Xmas 2021 Librezine - Coming of Age Edition

Librezine 2021 Xmas Edition

Transforming teens

Traditions from around the world

BLOOMING BOOKS

Tales of the unexperienced

coming of age films Then versus now

s a stm

breakfast club misfit muffins

Coming of OLD AGE

g n i Com

menopause under the mistletoe

i r h C e g of a

Contents 4/5 Blooming Books 6/7 Transforming Teens 8/9 Misfit Muffins 10/11 Coming of Age Films 12/13 Coming of Old Age 14/15 Mental Elf Food 16/17 Leaps of Faith 18/19 Christmas Pudding Cookies

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BLOOMING BOOKS TALES of THE UNEXPERIENCED Available in the 2nd floor LRC

‘Coming of age’ is a theme that encompasses the many varied trials and tribulations people face as they transition from childhood to young adulthood. This wintry holiday season, while you are enjoying your free time, you can reach for one of the books from the list below. There is something here for everyone, whether you want something cosy, gritty, historical, or dark enough to match the gloomy weather outside. Be transported to the side of young people finding their way (or losing it) and finding themselves, in various circumstances and times.

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This is one of those classics you have most likely heard of. The novel follows four sisters in the 1800s in various points in their lives, as they navigate the uncertainty of growing up and finding themselves, and their individual places in the world.

It explores themes such as love, family, loss, relationships, poverty, and more, with what most consider is a satisfying ending.

By Iram Hussain

It is also thought to be a great holiday classic due to its light-hearted message and cosy atmosphere. A great one to curl up and read this winter season, with a cup of hot chocolate.

But don’t be fooled, although one of the lighter reads on this list, it may still bring tears to your eyes, both happy and sad.

It has also been adapted into many films over the years.

Here’s another one you may have heard of or perhaps watched the film.

Set in Germany in World War 2, a young girl goes to live with a foster family, due to her own family’s unique situation in the war.

There she develops relationships, grows and learns, under the temperamental and dangerous circumstances of war and oppression.

It seems appropriate to mention that this novel is narrated by ‘Death.’ However, this is not as morbid and scary as it sounds, in fact, it leads to a thoughtful and deeply moving ambiance, that explores the themes of life and death, war,

family, friends, relationships, and the beauty and fragility of it all. This is a really well written book that takes you fully to another place and time, and you can always look forward to watching the film afterwards. Although not really considered a light hearted read (obviously), it still has its heart-warming moments, despite the dark backdrop.

This uniquely written book, set as a bunch of letters from the main protagonist to an unknown person, dives head first into the rugged and gritty terrain of adolescence, navigating many different themes, some darker than others. Consider most major trigger warnings before engaging with this book. Although not for the faint of heart, it is considered a very relatable story with a cult following of melancholy loving fans. It’s definitely one of the most well known coming of age books (and films) out there - for those of you who aren’t afraid of a more abrasive and deep read.

Set in 1960s USA, with the backdrop of racial tensions, this book is ultimately about

a girl of 14, Lily, who is battling the drama of the present with the trauma of her past, and simultaneously trying to understand it all. This one is a web of both social politics and familial relations, danger, grief, friendship, hope, kindness, and acceptance, it’s got it all. You cannot have ‘coming of age’ without the various ups and downs, and the ‘Secret Life of Bees’ sure delivers. Sit down with this one if you like a good tearjerker, and love to be transported to different times and places, dropped right into the middle of someone else’s life.

Set against the backdrop of an elite college in America, a group of students are wrapped up in their own cleverness, and their own horrifying secrets. Follow Richard Papen in a time of his life when he should be establishing the person he will one day become. Instead he gets drastically led off course by his alluring, seemingly self-assured, yet disturbed classmates. It’s hard enough growing up without being sucked into the deep dark underbelly of your peers’ lives and behaviours.

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TRANSfORMING TEENS Traditions from around the world

Young people in the UK come of age at 18 (the age where people can legally vote, drink alcohol, smoke and sign contracts) and this is often celebrated by a big party or night out. Historically, this happened at 21 which is why the 21st birthday is also celebrated. Other cultures have different ages and traditions for when a young person officially becomes an adult.

Japanese Seijin-no-hi (age 20) Japanese people who have turned 20 over the past year celebrate their Coming of Age day on the second Monday in January. In Japan, 20 is the age when people can drink, smoke, bet and until 2022 when it is lowered to 18, vote. They will wear traditional dress and attend a ceremony in the local city hall where government officials will give speeches, and small presents are handed out. After the ceremony, many young adults celebrate in groups by going to parties or going out drinking.

Jewish Bar and Bat Mitzvah

(ages 13 for boys and 12 for girls)

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Around the age of 13, Jewish boys take part in a Bar Mitzvah ceremony and around the age of 12, Jewish girls (in reform and liberal Jewish communities) take part in a Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

After this point, children are responsible for knowing Jewish ritual laws, traditions and ethics and they will become full members of the Jewish community. During the ceremony, they will read from the Torah and receive gifts such as books, savings bonds, money and jewellery.

Amish Rumspringa (age 16+) Rumspringa is a rite of passage for some in the Amish community. Traditionally, the Amish segregate themselves from other communities as part of this faith and during Rumspringa, Amish young adults can wear nontraditional clothing and hair styles, drive vehicles other than horse-drawn vehicles and drink alcohol. The young adult is then expected to decide whether to be baptized and fully join the Amish church or leave the community.

Hispanic Quinceañera

(Mexico/Latin American - girls 15th birthday) In Mexico and other Latin Amer ican countries, the Quinceañera is a celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday, when she transitions from childhood to young womanhood. Historically, girls this age were taught cooking, weaving and about childbearing in preparation for their future roles as wives. Now, the Quinceañera is celebrated by wearing formal evening dress (traditionally a long, elegant ball gown), attending a thanksgiving Mass (for Catholics), and then attending a celebratory reception which includes dancing and gift giving to the birthday girl.

Other local customs can vary depending on the community and country. These are just a small selection of the different traditions for young people who are coming of age around the world.

Many other cultures have their own traditions and customs.

One thing we all have in common though is the desire to acknowledge and celebrate this time in a young adult’s life.

By Clare Izquierdo 7

Breakfast Club

Misfit muffins

By Elise Vipond

As you ‘come of age’, it’s natural to start experimenting with hairstyles and fashion and music taste - but don’t forget your breakfast needs a makeover too! A bowl of porridge might have been “just right” for a child, Goldilocks-style, but now’s the time to spice things up. Baking your oats, rather than boiling them, offers a lot more variety. Our Breakfast Club recipes will help you work out which flavour works best for you.

BASE INGREDIENTS 40g Rolled Oats ½ tsp Baking Powder 200ml Milk INSTRUCTIONS Blend to create a smooth mixture BLUEBERRY MUFFINS Full of vitamins to keep the ‘brain’ going.

ADD: 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 1 ½ tbsp Vanilla Protein Powder or White Hot Chocolate Powder A Handful of Blueberries ●When blending the base mixture, add in the vanilla and powder of choice. ●Mix in the blueberries. ●Pour the mixture into a ramekin. ●Bake at 180C for 30 mins.

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PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY A breakfast for “Athletes,” great for muscle-building and motivation.

ADD: 1 Small Banana ½ tsp Cinnamon 1 tbsp Peanut Butter 1 tbsp Jam 1 tbsp Chocolate Chips

INSTRUCTIONS ●When blending the base mixture, add in the banana, cinnamon, and peanut butter. ●Pour the mixture into a ramekin. ●Scatter in the chocolate chips. ●Dollop the jam into the centre of the ramekin. ●Bake at 180C for 30 mins.

BANANA BREAD A wholesome start for the “Basket Case,” to get you through the day.

ADD 1 ½ Bananas 1 ½ tsp Cinnamon 1 tsp Ginger ½ tsp Nutmeg 1 tbsp Chopped Dates 1 tbsp Maple Syrup

INSTRUCTIONS ●When blending the base mixture, add in cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, dates, half the maple syrup and one banana. ●Pour the mixture into a ramekin. ●Slice half a banana and arrange the slices over the top. Drizzle with maple syrup. ●Bake at 180C for 30 mins.

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COMING OF AGE films

THEN VERSUS NOW

By Zoe Rothwell

The ‘Coming of Age’ genre looks at stories found in books, films and songs exploring the transformation from teenager to adulthood. Most communicate an internal struggle which is often expressed through emotional responses or feelings, rather than nail biting action. Often the storylines or lyrics relate to the notion that: ‘someone wants something and has trouble getting it’.

Here is a filmic retrospective from the Generation X favourite ‘Coming of Age’ films, to our Generation Z equivalents.

GENERATION X FAVES Breakfast Club by John Hughes – This is one of my faves from 1985 where a group of misfits bond through their differences whilst sharing a school detention together.

The five main characters helped to coin the term ‘Brat Pack’ referring to a group of actors who frequently worked together.

‘Stand by Me’ by Rob Reiner – Another classic from 1986, this film follows four boys who go looking for the dead body of a boy which is somewhere on the outskirts of town. The gang enjoy their adventure together until mixed feelings are experienced once the body is discovered.

‘Weird Science’ by John Hughes – This 1985 sci-fi follows nerdy outcasts Gary and Wyatt who, after being inspired by the story of Frankenstein decide to try and create their own perfect woman through the use of technology. The experiment produces the beautiful Lisa who helps to make the boys popular and loosen up.

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‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ by John Hughes – A teenage comedy from 1986 which follows slacker Ferris Bueller as he bunks off school with his friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane. Ferris convinces Cameron to let him drive his dad’s Ferrari for their day out in Chicago and the trio have an epic day checking out the cultural sights of the city.

GENERATION Z FAVES ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ by Gurrinder Chadha – A RomCom sports film from 2002 that follows 18 year old Jess, from Indian Sikh descent, who is infatuated with football and David Beckham. Secretly she joins a local women’s football team who make it to the top of the league and travel to Germany. The story takes on romantic elements with jealousy and confusion regarding sexual identity.

‘Juno’ by Jason Reitman – This 2007 comedy drama follows Juno coming to terms with an unplanned teenage pregnancy. After being given a number of options she decides to give her baby up for adoption. Juno and Paulie (the baby’s father) rekindle their love for each other and the newborn is adopted by single mum Vanessa.

‘Moonlight’ by Barry Jenkins – A 2016 LGBTQ drama told in three parts. The film starts with Chiron as a youngster who lives in Miami with a drug taking mother and a drug selling mentor. As a teenager Chiron struggles with bullying and hidden homosexual feelings. In adulthood he has become a dealer himself and meets an old friend who he had a sexual encounter with as a teenager.

‘Lady Bird’ by Greta Gerwig – A comedy from 2017 set in California is a story about Christine and her strained relationship with her mother. After dropping out of the theatre program and ditching best friend Julie, Lady Bird transforms into adulthood by choosing new friends, going to house parties and losing her virginity. After moving to New York to study she makes friends with her mother and thanks her for everything she has done.

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coming of old age

menopause under the mistletoe

We don’t like to discriminate here in the LRC and like to be as inclusive as possible so here is the low down on the ‘old is gold’ generation.

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‘Coming of Age’ is not just something experienced by teenagers as they become adults. It is also something experienced by women in their 40’s and beyond. From pregnancy test to menopause test. Yes! You read it correctly.

There is a test for that as well, and as older women we are passing it with flying colours.

We go from adding bits onto our bodies in our youth such as fillers in our lips, false eyelashes and breast enlargements right through to the stage where bits start dropping off, slowing us down and wrinkling up.

“Exciting times,” I hear you say. Are we buggered though? No! we are not. It’s a transitional period, let’s say that. It takes a bit of getting used to and fair enough we all experience it in different ways.

After all the life of a woman is not easy. We have so much to contend with. For some it can be quite a liberating, life changing moment. Throwing caution to the wind and burning our bras

whilst roller skating through that burst of motivational energy we suddenly find we have. But for others it can be a time of hormone deficiency, tropical moments, emotional bipolar episodes, the dreaded weight gain, (although I think mine was cakes) and a general ‘I don’t give a damndon’t come near me OR ELSE attitude’ especially in the bedroom department.

Right now THAT’S THE LAST THING ON OUR MIND. It’s so hard to feel sexy! And let’s face it you either want to kill them or cry yourself to sleep but either way there’s a million and 1 reasons why IT AINT HAPPENING TONIGHT and you can think of most of them.

It’s not just plane sailing you don’t just stop menstruating overnight and bam you have arrived at ‘Menopause Central’. No, that’s far too easy.

Let’s not forget we women are complex in our nature.

Well you might ask yourself, “How do I know it’s happening to me?

That is a good question.

What are your symptoms?

Do you suffer from sleepless nights, hot flushes, night sweats and unexplained mood swings?

Do you get brain fog forgetting the simplest things whilst suffering an overwhelming feeling of being emotionally naked?

There are lots of things you can do to help yourself such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking. Vitamins such as Vit D and Calcium are also proven to help. Herbal Teas offer great benefits such as Ginseng which relieves the symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats. Green Teas are proven to help strengthen bones and it is also a great antioxidant.

Don’t forget the support you can get from your GP. If you are really suffering speak to your doctor and get a diagnosis.

They might offer hormone replacement in the form of a patch or the pill. They might even offer you the coil but don’t worry you won’t get pregnant - that ship has sailed ‘Bon voyage!’

I hope this is a comfort to know that you are not on your own. We all go through it at some point and don’t forget these are your golden years so embrace it - you can now wear white again, save money on your heating bills and win hands down when your teenager is having a full on tantrum to which you respond:

“I’m so past that darling, right now I just can’t help you with it anymore!”

The life of a woman - after all what doesn’t knock us down only makes us stronger.

By Becky Davison 13

mental elf

food for your mood

By Zoe Rothwell

Christmas comes but once a year and is a time for sharing, giving, being thankful and connecting with others. It is also a time where we mustn’t forget ourselves either and make sure that we all keep physically and mentally healthy. It’s easy to overindulge during the winter season, what with the mince pies, boozy parties and tins of chocolates at every turn, but we should all be mindful that our diet doesn’t only affect our body physically it also affects our moods.

So get your ‘glow on’ this winter with this guide to the best nutritional foods on offer.

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Once a month many women become low in IRON due to their menstrual cycle but this can be easily replaced by eating foods such as red meat, eggs, lentils, fortified breakfast cereals, figs, apricots and kale. Both sexes need the mineral to assist with the rapid growth that takes place during teenage years as it helps with cell replication.

Iron-deficient anaemia can result in people being tired and breathless as well as having low concentration skills.

Most teenagers usually go through a pizza face phase where zits can take over your appearance affecting confidence issues. This is usually because of the hormone changes that occur during the transition into adulthood which affects your skin. The best way to combat this is to always keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as well as eating replenishing nutrients such as ZINC, VITAMIN C and IRON.

ANTIOXIDENTS and OMEGA 3 can also be absorbed through a diet of vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruit and fish, which are all rich in protein to assist with your growth and development.

Carbs and calories go hand in hand but it’s necessary to have good CARBOHYDRATES in your diet as a main source of energy especially during physical activity.

Good carbs are loaded with nutrients including fibre, vitamins and minerals, and can be found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, brown rice, quinoa, wheat & oats. A bowl of bran cereal with a banana everyday can help to relieve constipation and bloating, whilst the VITAMIN B6 from the banana will also assist with the production of brain chemicals SEROTONIN and DOPAMINE which helps to keep you happy.

Dairy products are a good source of PROTEIN which helps to build and repair muscle tissue, and CALCIUM which helps to maintain strong teeth and bone structure. When eaten in moderation, milk, cheese and yogurt is a vital source of our VITAMIN D, with yoghurt assisting our digestion to breakdown other lactose foods into sugar, glucose and galactose. For those who are lactose intolerant, soy or almond milk can be a good substitute.

When it comes to overall health benefits it’s important to know that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’. Certain food types may be beneficial to one person whilst another can have an allergy to them.

So make sure you know your body before you make any radical changes to your diet, and always.......

ENJOY YOUR FOOD! 15

leaps of faith or nonsense As we enter the dark and wintry month of December, once again our eyes and ears are drawn to the glitzy displays and the jingly chords of Christmas.

How better to beat the winter blues than by listening to the merry old Christmas carols!

Whilst some of us might be channeling our inner Christmas ‘present, past or future’, others might be doing the unconscious actions of laying eggs, piping, or leaping in a lordly manner.

Yes, the tapping tune of ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ gets hold of us in a kind of childlike, fairy-tale way. But is it possible that this well-known noel could be more than just a repetitive, nursery rhyme like tune?

The answer is YES there is a secret code behind it and it is far from being a silly little song.

Imagine the dawn of modern age - England of the 16th century would have been a very gory and dangerous place for Catholics.

How would one dare to pass the faith onto a coming of age youngster without worrying about having one’s head chopped off?

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By Ivana Fletcher “My True Love” represents God “Partridge” refers to Jesus “Pear Tree” has similarities to the apple tree

“Calling Birds” relates to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John

“Swans a Swimming” refers to the seven gifts of the holy spirit

“Lords a Leaping” indicates the ten commandments

Every young Catholic would have been preparing for their sacrament of confirmation learning important facts about their Catholic faith. Being confirmed or receiving the sacrament of confirmation would have been a sign of entering adulthood at the age of 12 to 15 in the eyes of the church.

It seems this quirky and playful song of giving was an ingenious way of secretly catechising the young people.

“Turtle Doves” is mentioned in the Old & New Testament

“French Hens” refers to faith, hope & love

“Gold Rings” refers to the first five books of the Torah

“Geese a Laying represents the six days of creation

“Maids a Milking” refers to the eight beatitudes (Matt 5:3 - 10)

“Ladies Dancing” refers to the nine fruits of the holy spirit

“Pipers Piping” suggests the eleven faithful disciples

“Drummers Drumming” represents the twelve points of belief in the Apostles creed

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Christmas PUDding Cookies

By Elise Vipond

If you’re not sure you’ve made the nice list this year, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. On Christmas Eve, leave out a helping of these home-baked cookies and you’ll be in Santa’s good books again, we promise.

INGREDIENTS ●125 g Unsalted Butter ●175 g Brown Sugar ●1 Egg ●1 tsp Vanilla Extract ●1 tsp Red Food Colouring ●265 g Plain Flour ●15 g Cocoa Powder ●1 + 1/2 tsp Baking Powder ●1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda ●300 g White Chocolate Chips ●200g White Chocolate ●Fondant Icing in Green and Red

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INSTRUCTIONS 1. First, whisk the butter and sugar until it’s creamy. Then add the egg, vanilla, and food colouring and beat it altogether.

2. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda, until it becomes a cookie dough - it should be quite dry and thick.

3. Finally, mix in the chocolate chips.

4. Now, divide your cookie dough into 8 portions - they should weigh roughly 110g and roll into balls.

5. Put them in the freezer for 30 mins. Preheat your oven to 200C while you wait.

6. Arrange your cookies on baking trays lined with paper and cook in the oven for 12 minutes.

7. When you take the cookies out, they will look slightly raw, but leave them to cool for 30 minutes and they will carry on baking.

8. Meanwhile, melt some white chocolate in a bain-marie.

When the cookies are cool, dribble over the top half of the cookie.

9. Now, cut some leaves out of the green fondant and place on top of the cookie.

Roll small balls of red icing and place in the centre of the leaves like berries.

10. Finally, Enjoy and Share!

THE lrc star bake books Available in the first floor libary - Your bake off challenge awaits

Nadiya’s Bake Me a Story by Nadia Hussain

Tea Fit For a Queen

by Historic Royal Palaces Enterprises Ltd

Cakeology by Juliet Sear 19