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.
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