OLD MAGIC IN EVERYDAY LIFE BY MHAIRI SIMON
PLOT:
Magic is a different way of doing things.
Much magic comes from the Universe, from the past. It is already here, waiting to be found and used: it does not need to be invented or improved. It is, however, mysterious – that is its nature. And that is the conundrum: how to find and use something inherently mysterious.
For many of us, this conundrum can almost stop our efforts to find it.
But I know I was born with magic – it came with my soul.
I use this gift every day.
I consider myself lucky to be able to do that for the benefit of many others, some human, some animal. But it has not always been so: my journey has had it's ups and downs. Magic has brought loss as well as gain, and pain as much as a sense of identity.
Many people I've met have journeyed as though magic was somewhere over the horizon, aeons away, almost alive and determined to evade capture. I would like to tell you about my journey, so that you may gain ideas and encouragement for your own personal path. My main point is that Old Magic is close-by, still relevant and very, very interesting.
This book is for those seeking explanation and understanding of a path which is calling to them. At the beginning of a journey, the fear of feeling different or even insane can stop you in your tracks. I hope to reassure you that you are neither mad nor alone on this path. To many this story may seem fanciful or exaggerated, but it is as true as I can make it. To some it may be unbelievable, but to others this may feel like a story so familiar it could be their own.
The back of the book offers exercises and inspirations for you to try, or to immerse yourself in, because I have been guided to offer them. May your journey be one of excitement and illumination, but mainly a safe and happy one.
REVIEW:
Received via. First Reads on Goodreads
This book is filled with fascinating anecdotes and I found myself connecting with Mhairi on a spiritual level. 'Old Magic in Everyday Life' is interesting and well written, and is overflowing in nuggets of wisdom, it opened my eyes/mind to the world around me. I recommend this book to anyone even mildly interested in spirituality, they won't be disappointed. I will definitely be re-reading this book in the future.
~LW
NOUGHTS & CROSSES BY MALORIE BLACKMAN
PLOT:
Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society.
Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?
REVIEW:
I brought this book at a second-hand shop without much thought, I thought it looked interesting and liked the sound of the storyline, I got it home and started to read it. I didn't like it from the beginning. I forced my way through 4 chapters, then I gave up. I put it on my shelf and picked it up again a few months later, I got a few more chapters in then gave up again, I didn't like it at all.
In my year 9 English class, Noughts & Crosses was the book we had to study. We studied it in agonising detail, which fuelled my dislike (later hatred) for this book even more. I found the storyline to be predictable and the idea of role reversal, I thought to be unoriginal.
Overall, I really didn't like this book and think it is overhyped.
~LW
WONDER BY R.J. PALACIO
PLOT:
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?
REVIEW:
I had heard many a good thing about this book, so when our school library got it in, I grabbed it and signed it out. I was drawn into this book from the first chapter and I found Auggie's character to be enchanting and inspiring. The courage Auggie showed through everything he went through and the change went through by Amos and Henry gave me hope for the world.
Overall this book was beautiful and enchanting. I would recommend this to anyone of any age, it is beautiful.
~LW
