Focus by Leo Babauta-REVIEW

Hi there! 

So today I woke up super early in the morning,put on some relaxing music and opened my curtains (to see the sunrise). I then sat up straight in my bed, took out my computer and started writing this. This is defnitely a change, but it is giving me enough time alone to think only about writing a blog post for you guys. This activity is giving me the means to Focus on creating this post, which is going to be about the free version of Leo Babauta's book: Focus.

The book isn't a ficitonal story, it could be labeled as a self-help book actually. The book's main theme is to help the reader push aside distractions to focus on creating, relaxing or spending more time on things you enjoy. The book starts off by telling us, the readers, about the major role distraction has taken in our life. Today in the Age of Information, distractions pour in from every pore they can fit through. Since the book aims to help us focus, the author suggests diconnection from the addictive technology we use every day, he says that most people stay so connected online that they're afraid if they disconnect, they'll miss out on something important.

He then starts to introduce small steps to take to avoid any distractions in the time of creation. He suggests decluttering, turning off the internet when working, removing all papers hanging on the walls, putting away files and documents that you aren't working on right now, and etc...He also states the diadvantages of always staying connected virtually. 

Mainly the book revolves around focusing at the task in hand and pouring yourself into it, without the possibility of any type of distraction. It's truly a wonderful book and it is beautifully written and full of outstanding quotes. I suggest you download it yourself, it has brought many of my bad habits to my attentions, and I am working on a few of the book's methods to improve my lifestyle and create more often. 

That is the end of the review, however you avid readers will remember that I a) promised to finish this book by Thursday, and I finished it yesterday,and b) promised to post pictures and write a post about my sister's Frozen-themed birthday party on Friday. You may have realized that I broke those promises, however I very much intend to write the birthday post today or tomorrow, as soon as I collect all the pictures and acquire the permission from her friends to post those pictures on the blog.

Tomorrow marks the end of the first two weeks on focusing on only one of my goals, these two weeks were about reading one book every two weeks, and I am determined to continue that. The next two weeks will focus on me trying to improve my writing (goal no. 14). 

Hope you realy liked this post, and if you have anything you want to tell me, post it down below in the comments or message me on Facebook linking my name. Hoping to hear from you!

This Isn't What It Looks Like by Pseudonymous Bosch - REVIEW!

Hi there! 

usborne.com

Over the course of two weeks, I read This Isn't What It Likes by Pseudonymous Bosch (that was for those of you who haven't read the post's title). It is the fourth book of five from the Secret series. I have never read the first three books, however that wasn't a problem for me, and in the following review, you'll know why. 

The story starts off in a very peculiar way, and it continues that way. The story is filled with asterisks (*), and then there is a footnote at the end, that explains to you whatever word or phrase it was beside. Which meant that anything from the previous novels, and any complicated word, was briefly but clearly explained, which is why I didn't feel lost in any way while reading. 

In regards to the way of writing, it varies with every point the author makes, and it also changes with every character's speech. That especially shows when the points of view change between the two main characters (Cass and Max-Earnest). This makes the characters feel so varied and so alive, and they fit perfectly with the rest of the story by having the most peculiar backstories. They both work for the Terces Society, which is devoted to fighting their main enemies, the Midnight Sun, and is also devoted to finding the Secret, which was left behind by its founder, the Jester. 

Fan art of the characters
http://aimmyarrowshigh.tumblr.com/

The Jester is Cass' ancestor, and Cass travels back in time to find the Secret from him. It isn't a real novel if there isn't many conflicts and complications that she encounters by herself, and with her great-great-great-great-great-and so many other greats grandfather. They meet bandits, a homunculus, the king and the dreaded Lord Pharaoh (the founder of the Midnight Sun)! It isn't a smooth situation outside of Cass' head either. 

Her best friend, Max-Earnest believes that it's his fault for putting Cass in a 'coma'. He tries everything to try to have her escape the realm in her head. This leads to many failures and a revealing of a traitor amongst Max-Earnest's friends, as well as complications with hi s principal.

This novel is filled with humor, suspense and a whole lot of adventure. The story kept me on the edge the entire time.  It is unexpected, bizarre and so very very entertaining. It is very different from most of the other books, but it does have a similar tone to Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events series. I really recommend you read this novel, it has a very unique style, and a spectacular plot, and hopefully in the near future, we can do a sort of book club, and read the other books of the series together. 

gripewaterforbabies.org

I hope you liked my review, and I encourage you to comment below on what you think of this, and if I should do any more. 

Side Note: Today I went To SheFighter again, and tried out a new class, which was super tough, and I felt tired a few times, but I fought the urge to sit down, and I completed all two lessons without ever stopping. I also felt really energetic afterwards, which is great! Regarding to the blog transformation, I have finished 3/4 of the banner, and I am planning to post it in two days, on Wednesday.

Love you all and see you tomorrow!

-Yara:)