Birds Eye View: 2016

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Book Review

Hey guys! Long time no chat! I plan on posting more consistently soon, things have been kind of hectic lately.

But real quickly, I just wanted to tell you my favorite book! I've been rereading it lately because I haven't really been able to pick up a new title in a while.

The Perks Of Being a Wallflower is my favorite book in the whole wide world. I found it way before I started high school and Charlie was the most relatable character and thinker. Now as a senior I've been rereading it over and over and I read it differently now. I'm on the Sam and Patrick side of things now. And I am so happy about it. I can't believe I've made it this far!

Long story short. Best book ever. Also great movie. Read it if for some reason you've been in a hole for your entire life. If you love this book to tell me! Comment your favorite parts and we can talk about it!!

Monday, October 31, 2016

Book Review:

THE FEVER CODE. Oh my gosh. I won't spoil anything in my review. The book was amazing! I wanted to tear through it in a day but It's been a busy few weeks. James Dashner, I can't believe that ending I have so many more questions now!! It was a crazy idea that you will all have to read for yourselves. It was the same narration and characters we all know and love from the initial trilogy. It was really great because it was a way for the story to continue without overusing it and spinning off too much. It was really well done and it only reminded me of how much I love love love these books. I'm so happy this book exists and for the die hard fans it is definitely worth the read. Hopefully it will hold you off until The Death Cure movie release. Love you so much Dylan :'(

An exciting read, worth every penny.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Do You Actually Have Good Taste In Books?

Curtesy of the wonderful Buzzfeed, I thought I would take a second and let you get to know me a little bit as a reader! :)

Hardback or Paperback? Paperback! Saves me tons of money and I like the aesthetic a little bit better on my shelves. I'll buy a hardcover if it's a new book or one of deep significance to me. Otherwise, it's a lot easier to just go with paperback. And since I have not yet moved on to using my kindle for all of my reading, a paperback book is a near second on the list of types of books that are easy to lug around.
Harry Potter or Lord of The Rings? HARRY POTTER THE BOY WHO LIVED>>>>> LOTR. I've given LOTR a try many times but Harry Potter was an effortless read and it's just one of my favorite things in the world. I'm addicted to the HP world. (I'm a Slytherin btw! Comment your house!)
The smell of an old book or the smell of a new book? The smell of a new book. Nothing beats it. I've always said they should sell candles with that smell. They'd make a fortune off of me.
Stephen King or RL Stine? I don't read much of either of these guys. But doesn't Stephen King beat all?
Sci-Fi or Fantasy? Oh god I love both! Agh!!!!!!! But probably Sci-Fi just because of my love for outer space. Otherwise fantasy stuff is my shit. Actually, fantasy stuff that takes place in outer space. That is my shit.
Reading indoors or outdoors? Indoors. Not that I don't love reading outside. It's actually probably definitely better than reading inside most of the time. But I just forget to go outside. And there isn't many beautiful reading spots around me anyway.
Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey? Twilight!! Yes I actually love Twilight. Let me live. I love rereading it during the fall months.
Shop online or from a local book store? I always shop in stores unless I'm preordering a new title.
The Great Gatsby or The Catcher In The Rye? Both made my life so much better. But Fitzgerald stole my heart with his imagery. The most tragically beautiful novel I've ever read. I have the whole book highlighted.
Fiction or Nonfiction? Fiction. But I do love some David Foster Wallace Nonfiction.
Bookmarks or dog-earing? Bookmarks. I have a book full of bookmarks is that weird? Like, that's where I keep them all. And when I start a new book I open my bookmark book and pick one! Anyone else do that?
Dr. Seuss or Roald Dahl? Love both but Roald Dahl! Love his stories. Timeless.
E-Book or Audio Book? E-Book! I lose focus too easily with audio. Neither or these will ever top the sound of page flipping though.

And there you have it :) I wanted to make this more personal and let you see what I look like/learn a little about me!

outtake lol

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Music Recommendations!! What should you be streaming?

NEW MUSIC

The alternative world has been so blessed these past few weeks with some mind blowing releases, and if you haven't heard them, you ought to. RN.

Comment your favorite track!

Okay first we need to have a talk about 22, A Million. Number 1 on alternative charts right now, and it is just so refreshing to be jamming to new Bon Iver sounds.

The night of it's release I listened while laying down on my bedroom floor with my eyes closed and despite some interruptions it was the most incredible experience. I haven't been able to write much in the past couple of weeks, call it being lazy or uninspired or both, but by the time 8 (circle) came on-my favorite track by the way- I practically leaped for my writing book. I had to document what I was feeling. The words were just spilling out of me I was so inspired to write.

The next morning I went for a drive watching the sunrise and then went for a morning run staring at the mountains all while listening to it.
It was the most beautiful reprieve from my day-to-day life.

Thank you Bon Iver, for the emotional and uniquely sound filled experience. You never disappoint. It's unlike any album I've ever seen from him, but still Bon Iver vibes just the same.

Let's talk about The Chainsmokers new single

Released just days ago, it's already climbing the charts. We all love The Chainsmokers and they're totally ruling the music industry right now. Give it a listen right here if you haven't yet!

I'm a total sucker for these guys... their sound is a total release and great for jumping around and laughing. Totally road trip worthy. My friend and I made a parody video of Closer last week and it's on my twitter if you want to watch! (@Skyleigh_Ann)

The Mowgli's! OMG! Where'd Your Weekend Go? Is here! It came so fast!!

I love these guys. Plain and simple. They are the happiest little beans of sunshine and you definitely are going to want to give this album a listen. Preferably during a long drive in the sunshine with the windows down.

I'll forever be sad that I just missed their set at a music festival a few months ago. I really need to get to one of their shows to party.

P.S. they are also the absolute SWEETEST on Twitter. :) Love em so much.

Bishop Briggs. Oh my gosh. Someone in her life seriously screwed her over and now the entire world is blessed with the most fierce sound. She is a little ball of fire and her voice is so powerful and her words even more so. I love her so much. Witnessing her live was like a passionate story that I was absolutely addicted to. Her new single Be Your Love is so beautiful and if you haven't you can check it out here -->

You might recognize her voice from the crazy success of her single River! It's been playing all over radio stations and is topping the alternative charts. Love her. Can't wait for what's next.

Prepare for emo. Have you heard twenty one pilots' cover of Cancer by My Chemical Romance yet? You probably have. But it should forever be talked about. Oh my gosh.
He sang it so softly, it's almost comforting, like Tyler knew how fragile this song is for so many people. It was so perfectly remade, in a way that didn't change the song in a bad way- just gave it that perfect little TOP spin.
Listen again or for the first time here:

Comment your favorite Armors song!

Released earlier this month, Armors dropped a song called Genesis. Absolute gems with the most pure sound. Check out these guys!!

what's your fave track???!!

And finally, for what's new on the scene. WILD WORLD CAME OUT THIS MONTH AND IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND PURE AND I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE ALBUM TWO. BASTILLE IS BACK BABY!
Thank you that is all.

What's New on My Radar?

Splendor and Misery by clipping.
This album just came out too!

Definitely an acquired taste, but a rap album with an outer space concept?! I'm so in. This is super dope.

clipping describes this album as "follow[ing] the sole survivor of a slave uprising on an interstellar cargo ship, and the on board computer that falls in love with him."
super rare and awesome sound.

Racing Glaciers. I recently found these guys and I cannot stress enough how great they are. I really love them.
My favorite songs are First Light, Moths and Nag Champa. Their newest release was just back in August, an album titled Caught in The Strange and it is wicked awesome!! I'm so transfixed in their sound.
Check out the new album here!

Please Never Let These Classic Songs Die! They Need All The Appreciation!!

These are some older jams that have been on repeat lately!!

Spiderwebs- No Doubt

Starting Over- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Ben Bridwell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Flx-xvpGARQ

Dancing with Myself- Billy Idol

My Top Streamed Songs Lately

Minus all of the things mentioned above^ lol

What's your fave song?

Language & Perspective by Bad Suns. Cardiac Arrest is on repeat!!!

What's your favorite?

SoCal vibes!!!!! Best album Eva!! Luv this guy!!

Fun Fact! This beauty was all written between the hours of 12 AM and 4 AM
Hence twelvefour

The Paper Kites!! Ever since Bloom came out I've loved them so much and a while back I finally figured out what band wrote that song after always hearing it around. All the rest of their stuff is golden. This album. So beautiful.

Who's your favorite character from this movie?

And finally... SPOOKY VIBES!! This is my favorite movie. One day I'm gonna put on a one woman show of this movie. Be prepared. It's gonna happen one day.

And there you have it! I'd love to make this a regular thing every few weeks! Comment if you would dig that! :)
Thanks birds!!

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Book Review:

A NY Times Bestseller, A Booklist Best First Novel and Editors' Choice, An Amazon Best YA Book, and a Paste Magazine # 1 Young Adult Book, this was a debut novel getting a lot of attention! I was so shell-shocked impressed with Adam Silvera's work. It was a realistic YA novel with a message that was beyond so precious and important right now. Anyone with a soft spot for literature that promotes the journey to self-love and acceptance is going to love this book! It's real and raw and anyone who reads will hopefully be more conscious of the way that they treat others. Lovers of Ned Vizzini's It's Kind of a Funny Story will immediately latch on to this book, with the similar aesthetic but still unique voice.

Follow the story of 16 year old Aaron Soto, struggling to find happiness in the midst of what he faces in life. Is he willing to risk forgetting himself for a memory-alteration procedure from the Leteo Institute to find happiness again?

Grab this book immediately! But be warned- anyone who reads this novel will forever more be a follower of Adam Silvera's writing. There's a guarantee that his name will be showing up in the literature realm for years to come.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Trilogy Review

OK. I know I've been gone for quite some time. I apologize.

But, I took some time to read an entire trilogy for review! I also may or may not have started school, and binge-watched four TV shows in my absence. Anyways...

This trilogy was Awesome!! It was interesting reading three books that all took place over a timeline of just a few weeks. And this is a bonus; the third book was just recently released! If you want to pick this series up you won't have to wait to finish it!!

Derting did an amazing job building characters that were lovable but my favorite thing about her writing was the fact that I was always on my toes. I never had any idea what to expect because there was always a new element or cool plot twist in effect. This was especially important for me because usually when I pick up any Sci-Fi or Apocalyptic Alien novels I like for them to not be stereotypical. Kimberly did an amazing job!! In the beginning, I felt like I was being mislead because there was a lot more YA Teen style events rather than anything that had to do with alien invasions but by the end of the series I was completely transfixed in the perfect combination of the two.

Follow the story of Kyra Agnew. She woke up not remembering what happened, thinking she only lost one night of memories, only to find that five years have passed. And she is the only one who hasn't aged or doesn't remember. Her dad crazily believes she was abducted by aliens, and before long she doesn't disagree. Her parents are now divorced, her best friend is in college dating Kyra's boyfriend- or ex boyfriend. She doesn't know how to process the fact that she lost five years of her life and can't remember a thing. She turns to her ex boyfriends little brother Tyler, who is not so little now that five years have gone by, and together what they discover is out of this world. Will Kyra ever be a normal human again?

An unforgettable Sci-Fi trilogy, I highly recommend you pick it up!! Now I need to grieve over the fact that I've finished reading a series and it's all over.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Nostalgic Friday; A Harry Potter Edition

A long day spent in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter whilst finishing The Cursed Child in every spare moment was a day well spent. It was my first time there as it is so new in Los Angeles. I didn't realize how deeply emotional it actually would be, standing in what is (unfortunately) the closest thing to a real life replica of the place we all once belonged in. I still feel like I belong there. Hogwarts is as real a home as can be, and contains stories that are so loved they are your whole heart.

As a Slytherin it's tempting to go on a rant with intentional spoilers about Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, but I promise I won't spoil anything in my review!

I hear many fans complaining that this is only a screenplay and not a book... but I honestly really enjoyed it the way it was. Maybe that is in part because I'm into theatre and work with screenplays a lot. But more than that, I already felt beyond familiar with 90% of the characters in this story and it was nice to just imagine them the way that I know in my head and simply read a long with what each was saying. It was comfortable to just already know what they looked like without any sort of description that might deter from the original seven stories.

The story itself was super satisfying and as always, enough plot twists perfectly placed and planned to make me cry and shout at the book. It felt really cool to read what was basically a fan fiction that continues the HP stories but know in my head that it was real (There are SO many fanfics). The ending was so special and I loved every single minute of this! These books will always be in my heart and they will never die. Can't wait to see this one in action on stage!! In the meantime, if you haven't already, follow the next adventure focusing on Albus Severus Potter and his friends, familiar and new alike.

Also: peak at some pictures from my time at Universal! A wand chose me, I drank some Butterbeer, and my inner wizard came out for the day.

awkward but you know

I spilled it on myself while taking this lol

Taken from the top of Flight of the Hippogriff!

My wand and house!

Thanks for reading! Maybe I'll do more Nostalgic Fridays in the future :)

Friday, July 29, 2016

Book Review

we are the ants of the universe

This title is incredible. I tore through this book so fast, the words encircled my heart and mind. Anything that talks about the universe is something I'm interested in, and the narration here was filled with things that my mind really appreciates. The humor is shockingly perfect, with deep thoughts placed perfectly in between. A touching story that leaves you wondering long after it is over on levels more than one.
Follow the life of Henry Denton, battling grief over the unknown reason for the suicide of his boyfriend and a life filled with other aspects that make waking up every day a chore, rather than a life to love. But now he has a choice. Abducted by aliens, he holds the fate of the world in his hands. The world is set to end on January 29th 2016, but he alone can stop it-if he wants. Discover Henry's growing opinion about the universe and life and the people who surround him. As he both learns and suffers a great deal, he'll have to go inside of himself to ask one question; does he like having choices?

A piece of YA Fiction that will once again have you longing to read it forever.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Book Review

The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

The most refreshing book I've read in along time. Especially after a long duration of pre-AP English Literature assignments. This is definitely one of my favorite books. Period. It's so easy and pure. The message is extreme but the simplicity shines through.

Basic premise: What happens to the ordinary people in the world? Not the ones who are supposed to battle the vampires or the zombies (otherwise referred to as the 'Indie Kids'); but the ordinary teenagers who are just trying to go to school or battle their valid but "normal" everyday problems. The book centers on characters who are typically on the sidelines, creating an interesting paradox.

These are not the characters that you wish you could relate to because what they face is pretty much just totally awesome. No, these are the characters that you do relate to. Especially Mike, our protagonist in this story. Mike and his friends will show you that the great feeling that comes from reading about a ghost hunter or a vampire slayer is just as easily found in the ordinary.

An easy read, the laugh out loud narration with thoughtful commentary underneath will leave you longing to read this book over and over again. And furthermore realize the aspects of your own life that make your story worth telling-whether you're an Indie Kid or not.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Book Review

A novel told in lists. Yes, lists as in 1, 2, 3 etc. When I picked up this title I wondered if Todd Hasak-Lowy could pull it off, but pull it off he did. Seriously so well and uniquely told. The life of Darren and his thought process pulls you in and the story unfolds itself in a way that I have never seen before. Darren is a teen with divorced parents, finds a gay dad, a best friend that moved, a brother off in college, and a girl he hopelessly wants but doesn't know if he can have. Enough tragedies to happen in a lifetime, have happened all at once for him. And-told through lists- there is a dark humor and a silver lining in the story that you can't help but love. Watch Darren grow and learn what makes life purposeful in a way that is absolutely worth reading if you can embrace the format.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Book Review

You Were Here by Cori McCarthy

A good read for anyone who enjoys the simple grunge-aesthetic of a group of witty teenagers living on the edge. However, unique to most, it is part graphic novel! It also features some of the most beautiful art pieces. Each character tells the story in a different way and together you will love each and every one. There is an awesome frustration while reading it, just by trying to determine all of the conflicts in the roller coaster of the story. It is mysterious and will keep you guessing until the very end. It is a relatively new title in the young-adult fiction world, published just earlier this year. Contribute to the buzz and follow the rebuilding of five lovable characters who suffered loss and separation from each other after the death of Jake, Jaycee's older brother.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Book Review

Jennifer Brody is so sweet! So fun to talk to with a very ambitious story.

Where do all the humans go when the surface of the Earth is no longer habitable? Up or down? How about both! Better than the Divergent trilogy, discover the collision of worlds from the ocean underneath and the outer realms of space. Two stories that run side by side wind up in a perfect combination. By the end of the book you'll be left heart wrenched over every character for they were developed so well. Well paced with action, the end will leave you counting down the days until the release of the next book. Newly released on the shelves, grab a copy of this ASAP so you get the rights to say that you read it before the rest of the world was obsessed. Believe me, this is one everyone is going to be talking about! With love, drive, strength, and ambition, The 13th Continuum will have you rethinking the simplicity of what it means to be a human.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Book Review

Being published everywhere on June 28th 2016!!

This is a must-read for anyone who thrived off of Lets Get Lost and any other YA Fiction that sparked wanderlust. The sheer amount of layers in this story will keep you on your toes. There is so much conflict the plot is unpredictable and the character development is so strong by the end you'll be weeping softly over your attachment to each and every one. You will be eager to finish this one in a day or two. Pick up a copy of this when it is released on June 28th!
It traces the life of Ingrid North, high school graduate in Nebraska by day and the famous Niteowl of a weekly radio show by night. Perfect balance with conflict within herself deciding the right things to do and working up the courage to take risks, and the conflict with her friends, family, and the guy she wishes would love her. Relatable, beautiful, and inspiring, We Own the Night will stay with you long after you put the book down.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Book Review

I had the pleasure of reading this title, set to be released on June 7th! Whether it was done purposefully or not, this is the perfect book to be published during Pride Month! David's work in particular has always tugged at my heart. As Levithan and LaCour work together to build this strong story, expect to fall in love with the characters instantly. Go back and forth between the perspectives of Katie and Mark, a lesbian and a gay, who have found each others friendship. They help each other battle relationships, friendships, self-perseverance, and the future. Through personable narration and lovable characters, discover that it is okay to hope and plan for a future that you wish for, despite naivety and and the fluctuating desires of a teenager. Learn what kind of mentality it takes to follow your dreams, and pick up a copy of this book online or in stores on June 7th!

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Book Reviews

May had me being a busy bee... but as it comes to a close I have a couple recommendations that were hot sellers on the shelves this month!

The book we've all been waiting for...

The Trials of Apollo The Hidden Oracle by none other than Rick Riordan himself. We all went through a period of grief upon the supposed conclusion to the Percy Jackson stories after The Blood of Olympus was finally published in 2014. But low and behold it's not over yet! Thank the Gods!!! It's finally here!

It follows the story of the God Apollo, who has been turned into a mortal by Zeus and is left to help a new demigod, Meg McCaffrey. Of course, there are appearances from some familiar characters and even more familiar places recognizable from the first 10 stories.

The die-hard Percy Jackson fan in me ideally would have liked to have read a five book long series that talks about what all 7 of the main heroes were doing after the Heroes of Olympus stories. Hell, I would have read a million pages talking about the exact details of how Percy and Annabeth brushed their teeth and cooked breakfast on a Saturday morning, and how Piper and Jason went to the movies, etc.

But with that said, this book did not disappoint. It took some time to really introduce the premise of what these next five books would be about, but it was so easy to attach to the new story and characters that interact with Apollo. The story was just as well done as any other book of the Greek origin of Rick's work. And while it was a bit disappointing to the fangirl in me that I didn't get to read an entire summary of Percabeth's love life, I was satisfied just the same. I wish I didn't have to wait so long for the next one! The ending was perfect!

You won't be disappointed by the continuation of Camp Half Blood's stories. If you loved PJO or the HOO series', this is worth the read, obviously.

Also hey you should check out the Me Before You Soundtrack.
There's a really good Imagine Dragons song on it! :)

With the Film coming to theaters this upcoming Friday June 3rd, fans are raving about the book. The movie has a spectacular cast and really great responses. The book did not disappoint. Tracing the life of Louisa Clarke who takes a much needed job caring for a quadriplegic man named Will Traynor, Lou builds a friendship and learns about Will's adventurous life before his accident. She learns that he is depressed and is now held responsible by Will's family to try and show him that life is still worth living.

Jojo is particularly great at developing characters. It was perfectly done. As the novel progressed readers were always learning new things about every character and fell more in love with each one. It was easy to feel attached and it made this novel unique to its romance genre.

Any fans of a good Sparks romance novel will love this book from start to finish.

I can't wait to see the movie! But in the meantime you should pick up this title for sure! You will cry and laugh.

Friday, May 27, 2016

1-800-HOTLINE-SPRING

May 11th 2016 was one for the books.
Panama Wedding, The Griswold's, and Magic Man.
(fun fact my photography is neither the best quality nor professional)

My friends looked so beautiful on stage. The lights were insane. They created this ambiance that made you want to live inside every song (Magic Man).

I got to the Santa Ana Observatory about 30 minutes before the doors opened. I walked right up to the GA line that was filled with maybe 50 or so people. But low and behold there is the beautiful Alex Caplow standing three feet in front of me right at the entrance to the line. He was just standing there in all his beautiful glory talking to everyone around. I met him right then and there. I felt like I was standing in this beautiful aura of goodness and purity and I swear he smelt like absolute happiness. It's been a few weeks but I still can't quite process that it happened. He was a pleasure to visit with for a while.

Alex was a pure gem. He visited with all of us up until the doors opened, and I got him to write something really special for me.
Fun Fact: I almost wore the same shirt that Al is wearing...

Me and my dance buddies finally went inside once the doors opened. Bless this venue, because there are so many places to stand and you have a good view from everywhere. We ended up on the side of GA, level with the stage on the top of these stairs that went down into the photo pit. We were so close! We got some merch and hung out talking to all the beautiful people around us. Magic Man concerts are filled with my kind of people. Outgoing, eccentric, and unique they were all so kind and I wish I could have spoken to every one of them. They were the most beautiful dancers and completely let lose and free. I watched the crowd just as much as the bands, it was like this beautiful story. Each person was just this strikingly loud and beautiful experience and it was the coolest thing to watch. Some people like myself stayed in one place for the whole evening but the wildest people ran all through the venue dancing like no one was watching them. They had glitter on their faces and in their hearts, It was something unexplainably pleasing to an introvert like me. I was inspired to be one of the free.

Panama Wedding was amazing. I was really taken aback. I had listened to all of their stuff a few times albeit not religiously and I liked their sound. But I was really surprised by their stage presence and their ability to move the crowd. So so amazing. I went home and listened to their stuff specifically on repeat for a few days, I heard it in a new way after witnessing it live.

I didn't photograph much of PW...but just for the sake of pleasing my inner aesthetic here's a shot from their set.

The Griswold's oh man oh man. They have a couple of songs that might be some of my favorite in all the world and I was beyond ecstatic to hear them. They did not disappoint. They got the crowd to really let loose and oh my goodness I miss the feeling. Also p.s. they win the title of cutest merchandise. We talked to Danny Duke for a few too in between this set and Magic Man's!

Chris' hair was electrifying.

And finally. The band I've been anxious to see for a few years now. The one that brought in a new light and showed me feelings I never knew that I could feel. Magic Man. One of my top favorite bands, I couldn't believe what I was about to witness. In the moment I was speechless and I still am. I was happier than happy. After this concert, the post-concert sadness didn't hit me for like two days I was in this complete daze after this concert. The vibes stayed with me longer than they have for any other concert. I was just so happy and healed. The lighting for this entire set list was like the cherry on top. Just wow. Next time Magic Man gets on a tour please do yourself a service and see them. You will not regret it. The encore with all three of the bands on stage at the end was so sweet to witness too.

Thank you Hotline-Spring tour. You were so good to me.