Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Battle Dress


Have you ever wondered what it's like? Have you ever wondered what it's like for a girl? Amy Efaw's story Battle Dress follows a girl named Andi whose dysfunctional family leads her to apply and leave her home. But West Point isn't all it's cut out to be. Beast (the summer training program before freshmen year) is hard and has scary similarities to home. Will Andi survive Beast? Will the physically and emotionally hard experience break Andi?
-Lauren

Hate List


Hate List, by Jennifer Brown, is about a girl who is part of an unpopular gothic group. She and her boyfriend got made fun of everyday at school so they would make a list of people they hated for it. One day her boyfriend decided to get rid of all of the people that tortured her at school. The book is mainly about how his hatred turned into murder and how she recovered from a life-changing event during what was supposed to be a normal day at school. It is a sad book, but very interesting.

Dreamland

The book Dreamland, by Sarah Dessen, is about a young teenager trying to figure out why her older sister ran away. She leaves behind a journal and says she will see her in her dreams. Caitlin waits to hear from Cass and one day she gets a phone call from Cass. This book is easy to relate to and mysterious at times.

Willow


Willow is a girl who lost both her parents through a car accident when she was driving on a rainy day. After leaving everything behind, she now only has a brother who barely talks to her. She finds a solution to ease all her pain - she begins cutting herself. She also meets a guy who helps her and becomes her first love.
-Catherine

Monday, April 11, 2011

90 Minutes in Heaven


90 Minutes in Heaven is about a man who gets in a terrible car accident on the freeway. He dies from the car accident, but only for 90 minutes. In those 90 minutes, the man finds himself in heaven. When he is there he meets some old friends. When he wakes up he is faced with the struggle to live. He spends almost a year in the hospital having to stretch his bone because he loses about 4 inches of his femur in the accident. It is a great book full of hope and overcoming obstacles.

It's Kind of a Funny Story


I've read this book about three times - it doesn't get old. It's not anything terribly challenging to take in - the world of a teenage boy, battling depression. We all can relate. Every sentence is hilarity, a witty kind of humor - there's love, there's suspense, there's someone figuring themselves out. It could have been the story of someone in this room, it's so real. I'm pretty sure they're making a movie of it now, too, which must mean it's pretty cool.
-Claire

The Book Thief

The Book Thief is a story that takes place during Nazi Germany. The main character is Liesel, a young girl who is fostered by a family. The story is told from the perspective of death, which makes the novel very unique and interesting. The story begins with Liesel learning how to read and moves on to her stealing books from various places. This hobby of hers not only entertains her, but also helps save a Jew. The book is mysterious, depressing and interesting and I strongly recommend it to everyone.

Eon


Eona is a girl growing up in a fantasy China with a cripple, but there's a catch: Eona has the ability to see all 12 dragons of the dragon circle. With this ability, Eona hopes to one day become the famous Rat Dragoneye, master of the Rat dragon. Unfortunately, in a society where girls are looked down upon and absolutely forbidden to become dragoneyes, Eona must disguise herself as Eon to fulfill her powerful destiny. Will she succeed in becoming the Rat Dragoneye or become something more? Will her secret identity be revealed?
-Belinda

The Inheritance Series


The series consists of four books, the three that are already out are called Eragon, Eldest and Brisingr. It's a fantasy series about a boy Eragon who discovers a dragon egg and his journey and struggle against the evil empire with his dragon Saphira - with whom he shares a bond so strong that they almost become one. The storyline is interesting and gripping - it's one of those books that you can't put down.
-Marissa

Brisingr is the third book of Christopher Paolini's Eragon series. Unlike the first, Brisingr focuses on the rider Eragon and his brother Roran. The story begins with the brothers' dangerous journey to rescue Katrina, Roran's fiance, from the Razac. The story then goes on to tell of Eragon's training with the elves. While there, he learns the secret behind Galbatorix's, the evil King's, power. Overall, the book is full of suspense and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good fantasy novel.
-Tinnie

Friday, February 25, 2011

Sundays at Tiffany's

James Patterson's Sundays at Tiffany's is a mix of reality and fantasy. It's a love story about a full-grown woman whose imaginary friend when she was little just suddenly appeared in reality. It's a story about love, motherhood and letting go. I loved this book, but it is not a typical James Patterson book. His style of writing is present but the theme is unusual.
-Madi

The White Queen


The White Queen tells the story of how Elizabeth Rivers went from being a widow with two sons to being the Queen of England. The story starts off with her romantic encounter with the Prince of York, future King of England. Elizabeth's husband had just died fighting a war between the Yorks and Lanchaster family. Being close to the once ruling Lanchaster family, Elizabeth finds it hard to accept her alternative fate. However, looking into the eyes of Henry, the new York King, she recognizes a new hope. A hope that would change her fate forever. This book is interesting because it depicts the realistic scenes of the English court during the time. It is both romantic and mysterious, as it involves the mystery of two princes who disappeared in the tower of London.

Personally, I love romance and mystery novels, so this book was a page turner for me.
-Tinnie

Ellen Foster


This book is very short but very strong. The author shares the story of Ellen Foster, a young girl who is raised in an extremely abusive environment. She is affected by her abusive father, reckless mother and her cold-hearted grandmother. Ellen's journey to find her true family and happiness impacts the readers. Another reason this book is special is that the story is told in the perspective of Ellen. Based on her experience, Ellen grows to become stronger. Ellen Foster is not a happy or humorous novel, but it is definitely meaningful and heart-warming.
-Kelly

The Phantom of the Opera


Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera is one of the best novels I have read in a long time. It follows the narrator's attempt to piece together the mysterious events and happenings of the Paris Opera House. There is a reason why this classic tale has been turned into a silent film, a hit major motion picture, and the longest running musical.
-Madi

A Long Way Down

A Long Way Down, by Nick Hornby, is a very different kind of book. It tells the story in the point of view of four different people, who coincidentally meet one New Year's Eve while attempting to commit suicide. The four of them become friends after sharing their reasons for suicide.

I recommend this book because it is a fun, easy read with relatable characters.
-Catherine

The Boy in Striped Pajamas

I read The Boy in Striped Pajamas recently. It was written in the perspective of a nine-year-old boy, Bruno. The story takes place during World War II and Bruno's dad is a German officer in charge of the Jewish concentration camp. However, Bruno has no idea about what is going on and starts to talk to a Jewish boy by the gate every day. They share their stories, until one day, Bruno decides to crawl under the gate to see what his friend's "home" is like...

No one belongs here more than you.


Tired of reading 500 page novels? Tired of flipping through pages trying to remember where you left off? No One Belongs Here More Than You, by Miranda July, is a collection of short stories written by Miranda July, a filmmaker and an author. Each story, from 2 to 7 pages, has its own character. These stories are weird, fun, and thought-provoking.

Th1rteen R3asons Why

This book is about a girl who commits suicide and creates these tapes for people to listen to. These tapes were created for 13 specific people who have impacted her life for better or for worse. The book is written as if you were talking to your friend. It is a great story that will keep you interested throughout the book. It is an easy, leisure read. I definitely recommend it.
-Barbara

Revolution

Revolution is a novel about the life of a girl, Andi, who's suffering the result of her brother's death. She's on medication and she has very few friends. Her successful father left her and her mother in their run-down mansion. As her mother loses her mind, so does she. Andi, a senior in high school, doesn't plan on writing her thesis, but her father's return changes that as she goes to Paris for winter break. In Paris, her life changes as she finds a diary about another girl's hardships during the French Revolution. I loved this book and I loved how Andi's romance and family life evolved.
-Miya

Revolution, by Jennifer Donnelly, is a book about a girl who has been going through many tragedies and because she stops doing well in school her dad takes her to Paris to get her work straight. In Paris, she find a diary of a girl who lived during the French Revolution. This book is very interesting and keeps your attention the whole time. It is great for those who like history particularly the French Revolution because part of it takes place during that time, but it is still good for those not into history because it is about a modern day girl too.
-Chiara

The Starplace


In a small town in Oklahoma, there was a girl named Franny. It was the 1960s and racism was a big part of everyday life. At Franny's school, everyone is white, until Celeste moves to town. She was brave to start out in this segregated community and sure enough, Franny and Celeste become friends. Although their friendship brings them closer, it also leads to the uncovering of a horrible secret.
-Michelle

Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Importance of Being Earnest

After auditioning for and watching the school's winter comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, I was determined to read the script. Chalk full of British humor, this play is hilarious. It is perfect if you are trying to find a suitable, short and witty story with its complex characters, crazy plot and witty banter between people.
-Lauren

The Count of Monte Cristo


Love. Betrayal. Revenge. Disguise.

When Edmond Dantes escapes from his prison in the Chateau D'if, he leaves with a secret. Soon he will be the possessor of unimaginable riches, but what will he do with them after fourteen years of imprisonment? Will he be able to find the people who betrayed him? And what of Mercedes, the young girl he has loved all along?

Read this unputdownable adventure-romance to find out.

-Ms. Potash

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Eat, Pray, Love


Eat, Pray, Love
by Elizabeth Gilbert is an account of the author's journey to rediscover the true meaning of happiness. Elizabeth has it all, a job she enjoys doing, a devoted husband, and a new house. But why can't she stop crying? Elizabeth then gives up everything to travel to Europe and discover herself. There, she finds spiritual enlightenment, delicious food, and love for herself and others.
-Belinda

Ender's Shadow

This is a sequel of Ender's Game, written in the perspective of another character in the book - Bean. Although often sequels are not as good as the first book, this book only adds to the previous book. While talking about the same plot, the book is never repetitive and provides the readers with completely new insights to the plot. I highly recommend this book, especially if you've read Ender's Game.
-Marissa

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter


This is a book that can pull you out of all your daydreams. The reason I say that is because The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is really a sad and hopeless tale that compiles all the sadness of human's lives. In this book, people keep on seeking love, passion, equality, art -- things that they anticipate. However, reality grants them otherwise. As these people's lives intertwine, you can see them struggling, losing hope, gaining hope, and eventually, losing their paths. It is a gloomy tale that makes you see the world in a different way. If you want to read something sad, heavy and thought-provoking, this will be a good choice. Furthermore, it is easy reading and the plot is extremely catchy.
-Shae

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Invention of Hugo Cabret


In this half-graphic, half-literary novel, Brian Selznick tells a story of a young boy named Hugo and his life in a train station. After his father's and uncle's deaths, he attends the clocks in the station while attempting to repair a mechanical man that his father left behind. Hoping it will give him some sort of note from his father, Hugo spends the majority of his time secretly working on the man. Throughout the novel, the readers travel with Hugo and are left with an ironic ending that creatively ties the story together. This book is a quick read, and I recommend it to anyone who is curious to experience a novel partly told with pictures.
-Carly

The Deep End of the Ocean


The Deep End of the Ocean, by Jacquelyn Mitchard, encompasses the tragedy and pain of losing a child. Beth's son is kidnapped when he is three years old at her high school reunion, and after the disappearance, her life is never the same. This book follows the Cappadora family as it struggles to come to terms with its loss. Mitchard captures the raw emotions of the grieving mother, frustrated father, and confused siblings beautifully and allows the reader to experience the family's sorrow and hardship. This book shows how life-changing a split-second decision can be and gives a whole new perspective on what it means to be a mother.
-Rachel

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants


I really enjoyed reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, by Ann Brashares. It is an entertaining story about a mysterious pair of jeans that travel across the world between friends. These jeans magically fit all four friends, even though it seems impossible because of their different body types. This book was enjoyable and easy to read, especially because I wanted to continue reading to find out how it ended. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially for those looking for a good book to read during the summer.
-Michelle

I read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants recently. It was about four girls who shared a pair of magical pants which fitted all of them. The pants travel as the girls take turns to wear them and send them to each other. Ann Brashares tells the reader what happens with the girls while they have the pants. I like the book because its easy and fun. It's a book you would read in your free time.
-Kyra

Wake

In the novel Wake, the protagonist Janie has the power of entering other people's dreams. In the dreams she enters, Janie discovers the secrets of her friends which she doesn't know in reality. The book's idea is similar to Inception; it also shows how humans tend to hide their dark side. It is very interesting to see through Janie's view how people who really look confident in real life are actually cowards in the dream world. If you like Inception and think you would enjoy entering into the dreams of random people, Wake would definitely be a top choice.
-Dora

Go Ask Alice


Go Ask Alice is one of those books you just can't put down. It is about a 15 year old girl who was heavily addicted to drugs. It's not written in a typical way though, it is written as if it is her diary and she is reporting what is going on and how she feels every day. Although I am not a big fan of the ending, Go Ask Alice is still one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it.
-Ashlynn

Go Ask Alice is a great book to read because it relates with the peer pressures young people receive at an early age. Although drugs and teenagers is not a healthy mix, the writer is truthful and real with her addiction and its consequences, which continue throughout the book. The anonymous writer, that could be anyone, helps readers understand and learn about her eventual road to recovery through personal diary entries.
-Juliana

Go Ask Alice is the true story of a drug-addicted teen writing out her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is a quick read and eye-opening to a whole new world and side of drugs. I disliked this book; it lacked substance and depth.
-Madi

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Born to Run


I've been running for over 20 years, and Born to Run is the first book that made me think about how I'm doing it, and actually convinced me to change my running technique. The book has three elements, all of which are intertwined in a provocative expose. The first element is an anthropological study of an Indian tribe in Mexico. The tribe just happens to run outrageously long distances (for days at a time), partly for fun, and partly for practical reasons. The second part of the book is an impassioned argument against running shoes, to be replaced by barefoot running or running with minimal cushioning. This is where the title of the book comes from. The argument is that humans were, for ages, subsistence hunters, meaning we hunted to stay alive. Since our prey could run faster than us in short spurts, we would run just fast enough to keep them in sight, forcing them to keep running in short spurts until they overheated (animals can't sweat) and we could finally get close enough to kill them. We were, quite literally, born to run, having evolved to allow this sort of long-distance hunting. But running shoes distort the runner's form and actually end up causing injuries, or so the argument goes. The third element of the book is the story of an ultra-marathon, a 100-mile race involving some of the best ultra-marthoners in the U.S. and several of the members of the Mexican tribe competing against one another. It's a riveting account, and ties together the other two sections of the book. If you're into running or human evolution, this book is highly entertaining.
-Brett Potash