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“Everything I know About Love” Review – Parties, Gossip, and Tottenham Court Road

You know when you meet someone for the first time and you start talking and then suddenly two hours have passed and you know their whole life story and they feel like a best friend? Reading “Everything I Know About Love” feels exactly like that. Dolly Alderton’s memoir is a love letter to her twenties,…
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“As Good as Dead” Review – Duct Tape, Murder, and Lies

Holly Jackson’s “As Good as Dead” stands as the third and final book in the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series, following the young investigator Pip Fitz-Amobi. What initially draws readers to this series is Pip’s intelligence, fearlessness, and relatable modern-day Nancy Drew demeanor. However, in this final installment, the narrative takes a sharp…
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“Good Girl, Bad Blood” Review – Podcasts, Catfishing, and Rage.

Holly Jackson’s “Good Girl, Bad Blood” successfully joins the rare league of sequels that manage to live up to the first book. The second installment in the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series picks up right where the first book leaves off. After unraveling the mystery of Andie Bell’s disappearance, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, or Pip,…
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“Iron Flame” Review– War, Revolution, and Teenage Dragons

Rebecca Yarros continues the story of Violet Sorrengail in “Iron Flame,” the second installment of the Empyrean series. After the events of “Fourth Wing,” Violet finds herself thrust into the revolution led by Xaden Riorson. However, in order to contribute to the cause, she must return to Basgiath War College and complete her second year.…
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Financial Accessibility in Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that broadens horizons and supports personal growth. The exploration of new cultures fosters global friendships and deep self-discovery, which are invaluable. However, many students are unable to partake in this experience because of its extravagant cost. My semester spent abroad in London was the best experience of my life.…
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Pink Buckets and Toad Hunts: A Personal Journey into the World of Toad Conservation

I was twelve when I first made a grown man gasp in fear. It was a humid, summer night, and I was strolling down the path of my family’s lake house. My younger cousin, Berkley, was with me; she was four at the time. She held a pink bucket from her grubby fingers and swung…
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Pressing for Change: The Need for Fair Compensation in Student Journalism

Augustana University’s The Mirror is made up of a staff of 10 students and serves as an information source and platform for student voices. For some, it is the only way they know what is happening on campus. While The Mirror staff’s passion for journalism drives them, these students deserve greater compensation for their tireless…
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A Barista’s Review: Laekerrt Espresso Machine CMEP02

I’ve worked as a barista for two years so operating an espresso machine is second nature to me. However, for those new to the world of creating espresso beverages, the Laekerrt Espresso Machine CMEP02 is the perfect place to start. The Laekerrt comes with a comprehensive instruction manual, a recipe book, and a machine guide,…
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A Royal Disappointment: ‘Red, White, and Royal Blue’ Movie Review

Amazon Prime’s “Red, White, and Royal Blue” has the makings of a modern classic but poor production value, bad acting, and a cringeworthy script take away from the charming plot and heartfelt moments that viewers want in a rom-com. The movie premiered on July 22, 2023. “Red, White, and Royal Blue” is Matthew Lopez’s directorial…
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“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” Review – Murder, Secrets, and Plot Twists

Holly Jackson’s debut novel, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” offers a riveting and engrossing young adult mystery. The book follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior who takes on an ambitious capstone project investigating the murder of Andie Bell, a case that shook her small town five years earlier. Despite the accused, Sal Singh,…