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Carrie by Stephen King
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| Your classmates all hate you, and your mom is a religious freak. You don't have a safe place at home or at school.And you have a secret! Your telekenetic! You can make thing move and open and close all with your mind. You go to school everyday and try to ignore your classmates taunting until one night, at prom, they go a little to far...One of Stephen King's best novels I've read so far. It's one of my favorite books and like another book I wrote about I just keep picking it up. If you've seen the movie and think you know everything pick up the book because soooooo much is left out. This is a must read!!!!! |
Review written by Lauren |
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| Genre: Science Fiction |
Enchantment by Orson Scott Card
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On their way to America, Ivan and his parents stay at their Cousin Marek's farm in the Carpathian forest. One day, ten year old Ivan stumbles across a clearing where a beautiful princess sleeps. Frightened, Ivan runs away, and leaves for the U.S. Fourteen years, Ivan is a graduate student and engaged to be married, but is still haunted by the beautiful girl he found in the Russia. When the Berlin Wall falls, Ivan is able to return to Russia. He stays at his cousin's farm, and discovers that the girl is still there. Ivan doesn't run, instead he awakens the princess with a kiss and is taken back to her world, one thousand years ago. There he must save Katerina's people from the evil Baba Yaga before she takes over his world.
This book not only has the story of Sleeping Beauty. It has traditional Russian fairie tales and legends, like the Winter Bear, Baba Yaga, and Mikola Mozhaiski. I really loved this book. Some of the situations Ivan and Katerina get into are hilarious. I could not believe it was Science
Fiction, it should be fantasy. |
Review written by Janeen |
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| Genre: Fantasy |
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
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The first book of the Mortal Instruments series is an introduction to Clary, a teenaged girl living in Manhattan with her mother. She believes herself to be a normal teenager until one night, she finds out otherwise. She learns her mother was a Shadowhunter, (they hunt demons) a descendant of angels and humans. And with this knowledge, a whole world is opened up for Clary that has always existed but she has never seen.
It was engaging in parts and it dragged in others. Some parts are predictable (like who Clary's father is) but that doesn't take away from the story (too much). Worth a read, the second one comes out March 2008. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Historical Fantasy |
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
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The circumstances that bring Gemma Doyle to England are terrible, her mother is murdered in India. But once she is there and at her boarding school, magical things begin to occur. A mysterious Indian boy named Kartik has followed her and is keeping tabs on her decisions. She has visions that are somehow related to a group called The Order. Can she figure out what it all means before it is too late?
This was a quick read, full of lush details. The premise is interesting and I love how Gemma is strong character, especially given the restrained time period she lives in. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Historical Fantasy |
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
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This is the second book in Libba Bray's Victorian trilogy. She goes to London on Christmas break and most of the action takes place outside of the school. The Rakshana (through Kartik) reveal that Gemma must bind the magic of the Realms before it is too late (wild magic is dangerous.) Even though she is reluctant, Gemma searches for the Temple in the Realms with Ann and Felicity. They must find the temple before Circe, Gemma's enemy, or else suffer the consequences.
Gemma also meets Simon Middleton, a former schoolmate of her brother's and extremely wealthy, eligible bachelor. There might be something between them, but there is also Kartik who might be more than just her protector (and coach driver.)
I liked this book for the intrigue. Gemma's friends make me wonder how close these girls really are (they seem a bit fickle.) Darn Victorian society, I'm never going to see the two characters who should be together end up that way! The Christmas scene brought a warm smile to my face. Looking forward to the third one. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Fantasy |
Tithe by Holly Black
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This book is hard to get into. A harsh beginning that seems kinda out of place for a fantasy (but it cleans up quickly.) Kaye is not who she thinks she is. In fact, she is not even human. And her faerie playmates were real, not figments of her imagination.
This is a dark fantasy and faeries are not the lovable bunch as they are sometimes portrayed. It's about power plays and social status. There is a happier ending, but it comes at a price. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Fantasy |
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
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This is an imaginative debut novel. Aislinn has always been able to see faeries, and they are not the nice friendly bunch they are sometimes portrayed as. She has been taught not to associate with them, because who knows what they would do to her if they knew? But lately, things have been a bit more complicated. her best friend, Seth, has the potential to become more than just a friend. And it's kind of hard to ignore faeries when two are stalking you. Especially if one of those faeries is, Keenan, the Summer King. Keenan believes that Aislinn is the queen he has been searching for for nine centuries. And you just can't say no to a faerie king. What's a girl to do?
The imagery in this book is fantastic: both beautiful and horrifying. Aislinn is a strong character, but not without her faults. A delicious read, with a possibility for a sequel. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Fantasy |
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
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| Not exactly being objective here, but I love fantasy. Some days, it is my favorite genre. So, I had high expectations going into this book because of all of the positive reviews I had heard about it. Eragon is a 15 year old farm boy growing up in a magical country complete with elves, dwarves, orc-like creatures, and ruled by an evil king. The king destroyed the Dragon Riders, the former defenders of the country before Eragon was born. And, the only known dragon eggs are in the king’s possession. While out hunting one day, Eragon finds a mysterious blue stone that he takes home to his uncle’s house. The stone turns out to be a dragon’s egg, which hatches shortly after Eragon finds it and gives him his strongest and best companion, Saphira. This event results in the murder of his uncle and circumstances force Eragon to leave home and travel throughout the land hunting for his uncle’s killers and the king’s henchmen, the Ra’zac. The elements of the story were engrossing, but I was a bit frustrated as to how certain ideas were clearly lifted from other fantasy tales. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, it doesn’t give license to copy another’s work and pass it off as your own. And yes, fantasy as a genre tends to have a great many instances of reusing the same ideas, but each author puts their own spin on these ideas and makes them their own. I didn’t feel that was done adequately here. I’m not sure if I want to read the sequel, I’m afraid of more disappointment. For someone who doesn’t read a lot of fantasy however, the ideas will come across as innovative and entertaining and will not detract from the novel’s charm. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Historical Fantasy |
The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
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Gemma continues her adventures in the concluding book of the Gemma Doyle trilogy. She still has the magic bound to herself at the beginning of this book and has not been back in the Realms since. Gemma and Felicity are getting ready to make their debuts and so the first 250ish pages deal with that (honestly not all that great. It's a good description of the times, but does little to further the action of the main story.) When we do get to the Realms, we find that things are deteriorating. Something must be done, and soon.
Some of Gemma's decisions shocked me, and not in a good way. I thought she would have learned from some of her past mistakes, apparently not. I understand that she is a has faults, but still, a bit hard to believe who she decides to put her trust in.
The romance aspect of the story was nice. Kartik is a wonderful character and a decent foil for Gemma. I missed him in the first part of this book. The ending was bittersweet but necessary. The writing was good but the plot was a bit drawn out. I had high hopes for this book but overall it was just okay. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Fantasy |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
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What can I say about this book that I haven't already said? To find chapter by chapter analysis go to www.theslugclubblog.blogspot.com.
It's kind of bittersweet reaching the end. We know what happens (finally) but there are no more to look forward to. The deaths were hard to take, but honestly I thought there would be more (perhaps I'm reading too much George R.R. Martin :) It was an interesting end to the series. I didn't like the epilogue (it felt cheap), some things are better left to the imagination. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Science Fiction |
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
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| Welcome to the World State. Here children are created in test tubes,Henry Ford is God, history does not exist. |
Review written by Janeen |
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| Genre: Fantasy |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling
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| We are back for another year of mischief and mayhem at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry’s confrontation at the Department of Mysteries last year was a prelude to something much bigger and more sinister. Although we do not see Lord Voldemort in the flesh this year, his influence is everywhere. And, more than ever, Harry feels like Draco Malfoy and Professor Snape are working for the other side. Many things happen this year leading to the final climax that will have any Harry Potter fan in disbelief. We are left with the sense that the stakes have been raised ever higher and the final showdown is looming on the horizon. This book comes in as my second favorite in the series. It is jam packed with ideas and plot points and keeps you questioning long after the book is closed. The engrossing nature of Rowling’s writing style make this book accessible to a myriad of ages and reading preferences. It is just that much fun. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Mystery |
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
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| I had to read this book for summer reading and really loved it. The young protagnist of the story marries Maxim De Winter, who still grieves the death of his last wife, Rebecca. Max brings his bride to his home, Manderly. It is there that the reader discovers that Rebecca's presence is still at Mandelry and everyone does things Rebecca's way. The narrator feels that even Max still belongs to Rebecca. Things change drastically when the secret of Rebecca's death is brought forth. I could not put this book down. I just wish the narrator's name was given. |
Review written by Janeen |
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| Genre: Historical |
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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| I really enjoyed this book. It is narrated from the perspective of Death (yes, that Death) and focuses on Liesel Meminger, a young girl growing up in Germany during World War II. Liesel lives with her foster parents from the time she is nine until just about the end of the book. There are vivid descriptions of everyday life and that's what makes this book so good, you get wrapped up in Liesel's world. You share her triumphs (learning how to read) and her sorrows (losing her brother). I cannot recommend this book enough, it is sensational. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Historical |
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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| This is a story about a girl named Liesel Memenger. She lives in the 1940's when WWII is going on. This story is being narrated by death and it is very in depth. I would have to say that this book is very intense with detail. It is about how she learns how to read, makes new friends, and loses her family. She lives in a foster family. Her foster father Hans has a very important secret that Liesel must keep for her and her family's life. You will have to read to know the rest. But in my opinion, I would not have read this book if I didn't have to read it for school. |
Review written by Lindsey |
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| Genre: Historical |
Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale by Donna Jo Napoli
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This book is told from the perspective of Melkorka, a 15 year old Irish princess. Her world turns harsh after her brother suffers an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. In order to win back the family honor, an elaborate and dangerous scheme is planned. Melkorka and her younger sister Brigit are sent away for their safety. On their way to their safe harbor, they are kidnapped by Russian slave traders. This is when we truly see Melkorka's character.
This book is not for the faint of heart, there is bone-crushing violence in some scenes. And it is downright sad in other places. But Melkorka's transformation and her indomitable spirit tie this tale together so it never becomes too insufferable. Still, if you don't appreciate this type of story, pass it up.
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Review written by Gigi |
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Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
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This book is great! It is about two best friends during World War II. One of the girls (Ellen) is Jewish and the other (Annemarie) is not. Annemarie's family tries to save Ellen and her family during this difficult period in history. Can they do it?
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Review written by Anonymous |
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| Genre: Realistic |
Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron
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| This book follows 18 year old James the summer between his senior year in high school and freshman year of college. He has been accepted to Brown, but he's not sure he wants to go there. Instead, he's looking for homes with character in the Midwest, far removed from New York City. Although James' voice in this novel is refreshing and enlightened, the novel does not move very fast. The conclusion left something to be desired and seemed rather abrupt in comparison with the wandering of the rest of the novel. Still, it was a solid book about the uncertainty of the future. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Realistic |
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
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| This book (told in letters to an unknown person) centers around Charlie, a teenage boy trying to grow up in high school. This book was amazing, there is simply no other word to describe it. This is the kind of book a person could read a million times and never get sick of. It was never dull or hard to get through because each part of it was as good as the last. The only slightly negative thing I could say about the book was that it was very similar to J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. The stories’ protagonists (Charlie vs. Holden) as well as some of the minor characters were exceedingly similar to those of Catcher in the Rye. Though very similar to Catcher in the Rye, it is just as good a read, if not better. It is also set in a more contemporary setting than Catcher in the Rye (90’s) and how the story is told through letters in more intriguing than Catcher in theRye. Chbosky writes beautifully getting his point across without ever having to resort to long pretentious passages. Though perhaps biased because it is my favorite book, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is my favorite book. |
Review written by Sara |
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This is What I Did by Ann Dee Ellis
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| Logan is trying to keep it together after witnessing a violent crime involving his best friend and the girl he has a crush on. His family as moved to another part of town in the hope that he can start over at a new school. His past follows him to his new school and rumors start flying that Logan was involved in the crime. We don't find out what really happened to him until the end of the book. He spends most of the book not wanting to talk about it and no one seems to want to press him. He repeatedly tells his parents that school and scouts are fine, even though he's being bullied, and his parents repeatedly accept this. No one takes the time to find out how he's really feeling. This book was a quick read but I found the excessive dialogue breaks annoying and when the truth about what happened is finally revealed, it's a bit anti-climactic. |
Review written by Laura |
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Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
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| How would your friends treat you if you ended an end-of-the-summer party by calling the cops? But what if there was something that they didn't know about. A secret that since that night you can't tell anyone: not your mom, not a doctor, nobody. Melinda Sordino goes through her freshman year of High School with a burden on her chest and friends who won't talk to her. She knows no one and everybody knows her and their very angry with her. But what is the secret they don't know? Find out! I personally couldn't put this book down and when I did I picked it up again and again. This is a must read for anyone but especially a teenage girl. |
Review written by Lauren |
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I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
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| Totally took me by surprise, I don't think I've read anything like it. The story centers around narrator Ed Kennedy, a nineteen year old cab driver. Everything changes for Ed the day a robber holds up the bank he and his friends are in. Ed goes after the robber so he doesn't get away and is touted as a local hero. That's when the first card shows up in the mail. Ed must try to make sense of the clues left on the card and figure out who he is supposed to help. Each clue builds and the climax is great. I like the message behind this book and the method in which it was presented. It's very well written, give it a try! |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Realistic |
Slam by Nick Hornby
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| This book is about teenage pregnancy from the male's perspective. Sixteen year old Sam and his girlfriend Angela find out that they are going to be parents...after things have cooled off between them. This book is great because it touches into the anxiety and responsibility Sam feels about his impending fatherhood without overdoing it. Also, Sam has momentary glimpses into the future through a flash forward device which makes you wonder, Is this what is going to happen? Or is this a choice he will have to make in the future? Sam's refreshing voice and perspective make this a great book. |
Review written by Gigi |
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Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
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| Naomi is a high school junior who wakes up in ambulance with a stranger holding her hand and pain in her head. She cannot remember anything that happened in the last four years. This proves to be awkward considering some of the things that happened (her parent's divorce, Mom's remarriage, her sister being born, having a boyfriend, etc.) She can do nothing, except hope that her memory comes back. This proves to be hard for her...and the people she is closest to. Naomi's voice is solid. She hits the mark on her worries and trying to find herself (not necessarily who she used to be.) A fast read, but one that will stay with you. |
Review written by Gigi |
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The Center of the World by Andreas Steinhofel, translated by Alisa Jaffa
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| This story is about a 17 year old boy named Phil. He lives in an old Gothic house called Visible in a tiny German town with his secretive twin sister, Dianne, and their opinionated, promiscuous mother, Glass. The plot revolves around Phil’s relationship with his first love, a mysterious new boy named Nicholas. The relationship is strange in that it is physical, but not intimate and although Phil is supported by those he loves, Nicholas does not want to come out for fear of what the town would think. Also ever present is the question of Phil’s father, an American whom Glass refuses to talk about. The characters are well developed (though not always likable) and the scene is vividly set; yet this book frustrates me in that I feel Phil is searching for something he can’t find (although this feeling does sum up part of what it is to be a teenager). It is a subtle book that needs to be read carefully and definitely not for someone who is looking for something fluffy. Perhaps something was lost in the translation, but there is enough here to keep the interest of mature readers. |
Review written by Gigi |
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Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
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This is the second book in the Gallagher Girl series. Will Cammie be able to get over her ex, Josh? In a school for spies, anything is possible. We learn early on that the East Wing has been closed off due to a venting problem from chemistry...except none of the chemistry vents go over there. And there is something named Blackthorn that keeps popping up, but what is it? A codename? An operation? A school for boy spies? Read to find out!
The humor and outrageous situations in this one made me laugh out loud. Oh the trouble these girls go looking for...it makes for a great story. |
Review written by Gigi |
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Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr
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| Deanna's father caught her having sex with her brother's friend when she was just 13, and now he can't look at her. Even after two years, there is no relationship between Deanna and her father. This one decision has cost her dearly and she feels isolated from family and her peers because of it. Movingly real, this story makes you think about choices and perception about certain individuals. Kind of sad in parts, but it ends on a more positive note. |
Review written by Gigi |
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13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
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| This book is a journey for 17 year old Ginny. She receives instructions from her free-spirited and recently departed Aunt Peg and is bound for Europe with no maps, very little money, a large backpack, and 13 little blue envelopes containing notes that Aunt Peg wrote before her death. Each envelope may be opened only after the task was completed from the previous envelope. The resulting trip takes Ginny all over Europe and helps her unravel some of the questions surrounding Aunt Peg. Let me say first off that Ginny is a brave soul. If anyone asked me to do what she did, I would probably laugh in their face and refuse. The places Ginny travels are many and varied as are the experiences she has in them…but as a character, she’s a bit underdeveloped. Actually, all of the characters feel a bit flat except for Aunt Peg who is way over the top. It’s a sweet story and does show how this trip helps Ginny accept her aunt’s death, but it didn’t resonate with me. Great if you looking for a little fluff that will make you smile. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Realistic |
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
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| This book is about high school student, Clay, who receives a box of audiotapes from his dead crush, Hannah. Hannah commits suicide and sends 13 tapes to 13 people to tell each person why they had a hand in her death. Told from both Clay and Hannah's viewpoints, this book is hard to put down. It reminds us that we need to reach out to others and really listen to each other. The ending is subtly hopeful. |
Review written by Laura |
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Derby Girl by Shauna Cross
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| Set in Texas, Bliss Cavender is an eccentric, punk girl with a pageant-crazed mother and an awesome best friend. Luckily, she lives just an hour from the hip, happening city of Austin. And thus her teenage life finally begins with a roller derby flyer. You definitely don't need to know anything about roller derby to enjoy this cheeky tale. Derby Girl is an exciting, yet realistic coming of age story that will keep you reading. |
Review written by Lucy |
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Head Case by Sarah Aronson
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| This is a cautionary tale about high school student, Frank, who drives while drunk, killing his girlfriend and a pedestrian and leaving himself paralyzed from the neck down. Frank now has to deal with his guilt and paralysis as well as his community's anger directed towards him. None of the characters are particularly likable and you'll see the ending coming from a mile away. But, on the whole, not a bad read. |
Review written by Laura |
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The View From Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
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| This book is wonderful! It's a Newbery winner and it's about four kids and a handicapped teacher. They four kids; Noah, Nadia, Ethan, and Julian are in an Academic Bowl together. In fact, they are the only sixth grade team there is. Everyone else is older. I love it because you are reading it from so many points of view. In the end, you’ll find out that they all have something in common and that’s why they are such a good team. |
Review written by Zoe |
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Before I Die by Jenny Downham
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| This is Tessa's book. She is a teen living with the knowledge that she doesn't have long left thanks to the cancer that has spread throughout her body. She has a choice, she can live out the time that she has left under the blankets of her bed or she can fulfill all of her desires on her list. This book is both satisfying and heartbreaking. You feel you are sharing in Tessa's triumphs and ache at her disappointments. It may be a hard book to start (it is set in England so there is some adjustment to the language) but once you are in, it won't let go. |
Review written by Gigi |
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How Not to be Popular by Jennifer Zeigler
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This book is about a girl named Maggie who, with her parents, is moving for the tenth time in her high school career. It is hard on her, every time she moves to a new place, she settles in, makes friends (the last place she even had a boyfriend), and goes about her life. Then, without fail, her parents get wanderlust and pack their bags for someplace new, tearing Maggie away from the relative security she has enjoyed. Well no more. Maggie has a plan for the new school: she's not going to fit in. In fact, she is going to do her best to be an outcast. Only thing is, sometimes things don't work out exactly how you have planned.
I really enjoyed this book, it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. I think everyone can relate on some level to the emotions Maggie feels throughout the book. I found myself smiling, this is surely worth a read. |
Review written by Gigi |
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Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson
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Part historical mystery and romance but grounded firmly in the real world, this book is definitely a page turner. After landing a summer job at an art store, Clio is told that her mom is taking a fellowship in another state that summer. So, instead of working at the art store, Clio will be spending her summer in Italy on a yacht with her dad. Which sounds great, but Clio doesn't really get along with her father. And the yacht, while luxurious, is very closed quarters. Plus, no one will tell her the real purpose for their trip.
Clio is not one to take things lying down and vows to get to the bottom of things. She has a few misadventures along the way and learns a few things before the end. You will root for her through it all, even if sometimes she acts a bit like a sulking child. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Romance, Horror |
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
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| Eclipse, the third book in the Twilight series, was a great book. In Eclipse, Bella’s vampire love interest, Edward, returns, and they prepare to graduate. However, graduation is not the only thing they are dealing with. Gruesome murders are happening in Seattle, an old foe is returning for Bella, and Bella must deal with her feelings for Edward AND Jacob. All things considered, this was a good book. Highlights include more background stories about the Cullens' and vampires. However, some negative aspects of the book include a history of werewolves, and lots of Jacob Black (much more than necessary.) It’s a quick read for fans of the series, and makes the reader eager for the final book in the series. |
Review written by Sara |
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| Genre: Romance, Horror |
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
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| New moon, the sequel to the thrilling and captivating vampire romance, Twilight, is an okay book. New Moon is different from Twilight because it focuses on the heroine, Bella, and her relationship with her friend Jacob. As opposed to Twilight, which focuses on the relationship between Bella and her vampire love interest, Edward. If Edward Cullen was your favorite character in Twilight, New Moon will disappoint you because he is not in the book very much. I disliked New Moon, because of this. Stephenie Meyer tries to replace Edward Cullen with a minor character from Twilight, Jacob Black. And she fails miserably because Jacob is a boring, annoying, and lame character. You cannot just take a great character like Edward Cullen, and then take him out of the book! This made me very angry, especially because the plot of this book is not as good as the plot of Twilight. And as for the main character, Bella, well it’s a little bit ridiculous. Bella is the weakest and whiniest heroine in any book I have ever read. I kept turning the pages in the hope that this book would get better, and I had to flip MANY pages. However, as I stated earlier, this book is okay, because the ending is AWESOME, and the last few chapters are very suspenseful and make you remember why you liked this series in the first place. So I would definitely suggest reading this book if you were a fan of Twilight and want to continue on with the series. (And think that you can stomach all the scenes with Jacob to get to the end.) |
Review written by Sara |
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| Fiction |
| Genre: Romance, Horror |
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
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| I am not usually a fan of books where vampires are prominent characters. However, Twilight is an exception. Twilight tells the story of a girl named Bella and the mysterious vampire she meets, named Edward Cullen. At first, I had not wanted to read the book because the premise sounded completely ridiculous. But after all my friends told me how it was their favorite book and how amazing it was, I decided to read it. And I was shocked by how good it was. The vampire even turned out to be my favorite character. Twilight was action packed, funny, and addictive. I could not put this book down. It was a page turner, to say the least. The only negative things I can say about this book were that the main character was annoying at times and that towards the end, the book felt almost too action-packed. Otherwise, it was an excellent book. I fell in love with the characters and it was very suspenseful. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast read and a new book series. |
Review written by Sara |
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| Genre: General |
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
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| What happens when we die? That is the concept explored in the creative and ingenious novel by Mitch Albom. The main character, Eddie (who in case you have not guessed it dies) goes to heaven and meets five people who help him reflect upon his life. Sounds just a little bit corny and lame, right? That’s what I said, and then I read the book. When Eddie dies in a tragic carnival ride accident, he wakes up-Guess where?-in heaven. When he learns he has died, he begins his next journey to meet his five people who show him how he affected and had an impact on other people’s lives. Through meeting his five people, he makes startling discoveries he never knew on Earth and learns how he changed the lives of people he barely knew. The premise of the book was great and was the best thing about the book. Who thinks of that? The characters and their stories are well written and keep you eager to know the rest, which makes this already short book a quick read. There aren’t a lot of bad things one could say about the book other than if you don’t want to read a book about what could theoretically happen when one dies, then don’t read it. The Five People You Meet in Heaven offers a unique, fresh, and touching perspective on the afterlife. |
Review written by Sara |
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| Genre: Romance, Horror |
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
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| Bella decides to live with her father after her mother remarries. She moves to the tiny, cloudy town of Forks, Washington and starts her junior year of high school. There she is intrigued by a beautiful but mysterious family that sits alone during lunch, especially Edward. But, these students are more than beautiful, they are vampires. And when a vampire tracker comes to Forks looking for Bella's blood, things get dangerous. |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Romance, Horror |
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
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Book 2 of the Twilight series starts off with a crushing blow. Bella's love, Edward, LEAVES. And she is such a wreck because of it. You know, Bella gets on my nerves sometimes. She is such a weak heroine it drives me crazy. He left. Yes, it's sad, but he's not coming back and going through your life like a zombie is no way to use your remaining years. But, Edward leaving does have a bright side (well for me.)
We get to meet Jacob. He's beyond description. If Bella wasn't pouting so hard, she might actually realize what an amazing guy she has for a best friend. She might also realize that if she wants to be more than friends, Jacob would heartily agree.
There is conflict and drama, but I don't want to spoil it for those of you who haven't read it yet.
I liked this book better than Twilight mainly because of Jacob. Bella still gets on my nerves, but the sensory imagery in this book is beautiful. I'll have to make it to the Pacific Northwest someday :) |
Review written by Gigi |
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| Genre: Realistic |
Squashed by Joan Bauer
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| This book is for the people who have a green thumb. It is about a girl named Ellie and how she is growing a pumpkin who she named Max. It is a story of how she tries to win the biggest pumpkin weigh-in at a festival. Also, it is about how she gets through her tough times without her mom after she dies. She is telling a funny, warm hearted story. |
Review written by Lindsey |
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| Genre: Romance, Horror |
Eclipse by Setphenie Meyer
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Book 3 of the Twilight series finds so gruesome murders happening in Seattle...and they might not be the work of humans. Now that Edward has returned, he and Bella are attached at the hip as usual. Poor Jake, sometimes being an optimist doesn't pay, you just torture yourself.
The action in this one comes from Bella's struggle between her feelings for Edward and Jacob and the fact that she is once again in the middle of a dangerous situation (those murders are connected, you know.) Oh, and most of all, Bella must choose her fate: to live the rest of her life as a human or be turned into a vampire.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. Bella has a bit more spunk (thank goodness.) The next one should tie up some of the loose ends nicely (well, I can hope. There are only so many cliff hangers I can take.) |
Review written by Gigi |
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I Was a Doctor in Aushwitz by Dr. Gisella Perl
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| Dr. Perl tell you what it was really like in a concentration camp during Hitler's reign. I could not put this book down. Every detail captured my mind and gave me a deeper respect for all survivors of Hitler's unspeakable torture of Europe and everyone he hated so deeply without reason. |
Review written by Anonymous |
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