Text Book Review I: Bird Box - Josh Malerman

 A couple weeks ago I finished reading Bird Box by Josh Malerman. Most will recognize the title from the 2018 film, though the novel actually came first in 2014. I watched the movie when it came out, I watched it so much it was engraved in my brain for so long. However, I didn't know it was based on a novel until I found it in the library while helping Jay (LLS 11 librarian) shelve the paperback fiction. Keep in mind this review is from the perspective of someone who saw the film before the novel, so I'm mostly defining how the novel is different or similar to the movie.

If you have no idea what the plot of Bird Box is, it's set in a post-apocalyptic world, but instead of nukes and zombies, the threat is a force of some sort (they never actually can confirm what this entity is) that makes people go insane. When eye contact is made, individuals become dangerous and hostile, ending their own lives brutally, claiming they've seen something. Something being dead relatives, family, all hallucinations by the looks of it. The odd person who makes eye contact will be sort of immune, becoming tricksters who try to convince anybody they may come across who is still unaffected to look by making it seem like a euphoric experience. The characters who survived do it by covering windows with anything they can find to provide themselves with safe shelter. When they do go outside, into the darkness of the world they now live in, they must wear blindfolds and use string and rope to lead the way and not get lost.

The storyline started off similar to the movie, and I think most of it was pretty relevant to the events in the film, some being different or just altered a little. Although, in the novel, we don't get to see Malorie and her sister Shannon go to the ultrasound appointment and watch that girl kill herself in the hall, in fact, the plot is set before Malorie even confirms her pregnancy. We aren't introduced to Dr. Lapham, who seemed to be a sort of symbolic character in the film, because here she does not exist. When Shannon got affected and killed herself, in the novel, she did it in the bathroom at home, while Malorie was downstairs. In the film, she steps in front of a moving truck while looking right at Malorie. In the book, Malorie then drives to the house where she meets Tom, Jules (and his dog, Victor,) Felix, Don, and later on Olympia. This house was actually broadcast on the radio as a sanctuary for survivors. In the film, Malorie was practically right in front of this house, which couldn't have been broadcast because it was right when everything began to spiral in their world. Also, there was never a dog. Only the birds, hence the title. The last event from the novel different from the film that I can think of is the part where Malorie is attacked by wolves on the river. ....What? I never would have expected that, but it made the story a little more chilling.

The characters were quite different in the novel, and that was the main thing I noticed. Besides the lack of the doctor and dogs, The film had more characters. Lucy, the cop who hooked up with Felix and then dipped with him, taking the car and a bunch of food, was never introduced, along with Charlie, the man who worked at the grocery store and led the group to it when the outbreak started in the film. However, the store was mentioned in the book, so Charlie may have died before Malorie arrived in this scenario. A lot of the characters that were in both the movie and the book have different names. Olivia in the film is Olympia in the novel, Don is Douglas, and I believe Jules is actually Greg in the movie, as he's the homeowner.

I can't say I liked one more than the other. I enjoyed both the novel and the film for different reasons, and I don't think any of the differences affect the story and its relevance to me. I do think that I would recommend watching the film before reading the book if you haven't already, which I usually would never advise. But in this case, like many others, this story is very fun to visualize and I feel like watching the film first gave me the best advantage for imagination.

My rating: ★★★☆☆

Reviewing Book Reviews (LILS 12 intro)

 Welcome back tiny blog ! I liked ya so much I came back. 😉

For my first blog of the semester, I've read 3 book reviews of my top reads so far. Here are my reviews of these reviews; 

1. http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2011/11/book-review-something-borrowed-by-emily.html

💭 I liked this review by Christina because the blog was charming, with pastel colours and pictures of herself with the author and smiling warmly, and it started out with a Goodreads review followed by her own. Her review not only focused on the book itself but also the author, Emily Giffen, as she'd had the experience of meeting her at a book signing. When the book was being described, it did so smoothly. It pretty much said exactly what my brain thought the entire time I read Something Borrowed. The predictability of Darcy's type, deluded, self-centred party girl. The best friend in Darcy's shadow having an affair with her fiancee, Rachel (the shadow) now has to decide whether or not to fight for her childhood friendship or a love that may last a lifetime. The review explained it all with Christina's own emotions put into it. 

2. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/30/nest-kenneth-oppel-jon-klassen-review

💭 "The Nest" by Kenneth Oppel was my favourite book to read when I was intermediate in elementary school. Even to this day, I could probably read it over and over again. This book review, written by Marcus Sedgwick, describes Steve's story flawlessly, quoting the most relevant quotes from the book, without giving too much away. Sedgwick's review also recognizes the thought and personality he puts into his characters, with Steve's allergy to the wasps, and his past with OCD, not to mention the attention it shines on the relationship between him and his younger sister. Reading this review, I also remembered a lot about the book and how I felt every time I read it. I remember the first time I picked it up in 7th grade for silent reading. This review described that perfectly.

3. https://culturefly.co.uk/book-review-love-in-winter-wonderland-by-abiola-bello/

💭 I read Love In Winter Wonderland during the season, and it was by far one of my top YA romances this last year. I'm pretty sure this review was the longest of the 3 I chose, and that also gave the most detailed description of the novel without giving too much away about the actual story. It described Trey and Ariel (main characters) exactly how I would if I were to write my own review, delving into their reputations, characteristics, and personal goals. The text also kind of tickles the historical theme of the book, with Ariel's end goal of attending an Artist Studio in the footsteps of her father, and also Trey's family's independent book shop that's been carried through generations. It also delves into their personal issues, like Ariel's binge-eating disorder, Trey's complicated relationship with Blair and even a little about his crippling stage fright.

I also have been on the  #BookTok side of my TikTok for you page for a while now, so here are some of my favourite booktokkers to watch reviews/recommendations!

@jolie_reads on TikTok - I just really like her vibe and we have a very similar book style. I also love the room that she makes her BookToks in and the fact that she has so many books she reached library status is insane to me and I literally want to be her.

@storieswithsierra on TikTok - I depend on her for horror/thriller recommendations.

Ideal Imaginary Library

 I made a website for my invisioned ideal Library website. It's based off of Royale High from Roblox. This High school campus is in Berlin, Germany, because Europe is very like royal idk. My first choice was gonna be England but that's too basic. This is like a fairy tail fantasy kind of school, like princesses and princes and ogres and witches (etc) attend. 

https://royalehighlearningcommons.godaddysites.com/

To a Future LILS 11 Student,

 Working in the library the past semester has been such a fun and fulfilling experience. I really love literature, so I knew I would love working around books. I think it made my semester go by way smoother than it would have if I didn't take the course. You might not enjoy it as much if you don't enjoy reading or writing. Or if you don't know the alphabet. 

However, if you are taking this course whether you like it or not, there are things you might want to know so you can succeed in the course.

⭒ Service w/ a smile - it pays off ngl

⭒ Check the teams and blogger everyday - try your best make checking it on your phone before class a habit

⭒ Remember throughout the course that if you cannot make it to class or you have an issue with an assignment, you can talk to her. She'll probably even thank you for it. 

⭒ Really pay attention to the library and learn all the inner workings so you can always know what to do.

⭒ All of the assignments in reality are pretty quick and easy to get over with

⭒ When you're checking out books, make sure to click reset every time you finish checking one person out and move onto another

⭑ You don't have to click reset for check-ins

⭒ Let your creativity flow - if you have any ideas for the library (decor, displays, activities, etc), tell Ms. PJ and try to make it happen.

⭒ Always ask students if they have their Go-Card before asking for their student number - helps students get into the habit of keeping their school ID on them.

Bonus: I made a spotify playlist that radiates library vibes that I think Miss. PJ should play in the commons to chill the place out a bit more. It has 211 songs, at a total of about 13 hours long.

Library Vibes - Eden's Playlist

Podcasts

 http://www.discoveringtheremarkable.com/blog/best-podcasts-for-schools-librarians

Out of the top ten favourite podcasts for school librarians from this blog, I chose #4, TED: How To Be A Better Human. I chose this one as I have been and still am on a self betterment journey. I strive to be a better version of myself each day. The episode I chose is titled "How to make generosity contagious w/ Chris Anderson." The focus in this episode is on exploring ways to inspire and spread acts of generosity, delving into true stories, insights, and practical tips to help encourage their demographic to incorporate more generosity into their lives and motivate others to do the same. I haven't listened to it yet, so we'll jump to the future when I have.

⏲ ...

After listening, here are my thoughts;

💭 The part that most struck my interest was the common reality that people who earn less tend to give more. I live in one of the last few campgrounds in and around Surrey, BC. The city has made it official that they will be closing it down sometime within the next 3 years. My parents, who are the park caretakers, have said it is due to higher class homeowners in my neighbourhood who want to turn it into, yet another, community park. I would think either that or more town homes. They think this campground is an eyesore, and if this is true, very little thought is given for the people who live under the more affordable housing conditions of the park. If this park closes down, many people, majority are seniors over 50 years of age, may lose their homes. I grew up lower-middle class (as society would lable) and I heard a lot, growing up, a stereotype that people who are filthy rich are less likely to donate to the less fortunate than others. I think that, (once again) if that were true, it's because people who have all the money they could ever wish for forget that not everything is about money. As the podcast mentioned, acts of generosity can be spread in many different ways, such as giving time and energy into a good cause rather than strictly materials. When people achieve such high value in their own lives, greed can take over (it happens to the best of us) and we forget to see value in other aspects and inspire and guide others to achieve that sense of value as well.

(keep in mind i don't have any negative opinions about people who are more or less fortunate, we all have lives and success of our own. this is just based on the connections I can make with the things I heard growing up/the things I hear today and the podcast.)

💭  3 things I learned from this episode: 

1. Impact of generosity: I learned about the substantial impact that acts of generosity can have on people and their communities, exploring how even such small gestures such as helping your grandmother weed her garden, for example, can lead to significant positive change.

2. Creating a ripple effect: The podcast discussed how these acts of generosity can inspire others to engage in similar behaviour, emphasising the infectious nature of kindness and the many ways it might contribute to creating a more compassionate society.

3. Practical tips for generosity: This episode taught me a plethora of practical tips and strategies for incorporating generosity into my everyday life. It encouraged me to find more ways to contribute to the well-being of others and really make a positive difference.

💭 I think that having access to this episode can contribute to the overall educational and general life experience of students by promoting positive values (acts of kindness, generosity, selflessness, happiness, etc) that encourage them to make a positive impact on our community. Hey! Here's a bonus: Maybe we can put a minor stop on all the 9th grade drama. (No bc the beef is always so extra) Another positive would be that the episode could be incorporated into social and emotional learning (SEL) programs, providing content that supports students' emotional development and interpersonal skills.

Bonus:

Over my two weeks of winter vacation, I mostly lazed around either my house or my boyfriend's in cozy sleepwear and fluffy sock-slippers. I drank lots of hot cocoa, went to two different christmas dinners and my boyf's mom's annual christmas party (she made me a margarita bc i'm officially old enough to drink with the adults, lot legally, but like idk morally i guess.)

I got to go gift shopping for my friends which felt really good because I love to give gifts. I'm really good at shopping for other people, because I pay attention to those who are important to me and memorize things they do, what they enjoy, etc. I also got some pretty sick christmas gifts like clothes, a new tarot set, and a FREAKING ELECTRIC MILK FROTHER BECAUSE I'M WHAT? B O U J I E.

Learning About Other Libraries in The District

 The Fraser Heights library learning commons website provides information for students, parents, and teachers about our library and what it has to offer. There's a bio with Ms. PJ's email, library hours, and our digital resources and library catalogue. You can even look at the Hawk Word, which is our school magazine.

I did some research on other schools' libraries and learning commons and analysed their websites as well.

Johnston Heights 

📚 I couldn't find any actual website, but there is a section in the school website for the learning commons, and they also have a facebook page.

📚 They call their space a learning common

📚 The school website is a very brief summary of their space, but the facebook seems to be more involved

📚 Their teacher librarian is Daniela Cauduro

📚 The school website included that they display student art work in the commons

Sullivan Heights 

📚 The schools library homepage provides links to information about their space such as their catalogue

📚 They have a Pinterest linked on the page for students to look at new resources 

📚 They also call it a learning commons

📚 The school teaches roughly 1550 students

Elgin Park

📚 They actually have a whole separate website for their learning commons and it was the first thing in my search fill when I typed "Elgin Park"

📚 Includes library hours which is one of the first things you'll see looking at the site

📚 If you can't come to the learning commons but want a book, you can actually place an order for a loan and the LLC staff will deliver

📚 Near the middle of the page is a list of quick links with coordinated icons

📚 They have a mission statement; "Our mission is to provide students with a safe, friendly and caring environment in which they ​can access resources and develop the skills, attitudes, and competencies to be life-long learners."

📚 There is a section about their teacher librarian, Melissa Bonn, that includes a photo of her, and a description including books she is currently reading and that she just finished.

Eldin Park's website was my favourite, because it was very detailed and had fun quirks as well, such as the mission statement and the teacher librarian profile.

Bonus: What was the best book I've read in 2023?

I really am tied between Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell and The Idiot Brain by Dean Burnett. They're two very different books, so it's hard for me to say which one I liked better. I enjoyed them both equally. I was drawn to both of them. Eleanor & Park was the cutest coming of age romance YA fiction novel. It was relatable, heartfelt, sad, but also very cutesy and made me happy when good things happened for the two main characters and their relationship. And I felt for them when more negative events fell onto them. 

On the other hand, The Idiot Brain is a non-fiction written by a neuroscientist that explains how the human brain works in a way that can be easily grasped, considering how complicated our brains are. It fascinated me, and also answered a lot of questions that I've had throughout life as to why I do what I do, why I make the choices I've made, and so on. It helped me realise how passionate I am about learning about the brain and psychology. I see myself re-reading this book at least twice more during my lifetime.

Libraries in The News

 Read some articles today! Let's chat folks.

1. Libraries have thrived, despite technological developments.pdf - Google Drive

Some key factors Wong uses in this article to prove the relevance of libraries today is that libraries have adapted and evolved alongside technology, with e-readers, library catalogues, etc, libraries give access to the internet to those who may not have it at home. Libraries also hold loads of information that you may not be able to access online, at least, not for free.

I do agree that libraries will always be important. Technology is something we constantly have to adapt to as it moves forward. But reading and having that common area we call a library is something that everyone has experience with if you're over the age of 5 (at least). And it's not even just literature or studies, a library is a place MEANT for learning while also being a comfortable spot where you can be alone, or not, and work on what you need to do, or take breaks from what you need to do. Libraries are for everyone, while technology may not be. My future spawn will not be sat at the dinner table with an iPad mini wiping their crumby hands on the screen. They will go outside, go to the library, join a pottery club, I don't care, as long as they have a life beyond screens. Technology, in my opinion, is a responsibility. It is a distraction, so when they prove they can prioritize real life and balance it with something like tech and the internet, then we can talk. I'd like to believe libraries will always be relevant, because libraries and learning commons provide a calm space with little to no distractions where people can write, read, type, study, research, and even just hang out in a chill space. Not to mention that people are more enticed to read a book because of things like #BookTok to promote literature, and I don't think tiktok is going anywhere for a while, and there will always be another app we can use as well.

2. https://www.pressreader.com/canada/vancouver-sun/20111105/285559492132667

This article was mostly summing up advantages and concerns with technology and it's place in education systems. Here are some pros and cons included in the text:

Pros: Use of multimedia to increase engagement in learning - some kids may better understand and grasp information through visual learning (i.e. YouTube, Audiobooks, Delta Math, etc.)

Ya that's kind of the only pro I found, maybe I'm just dumb, but this article really grasped at the MANY downsides of technology.

Cons: alters excitement in learning for a percentage of students, EXPENSIVE, inhibits creativity, and children being exposed to technology at such young ages (8 and below) 

North Vancouver's Waldorf School bans high-tech until the students reach highschool. They are taught in a more ideal and realistic fashion, and are exposed to more physical forms of learning. They are taught textiles, woodwork and metal work, and math, science, and language classes can be highly tactile and can even involve rhythmic movement. They do this to help their children develop coordination and concentration. 

I think that, for elementary schools this system would be very helpful. Our younger generations hardly know a life without technology, because they are living in a world where it is not only normalised, but handed to them like candy on Halloween. At the end of the piece, the text ended by saying that children are more exposed to technology at home than at school. That is exactly why I think school is a perfect time for kids to just be kids and not have their eyes glued to screens in a place of education. However, I think that, not only has technology been very useful since I personally got into highschool, it's also harder to keep away from teenagers as we are at a new stage where we are better equipped to handle high-tech, and especially better equipped when technology wasn't as applied in our elementary days. We were able to learn without (or with less) technology first, and now we've adapted. Because we were given the chance to adapt. If I have kids, I would want them to be raised with better and healthier forms of education like I was. They betta not have no dang Amazon Alexa teaching them order of operations.

I actually don't feel like finding an article for this rn it's 2am and I still have more blogs to write (oops my fault ig) 

I'll take the consequences. Whatever they are. Goodnight.