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By Aiza Not everybody enjoys reading. One of the major reasons is the amount of books there are and never seeming to find the right genre. I was an avid reader when I was younger and then suddenly, with evolving interests, I started to hate all the books I owned. For the next year and a half, I read absolutely no books until I stumbled upon Stephen Chbosky’s ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. Yes, it is true, it is one of the most mainstream books of the decade, yet it still spoke to me. I began reading books consistently once again.
Today, I have made a list of 6 books (1 that I want to read myself in the near future) you might enjoy if you like books such as ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. And do not worry, this article contains no specific spoilers. 1- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The reason I loved this book was because of the brutal honesty it portrayed. It talked about social stigmas and mental health problems ranging from abuse to suicide in ways that really make you understand what people go through in their lives. It is like a diary entry which is a way of writing I really enjoy reading. 2- In Five Years by Rebecca Serle This book is a romance of its own sort but with a touching story of how the couple ended up together. This book includes a tragic twist which made me love the book more than the actual plotline. 3- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde I cannot sit through a classic for more than 10 minutes. This book was probably the first one I actually finished. The story keeps you longing for more. It makes you really think about some people’s obsession with their vanity as well as the power of art over certain individuals. 4- They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera Initially, the title threw me off a bit. I kept wondering why the writer would spoil the book in the title. I kept putting it off just for that reason, but when I did read it, I ended up completing it in one sitting. Yes, the title is 100% accurate, but while reading the book, knowing the end somehow gave me comfort. 5- The Places I’ve Cried in Public by Holly Bourne This book talks about a very deep and sensitive subject, one that might teach you lessons. It’s heartbreaking but it’s a good read, especially if you enjoy reading books with sad storylines. This book switches between reality and flashback while the main character connects the points from her past to her project. 6- My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga By now it is probably obvious that I really enjoy YA books and this is yet another one. I haven’t read this one yet. This too talks about a sensitive subject and is one of those girl meets boy books where they both share similar traumas. In case reading any of these books trigger you, here is a suicide hotline you can contacts. - Suicide hotline: https://giveusashout.org/
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By Madeline Before it ended, you didn’t try.
Instead, You never put in the effort. You let things crawl along. Instead, You never really got to know me. You asked the same surface questions. When it was ending, you didn’t cry. Instead, You twisted the blame. You pinned it on me. Instead, You didn’t apologize. You expected one from me. Right after it ended, you didn’t speak. Instead, You avoided my eyes. You dodged me like I was a ghost. Instead, You talked to everyone but me. I didn’t exist to you. A year after it ended, you reached out. You texted. You wanted to meet. You thought I would say yes, ever the people pleaser. Instead, I said no. I guess I moved on and you never did. By Vasati Oh Hello again! It's you
come on in have a seat Let me put the kettle on, please relax have some tea I warned you about this I told you they'd all leave One way or another they hurt you and you hurt me So tell me, what happened this time? Did he leave? Or did he cheat? Why so surprised? Of course, I know You never learn from the mistakes you repeat Go on cry me a river and if you feel like it, upgrade to an ocean I let you go in one piece and you come back all shattered and broken It's time to put our guard back up But first, let me heal us both Swear to me this won't happen again Please…. swear it on the oath "Cross my heart and if I croak drop a toenail in my coke Never again will I let in a person who will only leave me broken" By Nicole Getting hooked in a fictional world is dangerous for me. It consumes my life; I don’t just zone out of reality whilst I’m reading, I lose my focus on the present between sessions until I’m finished, and even after that, I’m still thinking about the characters and their world. Reading is not only enthralling but has so many benefits too: strengthening the brain, enhancing imagination, improving memory and concentration and building your vocabulary. Reading can also alleviate depression and stress, helping you to lift the emotional pressure weighing down on your shoulders for a little while.
All of these benefits develop whilst I read, I just fail to pay attention to them. Here are five of my favourite books I’ve read this year that truly captivate you, making you forget why you have to read, and instead, have you questioning why you can't get enough. 1. A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder- Holly Jackson “I'm not sure I'm the good girl I once thought I was. I've lost her along the way” Summary: ‘The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it. But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn't so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?’ -Goodreads Why I loved it: With an intricately detailed plot, dark pasts and hidden secrets, this novel will blow your mind. You won’t be able to stop thinking about the real killer and Andie’s twisted life until you reach the end. Jackson creates such a vivid atmosphere that you feel you’re actually there in the moment with Pip- her descriptions and pacing are insane! She incorporates a multi-media format (articles, transcripts and Pip’s logs) to add to the realism of her investigation. Not to mention the original characterisation, with unique humour from Ravi Singh (my personal favourite) and realistic friendships that you can connect with. (And yes, there’s a sequel!) 2. One Of Us Is Lying- Karen McManus “Unless one of us is lying. Which is always a possibility.” Summary: Five students at Bayview High walk into detention. Only four walk out alive. Simon was the creator of a notorious gossip app, having planned four posts containing juicy scandals about them. His death wasn’t an accident and the Bayview four become murder suspects. Everyone has secrets to protect: Bronwyn, the brain; Cooper, the athlete; Nate, the criminal and Addy, the beauty. Why I loved it: The first thing I absolutely adored about this book was the way McManus managed to take four predictable cliches, challenge them and turn the characters into SO much more! She was able to create four heartwarming character arcs and make it impossible for you to not develop an emotional attachment to them. They become real teenagers in our contemporary world, allowing us to relate to them, their backstories and their intentions. This YA mystery novel will cunningly build up your expectations and crush them, having you question everyone and everything throughout. 3. The diary of a young girl- Anne Frank “It’s really a wonder that I haven’t dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Summary: ‘Anne Frank and her family fled the horrors of Nazi occupation by hiding in the back of a warehouse in Amsterdam for two years with another family and a German dentist. Aged thirteen when she went into the secret annexe, Anne kept a diary. She movingly revealed how the eight people living under these extraordinary conditions coped with hunger, the daily threat of discovery and death and being cut off from the outside world, as well as petty misunderstandings and the unbearable strain of living like prisoners.’- Goodreads Why I loved it: Anne Frank’s optimism and hope during such a horrifying time are both moving and powerful. Her diary has the ability to uplift you and completely change your perspective of human nature and the world. This book not only gives you incredible insight into what it was like for a Jewish family in hiding in WWII, but also conveys the depth of a young teenage girl’s mind- destroying the stigma that a teenager’s thoughts and emotions are naive therefore inferior. Anne Frank’s youth is what allowed her to cherish all of what was still good and hopeful, something only she was able to communicate in such a devastating period. The thing about Anne Frank’s diary that I connected with her the most was her views on identity, her self-awareness and the conflict between her inner and outer self. She wrote about growing up, love, sexuality, human nature and relationships, all of which really opened my mind to such complex topics; her perspective was refreshing. “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” If Anne Frank can write about such inspiring explorations of her world and the world that confined her, isolated in an annexe during the war, then I don’t know what else could motivate you more to write yourself! 4. The Darkest Minds- Alexandra Bracken ‘The darkest minds tend to hide behind the most unlikely faces.’ Summary: Over 98% of the children’s population in America died from a mysterious disease. The ones that survived were left with frightening uncontrollable mind abilities. Everyone is afraid of them; they are placed in camps to be cured, only it is the government’s secret that they never will return home. Ruby Daly, an Orange, is one of the most dangerous ones. When she is discovered for her ability to control minds, she finds herself escaping, with someone who she is unsure she can trust. She cannot control her ability, but when she discovers other kids who have escaped their camp too, she wishes she could. She is determined to learn how to trust herself, so she no longer has to be separated from the ones closest to her. Why I loved it: This dystopian series has changed my life. I can’t decide whether it’s the beautiful characterisation, the well-written plot or the perfection of the descriptive details that brought this story to life; you truly get hooked into the world. I love how Bracken slows down the action so you can get a feel of what it’s like to be actually there in the moment with Ruby (fall asleep straight after reading this and you may or may not have a vivid dream about it). She effortlessly brings together friendship, romance, conflict and humour, having created some of my most beloved and rounded characters. The heartbreak and plot twists will evoke so many powerful emotions as you read and will impact you even once you’ve finished; I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Each character is unique; from sarcastic and overprotective Chubs to intuitive and selfless Zu, I guarantee you will fall in love with them and the relationships they form with each other. 5. Clap when you land - Elizabeth Acevedo ‘I’m the child her father left her for in the summers. While she is the child my father left me for my entire life.’ Summary: Camino Rios and Yahaira Rios are both sisters, but they don’t know each other. Camino lives in the Dominican Republic and Yahaira lives in New York, both separated by their father’s lies and deceit. When Camino is at the airport waiting for her Papi to arrive, she discovers the plane has crashed. Yahaira finds out when she is called into the principal’s office. His death alters both of their lives forever, but it also brings them together, as they learn about each other and suddenly the distance and secrets that separated them no longer exist. Why I loved it: Firstly, Acevedo’s poetic writing in free verse is insanely beautiful. The rhythm of the emotions conveyed resonates with you and allows you to fully connect with them. Her choice of words and how they combine to make the feelings almost feel tangible is written to perfection. It was emotional to see the growth of the sisters’ love for each other as they both struggle with loss, anger, fear and growing up. Throughout the book, you learn how their two separate cultures threaten to destroy their attachment, but also how their experiences as teenage girls bring them together. Camino and Yahaira’s heart-rending stories will stay with me forever and the way that their contrasting lives and personalities didn’t prevent their sisterly love warmed my heart, even after not knowing each other until the person that connected them wasn’t alive anymore. By Kenzie A staple part of most people's lives is a TV. While we're eating, when we're ill or when we're just plain bored - the television is there for us to get us by. Plus, there are so many talented actors and actresses that deserve to be seen. Nowadays, with things such as Netflix, Sky, Hulu and Disney+ there is a never ending choice of incredible shows to investigate.
Recently I have discovered some really amazing TV shows that I want to share with you.These will be in no particular order as I would find it really difficult to rank them. Some of these TV shows are current, while some of them have been around for ages and I've only just found them. I hope this is useful for the next time you decide you want to find a new TV show that you can binge and please do share your opinions on the TV shows I have chosen if you've already seen them.
I hope that you found this little article review interesting and please let me know your thoughts if you did decide to give any of these TV shows a try at my recommendation. By Kenzie I love films. I'm a real bookworm and adore books but I'm a sucker for films. There's something so special about being able to see what is going on rather than imagining it in your head. Plus there are so many talented actors and actresses that deserve to be seen.
I decided that because of my love of films, I wanted to share my top 5 favourite films. These will be in no particular order as I would find it really difficult to rank them. Also, one of the films on this list is technically a trilogy but I'm including all three films as one entry because I can't choose an ultimate favourite. I hope this is useful for the next time you decide you want to watch a film and please do share your opinions on the films I have chosen.
I hope that you found this little article review interesting and please let me know your thoughts if you did decide to watch any of the films above. By Josh You wash your hands,
but they are still not clean. You stay indoors, to hide your secrets. You clap on Thursdays, to justify their deaths. You wear a mask, to muffle your lies. And at the end of it all... It seems the virus does discriminate. By Charlotte Once you tell a person your secret, is it just yours anymore? Does burdening someone with the weight of a secret entitle them to do the same? Who is to blame when everybody knows?
I stare at the paper in front of me, as it demands to know the causes of the Russian Revolution. I look at the clock slowly ticking away. I focus on the flow of air in and out of my lungs and minimize my entire world to the clock and the paper, to the downfall of the Romanov family, to the starved and angry people of Russia, betrayed by their ruler whom they put their trust in. I will not look. I will not see the faces of those who promised. Who lied. There are people in life we can always trust; family. I remember playing with my older sister Clara as a child. We were out in the green winter grass, mud beneath our gumboots and navy blue overalls, the crisp spring air filling our lungs. I remember the blood-red roses that our mother had spent months caring for, nurturing from bulbs to the beautiful blooms they became in springtime. Clara cut those roses, severed them right at the stems. “One for me and one for you. Our little secret. No one needs to know. Nobody will care. Just you and me, I trust you.” I remember the pain on my mother's face when she saw her beloved roses gone. I remember the anger on my sister’s face when I told my mother what happened. I look at the clock and the air tastes stale in my mouth. There are 30 minutes left on the clock. The room becomes a vacuum, sucking the air from my lungs. I struggle to breathe. I focus on the flow of air in and out of my lungs and minimize my entire world to the clock and the paper, to the commencement of the Russian Revolution on the 8th of March 1917, to the massacre of the Romanov family on 16 July 1918. I will not think about how they are mere meters away. I do not think about how every so often I see them looking at me, regret heavy in the air. Friendships aren't alway an inevitable journey ending in betrayal. I remember my mum telling me about her best friend in school, Peggy. They were both in the popular crowd, led by this bully named Caroline. If anyone spoke up to her they would be shunned and kicked out of the group. That's exactly what happened to my mum when she tried to stand up for a girl Caroline was giving a particularly hard time. Peggy had a choice, my mum or Caroline. They still caught up and talked outside of school, but in school mum may as well have been a ghost. I stare at the clock as the final seconds in my final exam ever so slowly tick away. As the bell rings I clutch my packed bag in my hands, knuckles turning white, my heels bouncing on the ground as the examiner walks around the classroom taking our exam papers. I watch as she slowly limps her way around the classroom, with her violet cardigan, greying hair and wrinkled face. As she walks past and collects my exam the air around me fills me with the distinctive smell of ‘old person’. In a tired croaky voice she announces “you all may leave”. I practically run from the room. My eyes scan the crowds of people and lock eyes with them. They are everywhere. My secret is everywhere. The breeze carries the voices. Giggling, gasping, gossiping the truth of my secret. What sticks to memory, often, are those odd little fragments that have no real meaning other than happiness: Late nights sleepovers. Feasting on Cadbury dairy milk chocolate, Red Rock Deli Honey Soy Chicken Chips, disgusting combinations of solo and vodka. Endless talks about gossip, school and Lizzie’s boyfriend John. Lunch at school sitting with them, talking with them while Lizzy was off with her boyfriend John. Them hurting me, taunting me, testing me, breaking me, while Lizzy was off with her boyfriend John. I break free of the crowd and run into the bathroom. I remember how it felt when I found out they all knew my secret, the black hole that opened up inside my lungs and stole my breath. That's stealing my air again now. They all know. The bathroom door swings open. “Just breathe, not that many people heard,” says Lizzy. “Right?” says Lizzy. “Talk to me,” says Lizzy. I told them the truth, I told them what they asked. I burdened them with my secret and asked them to make it theirs too. Is it my fault they weren’t strong enough to bear the weight? Who is to blame when everybody knows? By Dalilah Reading Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince is like having a deep, heartfelt discussion with a wise friend who speaks simply yet successfully conveys all of the wisdom you seek. This small gem reminds us of the important things in life, even though it is frequently referred to as a children's book.
A pilot crashes his aircraft in the Sahara Desert at the beginning of the story. There, he encounters an unusual little boy named the Little Prince, who has arrived from a tiny asteroid called B-612. Over the next few days, the Little Prince recounts his adventure around the universe, meeting unusual grown-ups on distant planets. Every adult he encounters, from a king with no subjects to a businessman who counts stars, is a humorous (and occasionally depressing) illustration of how grown-ups frequently lose sight of what matters in life. However, the story's subtle wisdom is what truly sets it apart. The Little Prince's simple questions and observations cut through all the illusions of adulthood. He talks about how he loves a rose on his planet, a rose that is demanding and arrogant, but still holds special meaning for him. It serves as a heartfelt reminder that although love isn't always easy, it's always worthwhile. Additionally, he encounters a fox who teaches him the value of friendship and the fact that "what is essential is invisible to the eye." That single line has resonated with me longer than almost any other quote from a book. My favourite scene in the novel is when the Little Prince tames the fox. Their friendship is developing so gradually, carrying a warm and comforting value. He learns from the fox that to fully love and truly understand someone, we must be patient, take our time, and take ownership of our relationship. The notion that one is “responsible forever for what you have tamed” stirred something gentle inside me. It made me reflect on the quiet, consistent ways we care for those we love—through everyday presence, not dramatic declarations. The illustrations, sketched by the author himself, beautifully complement the book’s quiet charm. They’re simple and slightly quirky — just like the story. There’s no need for elaborate artwork — the soft watercolour images feel heartfelt, perfectly echoing the tone of the story. Ultimately, The Little Prince is more than just a story — it’s a gentle reminder. A reminder to look with our hearts, to treasure those we love, and to hold on to the childlike wonder we so often lose in adulthood. Whether it’s your first read or your fiftieth, it’s a book that quietly brings you back to what’s truly important in life. I would recommend The Little Prince because it speaks to the heart in a way few books do. It’s a short, poetic story that explores love, friendship, and the importance of seeing beyond appearances. It gently reminds us to stay curious, care for our loved ones, and not lose the sense of wonder we often leave behind as we grow up. By Priyanka I had just gotten a Netflix subscription. It was summer, and I thought that it would be the perfect time to try out 'anime' or Japanese cartoons that my friends were obsessed with.
I started with Dr. Stone (capitalized as Dr.STONE) as it kept popping up in my recommendations and it felt like the best choice to kickstart my anime journey. Synopsis: The world is suddenly hit by a strange green beam of light that petrifies the entire population to stone. 3,700 years later, a scientific genius named Senku wakes up. Senku discovers a way to de-petrify other people. (De-petrifying means becoming human again). He revives his best friend Taiju and they must work to strive in the primitive new world that is covered with forests. They will stop at nothing to recreate the modern world and discover the culprit behind the beam. The plot intensely thickens as they navigate the dynamics of the prehistoric lifestyle. They engage in trial and error methods of basic practices which were done by primitive man. This situation requires mental and physical strength as the duo have to struggle for daily needs like food, shelter and resources for experiments. They also face the perils of nature. It is amazing that they had to start from scratch as they were in a pre-historic environment. Mankind was beginning a new civilization with the mindset of the 21st century. Dr. Stone is a teen dystopia that delves deep into human nature, leadership, and communication. The experiments done by the protagonist Senku taught me more than my science teacher ever could. I got to learn something new with every episode, which showed the working structures of everyday objects that I took for granted. One part of an episode that I would skip while watching other shows would be the theme song. However, Dr. Stone has groovy and upbeat theme songs with inspirational lyrics ( if you translate them from Japanese). My brother and I dance a little to the theme intros before we begin watching. The show is currently airing its 3rd season and the manga (comics) which it is based on got over last year, which means we can anticipate plenty more to come! Anime is truly an amazing genre as it delves into fresh and intriguing plotlines and character backstories. The vibrant colors are mesmerizing and catch the eye. What I love the most is how poetic the narrative can be which reminds us of what the Japanese do best. I recommend Dr. Stone for and a must watch for teens and young adults. What you'll love the most is the weird face-pulling By Parishi Can you?
Oh, how you will love the thrilling touch of her skin, And how her smile can brighten up your day You can cry your heart out to her if something is wrong You'll fall for how the wind blows her hair when she smiles You'll be lost in her eyes, oh how she carries the world in them, dreams like magic and tales like fairies You'll never want to look away when she's around And not forget to blush at the fine dimples on either side of her cheeks You'll be in awe of how she's so good at grades and how clearly she explains You'll love how she cries out with joy when she laughs too much and how innocently she cracks a joke Oh and how she'll jump out with joy when you gift her a present on her birthday And what a glamour she'll be when she dresses at her best and will take your breath away When she'll casually touch your arm and set your heart racing When she tells you she's tired and stretches out her arms to let you carry her Oh, how you'll love her more than the fireflies love their light, you'll want her more than a sunflower needs its sun, you'll fall for her more than an asteroid for its earth, you'll want her on your skin more than a dried sapling longs for rain And will want to keep looking at her more than the partridge looks at her moon. But, Have you ever loved a forest fire Instead of a soothing spring? Have you ever praised the silver clouds Upsetting the purple sky? Have you ever giggled at a wildflower And not the lilies? Have you ever thought of the dead autumn More than you've felt the rain? Anybody can love the touch of her skin Can you love the ashes behind her scars? Anybody can cry their life out to her Can you listen to her when she's falling apart? Anybody can praise her good grades Can you tell her how beautiful her hair smells today? Anybody can ask her how much she earned today Can you ask her if she had her meal and had enough water? Anybody can quarrel over how she doesn't reply to their texts Can you ask her if her day was good and if she's okay? Anybody can walk up to her when they need her, Can you walk up to the end of her street when she's alone? Anybody can talk about how she aces the black dress she wearing But can you just put her hair behind her ear and tell her that she's more beautiful than the stars? Anybody can blame her for not being good enough Can you tell her she is the strongest woman you know and she's perfect as she is? Can you tell her she's good in whatever colour her skin looks like and whatever shape her body is carved in? Can you tell her that she distracts you and it is illegal to be this beautiful? Can you tell her to stop smiling because you'll not be able to sleep? Can you tell her you miss her in your arms, raw and rare? Can you love her when she's at her weakest, with entangled hair, sunken cheeks, swollen eyes and a bleeding heart? Can you wipe out her tears, plant a kiss on her forehead and tell her she's the best thing that's happened to you? Can you hold her trembling hand, hold her hand tight enough, look into her eyes and tell her that she deserves the world and everything will be okay? Can you? By Priyanka Dust of ashes in the fragments of my soul,
Traced in the ghosts of shadows there lay a dream yet to be scavenged A dream that glimpsed the promise of birth, But somewhere, the hope had died I had dug the ashes out, and stomped on them and buried them, to still in bedrock, forgotten forever in the dirt. Now that I look back, I simply wonder, what had killed, a vision, so vivid and alive, that stirred with tremendous zeal and passion, that had stolen, a chamber of my heart, that the very thought of it,, Quaked my boots and yet, Unleashed the storm on the shore? That left me gasping for breath, yet made my spirits soar? Had it been, the drone of gossip, the string of No's? Had they said, that I was too young and wild? And that I needed to be tamed by playing it safe? Was that the cause that I somehow grew, a root of self-doubt in my body, that churned out anxiety, so overwhelming Had it been, that penetrated my nerves, flooded my mind? Leaving me gaping and tumbling into a black hole of endless uncertainty? My brain is a mess, But why bother cleaning it up, No one’s ever going to walk in, There’s nothing in here they’ll ever love. There are a million different things screaming for my attention, A million different fires that need redirection, But each time I try to smooth over the traffic, Another bomb drops and adds to the panic. Many different things add to the noise: School, friends, family, With a plethora of commitments breathing down my neck, I constantly feel like I’m sick. It never shows though, it’s carefully tucked away, Schooled expressions worn as masks to lead onlookers astray, I can’t afford to take them off, The dam I’ve been building will crack, And then no one will want me back. But, I’m so tired of this mess, I need help, I need help with spring cleaning, But it’s not even spring yet, maybe I should wait, Procrastinate, It’s all that I know how to do. -Jahannavi JahannaviThere is no such thing as heaven.
How can there be? Beautiful, empty words- Fruition of history and wishful belief. But I believe in Afterlife. Not in a paradise or scorching inferno; But through the sin that is Intercourse. Egg meets sperm Under a million circumstances- Under the same sun, The same moon. Passing on, The same blood. Passing on, The same basic elements- That make up life, that sustain life, That will nourish your son and mine. How will they see us? The continuance of our flesh and blood. How will they live? The angels with youthful faces and magically renewed life. When they turn their soft, smooth faces Backwards, and gaze at the path they’re on- The path we’ve carried them thus far on- What will they think? Do they see wisdom? Technology, diplomacy, discovery? Do they see chaos? War, explosions, plagues? Do they see beauty? Art, life, love? Will they even look? Everything I am doing In this life, this short, transitory life Is to redeem myself When I meet my Judgement. And that, my love, Will come through the hands of my children. Therefore you must live, Live to live on- Live to pass on- Our terrible, insignificant legacy. Jesse On May 29th 2020, Artemis Fowl arrived on Disney+. Although it was originally set to come out in theaters, the sudden arrival of the coronavirus pandemic forced Disney to release the movie on its platform instead.
Being a huge fan of the books after reading all of them in fifth grade, I was super excited to see all of the characters come to life, especially Artemis Fowl. I really wanted to see how the author imagined Haven City. However, I was extremely disappointed by the entire film, which was ruined, in my opinion, by the casting. Being Asian-American, I was extremely disappointed with the actor chosen to portray Domovoi Butler, the protagonist’s butler. In the books, the character was Russian-Japanese. However, he was portrayed by Nonso Anonzie, an actor of Nigerian Igbo descent. Removing the original cultural heritage of the character made me wonder if Disney cared about the equal representation of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and those of AAPI descent. Although Disney had a good and positive representation in Moana, why was Disney unable to do it here? Additionally, by racebending the role of Domovoi Butler, it seemed that Disney wanted to enforce harmful stereotypes of black servants and scary black men. Holly Short, an elven police officer, was whitewashed. Despite being described as a dark brown complexion, the actress of Short was white. The decision to cast Lara McDonnell seemed ignorant to whitewashing. There are many women of color who are able to portray Short; why did Disney whitewash this role? This isn’t the first time Disney has whitewashed a role; Johnny Depp was casted as a Native American in The Lone. Ranger and Tilda Swanton as the Ancient One (a Tibetan male) in Doctor Strange. These decisions seemed to make Disney appear ignorant of both stereotyping and the importance of representation. I was also disappointed with the casting of the protagonist, Artemis Fowl Jr. Fowl was portrayed by Ferdia Shaw. Shaw was a poor actor and lacked emotion when playing Fowl. It was rather displeasing to watch him and it ruined the film. For those unfamiliar with the Artemis Fowl series, such as my sister, were simply confused by the film. Josh Gad’s poor portrayal of Mulch Diggums made my sister think that he was an imitation of Hagrid from the Harry Potter franchise. The film didn’t explain many concepts to newcomers, expecting them to already understand these concepts. Additionally, the movie felt quite long and dragged on forever, making me want to switch to watch another movie instead. Overall, I definitely would not recommend watching Artemis Fowl. After watching the movie, I was extremely disappointed with Disney. The poor casting of characters and the poorly written script resulted in a film that dragged on for hours. The film definitely did leave me with a foul taste in my mouth. -Jade Anxiety is watching a blur of cars, their tires gliding swiftly through damp roads,
Drifting -- away. The sound of the crossing delays them-- a moment to breathe; A random pause in their flow of movement. But moments later, they begin their smooth descent To the known, Their destination already decided. Silent tears, the only things that can escape you; A salty tasty of freedom against your lips, The only way of knowing your tears are real, And not just a river being washed from within you, Turning you into the puddle cars manoeuvre around, Or splash against, coating pedestrians with despair, Their own feel for what anxiety did to you. But anxiety is Being left behind; Watching life move without you. Anxiety is frozen, Knowing what to do, but disconnected from your ability to move, Wondering how your legs once caught up to them, A blunder in your memories. Anxiety, your mind a jittery hand You can’t control, Your dreams spilled onto a page But the pen, the key to your soul, Is Slowly Losing Ink Anxiety is the choked silence Frozen in your throat Lodged between fear and freedom. Nicole I’m waiting for my past-time, to be part-time, to be all mine.
I’m excited to watch the days fly by, not a care in the world. Right now they’re not mine. I’m ready to waste it, I’m ready to chase it, can’t fit in the moment But why should I care I’ve gotten over it, my future is glistening, but I’m stuck here. It’s a pity my emotions, creations, excitation are wasted on the wonders that aren’t here. Am I wrong to be excited for what to come; is it wrong for it to be the only thing I wanted? Am I wrong to want all the things unsure; is it wrong to be unhappy for the things I can control? Why does the me-now even matter, when she’s gone tomorrow morning? Why should I try? Even the world is trying to distract myself from “who am I right now?” - Jahannavi The wistful whispers of the ocean as it glistens in the moonlight
Subdued by the tranquil air and the silence that gently travels, Urge the pebble to edge further into the predictability Of the soft waves, finding safety in its delicate fluctuating motion Unlike the tumultuous waves that possess the angelic Body of water when the sun rises. The blue light is electric, reflecting and revitalizing The gentle splashes provide a promise that they will Guide your thoughts, rather than aggravate them. Slowing them down, focusing on what truly matters. Unlike under the scorching cerulean sky, Where floating in the middle of nowhere Is blinding And being suffocated under the waves Which choke your silence. Here, silence is free, Silence isn’t synonymous with fear. Liberated by the soft waves of freedom, The dynamic blue water is glowing, Illuminating the truth in who you are, The truth that only you know is there. You’re safe here, You’re protected by the breeze that Carries your trepidation away Through the waves of discovery.
Sometimes I wish I could rewind the clocks and go - go back in time, be interested in the things I'm not, play with the toys that collect dust, climb the tree house before it’s all rot, ride my bike before its covered in rust, play games with my brother, just give it another, go - go back in time, and say yes to those scary things, not be as shy, listen to the bird sing, cause the limit is the sky. Oh, the places, I will go - but now I just sit, and cry as they all go by. By Josh
Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, Booksmart, blends together beautiful cinematography and a perfect soundtrack, with an extremely talented cast and a heartwarming, hilarious plot to create an intricate coming of age film of which you could watch again and again and never grow bored of. Booksmart is truly a unique film as it utilises camerawork and music in its own artistic way but rather than taking away from the plot, it enhances moments and emotions making you feel as if you are in the room with the characters throughout the film. So, now you may be wondering, what is the plot?
Booksmart is a story of two high school seniors, Amy and Molly. With graduation nearing, the best friends look forward in excitement for what the future may bring, both have spent their whole time in high school working hard to get to prestigious colleges with flying colours. However, they reach a dilemma upon realising that their fellow students have also gotten into high-level colleges with good grades, but they spent all of their time in high school going to parties. For this reason, the pair make it their aim the night before graduation to go to the best party ever to make up for all of the lost ones and show that they are smart and fun. This results in a hilarious film packed with moments to make you laugh, cry and anything in between! One of my favourite aspects of Booksmart is the characters, all characters feel like real people complete with strengths and flaws. Despite the focus of the film's plot being the party, you can tell how long Amy and Molly have been best friends through their interactions, this, combined with the performance given by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein conveys a realistic friendship to the audience. Side characters are also well written, and none are two dimensional, and many characters who could be in danger of falling prey to overdone character tropes avoid them. For example Gigi, who could be classed as the comedy relief character of the film at no point becomes annoying in any way, a common trap for comedic relief characters, but still achieves making you laugh in all of her scenes whilst still remaining relevant to the plot and having depth. Additionally, there is well-executed LGBT representation with the co-lead, Amy, shown as a lesbian with an unrequited crush on another senior, a sub-plot explored throughout the film. As mentioned previously, I also loved the use of music within the film, the soundtrack features songs by Lizzo, M.I.A and many other artists ranging from well known to fairly unknown. The use of music in the film is unique in the way that rather than creating the intended mood of a scene it enhances it and creates further immersion into the moment. In my opinion one of the most powerful scenes in the film is an argument between two characters, this scene is so powerful partially due to the use of music as the argument begins with no music, but the music slowly comes in until the words are being drowned out by the music, for me this was a powerful portrayal of the way people say meaningless things in arguments. This scene is just one of many amazing scenes throughout the film and the use of music is just one aspect of the genius behind this film. Overall, I would recommend Booksmart to anyone, it is a good feel-good comedy, but it can also be a heart wrenching coming of age. For such an amazing film with such thought put into it to create the beautifully intricate masterpiece that was brought to screen it is hard to believe that this is Wilde’s directorial debut and I can only anticipate with excitement what we will see from her soon. Jasmine The cushions on the couch provide a comfortable place to rest -
the dog curls up beneath my feet to doze, the rug is her place of vacation its soft strands intertwined with her fur, like warm sand underfoot. The picture frames on the wall catch my eye as I examine the memories they hold, As the books on the shelf call out to me, they long to be read, the blanket wraps around me - hugging me tight as I read, travelling to a distant world from my living room, whilst the vinyl spins round and round, dancing as it sings, the candle joins in the dance - gently, flickering, as it bathes the room in a soft, warm light, the warmth protects me from the cold outside, the storm that rages on can’t reach me, here. By Josh Let’s start off with the childhood dream; Once upon a time, I was fascinated with vampires, and that intrigued me and I wanted to become one. So, the adventure started there, and that’s when I researched Vlad The Impaler ( Dracula ). From that, I've always had a love for vampires whilst growing up, and to now actually visit Vlad’s castle where he lived was beyond a childhood dream coming true. The emotions that I was experiencing whilst walking up to the castle were running through my head it was kind of hard to walk. But I managed to get to the top and in we went. Exploring the rooms of the castle, seeing the artwork there that was once Vlad’s. Next, we got to my favourite part of the castle, the courtyard. It was beyond beautiful and it even had a well for people to throw their money into! But the thing I liked about this area was when you stood on the pebbled stone and looked up at the castle roof. It was a sight I’ll never forget. Now, onto the second bit of this article. The reason I’ve included two subjects in this article is that it was experienced on the same day so I thought it would just be suitable. So, how is love “just a dream?” Well, for me it was happening over several years I just didn’t realize it. See, the person I travelled with to Dracula’s castle was a good friend of mine that I used to work with, but due to circumstances, they had to move back to their hometown. This meant that I couldn’t see them, but also we lost contact for a while. Within the time period, we worked together we both grew close and didn’t realize we actually liked each other. Sucks right? So, after 4-5 years we got back in touch and decided to meet up and make a trip out of it and from there we just became closer and closer. Actually realizing what we had both been missing over the years. After having two trips together, we both came to the terms of, yes we do like each other but we didn’t want to ask each other as we were both anxious about the outcome. So, that’s when we went on our trip to Dracula’s castle. The week of the trip I had been giving a few hints to my friend about how I really liked him and how I would love for him to ask me out. But, it just wasn’t getting through to them. The day finally came, we talked and they explained the reasons for waiting for so long to ask me and it seemed reasonable and I understood where they were coming from. So, when they finally asked me, I was like “Is this too good to be true?” I hesitated due to the reasons they gave me but overall, I knew that this was what I’d been wanting for, those 4-5 years of being clueless. I just wanted to say to them, FINALLY! But, deep down it was like my heart stopped and everything paused for a few minutes. I was happy that all this happened within one day, who would believe it? Was it all just a dream?
MelOne day, I was walking home with my mum, An old man called me love, Told me to give him a lick of my ice cream, I was seven. and it still makes me wanna scream. One day, I wore my favourite skirt to the shops, I got catcalled by a man someone probably called "pops", My mum told me "take it as a compliment" I was fourteen and no longer comfortable in my skin. One day, I went out with my friends to town, what Ii was wearing should not matter, but to every guy who saw me it did, I was fifteen, and realised that this was normal. I shouldn't be afraid to go out at night in fear of harassment, but i am. I shouldn’t have had to worry about it at 14, but i did. I shouldn't take it as a compliment, It was not. JemimaWalking home, From school. I feel like I always do, I feel like a fool. Wipe the tears, Which are threatening to break through. I wish that I was, I wish that I was someone new. I see the sun, I see it rising in the sky. Now when I trace my scars, I feel like I can fly. I will always be true to me, I know one day my bravery will set me free. I will fight forever, I won't cry anymore, Today's the day I will even the score. I'm a survivor. I walk the streets, Of my hometown. And I reflect, On just how often I've felt down. No one understands, Quite how I feel. Makes me feel like my emotions, Are not a big deal. You see the scars on my wrist, You see my hand in a fist. My heart is locked like a vault, Little do you know it's all your fault. I will always be true to me, I know one day my bravery will set me free. I will fight forever, I won't cry anymore, Today's the day I will even the score. I'm a survivor. I'm a survivor. I'm a survivor. ~ Kenzie. KenzieThink about this: what is one thing you love from your favourite novel? Is it the plot that gets you so hooked you forget the cup of coffee sitting on the table? Or the setting you keep wondering about? How about the characters?
Characters are those beings living in your plot who convey the entire story. They are the mirror of the book who brings out the plot and theme. If you want your readers to think long after the last page is closed, treat your characters like your loved ones. Let the readers devour into the plot using your character’s individuality. Building characters with complexities, distinct personalities, and goals dive the readers into the story. Once you understand your characters inside and out, you can mix them in the plot or let them guide the story. Dimension, conflict, and empathy are some of the many things that can help you avoid creating dull characters. Here are few things about them: Dimension One thing that makes characters dull is their lack of flaws. Develop human-like characters, let them have their flaws. Think about different aspects of life. Are they rich? If yes, are they greedy? Are they social? If not, are they lonely? Conflict Let your characters have an internal conflict that influences the plot. No internal conflict makes the story monotonous and the character boring. For example, the superhero of a story has to fight the villain. But he is still unsure of his capability. He doubts himself about being able to control his power. What if he hurts an innocent? These thoughts bring an inner conflict in him, which makes it difficult to solve the external conflict. You can experiment with the solutions to the conflicts. The result of the external conflict can cause a solution to inner conflict and vice versa. Empathy Empathy is the power I love experimenting with. A way to incorporate empathy into your story would be to tell your readers why the villain committed the crimes. Empathy helps paste characters into the reader’s mind. You can always jump around different perspectives to showcase how the characters feel or what they have been through. If you include these in your characters, you are ready! Character outline is THE step I love. I invest more time in this step. It is where you connect and fall in love with your characters. I take it as a blind date; you don’t know what you expect or how they are. But you make a go for it. Outlining characters includes the character’s past, personality, manners, and behavior. For example; one character may have a habit of scrunching their nose again and again. The other may explain themselves, their habits, and why they did certain things again and again because they had abusive parents. Origins matter! It gives an insight into what they might be like, their goal, and their inner conflicts. Different methods can be used to outline characters! The technique I find the easiest is Q&A on a mind map. There are questions I ask myself and address the answers in a form of a mind map. Questions you can ask yourself can be:
Now, when you have your character ready to fall in love with, revealing them on the screen is crucial. SHOW DON’T TELL. You can use their behavior, attitude towards someone, or their actions to reveal the character. Instead of ‘The young CEO of the company was cold and caring. He wanted all works done on time,’. We can say ‘A tall man with a sharp jawline entered the conference hall. All staff members stood up at his sight. He bent down to the level of his secretary’s daughter, bringing a bar of chocolate out of his Tom Ford suit. The little girl leaped with joy. She brought his first smile of the day. He walked up to me and extended his hand for the file I had been holding. I shuddered under his icy gaze. His neck and hand veins were popping out while his eyes held no emotion. He was angry. I handed him the file while looking down at my heels, knowing very well I had crossed the deadline.’ Here, we get a taste of being his employee. We get a clue he has a soft side. We notice his veins pop out when he is angry. He doesn’t smile much. He is rich. A flashback can help display a character or some new characters into the story. Be careful about the transition between the flashback and the present time. Few ways you can present flashbacks can be:
Try not to stop describing the characters. As you write, you discover more! Your readers need to recognize the characters! Reminders are essential! But do not repeat everything again. The characters shouldn’t be too similar. Experiment with unique traits, accents, and behaviours. Ellen’s show and Carpool Karaoke can help you explore your characters more. Ask questions and answer them! Look into where the character would want to go depending upon their personality. Maybe your introverted character will take the host to the library! Remain alert and aware of the accents and behaviour of people around you. It is all about how you play around! Make your characters human-like! Practice, practice, and practice! Happy writing! Yara. Credits to Reedsy learning. How To Develop Memorable Characters (Free Course) • Reedsy How to Write Believable Dialogue (Free Course) • Reedsy Learning The Simple 9-Step Guide to Character Development How to Develop a Character: 7 Simple Steps |
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Teenagers With Experience is an online organisation created to provide teenagers worldwide with an online platform to share their own experiences to be able to help, inform and educate others on a variety of different topics. We aim to provide a safe space to all young people.
Please note that the content on this website is created by teenagers. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, it is important to remember that we are not professional experts. If you are experiencing a crisis or need professional advice, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional or a helpline. |