The Vocella Graphic - April 18, 2024

About Us From the Designer: This Issue

Vocella, Inc. (pronounced vō-chellä) is a multimedia company that aims to engage, excite, and empower people through compelling and entertaining products and services with a hyperlocal focus on community, business, arts, culture, and entertainment.

We are delighted to introduce the latest chapter in our journey: the Vocella Graphic. This newly designed newspaper boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring stunning artwork and informative articles. Crafting this visually captivating paper has been a labor of love, with our dedicated team painstakingly perfecting every aspect, from its appearance and tone to its expanded coverage area.

Furthermore, nestled inside, you will still find the trusted Community Shopper, complete with all the familiar content you’ve come to rely on. This includes classified ads featuring help wanted listings, rummage sales, and more, as well as business news, events, and community updates.

So, thank you for joining us as we continue to grow and do our very best to serve our communities.

As a naturally empathic person, I deeply resonate with the concept of empathy, which goes beyond mere understanding to feeling others' emotions as if they were our own. While empathy is often heralded as the superior way to connect with others, I believe it's crucial not to overlook the significance of sympathy. Sympathy allows us to express care and concern for others, even when we haven't shared their exact experiences. Attempting to empathize when our own experiences differ greatly can sometimes miss the mark and even be off-putting. Sympathy respects boundaries and can be more appropriate in situations where space is needed or emotional distance is required, such as in professional settings.

Both sympathy and empathy hold value and have their place in various circumstances. As someone who has learned to navigate the challenges of being highly empathic and needing to choose sympathy at times, particularly in managing negative emotions, I've found that practicing mindfulness can be immensely beneficial. Mindfulness aids in establishing clear emotional boundaries, cultivating non-judgmental awareness of others' feelings and fostering compassionate distance, allowing us to support others without becoming overwhelmed by their emotions.

With so many things dividing us, the most important thing is to just remember to care about your fellow humans, especially if you can’t empathize with them. As Bill Withers says, “We all need somebody to lean on.”

With heartfelt understanding, Kary Moltzan

KARY MOLTZAN, GM & Lead Design news@vocella.com

Profiles

Spring has sprung at Handy Andy's

NURSERY CONNECTS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE TO

QUALITY GARDENING

The biggest difference that we have is our experience; our region specific knowledge of what will succeed here and what you need to do to make sure you’re successful.

- Andrew Kuester

As the front door opens to the window-walled greenhouse, the air inside is warm and humid as the sun shines in through the vast ceiling, shaded in part by large leaves and tall, climbing plants. As if entering into a lush and jungled oasis, cacti intermingle with snake plants and vined pathos amongst stacks of planters and aesthetic decor.

There is nothing quite like walking into the iconic, local store of Handy Andy’s Nursery that, for over 70 years, has been providing Williston and surrounding areas with quality plants, educational workshops and products for house plant care to gardens and landscaping projects.

As gardeners make their summer plans, Handy Andy’s has been preparing for spring planting for months as they tend to their many varieties of flower and vegetable starters. Instead of buying an already finished product to be shipped in and sold, the nursery buys rooted cuttings, or plugs — an infant plant — that they grow in-house.

“It’s grown in the climate, its grown here on site, so it’s a little more acclimated to our weather and our region than some of the other items that are shipped,” said Andrew Kuester, longtime employee and son of Handy Andy’s owners Lyle and Dorothy Kuester.

While the snow piles high and the frozen ground lays dormant, Handy Andy’s keeps their fragile seedlings warm indoors as their growing season begins in the depth of winter. Some items that are grown from seed can take 14-16 weeks to flower and have to be started in December. Most of the rooted cuttings of vegetables and annuals are started

in late February to early March and are a six to eight week process to get them from an infant plant to a sellable product.

Handy Andy’s is a full supply store that offers a holiday season of cut greens, Christmas trees, wreaths and garland, while offering trees, shrubs and plant related products with soil available by the bag during peak season. While many big box stores sell out by mid summer, Handy Andy’s maintains stock all summer long.

Taking a walk through the nursery is an experience in itself that even those with a black thumb can appreciate. Customers can find the tiniest air plant, a vase for a repotting need, home decor, large trees and shrubs ready to be planted and even a sweet snow cone in the summer months. And in what may seem like an unusual find in a plant based store, is a section of aquatics in the side room.

“We are very diverse at Handy Andy’s and have created more diversity by getting into aquatics,” Kuester said. “It's something that actually pairs well with those who might consider themselves houseplant parents … it’s a great hobby for winter.”

Kuester explained that the hard tap water in our region is not good for plants, as high amounts of calcium cause trouble in the soil of containers. He said the best water is actually aquatic water that has had the calcium broken down by the developing animals that then acidifies the water. As the animals grow and exist in their environment, they excrete nitrogen — one of the three nutrients that plants need.

The Kuester family at Handy Andy’s has a plethora of knowledge from decades of running the nursery and welcome questions and troubleshooting in their differing areas of expertise.

Handy Andy’s Nursery has been in the same location since the original owners, Sue and Andy Manz, opened in 1952. Lyle Kuester had worked for the Manz’s in his youth and in 1996, he and his wife Dorothy purchased the nursery. Now, they run the nursery together alongside their family where they take pride in the many years of hand-on knowledge they have attained throughout the years and can offer to their community.

“The biggest difference that we have is our experience,” Kuester said. “Our region-specific knowledge of what will succeed here and what you need to do to make sure you’re successful.”

Upcoming workshops at Handy Andy’s Nursery:

Hosts of Hostas, April 20

An in-depth discussion on the diverse genus hosta, covering hybrids, soil amendment for successful growing and varying size ranges of hosts. This workshop will feature a selection of hosts varieties to choose from.

Herbs, April 27

From lavender to basil and rosemary, this workshop will give a rundown on being successful with outdoor herbs.

Great Plains Garden, May 2

Learn about the prairie plants that

ERICA KINGSTON ekingmediawriter@gmail.com

Erica is a freelance writer and copy editor. She is a wife and mother of four and loves road trips and being out on the prairies of North Dakota.

thrive in our region with limited care.

“I think of this topic as someone who might be living in a semi rural subdivision — where maybe water is very expensive and they are looking to turn part of their lot back to the native state for pollinator reasons or just ease of care and lack of expense,” Kuester said.

Successful Veggies, May 7

Learn the basics of growing vegetables with tips and tricks for gardening in the regions of western North Dakota and eastern Montana.

Success with Trees and Shrubs, May 14

This workshop will cover region specific challenges of soil and diseases along with how and when to prune. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring questions, pictures and challenges.

“If you’re endeavoring to do landscaping of any kind, whether that be foundation planting around the home, tree islands or kidney shapes around the yard — this would be good to come to,” Kuester said.

Registration can be done online at handyandysnursery.com/workshops or by stopping into Handy Andy’s Nursery at 3515 West Front Street in Williston. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-3 p.m.

Handy Andy's

Audrey Larson appointed WHS principal Williston voters to weigh in on local races soon

BY VOCELLA STAFF news@vocella.com

WILLISTON — The Williston Basin School District #7 has announced the appointment of Audrey Larson as the new principal of Williston High School, following a selection process conducted by an interview committee. With a background as the Career and Technical Education director since January 2023 and eleven years of prior experience as assistant principal at WHS, Larson brings expertise and commitment to the school community.

Larson's journey in education, starting with a biology degree from the University of North Dakota and evolving through various teaching roles. Throughout her tenure at WHS, she has championed initiatives to prepare students for post-secondary life, advocating for expanded opportunities such as advanced placement, dual credit and CTE courses. Larson said she is passionate about preparing students for life after high school.

Larson is taking over for former principal Jason Germundson, who is now the assistant superintendent. Larson will begin her new role on July 1.

See WHS press release by scanning the QR Code.

2024 Youth Art Show at the MonDak Heritage Center

MONDAK HERITAGE CENTER

RELEASE

SIDNEY, MT — The 2024 Youth Art Show is currently on display at the MonDak Heritage Center and runs through April 27. The artwork features pieces from 7-12 grade students from area schools in a variety of mediums that includes paintings, drawings, mixed media and more.

The artwork has been evaluated by our expert judges and awards have been given in each age category for first through third place and honorable mentions. However, we still need your help. As you marvel at the artistic talents of the local youth, you will

have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award in each age category. This year’s annual Youth Art Show features over 445 pieces of art from 11 MonDak area schools. Stop by the MDHC to view the outstanding work of local youth and vote on your favorite pieces for the People’s Choice Award.

The 2024 Youth Art Show is sponsored by Edward Jones Financial Advisors: Jerry Hughes, Jamie Malsam, Nick Lonski, Lauren Sukut and Jace Johnson.

The MonDak Heritage Center is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 1-4 p.m.. Admission is free. For more information call 406-433-3500 or e-mail mdhc@richland.org.

BY VOCELLA STAFF news@vocella.com

WILLISTON — In the upcoming June primary, Williston voters will not only decide on federal and statewide candidates but also weigh in on local races, including city commission and school board seats. Four contenders are vying for two spots on Williston's City Commission: Brad Bekkedahl, Victoria Siemieniewski, Alex Johnson and Mason White, with Deanette Piesik opting out of the race.

Seven candidates, including incumbent Cory Swint, incumbent Heather Wheeler, Autumn Marmon, RaeAnne Rathbun and Laura Teekell are competing for three atlarge seats on the Williston Basin School Board, while two contenders, Joe Barsh and Melanie Petersen, vie for a rural seat. The Williams County Commission will also see some changes, with two positions on the ballot, albeit with incumbents running unopposed in their respective districts. The June 11 primary will set the stage for the general election in November.

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

BY MIKE MOEN PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE

NORTH DAKOTA — Voters are consistently reminded to pay attention to local elections.

But in 2024, North Dakota groups are stressing that message even more with many people already looking ahead to the presidential race this fall.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have essentially locked up their nominations in the race for the White House.

But Janelle Moos, associate state director for advocacy with AARP North Dakota, said voters still should participate in the state's June 11 primary.

There are key statewide races, including deciding nominees for North Dakota's congressional seat and the governor's office.

"There's a lot of new legislative races, some contested," said Moos, "but also, a lot of new candidates running for local office."

That includes park board seats, mayor-

al elections and races for city council seats around the state.

AARP North Dakota has more voting information on its website. It's also partnering with Prairie Public Broadcasting on a primary debate among GOP candidates for governor April 23 at 7 pm.

The League of Women Voters of Red River Valley is hosting local candidate forums in the Fargo area. Chapter President Randi Dombek said these are good opportunities to become a more informed voter.

"I think the best way is getting the info as much as you can right actually from the candidate," said Dombek, "and not always just trusting what you might see on social media, or what you might hear your neighbor say."

Both organizations say participating in local elections helps people have a bigger say in their calls for safer roads, affordable housing and other quality of life issues.

AARP says that's especially for residents who want to stay in their homes as they age.

AUDREY LARSON, NEW WHS PRINCIPAL | PHOTO WILLISTONSCHOOLS.ORG

Proper timing of pasture turnout critical for optimal forage production

NORTH DAKOTA — Ranchers depend on grass as a primary source of forage, whether it be rangeland, pasture or hay. While they carefully select species to plant as cover crops or plan a total mixed ration, many ranchers do not know the primary grass species their livestock consume.

“Knowing the predominant grass species is important because not all grass is equal,” says Kevin Sedivec, North Dakota State University Extension rangeland management specialist. “Different species have different growth patterns and nutritional content. Thus, the optimal time to graze these resources varies. To achieve optimal forage and livestock production, plan your grazing system around the type of grazing resources available.”

Native grasslands consist of a mixture of cool- and warm-season grasses. Native cool-season grasses begin growing once the average temperature is 32 degrees or greater for five consecutive days, whereas warm-season grasses start growing once the average temperature is 40 degrees or greater for five consecutive days. This results in approximately a one-month difference in when these plants reach grazing readiness.

Pasture, on the other hand, typically consists of cool-season grasses in the northern regions of the United States, and warm-season grasses in the southern regions. Cool-season grasses exhibit rapid growth and need less growing degree days to reach grazing readiness in the spring. This extends the grazing season by enabling ranchers to turn cattle out to pasture earlier in the spring, Sedivec says.

Irrelevant of grass species, grazing before plants reach the appropriate stage of growth for grazing readiness causes a reduction in herbage production by as much as 60%, which can reduce carrying capacity (number of livestock or length of grazing season) and animal performance. Grazing readiness for most domesticated pasture is at the 3-leaf stage, whereas grazing readiness for most native range grasses is the 3½-leaf stage.

“Drought or poor grazing management can further delay grazing readiness of grasses and reduce subsequent forage production,” says Miranda Meehan, Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “This is especially true for cool-season grasses, which develop tillers in the fall. The development of these tillers has a direct impact on plant growth the next growing season.”

NDSU Extension has found heavy grazing use of more than 80% in the fall can reduce forage production of cool-season dominated rangeland and pasture by over 50% the following grazing season.

If livestock grazed tillers of cool-season grasses below the bottom two leaves in the fall, the tillers likely did not survive the winter, Meehan says. If they do survive the winter, plant vigor (health) is low and forage production reduced. Drought stress also affects the survival of fall tillers. Fall droughts either don’t allow buds to come out of dormancy, thus preventing new tiller growth, or cause death to those tillers that did grow. If

tillers do not establish or survive the winter, a delay in growth and development will occur the following growing season because new tillers will need to develop in the spring. This loss of fall tillers can create a delay in grazing readiness the following spring by 10 to 14 days. When drought and poor grazing management in the fall occur simultaneously, grazing readiness can be delayed even longer.

“Drought-stressed pastures will require special care this spring to help them recover,” Meehan says. “These pastures must be given adequate time to recover. Grazing too early will reduce plant vigor, thin existing stands, lower total forage production, and increase disease, insect and weed infestations. Pastures and range damaged by grazing too early may take several years of deferment or even rest before the stand regains productivity.”

NDSU Extension specialists observed as much as a three-week delay in grazing readiness for introduced cool-season species and a four-week delay for native cool-season species following drought.

Consider these grazing management strategies to optimize forage production and livestock performance:

• Determine the predominate grass species in your pasture and rangeland.

• Monitor grazing readiness of predominate grass species and delay grazing start date until these species reach grazing readiness. For more information refer to the NDSU Extension grazing readiness resources: ag/grazing2024.

• Monitor grazing use throughout the grazing season.

Depending on your forage resources and growing season conditions, it can be difficult to delay grazing until grasses reach grazing readiness. Meehan and Sedivec recommend the following strategies, depending on the resources available:

• Start grazing annual forages, such as winter cereals, or domestic cool-season pastures, which will reach grazing readiness earlier in the spring.

• Provide supplemental forage to livestock on domesticated pasture or hay land. However, be careful not to graze your hay lands too early, too short, or if muddy, as stands will be dramatically reduced in forage production due to reduced vigor and plant damage, leading to new infestations of weeds.

• Continue dry lot feeding in May.

• If grazing cannot be delayed, minimize the impact to a small area of your pastures or in one of your cells. Then rest that cell or area the remainder of the grazing season and defer from grazing the next year (no spring grazing).

“While it may be tempting to start grazing early due to a lack of forage resources, it can have long-term impacts on forage production and plant health,” Sedivec says. “Remember, it takes grass leaves to replenish the root food reserves needed to grow grass. Early spring grazing, especially following a drought, can be costly in terms of total forage production during the entire grazing season.”

pacts to developing tillers, especially in the fall. The recommended utilization level for proper use of grasslands is 40% to 60%, with some native grasses species only tolerating 40% to 50% use. At this level, rangeland utilization is fairly uniform, with 65% to 80% of the height of desirable forage species being

grazed. Remove livestock when this level is exceeded.

NDSU Agriculture Communication — April 16, 2024. Scan the QR code to view original article

As the grazing season progresses, NDSU Extension specialists recommend monitoring the degree of use to prevent negative im-

Negotiating medical bills

BY KARY MOLTZAN news@vocella.com

The Instagram account Christy PRN is an invaluable resource when it comes to negotiating medical bills. Her account is packed with priceless information for helping individuals navigate the intimidating world of medical billing. As one of the leading causes of bankruptcy, the cost of healthcare in the U.S. affects almost everyone, whether they have insurance or not.

If you are one of the millions of Americans drowning in hospital bills, I highly recommend following her account. Her suggestions and advice go far beyond the summary discussed in the article on this page.

For more from Christy PRN, follow the QR code by scanning with your smartphone to view her account. The video above is the first pinned post on the account.

Lifestyle

A guide to negotiating bills

BY KARY MOLTZAN news@vocella.com

Managing finances can be challenging, especially when faced with mounting bills. While inflation is slowing, it is unlikely that we will see current prices, on the whole, go down. In fact, we wouldn’t want them to, because that would indicate a slide into a recession economy, which would be bad news for consumers and businesses alike. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that penny-saving and budget-stretching is definitely at the forefront of many minds right now.

Negotiating bills can be an effective strategy to alleviate financial strain and save money. I’ve been researching the types of bills you can usually negotiate, including medical bills, internet, cable and cell phone bills, rent, gym memberships and credit card bills. Not all bills can be negotiated, but knowing which ones can and how to go about negotiations could save you a significant amount of money.

Medical bills:

Medical debt alone is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the US. While medical bills can be exorbitant, negotiating them can significantly reduce the financial burden.

Hospitals and healthcare providers often have flexibility in billing, offering discounts or payment plans. In fact, many hospitals are required to offer something called “charity care.” Around 30% of people qualify, so make sure to contact your hospital and ask to apply for it, even if you think you don't qualify.

Next, request itemized bills and review them for errors or overcharges. Then, contact the billing department to discuss payment options. Be polite but firm, and provide any relevant financial information to support your case. Consider hiring a medical billing advocate if needed. See the sidebar on this page for more information.

Internet, cable and cell phone bills:

These bills are often subject to promotional rates or discounts, which may expire over time. Negotiating can help you secure better deals or reduce your monthly expenses.To negotiate, research competitors' rates and promotions to leverage during negotiations. Call the customer service department and inquire about available discounts or loyalty rewards. Be prepared to threaten cancellation to gain leverage, but always be polite and patient.

Rent:

Rent is a significant expense for many households, and negotiating can help lower costs or secure favorable lease terms. Start by researching rental prices in your area to understand market rates. Approach your landlord respectfully and provide reasons why you're requesting a rent reduction, such as financial hardship or comparable rental prices. Offer to sign a longer lease term or take on additional responsibilities in exchange for a lower rent.

Gym memberships:

Gym memberships often come with hidden fees or rigid contracts. Negotiating can help you avoid unnecessary charges and secure a more affordable membership. Review your contract for cancellation policies and fees. Contact the gym manager or membership representative to discuss your concerns and explore options for reducing fees or adjusting your membership plan. Highlight your loyalty as a member and inquire about any available promotions or discounts.

Credit card bills:

High-interest rates and fees can quickly accumulate on credit card bills, but negotiating can help lower interest rates or settle outstanding balances. Start by reviewing your credit card statement and identifying any fees or charges you believe are unfair. Contact your credit card issuer's customer service department to discuss your situation and request a lower interest rate or a payment plan. Consider working with a reputable credit counseling agency if you're struggling to manage multiple debts.

Negotiating bills is a valuable skill that can help you save money and alleviate financial stress. By understanding the types of bills you can negotiate and employing effective negotiation strategies, you can take control of your finances and achieve greater financial stability. Remember to approach negotiations with patience, preparation and a willingness to advocate for yourself.

MASTERING THE ART OF BILL NEGOTIATION CAN ALLEVIATE FINANCIAL STRAIN AND SAVE MONEY, EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCES AND ACHIEVE GREATER STABILITY.

Wellness Wednesday Leadership and board management

Positional leaders are crucial components of our communities as there are many governmental positions and nonprofit organization positions in North Dakota. Did you know that North Dakota has the highest demand for governmental positional leaders in the country with one in every 45 adults needing to serve? If you are not interested in government, the nonprofit sector is in even more demand. With well over 5,200 registered nonprofits, did you know that one in every 19 people need to serve as a nonprofit leader in North Dakota?

When you serve on the board, you have the honor, challenge and responsibility of understanding how everything needs to work together for an organization to accomplish its goals. This is essential work that determines the success or failure of an organization. Here are some tips for successful board management:

• Have a clearly stated mission. People want to make a difference and serve on a board that has a mission aligning with their values. Well stated missions ensure the right person is recruited and helps keep the board running effectively.

• Create position descriptions for board members. In many cases, people do not serve because they simply do not know what is expected of the position. People want to know what is expected and how long they will be serving.

• Provide adequate training for new members. Train them on specific orga-

nizational protocols. Check for understanding and existing knowledge. Never assume new board members know how to be a board member.

• Set the tone by creating a safe space and reduce intimidation. New members can be intimidated easily by existing dominant leaders. By dominant, this doesn’t mean simply persuasive and hyper-engaged. This is referring to a dictator who runs roughshod over everyone else. Well-meaning board members caught in this situation dread meetings and are reluctant to even open their mouth for fear of getting shut down and publicly humiliated.

• Value individual talents and diversities. Boards that have diverse members have more diverse ideas, expertise, experience and networks. Boards with similar members run the risk of having blind spots that negatively impact its ability to make the best decisions and plans for the organization. Remember, different perspectives are important because they help board members see issues from different angles.

If you have recently joined a board, remember board dynamics change with new members and their personalities and beliefs. Trust takes time to build. Most importantly, whether you agree on an issue or not, always be respectful of one another and establish ground rules for meetings and stick to them. If you are attending your first meeting or you are a seasoned member, focus on the mission of the organization and work to

support one another to meet that mission. Whether you were just elected, appointed or volunteered to serve on a board, congratulations and thank you for your service.

If you are looking for more information or to learn more about serving on a board, did you know NDSU Extension offers a one-day Lead Local training? This training will help aspiring, elected, or appointed leaders serving on boards, councils and committees to:

• Feel better prepared to serve as an effective board, council or committee member.

• Recognize the components of an effective meeting.

• Learn basic parliamentary procedure and how to use it (www.rulesonline. com).

• Understand different personality styles and how people can work together effectively.

• Use effective tools when dealing with conflict.

The one-day interactive session assists board members in building their tool kit to better serve the mission of their organizations. For more information on Lead Local, go to www.ag.ndsu.edu/lead/leadership-development-program/lead-local.

Join me next week to learn about effective communication and managing conflict. Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.

KATELYN JESPERSEN WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT

Culture

The Bookshelf Book review: The “Ash Princess” trilogy

The “Throne of Glass” series is my favorite that I’ve ever read so I’d say I’m fairly biased but I can’t recommend any series more than this one. I reread it every year and still feel all the triumphs and heartbreaks as I did the first time I read it. It’s really hard to find an author who is both a great storyteller and a great writer. I truly believe Sarah J Maas is both. Her books keep you enthralled and coming back for more.

Title: “Throne of Glass”

Author: Sarah J Maas

Genre: Fantasy

Summary

Celaena Sordothien, an 18-year-old assassin, emerges from a year of slavery, paying for her crimes, only to receive an offer from the Crown Prince for her freedom. The condition: she must triumph in a competition to become the new King’s Champion.

Amidst a sea of thieves, warriors and fellow assassins from across the kingdom, Celaena stands to gain or lose everything. If she emerges victorious, she serves as the King’s Champion for three years before gaining her freedom.

Her life takes unexpected turns as friendships develop with her in unexpected people, the Crown Prince and the Captain of the Guard. Additionally, an unlikely bond forms with Nehemia, the princess of Ellwye.

However, the competition takes a sinister turn as contestants are found dead. Can Celaena unveil the castle's evil before her world is jeopardized? In her search, she un-

ravels a destiny that is beyond her imagination.

Review

I actually started with the second book in the series, “Crown of Midnight,” not realizing it wasn't the first. Still, it was enough to hook me. Reading the first book, “Throne of Glass,” shed light on many things, and really showcased Maas’s incredible world-building. “Throne of Glass” is such a magical world. It’s well built out with characters and storylines seamlessly blending. Celaena starts

out as this snarky, rough-around-the-edges, assassin with undeniable charm. But as her past unfolds in little bits and pieces, you discover such a complex character. She’s an orphan, the tortured apprentice to the King of Assassins, a lover and more. She has a love for luxury and books and is highly intelligent. Despite a year of slavery in Endovier, she remains resilient, eager for freedom.

Celaena has to put on many faces throughout the book. For the competition, she plays the part of Liliana, an amateur jewel thief. Outside of the competition, she must play the role of a wealthy merchant’s daughter. She becomes friends and allies with Nox Owen during the competition, even risking her place in the competition to save his life at one point. She also forms a close friendship with the princess of Ellwye, Nehemia. The two bond over their dislike of court and being able to speak to each other in the language of Ellwye. Murders and suspicions strengthen and threaten her friendships with both throughout the book.

Dorian and Chaol both know that Celaena is dangerous, however, they both begin to form bonds with her. Dorian is intrigued and flirtatious, while Chaol, initially distrustful, evolves into a close friend and more. Reading about these three’s interactions are funny and sweet as they grow close. However, tensions do arise as Chaol and Dorian both grow closer with Celaena. These three characters grow unexpectedly strong bonds throughout the book that continue to change in unexpected ways throughout the entire series.

Celaena’ snarky and charismatic demeanor is definitely a different personality

Reviewed by

MCKENNA WALTER

mckenna@vocella.com

McKenna is a graphic designer for Vocella, Inc. In her spare time she is an avid reader and crocheter.

from most heroines but she draws in readers and the other characters alike. “Throne of Glass” is a captivating read that starts the journey to the amazing world of Sarah J Maas. Almost every character that Maas takes the time to write, even a little bit about, plays a bigger part in the overall series. The action is just starting in this book so you’ll have lots more to look forward to as the series continues.

My Heart Leaps Up

My heart leaps up when I behold

A rainbow in the sky:

So was it when my life began;

So is it now I am a man;

So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die!

The Child is father of the Man; And I could wish my days to be

Bound each to each by natural piety.

William Wordsworth

1170-1850

"THRONE OF GLASS" BY SARAH J. MAAS