Thoughts on the age of miracles and an update on things

The age of miracles and a pretty diary

I finished the age of miracles by Karen Thompson Walker about a week ago and I was surprised by how much I liked it. The idea in buying this book was to move away from my usual genres and get a bit scienced...

...I didn't get scienced.

I haven't read much from the dystopia genre before, in fact I've read two (1984 and Fahrenheit 451) and while the subject matters of those two were definitely more my cup of tea (political totalitarianism and state-sponsored censorship pretty much epitomised my degree), I actually preferred the age of miracles as a novel. Unlike the politically motivated dystopian futures of 1984 and Fahrenheit  451, the negative elements in the age of miracles are not man made and are affecting not only society, but the world as a whole. The story follows the story of Julia as she is comes to terms with becoming interested in boys, making new friends, some family drama, oh and the day becoming 48 hours long after the slowing of the world's rotation. 

It wasn't the dystopian theme that made me fall for this book, but more the coming of age elements and the development of the relationship between Julia and Seth. I could relate to the character of Julia so so much, particularly in the way she'd managed to become completely infatuated with the boy without him having any idea, too stubborn to give an inch.  

Julia understands as much about the so-called 'slowing' of the world's rotation as any eleven year would, so not much. So since the novel is written from her perspective it would be best recommended for those who are looking for an alternative coming of age, rather than a sciencey (sciencey?) obsevation of what would happen if the rotation of the world changed. So in the end I didn't get scienced, but I didn't mind. 

So now I'm reading the perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and so far it's really funny and has referenced The Smiths twice, so I think I'm gonna like it. I need to read it in enough time to also lend it to my sister to read before the adaptation is released early next month, so I should be finished soon.

Aforementioned tiny blonde child with birthday balloons 

Aside from the reading, there's been lots going on here to keep me nice and busy. It was my nephews second birthday party (see tiny blonde child) the other day and there was a bouncy castle and beer. What else could I need? 

I've also been busy with a writing internship that I got a few weeks ago. The writing is for a 'not-for-profit' rehab organisation and I'm really loving it so far and I've also been helping to set up their newsletter (fancy Skype work meetings) and get some copy writing experience which is pretty cool. 

I will probably post again soon once I've finished the perks of being a wallflower, with good news I hope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_NME1Iu79U

xx