"Life of Pi"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani (392020032)
April, 5th 2021 

Introduction

Life of Pi is a philosophical fiction novel by Yann Martel. The book was first published by Knopf Canada on September 2001. The name of the illustrator is not listed in the book. However, because I don't have the original book, I only read it through the the e-book. So, I have completed the 108 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because this is one of the recommended english novel for teenagers. 

The Characters

-. Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel: known to all as just "Pi", is the narrator and protagonist of the novel. He was named after a swimming pool in Paris, despite the fact that neither his mother nor his father particularly liked swimming. The story is told as a narrative from the perspective of a middle-aged Pi, now married with his own family, and living in Canada. At the time of main events of the story, he is sixteen years old. He recounts the story of his life and his 227-day journey on a lifeboat when his ship sinks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean during a voyage to North America.

-. Richard Parker: Richard Parker is a Bengal tiger who is stranded on the lifeboat with Pi when the ship sinks. Richard Parker lives on the lifeboat with Pi and is kept alive with the food and water Pi delivers. Richard Parker develops a relationship with Pi that allows them to coexist in their struggle.

Plot

At the beginning of the book, we can learn about Pi’s childhood in Pondicherry in India. His father owns the city zoo and the family home is in the zoo. When they aren’t at school, Pi and his brother help their father at the zoo and he learns a lot about animals. Pi is very interested in religion. His family are Hindu, but he is curious about Christianity and Islam too and decides to believe in all three religions.

When Pi is 16, his parents decide to close the zoo and move to Canada. They sell some of the animals to zoos in North America and the family travel by ship to Canada taking the animals with them. On the way, there is a terrible storm and the ship sinks. Sadly, Pi’s family and the sailors all die in the storm, but Pi lives and finds himself in a lifeboat with a hyena, zebra, orang-utan and an enormous tiger. At first, Pi is scared of the animals and jumps into the ocean. Then he remembers there are sharks in the water and decides to climb back into the lifeboat. One by one, the animals in the lifeboat kill and eat each other, till only Pi and the tiger are left alive. Luckily for Pi, there is some food and water on the lifeboat, but he soon needs to start catching fish. He feeds the tiger to stop it killing and eating him. He also uses a whistle and his knowledge of animals to control the tiger and show it that he’s boss.

Pi and the tiger spend 227 days in the lifeboat. They live through terrible storms and the burning heat of the Pacific sun. They are often hungry and ill. Sometimes, Pi finds comfort in his three religions, but sometimes he feels sad and lonely. Finally, they arrive at the coast of Mexico.

Conclusion 

Life of Pi is a transformative novel, an astonishing work of imagination that will delight and stun readers in equal measure. It is a triumph of storytelling and a tale that will, as one character puts it, make you believe in God.

Life of Pi takes us on an extraordinary journey – geographical, spiritual and emotional. A rare thing, here is a novel that will change your view of the world.

"Looking for Alaska"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani Simanjuntak (392020032)

March 29th, 2021 

Introduction

Looking for Alaska is a young adult novel written by John Green. The book was first published by Dutton Juvenille on March 2005. The name of the illustrator is not listed in the book. However, because I don't have the original book, I only read it through the e-book. I read this book in the e-book. So, I have completed the 157 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I heard from my friends' reviews, this novel is good. So, I decided to read this book. 

The Characters

-. Miles Halter (pudge): Miles Halter is the novel's main character and narrator, who has an unusual passion in learning famous people's last words. He transfers to the boarding school Culver Creek in search of his own "Great Perhaps".

-. Alaska Young: Alaska is a wild, unpredictable, beautiful, and enigmatic girl with a sad backstory who captures Miles' attention and heart. She acts as a confidante to her friends, frequently assisting them in personal matters, including providing them with cigarettes and alcohol. 

-. Chip Martin: He is Alaska's best friend and Miles' roommate. He is the strategic mastermind behind the schemes that Alaska concocts and in charge of everyone's nicknames. 

Plot

Miles “Pudge” Halter is the new student at the prestigious Culver Creek Preparatory School in Birmingham, Alabama. Unpopular at his old school, Pudge is nervous about making new friends, but he is immediately taken in by his roommate, Chip “the Colonel” Martin and introduced to his rag-tag group of friends, including Takumi Hikohito, Lara Buterskaya, and the beautiful, mysterious Alaska Young.

The night before school begins, Pudge is taken from his bed in the middle of the night, duct taped like a mummy, and thrown into the school’s lake. He survives and the Colonel promises revenge in the form of pranks against their rivals, the wealthy day students known as the Weekday Warriors. Early on in the semester Pudge is kicked out of his World Religion class for daydreaming and is admonished by his teacher, Dr. Hyde, for not being present in the moment.

As time passes, Pudge grows closer to his new friends. The Colonel is kicked out of every basketball game for jeering too much; Alaska tutors Pudge in pre-calculus; and the group is caught smoking by the dean of students, Mr. Starnes (known as the Eagle), at their favorite hangout spot, the Smoking Hole. An important element to the group's friendship is trust. Although Takumi reveals Alaska was the one who ratted out her roommate the year before and Pudge is unsure about trusting Alaska, he agrees to stay on campus with her for the Thanksgiving break. The two spend their time snooping through other students’ rooms, watching porn together, and eating Thanksgiving at the Colonel’s house with his mother.

When the students return from Christmas break, the gang plans their ‘pre-prank’ called Barn Night in which Pudge and Takumi set off a series of fireworks to lead the Eagle away from his house while Alaska send progress reports to some of the Weekday Warriors’ houses. To avoid getting caught, the group sleeps at the Smoking Hole where they discuss the best and worst days of their lives and Pudge gets his first kiss from Lara, despite his unrequited love for Alaska.

The return to campus is a triumphant one, with Pudge, Alaska, and the Colonel drinking while playing Truth or Dare. Pudge is dared to make out with Alaska and he complies, fulfilling his dream to be romantic with Alaska. Drunk and exhausted, Pudge and Alaska fall asleep in her room. Alaska awakens in the middle of the night to answer the ringing phone in the hallway. She returns in an extremely distressed state and begs Pudge and the Colonel to set off additional fireworks to distract the Eagle while she drives off campus.

The following morning, it is revealed that Alaska died in a car accident. Shocked by her death, Pudge and the Colonel stop talking to Takumi and Lara while they sort through their own emotions. With so many unanswered questions surrounding her death, Pudge and the Colonel begin an investigation. Reluctantly they allow Takumi to join and Pudge eventually makes amends with Lara, though they no longer date. After interviewing a police officer and Alaska's boyfriend who had called her that night, Takumi realizes that Alaska remembered it was the day after her mother's death while she was talking to Jake. Feeling responsible for her mother's death and distraught by the idea of having forgotten the day, Alaska attempted to drive to the gravesite. It remains unclear whether Alaska's death was an accident or a suicide. Pudge resolves his feelings for Alaska in his final essay for Dr. Hyde's class.

To commemorate Alaska's love of pranks and hatred of the objectification of the female body, the group decides to execute one last prank at Speaker Day. They invite a stripper pretending to be a professor of adolescent sexuality to speak at Speak Day. In the middle of the speech, Lara prompts the speaker to take off his clothes and begin to strip. The Eagle knows it was Pudge and his friends who hired the stripper but finds it to be a fitting way to remember Alaska.

In the end, Pudge is at peace with Alaska's death, knowing that he will never fully understand her, but that her memory will continue in the people she influenced.

Conculsion

When I read this book, I feel as though it's so amazing because there's not anything too grand about it if that makes sense. Looking for Alaska has great, normal characters and a good plot with nothing too complicated. Which is one of the reasons it's so great and everything they talk about with the labyrinth and how to get out of it is just so exceptional in many indescribable ways. The show on Hulu also is so sensational and just absolutely the best thing ever. You really get to see the book come to life. I loved seeing Alaska being portrayed and I was finally able to see how she really was and not just how she was in my head. Probably one of the best quotes from the book is, "How will I ever get out of this labyrinth of suffering?"

"Thirteen Reasons Why"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani Simanjuntak (392020032)

March 22th, 2021 

Introduction

Thirteen Reasons Why is a young adult novel written by Jay Asher in 2007, that follows the story of Hannah Baker, a high school freshman, and the thirteen reasons why she commits suicide. The novel was published in trade paperback format by Penguin Young Readers Group a division of Penguin Random House, on June 14, 2011. The name of the illustrator is not listed in the book. However, because I don't have the original book, I only read it through the e-book. I read this book in the e-book. So, I have completed the 190 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I interested with the title of the book. 

The Characters

-. Hannah Baker: She is a high school student who commits suicide and leaves behind seven double-sided cassette tapes. 

-. Clay Jensen: He is the narrator of the novel. He is the subject of the ninth tape, on which Hannah clarifies that he was always kind to her and that he does not deserve to be on her list. 

Actually, there are many characters in this story but I can't explain all of them. I explain only the characters that I think are very important. 

Plot

This story tells about Clay Jensen, as he returns home from school to find a mysterious package on his bed. When he opens it, he finds seven cassette tapes. Upon inserting them into his family’s cassette player, he discovers were recorded by Hannah Baker, a girl that he went to school with who recently committed suicide. Her instructions are clear: each person who receives a package is one of the reasons why she killed herself, and after each person has completed listening to the tapes, they must pass the package on to the next person. If anyone decides to break the chain, a separate set of tapes will be released to the public.

The first tape is addressed to Justin Foley, Hannah’s first kiss. She addresses the first time they kissed after meeting in a playground in their town, and explains that it was nice and completely innocent. 

The second tape is addressed to Alex Standall, who compiled a list during Hannah’s freshman year.

The third tape is addressed to Jessica Davis, who was a new student during Hannah’s freshman year, the year that Hannah also moved to the town. 

The fourth tape is addressed to Tyler Down, who stalked Hannah outside of her bedroom window and took pictures of her. 

The story of Courtney Crimsen is told in the fifth tape. She is known as a sweet, well-liked girl, a persona which Hannah explains that she fell for. 

The sixth tape is addressed to Marcus Cooley, who Hannah matched with in a set of school Valentines. 

The seventh tape is addressed to Zach Dempsey. Hannah explains that in her Peer Communications class, there was a set of bags at the back of the room where students could leave compliments for each other. 

The eighth tape is addressed to Ryan Shaver, who attended a poetry class with Hannah while she was spiraling further into depression. 

The ninth tape is addressed to Clay, who Hannah specifically says does not deserve to be on the list. She says that he is a genuinely nice boy. 

The tenth tape is addressed to Justin again. Hannah explains that on the night of the party, he allowed his friend to enter a room where a drunk, unconscious girl was laying and rape her. 

The eleventh tape is addressed to Jenny Kurtz, who gave Hannah a ride home the night of the party and hit a stop sign.  

The thirteenth tape is addressed to Mr. Porter, an English teacher that filled in as a guidance counselor for a period of time at Hannah’s school. 

As the tapes are played, Clay walks to each location that Hannah discusses, feeling more and more distressed as he does so. By the end of the tapes, he feels changed, and the novel ends with him addressing a student named Skye, who he sees behaving like Hannah, potentially preventing another suicide.

Conculsion

I enjoyed reading this novel from Jay Asher for many reasons. One of them was
that this novel helps us understand that there may be more to other people's
lives than we know. It also tells us that anything we do can have an impact on
someone, even the smallest things matter. So, I recommend you guys to read this novel too and also this novel is being adapted into a series on Netflix. Actually, I never watch the series but after I read this novel, I think I will watch the series. 

"The Princess Diaries"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani Simanjuntak (392020032)

March 15th, 2021

 Introduction

The Princess Diaries is a series of espitolary young adult novel by Meg Cabot and this is also the first title of the first volume. The book was first published by Harper Thropy on May 30th, 2000. The name of the illustrator is not listed in the book. However, because I don't have the original book, I only read it through the e-book. I read this book in the e-book. So, I have completed the 102 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I interested with the title of the book. 

The Characters

-. Mia Thermopolis: is the protagonist of the story. She is the product of a college romance between Helen Thermopolis, a painter, and Philippe Renaldi, the prince of Genovia.

-. Clarisse Marie was formally known as the Dowager Princess Clarisse Marie Grimaldi Renaldo. Clarisse is the dowager princess of Genovia and Mia's paternal grandmother.

-. Lily Moscovitz: Mia's best friend since kindergarten, Lilly is a highly intelligent and opinionated person who has her own public-access-television show, titled Lilly Tells It Like It Is, in which she discusses political and social issues. By the end of the story, her TV show is picked up by a network and is apparently very popular in South Korea.

-. Michael Moscovitz: Lilly's older brother, and Mia's main love interest throughout the series. Mia states that she has been in love with Michael since the day he came over to give Lilly a school project when they were in the first grade and he was in the fourth. From the end of the first book to the third, Mia has an unrequited crush on Michael, which he finally reciprocates in Princess in Love. 

Plot

Mia lives with her flighty single mother, who earns a living as an artist. Mia attends a private school and spends her summers with her father and his mother at her chateau in France. Her best friend, Lily Moscovitz, is a militant teenager with her own TV show, focused on exposing the racism of the local Chinese deli-owners owners for discounting Asian students 5 cents.
 
Mia’s diary entries lament typical teenage issues: her hair is too big, she is hopelessly in love with a popular boy, senior Josh Richter, and she struggles with algebra. Not only that, but her mother is dating her algebra teacher, Frank Gianni, complicating things further. Amidst all these struggles, Mia's father comes to visit, turning her world upside down when he reveals that he is not a European politician, but, actually, the prince of the small country Genovia—which makes Mia, his only child, the crown princess. Shocked and devastated, Mia believes that she is utterly incapable of becoming a princess. She hides the truth from Lily in the fear that Lily will abandon her.

Although Mia is unhappy with this revelation, she comes to a compromise with her father: she will attend school as usual and spend her summers in Genovia to fulfill princess duties. They agree, but her formidable grandmother (called Grandmère) enters the picture to throw in another wrench. She flies to New York and takes up residence at the Plaza Hotel, demanding that Mia begin taking princess lessons with her. During this time, she leaks the secret to the press. The paparazzi show up at Mia’s school, catapulting her into stardom and popularity. Because of her princess lessons, Mia does not have time to help Lily with her TV show, and Lily goes on the defensive. The two girls get into an argument, refusing to speak to each other.

Mia’s grandmother is quite difficult and scary. She wears a purple turban, smokes many cigarettes, drinks heavily, and can be cruel. It is clear that she is an intimidating character, and even Mia’s father bends to her will.

When Mia cannot sit with Lilly at lunch because of their fight, she asks to sit with Tina Hakim Baba, who has no friends. Tina has a very overprotective father, who forces her to travel with a bodyguard, so the school community has shunned her. Mia and Tina hit it off, and Mia feels bad for never having been nice to her before. Lana, a popular cheerleader, makes fun of Tina at lunch. In response, Mia throws an ice cream cone at her, which results in a visit to the principal's office.

As the book progresses, Mia gradually adjusts to her exposure as a princess. Although she is still not speaking to Lily, Lily’s brother Michael acts as a neutral ground, and she spends much time with him in extra-help sessions for Algebra. She also has to adjust to her newfound popularity; Josh begins to pay attention to her and students giggle whenever they see her. At lunch, Lana attempts to befriend Mia, but Mia sees right through her and rejects the offer of friendship. Soon thereafter, Josh breaks up with Lana and asks Mia to go with him to the upcoming Cultural Diversity Dance. Mia accepts immediately, despite some misgivings.

With the help of Grandmère, Mia convinces her parents to let her go to the dance. When they get there, Josh brings Mia in front of reporters and kisses her. Realizing the betrayal in this – he only wanted to be in the papers Mia walks away from him, spending time with her friends instead.

Mia apologizes to Lily at the dance. For the rest of the evening, she dances with Michael. She spends the night at Lily’s house. The kiss never reaches the papers due to a more important breaking story. Michael plays Mia a song he wrote called "Tall Drink of Water." Mia realizes that her true feelings were for Michael all along, and they begin a romantic relationship.

Conculsion

The book shows how to stay true to yourself, your friends and your family even if your world is turned upside down. The book is realistic and romantic at the same time. It’s about friendship and betrayal, about complicated relations at school and in the family. It reminds the reader that love, compassion, sympathy are the most precious things in life. I think this is an entertaining book that worth for everyone to reading this book. 

"The Fault in Our Stars"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani Simanjuntak (392020032)

March 8th, 2021

 Introduction

The Fault in Our Stars is a novel by John Green. The book was first published by Dutton Books on January 10th, 2012. The name of the illustrator is not listed in the book. However, because I don't have the original book, I only read it through the e-book. I read this book in the e-book. So, I have completed the 115 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I've watched the movie and I liked it, so I choose to read this book. 

The Characters

Hazel Grace: Hazel Grace is a girl who has lung cancer. She is not at all an optimistic person and knows she will die soon because of her cancer and also knows very well that being famous and loved widely does not matter as much as being who she is and being loved deeply because oblivion is inevitable.

Augustus "Gus" Waters:  Augustus Waters is a 17-year-old boy who has cancer and had to have his leg cut off because of the kind of cancer he had. Gus is optimistic and wants to be known widely and have people remember him when he dies.

Isaac:  Isaac is 17 years old and goes to the same support group as Hazel because of his eye cancer. His eye cancer causes him to become blind but he is always there for Gus and Hazel as well as his girlfriend Monica. 

Peter Van Houten: Peter Van Houten is the writer of "An Imperial Affliction" (not a real book) which is Hazel and Augustus's favorite book and Peter Van Houten happens to be their favorite writer.

Patrick: The strange support group leader who has the meeting in the literal heart of Jesus at the church and had cancer.

Plot

Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old with thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs, attends a cancer patient support group at her mother's behest. At one meeting, Hazel meets a 17-year-old boy currently in remission named Augustus Waters, whose osteosarcoma caused him to lose his right leg. Augustus is at the meeting to support Isaac, his friend who has eye cancer. Hazel and Augustus strike a bond immediately and agree to read each other's favorite novels. Augustus gives Hazel The Price of Dawn, and Hazel recommends An Imperial Affliction, a novel about a cancer-stricken girl named Anna that parallels Hazel's own experience. After Augustus finishes reading her book, he is frustrated upon learning that the novel ends abruptly without a conclusion. Hazel explains the novel's author, Peter van Houten, retreated to Amsterdam following the novel's publication and has not been heard from since.

A week later, Augustus reveals to Hazel that he has tracked down Van Houten's assistant, Lidewij, and, through her, has managed to start an e-mail correspondence with Van Houten. The two write to Van Houten with questions regarding the novel's ending; he eventually replies, explaining that he can only answer Hazel's questions in person. At a picnic, Augustus surprises Hazel with tickets to Amsterdam to meet Van Houten, acquired through the story's version of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, "The Genies."

Upon meeting Van Houten, Hazel and Augustus are shocked to discover that he is a mean-spirited alcoholic. Horrified by Van Houten's hostile behavior towards the teenagers, Lidewij confesses to having arranged the meeting on his behalf. Lidewij resigns as Van Houten's assistant and takes Hazel and Augustus to the Anne Frank House, where Augustus and Hazel share their first kiss. Later that night Hazel and Augustus lose their virginity to one another in Augustus's hotel room, confessing their mutual love for each other.

The next day, Augustus reveals that his cancer has returned. Upon their return to Indianapolis, Augustus's health continues to deteriorate, resulting in him staying in the ICU for a few days. Fearing his death, Augustus invites Isaac and Hazel to his pre-funeral, where they give eulogies. Augustus dies soon after, leaving Hazel heartbroken. Van Houten shows up at Augustus's funeral to apologize to Hazel, but Hazel does not forgive him.

Hazel learns that Augustus had written an obituary for her, and reads it after Lidewij discovers it amidst Van Houten's letters. It states that getting hurt in this world is unavoidable, but we do get to choose whom we allow to hurt us, and that he is happy with his choice, and hopes she likes hers too. The book closes with Hazel stating that she is happy with her choice.

Conculsion

In my opinion, actually I prefer to watch the movie, but this actually an interesting and heart-warming novel to read with a sensitive topic like cancer in such an understated and subtle way. You feel it’s just one of life’s many problems and, even though it’s a very serious matter, Hazel and Gus teach you that you can’t let an illness like cancer affect your love for life.

The Fault in Our Stars is something that will give a good impression to everyone, but the most improtant is it makes you think about how valuable love is, how short a life can be, and how just one person can change your life in the most simple way.

So, i rate this novel: 8/10 :)

"Fangirl"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani Simanjuntak (392020032)

March 1st, 2021 

 Introduction

"Fangirl" is a contemporary young adult novel by Rainbow Rowell. The book was first published by St. Martin's Press on September 10th, 2013. The name of the illustrator is not listed in the book. However, because I don't have the original book, I only read it through the e-book.  I read this book in the e-book is only available for 93 pages. So, I have completed the 93 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I was interested with the title and the cover of the book. 

The Characters

-. Cather is the protagonist of the novel and one half of a pair twins. She is an intovert girl, who doesn't like making friends and she is a loyal and selfless girl who proritizes family.

-. Wren is Cather's twin sister and on the surface seems far more bold and adventurous than her sister. She is very outgoing and social, popular and widely considered to be good company. 

-. Reagan is Cath's college room mate and is rather a formidable young woman. She is a big girl but has absolute body confidence. She is a fairly uncommunicative and she is a good friend and very supportive friend too. 

-. Levi is an agricultural student and he is a giving and loving young man who is selfless when it comes to his loved ones and he is very respectful of women. 

 Plot

Cather Avery, a college freshman who suffers from insecurity, has channeled the difficulties of her life by writing a work of fanfiction based on her favorite young adult book series. However, real life begins to encroach on the delicate balance she created during her high school years. Her twin sister, Wren, wants some space all of a sudden, and becomes an alcoholic. Cath’s mother, Laura, wants to reestablish a relationship with her after she abandoned her and Wren. Cath’s father, Art, suffers from a manic disorder, which also impacts Cath’s life. In addition to the stress in her life, Cath dreads the end of the Simon Snow series. These are the books upon which her fanfiction is based.

Wren is the more outgoing twin, and without her, Cath feels isolated. Beyond just wanting some space, Wren no longer wants to be recognized as Cath's twin. This is a huge blow to Cath, but thankfully, an upperclassman named Reagan befriends Cath and introduces her to life at college. But even with Reagan’s support, Cath’s fall semester is a mess. She watches from a distance as Wren drinks more and more, and parties. Laura re-enters her life during this semester, after ten years of absence, and Wren seems fine with it. She befriends a boy named Nick, and they write together, but Cath later learns that he was just using her for her writing skill.

When Nick's story, which she helped him with, is selected for publication in the college literary journal, their teacher, who suspects Cath helped Nick, tells him it can only be published if he gives Cath credit. Cath refuses this offer, preventing the story from being published, and stops writing with Nick altogether. Cath misses the end of her fall semester when her father is admitted to a mental hospital. She leaves to look after him, and considers not returning to school.

However, her friendship with Levi, Reagan’s friend and ex-boyfriend, draws her back to campus for the spring semester. Wren experiences alcohol poisoning, but survives, and she and Cath become close again. Cath can finally turn her attention to her writing, with two goals in mind: She wants to finish her fanfiction novel before the Simon Snow series comes to an end in May, and she also has to turn in a final project in her creative writing class.

Cath pours all of the pain she’s experienced into that project. She writes about Laura abandoning her family. The story finally allows Cath to acknowledge her pain and stop hiding from it. As May "and the end of the Simon Snow series" draws near, Cath is able to come to peace with both her real life and the fanfiction she’s written about Simon Snow.

Coming of age is a major theme in Fangirl, and this novel can be considered a bildungsroman. At the beginning of the novel, Cath relies on the safety of writing fanfiction and on her sister’s outgoing nature, but by the end of her freshman year of college, she has learned to find her own way with new friends. Her relationship with Wren is no longer one of dependence, but of friendship. As Cath finishes her work of fanfiction, she also completes her own story, finally dealing with the pain her mother’s abandonment caused her.

Writing as a form of escape is another important theme in Fangirl. For Cath, writing her fanfiction story allows her to escape from her everyday life. From there, she starts to write with Nick, and though he uses her for her skill, she is able to learn from that experience and write a story all her own. Her writing begins as an escape, but ends up leading her to freedom by the end of her freshman year of college.

For Cath, trust is an issue, which also makes it a theme in Fangirl. Her mother’s abandonment makes it difficult for her to trust others. Wren’s decision at the start of their fall semester to separate from her, and Nick’s betrayal, further damage her ability to trust others, so that after her first semester, Cath doesn’t want to return to school. However, she does return, and learns to trust again through her friendships with Levi and Reagan, ultimately renewing her relationship with Wren.

The fourth theme woven throughout Fangirl is family dysfunction. This is a constant source of stress for Cath, whether related to her mother’s abandonment and return, Wren’s desire to strike out on her own and subsequent alcoholism, or her father, Art’s struggles with mental illness. Cath is nearly crushed by this dysfunction, until she uses her writing to accept and deal with it.

 Conculsion

In my opinion, this novel is interesting to read, because there is a story about family problems between a child and a mother, but here it is told that the relationship between them can be fixed.

But there are points that I am still confused about in this story, the relationship between Levi and Cath. Why Cath and Levi suddenly get very close, even though Levi is Cath's roommate's boyfriend? 

Yea, so I rate this novel: 8/10 :) 

"Staying Together"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani (392020032) 

February 22th, 2021 

Introduction

"Staying Together" is a romance fiction novel by Judith Wilson. The book was first published by Cambridge University Press on March 22th, 2001. 

Judith Wilson is a London-based writer and journalist. She graduated with Distinction from the MA Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University of London, in 2019. She is the author of 14 books on design. Judith is working on her first novel, set in London in the 1860s. She won 1st prize for the London Short Story Prize 2019 and 1st prize for the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition 2017 in the USA. Judith is also an interiors writer and lecturer. 

The name of the illustrator is not listed in the book. I read this book in goodreads.com and the e-book is only available for 80 pages. So, I have completed the 80 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I like novel with the romantic genre. 

The Setting 

The story takes place in Japan. Japan is the place where Ikuko & Hiroshi live and Japan also the place where they meet and fall in love with each other. 

Japan is an island country in East Asia, located in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north toward the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.

(Source: https://japan-magazine.jnto.go.jp/en/special_toto03.html)

Besides Japan, the story takes place in Zambia too. Zambia is the place where Bernard has to live with his children. Zambia, in southern Africa, is a landlocked country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many parks and safari areas. On its border with Zimbabwe is famed Victoria Falls – indigenously called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "Smoke That Thunders” – plunging a misty 108m into narrow Batoka Gorge. Spanning the Zambezi River just below the falls is Victoria Falls Bridge, a spectacular viewpoint.

The Characters 

The main character of this story is Ikuko Kanazawa and Hiroshi Masuda. Ikuko is an office worker in Tokyo and Hiroshi is Ikuko's boyfriend. 

Ikuko is a kind girl and a caring person, but she gets bored quickly, especially with whether she live the job she is doing and also a relationship that she has with someone. Meanwhile, Hiroshi is a kind man, wise man, very caring person  and very loyal to his partner. 

The Plot 

The year is 2000. Ikuko Kanazawa, a 23-year-old Japanese girl, is unsure about the prospect of marrying her boyfriend, Hiroshi. She wants more experience of travel and goes to England, to improve her English, promising Hiroshi she’ll marry him when she returns. Life abroad is daunting at first, as she notes in her diary, but she settles into the new routine. At the student hostel, she goes to the photography club, where she meets Zambian photographer, Bernard Chiluba, whose work she admires. Later, she has a chance encounter with Bernard, who shows her round the city. There is a mutual attraction. Bernard realises she plans to marry, but Ikuko is now unsettled – he is so different from Hiroshi. Soon, Lucretia, a fellow student, suspects they are more than friends.

Ikuko goes on a photo club trip to the countryside with Bernard. While returning, a van crashes into the minibus. The driver is hurt but Bernard saves Ikuko from injury. Back at the hostel, after the traumatic events, Ikuko is upset. Bernard comforts her, and they end up spending the night together. In the morning, they have to talk. Neither regrets what has happened, but Bernard reveals he is a single parent, with two children, and Ikuko tells him about Hiroshi. Ikuko is confused about the future, and later confesses all to Hiroshi, who is hurt.

Bernard has to leave for Zambia – his children have been abandoned by his estranged wife. Meanwhile, Ikuko, disillusioned with study, returns to Japan. Three months pass till she hears from Bernard. Their letters to each other had gone astray. She gladly accepts his offer to visit Zambia. There, she adapts to life in rural Africa, keeping house and looking after the girls. Although in love with Bernard, she fails to adjust completely to the new life and culture and eventually returns to Japan.

Conclusion 

Actually, this story is divided into two sections.

First is Ikuko’s story. She is a main character and is going to marry. And she goes to England to develop her English and meets Bernerd who is an African student in England. Then, they became attracted to each other. However, their position are very difficult to be in love.

 The other story is Joyce and Taka’s story. Joyce are very famous media-scientist but she is unfriendly. So Taka does not like her very much except her presentation. One day, he rescues her when she steps on stonefish. After that, their mental distance lessen quickly.  In fact, they have suprising in common.

 When I read this book, I could not undestrand very much. Who is Joyce? Why did the story change in the middle of story? However, I can understand second times. This story is consisted of Ikuko’s past and present. In addtion, it have profound implication. What would you do if you love the person who you must not be in love? Do you believe your destiny? I think I want to believe my destiny because life is easy system but it seems to be complicated. So, for me, I like this story and I recommend many people who believe their destinies to read this book.

"The Invisible Man"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani (392020032)

February 15th, 2021 

Reading Diary - Entry 5 

    

     Introduction 

  "The Invisible Man" is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells. Originally serialized in Pearson's Weekly in 1897, it was published as a novel the same year. The Invisible Man to whom the title refers is Griffin, a scientist who has devoted himself to research into optics and who invents a way to change a body's refractive index to that of air so that it neither absorbs nor reflects light. He carries out this procedure on himself and renders himself invisible, but fails in his attempt to reverse it. A practitioner of random and irresponsible violence, Griffin has become an iconic character in horror fiction. The name of the illustrator is not listed in this book. I read it in books.google.co.id and the e-book is only available for 120 pages. So, I have completed the 120 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I was interested with the title and the cover of the book. 

    The Characters 

Griffin
He is the Invisible Man. Primarily an albino college student, he changes his area of study from medicine to physics and then becomes interested in refractive indexes of tissue. While studying, he stumbles across formulae that would make body tissues invisible. Finally, he successfully tries the formula on himself and thinks about all the things he could do if he were invisible. Sadly, the positives are far outweighed by the disadvantages, so Griffin starts opting for crime as a means of survival.

Mr Marvel
This is the first character that Griffin makes his assistant and uses as a partner in crime. Mr Marvel is a short, fat loner who is the area tramp. Griffin thinks that he stupid and so trusts him by believing that he will not be believed even if he tries to tell anyone about his predicament.

Dr Kemp
Griffin’s former associate from his college days. As students, Griffin was aware that even Kemp was keen about strange and idiosyncratic aspects of science. Griffin actually goes to Kemp’s house in his final attempt to find an accomplice and start leading a more normal life. Kemp; however, does not have a sense of loyalty to his former student and is not willing to be a part of Griffin’s grand schemes. He is also quite cunning and lands up betraying the invisible man by pretending to support Griffin’s experiments.

     Plot

In the story of The Invisible Man, a mysterious man goes to a village called Iping, which is in the middle of a snowstorm. He then stays in an inn that is owned and run by the husband and wife George and Janny Hall. They ask him to not be worried about the storm, so he goes to his room with his luggage. This man’s name is Griffin, a scientist, who usually spends his time in his room experimenting with different chemicals and formulas.

He is an introverted guy, which becomes a huge problem as he lives in a town where the there is a lot of gossip.

Griffin goes outside at night; however, be keeps himself completely bandaged up and wears a fake nose. The villagers think that he is very peculiar, especially because there are suddenly weird break-ins and a lot of robberies start happening in the village. But things become worse when the owner Janny Hall asks him to pay up his overture rent or leave. So, he gets depressed and frustrated, taking off all his bandages and clothes and manages to disappear into the night with his invisibility tricks.

Griffin then forces Thomas Marvel, a tramp, or migrant worker by profession, to become his assistant. But Marvel betrays him and takes him to the police, so Griffin runs away again. The Invisible Man beats them up and wreaks some major havoc while leaving.

While he is on the run again, Griffin happens to meet Dr Kemp, his old acquaintance from medical school. Griffin then tells his friend Kemp about his experiments with invisibility. He also tells him how he has made plans to terrorize England by using his discovery of invisibility. Here’s the gist of what he tells him: he was poor and was desperate to study invisibility, so he steals money from his father, who later commits suicide (it’s not revealed why he does that). Finally, Griffin gets a grip of the idea of invisibility and proceeds to do these things: (1) set his landlord’s building on fire; (2) wander around London; (3) rob a department store; and (4) wear a ridiculous outfit hired from a theatrical costume shop and go to Iping for work, but soon Kemp realizes that Griffin has gone berserk, and hands him over to the police.

But Griffin still breaks through the police line and starts chasing Kemp into the town. But unfortunately, the locals get hold of Griffin and kill him. At the end of the story, it is revealed that Marvel has saved all the notes  written by Griffin in his room at the inn, but luckily, he can’t make heads or tails out of them.

    Conclusion 

 I thought Wells did a good job building up the eerie atmosphere that is prominent throughout the story. Actually, the atmosphere is the star of the book as none of the characters resonated with me and the storyline, which mainly consisted of wrecking havoc for havoc's sake, was not very inspired. The story itself is also quite funny, I thought and many of the scenes played in my mind as slapstick. 

However, one could certainly tell that Wells is a master storyteller, and I find myself engrossed in the story for several chapters (mainly at the beginning and end). I also found the period details in the book very interesting.

So, I recommend this book for those of you who like books with the mystery, horror, and thriller genres. this is a very exciting book for you to read.

"One Day"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani (392020032)

February 8th, 2021 

Reading Diary - Entry 4 

Introduction 

“One Day” is a romance fiction novel by David Nicholls. The book was first published by Hodder & Stoughton in United Kingdom on 11 June 2009. The name of the illustrator is not listed in this book. In fact, this book has 448 pages. However, because I don't have the original book, I only read it through the e-book. I read it in English e-Reader.net and the e-book is only available for 76 pages. So, I have completed the 76 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I was interested with a romantic novel genre. 

The Setting 

The story takes place in London, United Kingdom in 1988. In this story, many places are told  in London, especially the University of Edinburgh where Emma and Dexter met. 

London is the capital and largest city of England and Great Britain. The city sits on the River Thames in southeast England, at the end of an 80-kilometer estuary that leads to the North Sea. 

The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1582, is the sixth oldest university in Great Britain and the English speaking world and one of the ancient universities in Scotland. The university has five main campuses in the city of Edinburgh, which include many important historical and architectural buildings such as those in the Old City. The university played an important role in Edinburgh being a major intellectual center during the Scottish Enlightenment, contributing to the city being nicknamed "Athens of the North". 

    University of Edinburgh 

   Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/University-of-Edinburgh

The Characters 

The main character is Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew. They are best friends. 

Actually Emma is a pessimistic person but she becomes an optimist when she has gone through some difficult realities. She can also get up and survive until she can become successful. Likewise with Dexter, when he already shone as a TV presenter, he was faced with a decline in his popularity so that he was in a slump. However, they can be strong through it all because they always share stories and always encourage each other.

Dexter's character is special, because he keeps his commitment as Emma's best friend who always supports him and he never asks for a more relationship. The twists and turns of Dexter's life are well described. We can be annoyed and pity with his life.

Plot 

Dexter and Emma spend the night together following their graduation from the University of Edinburgh, in 1988. They talk about how they will be once they are 40. While they do not become romantically involved completely, this is the beginning of their friendship. The novel visits their lives and their relationship on 15 July in successive years in each chapter, for 20 years.

Emma wants to improve the world, and begins writing and performing plays, which remain unsuccessful, while Dexter travels through the world, drinking and hooking up with women. Eventually both move to London, where Emma becomes a waitress in Kentish Town, at a Tex-Mex restaurant, while Dexter becomes a successful television presenter.

While there are various attempts from both sides to start a relationship, coincidences stop Emma and Dexter from getting together, and while they have relationships with other people, they remain best friends, each secretly longing for the other. They are drawn closer through a holiday together and the death of Dexter's mother.

Emma breaks up with her boyfriend, Ian, after realising she is creating a life with someone she doesn't love. During this time she is able to find a job as a teacher, after various years of struggle, despite having a "double-first degree". Dexter, meanwhile, develops a drinking and drug problem, and watches his career collapse.

Emma and Dexter's friendship grows increasingly difficult after Emma is constantly hurt by Dexter, who attempts to hide his feelings for her from both her and himself. Finally, after being treated rudely by Dexter at a restaurant, Emma breaks up the friendship.

At the wedding of Emma's former roommate, Emma and Dexter meet again. Emma admits that she wants Dexter back. At this juncture, she has just ended an affair with the headmaster of the school she teaches in, and Dexter has fallen in love with another woman, Sylvie, who is pregnant. At this reunion, Dexter invites Emma, who is disappointed by the situation, to his wedding.

Emma tries to overcome her problems and begins to write, while Dexter is unemployed and overwhelmed by his role as a father after his divorce from Sylvie, who was having an affair. Emma leaves to go to Paris in the hope of writing a sequel to her first successful children's novel. When Dexter visits her in Paris, he learns that she has met someone and likes him, and for the first time admits his feelings to her. After talking about their relationship, Emma chooses Dexter.

Emma and Dexter form a relationship, are happy together, and get married, but Emma wants a child. The couple finds themselves frustrated by their failing attempts to have a child. Dexter, however, is able to open a deli-café and finds himself on his way back to being successful.

On the anniversary of the day they met after graduation and the day they got together, Emma and Dexter have an appointment to see a house. While travelling there, Emma has a bike accident and dies. After her death, Dexter finds himself in despair. He starts to drink again and provokes people in bars to get beaten.

He is comforted by his ex-wife Sylvie, his father, and his daughter. Three years after Emma's death Dexter travels with his daughter to Edinburgh, where he and Emma met, and they climb the same hill together that he and Emma climbed 19 years earlier.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the story of this novel actually is a little bit complicated, but ya, I love this novel and I recommend this novel to all of you, eventhough this is a sad ending story. This novel teaches us to appreciate the existence of the person we love while she/he is still around and love him/her sincerely.