Conquering Chaos ~ Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra

Since Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Batltierra shared their story of teen pregnancy and adoption on MTV's 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom, they've been known for their inspiring commitment to growing up right. How did two trouble making kids from the trailer park turn into positive role models? How did two childhood sweethearts build a long lasting relationship? How did placing their first child up for adoption teach them how to break away from bad influences? What really happened when the cameras weren't there? In their debut book, Catelynn and Tyler leave out nothing. From their wild behavior before appearing on MTV to their experiences with adoption, Catelynn and Tyler lay it all out on the table. 

Open, honest, raw, and real, Conquering Chaos is an incredible look at two young people who beat the odds and took the right path. 

Book Review: 

I was not an avid viewer of 16 & Pregnant or Teen Mom, but like most teenagers I am an avid internet kid; therefore, I knew of them all. I have watched a few episodes here and there, enough to understand each of the couples' and children's stories, but the only ones that really resonated with me were Catelynn and Tyler. Part of this is because I have seen people get pregnant young and keep their children, so the other stories just didn't have the same sense of wonder and mystery as Cate and Tyler's. I knew the struggle that came with it. The adoption process and the choice to get there really intrigued me, plus Cate and Tyler are so cute together that who can resist loving them?

I loved hearing about their terrifying upbringings, full of addiction, loss, trouble, drugs, alcohol, sex, single parents, etc in this book. I also really loved that they each gave their own account of the situations that they were discussing. Reading their stories, I had a further understanding of why they made the decision to place Carly in adoption (this is how you are supposed to say it!) I have so much respect for their courageousness, their selflessness, and their determination in such a terrifying and emotional time of their lives. They made the only decision that they thought that they could for Carly. It's really a beautiful and emotional story. 

I also love that throughout this novel they were able to educate us on the different bits of the adoption process, like the types of adoption, the interviews with parents, and so on. I'm so glad that they use their story to inspire and help others through their speaking engagements (if I ever get the chance I would love to see one) and I also can not be more inspired by Catelynn than when I found out that she has also been the adoption/birthing coaches for so many other young girls. I love that she does that!

The only thing that I felt was missing from this book were pictures. It didn't take away from the book at all, but I really do love memoirs with pictures, then again I could just stalk their social medias. 

Pages: 150                                                                        Rate: 5/5

Book Discussion: 

I don't really have anything in mind for a book discussion but if you want to know more of my thoughts, feel free to leave comments.

Favorite Quote:

“Children and babies are the most innocent, vulnerable, helpless creatures on the planet. They’re relying on you for everything. Their lives will be defined by the choices made by the adults around them.” 

The Ruby Circle ~Richelle Mead

They will be tested. Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabbles in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

Their forbidden romance exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead's bestselling Bloodlines series.

When the life of someone thye both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, she and Adrian become enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world and alter their lives forever.

Don't miss their unforgettable final chapter...

Love will conquer all. 

Book Review:

I have been obsessed with this world, created by Richelle Mead in Vampire Academy, since I was in 7th grade. So that makes about 5 years. The initial series made me fall even deeper in love with fantasy that revolved around vampires, which at the time was a huge thing. When I finished the alot book in that series, I was so disappointed that there weren't more for me to read. Then came the Bloodlines series.

Each year since the first book was published I have read it and waited a whole year for the next one to become available on the shelves. Waiting for The Ruby Circle was no different. The second I could get my hands on it and quench my thirst for these characters and this world, I did. 

Now when Sydney was originally introduced in the Vampire Academy series, she was bland compared to Rose Hathaway and I was skeptical on how I would like this series but Sydney is such a complex character. She grew up in a world where she was taught to be disgusted by vampires, to protect humans at all cost by keeping vampires, both Moroi, Dhampir, and Strigoi, secret. Yet when she had to live with a group of Moroi and Dhampirs to keep them safe and the Moroi court in working order, she began to care for them, esspecially Adrian, whom she fell for romantically, eve though she tried so hard not too. 

This book, the last installment of the series, follows Sydney's journey after being rescued from reeducation, Adrian's battle with spirit, their life together as an unorthodox married couple, and their search for Jill. So much happens in this novel between all of the characters that I really do wish we could have more, but I am happy with the way the book ended. The epilogue was magnificent.

Pages: 348                                                                      Rate: 5/5

Book Discussion: SPOILERS:

There are so many things that I should probably mention before this but I can't help it. Declan. His whole story and what it means for this world, for Adrian and Sydney, for Neil, for all spirit users, is just insane. When Adrian discovered that Olive was pregnant, I freaked out because I wanted her and Neil together and I knew it couldn't be Neil's baby. But then it is his baby because of how she was restored with spirit. And I freaked. I hate that Olive had to die and that Neil has to stay away from Declan to keep him from being experimented on, but I love how it grew Adrian and Sydney's relationship because all of a sudden they were parents. 

So no onto the other stuff. Obviously it was addressed that no one really accepts Adrian and Sydney's union, even those who support them, like his mother. The Alchemists want to punish Sydney and the Moroi think that Adrian is a disgrace. This puts a strain on their relationship. It causes them to argue and it makes their relationship more relatable. Many relationships deal with being the couple against the world and sometimes against each other because of it.

Jill. Finding her has been hell for them. Adrian hasn't been able to reach her through their bond. Sydney hasn't been able to locate her with human magic. No one can find her. Until Ms. Terwilliger shows up with a package for Sydney. She, Sydney, and Eddie go on a scavenger hunt to find her. Eventually Adrian, Rose, Dimitri, Mrs. Ivashkov, and Neil join them. They discover she is being held by the Warriors of Light by a deal with Alicia. 

Sydney makes a deal with the Alchemists that grants her, Adrian, and everyone involved amnesty. They will no longer pursue them and Sydney and Adrian can get on with their lives, with their freedom. 

Finally they rescue Jill. Eddie tells her of his feelings for her. Neil disappears, leaving only a note behind that pretty much says that when it is safe they can contact him and he will come back for his son, but until then he will stay far far away. And their new life begins. 

The epilogue is set a year later and it is just wonderful.

Favorite quote:

"She hugged all of our guests and then took Declan from Jill. Pretending he was our dhampir son might have started off as an act, but it had become reality as far as we were concerned."

I think this is my favorite because it addresses how a child doesn't have to be biologically yours for you to fall in love with them as if if they were. I want to adopt once I'm married and this is wonderful.