Atlantia by Ally Condie A Book Review

I was a huge Matched fan, when Ally Condie began that series. Although I may not have enjoyed it's sequels as much.  Matched is still one of my all time favorites.  So when I saw Ally Condie had a new book out, and I was told it was a stand alone I was really excited to check it out.

To be honest, when I looked at the cover and even the book summary I immediately thought this was going to be a mermaid book.  I was actually looking forward to that.  But as I started reading I realized quickly I was wrong.  This isn't a mermaid story at all.  Although their are Siren's in it, the characters are all human.  Few just posses the siren talent.

In fact this story took me by complete surprise, it wasn't at all what I expected even when I realized all my previous assumptions were incorrect.  I'll be honest, it took me a little while to get used to the fact that I wasn't reading what I thought I was reading. Once I let that settle I really enjoyed the book for the beauty of what it was.

Atlantia is a community that lives under the sea.  Earth still exists above, but at one time those on earth sent loved ones below to live a better life, or so they were told.  Rio has dreamed of putting her feet on earth's soil for as long as she could remember.  Her twin sister Bay wants nothing more than to live below the sea.  When the children of Atlantia become a certain age, they are given a choice. Stay below forever, or go up above and never come back.

Rio loves her sister Bay and since their mothers death they are all each other has.  Rio has lived her life in secret, she has the voice of a siren.  Her sister has had sacrifice at times to help protect Rio's secret because siren's are not allowed to live among the rest of the community.
So, Rio makes the decision to sacrifice her desire to go above the surface and live a life below with Bay, she knows it's the least she can do for her. But a moment later after declaring she would stay below.  Bay makes an unexpected choice and leaves Rio below to go above.

Rio is devastated and confused, and can't figure out why Bay would go above to a world she never wanted.  This sets Rio out on a plan, to figure out what secrets her sister may have been keeping and what secrets her mother tried to take to her death.  At the same time figuring out her own destiny. But that destiny is going to take a dangerous turn as the truths unfold.  Rio was taught as a young child to suppress the voice she was born with.  But she soon discovers that maybe she has been silenced too long, maybe her voice is the key to the future.

I loved this story for what it was.  A beautiful love between sisters.  Even as I read this I couldn't help but think about Disney's Frozen and the sisterly love and dedication between the two sisters.
Atlantia has that same if not even more sisterly love with Rio and Bay.  I found it to be a refreshing read, something that was unexpected but at the same time beautifully written.
Although the author could have taken this book into so many different directions and turned it into a series.  She didn't, this book has a beautiful ending that reminds us of the power of love, the power of family.  I really enjoyed this one!  I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little fantasy and an ending that will leave you feeling happy!  But I won't say more than that, about it!

Travel Tuesday, Making Packing Easier

I saw this great new mini bag, that looked quite intriguing to try for packing.  So I asked to review the product.  I want to let you know although this review is entirely my opinion.  I was given the product complimentary to test out.

Usually if I am just going away for a night of two, I may not worry about packing shirts and I would probably worry less about wrinkles.  But if I am going somewhere for a bit longer, or somewhere that I may want to look better than just a t-shirt and jeans.  Then packing in a way that allows me to not have to worry about ironing or wrinkled mess is a definite plus!

Which is why this 15 inch packing organizer looked like it would come in handy.  It also came with a folding board, so you can fold your clothes into it perfectly.

This organizer states that it will: 

* Hold up to 7 shirts or pants.
* Reduce wrinkles and maximize your packing space.
* Keep everything organized and easy to see.
* Help keep your privacy during security inspections.

I knew I could fold shirts well, but I have to be honest having the folding board really did help fold them even better and more compact.  As well as allowed me to fold them to the perfect size for this bag.

If your wondering if it fit all 7 shirts, or pants?
Yes it did, in fact I actually found if I used it just for shirts it even held more.  I guess it just depends on the type of shirts/pants.  But yes, it definitely does hold exactly what it says it will, and possibly like it did for me, it may even fit more.

Did it reduce wrinkles?
Well to be honest I left them in there a few days just to see.  Other than the folding creases yes it does reduce wrinkles.  I wasn't traveling on a plane of anything, but I believe based on how compact and secure they are in the organizer, even in your suitcase you'd experience the same.

Did it compare vs. just a suitcase alone?
Normally when I pack a suitcase, I roll things up.  Which lets be honest, does create a lot of wrinkles. So having things folded like this, in this organizer did actually allow me to use the space better.

I couldn't tell you if it helps keep privacy during security inspections, because I did not take it on a plane.  But assuming you don't put anything shaped like a knife in it:) and just pack your clothing.  If your suitcase was opened for further inspection, yes I believe the items in it would be more private and not get moved around and wrinkled while they searched the bag.  But then, if they opened it for some reason, then there would be no guarantees.

Will I continue to use it?
Yes, I like it.  I don't mind having the folding creases, I would actually much prefer to have folding creases than wrinkles.
I am planning a trip soon, and I am excited to use it!

Did I find any con's?
The first time I put it in the suitcase, I didn't press down on the velcro straps enough and when I went to pull it out, all my shirts/pants started to fall out.  But I think that was user error.  The 2nd time I secured the velcro straps better and I didn't have the problem then.

Do I recommend it?
Yes, if you are not the best at packing or in need of a little organization when you do pack.  I believe this would be a product that would benefit you!  I also think anyone who would prefer to keep their clothing with just fold creases, instead of wrinkles will also enjoy this.

I received the red one, which was perfect for me because I own a red suitcase.
However, they do come in lots of different colors!
The pricing is also pretty reasonable since they only run $17.95, (per the day I ran this post.)

You can check them out HERE. 

As well as purchase them on AMAZON.

So tell me, what do you do to help keep organized when packing?  What do you do to avoid wrinkled clothes on trips?  Is this packing organizer something you'd be interested in?