Entertainment

December 2011 - Posts

  • RED Hearts: Entertainment: The Best Teen Books 2011

    By Jordyn Turney, 21, reporting from San Diego on her five favorite books of the year

    Choosing some of the best teen books is never easy—and 2011 was a year with some stiff competition. Even in this post-Hunger Games era, there were serious contenders, both as parts of series or one-off titles. But these five books take the title for me. They offer a mix of great stories, emotions and characters. For any reader looking for some great picks to end the year (or start the next!), here's your list.

    Imaginary Girls, by Nova Ren Suma - This story of an underwater town, a drowned girl, and two sisters with an unbreakable bond is creepy good. While the writing and characters are beautiful, the setting and the plot are both weird and thought-provoking. Walking the fine line between realistic and paranormal YA, this imaginative novel is the best of both worlds.

    Where She Went, by Gayle Forman - Picking up three years after the events of If I Stay (which, if you haven't read yet, you totally should), this is the story of What Happens After, told from the viewpoint of Mia's boyfriend, Adam. Like the first book, it's incredibly emotional; read with a box of tissues handy.

    Rival, by Sara Bennett Wealer - This debut novel is about best-friends-turned-enemies competing against each other in a high-stakes singing competition. It's told from both sides of the rivalry, from popular Brooke's and quiet Kathryn's viewpoints. (And I honestly can't tell you who you end up rooting for.) In addition to being a great story of girls pursuing their dreams, this is also one of the best, most honest tales of friendship gone wrong I've come across.

    We'll Always Have Summer, by Jenny Han - Consider this a recommendation for Han's entire Summer trilogy, books that follow Isabel (Belly) and the only boys—yes, plural, boys— she's ever loved. This awesome series about summer love is one that deserves to be read beginning to end, back-to-back.

    Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings, by Sophia Bennett - Okay, I'm not a fashion buff, so no one's more surprised than me to find that this style-heavy book is one of my favorites and most original reads of the year. The story of a young Ugandan refugee turned fashion designer mixes heavier elements with an overall upbeat, fun feeling. I seriously love it and can't wait for the sequels to be published here in the US.

  • RED Hearts: Entertainment: Picture Imperfect: Tess Mayer, Photographer

    By Zulay Regalado, 22, reporting from Miami, FL, on her conversation with an incredible 16-year-old photo talent

    Tess Mayer, 16, counts actor Andrew Garfield and model Devin Aoki among her list of hopeful photo subjects—not to brush with celebrity, but more to unbrush it. "I think it would be really interesting to see their actual personalities, instead of a character's," says the upstate New York photographer. An artist with a timeless ability to highlight the simplicity and beauty of her surroundings, Tess shares the details behind her love of natural settings, authentic people, and where she finds the occasional creative refuel.

    Zulay Regalado: I'm loving your Tumblr. What first attracted you to the world of photography and building this amazing body of work?

    Tess Mayer: Thank you! Discovering photography was coincidental for me. As I kept taking photographs, I naturally wanted some feedback. So I went to Flickr and Tumblr, and I found countless talents that inspired me and fueled my desire to stay with it.

    ZR: How would you describe your photographic style?
    TM: I think my style, mainly portraits, usually focuses on the purity and innocence of a person, rather than their superficial appearance. I very much resent modern media's depiction of humanity and perfection. I try to resist that as much as possible in my work.

    ZR: Who do you look to for inspiration?
    TM: I always look through my favorite images when I'm feeling a bit uninspired; Sally Mann and Paolo Roversi are my top-two photographers. I also go to my parents' art books. Gustav Klimt is a favorite; I have about five of his books on my shelf right now. However, the only way I've found to really cure a creative rut is to keep taking photos (or whatever medium your art may be).

    ZR: Do you see yourself turning your love of photography into your work?
    TM: Absolutely. I plan on going to college for photography and then ultimately making it into a career. I really want to incorporate travel into my work as well.

    ZR: In the spirit of I Heart Daily, anything you're "hearting" at the moment?
    TM: In terms of music I listen to a lot of Arcade Fire, Bob Dylan, Philip Glass, Lou Reed, and Beach House. Clothing-wise, I love my burgundy Dr. Martens boots, which I wear practically everyday.