February 2016

10 Things I Loved About JERKBAIT by Mia Siegert

Even though they're identical, Tristan isn't close to his twin Robbie at all—until Robbie tries to kill himself. Forced to share a room to prevent Robbie from hurting himself, Tristan starts seeing his twin as not an NHL prospect, but a struggling gay teen who is terrified about coming out in the professional sports world. Trapped together in their claustrophobic room, Robbie suggests they run away with "Jimmy2416," a guy Robbie has talked to online for months but never met. Tristan must decide whether to tell his parents about Robbie's plan, losing his twin's trust forever, or go on a journey that will put their lives and innocence in jeopardy.

1. The gorgeously written first page that pulled me into the story from the moment I started reading.

2. The way it made me want to leap into the pages and actually interact with the characters. I wanted to hug Robbie and Tristan because I was so sad for them, and shake their parents for screwing up so horribly, and slap Heather for… well, you should probably read and find out for yourself.

Home Means Nevada

When people ask me what it’s like to live in Las Vegas I roll my eyes and say, Ugh. Tourists. I say, Neon lights everywhere. I say, Summer days hot enough to break thermometers.

I tell people that Las Vegas lacks culture, but then I mention The Smith Center with its marble and polished wood and Broadway shows.

I make jokes about the casinos, but then say I live out in the suburbs, surrounded by old ranches and mountain ridges.

I don’t gamble and I’ve never set foot in a night club, but I’m quick to gush about the beauty of Red Rock and Mt. Charleston.

What I’m saying is, I complain about Las Vegas, but I love it too.

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10 Things I Loved About THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN ME IS YOU by Lily Anderson

The Only Thing Worse Than You Is MeTrixie Watson has two very important goals for senior year: to finally save enough to buy the set of Doctor Who figurines at the local comic books store, and to place third in her class and knock Ben West--and his horrendous new mustache that he spent all summer growing--down to number four.

Corn Creek Adventure

I guess winter is over. Despite it being February, we’re having 80 degree days.

I’m really not ready to pack up my winter clothes. I hardly even got a chance to wear boots this year! But if we’re going to have gorgeous spring weather, I might as well take advantage of it. (Especially considering that a month from now, it’ll probably be too hot to leave the house. Sigh.)

So, the first hike of the season. Corn Creek (Desert National Wildlife Range):