The Hollow Tree

The Hollow Tree

By Myra McGrath

The Hollow tree,

its branches swinging in the cool fall air,

the black hole in it's bark standing out against all else.

The tree wonders:

Why can't I be whole like the other trees?

Why must I be hollow inside?

But what the hollow tree doesn't know is that,

he is the most astounding of all trees.

His hollow bark a mystery to those who look upon it.

And he doesn't know, 

just how many other trees wish to be like him.

I just started thinking of hollow trees and this poem was born *laughing emoji* and I thought it was terrible, but my friends are telling me it's really good, so here I am sharing it. 

With love,
Myra

Movie Review "Divergent:

Movie Review

Divergent

 

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, thematic elements, and some sensuality. 

Starring: Theo James, Shailine Woodley, Kate Winslet, Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller....

About:

In a futuristic world where everyone is divided into distinct factions based on human virtues. When Beatrice Prior is warned that she is Divergent and will never fit into just one faction, she must learn to trust in her mysterious trainer Four and find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it is too late. (Shorter Version from the Divergent official website).

 My Review:

I read the book before the movie, and when I heard it was becoming a movie, I instantly doubted it.  

Don't get me wrong, the book was great, but I just didn't know how they were going to pull it off. It just seemed like one of those books that shouldn't be made into a movie. 

But I saw it, and was amazed that they actually pulled it off really well. 

It was very much closer to the book than I though it would be. 

It gave me chills, made me jump, made me cry, and laugh. 

Violence:
This book is that of the same genre as "The Hunger Games" and has some teen violence. As part as training teens are forced to fight each other until one person cannot go anymore, a teen commits suicide. They play a game in which resembles capture the flag, but they have dart guns that inflict the pain of a bullet for a minute. Multiple deaths throughout.

Language:
One very vulgar word is mumbled under the persons breath, a few minor curses throughout film.

Other:
There is a make out scene in the movie, she pulls away and tells the guy she doesn't want to go too fast. A man tries to force himeself on a girl, she kicks him and runs away before anything happens.

Even though I had read the book, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. 

So overall this movie was amazing. 

I would strongly recommend this movie for 13+

Have a great day. 

Myra

 

Becoming Fearless...

Becoming fearless isn't the point thats impossible

It's learning how control your fear

And how to be free from it

-Tris, Divergent series

Hope is..

"Hope is the only thing stronger than fear"

-The Hunger Games

Book Review: A Series of Unfortunate Events

 A Series of Unfortunate Events

Book Review

 

By: Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler).

Number of Books: 13

Recommended Age: 11+

About:

Violet (14), Klaus (12), and Sunny Baudlaire (not even one) get the terrible news of their parents tragic death in a fire that destroyed their entire home. 

 They are sent to live with their 'Relative' Count Olaf who has only taken them under his wing for the large fortune the Baudlaire parents left. 

When Count Olaf is charged with burning down the Baudlaire home, Count Olaf escapes and the children are placed into a different home. 

But no matter where they go, Count Olaf always finds them, and won't stop until the fortune is his. 

My thoughts:

I used to HATE reading, until, when I was nine, stumbled upon this series. 

This book is written in such a way that it keeps your attention, and leaves you on the edge of your seat at the end of each book. I own the whole series and STILL love them, I usually read the series once a year. The writing style is very unique, and keeps your attention.

Violence:

Count Olaf does anything to get the Baudlaire fortune, and that includes killing. 

Usually at least ONE person dies, but is not described in gruesome form. 

Language:
This is more of a children's series so there is not a lot of language in them, I remember there being a curse word in the second book, but the rest of the language was more crude words than cursing, only used by the villians.

Other:

This book is a little dark, but is leveled out with humor.
There is kidnapping.

Movie Review: Catching Fire

Movie Review:

Hunger Games:

Catching Fire

Rated PG13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation, and language. 

Staring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Sam Claffin, Elizabeth Banks....

(spoilers)

About:

Katniss and Peeta have survived the games, trying to forget the past. But when the districts start to rebel because of Katniss's actions in the Arena, President Snow threatens to kill both of their families unless Katniss brings up her game. 

But when President Snow isn't satisfied with Katniss's actions, he puts a twist on the next Games (the quarter quell) that shock Katniss, and every one in Panem. 

My Thoughts:

First, let me just let you guys know that I went on the 22nd, and I still had to wait a hour and a half before the movie started ( a hour standing, a half hour sitting in the seats). But thankfully I got the best seats (I went with Ruby Plank). So obviously I was excited for this movie, because I knew, just by the trailers, it was going to be amazing. 

I was not disappointed.

Even though I knew what was going to happen (I had read the book) I was still at the edge of my seat the WHOLE movies, WHILE keeping 99% true to the book (which is REALLY good).
It was actually one of the only movies that I have EVER liked more than the book (book is amazing, but seeing it on big screen was awesome).

Language:

The only scene that had intense language is during one of the interviews, and it is implying that she is cursing, but it bleeps it out (which I was thankful for).

Violence:

I wouldn't say that the violence is worse, but there is no shaky screen so more is shown blood wise. But even saying that, the violence is not over the top. (And it's not just teens in the arena).

Other:
There is a sensual part in the movie, doesn't show anything, but it is implied. Kissing in the movie.
 

I would love to hear what you thought of this movie (if you saw it) and if you agree with my Review. 

Myra

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

                                                           

Movie Review:
The Hunger Games
Rated PG13 for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images -all involving teens. 
Directed by: Gary Ross.
Staring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson..









About:
In futuristic North America, because of their rebellion against the capital, 24 teens ages 12-18 years old are selected to fight to the death on live television, for the enjoyment of the capital.
Katniss Everdeen doesn't fear for her sisters first reaping, so when her sister is picked, she becomes the first volunteer in her district to save her sisters life for another year. What happens will change her life forever, and will change the history of the Games. 

My thoughts:
I personally love this movie, and the story behind it. It really opens your eyes to what could really happen to our society in the future, if we let them control us. 
The only thing I would complain about is that they only made it about 70% true to the book. They took out some parts that I would have liked to see in the book, some very important parts. 
But other than that, is has an intriguing story, great actors, and makes you tear out your hair for the next movie. 


Violence:
This movie is about teens fighting to the death for the enjoyment of those of higher caste. There are multiple teen deaths throughout the movie, but most of them are blocked out by a shaky screen, so you do not see much. A boy gets his leg cut with a sword, and Katniss takes care of him. Katniss gets her forehead cut, and other  minor injuries. Blood is briefly shown throughout the film.

Language:
I can only remember two curse words, and some minor crude words.

Other:
Two teens kiss. Katniss's mentor is shown drunk and with bottles in his hand in some scenes.


Hope you enjoyed this review of "The Hunger Games"!


With Love,
Myra