Day 11: Romance Is Not Dead (According To Fictional Novels I've Read)

If people write it, there must be some truth within the fiction right? Through the pandemic, books have been my go-to. Well, they always have been. Though, in the beginning of the pandemic I was finishing off the last two months of Fashion Design school, then the wait game began. Waiting for what? Well nothing, and everything.

I was waiting for the pandemic to be over, a year ago I really didn't think that It would have lasted this long. Welp. She was wrong. Thankfully I had a hefty stack of second-hand books, and my parents Netflix account. When I was a pre-teen, I began falling in-love with the love stories that I read. But beyond that, I always loved watching Disney princess movies, and basically any movie with a happy ending.

I have read numerous books through the pandemic that were so magical. I tend to like young-adult romance novels, as they are usually more young, wild, free and the sweet innocent kind of romance. However, I want to recommend three in particular that I really liked:

If you don't know, "Five Feet Apart" was turned into a movie, which was actually equally as amazing, though the ending in the book is much happier (the movie ending ripped my heart out. But the book ending ripped my heart out and put it back in place again). It also brings needed attention to cystic fibrosis (CF), which causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. The life expectancy is 44 years, but can be longer if they are able to get a lung transplant. Very non-romantic things, but pare two CF'ers, which are unable to be near each other, but have an undeniable connection. Then it becomes heartbreaking and sweet at the same time.

"Frankly in Love" is about a boy, Frank Lee (see what he did there?) who goes against his parents requirements for his girlfriend. These requirements are basically, the girl has to be Korean, and have big eyes. He ends up dating a white girl, but keeps it a secret so that his parents don't get upset. (his sister was with a black man, and his parents cut her off because of it) Then, things take a turn, I'm not going to completely spoil it, but ---- he might have a change of heart, which makes his parents ecstatic. This is a needed point of view. I personally have experienced discrimination when pursuing someone of a different race. Not from my parents, my parents are as all parents should be in this sense. They want me to be happy and it doesn't matter what race my partner is. Though, I have been told many times that I would never be accepted by the parents of someone I was seeing. I wouldn't be accepted because I'm white. Whether it was because of the history of white people, or because it went against a religion, culture, or personal views. Which is sucky, but It's all good, this is something that strengthens us. Plus, If those guys really were the one, then I would have fought harder, but I didn't.

Saints and Misfits is also extremely needed. There is not enough Muslim writers, and not enough books written about Muslims, especially in fiction. This book was one of the first novels, of hopefully a lot more! Books can be easier to read if they are somewhat relatable. With this book, hijabi girls will feel like they can finally relate to books they read. This journey takes Janna through a religious journey, where she faces saints, monsters and misfits. The story includes a needed bit about sexual assault, which also is rarely present in fictional books. Janna also faces a difficult time when she has to decide to go with her parents religious views in finding a good Muslim man, or to follow her heart which pulls her towards a Christian man.

I am reading a romance novel right now, (I always have one on the go) but It's not a page turner. Thus, I shall spare the details.

When I speak of love, people tend to call me a hopeless romantic. Maybe it's because I have never really been in love before, and I believe that fairy-tale love exists. Some say I should be finding a good man and settling down. However, I do not want just a good man, and I don't want to settle down. I want to find someone that feels like magic, that makes everyday feel like sunshine. You're probably shaking your heads saying "what a lunatic," and "keep dreaming." Maybe I am, and I most definitely will. I believe in happy endings. I don't believe in perfect people, but I believe in the perfect person for me.

From what I've seen, every love story is different. Sometimes when you know you just know. You may even know the moment you meet someone, but you also may not know until you're walking down the aisle (which is a scary concept for me, but it happens, a lot). I really hope that I just know. However, with that mindset it doesn't make me turn away guys as soon as I meet them, because there isn't that spark instantly. I always give guys a chance, unless they are unfortunate douche-bags. We must always test the waters, and not judge a book by it's cover. If there's something there, then go on another date.

I want to offer some romantic movie suggestions that feel like magic, and make me feel alive. Again, these are young-adult movies, which some would say I have maxed out of, but I LOVE IT.

Endless love. TRAILER The Perks of being a Wallflower. TRAILER.

AGH. I'm having a brain fart. I'm so tired from work, I can't even remember my favourite movies. ANYWAY. You should watch these, If you can get your hands on them. "Perks of being a Wallflower", is also a book written by Stephen Chbosky which is a must read! It's not a conventional romance, which is perfect to me, "welcome to the island of misfit toys." Endless Love is a nearly perfect young romance movie. Though why are most romance movies a bunch of model looking humans? I would love to see more average Joe's in movies.

Other good movies to watch (All on Netflix)

- Safe Haven (Also book)

- The best of me (Also book)

- The Choice (Also book)

- Always be my Maybe

- Blended

- Trainwreck

- To All the Boys I've Loved Before (ALSO AMAZING BOOK SERIES!!)

Thanks for reading, and happy future reading to y'all.

Never give up on love. Never give up on the one. Never give up on a fairy-tale ending if that's what you want. I know I haven't found mine yet, but I know it exists, and I know we will all find it.

BEE KIND.

OPEN YOUR HEART.

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE IS LOVE.

x

Kailee