Brilliant things about being a bookworm

• You can get lost in another world when you’re stressed, angry, sad, or any other emotion that brings you down.

• It makes you more empathetic to people’s experiences because through book characters’ experiences, you come to know of different types of difficulties people go through.
• It enriches your vocabulary, blah, blah, blah.
• SO. MANY. GENRES. Sci-fi to travelogues, horror to comedy, you name the genre, you’ll find a book.
• No trouble coming up with a wish list. You know your state, and you always have an eye on books published by your favourites, and your interests are ever-growing.
• Ernest Hemingway rightly said, “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” A book will be there for you when no one is.
• A whole mine of quotes can be found in them, which you can entertain yourself with, or apply in real life.

*uncontrollable laughter*

Or, on a more serious note,

*turns serious*

Advertisement

Interview with a fictional character (part 8)

Being the Little Women fan I am, I’ll do an interview today! It’s with Theodore Laurence (you may know him better as Laurie)!

Theodore Laurence in Little Women (2019)
Source: https://littlewomen.fandom.com/wiki/Theodore_Laurence

Thrilled to have you with us, Theodore!
TL: Merci, Ms. Tiwari.
Me: [blushes because he said tHANK YOU TO ME IN FRENCH]

Q: Uh- a- a little about yourself, Theodore.
A: I’m Theodore Laurence, better known as Laurie. My wife’s named Amy and a daughter called Elizabeth. My best friend is Jo, who is Amy’s sister. I’m very close to the March family. I live in a house called Parnassus.

Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: I’m generous (I think) and I’m a very jolly sort of person.

Q: How did you feel when you pranked Meg?
A: [blushes slightly] I thought it was a very good idea at first, but when Mrs. March scolded me, I was truly ashamed of myself. I will continue to be embarrassed by the memory forever.

Q: Moving on to good memories. Which incident with Jo was most fun with you in your childhood?
A: All my time with Jo was extremely fun, but the time she cooked was truly hilarious, because the food was horrible, and she was hoping that it would be good. I had kept going on and I was laughing internally all the while! I think Jo must have seen that laughter in my eyes, because she burst out laughing, and we all laughed till tears ran down on our cheeks.
(Note: Chapter 13 of Little Women, ‘Experiments’ for those who don’t remember!)

Q: What’s your favourite quote?
A: “Not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do is the secret of happiness.” -J.M. Barrie.
(Note: I know the timeline doesn’t fit, but this quote seemed very Laurie-like.)

Love having you here, Mr. Laurence!

Signing off,
Snigdha

I hate what they did to Ron and Grover in the movies

Ron and Grover were super cool characters.

Without Ron, Harry would have starved more than he already in his Aunt and Uncle’s home and would have little happiness in his life. May I also remind you all that in the Prisoner of Azkaban book, Ron had a broken leg but still stood up and said ‘If you’re going to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill us first!’, but in the movies they made Hermione say it. They also made Ron a comic-relief character who was only interested in food and nothing else. Yes, Ron was a huge foodie in the books, but the movies did show his brave moments — breaking Harry out of his room in The Chamber of Secrets, destroying Slytherin’s locket in The Deathly Hallows, and sacrificing himself in the game of wizarding chess in The Philosopher’s Stone, to name a few. Howecer, they didn’t show his immense dedication to Quidditch and his becoming Prefect, for example.

But my complaints about Ron’s character are nothing when compared to what the screenwriters did to Grover Underwood’s character. I have not watched the movie, just some scenes and a MovieFlame video which called it a ‘disrespect’ to the book.

In the Lightning Thief book, it was evident that Grover loved nature. However, the movie did not show anything like that, which is plain stupid, because it makes a large part of his personality. They made him all confident and suave and (I hate to use this phrase, but there’s nothing else in my vocabulary) a ladies’ man. And that absolutely cringe dance scene at Lotus Casino? Ugh! Grover was nothing like that in the books. He had huge self-esteem issues with himself for failing Thalia, Luke, Annabeth and Percy to camp safely.

Thanks for hearing me rant,

Snigdha

Interviewing a fictional character. Miraculous edition// Interview a fictional character Disney edition

OK, SOME of you might know miraculous but It is one of my most favourite shows!

So I’m thinking to interview a black cat who is super popular at school and good friends with Marinette…

Yup! Cat Noir//Adrein

K- Hi Adrien!

A- *Struggling to keep his miraculous charm in his pocket* Oh hi, sorry was just… umm… itching… Anyway so great to be here.

K- Great to have you here! So let’s start with an intro.

A- OK so my name is Adrien, I’m a French school boy whose Father is a grand business man, Along with a regular teen I’m also a model and a huge fan of Cat Noir.

K- (Hmm fan yeah right) So what is the one thing people may not know about you?

A- I really like Ladybug! I simple how graceful and creative she is!

K- Don’t we all!

*Suddenly a loud blast comes from outside and a scream fills the room*

A- SOMEONES BEEN AKUMATIZED I’LL BE BACK LATER BYE UMM I GOTTA GO DO SOMETHING…

K- *confused* Ok bye!

Now time for a Disney princess we all love- SNOW WHITE!

K- Hi!

S-*Humming and singing* Hello…

K- Lets start with an intro.

S- I am Snow White, lover of animals. I have been envied by by stepmother and even been tried to be killed, but true loves kiss saved me and here I am in front of you.

K- Yes, so what is your fav hobbies?

S- Aah I have many! Cleaning, singing, dancing, making new friends, talking and playing with animals etc.

K- So how are the dwarves?

S- Oh my sweeties~

• Dopey
• Grumpy
• Doc
• Bashful
• Sleepy
• Sneezy
• Happy

All are enjoying with me in my castle!

K- What is the one thing you fear the most?

S- APPLES *shudders*

K- What is one thing you cannot live without?

S- My voice! *Singing and humming*

K- Well that’s all!

S- Goodbye!

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

SEE YA LATER!

Interviewing a fictional character….A March sister!

Today morning I thought…Time to regain my title from Snigdha

I’m interviewing a March sister very close to my heart, we share the same interests, fashion sense and even hairstyle!

JO MARCH!

K- It is wonderful to have you hear Miss March,

J-It is wonderful to be here Kaashvi!

K- So first tell us a bit about yourself.

J- I am a huge bookworm who cannot survive about books *Touches a book kept next to her* Books can be a a portal to another world and I simply use them to get away from my moody, fashionable, artiste, rarely quiet sisters.

K- Speaking of books, word has it you write as well…

J- Ah yes indeed, I want to be a famous writer when I grow up.

K- So how would you describe yourself in 3 words?

J- Creative, trouble maker, tomboy.

K- Tomboy is it?

J- Yes, I actually wished I was a boy as I was extremely daring and reckless and preferred men’s clothing instead of skirts.

K- What is your fav book?

J-  The Heir of Radcliffe is one of the books I love.

K- Out of all of your sisters who are you closest to?

J- Beth, I feel the closest to her.

K- Thanks for joining us!

J- Glad I could be here!

Interview with a fictional character (part 5)

I’m interviewing Grover Underwood this time! He’s an extremely brave satyr (also happens to be the best friend of Percy Jackson). I’m glad to interview him (it’s also very relaxing after Lord Voldemort). I’m taking the interview after the events of Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian. So beware of spoilers!

We’re glad to have you here, Mr. Underwood!
GU: *starts chewing a bit of the expensive sofa set I’d just bought* Call me Grover, please.
Me: *is obviously flustered and startled*

Q: A-a small introduction of yourself, please, Grover.
A: My name is Grover Underwood. I’m a Member of the Council of the Cloven Elders. I have a girlfriend named Juniper. My best friends are Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase.

Q: What was the most terrifying moment of your life?
A: Nearly getting dragged into Tartarus, maybe? I don’t know, I have a lot to choose from.

Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: I’m a lover of nature, enchiladas and coffee. I’m terrified of Cyclopes. I hate bunnies, the bullying things steal celery from defenseless satyrs.

Q: What are your thoughts on Percy Jackson?
A: He’s pretty awesome, though stupidly reckless and has gotten himself or me or Annabeth nearly killed much more than I like.

Q: How did you feel when you went around the US, trying to persuade nature spirits to protect their bit of nature?
A: It was very difficult, obviously, and I missed my friends a lot. But I knew I was doing something good, which kept me going on.

It was lovely knowing more about yourself, Mr. Un- Grover!

See y’all!

Snigdha

Interview with a fictional character (part 4)

Hello!

I’m here with another interview with a fictional character! It’s…. Tom Riddle a.k.a. Lord Voldemort! SH(notSherlockHolmes), a great friend and blogger, gave me this superb idea. Thanks!

Let’s, uh, let’s begin before he decides to go on a killing spree. (Also: He is not aware I am a Muggle-born because I have told him I’m a Muggle-hating pureblood, so please, for your own sake, do not tell him my real blood status.) This interview is placed during the First Wizarding War.

We are, um, delighted to have you with us.
TR: Gosh, can we be done with this already?

Q: A small introduction, please, Mr. Riddle.
A: *snappishly* I’m Lord Voldemort, not Tom Riddle. Don’t call me by my filthy Muggle father’s name. I’m the commander of the Death Eaters. Darkest wizard of all time. Heir of the great Salazar Slytherin.

Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: Dark. Sinister. Sadistic. Not to mention, super cool. 

Q: What’s your greatest wish?
A: To be immortal and rule over the entire world.

Q: What are your talents?
A: I was a brilliant student during my time at Hogwarts and was a great favourite of all teachers, except that Albus Dumbledore. I specialize in Dark magic. I’m also exceptional in duelling. I’m an Occlumens and the best Legilimens. I can fly without a broomstick.

Q: What’re the qualities you look for in a person you’ve just met?
A: They should be loyal to the death. Should be interested in the Dark Arts. Should not be a sissy. Should be atleast half-blood. 

Q: Who’s your favourite Death Eater?
A: Bellatrix and Severus, without a doubt. Oh, and Bartemius Crouch Jr. was quite great too.

We, erm, loved having you with us!

TR: *goes out of the room dramatically, with loads of flourishes of his wand and robes*
Me: *is visibly traumatised*

S-see you! B-bye!

Snigdha (definitely a Muggle-hating pureblood)

Book Spotlight

Hey everybody!

Plants have to experience constant stress on their continuously changing environments because of human beings. There are numerous factors that contribute to their ever-growing strain. Non-heritable modifications in physiological or biochemical characteristics tend to reduce or decrease growth and productivity, and sometimes lead to death. Has it got your interest piqued? Do you want to know more about this topic? There are books on this concept! One such book is called The Life of Plants in a Changing Environment.

Cover of ‘The Life of Plants in a Changing Environment’

If you plan on reading this book, tell us in the comments!

Keep doing your bit to save environment!

See you,

Snigdha and Kaashvi

Books Worth Reading: Animal Farm

I’m here with another review, and it’s Animal Farm, by George Orwell! (Also, as I’m writing this, I have realised that the two Books Worth Reading posts were published two days in a row, and this is the third! Jeez!)

“Remains our great satire of the darker face of modern history.”- Sir Malcolm Bradbury

Some info (though slightly unnecessary here): Written by George Orwell, published on 17 August 1945 and has 95 pages in the Penguin Books edition.

Cover of Animal Farm (same one as mine)

Theme/s: Corruption of ideals and power.

Genre: Political satire, fiction.

Synopsis: The animals of Manor Farm rebel when one day, Mr Jones, the drunken and lazy man they are forced to call their master, forgets to feed them. The pigs, being the cleverest, take over the farm and promise to remove all terrible inequities of the ranch. But as time passes, the ideals of the envisioned utopia begin to crumble and corruption takes hold of the farm.

Review: Animal Farm is another unputdownable book I’ve read. How George Orwell slowly unravels each of the Seven Commandants is something only the best and the most experienced of authors can manage to do. When I got more curious about this book, I came to know that some of the characters were based on real-life people (Leon Trotsky, a revolutionary who was against Joseph Stalin) served as the base of Snowball’s character). I also found it very interesting that Napoleon was the only animal who was named after an actual human being. George Orwell also showed the various kinds of people though animals, who believe in a communist government, and he did it perfectly. The one who blindly believes and obeys was the horse Boxer. The one who does not care and this government was just another passing phase of their life was the cynical donkey (but ironically, the smartest) Benjamin. The mare Mollie is the one who cannot rid themselves of the notion that they do not have a master anymore. There are so many more personalities that Orwell flawlessly illustrated to the (by now) story-captured reader. Let me tell you this, I will never be tired of rereading Animal Farm and I assure you, you will not too.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

Recommendation: Suitable for people interested in political satires and ages 12 and above. 

More by George Orwell: 

1. 1984 (A book I’m absolutely dying to read)
2. Burmese Days
3. Homage to California 
4. The Road to Wigan Pier
5. Keep the Aspidistra Flying

Let me know below if you liked Animal Farm, thought it was okay, or disliked it!

Keep reading,

Snigdha

Books Worth Reading: Extra Credit

Second post of Books Worth Reading is here! I’ll be reviewing Extra Credit by Andrew Clements.

Who knew a simple letter could turn a few people’s worlds upside-down?

Some info: Extra Credit is written by Andrew Clements. It was published on 23rd June 2009 and has 183 pages. 

Theme(s): Friendship & cultural and traditional divide.

Synopsis: Abby Carson is going to be held back in Grade 6 if she doesn’t get a B or higher and her quizzes and tests for the rest of the year (four and a half months). So, she has to do an extra-credit project to help her to go to Grade 7. Extra credit project: writing a letter to someone in another country. Sounds simple enough, right? But then, in the country of her pen-pal, things aren’t as simple. 

Review: Abby Carson has to do an extra-credit project to pass Grade 6 and go on to Grade 7 and ends up doing a pen-pal project with someone on the other side of the world as her assignment. Easy, yeah? She chooses the country of Afghanistan. The teacher, Mahamood Jafari, which Abby’s teacher is in contact with selects Sadeed Bayat, the best student in the village of Panjshir. But according to the tradition of the people of Panjshir, a girl talking to a boy is considered improper. So, Sadeed’s sister, Amira dictates the letter in Dari, the local language, and Sadeed translates it to English. But then, Sadeed and Abby’s friendship does not make some people happy. Suddenly, after a shocking incident that happens with Sadeed, stuff doesn’t remain easy anymore. 

One thing I loved about the book (though I’m sure it was intentional as hell) is that Sadeed and Abby were absolute opposites. He was a boy, she was a girl. He was from a conservative culture, she was from an open-minded one. He was an elder sibling, she was the younger one (this may sound a bit stupid to some people, but I like it). He was an excellent student and she wasn’t. There are so many differences between them, but what I adored about Clements’ main characters were that they somehow seemed to understand bits of each other. Not everything, but just some parts. I also liked how Andrew Clements made Abby and Sadeed seem so… real. The story made me keep guessing about what was going to happen next. My favourite parts of Extra Credit were the letters exchanged between Illinois and Panjshir. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendation: Suitable for children of ages 9 and above. 

More by Andrew Clements: 

• The Report Card
• Lunch Money
• Frindle
• Lost and Found
• Troublemaker