Franny and Zooey

Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger

The short story, "Franny", takes place in an unnamed college town and tells the tale of an undergraduate who is becoming disenchanted with the selfishness and inauthenticity she perceives all around her.

The novella, Zooey, is named for Zooey Glass, the second-youngest member of the Glass family. As his younger sister, Franny, suffers a spiritual and existential breakdown in her parents' Manhattan living room -- leaving Bessie, her mother, deeply concerned -- Zooey comes to her aid, offering what he thinks is brotherly love, understanding, and words of sage advice.

                                   I was very surprised by the ssophisticatedmanner in which this book was written. In stark contrast to Salinger's other famous work, "The Catcher in the Rye", this book was immensely wordy, and where as Holden from Catcher despises actors, one of the main characters in this book, Zooey Glass, is a professional actor, with the other Franny, being an amateur. It is a read which deserves periodic reflection, and may require one to carry around a pocket dictionary, but despite and also because of these facts it is a satisfying and worthwhile read.

Rating: 8.877777 out of 10

Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

                                         Griff- This book is full of mystery and action. It will keep readers on their toes as they read through the adventures of the main character. The reader will cheer and cry along with the characters and feel as though they were with them. If you're in the mood for suspense and mystery this book is definitely for you!

Rating:10 out of 10

The Green Beauty Guide

The Green Beauty Guide By Julie Gabrial

Go green and get gorgeous The promise of beauty is as close as the drugstore aisle shampoo that gives your hair more body, lotions that smooth away wrinkles, makeup that makes your skin look flawless, and potions that take it all off again. But while conventional products say they'll make you more beautiful, they contain toxins and preservatives that are both bad for the environment and bad for your body including synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, and even formaldehyde. In the end, they damage your natural vitality and good looks. 
Fortunately, fashion writer, nutritionist, and beauty maven Julie Gabriel helps you find the true path to natural, healthy, green beauty. She helps you decipher labels on every cosmetic product you pick up and avoid toxic and damaging chemicals with her detailed Toxic Ingredients List. You'll learn valuable tips on what your skin really needs to be healthy, glowing, and youthful. 

                                                        This book is great for anyone ooking to increase their knowledge on the toxic chemicals we but into our bodies via cosmetics! It is a wonderful foundation in starting a greener life style. The recipes are a bit advanced, so try checking the internet for more basic ones, before trying the ones in the book. If you are concerned about putting cancer causing agents in your body you need this book!

Rating: 9 out of 10