The Maze Runner: book vs movie

The Maze Runner is a quickly growing franchise based on a novel by Josh Dashner. It’s one of those young-adult fiction that is located in dystopia. It became popular with the release of the movie, which features some of the best young adult actors such as Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Sangster and Will Poulter. 

But because the movie ends with a cliffhanger, I decided to read the book as well, hoping to get more information about what is going on. The writer took part in making of the movie, so I expected a bunch of similarities and very few changes, but I was surprised by the difference. 

The basic story is that Thomas, a teenager, finds himself in the centre of a giant maze without any memory whatsoever, only to be welcomed by other boys into a community that seems to be living in the maze. Soon he becomes a Runner (=a person who runs around the maze, mapping and memorising it), but that’s when trouble starts. He triggers strange events, leading to finding the solution of how to escape. When they get out, they are faced with the real world and the reason why they were put into a maze, making them question their own existence. 

So there is a question: Is it better to read a book or watch a movie?

I’m a big supporter of reading the book first, yet in this case I watched the movie before even opening a book. The movie has a lot of action in it, lots of guys trying to prove themselves, a lot of rushed decisions and it’s perfect for the big screen because of the constant tension. It has a gripping plot, just enough mystery to keep you thinking about it and a cliffhanger that makes you go insane. 

The book, on the other hand, is much more deliberate. Events that take place are there for a reason and nobody rushes into anything, because they realise their lives depend on it. Compared to a movie it is much more intelligent; from how they live in the glade to how they figure out the way out of the maze. In the book they truly are geniuses, like they are supposed to be, while in the movie they just seem like hormonal teenage boys who constantly argue. 

To sum it up, if you read the book first you will build up your expectations and be disappointed. However, if you watch the movie first, the book will fill you in on things they left out. So my advice is to do both, read the book and watch the movie, because each of them is unique and has touching moments in it that you don’t want to miss.

A day in the life: Airport madness

A while ago I visited the Netherlands. It is a beautiful country with very kind people. However, no matter how much fun I had, one thing will stay with me forever, just because it doesn’t happen that often - a blackout in Amsterdam.

It wouldn’t be such a big deal if it wasn’t for the fact we were at the airport when it happened. 

I was just in the middle of security check when all of a sudden the light went out, along with all the computers and X-ray scanners. To be honest, I am always nervous while going through security check even though I have nothing to be afraid of and the first thing that went through my mind at that exact moment was: “Was it my fault?”  

Some of the lights turned back on, I believe the airport has its own generator, but most of the airport was still in the dark. Security was all over the place, but luckily I was one of the few  people who was allowed to continue their way to the gate. Sadly all the shops were closed, meaning I had to kill time sitting around and sharing some food with a few of my friends. 

Our flight was delayed for approximately two hours. Considering we had to take a train to the airport, be there at least an hour before, and the fact our flight took about an hour and forty-five minutes, it meant I hadn’t eaten a proper meal for seven hours and only had a glass of water.  

So, here are few things I learnt during this experience:

• Take some food with you even if you think you may not need it
• Once you get past security check fill your water bottle on the toilet
• Make sure your phone is charged

Everything turned out okay in the end, and all the credit goes to the well organised staff at the airport. They did the best they could and it was a chance for us to see how much work is put into controlling an airport. On the other hand, it was scary to see how much we rely on machines nowadays. 

Internet: The dream job

As a teenager I spend most of my days online watching movies, reading, being active on social media. So it’s no wonder I stumbled across people who owe their success to community online. 

Youtubers, bloggers and writers who get published because of the audience they captured on the net, seem to have a great job. 

What’s the trick? What does it take to be one of those people?

Something that you’ll need is self-discipline. You are, after all, working by yourself so the amount of time and effort you put into it will make great difference in advance. Make sure you organise your time well, plan your posts in advance and don’t wait until last minute to come up with an idea.

People that make money online are great entertainers so don’t be afraid to be original. Creativity is important if you want people to keep coming back. No one wants to see the same thing twice. 

You need to realise internet offers a bunch of opportunities, but remember there are many people out there that are trying just as hard as you. You have to be great at self-promoting. Throw your story out there, come up with something people will remember you by, make your content so intense people will talk about it and most of all don’t be afraid to share your posts.

Even though internet looks like a place where you can make money within a small amount of time don’t be fooled. You will need to build up your platform, which can take from few months to few years, so don’t quit school / job just yet. Good luck!