Off The Shelf : Nothing Everything Nothing

Today I'm going to tell you about a book I've read called Nothing Everything Nothing by Casia Schreyer. It's a work of young adult fiction that explores a few topics that are important lately. Including bullying and suicide awareness. You can find it for purchase on Smashwords. If you prefer a hard copy though, they are available through Amazon.com.

Nothing Everything Nothing
Casia Schreyer
220 Pages

This book, in many way hit home for me. The characters are very relatable and believable. In some ways scarily so, because a few of the characters sound like people in my daily life. Which makes everything that much more heart wrenching as the story goes on.

The story revolves around a girl named Molly, who's trying her hardest to fit in with a group of popular girls. But unbeknownst to her, she's only part of the group to make the rest of the group feel better about herself. But this saddening angle isn't the only one that's explored in the book, where many levels of depth make things more complicated and emotional.

A few different ideas about love are explored. Unconditional love is shown in varying degrees. Yet darker points about teenage love is explored, how it can be used as a prize. You give me what I want and I'll love you. Be what I want you to be and I'll love you. You can be popular if you're like us. You can be like us if you just lose a little weight. It makes the reader reflect on what's enough. How much should anyone change to try and fit in, how much should anyone have to give up to be popular?

The author also deals with the reality of cyberbullying in a way that clearly illustrates how harmful this can be. While teenagers, and even adults may think what they say and do online can have no repercussions they're not necessarily correct. It's wrong to think words online can't hurt people emotionally. When hurtful words are coupled with negative experiences, there's no telling the havoc they can cause.

Suicide is also a touchy subject. Many people like to brush it under the carpet, often believing that no one they know would ever succumb to the temptation. This book not only looks at the situations and occurrences that lead up to someone feeling  that suicide is the only answer they have, but it also illustrates clearly how the actions change the lives of more than just one person. A factor that I appreciate.

If you've read some posts in the past that look at suicide on this blog you may understand why I found that to be something to appreciate. Too often there's a lack of clarity in situations surrounding suicide. People often think things like that don't happen to people they know. But by expressing things in the book as they are, it becomes clear that things are not always so cut and dry.

A good read, with some trigger topics. But as long as you're aware of them you can enjoy the piece. Sales of the book also help support a help hotline. A noble gesture. If you read this book, please let me know what you think of it also, it's always nice to compare interpretations.

What's on Screen? : White Christmas

Every family has a tradition. Sometimes they fade away through the years, in favor of new things. But there's always a few that linger on for some people, for different reasons am sure. White Christmas is a family tradition that I really don't want to see die. It's a little complicated I suppose, or maybe some people might think my reasons for holding on so tightly to this movie are sad or convoluted. But I'm going to try and explain why this movie is important to me.

We're all trying to find a place to feel happy. Christmas is a time where it can be hard for people. There's loss that's happened during the year that can feel magnified around the holidays. There are some people who feel alone at the holidays, even when they're surrounded by others. People long for times in their past where they remember feeling happy.

White Christmas is a movie that my family used to watch at Christmas time with my grandparents. It's special because of that. But the reason why is because of a feeling of connection there was for the film for my grandfather. During the war he was part of the actual 151st Division. I don't really know much about it because I'm not old enough to remember much more than that, because I was reinformed the year I told my parents that's what I wanted for Christmas, a copy of the film.

So I'm sitting here after having watched it again, feeling nostalgic and teary eyed because I miss them. But the movie isn't sad, in fact it's quite positive. It's inspiring that sometimes with a little perseverance things can become more positive. Besides that it also plays with the idea of love being no ones business except the parties involved.

I don't know if I'm going to write another post before Christmas. But I want to get this out there. I know it can be a scary time of year. Emotionally and physically it can be taxing. So if anyone is having a rough time, I just want to share some important information again. In case anyone reading this is feeling depressed, distraught, or at the end of their rope. I'm sharing part of a post I made a while ago. Please have a safe holiday season, and don't give up.

(I know I've totally lost focus from discussing the film, but with the holiday looming I want to remind people that there is help.)

If you really are feeling as though there is nothing left for you, talk to somebody. Feelings change, and so do situations and the things that are happening around us. There are friends, and family who can help you. Or if you're uncomfortable approaching them you can talk to a counselor. If you still are unsure you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-888-273-8255. You can call and talk to them about anything. In fact they're available 24/7 if you need to talk about anything.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

More information can be found at the library, counselor centers or online if you want to learn more about this. Don't be afraid to reach out for help if you ever feel that death is your only option. If you don't ask for it, how can anyone be sure you need it? Also, please remember to be there for your friends. Don't blow them off if they mention wanting to hurt themselves, it's not a laughing matter.

Check these links for more information. Teenage Suicide Information  and Wiki Information on Suicide