Friday, November 18, 2011

Unwind

Unwind, by Neal Shusterman, is a book you'll LOVE if you enjoy sci-fi and unsettling subjects. Set in the future during a 2nd civil war, Connor, Risa and Lev struggle to keep themselves alive and away from being "unwound," or being taken apart little by little and donating their organs. Each has no need to exist in society according to the authorities, therefore being unwound is the best decision. This book is creepy, thought-provoking, and will keep you captivated until the very end.
-Kathy

Becoming Me


This is a funny, heartwarming story written in diary entries about friends, family, peer pressure, boys and heartache. It's a quick, light read that I would recommend for someone who needs a break from schoolwork. It brings up some challenging and thought-provoking ideas as well. Becoming Me is definitely written more for girls than guys, but it's inspiring and refreshing for anyone who reads it.
-Eryn

Identical



This book contains various aspects of teenage life and views when they lack love from their parents and have been abandoned. This book is entirely in poem writing style so it is very interesting to see the poem stanza and placement change throughout the plot of the story. Towards the ending, a big twist will surprise you if you read this book. I highly suggest this book, so go grab this from the library or book store right now!
-Zoey

The book Identical is written in poems, and it is a story about these teenage twins, who are having problems with relationships and trying to defeat their fear. This novel is really interesting, it makes people think over and over again, the creepiness of the book and the way the author tells the story is just like solving a puzzle as you are reading. If you are looking for books about teenage problems or you enjoy reading mysterious and creepy stories, Identical is definitely a book for you!
-YoYo

The Help


The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, is a great book because the different angles of the plotline give the reader a fuller view of the story. It allows the reader to be immersed within the book and relate closely with the characters. While all of us may not be black maids or white socialites in Jackson, Mississippi, the emotions tie the reader in. If social gatherings and fried chicken are your cup of tea, then The Help would be my recommendation.
-Alicia

The Help follows three different women in the 1960s when segregation and integration was a highly debated topic. Kathryn Stockett uses the interesting method of using the women's voices to tell their stories, as opposed to having one set speaker. I recommend this book because it stimulates the reader to think about the changes, whether great or small, that the United States has endured. The Help was a book I loved because of the writing techniques and the story overall.

Good to Great


When I first got the book, I expected it to be a boring, serious and professional economy/business book. However, after reading the first 10 pages, I realized that I was entirely wrong. How to run a business is exactly like how to live a life. Prepare for the most inspirational non-fiction book of the year, and change your life from good to great.
-Emma

Oscar Wilde's Wit and Wisdom


Oscar Wilde's Wit and Wisdom is a collection of quotes gathered from Oscar Wilde's works, including Picture of Dorian Gray and Lady Windermere's Fan. His quotes cover a myriad of topics ranging from youth to politics, offering wit and profound insight to the reader. One of my favorite Wilde quote is "People who count their chickens before they are hatched, act very wisely, because chickens run about so absurdly that it is impossible to count them accurately," which means that people who plan for the future are prepared. Wilde's quotes were brilliant displays of intelligence.
-Rachel

The Chronicles of Narnia


I would recommend Narnia. It is a fantasy that tells the story of an amazing world. Some brave boys and girls get into that world and started their adventure. It is really interesting and tells us about love and faith.
-Charlotte

City of Bones


Book one in the Mortal Instruments series (total six books, four have come out, by Cassandra Clare, is a typical teenager book. It contains immortals - vampires, werewolves, fairies, etc.; and humans that have special power - shadowhunters. If you like young, forbidden, uncontrollable love and twisted love triangles, the relationship between Jane, Clary and Simon will definitely interest you. If you're more interested in power-hungry villains and exciting actions, the journey they go through, the war, and Valentine - the big villain himself - will suit your taste. People who like the Harry Potter series will like this book. I will absolutely recommend the City of Bones to others.
-Sandie

Emma


Emma, by Jane Austen, is a classic novel about a young girl's love, friendship and emotions. The main character matures, gains self-knowledge and finds true love. Jane Austen's writing style is sarcastic and ironic as usual. It was really interesting to read with an unexpected twist. You will like this if you liked any other Jane Austen novel.
-Julia

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire




Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a book with all the aspects of a fun novel. It brings friendship, trust, magic and adventure all together to form a book for all audiences. Though it's long, it is an enjoyable read that will capture your mind. Harry Potter is a boy who finds out that he is a wizard and gets sent to a magical school where most of his adventures take place.
-Anni

Lord of the Flies


Lord of the Flies is a disturbing novel that brings many questions to mind. What is really moral, or immoral? How far can a "joke" justify itself as harmless? If you enjoy intriguing books such as Animal Farm, then Lord of the Flies will be the book for you. They both portray conspiracies about our world in two very different topics. I enjoyed both a lot, and I highly recommend at least reading Animal Farm if you're a more political person.
-Jeainny

Thursday, November 17, 2011

To Kill a Mockingbird


To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is an excellent novel. It expresses the importance of not judging others by what one hears. This novel also highlights the process of growing up and learning to see the world in a different way. I highly recommend this book for all teenagers.
-Christy

One Day


One Day, by David Nicholls, is the best romantic-comedy since Dear John! You're able to follow the journey of two lovers: Emma and Dexter. Nicholls's writing is detailed and helps you really picture the relationship between the two. If you liked Dear John, you'll love One Day. It'll make you want to keep flipping the page!
-Melissa

Looking for Alaska


Looking for Alaska has relatable characters, and you get to go through the journeys and obstacles they face. The style was fluid and an easy-to-read book. It was set up as counting down to the climax, which kept me reading.
-Katie

A Walk to Remember


I recommend A Walk to Remember because it's your typical Nicholas Sparks' book, but with an original twist. A Walk to Remember will play with your emotions. If you enjoyed any other Sparks' book, you will enjoy this beautiful love story. You will want to keep reading!
-Kristina

The Truth About Forever




With tears, joy, and a broken heart, I read this book without taking any breaks. It is intriguing and although it may sound like a cliche, The Truth About Forever is more than your typical Sarah Dessen teenage book. By far, it is my favorite book by Dessen and I strongly recommend it.
-Melissa