Book-A-Review: The Maze Runner

Was this book truly a-MAZE-ing?

The Maze Runner was recommended to me by a friend and after seeing how much I enjoyed The Hunger Games, I figured, why not? Why not give this book a try? They're pretty similar in genre and I figured I'd be just as gripped with this book. Turns out, I wasn't.

Basic Synopsis:

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.
Story Content: 6/10
Character: 3/10
Overall rating: 4.5/10

This book just didn't grab me like The Hunger Games. I literally couldn't focus even though I was only on the first page. The characters were great but they would have been much more 'realistic' and more engaging had they had some sort of personality. The main character,Thomas should have been given more character development and growth instead of conveniently "recalling" important information to advance the plot. The book also was filled with made up slang that I found off putting. Am I the only one who thought that? Like what the hell was with "Shuck-face" or whatever it was called and the Grievers were not at all scary or dangerous.

I also grew tired of reading just because the book had such a s...l...o...w  p.....a....c....e it was so fustrating after 150 pages and realizing there were still no answers. I know what the author was trying to do by deliberately trying to withhold information to "keep" the suspense but it did the opposite for me. This becomes not only fustrating for the protagonist of the story but also for ME! The spoilers for the book make it sound intriguing, but I can't sit down and read another 200 pages without passing out.

On a positive note, I was impressed with the authors ability to make the story unpredictable and although the characters acted naive sometimes (especially when the answers were right in front of them) it was far more realistic than them finding everything in one go!

Would you recommend others to buy it?

I'm going to pass and say no. Perhaps i'm just being to harsh but it really didn't click with me.

Stay in tune for more Book-A-Review's :D

Cure 101: Acne

Are you worried about your acne?

Dearest Readers,

You're probably reading this because you suffer from some sort of acne. Whether it be light, mild or severe acne. Personally, I suffer from persistant acne, meaning it's acne that never seems to go away. I've tried all sorts of topical treatments from benzoyl Peroxide to Salicylic Acid etc but none of what they claim to do really works. Many of my friends have suggested that perhaps Accutane will help but my acne isn't severe enough to use it and even if it were, I would suggest not to, just because the dangers of using it is too risky.

Mincocycline is a great alternative however. It's less potent compared to Accutane but it's side effects are far less dangerous. I'm pretty sure the strongest side effect was nausea. Minocycline works inside your body to kill the bacteria that is causing your pimples. It is also used for respiratory infections and other problems I believe.

Medicine aside, the real reason for your acne still isn't resolved. You can be on Accutane for years but once you stop and revert back, it's highly likely, your acne will come back too. Thus, an endless loop cycle will begin. I found since doing much research on acne that the following is important to consider:

1. Are you eating healthy? This also means, you're not skipping important meals and your vitamins, especially E and Zinc are up there. You may also consider Collagen supplements (e.g Collagen Powder) which is great for rebuiliding your skin and keeping it young.

2. Are you excercising enough? Sweat has an anti-bacterial chemical called dermicidin which the body produces to kill off skin infections. Also, when you exercise, you're detoxing your body and helping all of your vital organs to function better. help all organs run better. Take particular care to your liver and colon which also influences the production of pimples.

3. Are you picking at your pimples? Only you can answer that question. Although many people like to believe they don't, can you tell yourself with absolute certainty, your fingers haven't accidentally squeezed one? If you can't, it's time to start now.

If all else fails, you may need to consider for females, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? And for males, an influction of androgens, in particular testosterone. You will probably need to go and check that out. Any information read online may not be accurate enough.

Before you start taking action, here's another great skincare routine to add to your current one! I personally find this absolutely amazing! Simply put lemon juice and sugar onto your face. The lemon juice will shrink your pours while the sugar will help exfoilate your face. You'll feel pain but that just shows it's working. If it hurts too much, add water to dilute the lemon (warning: that'll reduce the potency of the lemon juice)

Tune in for more Cure 101's!

The adventures of Pinecone #1

Dearest reader,

I came home from shopping today and saw Pinecone sitting in front of my mailbox. I immediately put down my bags and headed inside for some cat food which I so graciously bought for him. I read somewhere the other day that canned tuna is actually bad for cats and can cause indigestion (I think) of some sort.

What surprises me is that he can tell I'm still a stranger, even though I've been really nice to him. He knows his boundaries so I know not to push mine any further. I think we have some sort of mutual understanding though. Pinecone is getting a little friendler nevertheless and I'm grateful that he's finally showing a little bit of affection, which cats are generally known for.


While Pinecone quietly minds his own business, sitting next to my mailbox and licking his fur and possibly dreaming of Cat-Domination, I went inside and decided to hand sew a bag for Pinecone. I figured even if it proved useless, I could store the cat food I bought in this little bag. I didn't orginally plan this, it was more of a spur of the moment kind of thing. (In fact, I never plan anything. I live in the moment!) but I decided to test my skills with a needle and thread. Since I'm a beginner, it was quite tragic the amount of times I stabbed myself but skipping over that part...I ended up making this:


All for Pinecone :D

My adventure with sewing has just about ended I'm afraid. I probably won't be picking it up anytime soon. But Pinecone's adventures are just starting, unless he tragically dies somehow. Which I hope not.

The Adventures of "Pinecone" Introduction

Dearest readers,

I took a strange fascination to Pinecone the very first day I saw him. I named him Pinecone because there was a small Pinecone next to him when I first saw him. I assumed he was a stray kitty because he wandered up and down the streets everyday I came home and... I was right. He's a small Saimese cat and a handsome little fellow too. He has the most beautiful blue eyes too...

It's been a few days now since Pinecone decided to befriend me. He was rather reserved before and wouldn't let anyone near a foot of him, let alone touch him. I've discovered he sleeps outside my window at night so the other day, I lured him with some canned tuna (I don't have a cat so that's the only thing I could think of! Haha) It worked but he still won't go near me. I leave the tuna in a small plate near my mailbox, which is the furtherest he will go to. Other neighbours seem to know Pinecone too but nobody really minds him wandering up and down the streets.

Today, I discovered Pinecone hates camera's. Especially DSLR's. I attempted to take a photo of him and even though I was at least three foot away, he saw the camera and stalked off.

If only I could get a picture of him next time....