Me Before You

Hello world! I am still here! I've had a chaotic few months full of work and life, but I am back! And because I relax by reading books, I have several new book reviews ahead for you. I also have some new GenTwenty articles coming out soon, but that is a post for another day.

Today's book review is on Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. This book was a bit out of my comfort zone, but the author came highly recommended to me. The novel focuses on Louisa Clark, a young woman unsure of her future, and Will Traynor, a quadriplegic who was paralyzed after an unfortunate accident. Louisa becomes caregiver for Will, who is upset and depressed with the turn his life has taken. A man in his 30s, once used to extreme sports, endless wealth, and worldwide travel, Will is confined to a wheelchair and has no interest in life anymore.

Louisa learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, and she sets out to show him that life means more than the things you have and the things you do. Along the way, she discovers she loves Will. The novel asks the question: what do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?

So Much Of What I Do

I don't write a lot of education posts, because this isn't an education blog. But today, I'd like to try something different.

Today I stumbled across this article entitled 6 Facts People Should Know About Teachers. It couldn't be more true. So much of what I do is for my students, or the students of our state that I have yet to encounter.

10 Lessons From A 20-Something

Soon to be 26, I just realized that my twenties will be over before I know it. I mean, the last 5 years went in a blur from college to the professional world. This post is for my fellow 20-somethings! Here are 10 things I've learned so far about being a 20-something (note: I tried to title this "Coffee Solves Everything" but honesty wouldn't allow it and after all, that's only 1 lesson. But coffee does help!).

1. Keep It Real

I'm an idealist. I'll be the first to admit it. But in all honesty, it's important to have a healthy dose of realism. I had a lot of things I wanted to accomplish by the time I turned 25 - some of which haven't happened yet! I'm still working on these things, and that's okay. Dream, but keep it realistic!

Toaster Waffles Make Everything Better

Toaster waffles make everything better.

I'm sure some of you are now thinking, yes, Olivia has officially lost her marbles - and at such a young age too. After all, the first post in over a month, and she starts out with toaster waffles?! But wait! Let me explain!

Slow Down You Crazy Child

Slow down you're doing fine, you can't be everything you want to be before your time. - Billy Joel, Vienna

It has been 23 days since my last post. Between theatre rehearsals, coordinating programs outside of work, teaching (with all the paper grading), and the holidays, having a life has been pretty nonexistent. That includes any sort of writing here at Certainly Candid until today.

Just One Day

I am long overdue for a book review. Because of all the hype about the critically acclaimed book (and movie adaptation) of If I Stay, I have decided to review another of Gayle Forman's books: Just One Day.

There is a reason I picked up this book. The page before the story begins, there is a Shakespearean quotation from As You Like It, one of my favorite plays. It is famous: "All the world's a stage / And all the men and women merely players: / They have their exits and their entrances; / And one man in his time plays many parts." I don't know if you're like me, fellow literature enthusiasts, but an author who quotes the greats from the beginning has my attention immediately.

I suspected right away that I would enjoy this book. I was right. It is written with poise and grace. The story focuses on the life of Allyson Healey and her post-graduation trip to Europe. While there with her tour group, she meets Willem, a traveling actor who performs Shakespeare in the park. She is entranced by his performance of Sebastian, a character in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. In a whirlwind of activity, Allyson and Willem take a "just one day" trip to Paris.

Happy December 1st!

Happy December, dear readers! Christmas is just around the corner!

In order to encourage readership and broaden my audience, I am once again holding a giveaway! There will be a total of two giveaways this month (both winners to be revealed on New Year's Eve). Thanks to some wonderful sponsors, I have some great items for you this month. For those who need a reminder, here is how the giveaways work: