ship. It was part of a game event. The rule was if I coud live here for a year without any internet or visitors, I would get the island to myself. I was given supplies every month like food, water and sometimes the occasional activity. I was not given a house of any kind and was required to make one for myself. I had some visitors sometimes, although it was only the game show people. I had a constant camera following me around everywhere. It was sometimes very annoying having a little thing buzzing around my head. Finally, on my last day of the year my family took a boat out to see me at midnight and congratulated me for the new island. Now, I have a huge mansion on my island and I get visitors all the time. Also part of the game was that I got 2 boats to travel people to and from my island. It’s rather large, about 10 miles long and 5 miles wide. There is a small little “jungle area” as my mom calls it where there are lots of trees. The water around the island it gorgeous like the sky. The water is bright blue and clear, with a small reef not to far out. When it was still the challenge time, I would look for coconuts for some nice drink, and materials for a house. Then I would spend my free time either doing activities or sleeping to pas the time. Now, my island is a party place, there is always one very weekend. Im also getting family members all the time. It’s never a dull time here.

Love and Luck

By Jenna Evans Welch

In January, I’m currently on page 154 of Love and Luck, By Jenna Evans Welch. Love and Luck is a realistic fiction book about a girl named Addie, her brother Ian, and their risky trip across Ireland. The book starts off at Addie’s aunt’s wedding, and her and Ian are tumbling down a hill. Addie, her parents and three brothers have been invited to their aunt’s wedding. But Addie is heartbroken and Ian won’t let her forget it. When her parents leave for the rest of the wedding, Ian abandons the plan of going to Italy together, Addie is forced to come along or have her entire future destroyed.

I recommend this book because of the plot. This is my favorite part because it feels like everything is real. And sometimes I have to remind myself that it’s just a book, and not actually happening. I loved all the different twists, like when you find out that Ian actually has an entire other little life.

My favorite character so far is Rowan. He is an Irish companion of Ians that you meet towards the middle of the book. He is really funny like on page 90 when Rowan says to Addie and Ian “‘I’m sorry, but I was under the impression that you two had met? Addie, meet Ian Bennett, esteemed teen music journalist. Ian meet Addie, parking lot tackler extraordinaire.’” He says this when Addie is confused why Rowan was talking about Ian being semi famous among the music world.

My favorite quote so far is on page 150 “Labels aren’t big enough for people. And once you try to categorize someone, you stop looking for who they actually are.” Rowan says this to Addie when they are having a conversation about how Ian wants people to see him as him, not good at sports or Addie’s brother. I like this quote because I feel like a lot of people categorize others, for how they look, who they hang out with and what they do. People don’t take the time to get to know someone, they just assume who they are based on what they see.

When I woke up on Monday morning, I was fumigating. I was thirty minutes late to school at least! When I ran down the stairs to the kitchen I was perplexed to see a hole in our floor. ”Good morning Evelyn,” my dad said, siting at the table. I cautiously walked around the hole to the chair. “Why is there a hole the size of my bed in our kitchen?” I asked. “Good question,” he replied, “ask them,” pointing to the three people sitting on our couch. It was three children covered in dirt, they looked around eight to twelve years old. All three were huddled in blankets with cups of hot cocoa, as it was snowing outside. All of them were shivering and their lips were blue. They explained to us that they had come from a place underground. “What are your names?” I asked. “Annabelle,” the tallest one said “that’s Lina, and he’s George.” “How did you get here?” My dad asked. “We broke out when we were told there was world above us. So we wanted to see what’s its was like.” George said. “I see,” I pondered. “We’ve been traveling for days, Lina said. “Maybe even weeks,” Annabelle added. “But we’ve seen what we wanted to see, now we just want to go back home!” Lina wailed. “Ok,” my father said in a calm steady voice. “How about you stay here tonight and tomorrow we’ll head back to where you live, deal?” “Ok, we can do that,” George agreed.

The next morning we ate a big breakfast and packed a backpack for each of us. I was uneasy about heading into a dark tunnel by ourselves without telling anyone, but I noticed that the three kids couldn’t stand to wait any longer. Just as we rounded the corner I saw a large drilling machine, which explained how they got here. A few hours later I checked my phone, no connection.  Just then my dad sat down on a large rock and said “We’ll camp here for the night, it’s almost nine o’clock. We set up our tent and slept pretty poorly. The second my dad woke up, he woke the rest of us up too. “Five-thirty,” he said, “dawn, which means it’s time to go.” We walked for what felt like weeks, each day was no different than the last, each minute seemed to be an hour, dragging on and on. We finally made it after what felt like weeks but was only 4 days.

When we entered the gold covered city, our jaws were on the floor. The children’s faces lit up in excitement when they saw their home again. There were lights powered by some sort of energy that obviously wasn’t solar. People, everywhere. We walked down a small pathway to find a huge building. When we walked in the children ran to their parents. When they turned around they rushed forward, tears in their eyes. The parents wouldn’t stop thanking us and invited us into their houses down the street. They feed us dinner and Annabelles parents let us stay there for the night. They feed us the next morning then gave us a small car to drive out of the tunnel, so the journey back only took a few hours. When we reached our kitchen the man driving the car thanked us once more and then handed us a large chunk of gold. “For the floor,” he said. We said our thanks and then… I woke up. “DAD!” I yelled. “I’M LATE!!”

One of Dumbledore quotes that inspires me is “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.” This quote catches my eye because sometimes the world feels like it’s going to end. But even when it feels like that, sometimes it can feel less overwhelming when you “..turn on the light.” I think this means to enjoy the little things like the rose on your walk, or the dinner with your family, things that bring you joy. This relates to me because sometimes it can be really hard to find a reason to be happy in a sad situation, so this quote is really inspirational to me.