South Kaibab all the way down and Bright Angel all the way up. The 18-mile trek has been regarded as one of the hardest hikes in Arizona. Hiking the trails in one day is even harder. On Saturday, May 10, 2024, my dad and I did exactly that. Beginning at 6:30 in the morning, taking a break at 10:00, and hiking out at 6:00 p.m., I set a new record for myself. This was my first time setting foot in the Grand Canyon and it was something to remember. My day began at our campsite with my dad’s alarm waking us up at 4:00 a.m. Our highly nutritional breakfast consisted of Pop-Tarts, bananas, and Slimjims. In the morning, it was about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. As the shuttle stopped at the trailhead, I was so nervous because I had no idea what the trail was like. The good thing is, South Kaibab is a very well-taken-care-of trail. There are no large rocks and it is very hard to lose your footing. Besides the large groups of people, the trail was beautiful and the walk into the canyon is indescribable. I loved hiking this trail because of how easy the downhill was. About halfway down there is a rest area with bathrooms and a beautiful view into the canyon. We got to the bottom at about 10:00. From the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch is a mile walk. There are small campgrounds that you can stay at for the night if you need to. Phantom Ranch is a cute little ranch that has a diner in the middle of it. Unfortunately, you do have to reserve your place before you get to the ranch. Still, there is a little side door that sells food, gear, and refreshing drinks. Phantom Ranch was such a cute rest place. We started our hike up at about 11:00. Before the Bright Angel Trail, there is a 2-mile period where you hike next to the Colorado River. This is a grueling and annoying part of the hike due to the sand and the ups and downs. Eventually, you take a hard left and begin the elevation gain. The Bright Angel trail is said to be a little over 9 miles. This trail mostly consists of switchbacks in the bright sun. Eventually, about halfway, you get to Havasupai Gardens. This is a beautiful rest area with bathrooms and pretty views. My dad and I stayed here for about 30 minutes to refuel with snacks and water. Our final hike up was upon us. At about 3:30, we started the last part of our hike. It was a steep incline with switchbacks that caused an insane amount of blisters. This was by far the hardest part of the hike. My legs were soar and due to the elevation gain it was har to breath. Taking frequent breaks for water is incredibly important on the hike. Eventually, we made it out. Although this hike was gruesome, hard, and insanely tricky, it was so rewarding. I had a great time hiking with my dad and I oved all the beautiful scenery. Afterwards, we met my mom and sister at a hotel and quickly ate burgers and shakes. Overall, I loved hiking these trails. 11.5 hours is crazy long but 18 miles is a great accomplishment.

Now, before you start judging me, I’m aware that I’m a tad bit late to the whole Colleen Hoover craze. However, with the It Ends With Us movie adaptation starring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom coming to theaters this year on August 9th, Colleen Hoover’s name has arisen again. Colleen Hoover’s novels It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us were really popular last year, and they spread Hoover’s name. However, I heard mixed opinions about Colleen Hoover during this time. There were those who were infatuated with her books, and then there were those who were repulsed by them. For a while, I strayed away from reading her writing, but then one day, wandering through Barnes and Noble, I decided to buy Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, and I have since read: It Ends With Us, It Starts With Us, Verity, November 9, Maybe Someday, and - my favorite - Heart Bones. I have formed my own opinion of Colleen Hoover’s writing, and it is not infatuation or repulsion, but something else entirely… I’ll admit that I agree with the general sentiment that she writes one too many unnecessary sex scenes in her stories, but at the end of the day, that’s her choice as a writer, and I’ll happily skip past the pages because… I. Love. Her. Storylines. Every story I’ve read by Colleen Hoover has a unique plot unlike none other. I am a major romance reader, and a lot of times I read stories with similar tropes, but when it comes to Colleen Hoover, I have yet to read a book of hers and think, “Oh this is like [insert name of a book I previously read.” How an author can publish over twenty books and not one of them has a plot resembling another (based on the ones I’ve read) is incomprehensible to me. I have major respect and genuine appreciation for Colleen Hoover and her ability to create unique storylines. My favorite of her writings (so far) is Heart Bones. Now, I don’t want to spoil it completely because I highly recommend it to anyone interested in a meaningful, genuine young adult romance novel. First off, this novel is a young adult novel despite that label often being incorrect. There is one sex scene throughout the entire book, it doesn’t go into explicit detail, and it actually pertains to the plot! Surprising when it comes to Colleen Hoover. And, not only the (lovely) lack of unwanted sex scenes, but the story itself is amazing. Once again, it’s nothing like I’ve ever read before; it holds a deep meaning and conveys a worthwhile message. Plus - one of my favorite things about all her stories that I’ve read - I love the way she incorporates the title into the story. So, once you’ve finished reading this article (because trust me I’ve got more to say) go give Heart Bones a read. I promise you won’t regret it. Now, I’m sure we’ve all been waiting for this (or maybe just me cause I’m excited to share it), but what is my opinion of It Ends With Us? When It Ends With Us was extremely popular, many critics believed it to be overhyped. Even I, as much as I hate to admit it, believed it was way too popular. Poor little ignorant me believed it was just another overly sexual romance novel, but oh my goodness, I was so wrong. It Ends With Us is such a powerful novel that shares such an important message about domestic abuse. Before I continue I want to say SPOILER WARNING! If you don’t want the plot of It Ends With Us spoiled in any way shape or form, stop reading this article and go get your hands on Heart Bones instead (and then It Ends With Us next). It Ends With Us tells the story of Lily Bloom. She grew up watching her father abuse her mother, and she never understood why her mother didn’t leave. Then, Lily falls in love with Ryle Kincaid and as their relationship progresses, she learns that he has abusive tendencies. Lily battles with accepting that Ryle is abusive and she struggles even more to remove herself from the relationship. However, Lily does leave in the end because she wants better for her own daughter. “It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.”1 The most powerful quote in the book, which is also the title, makes the phrase so much more impactful. It Ends With Us is a heartbreaking story that depicts how difficult it is to leave an abusive relationship, and it gives readers a chance to understand why victims of domestic abuse can’t “just leave.” And, it’s even more heartbreaking - while at the same time heartwarming - when you read the author’s note at the end of the book and learn that Colleen Hoover was inspired by her mother’s own struggles with domestic violence. Overall, Colleen Hoover may write more than the recommended amount of sex scenes in her novels, but that does not take away from the fact her novels are amazing. She not only tells meaningful romance stories, but she conveys deep, thoughtful, and important messages with every one of her stories.