thebabyperks

If you've been around my blog or YouTube for a while you should know I love to read. (My favorite genre is contemporary fiction and teen thrillers, but every now and again I read fantasy. This, however, is besides the point.) It seems as if every YouTuber who has made a name for themselves in the YouTube community is or has already released a book. Here's just a few:
   - Zoe Sugg (Zoella): "Girl Online"
   - Alfie Deyes: "The Pointless Book" and "The Pointless Book 2"
          **the name of his YouTube channel is "PointlessBlog"**
   - Marcus Butler: "Hello Life!"
   - Tanya Burr: "Love, Tanya"
   - Connor Franta: "A Work in Progress" 
   - Carrie Hope Fletcher: "All I Know Now"
   - Michelle Phan: "Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success"
   - Hannah Hart: "My Drunk Kitchen"
   - Grace Helbig: "Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown Up"
   - Louise Pentland (Sprinkle of Glitter): "Life with a Sprinkle of Glitter" 
   - Dan Howell: "The Amazing Book Is Not On Fire"
   - Joey Graceffa: "In Real life: My Journey to a Pixelated World" 
   - Shane Dawson: "I Hate Myselfie" 
   
That's just some of the YouTubers, I'm sure there are more YouTubers waiting to release books, and some that I've even forgotten. I own and have read Zoe's and Connor's books. Zoe's is a fictional story, but she has received some negative publicity after rumors swirled of her having a ghostwriter. I bought Connor's book yesterday and read it in under 2 hours. I would highly, highly recommend reading it. His memoir was beautifully written, and he includes photos of him as a child, and throughout his time in LA in the book.

I can't say this for sure because I haven't read every single book written by a YouTuber, but some YouTubers don't need books. Tyler Oakley published a video a week or two ago saying he was asked to write a book back in 2012 but he turned the book deal down because he didn't know what he wanted to say. Now, he said, he's ready and should be publishing a book soon. I feel like Tyler has a very important story to tell, he's influenced a lot of people's lives. He is openly gay, and for his birthday he raised over $500,000 for the Trevor Project, which strives to prevent suicide among LGBTQ youth. However, Alfie Deyes, in my opinion, shouldn't need to publish a second "Pointless Book". It's basically a ripoff of the "Wreck This Journal". Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy Alfie's videos but I just don't think he needs 2 books of a basically-already-sold book.

A polaroid of me with Connor Franta's book

This brings me onto my next point. So many people strive to be authors and dedicate their lives to writing, and don't get published. I'm not saying that these YouTubers don't deserve their books, because they too have worked hard to get where they're at. However, I can empathize with the fact that some authors are frustrated because their stories aren't getting published. But, I mean, the publishers know what sells. I've bought 2 YouTuber's books and plan to buy, or at least read, Carrie's, Marcus', and Tanya's books. YouTubers are selling and that's what publishing companies want.

I feel like the whole YouTubers publishing books has become a hot topic on YouTube itself, so I thought I would just add my own two cents. And again, I just want to make it clear that I'm so proud of the YouTube community for growing to even be able to publish books. I just thought I would point out a few issues with it.

I am totally in support of YouTubers writing books, if they have a story to tell. I just fear that it is going to turn into just another outlet to make money, and that the stories will not have any passion behind them.

Until next time,
Taylor xx

The sermon series at my church right now is entitled "1st Question in Heaven?" Where the congregation can put the questions they have on a board in the front of the church, and then our pastors will answer a question with Biblical explanation, and basically turn it into a sermon. 

Today is not only Mother's Day but also my mom's birthday. My mom and I are close, and I mean really close, she's my best friend. I hope that one day I can grow up and be the mother she is. Her love for God, her dedication to her job, and love for her family inspires me. 

Since the beginning of the year, the Timberland newspaper (The Wolf's Howl) staff has worked to produce a total of 8 newspaper. I walked onto staff after taking journalism last year and I was a little apprehensive. I was afraid that everyone was going to be really cliquish and I wouldn't fit in.

I couldn't have been more wrong. Everyone is newspaper has become my family. Although I have only been on staff this year, everyone else has said that this is the closest staff we've ever had. Through every layout week, and class in general, the staff has seen me at my best and worst. For our last layout night, we were all supposed to say the one person who has impacted us the most. I went third and I picked 2 people, but then felt like I should say something about everyone. This ensued a 2 hour cry fest as practically everyone said something about everyone. 

Everyone except Kaylee and Tyler. Order (from bottom left): me, Aly, Maddie. Next row: Claud, Savs, Ronnie, Danielle, Mary The guys: Bryce, Brandon, Joey, Tristin, Dustin

You all have made me enjoy something in high school, and have made high school worth it. I already told you in person why I appreciate each and every one of you, so I shall spare us all again. 

However, I do want to thank Ms. Hoffmann, my advisor, you have taught me so much, not just about newspaper but myself. Thank you for your little bits of positivity when it's Thursday night and I'm stressed to the max. 

My polaroid picture

Thank you all for everything, I love you more than you'll ever know. If you can, join publications, the skills you learn and the friendships you make are incredible.

Until next time,
Taylor xx