Over the End Line
By Alfred C. Martino
**** stars
I just finished reading this book last night and I can say from a teen guy's perspective it is far more interesting than the way Mrs. Crawford painted it.
The emotions are a very accurate portrayal of what it is like to be a guy who works as hard as he can and doesn’t succeed. Of someone who tries very hard to be popular and again isn’t successful. If you have ever been to high school, or even junior high school than this a great way to see yourself in a novel. Every emotion felt in this book, I have felt at least once. Every thought, especially the ones that sound uncaring and thoughtless are true to the mind of a young man in school. The thoughts that Jonny is ashamed of are exactly the thoughts that I would think of and then be immediately ashamed of if I were in his shoes.
Mrs. Crawford is also not a fan of the book because it lacks a strong moral. I agree that it lacks a traditional moral that can be written out. What it leaves you with instead is a feeling of what you might do if you were in Jonny's place. You see what Jonny does and realize that without thinking ahead, you might do exactly the same things that he does. After I read the book I was laying in bed for almost an hour thinking about what went wrong for him, and what I would try, what I would feel and what I would wish I had the strength to do in that situation.The ending is also non-traditional, it is not something that plows the moral right in your face like almost every other YA book would who tried to give one. Yet again the character suffers the consequences of his actions. Yet again you wonder if you would be there with him. Or if you would have taken a different path and your life would be different than his turned out.The story in itself was good, maybe four stars. The thoughts that the book makes you have after reading are worth the couple hours you spend reading. Picture yourself in Short Hills, New Jersey and you will get as much out of this novel as you would from one three times its size.
Admittedly you also should be a guy in junior high, high school or recently out of it to get the most from it.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Book Review by Nicholas Cobb
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By: Sherman Alexie
**** stars
Disclaimer: This book is for those whose gender is male. Females may read this book if they choose, but they have been warned.
I really liked this book. It was an entertaining and eye opening book about a young boy on a reservation. The struggles and challenges that he went through were very believable and not many authors have the writing strength to properly reflect a teenage boy’s mind. Yet, Alexie has a way of portraying 14 year old Arnold Spirit’s struggle from birth into manhood in a way that’s not only funny but heart-breaking at the same time. The characters of this book not only add another layer of humor to this book but they add more dynamics and teenage problems that are generally overlooked or exaggerated: abusive or alcoholic parents, eating disorders, even social exclusion. If a young man wants to laugh, thinking, or even (God forbid) cry, then this book is for you.
By: Sherman Alexie
**** stars
Disclaimer: This book is for those whose gender is male. Females may read this book if they choose, but they have been warned.
I really liked this book. It was an entertaining and eye opening book about a young boy on a reservation. The struggles and challenges that he went through were very believable and not many authors have the writing strength to properly reflect a teenage boy’s mind. Yet, Alexie has a way of portraying 14 year old Arnold Spirit’s struggle from birth into manhood in a way that’s not only funny but heart-breaking at the same time. The characters of this book not only add another layer of humor to this book but they add more dynamics and teenage problems that are generally overlooked or exaggerated: abusive or alcoholic parents, eating disorders, even social exclusion. If a young man wants to laugh, thinking, or even (God forbid) cry, then this book is for you.
Honolulu by Alan Brennert
Lovely historical fiction... *****stars
This is my favorite kind of book to relish - the sweeping and epic historical fiction novel. The formula is the same as always: plucky, determined woman manages to overcome tremendous obstacles to find love, fortune and happiness in a particular place and time. In this case, it's Honolulu after the turn of the century, circa 1914, when Korean born "Regret" escapes her home and arrives as a "picture bride" in the new territory of Hawaii.
The characters are stereotypical in terms of historical fiction novels: the heroine, who changes her name to Jin, is hardworking and determined to defy the odds, usually has a talent or skill that she manages to parlay into a display of incredible self sufficiency that is unusual for women to accomplish in a particular place and time. The supporting cast is all there to provide interesting background to Jin's struggle: the prostitute with the heart of gold, the kindly helpful schoolteacher who teaches her to read and encourages her desire for education, the supportive female friends, the abusive husband, the tyrant father - they're all introduced and play their roles in this novel. Despite the caricatures, the novel still works and provides a surprise or two along the way. It's a beautiful glimpse into the city that was Honolulu. The reader learns about the racism that was rampant there as well as the different industry and businesses that sprang up to support the massive waves of Asian immigration.
Similar in style and plot to other novels such as The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, and his own previous Moloka'i, the author focuses on the history, society and life as it was during that time period. As usual, all's well that ends well. Meticulously researched and lovingly rendered, Honolulu is a worthwhile novel that many readers will savor and discuss.
This book is suitable for young adults as well.
Denise Crawford
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Makayla Quinn's Book Review
Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, Book 1)
by Richelle Mead
Well, first of all let me just say that I am a bit biased on the topic of vampires. Second, I have to say that Richelle Mead's young adult series, Vampire Academy, is stunning within itself. Rose, the main character, is a lot like myself (except for the half vampire part). She is a sassy teen in charge of guarding her best friend, Lissa from the undead vampires called Strigoi. After being on the run for two years from St. Vladmir's Academy, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back there to finish school. Now there are more dangers to cope with, including the mysterious powers that Lissa is forbidden to use (dun,dun,dun), and gossip, the royal blooded vampire's nasty games, and Lissa's Guardian, Dimitri Belikov, who Rose thinks is drop dead sexy.
This book was --all in all -- a fantastic read and I look forward to reading the next two books and the new fourth book that comes out in June of this year.
by Richelle Mead
Well, first of all let me just say that I am a bit biased on the topic of vampires. Second, I have to say that Richelle Mead's young adult series, Vampire Academy, is stunning within itself. Rose, the main character, is a lot like myself (except for the half vampire part). She is a sassy teen in charge of guarding her best friend, Lissa from the undead vampires called Strigoi. After being on the run for two years from St. Vladmir's Academy, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back there to finish school. Now there are more dangers to cope with, including the mysterious powers that Lissa is forbidden to use (dun,dun,dun), and gossip, the royal blooded vampire's nasty games, and Lissa's Guardian, Dimitri Belikov, who Rose thinks is drop dead sexy.
This book was --all in all -- a fantastic read and I look forward to reading the next two books and the new fourth book that comes out in June of this year.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
The Missing Girl
By Norma Fox Mazer
3.5 stars
The Missing Girl is written in an interesting way. In the book, there are five sisters: Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy, and Autumn. The chapters go from one sister’s viewpoint to the next. Beauty, 17, is the oldest, and the one that seeks adventure; Mim, 16, is the quiet, optimistic and gentle one; Stevie 14, is the one who is not afraid of anyone; Fancy, 11, can’t stop talking; and Autumn, 10, the youngest and the adorable one They face so much dysfunction; their mother is immature, and relies on the older girls to parent the younger ones. Their father was injured severely in a work-related accident, and he’s not mentioned much. The family constantly has money issues.
As a reader, we know about the man who preys on these girls from the start, he watches them going to school every day. For the most part, he seems harmless, just watching them, thinking about what they’re saying, seeing them argue and laugh. The character of the man is perfect; he fits the criteria of a stalker. His obsession grows more and more intense as the story is laid out.
The big problem I have with this book is that I wish the title was different. This book is more about these girls and their family life than the fact that one of them goes missing. It seems like a spoiler to give the reader the idea that one will be abducted.
By Norma Fox Mazer
3.5 stars
The Missing Girl is written in an interesting way. In the book, there are five sisters: Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy, and Autumn. The chapters go from one sister’s viewpoint to the next. Beauty, 17, is the oldest, and the one that seeks adventure; Mim, 16, is the quiet, optimistic and gentle one; Stevie 14, is the one who is not afraid of anyone; Fancy, 11, can’t stop talking; and Autumn, 10, the youngest and the adorable one They face so much dysfunction; their mother is immature, and relies on the older girls to parent the younger ones. Their father was injured severely in a work-related accident, and he’s not mentioned much. The family constantly has money issues.
As a reader, we know about the man who preys on these girls from the start, he watches them going to school every day. For the most part, he seems harmless, just watching them, thinking about what they’re saying, seeing them argue and laugh. The character of the man is perfect; he fits the criteria of a stalker. His obsession grows more and more intense as the story is laid out.
The big problem I have with this book is that I wish the title was different. This book is more about these girls and their family life than the fact that one of them goes missing. It seems like a spoiler to give the reader the idea that one will be abducted.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
Chloe Doe
By Suzanne Phillips
3 stars
Chloe Doe is a book about a girl with a troubled life. She is in a psychiatric hospital for prostitution. She is seventeen years old. Chloe starts out rebellious, she doesn't like being at the Madeline Parker Institute. The chapters also go from her home life (years before) to her life at the Institute. In the book, Chloe does speak some Spanish. The Spanish seems unnecessary. The book is well-written; I felt as if I was looking over this girl's life, as if she was close to me. However, some elements of this book are unbelievable, and it keeps getting more and more depressing. In most stories of a life struggle, the character finds something inside of them, something that tells them how they can change. I never saw this in Chloe Doe.
By Suzanne Phillips
3 stars
Chloe Doe is a book about a girl with a troubled life. She is in a psychiatric hospital for prostitution. She is seventeen years old. Chloe starts out rebellious, she doesn't like being at the Madeline Parker Institute. The chapters also go from her home life (years before) to her life at the Institute. In the book, Chloe does speak some Spanish. The Spanish seems unnecessary. The book is well-written; I felt as if I was looking over this girl's life, as if she was close to me. However, some elements of this book are unbelievable, and it keeps getting more and more depressing. In most stories of a life struggle, the character finds something inside of them, something that tells them how they can change. I never saw this in Chloe Doe.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Over the End Line by Alfred C. Martino
I. Did. Not. Like. This. Book.
** stars
That's right -- I didn't like this book. Reviewing it for amazon was hard because to explain my rating I'd have to describe the ending and my reaction to it. In truth, I can't recommend that teens read it except for perhaps shock value -- and still not sure what the moral of the story is supposed to be. Wrongs do not make a right in this case, no matter what the motive. There is no justification for what happened, no matter any twisted logic.
Until the end, the book was OK. Way too much description of soccer -- soccer stars, games, moves, play by play. I suppose if you like that sort of thing in your novels -- say you're a boy on a soccer team -- then you might enjoy the details. The characters were not fleshed out and seemed to be present just to represent the typical picture of jocks and the popular high school kids -- in the woods, partying, drinking and getting high. You know, the ones no one actually likes but the ones that everyone wants to be with in high school, the "in" crowd.
The story moved very slowly building to a climax that ends up being almost unbelievable. This was not a story about friendship, it was a story about misguided revenge and some young psychopaths. I can't begin to say how disappointing and frustrated I was by what the author chose to do with these characters.
I personally was left with a very bad feeling after reading this book and I would not purchase it for our school library. I like the YA literature that I read to have a purpose, and although the author belatedly tries to justify the novel, I didn't buy into it. So much more could have been done to explain what friendship is, and how it reacts in the face of events that occurred in the book. It could have been an opportunity to show teens how do deal with friends who exhibit bad behavior, but it missed its chance and thus -- the mark.
I need someone else to read this and check their reaction. Any takers?
P.S. Chance, we were both wrong about the shocking ending.
Grade: Fail
Denise Crawford
** stars
That's right -- I didn't like this book. Reviewing it for amazon was hard because to explain my rating I'd have to describe the ending and my reaction to it. In truth, I can't recommend that teens read it except for perhaps shock value -- and still not sure what the moral of the story is supposed to be. Wrongs do not make a right in this case, no matter what the motive. There is no justification for what happened, no matter any twisted logic.
Until the end, the book was OK. Way too much description of soccer -- soccer stars, games, moves, play by play. I suppose if you like that sort of thing in your novels -- say you're a boy on a soccer team -- then you might enjoy the details. The characters were not fleshed out and seemed to be present just to represent the typical picture of jocks and the popular high school kids -- in the woods, partying, drinking and getting high. You know, the ones no one actually likes but the ones that everyone wants to be with in high school, the "in" crowd.
The story moved very slowly building to a climax that ends up being almost unbelievable. This was not a story about friendship, it was a story about misguided revenge and some young psychopaths. I can't begin to say how disappointing and frustrated I was by what the author chose to do with these characters.
I personally was left with a very bad feeling after reading this book and I would not purchase it for our school library. I like the YA literature that I read to have a purpose, and although the author belatedly tries to justify the novel, I didn't buy into it. So much more could have been done to explain what friendship is, and how it reacts in the face of events that occurred in the book. It could have been an opportunity to show teens how do deal with friends who exhibit bad behavior, but it missed its chance and thus -- the mark.
I need someone else to read this and check their reaction. Any takers?
P.S. Chance, we were both wrong about the shocking ending.
Grade: Fail
Denise Crawford
Chance Norton's Book Review
Twilight
by Stephine Meyer
3 of 5 stars
This book was most definitely written for girls and not most guys. Twilight has potential to be a very good thriller, or horror, or even action book but that was simply not the intention of the author. It has several instances during the novel when you can tell that the book was written by a woman and not a man such as fight scenes and any other action sequence. There is just no action in it. Sure there technically is, but had this book been written by a male author then it would have had a description of the fights or one of the many times Edward saves Bella from being… for lack of a better word, dumb.
However even I can see that if the book had been written this way it would have lost almost all of its appeal for the teenage girls who love it so much. There seems to be a lot of the thought process that girls go though in this book and most girls would not appreciate a detailed description of a fight between two crazed vampires. They might enjoy a description of Edward being manly but just a description of a fight… not so much.
Overall this is an okay book if you can forget the fact that the main character, Bella Swan, will just annoy and irritate you for the entire novel. If you can ignore her for the most part and focus on that it is a book about vampires fighting each other than you can get through it. But, I am a guy so I will obviosly be disagreed with by almost every single girl that ever lived.
by Stephine Meyer
3 of 5 stars
This book was most definitely written for girls and not most guys. Twilight has potential to be a very good thriller, or horror, or even action book but that was simply not the intention of the author. It has several instances during the novel when you can tell that the book was written by a woman and not a man such as fight scenes and any other action sequence. There is just no action in it. Sure there technically is, but had this book been written by a male author then it would have had a description of the fights or one of the many times Edward saves Bella from being… for lack of a better word, dumb.
However even I can see that if the book had been written this way it would have lost almost all of its appeal for the teenage girls who love it so much. There seems to be a lot of the thought process that girls go though in this book and most girls would not appreciate a detailed description of a fight between two crazed vampires. They might enjoy a description of Edward being manly but just a description of a fight… not so much.
Overall this is an okay book if you can forget the fact that the main character, Bella Swan, will just annoy and irritate you for the entire novel. If you can ignore her for the most part and focus on that it is a book about vampires fighting each other than you can get through it. But, I am a guy so I will obviosly be disagreed with by almost every single girl that ever lived.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
There's something new in the library...
We now have a new section in the library – 'high interest nonfiction' books. These include 25 titles ranging from nutrition to discussion of topics such as suicide and tattoos. There are also titles on natural disasters, sports legends, violence in society and the rise of the Nazis. Stop by and check one out!
In addition -- look at the classics display! Most of these are on the college reading lists and you might find them quite interesting.
Lastly -- a new section that contains adult books with high appeal to teenagers. They're marketed as "crossover" books. Perhaps one of those titles might be just the thing for reading on these cold winter nights.
And as always, we have most of the great new young adult fiction titles! Let me know if there are books you'd like for us to consider purchasing for the library collection.
Stop in before or after school, during advisory, or during a free period.
In addition -- look at the classics display! Most of these are on the college reading lists and you might find them quite interesting.
Lastly -- a new section that contains adult books with high appeal to teenagers. They're marketed as "crossover" books. Perhaps one of those titles might be just the thing for reading on these cold winter nights.
And as always, we have most of the great new young adult fiction titles! Let me know if there are books you'd like for us to consider purchasing for the library collection.
Stop in before or after school, during advisory, or during a free period.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Meaghan Kimbrell's Book Review
Masquerade
by Melissa de la Cruz
**** stars
Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz is an excellent sequel to her novel Blue Blood. I highly recommend this book and also this series. This novel will grab your attention from the beginning and keep hold of it until the very end.
Schuyler Van Alen has just recently found out that she and many others at her school come from a long line of blue bloods -- in other words -- vampires. Schuyler and her best friend, Oliver must travel to Venice to find her grandfather whom she didn't know she had anymore. They must try and convince him to return to New York with them and convince the leaders of the blue bloods, also known as the committee, that the blue blood's enemy. the silver bloods. have returned and are killing the young blue bloods.
At the same time, Schuyler is struggling with her relationship with Oliver and she must figure out her relationship with the most popular guy in school, Jack Force.
I give this novel four stars as it was very interesting and held my attention. There was not a second that went by I did not enjoy this book.
by Melissa de la Cruz
**** stars
Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz is an excellent sequel to her novel Blue Blood. I highly recommend this book and also this series. This novel will grab your attention from the beginning and keep hold of it until the very end.
Schuyler Van Alen has just recently found out that she and many others at her school come from a long line of blue bloods -- in other words -- vampires. Schuyler and her best friend, Oliver must travel to Venice to find her grandfather whom she didn't know she had anymore. They must try and convince him to return to New York with them and convince the leaders of the blue bloods, also known as the committee, that the blue blood's enemy. the silver bloods. have returned and are killing the young blue bloods.
At the same time, Schuyler is struggling with her relationship with Oliver and she must figure out her relationship with the most popular guy in school, Jack Force.
I give this novel four stars as it was very interesting and held my attention. There was not a second that went by I did not enjoy this book.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Book Review by Halea Coulter
Living Dead Girl
by Elizabeth Scott
**** 1/2 stars
I thought Living Dead Girl was absolutely amazing; it may be short but it’s excellent. It’s a very fast paced, quick read, not very many descriptions but with the setting being in a small town just off the highway you don’t need many.
A small apartment complex is where most of the book takes place, and a nearby park, with Alice, our leading lady who was forced to grow up too quickly. This book says it is for ages 16 and up but the age for reading should probably be high, it’s a very sexually mature book. A little girl that was ten years old was kidnapped and five years later she has become Alice, sex slave to Ray or as he likes to call her, “his little girl.” The problem is that she is getting old and starting to seem more womanly, and her only chance to ever be free of Ray is to find him a new little girl, a new Alice. I won’t reveal what happens because it is a shock, but it’s something you really don’t see coming. The book is written in completely present times and we only find out what’s going on in the past by Alice looking back at certain events. You’re so focused on what’s going on currently in the book that you can’t believe is has ended, it almost makes you sad that it’s over.
Elizabeth Scott is a great writer and if you like any of her other novels this is one you will love, but it should really only be read by more mature people.
(note: also wrote the book Bloom -- available in OHS library)
by Elizabeth Scott
**** 1/2 stars
I thought Living Dead Girl was absolutely amazing; it may be short but it’s excellent. It’s a very fast paced, quick read, not very many descriptions but with the setting being in a small town just off the highway you don’t need many.
A small apartment complex is where most of the book takes place, and a nearby park, with Alice, our leading lady who was forced to grow up too quickly. This book says it is for ages 16 and up but the age for reading should probably be high, it’s a very sexually mature book. A little girl that was ten years old was kidnapped and five years later she has become Alice, sex slave to Ray or as he likes to call her, “his little girl.” The problem is that she is getting old and starting to seem more womanly, and her only chance to ever be free of Ray is to find him a new little girl, a new Alice. I won’t reveal what happens because it is a shock, but it’s something you really don’t see coming. The book is written in completely present times and we only find out what’s going on in the past by Alice looking back at certain events. You’re so focused on what’s going on currently in the book that you can’t believe is has ended, it almost makes you sad that it’s over.
Elizabeth Scott is a great writer and if you like any of her other novels this is one you will love, but it should really only be read by more mature people.
(note: also wrote the book Bloom -- available in OHS library)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
Thirteen Reasons Why
By Jay Asher
****
Thirteen Reasons Why is a novel about a teen girl's suicide. Before Hannah killed herself she recorded seven audio cassette tapes of her talking about the reasons why she will kill herself. These thirteen reasons are people. People she felt were not necessarily to blame, but to know how she felt about them. Hannah sets up a system of having those tapes delivered to each of the 13 people. The character that happens to be listening to these reasons during the book is a boy named Clay.
This book is very suspenseful. As the reader, we keep asking questions: how is Clay involved? Was Hannah's life that bad that she needed to die? What is wrong with her? I could not stand to put the book down. I read it straight through.
Reading the cover, it looks as if a suicidal girl just wants to blame everyone else for her suicide; this is not the case. She wants the people to know what could have gone right, and how they needed to change. So much happened to this poor girl, yet no one seemed to care. When one did care, Hannah pushed them away.
I gave this book four stars because this book is powerful. It gives us insight on what a suicidal person must be thinking. The book does seem to be a bit slow to read, seeing as though the text is made up of Clay's thoughts and Hannah's recorded words. I would encourage anyone to read this book. This might make you realize that Hannah is closer to you than you think.
By Jay Asher
****
Thirteen Reasons Why is a novel about a teen girl's suicide. Before Hannah killed herself she recorded seven audio cassette tapes of her talking about the reasons why she will kill herself. These thirteen reasons are people. People she felt were not necessarily to blame, but to know how she felt about them. Hannah sets up a system of having those tapes delivered to each of the 13 people. The character that happens to be listening to these reasons during the book is a boy named Clay.
This book is very suspenseful. As the reader, we keep asking questions: how is Clay involved? Was Hannah's life that bad that she needed to die? What is wrong with her? I could not stand to put the book down. I read it straight through.
Reading the cover, it looks as if a suicidal girl just wants to blame everyone else for her suicide; this is not the case. She wants the people to know what could have gone right, and how they needed to change. So much happened to this poor girl, yet no one seemed to care. When one did care, Hannah pushed them away.
I gave this book four stars because this book is powerful. It gives us insight on what a suicidal person must be thinking. The book does seem to be a bit slow to read, seeing as though the text is made up of Clay's thoughts and Hannah's recorded words. I would encourage anyone to read this book. This might make you realize that Hannah is closer to you than you think.
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
The Burn Journals
By Brent Runyon
4 1/2 stars
This was a wonderful book. This is a true story about a boy's suicide attempt. The main character, Brent, is a fourteen year-old boy who wants to make everyone laugh. It seems as if his whole life revolved around making others laugh. One day in the boy's locker room, Brent's friend gave him a book of matches. To be funny, Brent set the whole book on fire. He then threw the flaming book into a locker, and put the lock on the locker. The school would surely expel the one responsible for this. Brent realized he had to solve this and he decided to finally kill himself after a long struggle with his suicidal mind.
Brent always was intrigued by fire. He loved the look of a flaming match. He had tried to kill himself numerous times, but no one knew about them. One day, Brent took his bathrobe, doused it in gasoline, and put it on. He then took a lit match, drew it closer, and lit the robe on fire. Brent suffered third-degree burns on over 85% of his body.
This book is unfortunately true. Brent decided to write a book which lets us take a deeper look into the suicidal mind. A mind that few are ever let into. This book tells us that suicide is never the answer. Brent spent nine months in a hospital. He realized that no matter what he did, nothing should have caused him want to die. Brent realized how much he had. Hopefully, by reading this book, we could be more understanding of the depressed person. Brent did tell classmates, but he was never taken seriously.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars. The author's true story never gets boring, and while reading this, you can't help but feel sorry for Brent and his family.
By Brent Runyon
4 1/2 stars
This was a wonderful book. This is a true story about a boy's suicide attempt. The main character, Brent, is a fourteen year-old boy who wants to make everyone laugh. It seems as if his whole life revolved around making others laugh. One day in the boy's locker room, Brent's friend gave him a book of matches. To be funny, Brent set the whole book on fire. He then threw the flaming book into a locker, and put the lock on the locker. The school would surely expel the one responsible for this. Brent realized he had to solve this and he decided to finally kill himself after a long struggle with his suicidal mind.
Brent always was intrigued by fire. He loved the look of a flaming match. He had tried to kill himself numerous times, but no one knew about them. One day, Brent took his bathrobe, doused it in gasoline, and put it on. He then took a lit match, drew it closer, and lit the robe on fire. Brent suffered third-degree burns on over 85% of his body.
This book is unfortunately true. Brent decided to write a book which lets us take a deeper look into the suicidal mind. A mind that few are ever let into. This book tells us that suicide is never the answer. Brent spent nine months in a hospital. He realized that no matter what he did, nothing should have caused him want to die. Brent realized how much he had. Hopefully, by reading this book, we could be more understanding of the depressed person. Brent did tell classmates, but he was never taken seriously.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars. The author's true story never gets boring, and while reading this, you can't help but feel sorry for Brent and his family.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Book review by Chance Norton
Mortal Engines By Philip Reeve
3 ½ of 5 Stars
This book is an interesting version of what the future might include for the cities of the world several thousand years from now. Cities that are on wheels and eat each other which can be good and can also be very bad. For one, in this futuristic world there are no real wars because no city can trust the other not to turn on it so “wars” are limited to games of cat and mouse between stronger and weaker cities. This is also very bad because there is no way for the smaller towns and villages to survive. The book mentions Darwinism as the main reason for the way the world is at this time, except that Darwinism was for species, not entire cities.
This book was well written with interesting plotlines and an even more interesting setting, and so while I did not enjoy it enough to read the rest of the series, I did enjoy it enough to think about the idea even after the book was done with.
3 ½ of 5 Stars
This book is an interesting version of what the future might include for the cities of the world several thousand years from now. Cities that are on wheels and eat each other which can be good and can also be very bad. For one, in this futuristic world there are no real wars because no city can trust the other not to turn on it so “wars” are limited to games of cat and mouse between stronger and weaker cities. This is also very bad because there is no way for the smaller towns and villages to survive. The book mentions Darwinism as the main reason for the way the world is at this time, except that Darwinism was for species, not entire cities.
This book was well written with interesting plotlines and an even more interesting setting, and so while I did not enjoy it enough to read the rest of the series, I did enjoy it enough to think about the idea even after the book was done with.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Map of the Known World by Lisa Sandell
Poignant and heartbreakingly sweet..... Cora's brother Nate was a rebel -- always in trouble at school, arguing against expectations and resentful of his parents and the limits that life placed on him. After he dies in The Accident, his family disintegrates -- dad heads to the study with his gin and tonic and mom to the sewing room -- both shutting themselves away from facing further pain and unable to love and continue to raise their daughter Cora. Both are so paralyzed with grief that they do not notice as Cora begins to develop a life for herself - resentful of the rules and bonds they have insisted upon in an attempt to keep her safe -- all the while ignoring her emotional needs as they are locked in their memories and sunk deep into the quicksand of emotional pain.
Cora discovers her talents as an artist and finds that her wild and crazy brother hid a secret from them all -- he too was artistically gifted and had hidden that from everyone except for his best friend Damian.
Cora and Damian begin a fragile relationship -- a bit odd considering that she's a freshman and he's a senior in high school (the only piece that seems out of place - the author should have made Cora older to make some of the plot more believable) -- but they do have Nate and art in common and both are emotionally fragile and in need of support and motivation.
All in all a very sweet story about the redemptive power of love. A reminder that life goes on despite horrific tragedy. An achingly beautiful and hopeful story that gives credence to the hope we all have to find the meaning of life -- our purpose in it, and our way through it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)