Does vanilla belong in coffee? No. But what a cute name to call a coffee store!
Happy Saturday, Bookworms! Welcome back to Reading with Rachel. I am saddened to announce that my last book club meeting of the fall semester was yesterday due to everyone’s hectic December schedules with final exams. However, Reading with Rachel’s book club meetings will continue in January. Don’t worry, Bookworms! There will be plenty of book club meeting locations coming up in the new year. The last book club meeting of 2022 was at a cute coffee store, Coffee + Vanilla, on Austin Avenue in Coquitlam. Today, we will discuss our opinions on Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty. The book gained immense attention after the show was released on Prime Video, starring Lola Tung, playing the main character, Belly Conklin. Before walking into the store, I was surprised by how much bigger it was than in the photos online. I am assuming they did renovations or moved furniture around because there was plenty of seating and space compared to the pictures. There was a circular, wooden table in the back corner of the room, which was the perfect place to host a book club meeting, secluded from the rest of the tables. Compared to the other cafes I have been to, Coffee + Vanilla was extremely quiet. It was probably because of the location since it is not near a SkyTrain station or a walkable distance. However, I am not complaining! Light music was playing in the background, and no one had to yell at the top of their lungs to discuss Han’s novel. Due to the snow, I ordered a creamy hot chocolate and a lemon cranberry loaf, both perfect and delicious options for winter. The service was fantastic, as the staff was kind and curious about our book club meeting. Overall, Coffee + Vanilla is Reading with Rachel approved!
After watching many tutorial videos, continuous editing, and questioning my entire life, I applied all of the feedback Lauren has given me to Reading with Rachel. Will I ever be 100% satisfied with my work? Probably not. However, I am happy with all of the progress I have made this entire semester. I finally finished editing my contact page, linked my Twitter account, updated my favicon, and installed my website accessibility plugin. Hence, applying the feedback I received makes me feel happy and satisfied. As someone who wants to become a future teacher, I have learned through my volunteer experience and education courses that community guidelines are an excellent method to ensure everyone is being courteous towards other people. Moreover, community guidelines enable individuals to be on the same page and what is expected and required of everyone. After reading Margaret Atwood’s article, “Your Feelings Are No Excuse,” she makes an important point on how “the most important meaning of freedom of expression is not that you can say anything you like without any consequences” (Atwood, 2022, p. 1). Atwood implies the importance of being respectful when sharing your thoughts and opinions on social media. Atwood’s point is significant to keep in mind, especially on social media or opening comments up for my audience to interact with one another on my website. Here is a list of my community guidelines:
Be kind and mindful of what you say.
Respect others and their opinions even if you disagree with them.
Please ensure you are protecting your privacy and personal information, as well as others.
Bullying, trolling, and spamming are not tolerated.
Have fun, get out of your comfort zone, and have an open mind to learn.
These community guidelines are significant because they ensure everyone is respectful towards other opinions and perspectives by creating a safe and positive environment. I want to potentially implement these guidelines on my website as a separate page to remind and emphasize the importance of reviewing these guidelines. I am unsure if it would be appropriate to put the community guidelines on my homepage. I think it would be a good idea because that is the first page users will see and one of the first elements of my website they will see.
After the second round of feedback I received from Lauren, many changes must be made to my website. First, I need to create a contact page and link my website to social media platforms, which ties into transmedia integration on my online publication. This suggestion will be one of my goals for this week. I plan to create a Twitter account to spread and bring more awareness of my content to a larger audience. I want to include the link to my Twitter account in the “contact me” page, which I am also creating this week. Transmedia integration is significant because it “does not simply disperse information” (Kevinbrittenylauren.wordpress.com., 2013, p. 1) but gives readers a more engaging platform to read and interact with the content. In other words, transmedia integration promotes variety. When I create a Twitter account, I think it will allow my users to see a more personal side of me as a website creator and my content in general. For example, Twitter enables me to post content that is not always going to be featured on my website because tweets do not involve as much editing and review. In other words, Twitter gives me more “freedom” to interact with my audience. I could potentially make an Instagram account as well since it is one of the most popular social media platforms. However, Twitter’s use of hashtags would benefit my online publication because of the large reading community on Twitter that interacts and engages with book recommendations through tweets. I will also be activating my website accessibility plugin and updating my favicon.
References
Kevinbrittenylauren.wordpress.com. (2013, November 21). Pokemon as transmedia storytelling. kevinbrittenylauren.wordpress.com. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://kevinbrittenylauren.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/pokemon-as-transmedia-storytelling/
Welcome to Reading with Rachel’s first nonfiction book review! A few years back, my parents bought me Becoming for Christmas. I completely forgot that I had this book on my bookshelf. One of my goals as a bookworm is to read more nonfiction books, and I think Michelle Obama is a perfect place to start. Michelle Obama’s biography Becoming tells the extraordinary story and journey of Obama’s life before and after becoming America’s first African American First Lady. I appreciated how the biography revealed all the significant points of her life. The section about Obama’s childhood stood out to me because she discusses her experiences as a black woman who grew up in Chicago. From a young age, Michelle is moulded by the solid family values instilled by her parents, who gave her and her brother a safe, loving environment to grow up in. As a BIPOC woman, Obama highlights the importance of working hard, being persistent, having integrity, and speaking up for herself. The hardships of racism and being a woman comes up consistently, which stood out to me and is something I could relate to as a reader. For example, Obama discusses how due to her race, she is not seen as “worthy” by her school counsellor to attend an ivy-league school and shares her experience of how difficult it was to be a BIPOC woman in a male-dominated society. Obama’s story is inspirational for young women around the world, as her story proves how important staying strong is and not being scared to speak up when you encounter injustices in your life. As someone who only knew Michelle Obama as the First Lady of America, it was shocking to hear about her struggles. Learning and reading about her life experiences made me think of her in a different light. Overall, I enjoyed reading Michelle Obama’s Becoming. I was unable to finish reading this book in one sitting, not because the content was not interesting but rather because of how lengthy it is.
Book Club: Food For Thoughts
Why do you think Chicago is a significant part of Michelle’s identity?
Were you surprised by any criticisms targeted toward Michelle during her husband’s presidency?
What are Michelle’s opinions on Donald Trump’s presidency? Do you agree or disagree with her opinion? Why?
What part of Michelle’s story did you find inspirational? Did you relate to her? Why or why not?
What did you learn about Michelle and Barack’s relationship? Did anything surprise you?
What does Michelle say about working hard? Why do you think she thinks that using your voice is important?
Book Summary
“In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.”
Exciting News…
On November 14th, 2022, Michelle Obama released her new book The Light We Carry. I would not be surprised if this one is as good or even better than Becoming. The moral of the story, Michelle Obama never disappoints. This book will be on my Christmas wish list this year. Will you be picking up this book? Here is the summary:
“There may be no tidy solutions or pithy answers to life’s big challenges, but Michelle Obama believes that we can all locate and lean on a set of tools to help us better navigate change and remain steady within flux. In The Light We Carry, she opens a frank and honest dialogue with readers, considering the questions many of us wrestle with: How do we build enduring and honest relationships? How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much? Michelle Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become.” She details her most valuable practices, like “starting kind,” “going high,” and assembling a “kitchen table” of trusted friends and mentors. With trademark humor, candor, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness.”
In my last process post, I accidentally skipped the readings for Week 9 and reflected on Week 10 instead. Therefore, in this post, I will refer to Week 9. Can you tell my brain stopped working at this point in the semester? I am mentally still in September and not November. For this week, I decided to add a new section for non-fiction book reviews on my website. This entire semester, I was only focusing on fiction books, which I don’t necessarily think is bad. However, I realized that providing both would expand my audience because of the variety. Also, some people only like to read non-fiction and are looking for recommendations. Therefore, I am excited to write my public post on my first non-fiction book review! I am also looking forward to receiving my second review feedback soon. I can confidently say that I am satisfied with all my writing, editorial, and design elements at this point in the semester. However, I am always open to receiving feedback and improving. After reading Bleymaier’s article, “On Advertising — Maria Popvova” I thought it was interesting how he mentions the concept of ad-free sites. Bleymaier mentions how Popova “claims her affiliate advertising links are not ads” (Bleymaier, 2013, p. 1). Here, Popova implies that her including links in her post is not to sell anything and that they are or will be featured on the website already. This point is interesting because it made me reflect on my website and how having an ad-free site is beneficial. From a user’s perspective, no one enjoys clicking on a website and having ads all over the place. However, in terms of collecting data, this could be useful for me. In other words, seeing what my audience is interested in engaging with. Advertisements are something to consider, but I am unsure where to start. Tutorial, here I come.
Happy Friday, Bookworms! I am currently at Starbucks enjoying my Chestnut Praline Latte while attempting to be a productive university student. Want to know what has been distracting me from studying for my exams? Colleen Hoover’s Verity. Reading with Rachel finally got her hands on Hoover’s #booktok trending thriller novel. Verity immediately grabs your attention and holds it for the entire book. I had to continue reading even after the first chapter. In other words, putting the book down was impossible. The mystery behind the main character, Verity Crawford’s autobiography, kept me on my toes. I assumed that the book was going to be a murder mystery novel. Things start to go downhill when Lowen, the main character, is unable to put down Verity’s manuscript, as her past is revealed in disturbing ways through her relationship with her husband, Jeremy, and three children, Harper, Chastin, and Crew. Since Lowen is the only one to witness Verity’s injuries, which don’t appear to be as severe, the plot quickly becomes unsettling. I do not know how to explain it other than that without spoiling or giving anything away. Hoover does an incredible job of evoking emotions of fearfulness and panic without giving away too much information throughout the entire novel. The plot twist is well-written and shocking until you realize how clueless it makes you feel as the reader. I was unsatisfied with the ending because of all my unanswered questions and the unsettling feeling that not everything is always what it seems. Verity is incredibly terrifying, and Hoover’s portrayal of her character is astonishing because of how scary she makes you feel as a fictional character. Besides Verity, I had mixed feelings about Lowen because of her selfish and questionable decisions. It was hard for me to sympathize with her. However, I was constantly worried about whether she was going to be able to survive. Every moment she spent in the Crawford home made me anxious for her. I want to point out that this book contains explicit language related to sex and discusses the topic of child abuse. Therefore, please keep this in mind if you are interested in reading Hoover’s Verity. Overall, I recommend reading Colleen Hoover’s Verity if you enjoy suspense and want a book you can quickly finish in a few hours.
Book Club Food for Thoughts
What do you think happened at the end of the novel? Do you believe Verity’s truth?
What are your thoughts on Lowen’s character? Did you like her? Why or why not?
What are your thoughts on Verity’s character? Did you like her? Why or why not?
What did you think about Verity’s manuscripts? Are they believable?
Do you think Verity is a strong writer/author? Why or why not?
Did anything about Jeremy surprise you? Why or why not?
Book Summary
“Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died. Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.”
Exciting News…
While this announcement is not related to Colleen Hoover or her novel Verity, I wanted to announce a week in advance that Reading with Rachel will be doing her first non-fiction book review next week! While I have only done fiction book reviews, I decided to pick up a secret non-fiction book this week. As always, I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts with all of my fellow Bookworms. Weekly book club meeting locations will also be coming your way soon. Besides that, please remember to take care of yourselves and have a good rest of your week.
Mikaela’s website is bright and colourful, as the first element I noticed as the user was the red and white background and the bulky pink letters for the title “Mikaela’s Wrld.” As someone who does not often use bright and flashy colours, this element is different and stood out to me. From a user’s perspective, I recommend Mikaela to focus on the unity of her website’s design. Here, I am referring to the consistency of the colours she utilizes. The colours are distracting and overwhelming because pink and red clash together. An element I appreciated was how Mikaela included accessibility tools on the left side of the screen. According to Professor Norman, using “open source/access tools and apps as well as built-in accessibility checkers, plugins and other software tools make it easy” (Norman, 2022, p. 10). Professor Norman implies how important it is for your website to be accessible for anyone to use. In other words, Mikaela’s accessibility tools on her website provide a wide range of people to use, such as people with disabilities (Norman, 2022, p. 10). Moreover, the calendar on the left side could be a helpful feature on a website because it allows the user to see when and how often Mikaela posts content.
After browsing through Mikaela’s website, I want to make a few suggestions for helping her website improve in terms of using formal and plain language. As a user, I found it challenging to read Mikaela’s content, as there are many grammar mistakes and hard-to-read sentences. For example, she is missing punctuation and misspelling words, hindering the flow of her content. In her post, titled “Clocks,” she discusses how “growing up I thought it was mandatory for everyone to know how to read analog clocks.” Here, she is missing a comma between the word “up” and “I.” I highly recommend Mikaela read over her posts and double-check for grammatical errors.
Mikaela’s post continues to highlight how “the skills needed 20 years ago and skills needed now are waaaaaaaay different. Some teachers made it seem like if I can’t read an analog clock, I wouldn’t be able to graduate and/or have a secure future.” Here, the wording and language in her post could be more concise. In other words, if Mikaela simplifies, the content will be more accessible.
I recommend Mikaela to add pictures on her website as well. As someone who is a visual learner, I think adding photos will enhance the website and make it more engaging for users. Lastly, creating categories for Mikaela’s public posts will make it easier for the user to find what they are looking for.
I have not had the chance to play around with Google Analytics yet. Utilizing analytics will be one of my goals for this upcoming week, as I am unsure how to apply it to my website. When I look up “analytics” on the Installatron search function, the application “Matomo” is the only one that pops up. I am confused about whether this is the correct one or not. However, I will have to ask questions and bother Lauren about analytics this upcoming Tuesday. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this week’s lecture. However, after completing the readings, I understand how important it is for content creators to know what their audience wants to maintain a successful website. Analytics would be helpful for my website because it uncovers and meets my “customer needs and identity nascent trends before [my] competitors” (data.ai., 2022, p. 64). This point illuminates how analytics play a critical role in determining what the audience is most interested in and utilizes most on your website. Knowing what people are attracted to is important if you want to gain a bigger audience. In my case, I want to know if my book reviews and book club locations are attracting people to visit my website. Moreover, this would give me a better understanding of what I need to post more or less of. Overall, analytics will put my website at a better advantage compared to other book reviewer websites since I will know what I need to improve on.
References
data.ai. (2022). State of Mobile 2022 . Retrieved November 12, 2022, from
Can delicious desserts and amazing cappuccinos make up for the fact that there is no seating? Not sure if this place is Reading with Rachel approved.
Reading with Rachel’s Friday book club meeting was held at BjornBar Bakery in Coquitlam. A five-minute walk from Burquitlam station and a 15-minute drive from the SFU Burnaby campus. I decided to catch up on my readings while I waited for everyone to arrive. My class is finishing up reading William Shakespeare’s Richard II. For today’s book club meeting, we will discuss A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (a fantastic read for those who love murder mystery – this one kept me on my toes!). BjornBar Bakery is best known for its dessert bars. I decided to try their Raspberry Bar and Nanaimo Bar with a cappuccino. It is safe to say that the dessert bars and cappuccino did not disappoint me. The reviews I read online were accurate. The bars were deliciously chewy and sweet. Also, you can never go wrong with a cappuccino. Who doesn’t love caffeine? In general, these are reading essentials at BjornBar Bakery. While I would return to this bakery for the food, I do not recommend this place for a book club meeting. The store is crowded and small. There were tables to sit at outside (but it is too cold during this time of the year to do so). The tables at BjornBar are all high tops, and because the building is small, they were all pressed closely together. The only reason I could find seating was that I came at a non-busy time. Since BjornBar is right by a SkyTrain station, I think it was the busiest coffee store I have seen. Students were coming in and out, and you could barely hear the music playing because of the chattering. If you have the chance to get one of the tables in the back near the washrooms, it would be a bit quieter to host a book club meeting. However, there will always be a lineup near you because of the bathrooms. Overall, I would not recommend hosting a book club meeting at BjornBar Bakery because of how small the building is and how hectic it is inside.
