Meyer, Stephenie. Breaking Dawn. Little Brown and Company: New York, New York, 2008
Heart
Borders Books, $22.99
754 Pages
Fantasy, Life and Moral Issues, Teen
For anyone that hasn't been to a store lately, the Twilight saga is the newest thing that is sweeping the world. Breaking Dawn is the fourth and last book in the saga written by Stephenie Meyer. The book picks up where Eclipse left off, where the two main characters, Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, become engaged. This is a canon of life, but not when one of the couple is a vampire. Edward has been a vampire for nearly a century and has found his true love in Bella. She wishes to become a vampire so she can be frozen at her current age and they can live together for eternity, but Edward refuses to change her until they are officially married. They tie the knot and go on their honeymoon, and within two weeks, Bella looks like she is two months pregnant when there should be no physical proof of the fetus. They are both dumbfounded because a human has never become pregnant with a vampire's child in history and lived. They return home to the rest of Edward's vampire family to try and figure out what to do. Bella wants to keep the aberration, which brings several hardships to the family as a whole. The rest of Breaking Dawn shows their struggles and the many ups and downs of their lives which I will leave for you to discover as you read the book.
I decided to read Breaking Dawn after reading CVerel's blog about the book. Although the length is overwhelming, it is a great book that is a constant page turner. Expecially after reading the first three books of the saga, it is almost impossible to rescind the book until you know the ending. I wish that Stephenie Meyer would keep writing more just to continue the story because I never want it to end. Her writing is filled with all of the emotion and detail that makes the story so great. Her whole writing style and way she present the book attracts me to the story, there is no specific quality. If it was written by anyone else, there is no way it would be as entrancing. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, although I think that young adult women would enjoy it the most. However, men could definaltly take some notes from Edward.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Hopkins, Ellen. Crank
Simon Pulsh Books: New York, New York
2004
Heart
Amazon.com $9.99
Semi-Biography
Ellen Hopkin’s graphic tale, Crank, is based on the actual accounts of her daughter’s life. In the story, the main character Kristina Snow endures lots of peer pressure from her newfound friends. On a trip to visit her father who had left Kristina and her mother, she meets a boy and he talks her into doing crystal meth, also known as Crank. Crank begins to take control of her life and even causes Kristina to create a new identity that she calls Bree. Instead of being the Kristina George Snow that was an outstanding citizen, she becomes the new sexy, sleazy, meth addict Bree. Bree begins to do whatever it takes to satisfy her cravings for the drug. After becoming highly addicted, she began to drop off socially and academically. She reaches her lowest point after she is raped and becomes pregnant at the hands of one of her drug dealers. Even after she becomes pregnant, it doesn’t completely stop her from doing crank. The terrifying tale of a teenager that takes the wrong path is sure to be a wakeup call for any teenage reader.
Crank reveals to readers the scary truths behind drug addictions and the dangers of living with a wild lifestyle. From reading this story it teaches the reader much more valuable lessons than any cautious parent could preach. Hopkins uses vivid imagery to make it feel like the events are taking place to the reader themselves. This delivers the message in a very stern and effective way. Hopkins also uses a very interesting form of characterization through Kristina and Bree. These two characters may be the same person, but in fact they are literary foils. Kristina represents the ideal teenage girl, while Bree represents a parent’s worst nightmare for a child. By using imagery and literary foils, Ellen Hopkins reveals that drug addiction leads to difficulties in all aspects of life.
Simon Pulsh Books: New York, New York
2004
Heart
Amazon.com $9.99
Semi-Biography
Ellen Hopkin’s graphic tale, Crank, is based on the actual accounts of her daughter’s life. In the story, the main character Kristina Snow endures lots of peer pressure from her newfound friends. On a trip to visit her father who had left Kristina and her mother, she meets a boy and he talks her into doing crystal meth, also known as Crank. Crank begins to take control of her life and even causes Kristina to create a new identity that she calls Bree. Instead of being the Kristina George Snow that was an outstanding citizen, she becomes the new sexy, sleazy, meth addict Bree. Bree begins to do whatever it takes to satisfy her cravings for the drug. After becoming highly addicted, she began to drop off socially and academically. She reaches her lowest point after she is raped and becomes pregnant at the hands of one of her drug dealers. Even after she becomes pregnant, it doesn’t completely stop her from doing crank. The terrifying tale of a teenager that takes the wrong path is sure to be a wakeup call for any teenage reader.
Crank reveals to readers the scary truths behind drug addictions and the dangers of living with a wild lifestyle. From reading this story it teaches the reader much more valuable lessons than any cautious parent could preach. Hopkins uses vivid imagery to make it feel like the events are taking place to the reader themselves. This delivers the message in a very stern and effective way. Hopkins also uses a very interesting form of characterization through Kristina and Bree. These two characters may be the same person, but in fact they are literary foils. Kristina represents the ideal teenage girl, while Bree represents a parent’s worst nightmare for a child. By using imagery and literary foils, Ellen Hopkins reveals that drug addiction leads to difficulties in all aspects of life.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Twisted
Book: Twisted
Fiction
Viking Juvenile
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
250 Pages
$9.99 Borders.
Heart.
(Recommended from A. Cottle)
The book Twisted is shown in the perspective of a senior in high school named Tyler Miller.
I enjoyed this book because I think the author did a really good job showing the high school experience. She doesn’t sugarcoat it like other authors do, and I think that most of my peers would enjoy reading something that they can relate to. This book also shows the problems
There were times when I the book wasn’t as interesting as other parts in the story, but I still believe that others should read this book despite some of the lacking parts, and overall I enjoyed this book.
Jacob's Ladder
By:Brendan Connolly
Keaney, Brian. Jacob’s Ladder. Candlewick Press: Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2005.
Heart
Borders Books, $15.99
Young Adult Fiction
Keaney, Brian. Jacob’s Ladder. Candlewick Press: Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2005.
Heart
Borders Books, $15.99
Young Adult Fiction
The book, Jacob's Ladder, begins with a teenage boy waking up in a huge field. The boy has no recollection of how he got there or his life before he woke up, all he remembers is that his name is Jacob. As he walks, he soon finds out that he is in a town called Locus. As he talks with the other people there, he realizes that everyone else has the same problem as him and can't remember their past. After exploring the town and questioning why he was there, he finally realized that this society was the after-life. Determined to find his family and who he really is, Jacob sets off on a journey with two friends to try to find the Palace of Remembrance. Along this journey, Jacob and his friends face many obstacles and difficulties that make them question whether or not they should keep looking for the palace. The journey shows them more about their lives and the lessons they must learn. Once they get to the Palace of Remembrance, they find out that there is a catch before they can go back to their lives. Will they be able to obey this task that they are given and go back to their lives?
I really enjoyed the book Jacob's Ladder. Brian Keany gives the reader a very interesting look about what he believes life is like after death. The book takes you away from reality and brings you into a world of surrealism and symbolism, which makes you want to read more and more. The way Keaney uses conflict and other literary features throughout the story keeps the reader drawn to plot of the book. The symbolism throughout the whole story will make you think about your own life and make you question your beliefs. It makes you wonder if you're living life how you should be and if you are living life to the fullest. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something that is different and unusual compared to other books. This story makes you think if there is an after life or something after death. So if you want to take a step out of reality into an interesting view about life, this book will be perfect for you.
Disclosure
By: Michael Crichton
Ballantine Book, New York, 1994
$6.29 at Giant Eagle or Free at the Twinsburg Library
Disclosure is based around Tom Sanders, a computer engineer, at DigiCom. It's a multinational software design company based in Seattle. Tom has been with DigiCom for over ten years, and is expecting a long awaited promotion the head of the division of Advanced Products. But as he later finds out, one of his odl girlfriends, Meredith Johnson, has gotten the job over him. The only reason he didn't get it was because the company was under pressure for diversity. But he thinks he'll just suck it up, and work for the sake of the company. When she has a "Personal" meeting with him, she wants to get together like they before, and he rejects her. He then files a sexual harassment charge, but she has countered, and everyone belives her. He now has to fear for his job, and now his entire life is coming to an end, unless he can prove that he is innocent, and he has less than a week.
I give this a heart for it's fast paced plot. The 494 page book flies when you get into it. It's real fast read. I recomend this book to anyone who likes fast paced, intense books with a little riske activity.
I read this from Adam Kozelka's blog.
By: Michael Crichton
Ballantine Book, New York, 1994
$6.29 at Giant Eagle or Free at the Twinsburg Library
Disclosure is based around Tom Sanders, a computer engineer, at DigiCom. It's a multinational software design company based in Seattle. Tom has been with DigiCom for over ten years, and is expecting a long awaited promotion the head of the division of Advanced Products. But as he later finds out, one of his odl girlfriends, Meredith Johnson, has gotten the job over him. The only reason he didn't get it was because the company was under pressure for diversity. But he thinks he'll just suck it up, and work for the sake of the company. When she has a "Personal" meeting with him, she wants to get together like they before, and he rejects her. He then files a sexual harassment charge, but she has countered, and everyone belives her. He now has to fear for his job, and now his entire life is coming to an end, unless he can prove that he is innocent, and he has less than a week.
I give this a heart for it's fast paced plot. The 494 page book flies when you get into it. It's real fast read. I recomend this book to anyone who likes fast paced, intense books with a little riske activity.
I read this from Adam Kozelka's blog.
The Biitch Posse
O‘Connor, Martha. The Bitch Posse. St. Martin‘s Press: New York, 2005.
Heart
335 pages
Borders Books, $13.95
Teen Angst
Previous Blog: k morgano
I initially read the book blog for The Bitch Posse by Martha O’Connor, from k morgano, but also noticed that several other people had also read this book. Martha O’Connor ensured that choosing to read this book was the right one. She laid out a twisted tale of a bizarre friendship between three girls. Each girl different but very similar to one another. You are hooked throughout the entire book because of their extreme actions and outspoken personality’s. You are never what is about to happen with these three girls until the last page. I was shocked after turning the last page.
I would highly recommend this book to any teenage girl, other the then the obvious dealings and the easily relatable topics, this book was a quick read. O’Connor helps the pages turn by switching between present time with the girls in their thirties reflecting on their mistakes, and with the girls as seniors in high school making those horrible mistakes. She shows each characters growth and reflection on each of their lives.
Heart
335 pages
Borders Books, $13.95
Teen Angst
Previous Blog: k morgano
I initially read the book blog for The Bitch Posse by Martha O’Connor, from k morgano, but also noticed that several other people had also read this book. Martha O’Connor ensured that choosing to read this book was the right one. She laid out a twisted tale of a bizarre friendship between three girls. Each girl different but very similar to one another. You are hooked throughout the entire book because of their extreme actions and outspoken personality’s. You are never what is about to happen with these three girls until the last page. I was shocked after turning the last page.
I would highly recommend this book to any teenage girl, other the then the obvious dealings and the easily relatable topics, this book was a quick read. O’Connor helps the pages turn by switching between present time with the girls in their thirties reflecting on their mistakes, and with the girls as seniors in high school making those horrible mistakes. She shows each characters growth and reflection on each of their lives.
Jacob's Ladder
By: Stephen Gardner
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Type: Fiction
Keaney, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
Length: 224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
The book I chose to read was Jacobs Ladder. From the beginning it got my attention with an unexpected mysterious beginning. The book starts off with a boy who wakes up in a field. After he wakes up someone called Virgil comes to collect him and he is sent to a dormitory with 6 or 7 other boys in it. In this whole scenario of events, Jacob can’t remember anything but only his name. This situation would be very shocking to me and as for boring beginnings in books go, this is not one of them at all. This story is gripping and exciting all at the same time.
The book was very interesting as it brought up the topic of death in life, and how we cannot predict the future. It also made clear that sometimes we can’t go back and change the choices we made. I would definitely recommend this book anyone who likes an insightful book with meaning that is truly interesting as you are always predicting what might happen to Jacob throughout. It keeps you on your toes. I would give it heart cause I enjoyed it overall.
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Type: Fiction
Keaney, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
Length: 224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
The book I chose to read was Jacobs Ladder. From the beginning it got my attention with an unexpected mysterious beginning. The book starts off with a boy who wakes up in a field. After he wakes up someone called Virgil comes to collect him and he is sent to a dormitory with 6 or 7 other boys in it. In this whole scenario of events, Jacob can’t remember anything but only his name. This situation would be very shocking to me and as for boring beginnings in books go, this is not one of them at all. This story is gripping and exciting all at the same time.
The book was very interesting as it brought up the topic of death in life, and how we cannot predict the future. It also made clear that sometimes we can’t go back and change the choices we made. I would definitely recommend this book anyone who likes an insightful book with meaning that is truly interesting as you are always predicting what might happen to Jacob throughout. It keeps you on your toes. I would give it heart cause I enjoyed it overall.
Jacob's Ladder
By: Stephen Gardner
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Type: Fiction
Keaney, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
Length: 224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
The book I chose to read was Jacobs Ladder. From the beginning it got my attention with an unexpected mysterious beginning. The book starts off with a boy who wakes up in a field. After he wakes up someone called Virgil comes to collect him and he is sent to a dormitory with 6 or 7 other boys in it. In this whole scenario of events, Jacob can’t remember anything but only his name. This situation would be very shocking to me and as for boring beginnings in books go, this is not one of them at all. This story is gripping and exciting all at the same time.
The book was very interesting as it brought up the topic of death in life, and how we cannot predict the future. It also made clear that sometimes we can’t go back and change the choices we made. I would definitely recommend this book anyone who likes an insightful book with meaning that is truly interesting as you are always predicting what might happen to Jacob throughout. It keeps you on your toes. I would give it heart cause I enjoyed it overall.
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Type: Fiction
Keaney, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
Length: 224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
The book I chose to read was Jacobs Ladder. From the beginning it got my attention with an unexpected mysterious beginning. The book starts off with a boy who wakes up in a field. After he wakes up someone called Virgil comes to collect him and he is sent to a dormitory with 6 or 7 other boys in it. In this whole scenario of events, Jacob can’t remember anything but only his name. This situation would be very shocking to me and as for boring beginnings in books go, this is not one of them at all. This story is gripping and exciting all at the same time.
The book was very interesting as it brought up the topic of death in life, and how we cannot predict the future. It also made clear that sometimes we can’t go back and change the choices we made. I would definitely recommend this book anyone who likes an insightful book with meaning that is truly interesting as you are always predicting what might happen to Jacob throughout. It keeps you on your toes. I would give it heart cause I enjoyed it overall.
Jacob's Ladder
By: Stephen Gardner
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Type: Fiction
Keaney, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
Length: 224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
The book I chose to read was Jacobs Ladder. From the beginning it got my attention with an unexpected mysterious beginning. The book starts off with a boy who wakes up in a field. After he wakes up someone called Virgil comes to collect him and he is sent to a dormitory with 6 or 7 other boys in it. In this whole scenario of events, Jacob can’t remember anything but only his name. This situation would be very shocking to me and as for boring beginnings in books go, this is not one of them at all. This story is gripping and exciting all at the same time.
The book was very interesting as it brought up the topic of death in life, and how we cannot predict the future. It also made clear that sometimes we can’t go back and change the choices we made. I would definitely recommend this book anyone who likes an insightful book with meaning that is truly interesting as you are always predicting what might happen to Jacob throughout. It keeps you on your toes. I would give it heart cause I enjoyed it overall.
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Type: Fiction
Keaney, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
Length: 224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
The book I chose to read was Jacobs Ladder. From the beginning it got my attention with an unexpected mysterious beginning. The book starts off with a boy who wakes up in a field. After he wakes up someone called Virgil comes to collect him and he is sent to a dormitory with 6 or 7 other boys in it. In this whole scenario of events, Jacob can’t remember anything but only his name. This situation would be very shocking to me and as for boring beginnings in books go, this is not one of them at all. This story is gripping and exciting all at the same time.
The book was very interesting as it brought up the topic of death in life, and how we cannot predict the future. It also made clear that sometimes we can’t go back and change the choices we made. I would definitely recommend this book anyone who likes an insightful book with meaning that is truly interesting as you are always predicting what might happen to Jacob throughout. It keeps you on your toes. I would give it heart cause I enjoyed it overall.
Jacob's Ladder
By: Stephen Gardner
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Type: Fiction
Keany, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
Length: 224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
The book I chose to read was Jacobs Ladder. From the beginning it got my attention with an unexpected mysterious beginning. The book starts off with a boy who wakes up in a field. After he wakes up someone called Virgil comes to collect him and he is sent to a dormitory with 6 or 7 other boys in it. In this whole scenario of events, Jacob can’t remember anything but only his name. This situation would be very shocking to me and as for boring beginnings in books go, this is not one of them at all. This story is gripping and exciting all at the same time.
The book was very interesting as it brought up the topic of death in life, and how we cannot predict the future. It also made clear that sometimes we can’t go back and change the choices we made. I would definitely recommend this book anyone who likes an insightful book with meaning that is truly interesting as you are always predicting what might happen to Jacob throughout. It keeps you on your toes. I would give it heart cause I enjoyed it overall.
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Type: Fiction
Keany, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
Length: 224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
The book I chose to read was Jacobs Ladder. From the beginning it got my attention with an unexpected mysterious beginning. The book starts off with a boy who wakes up in a field. After he wakes up someone called Virgil comes to collect him and he is sent to a dormitory with 6 or 7 other boys in it. In this whole scenario of events, Jacob can’t remember anything but only his name. This situation would be very shocking to me and as for boring beginnings in books go, this is not one of them at all. This story is gripping and exciting all at the same time.
The book was very interesting as it brought up the topic of death in life, and how we cannot predict the future. It also made clear that sometimes we can’t go back and change the choices we made. I would definitely recommend this book anyone who likes an insightful book with meaning that is truly interesting as you are always predicting what might happen to Jacob throughout. It keeps you on your toes. I would give it heart cause I enjoyed it overall.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Ashley Smith
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Chbosky, Stephen
Heart
Borders $11.20
Fiction
213 pages
Blog by: K Brasher
At first I wanted to read The Bitch Posse, but I wanted to change it up a bit and read a book from a guy’s perspective. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a great portrayal of a young boy, starting high school, named Charlie that, because of his friends death, is introduced to drugs, alcohol and girls. The story is written in the form of letters to an anonymous person, who he considers a friend and the only one who will listen. The writings show you Charlie’s thoughts and emotions very well.
I think this book is a great read! Guys, along with girls, will be able to relate because in high school, there are the same pressures in this book.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Chbosky, Stephen
Heart
Borders $11.20
Fiction
213 pages
Blog by: K Brasher
At first I wanted to read The Bitch Posse, but I wanted to change it up a bit and read a book from a guy’s perspective. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a great portrayal of a young boy, starting high school, named Charlie that, because of his friends death, is introduced to drugs, alcohol and girls. The story is written in the form of letters to an anonymous person, who he considers a friend and the only one who will listen. The writings show you Charlie’s thoughts and emotions very well.
I think this book is a great read! Guys, along with girls, will be able to relate because in high school, there are the same pressures in this book.
Have you ever woken up in a field confused? Me too.
By: Adam Kozelka
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Fiction.
Keany, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
(I discovered this novel, from a young scholar who's name I can't reveal for legal purposes. N. Sandhu.)
A boy wakes up to find himself lying on the ground in the middle of an huge field. There's cropped grass under him, dotted here and there with tiny white flowers which seem to glow in the twilight. Ahead of him, in the distance, he can see a line of trees. Nothing is moving in any direction. He tries to recall how he got here and why he has been lying on the ground fast asleep but he can remember almost nothing. Only one thing remains in his memory: his name is Jacob. This is the story of a nightmare that will not go away and a journey through fear towards hope. It's a choice between a past you cannot remember and a future you cannot predict.
I liked the book because of how it showed you the author's outlook on death. The book was pretty interesting all throughout, and it will keep you wanting to read more. I'd recommend this book to some of my peers, looking to increase their knowledge and depthen their perspective on death. I give it a heart, and if you like a book with suspense then you will too.
And in case you need to be cheered up...
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Fiction.
Keany, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
Heart <3
(I discovered this novel, from a young scholar who's name I can't reveal for legal purposes. N. Sandhu.)
A boy wakes up to find himself lying on the ground in the middle of an huge field. There's cropped grass under him, dotted here and there with tiny white flowers which seem to glow in the twilight. Ahead of him, in the distance, he can see a line of trees. Nothing is moving in any direction. He tries to recall how he got here and why he has been lying on the ground fast asleep but he can remember almost nothing. Only one thing remains in his memory: his name is Jacob. This is the story of a nightmare that will not go away and a journey through fear towards hope. It's a choice between a past you cannot remember and a future you cannot predict.
I liked the book because of how it showed you the author's outlook on death. The book was pretty interesting all throughout, and it will keep you wanting to read more. I'd recommend this book to some of my peers, looking to increase their knowledge and depthen their perspective on death. I give it a heart, and if you like a book with suspense then you will too.
And in case you need to be cheered up...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Exit Here
Exit Here By: Jason Myers
443 Pages
$7.99 Borders
I chose this book based on a review by M. Passek
Hearts (Teen Dilemmas)
Exit here is a story about a kid named Travis Turner. Travis goes back to his going nowhere lifestyle. He snorts an excess amount of cocaine with his friends, goes to many parties, hooks up with girls, and dreams about them. Travis leaves on a trip from Hawaii and, when he returns, he seems even more unsettled than before he left. Throughout the book, Travis struggles to come to terms with the truth and reality of his life and his future.
443 Pages
$7.99 Borders
I chose this book based on a review by M. Passek
Hearts (Teen Dilemmas)
Exit here is a story about a kid named Travis Turner. Travis goes back to his going nowhere lifestyle. He snorts an excess amount of cocaine with his friends, goes to many parties, hooks up with girls, and dreams about them. Travis leaves on a trip from Hawaii and, when he returns, he seems even more unsettled than before he left. Throughout the book, Travis struggles to come to terms with the truth and reality of his life and his future.
First of all, this book is awesome. No joke, you should stop reading my review, get off your butt, get the ACTUAL book, and read it. When I first got the book, I was a little hesitant to read it because of its length. I really didn’t feel like sitting there and reading a book that was so big, just for an English assignment… Little did I know it was nothing like that…In Exit Here something happens on every page. And just after reading the first few pages, I didn't want to put it down; so I wasn't astonished when I finished it in less than a week. This book is a true page-turner.
One of the things that makes the book so fun to read is all the pop-culture references. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much while reading a book.
It is not all laughs either. Besides being a hilarious story, Exit Here talks about difficult issues such as growing up and learning responsibility while facing sex, drug, and alcohol abuse. I think it’s challenging for a novel to both be funny and have a strong thematic message about life, but Myers is able to accomplish this beautifully. He creates a world in which all the characters exist. By the time I finished the book, I felt like I knew Travis and all his friends, and that I could relate to everything...
Myers is truly a talented writer. If you like reading good books, read Exit Here, Trust me.
With all my love and affection,
Andrew Cottle
oh, and I know you're going to get bored reading all of these blogs Mrs. Smith, so for your entertainment...
Apocalypse 2012
Lawrence E. Joseph
Apocalypse 2012
Pocket Books, 2007
$13.95 Borders
Nonfiction(?)
Dagger
(David Derieko)
Lawrence E. Joseph investigates the conspiracy theory of the worlds end. Throughout the book Joseph provides factual, insightful evidence to support the theory that the world will end in 2012. He uses collateral damage, solar smashing, and global warming to support the theory. The evidence all supports the Mayans educated predictions and prophecies of the future (e.g. the worlds end in 2012, precisely on December 21).
Lawrence uses factual, scientific language to support this thoughts. The book is well organized and uses a very serious tone. He uses no irony, figurative language or sarcasm to get his point across, he simply uses very educated theories and facts.
I really didn’t enjoy the book , to be honest. I found it to be a mere conspiracy theory that I don’t truly believe in. His facts were frightening, but I found it hard to believe Lawrence’s overall theory. You need to be well educated with science to really understand what Joseph is talking about. Although he does touch on interesting topics such as global warming, and historical incidents (Mayan history, Ice ages, etc.) Joseph just can’t seem to interest me. I would not recommend this book, because I don’t really believe you need to be so scientifically educated about a conspiracy theory about the world ending.
Apocalypse 2012
Pocket Books, 2007
$13.95 Borders
Nonfiction(?)
Dagger
(David Derieko)
Lawrence E. Joseph investigates the conspiracy theory of the worlds end. Throughout the book Joseph provides factual, insightful evidence to support the theory that the world will end in 2012. He uses collateral damage, solar smashing, and global warming to support the theory. The evidence all supports the Mayans educated predictions and prophecies of the future (e.g. the worlds end in 2012, precisely on December 21).
Lawrence uses factual, scientific language to support this thoughts. The book is well organized and uses a very serious tone. He uses no irony, figurative language or sarcasm to get his point across, he simply uses very educated theories and facts.
I really didn’t enjoy the book , to be honest. I found it to be a mere conspiracy theory that I don’t truly believe in. His facts were frightening, but I found it hard to believe Lawrence’s overall theory. You need to be well educated with science to really understand what Joseph is talking about. Although he does touch on interesting topics such as global warming, and historical incidents (Mayan history, Ice ages, etc.) Joseph just can’t seem to interest me. I would not recommend this book, because I don’t really believe you need to be so scientifically educated about a conspiracy theory about the world ending.
3rd Quarter Book Review - L. Stevens
L. Stevens
“The Sledding Hill” by Chris Crutcher
Rate: Heart & Dagger (Mixed Feelings)
Found on C. Biben’s blog
An author’s book, within his own book…WHAT?! Yes, Chris Crutcher’s “The Sledding Hill” is a book written about the censorship of a book called “Warren Peace,” which is actually a fake book, but in “The Sledding Hill” that banned book is written by none other than Chris Crutcher. A little bit of advertising? Maybe; Or Crutcher is doing what he normally does which is bashing censorship and trying to rid of it completely. But the problem with “The Sledding Hill” is that Crutcher focuses on the point he is trying to make more than the story himself. The character’s are not fully rounded and basically act as Chris Crutcher’s puppets to show Crutcher’s views within a common situation about banned books. The sledding hill could be better but I have definitely read worse. Crutcher adds some humor within the text and makes the read more enjoyable. Leave it to Chris Crutcher to attack this compelling of an issue by using a fake book written by him; but I actually do recommend this book to other reader’s to see his style of writing because it is really good and captivating and might make you think a little differently about censorship of books.
Truly Addicting
I chose this book based off a review from B. Connolly.
Hopkins, Erica.Crank.Simon Pulse,2004.
Title: Crank
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Cost: $9.99 at Borders
Genre: Teen Conflicts
Hearts
Crank, by Ellen Hopkins is a phenomenal story about a girl named Kristina who goes to visit her not-so-great father in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, she meets this guy, Adam (aka Buddy) who she falls head over heels for. But, for some odd reason she introduces herself as Bree. Buddy and Bree get involved in drugs like marijuana and cocaine and before Kristina/Bree knew it she as walking hand in hand with "the monster", Crank. Crank is slang for methamphetamine that is a highly addictive drug and has great effects on users physically, mentally and emotionally.
Before Kristina knows it, she has to go back home to Reno, with her mom and step-dad leaving Adam behind. But Kristina comes home a changed girl, she tucks Bree away inside of her. Before long Bree is aching to come out. The monster is calling her name and she has to get one more taste of the sticky yellow substance. That one more taste led to two, then three, then she was buying it, then selling it. Newton said once, What goes up must go down, and surly did she go down. Way down. Somewhere along this drug-induced path,she starts liking two boys at once. One the perfect stud. The other a pure bad boy. One she falls in love with and the other she wants revenge.
Can Kristina manage to get rid of her alter ego, Bree? or will Bree lead her down a path that she can't turn back on?
Ellen Hopkins has a unique style of writing that is like a collection of short poems, all linked together to tell a story. It urges readers to turn the page and keep reading. She shapes her words into images on the page, that allows readers to explore their imagination and visualize the characters and surroundings. I recommend Crank from people like a mature young adult to an elder because, they can relate to that experimental time in their life when they were trying to figure out what life had to offer them. This book is based, loosely around a true story. The burdens in Ellen's life really show through. I enjoyed reading this book thoroughly. There is a sequel to it called Glass ( also a slang word for meth). I fully intend on reading it. Ellen Hopkins' works are truly addicting.
Her Last Death
ALouis
Sonnenberg, Susanna. Her Last Death. Scribner, 2008.
Heart
Borders Books, $15.00
Fiction
Sonnenberg’s Her Last Death is a novel where the reader follows a woman as she recalls her childhood and living with her mother. At the present time in the book, Susanna is not sure whether or not to go to her mothers death bed or not. As she recalls her childhood, the reader becomes more understanding of Susanna’s decision to not go to her mother’s death bed. She was forced into adulthood much faster than the average child her age, and the experiences she had with her mother during those early years influenced her entire life.
I choose to read this book because of JArcher’s review. I agree with most of what she said in her review. The book is an intense story of a woman who has overcome many obstacles through-out her life. I would most definitely recommend this book to my friends. It does discuss some topics that some may find offending, but overall it is a great story that anyone can find meaning in. It deals with a lot of issues that we as teenagers face in moving on with our lives and becoming independent from our parents. I feel that Her Last Death would be very beneficial for any teenager to read.
1984
Orwell, George. 1984. New York: New American Library, 1949.
Heart
Borders
Cost: $9.99
Genre: satire
Recommended By: J. Myers
1984 it a classic novel written in 1949 and to this day people are still reading it in school and on there own time. This book 1984 is set in the time frame of 1984. The story 1984 is lead though the view point of Winston Smith. The story opens with Winston feeling frustrated. Winston life is controlled by Big Brothers, the control everything in the government even this new dictionary called “Newspeak”. The government has a different view point on how laws should be compared to ours. Later in the book Winston falls into love with another member of the party named Julia. This happens by Julia sending Winston a note saying, “I Love You.” This relationship his hidden because the Big Brothers would not approve of such relationship. Winston and Julia are happy together then it takes a turn for the worst. Winston and Julia get turned away from each other.
I would recommend this book to people that like to study government. Although it’s a great book that everyone should read at one point. It gives the reader a look into history and helps your learn lessons as you read. The author uses a lot of vocabulary that may be hard to understand to some people. The author got me into the book and I couldn’t put it down. Although it was a thick book it seems to go by fast. 1984 delivers a very a strong message to its readers and is a great book to read.
Heart
Borders
Cost: $9.99
Genre: satire
Recommended By: J. Myers
1984 it a classic novel written in 1949 and to this day people are still reading it in school and on there own time. This book 1984 is set in the time frame of 1984. The story 1984 is lead though the view point of Winston Smith. The story opens with Winston feeling frustrated. Winston life is controlled by Big Brothers, the control everything in the government even this new dictionary called “Newspeak”. The government has a different view point on how laws should be compared to ours. Later in the book Winston falls into love with another member of the party named Julia. This happens by Julia sending Winston a note saying, “I Love You.” This relationship his hidden because the Big Brothers would not approve of such relationship. Winston and Julia are happy together then it takes a turn for the worst. Winston and Julia get turned away from each other.
I would recommend this book to people that like to study government. Although it’s a great book that everyone should read at one point. It gives the reader a look into history and helps your learn lessons as you read. The author uses a lot of vocabulary that may be hard to understand to some people. The author got me into the book and I couldn’t put it down. Although it was a thick book it seems to go by fast. 1984 delivers a very a strong message to its readers and is a great book to read.
"The Last Lecture"
By: C. Rains
Class: Ms. Smith
Heart
Book: The Last Lecture
Non-Fiction
Pausch, Randy. Hyperion. 2008
206 Pages
Borders: $21.95
If you had one last chance to tell what you have learned through life, what would you say? For Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, this last chance came sooner than he wished. Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 47 years. When asked if he would like to still give the traditional “last lecture” at Carnegie Mellon, Pausch answered yes. The title of his last lecture was “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.”, and discussed how throughout his life he was able to achieve his childhood dreams because of the influence of the people around him.
The story is told in first person through the view of Randy Pausch. Pausch takes the role of father, son, husband, mentor, friend, college, and professor. The setting takes place in the Carnegie Mellon lecture hall in front of many of Pausch’s friends, family and students. The book beings with Pausch starting his lecture; and then leads into detail of the influences in his life. Many of the examples are of flashback that Pausch describes in full. There is little importance in the setting of the lecture hall other that it was where many of Pausch’s lectures took place; it was greatly overshadowed by the influence that Pausch describes throughout his story.
After reading the book, I feel that is was an extremely easy read that any person; young and old, could read and understand. There were several words and phrases that difficult, but Pausch later described then to you through simpler means. Pausch’s explanation of his influences is extremely entrancing and is a page turner.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a book that wants someone to admire and look-up-to. Many of the lessons that Pausch gives I have now taken into my own life.
Recommendation: I. Sanford
Class: Ms. Smith
Heart
Book: The Last Lecture
Non-Fiction
Pausch, Randy. Hyperion. 2008
206 Pages
Borders: $21.95
If you had one last chance to tell what you have learned through life, what would you say? For Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, this last chance came sooner than he wished. Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 47 years. When asked if he would like to still give the traditional “last lecture” at Carnegie Mellon, Pausch answered yes. The title of his last lecture was “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.”, and discussed how throughout his life he was able to achieve his childhood dreams because of the influence of the people around him.
The story is told in first person through the view of Randy Pausch. Pausch takes the role of father, son, husband, mentor, friend, college, and professor. The setting takes place in the Carnegie Mellon lecture hall in front of many of Pausch’s friends, family and students. The book beings with Pausch starting his lecture; and then leads into detail of the influences in his life. Many of the examples are of flashback that Pausch describes in full. There is little importance in the setting of the lecture hall other that it was where many of Pausch’s lectures took place; it was greatly overshadowed by the influence that Pausch describes throughout his story.
After reading the book, I feel that is was an extremely easy read that any person; young and old, could read and understand. There were several words and phrases that difficult, but Pausch later described then to you through simpler means. Pausch’s explanation of his influences is extremely entrancing and is a page turner.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a book that wants someone to admire and look-up-to. Many of the lessons that Pausch gives I have now taken into my own life.
Recommendation: I. Sanford
2nd Blog Post-The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. 1. United States: MTV Books/Pocket Books, 1999.
$14.99-Borders
Young adult/ Own collection
Heart
After reading ABayer’s book review on, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I was very interested in what the book was about and decided to read it. The book was very fast paced, and told through Diaries written to an unknown person. The entries are always short, precise and lacked much detail. However the book was filled with strange humor which made the book exciting to read.
This book follows the life of a high school freshman, Charlie. Told from Charlie’s point of view makes the book very interesting and allows readers to easily understand his emotions, and witness his transformation over his freshman year as well. When Charlie’s best friend dies, he’s left with no friends or anyone close enough to go to when he needs help. Two upper classman, Sam and Patrick, talk to him at a football game and invite Charlie to hang out with them and live their lifestyle, rather than sitting on the sidelines watching it. Throughout their friendship, he’s been exposed to a world of sex, drugs, love, homosexuality and friendships. Many of the topics are relevant to a typical high school students’ life, which makes this book very understandable to its readers.
This book was extremely easy to read and fast paced, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick book to read. I gave this book a heart because it teaches some deep meanings, and life lessons. Also, Stephen Chbosky uses an unusual sense of humor in all of the journal entries.
3rd quarter review
By: c.biben
Digital Fortress
By Dan Brown
Published by Macmillan, 2004
429 pages
The post that inspired me to read this book was written by N.Dunlavy. I fully agree with what he said, the book is very interesting and the beginning just starts out running there is kind of a background to each character but it is more explained throughout the story. I like how in the beginning it goes over how Susan meet David and how thing got to where they are now. I also liked how it ended, it was so simple it was complex.
Digital Fortress
By Dan Brown
Published by Macmillan, 2004
429 pages
The post that inspired me to read this book was written by N.Dunlavy. I fully agree with what he said, the book is very interesting and the beginning just starts out running there is kind of a background to each character but it is more explained throughout the story. I like how in the beginning it goes over how Susan meet David and how thing got to where they are now. I also liked how it ended, it was so simple it was complex.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Eclipse
Meyer, Stephenie Eclipse
Little, Brown and Company New York, NY 2007
heart
Borders
$19.99
fiction
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer is the third book in her series of four, furthering the dramatic story of Bella, an average teenager, and her experiences with vampires and werewolves. The first two books involved her falling in love with Edward Cullen, an immortal vampire, fighting off the “bad” vampires, and befriending werewolves – the arch enemies of vampires. She became especially close with a werewolf named Jacob, and Eclipse mostly revolves around Bella’s struggle of choosing between Edward and Jacob. When dozens of newborn vampires begin mysteriously appearing around their hometown of Forks, Washington and killing people like crazy, the Cullens and the werewolves try their best to find them and keep society safe. When it’s discovered that Victoria, a vampire trying to get revenge on Bella for killing her friend, is behind it, the Cullens and the werewolves join forces to keep Bella safe. This eventually leads up to a showdown between all of them, with one side winning by a long shot and one crucial character dying.
Before I actually started reading this series, I assumed it was going to be kind of weird since it dealt with vampires, werewolves, and other odd supernatural topics. I gave it a shot though, and was soon hooked. Stephenie Meyer has a unique diction that creates suspense and realness like I never would have imagined possible. She describes the internal emotions and thoughts of the characters to the extent that the reader feels completely connected to them, and this level of relatability toward totally impossible circumstances is what makes her books so appealing. I would definitely recommend Eclipse to anyone looking for a unique and descriptive read. It’s concentration on romance gears it more toward girls, but the action and intensity makes it appealing to boys as well.
Little, Brown and Company New York, NY 2007
heart
Borders
$19.99
fiction
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer is the third book in her series of four, furthering the dramatic story of Bella, an average teenager, and her experiences with vampires and werewolves. The first two books involved her falling in love with Edward Cullen, an immortal vampire, fighting off the “bad” vampires, and befriending werewolves – the arch enemies of vampires. She became especially close with a werewolf named Jacob, and Eclipse mostly revolves around Bella’s struggle of choosing between Edward and Jacob. When dozens of newborn vampires begin mysteriously appearing around their hometown of Forks, Washington and killing people like crazy, the Cullens and the werewolves try their best to find them and keep society safe. When it’s discovered that Victoria, a vampire trying to get revenge on Bella for killing her friend, is behind it, the Cullens and the werewolves join forces to keep Bella safe. This eventually leads up to a showdown between all of them, with one side winning by a long shot and one crucial character dying.
Before I actually started reading this series, I assumed it was going to be kind of weird since it dealt with vampires, werewolves, and other odd supernatural topics. I gave it a shot though, and was soon hooked. Stephenie Meyer has a unique diction that creates suspense and realness like I never would have imagined possible. She describes the internal emotions and thoughts of the characters to the extent that the reader feels completely connected to them, and this level of relatability toward totally impossible circumstances is what makes her books so appealing. I would definitely recommend Eclipse to anyone looking for a unique and descriptive read. It’s concentration on romance gears it more toward girls, but the action and intensity makes it appealing to boys as well.
The Perks of being a wallflower
NY Times Book Review
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By: Amanda Bayer
Heart
Borders: $14.00
The Perks of being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, an easy read that will get you hooked. The series of letters from the main character, Charlie, to an unknown person tell the story of beginning his freshman year of high school in a city near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Charlie only had one friend, Michael, who he had lost to suicide. He was thought of as weird because he was so shy and quiet. A new place with no one to help you get through it can be scary, until Charlie is befriended by Sam and Patrick, two seniors. They expose him to many different things such as sex and drugs. Throughout the novel, Charlie deals with his complicated family. He helps his sister when she gets into a lot of trouble. The message of the story is to not watch your life go by, but to start living it. Charlie changes from the beginning of the book to the end, from being shy and quiet, to one who is more confident and brave because of his experiences with the upperclassman.
Charlie, an intelligent freshman boy who is very quiet would never speak of his love for Sam, his stepsister. He is the “wallflower” portrayed in the novel which means that he is a thinker and not a doer. “Do you always think this much, Charlie? – Is that bad? – Not Necessarily. It’s just that sometimes people use thought to not participate in life. – Is that bad? – Yes.” (24) This quote explains that Charlie has not realized that he is not living his life. His character in the beginning is very quiet but also very emotional (he would get upset and cry very easily). In comparison to his character at the end of the novel, Charlie transformed and discovered who he was.
I would recommend The Perks of Being a Wallflower, to anyone who is looking for an easy read that is also easy to relate to. For teenagers, they can relate to the everyday issues that Charlie faces such as drugs and sex, and for adults; it will give them a chance to relate also as well see the different pressures that teen’s face today.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By: Amanda Bayer
Heart
Borders: $14.00
The Perks of being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, an easy read that will get you hooked. The series of letters from the main character, Charlie, to an unknown person tell the story of beginning his freshman year of high school in a city near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Charlie only had one friend, Michael, who he had lost to suicide. He was thought of as weird because he was so shy and quiet. A new place with no one to help you get through it can be scary, until Charlie is befriended by Sam and Patrick, two seniors. They expose him to many different things such as sex and drugs. Throughout the novel, Charlie deals with his complicated family. He helps his sister when she gets into a lot of trouble. The message of the story is to not watch your life go by, but to start living it. Charlie changes from the beginning of the book to the end, from being shy and quiet, to one who is more confident and brave because of his experiences with the upperclassman.
Charlie, an intelligent freshman boy who is very quiet would never speak of his love for Sam, his stepsister. He is the “wallflower” portrayed in the novel which means that he is a thinker and not a doer. “Do you always think this much, Charlie? – Is that bad? – Not Necessarily. It’s just that sometimes people use thought to not participate in life. – Is that bad? – Yes.” (24) This quote explains that Charlie has not realized that he is not living his life. His character in the beginning is very quiet but also very emotional (he would get upset and cry very easily). In comparison to his character at the end of the novel, Charlie transformed and discovered who he was.
I would recommend The Perks of Being a Wallflower, to anyone who is looking for an easy read that is also easy to relate to. For teenagers, they can relate to the everyday issues that Charlie faces such as drugs and sex, and for adults; it will give them a chance to relate also as well see the different pressures that teen’s face today.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Looking for Alaska
By: Stephen Gardner
Class: 3rd Period Smith
Book: Looking For Alaska
Green, John. Looking for Alaska
Dutton Juvenile
Heart <3
Portage County District Library
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
John Green, the author of “Looking for Alaska”, constructs a book with characters that are relatable to teenagers in society today. The story focuses mainly on a boy named Miles, who originates from Florida, and struggles with finding friends and his own identity. Miles is in search of something he calls “The Great Perhaps”, but undoubtly can’t envision or predict what this would be. If anything Miles believes that this “Great Perhaps” would make his life more interesting and amusing. The story starts off with a big change in Miles life, as he leaves his Florida home to attend Culver Creek Boarding School. There, he meets new people with different ideas of living than he already knows. He soon establishes a relationship with his roommate Chip, also called the Colonel. Through the Colonel, Miles is introduced to a girl named Alaska. A relationship begins to spark between the two. The relationship between the two characters is so amusing because they are so different and opposite of each other’s personalities. Alaska is a character who juxtaposes Miles’s Character, as she is seen as loud and not afraid to be herself in being judged by other people. Miles is more reserved and is not used to new groups of people and making new relationships. Altogether, the relationship Miles creates with these characters is one of the more important aspects of the novel. This holds strong up to the climax and the end when tragedy develops.
There are many literary aspects used to demonstrate meaningful plot development in this story. For when Alaska died I believe it was symbolism that Miles was moving on from being shy and reserved. As he uncovered clues behind her death the more exchange of views in an attempt to reach a decision was made amongst him and his circle of friends. I also believe that there was some symbolism in the times the characters chose to smoke cigarettes in the story as it correlated to things that were evolving in the plot, such as times of grief, and the frustration between their relationships with one another. There also is foreshadowing in this story, as Alaska foreshadows her death twice.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story because of the comical dialogue between the characters, and also the friendship and love expressed throughout the characters. The characters feelings and emotions were interesting to interpret as well. The unique thing about this story is that it is split into two parts, a before part, and after part. The before part focuses on building relationships from the beginning to the climax, where the events seem to change dramatically as tragedy occurs. The after part focuses on solidifying those relationships that were established in the before part. This makes the book a lot more meaningful and deeper in a sense of creating more plot and instinctively more emotion.
Class: 3rd Period Smith
Book: Looking For Alaska
Green, John. Looking for Alaska
Dutton Juvenile
Heart <3
Portage County District Library
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
John Green, the author of “Looking for Alaska”, constructs a book with characters that are relatable to teenagers in society today. The story focuses mainly on a boy named Miles, who originates from Florida, and struggles with finding friends and his own identity. Miles is in search of something he calls “The Great Perhaps”, but undoubtly can’t envision or predict what this would be. If anything Miles believes that this “Great Perhaps” would make his life more interesting and amusing. The story starts off with a big change in Miles life, as he leaves his Florida home to attend Culver Creek Boarding School. There, he meets new people with different ideas of living than he already knows. He soon establishes a relationship with his roommate Chip, also called the Colonel. Through the Colonel, Miles is introduced to a girl named Alaska. A relationship begins to spark between the two. The relationship between the two characters is so amusing because they are so different and opposite of each other’s personalities. Alaska is a character who juxtaposes Miles’s Character, as she is seen as loud and not afraid to be herself in being judged by other people. Miles is more reserved and is not used to new groups of people and making new relationships. Altogether, the relationship Miles creates with these characters is one of the more important aspects of the novel. This holds strong up to the climax and the end when tragedy develops.
There are many literary aspects used to demonstrate meaningful plot development in this story. For when Alaska died I believe it was symbolism that Miles was moving on from being shy and reserved. As he uncovered clues behind her death the more exchange of views in an attempt to reach a decision was made amongst him and his circle of friends. I also believe that there was some symbolism in the times the characters chose to smoke cigarettes in the story as it correlated to things that were evolving in the plot, such as times of grief, and the frustration between their relationships with one another. There also is foreshadowing in this story, as Alaska foreshadows her death twice.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story because of the comical dialogue between the characters, and also the friendship and love expressed throughout the characters. The characters feelings and emotions were interesting to interpret as well. The unique thing about this story is that it is split into two parts, a before part, and after part. The before part focuses on building relationships from the beginning to the climax, where the events seem to change dramatically as tragedy occurs. The after part focuses on solidifying those relationships that were established in the before part. This makes the book a lot more meaningful and deeper in a sense of creating more plot and instinctively more emotion.
Her Last Death
Sonnenberg, Susanna Her Last Death
U.S.A Scribner, New York, NY, 2008
Heart
Borders
$24.00
Autobiographical
The phone rings and Susan is told that her mother is in a coma after being in a car crash, but Susan doesn’t rush to her mothers bedside. Instead, she refuses to, and keeps to her daily routine. The story then unfolds into Susan’s childhood. It was 1966 when Susan sailed to America from England. When she was three, Bob Dylan lived next door. When she was eight, her mother and father got a divorce. When she was ten, her mother told her to read a letter out of a Penthouse magazine. When she was twelve, her mother gave her cocaine and taught her the difference between a drug dealer and a coke head. When she was sixteen she lost her virginity to her high school professor, Mr. Crawford. Susan’s sister, Penelope, is always been there for Susan even though they are constantly under competition. Penelope plays an important role all throughout the novel. Penelope even creates Susan to be more understanding towards her mother, which at times is hard to do.
Her mother, Daphene, is constantly doing things throughout the memoir that causes Susie to fall distant from her mother. Such as numerous times her mother sleeps with Susie’s friends or boyfriends. But when Susan grows up and is living on her own, she realizes that her mother never treated her like a mother should have. When her mother visits her and husband, her mother does nothing but embarrass Susan, which causes Susan to refuse contact with her mother furthermore.
Susanna Sonnenberg uses exciting language that expresses every detail with even more detail. Sonnenberg constantly tugs the reader from the present tense to her daunting flashbacks. I rate this 300 paged memoir with a heart. Sonnenberg’s autobiography seems somewhat outrageous, and at times, it seems like what’s going on could never happen to anyone, but it did, and you can only realize how brave and tolerable Susan was towards her shameless mother.
U.S.A Scribner, New York, NY, 2008
Heart
Borders
$24.00
Autobiographical
The phone rings and Susan is told that her mother is in a coma after being in a car crash, but Susan doesn’t rush to her mothers bedside. Instead, she refuses to, and keeps to her daily routine. The story then unfolds into Susan’s childhood. It was 1966 when Susan sailed to America from England. When she was three, Bob Dylan lived next door. When she was eight, her mother and father got a divorce. When she was ten, her mother told her to read a letter out of a Penthouse magazine. When she was twelve, her mother gave her cocaine and taught her the difference between a drug dealer and a coke head. When she was sixteen she lost her virginity to her high school professor, Mr. Crawford. Susan’s sister, Penelope, is always been there for Susan even though they are constantly under competition. Penelope plays an important role all throughout the novel. Penelope even creates Susan to be more understanding towards her mother, which at times is hard to do.
Her mother, Daphene, is constantly doing things throughout the memoir that causes Susie to fall distant from her mother. Such as numerous times her mother sleeps with Susie’s friends or boyfriends. But when Susan grows up and is living on her own, she realizes that her mother never treated her like a mother should have. When her mother visits her and husband, her mother does nothing but embarrass Susan, which causes Susan to refuse contact with her mother furthermore.
Susanna Sonnenberg uses exciting language that expresses every detail with even more detail. Sonnenberg constantly tugs the reader from the present tense to her daunting flashbacks. I rate this 300 paged memoir with a heart. Sonnenberg’s autobiography seems somewhat outrageous, and at times, it seems like what’s going on could never happen to anyone, but it did, and you can only realize how brave and tolerable Susan was towards her shameless mother.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Hosseini, Khaled. A Thousand Splendid Suns
Riverhead Books: 2007.
Heart
Own collection
Historical/Non-fiction
400 pages
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a story about the frailty of strong men, and the strength of frail women. Khaled Hosseini tells the story of the harsh lives of two Afghan women who belong to two total different backgrounds but are forced to share the same unhappy household. The point of view perfectly narrates their lives in tragedies, sacrifices, cruelty and hardships. Just like Hossieni’s previous novel, The Kite Runner, the story is once again taking place in Afghanistan during times of was hardships, and is about the lives of Afghan women instead of men. The two women face rejection from their families and deal with their brutal husbands. They both suffer from domestic violence, and can only find love, companionship from each other.
The story is of two young girls, Mariam and Laila. Mariam’s repeated miscarriages have ruined all hopes for Rasheed to have a son; this has caused Mariam to live in a life of torture, and domestic issues. Unwanted, unloved Mariam kept this silent until Laila entered her life. Laila’s childhood sweetheart Tariq is being deported to Pakistan. The only way for her to not feel ashamed is that she too marries Rasheed, and later gives birth to a girl. Slowly, but surely the affection and friendship develops between Laila and Mariam. Their relationship grows so strong that it prevails all differences between them, and enables them to withstand the depravation, starvation, and the harsh brutality that is constantly around them. Miriam puts all this to an end one day when the meaning of true friendship is in her hands. Mariam left her memories in the hearts of other women, who were just like herself and Laila. Others consider Mariam as bright as the brilliance of a thousand splendid suns.
The book starts off very confusing, and takes sometime to really get into it. It’s not an easy read due to the vocabulary, setting and the history that goes into the story as well. However, this book really captures the way women are treated in other countries and makes you take your freedoms for granted. You also realize how lucky you are to be living in a country who is accepting of women. It’s a very emotional book, and has its moments of intense sadness, and its moments of cruel happiness. I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone who would love to learn more about the lives of other women, and the lives different cultures.
Jacob's Ladder
By: Navraj Sandhu
Class: Ms. Smith
Book: Jacob’s Ladder.
Fiction.
Keany, Brian. Candlewick Press. 2007.
224 Pages.
Borders $15.99.
In the story Jacob’s Ladder, the main character Jacob finds him self waking up in an open field and he isn’t able to remember what happened. As he tries to figure out what is going on, he is approached by a man named Virgil and taken to a large camp-like area called Locus. Here in Locus, everyone looks the same and everything looks extremely bland. There is no diversity at all and Jacob finds out that the other children who are there do what they are told with out questions. Jacob doesn’t want to conform to the Locus lifestyle so he decides to figure what is really going on and why he is here at Locus. Jacob meets a girl named Aysha who also arrived at the Locus the same day that he did, and the two meet a boy named Toby who has been at the Locus longer than the both of them. As time goes on, Jacob realizes that they might be dead and are trapped in the Locus for eternity. However, Jacob decides that he is not going to settle for this life at Locus, he refuses to eat the spongy food, pick rocks, and continue living like he has been. So Jacob sets of with Aysha and Toby to find out what is going on and if there is any way out of it.
Overall, I enjoyed the book because it was interesting to read about the author’s perspective on death. Many people wonder about a possible afterlife, and this book shows one theory about what could happen after death. The book was easy to read and I would recommend it to anyone because it was interesting and the plot kept me engaged until the end. The story was original which helped with the reading because I didn’t get bored of it and it also made simple to read.
1984
George Orwell’s classic novel 1984 sad life story of Winston Smith, a resident of London, England in 1984. Winston’s life is constantly being monitored by Big Brother, the ruling government party that controls everything from the country’s history to its language. Winston falls in love with another member of the Party named Julia. They begin a secret affair because both know that Big Brother would not approve of their actions. Together the couple attempts to fight the oppressive rule of Big Brother by joining The Brotherhood. While away from the control of the government, Winston and Julia experience happiness and fulfillment, but their lives take a turn for the worst when they are betrayed by someone they thought was trustworthy. Through Orwell’s characterization of Winston and Julia, 1984 reveals that oppression causes depression.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has not yet read it. It gives readers a good look into history and teaches readers important lessons. I think that anyone interested in government would appreciate reading this book as well. Winston’s life and the watchful eye of the Big Brother show the effects of a controversial controlling government. The book is also fast paced and has interesting plot twists which make it an exciting read that is difficult to set down. 1984 is a fun book to read that still delivers a strong message to its readers.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has not yet read it. It gives readers a good look into history and teaches readers important lessons. I think that anyone interested in government would appreciate reading this book as well. Winston’s life and the watchful eye of the Big Brother show the effects of a controversial controlling government. The book is also fast paced and has interesting plot twists which make it an exciting read that is difficult to set down. 1984 is a fun book to read that still delivers a strong message to its readers.
Chasing Destiny
Article by: K. Solomon
Dickey, Eric Jerome. Chasing Destiny. Penguin, Ireland 2006
Heart
I borrowed the book Chasing Destiny, from my younger cousin. It is a fast pace, suspenseful, and a little dramatic of a book. Typically I like mysteries however I wanted to try a new genre.
The book is about a teenage girl named Destiny whose parents are getting a divorce. Her father is dating someone else however her mother is still trying to get their marriage to work. Destiny gets sick of her parents so she runs away for a night, she ends up getting drugged and raped. Then she comes back for her revenge on the people who drugged and raped her. The whole time the girl her father has been dating she finds out is pregnant and Destiny’s mom makes her think she is going to ruin her dad and daughter relationship she has with her dad.
The style of the book interests me because it is very fast pace and always leaves you hanging at the end of every chapter. The chapters are somewhat long but read fast, there are a few short chapters but it all goes by fast.
To me the message of the book I get is don’t try to run away from your problems, you can’t do it. They just come back twice as rough later down the line. Destiny tries to run away from her problems twice in the book, and all it does is mess her life up more. Not only with her personally, but with her friends and family, its like she doesn’t care about herself or others around her.
My over all opinion was the book was very interesting, I never knew what was going to happen next. The detail is so much where I felt in the story, it is a very well written overall great book.
Dickey, Eric Jerome. Chasing Destiny. Penguin, Ireland 2006
Heart
I borrowed the book Chasing Destiny, from my younger cousin. It is a fast pace, suspenseful, and a little dramatic of a book. Typically I like mysteries however I wanted to try a new genre.
The book is about a teenage girl named Destiny whose parents are getting a divorce. Her father is dating someone else however her mother is still trying to get their marriage to work. Destiny gets sick of her parents so she runs away for a night, she ends up getting drugged and raped. Then she comes back for her revenge on the people who drugged and raped her. The whole time the girl her father has been dating she finds out is pregnant and Destiny’s mom makes her think she is going to ruin her dad and daughter relationship she has with her dad.
The style of the book interests me because it is very fast pace and always leaves you hanging at the end of every chapter. The chapters are somewhat long but read fast, there are a few short chapters but it all goes by fast.
To me the message of the book I get is don’t try to run away from your problems, you can’t do it. They just come back twice as rough later down the line. Destiny tries to run away from her problems twice in the book, and all it does is mess her life up more. Not only with her personally, but with her friends and family, its like she doesn’t care about herself or others around her.
My over all opinion was the book was very interesting, I never knew what was going to happen next. The detail is so much where I felt in the story, it is a very well written overall great book.
Breaking Dawn
By: Amelia Louis
3rd Period Smith
Book: Breaking Dawn by Meyer, Stephanie.
Breaking Dawn. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company, 2008.
Heart
Borders Books, $22.99
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Breaking Dawn is the 4th book in the Twilight series. From the beginning of the book, the suspense and action that was present in the three previous books is once again present. Bella and Edward's relationship is challenged by her friend Jacob, and several unexpected events that unfold early in the book. These events also challenge the relationship between the werewolves, Bella and her father, and more. A new controversial character is introduced into the text causing many conflicts for all the characters, eventually bringing all the characters together to fight a final battle that will greatly influence their future. The setting is in the Cullen’s home for the most part and it is an important factor in the text and influences many of the major events that take place. Compared to the other three books, Breaking Dawn has more unexpected events and action, however the ending is not as fulfilling as one would wish. Although it is the end of the series as of now, it is not as exciting as the series as a whole. However, anyone who is interested in the Twilight series will find the excitement they are looking for with this book.
3rd Period Smith
Book: Breaking Dawn by Meyer, Stephanie.
Breaking Dawn. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company, 2008.
Heart
Borders Books, $22.99
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Breaking Dawn is the 4th book in the Twilight series. From the beginning of the book, the suspense and action that was present in the three previous books is once again present. Bella and Edward's relationship is challenged by her friend Jacob, and several unexpected events that unfold early in the book. These events also challenge the relationship between the werewolves, Bella and her father, and more. A new controversial character is introduced into the text causing many conflicts for all the characters, eventually bringing all the characters together to fight a final battle that will greatly influence their future. The setting is in the Cullen’s home for the most part and it is an important factor in the text and influences many of the major events that take place. Compared to the other three books, Breaking Dawn has more unexpected events and action, however the ending is not as fulfilling as one would wish. Although it is the end of the series as of now, it is not as exciting as the series as a whole. However, anyone who is interested in the Twilight series will find the excitement they are looking for with this book.
Crank
544 pages, but a really quick read
By: Ellen Hopkins
Simon Pulse
October 5, 2004
HEART
Crank; the fictional, but “loosely” true story of a girl and her perfect life until she meets the monster that will make everything crash down right in front of her. Kristina is an amazing student, living in a town far from being a town full of meth, called Reno. An eventful and dangerous trip to visit her dad is when it all started.
This book is a book of drugs, family, love, and sex. Kristina’s journey is a roller coaster and is abruptly stopped when her second personality, Bree, takes over. She has to make a decision that involves life and death itself, while craving the monster.
I needed food, sleep,
but the monster denied
every bit of it.
Playing wasted couch potato was all that I
could ask for.
And more.
Fading speed buzz, escalating alcohol,
it was all I could do to stay upright.
so I didn’t
Page 128
That one paragraph showed me everything that was going through her mind and what goes through an addicts mind. She wanted the monster so bad, and it won.
I know many different people that have read this book, from girls to guys, drug users and heavy drug users. You have to know or know of the world of drugs you will understand this book. Addiction is a very complicated and dangerous world; if you know how it is you will understand.
“Crank is indeed a monster—one that is tough to leave behind once you invite it into your life. Think twice. Then think again.”
544 pages, but a really quick read
By: Ellen Hopkins
Simon Pulse
October 5, 2004
HEART
Crank; the fictional, but “loosely” true story of a girl and her perfect life until she meets the monster that will make everything crash down right in front of her. Kristina is an amazing student, living in a town far from being a town full of meth, called Reno. An eventful and dangerous trip to visit her dad is when it all started.
This book is a book of drugs, family, love, and sex. Kristina’s journey is a roller coaster and is abruptly stopped when her second personality, Bree, takes over. She has to make a decision that involves life and death itself, while craving the monster.
I needed food, sleep,
but the monster denied
every bit of it.
Playing wasted couch potato was all that I
could ask for.
And more.
Fading speed buzz, escalating alcohol,
it was all I could do to stay upright.
so I didn’t
Page 128
That one paragraph showed me everything that was going through her mind and what goes through an addicts mind. She wanted the monster so bad, and it won.
I know many different people that have read this book, from girls to guys, drug users and heavy drug users. You have to know or know of the world of drugs you will understand this book. Addiction is a very complicated and dangerous world; if you know how it is you will understand.
“Crank is indeed a monster—one that is tough to leave behind once you invite it into your life. Think twice. Then think again.”
Choke by Chuck Palahniuk
For my book, I read Choke by Chuck Palahniuk, the author of Fight Club. This was reccomended to me by a friend who has read most of Chuck Palahniuk's books, and had an understanding that I would appreciate the type of writing. The storyline in Choke was about a boy who had a rough childhood. His Mother was in and out of jail, and kidnapped him each time she returned. As he grew into an adult, his mother got sick and he put her in a nursing home to take care of her. While working in an 18th century toursite for children, he went to daily meeting for being a sexaholic. While these meetings were suppose to do him good, he only went to find girls that would have sex with him more easily. Frequently, he would choke in different restaurants to purposely have someone save him. He had many reasonings in this, and was a very intelligent thinker. The writing was in a sarcastic tone mostly the entire time, which made it much more appealing to me. I would definitely reccomend this book to anyone that likes a laugh while learning a more valuable lesson as well.
Monday, January 5, 2009
My Sister's Keeper
Picoult, Jodi. My Sister‘s Keeper. HarperCollins: New York, 2004.
Heart
Borders Books, $13.95
Teen Angst/ Family Drama
Award winning author, Jodi Picoult delivers yet another impressive and heart wrenching story, My Sister’s Keeper. The story focuses on the terrible circumstances that have taken over the lives of the Fitzgerald family. Kate was diagnosed with leukemia, while her sister Anna was scientifically conceived to save her life. After many operations for both girls, Anna begins her realization that her life was started by her parents only for the mere fact to save her sister. The story follows the entire family through an expansive court case for Anna to win her medical emancipation from her family, even if that means her sister’s life.
My Sister’s Keeper is a page turning story. Each chapter focuses on a different family members journey from the day Kate was born, to the recent trial taking place. Jodi Picoult captures each characters inner thoughts beautifully which will inevitably have you crying as you turn each page.
Throughout the entire story you are presented with many twists and turns from all parties involved. Until the last page you are never sure how any of their lives are going to end up. The end is completely unpredictable, it’s both devastating to some and life saving to others. This is one book that should not be left on shelves. Even though is incredibly sad, it opens your mind and makes you appreciate the life you have.
Heart
Borders Books, $13.95
Teen Angst/ Family Drama
Award winning author, Jodi Picoult delivers yet another impressive and heart wrenching story, My Sister’s Keeper. The story focuses on the terrible circumstances that have taken over the lives of the Fitzgerald family. Kate was diagnosed with leukemia, while her sister Anna was scientifically conceived to save her life. After many operations for both girls, Anna begins her realization that her life was started by her parents only for the mere fact to save her sister. The story follows the entire family through an expansive court case for Anna to win her medical emancipation from her family, even if that means her sister’s life.
My Sister’s Keeper is a page turning story. Each chapter focuses on a different family members journey from the day Kate was born, to the recent trial taking place. Jodi Picoult captures each characters inner thoughts beautifully which will inevitably have you crying as you turn each page.
Throughout the entire story you are presented with many twists and turns from all parties involved. Until the last page you are never sure how any of their lives are going to end up. The end is completely unpredictable, it’s both devastating to some and life saving to others. This is one book that should not be left on shelves. Even though is incredibly sad, it opens your mind and makes you appreciate the life you have.
Book Review Blog Bluhm 3 period
London, Jack. The Call of the Wild (Aladdin Classics). New York: Aladdin, 2003.
Dagger
Aurora High School Library
Cost: FREE
Genre: adventure
As the Klondik Gold Rush started in the fall ok 1897, Buck, the dog, was stolen from his upper class home, by the Gardner Manvel, Buck proves to be the strong sled dog Manuel thought, and was sold from person to person, he ended up on Fancois and Perrault’s sled dog team. Here Buck became the lead dog, but was treated poorly. Not getting enough food or rest, were only the littlest of their troubles. Once again he was sold, this time to John Torhton. John was different, he cared about his sled dogs, unlike all the others, but Buck ran away from John, into the dangers of the wild. In the wild Buck struggled to make the impossible, house dog to wild wolf transition.
In this book, Jake London, uses a lot of references to the weather and to the events happening in society. That’s why it’s important to know that the gold rush was going on up in Alaska. If he had not explained this in his text then we could not know why the need for sled dogs was high. When reading, you got to read between the lines to get the full meaning of the book. He uses a lot of interpretation in this book and I think that made the book a lot better.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read adventures stories. This book showed travels thought-out the northern part of the U.S.A. it talked about how they adapted to their surroundings, although I didn’t like this book that much, I think someone who likes adventure stories would like it.
Dagger
Aurora High School Library
Cost: FREE
Genre: adventure
As the Klondik Gold Rush started in the fall ok 1897, Buck, the dog, was stolen from his upper class home, by the Gardner Manvel, Buck proves to be the strong sled dog Manuel thought, and was sold from person to person, he ended up on Fancois and Perrault’s sled dog team. Here Buck became the lead dog, but was treated poorly. Not getting enough food or rest, were only the littlest of their troubles. Once again he was sold, this time to John Torhton. John was different, he cared about his sled dogs, unlike all the others, but Buck ran away from John, into the dangers of the wild. In the wild Buck struggled to make the impossible, house dog to wild wolf transition.
In this book, Jake London, uses a lot of references to the weather and to the events happening in society. That’s why it’s important to know that the gold rush was going on up in Alaska. If he had not explained this in his text then we could not know why the need for sled dogs was high. When reading, you got to read between the lines to get the full meaning of the book. He uses a lot of interpretation in this book and I think that made the book a lot better.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read adventures stories. This book showed travels thought-out the northern part of the U.S.A. it talked about how they adapted to their surroundings, although I didn’t like this book that much, I think someone who likes adventure stories would like it.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Disclosure
By: Adam Kozelka
Class: 3rd Period. Smith
Book: Disclosure
Crichton, Michael. Disclosure
U.S.A.: Ballantine Books, New York, 1994
Heart
Giant Eagle
Cost: $6.29
Genre: Crime Novel
Tom Sanders is a manager for the Digicom Corporation, a computer company in Seattle, Washington. With his company about to merge, he’s expecting a promotion. Happily married with two young children, Tom had big hopes for a promotion to the top by his boss, Bob Garvin. But instead it goes to Meredith Johnson, Tom's ex-girlfriend. Tom gets upset about the promotion, until a personal meeting turns into a night seduction when Meredith decides to relive her sexual fantasy and pick up from where they left off. Tom refuses and shoves her away, and gets Meredith mad. Tom’s only choice is to sue Meredith for sexual harassment. But then everyone in the company thinks it was the other way around and his boss wants to transfer him to a different division, forcing him to lose everything he’s ever gained. As the story unfolds, Tom discovers that not only is the system rigged against him, but Meredith is going to destroy his career. He has only four days to prove his innocence, save his marriage, and his job.
I give this book a heart, because it was pretty interesting. It was about 494 pages long, but it was a quick read. I would recommend this book to my classmates. It had a good ending, and the book was overall eventful.
Class: 3rd Period. Smith
Book: Disclosure
Crichton, Michael. Disclosure
U.S.A.: Ballantine Books, New York, 1994
Heart
Giant Eagle
Cost: $6.29
Genre: Crime Novel
Tom Sanders is a manager for the Digicom Corporation, a computer company in Seattle, Washington. With his company about to merge, he’s expecting a promotion. Happily married with two young children, Tom had big hopes for a promotion to the top by his boss, Bob Garvin. But instead it goes to Meredith Johnson, Tom's ex-girlfriend. Tom gets upset about the promotion, until a personal meeting turns into a night seduction when Meredith decides to relive her sexual fantasy and pick up from where they left off. Tom refuses and shoves her away, and gets Meredith mad. Tom’s only choice is to sue Meredith for sexual harassment. But then everyone in the company thinks it was the other way around and his boss wants to transfer him to a different division, forcing him to lose everything he’s ever gained. As the story unfolds, Tom discovers that not only is the system rigged against him, but Meredith is going to destroy his career. He has only four days to prove his innocence, save his marriage, and his job.
I give this book a heart, because it was pretty interesting. It was about 494 pages long, but it was a quick read. I would recommend this book to my classmates. It had a good ending, and the book was overall eventful.
Crank
By:Brendan Connolly
Class: 3rd period, Smith
Book: Crank, Simon & Schuster Inc, New York, NY
Author: Hopkins, Ellen
Heart
Borders
Genre: Young Adult, Fiction
$6.99
Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter that never gets in trouble and has never done a bad thing in her life. But that all changes when she goes on a trip to visit her father who she hasn’t seen in many years. She meets a boy on her trip that introduces her to the monster: crank. She tells everyone that she meets in this new town that her name is Bree, a new identity, the dark side of Kristina, the opposite of Kristina. Bree is the person that is willing to try new things, meet new people, and do bad things that she would never do in the past. Everything in her life changed once she started to do crank, and it is never easy to turn away and just go back to your old life after you shook hands with the monster. After Bree got on the plane and flew back home, it was time for Kristina to take over and go back to how things used to be. After a month went by things seemed to be fine until Bree started to take over again. Her urge to have crank was getting stronger until the point where she didn’t care about anything or anyone, but the monster. Her family began to realize that Kristina was a new person and something was wrong with her. She started talking back to her mom, lost all of her old friends, and made new friends who were into bad habits. Then one critical thing happened in her life that made Bree realize that Kristina had to come back and Bree could no longer be in control.
This story shows what actual changes can happen to a person when they start to do crank. What you learn in health class is basic, but Crank shows you a true life depiction of how your life changes and how it destroys who you are. Ellen Hopkins also uses a very unique writing style that is almost like a two voice poem, which is something that is very different from most authors. Although this book is fiction, many of the events that happen are closely if not exactly related to things that actually happened to Ellen Hopkins daughter. Crank is a story told from a person who has experienced what it can do to someone first hand. There are so many nail biting events that keep you on the edge of your seat the whole story. All these different things that happen make it very fascinating and you always want to know what is going to happen next.
Class: 3rd period, Smith
Book: Crank, Simon & Schuster Inc, New York, NY
Author: Hopkins, Ellen
Heart
Borders
Genre: Young Adult, Fiction
$6.99
Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter that never gets in trouble and has never done a bad thing in her life. But that all changes when she goes on a trip to visit her father who she hasn’t seen in many years. She meets a boy on her trip that introduces her to the monster: crank. She tells everyone that she meets in this new town that her name is Bree, a new identity, the dark side of Kristina, the opposite of Kristina. Bree is the person that is willing to try new things, meet new people, and do bad things that she would never do in the past. Everything in her life changed once she started to do crank, and it is never easy to turn away and just go back to your old life after you shook hands with the monster. After Bree got on the plane and flew back home, it was time for Kristina to take over and go back to how things used to be. After a month went by things seemed to be fine until Bree started to take over again. Her urge to have crank was getting stronger until the point where she didn’t care about anything or anyone, but the monster. Her family began to realize that Kristina was a new person and something was wrong with her. She started talking back to her mom, lost all of her old friends, and made new friends who were into bad habits. Then one critical thing happened in her life that made Bree realize that Kristina had to come back and Bree could no longer be in control.
This story shows what actual changes can happen to a person when they start to do crank. What you learn in health class is basic, but Crank shows you a true life depiction of how your life changes and how it destroys who you are. Ellen Hopkins also uses a very unique writing style that is almost like a two voice poem, which is something that is very different from most authors. Although this book is fiction, many of the events that happen are closely if not exactly related to things that actually happened to Ellen Hopkins daughter. Crank is a story told from a person who has experienced what it can do to someone first hand. There are so many nail biting events that keep you on the edge of your seat the whole story. All these different things that happen make it very fascinating and you always want to know what is going to happen next.
1984
By: Jason Myers
Orwell, George. 1984. New York: New American Library, 1949.
Heart
Borders
Cost: $9.99
Genre: satire
1984
A man by the name of Winston Smith is a member of the London Political Party in the nation of Oceania. He is under intense surveillance always. The Party itself controls everything even this new dictionary called “Newspeak”. Their laws are very different compared to ours. They are to the extreme that being suspected of thinking rebellious thoughts or having items like a diary can get someone in a lot of trouble. Winston works for the Party and in a department called Ministry of Truth. There he alters historical records so they read as the Party wants them to. As time goes on Winston develops hatred towards the Party. At work he falls in love with a coworker named Julia. The two of them fall in love and they begin looking for the Leader of the Brotherhood. The Brotherhood being a mysterious legendary group that’s goal is to overthrow the party.
The Author’s style was very easy to read other then the fact that there is a lot of difficult vocabulary per page and if you don’t like a lot of vocabulary this book may be hard for some readers to understand. The detail he uses is very descriptive and when reading it makes you all most feel as it real. The author’s Diction I liked a lot, he seemed to speak in a mature manor and I seemed to enjoy the way the book its self was written.
The Punisher
By: L. Stevens II
Class: 3rd Period – Smith
Book: D.A. Stern, The Punisher
Location: Border’s: $6.99
A book including the famous criminal catching Punisher is going from comic shops in plastic seals to just another shelf in a bookstore. But although the idea of a comic book character being in a full book is a little sketchy, the book sold rather well. Soon after the release of the book was a movie based on it. The movie did not go in depth of the Frank Castle’s tragic incident of his family being murdered by a drug lord; but it did get to the point.
The book also tells in depth all of Frank Castle’s feelings and his evolution into becoming The Punisher. After Howard Saint; a money craving drug lord rids of Castle’s entire family because of Saint’s son’s death caused by an undercover mission led by none other than Frank Castle. After Saint gets his revenge its Castle’s turn in his own way. “Not Vengeance, but Punishment.” A line Castle states to show his mood and some foreshadowing.
The book really is what you would expect when it comes to retelling the beginning of The Punisher’s story in the comic books. All that the book covers is the beginning of The Punisher to Saint’s death. I barely read books unless it’s for class and I’m lucky if I even do that, but I actuall read this whole book from start to finish. The story was perfectly timed from when you thought that the action was over more action happened. If you are looking for a book filled with action, emotion, and are into the idea of revenge then you might want to check this one out.
Nineteen Minutes
The Truth Will Unveil Itself
Picoult, Jodi. Nineteen Minutes. Washington Square Press: New York, New York, 2007
Heart
Borders, $15.00
Realism, Life and Moral Issues
455 Pages
High school is different for everyone. For Peter, it was a living hell where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. He was picked on and teased ever since he started school when he was five, and it only go worse as the years went on. Peter had enough of the pain and suffering and decided it was time to seek revenge. As only a small integral of the school's population, it took only nineteen minutes for him to kill ten people and wound many others. After many other school shootings in history, a high school was no longer an ectopic place for this terror to occur. As this story goes on, Jodi Picoult takes you through the trial and emotions of all involved up until the very last page.
Like other books that Picoult has written, she makes it very easy to picture your self in the story and become one of the characters. She shows you all of the different view points, from when Peter was five years old, to inside the locker room where the last victim was killed in front of his childhood friend Josie. All of these provide the best details possible so that the reader knows everything they can about the story. With the details and story line, she is capable of making it impossible to put the book down because of a need that is developed to know what happens next.
In Nineteen Minutes, Picoult is able to pull so many subplots together underneath the main trial in the book, consisting of new relationships being formed, others falling apart, and the ongoing pain that the victims feel. To show all of these angles, Picoult goes from different time periods in the characters' lives to show new information about the story, giving the reader some prescience to what might happen. Whether it be that the trial turns in Peter's favor, or if Josie will ever be able to tell what happened in the locker room, Picoult will keep you guessing what really happened that day until the last page.
With the combination of Picoult's attention to detail and the ongoing wonder of the story, I have to claim that this is one of the best books by Picoult that I have read. With her ability to keep you interested in the book once you think you've figured it out, only to find out it was the complete opposite, and then keep guessing the next turn in the plot shows her accomplished writing skills. I am greatful for these skills because they keep me entertained every time I want to enjoy a good book. I only hope that her skills as a writer will inspire others to make her one of their favorite writers as well.
Picoult, Jodi. Nineteen Minutes. Washington Square Press: New York, New York, 2007
Heart
Borders, $15.00
Realism, Life and Moral Issues
455 Pages
High school is different for everyone. For Peter, it was a living hell where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. He was picked on and teased ever since he started school when he was five, and it only go worse as the years went on. Peter had enough of the pain and suffering and decided it was time to seek revenge. As only a small integral of the school's population, it took only nineteen minutes for him to kill ten people and wound many others. After many other school shootings in history, a high school was no longer an ectopic place for this terror to occur. As this story goes on, Jodi Picoult takes you through the trial and emotions of all involved up until the very last page.
Like other books that Picoult has written, she makes it very easy to picture your self in the story and become one of the characters. She shows you all of the different view points, from when Peter was five years old, to inside the locker room where the last victim was killed in front of his childhood friend Josie. All of these provide the best details possible so that the reader knows everything they can about the story. With the details and story line, she is capable of making it impossible to put the book down because of a need that is developed to know what happens next.
In Nineteen Minutes, Picoult is able to pull so many subplots together underneath the main trial in the book, consisting of new relationships being formed, others falling apart, and the ongoing pain that the victims feel. To show all of these angles, Picoult goes from different time periods in the characters' lives to show new information about the story, giving the reader some prescience to what might happen. Whether it be that the trial turns in Peter's favor, or if Josie will ever be able to tell what happened in the locker room, Picoult will keep you guessing what really happened that day until the last page.
With the combination of Picoult's attention to detail and the ongoing wonder of the story, I have to claim that this is one of the best books by Picoult that I have read. With her ability to keep you interested in the book once you think you've figured it out, only to find out it was the complete opposite, and then keep guessing the next turn in the plot shows her accomplished writing skills. I am greatful for these skills because they keep me entertained every time I want to enjoy a good book. I only hope that her skills as a writer will inspire others to make her one of their favorite writers as well.
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