Wilmington High School English 10H discussion

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

If I could describe The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky in one sentence, it would be that it is about life. It is about the adolescent struggle of growing up. It is about facing challenges each and every one of us encounters in our daily lives. It is Salinger-esque. There, that is it. If you want to stop reading here, you may. However, if you have still not made your decision regarding this book, I entreat you to continue on.

In more detail, Chbosky’s novel is about a fifteen-year-old boy named Charlie, the narrator of the book. Charlie is battling guilt and PTSD caused by his Aunt Helen’s death and his friend Michael’s suicide. Partly because of Charlie’s PTSD, he is considered “weird.” At the start of the school year he talks to nobody. He is a wallflower; that is, he listens to everyone else’s problems while not participating in life himself. He is standing on the sidelines of life. Throughout the novel, we see Charlie battle his issues with the help of two newfound friends, Patrick and Sam. Eventually, he becomes a player in the great game that we call life. The fact that Charlie is a wallflower allows him, and therefore the reader, to thoroughly observe the world and people's issues.

Abortion, homosexuality, smoking, drugs, molestation, domestic abuse, rape, suicide, social mores, and gender roles. All of these are things that Charlie witnesses in his journey. Charlie sees his sister, a senior in high school, get hit by a boy that she treats horribly. She does absolutely nothing about this abuse. Indeed, she stops being mean to him and starts going out with him. His sister later tells him that this same boy impregnated her and, subsequently, Charlie takes her the the abortion clinic to get an abortion. Charlie sees Patrick and Brad desperately conceal their love in fear of being discovered as gay. Charlie witnesses the destruction of this relationship, which is due to the anxiety of being outed. Charlie smokes cigarettes daily, exposes himself to marijuana, and even tries LSD. Charlie sees a man named Bill stagnate in life, staying at home all the time, because of drugs. He has even seen a girl pleading for a boy named Dave to stop when he tries to have sex with her. Dave does not stop. She is raped. By the end of the book, Charlie has been exposed to the world and all it is composed of, especially its terrors. Charlie views all this with an analytical mind. He watches sickening human acts, but he is helpless to stop any of the wrongdoings. He is profoundly bothered by this. Charlie forms his own opinions and experiments with love and drugs; he grows out of adolescence to become an adult of his own. Overall, as stated before, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is about life.

Chbosky captures this theme of life impeccably by using a variety of techniques. Chbosky writes the whole story in an epistolary writing style where Charlie is writing letters to the reader. This allows the reader to feel connected to Charlie, establishing a personal attachment. This makes the reader feel linked to Charlie so that the book becomes more than a fictional story; it becomes a personal account that has the reader eager to turn the page and discover more. This stream of consciousness style creates real depth in the character’s storyline by allowing us to feel as if we are inside the narrator’s thoughts. Also, it makes the story come to life, giving it the appearance that the story is occurring in the moment. This writing technique brings us inside Charlie’s brain and allows us to see his character develop tremendously. On the negative side, it is difficult to see what the other characters’ perspectives are because the whole book is told from one point of view. But, I believe the pros far outweigh the cons.

Each of our lives is drastically different, but we are all familiar with the omnipresent themes in this book. Every day we hear about the argument over Pro-Life and Pro-Choice, the gay marriage debate, and drug and alcohol abuse. For this reason, no matter where someone comes from, how old he or she is, or what he or she does for a living, everyone will be able to relate with The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Because, in the end, as in the beginning, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a book about life and that is a journey that we are all taken through as human beings.

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth depicts the dystopian city of Chicago in the mesmerising conclusion to the Divergent trilogy, Allegiant. The world Tris Prior once knew and accepted is destroyed. Tris, Tobias, and those closest to them are among a group called the Allegiant, whose exclusive goal is to escape Chicago. If you liked Divergent and Insurgent, you will fall in love with Allegiant. In this bestseller, Tris makes the ultimate sacrifice out of altruism, bravery, and compassion for the people she loves.

Told from the enthralling perspectives of Tris and Tobias, this page turner tells the story of how they leave the city to find a new, painless life. However, once Tris and her friends are outside the fence, they discover unforeseen secrets. She faces the complications of being Divergent. The Bureau of Genetic Welfare, the government established outside the city, is using Chicago as an experiment to create more genetically pure people, or Divergents. The ones who are not Divergent are considered to be genetically damaged, which means that they lack qualities such as honesty, selflessness, bravery, intelligence, and compassion. When Tobias finds out that he is genetically damaged, he becomes infuriated. The Bureau does not only conduct such inhumane and ineffective experiments, but they also do not do anything to hinder the attack that kills Tris’ loved ones and obliterates her former faction, Abnegation. Back in Chicago, the city is split into two groups: people who want to keep the factions and those who want them destroyed forever. The Bureau wants to save the experiment in Chicago. They decide that they will drop a memory serum over the city to expunge everyone’s memory and prevent everyone from killing each other. However, Tris and her friends deem their solution unconscionable. As a result, they team up once again to fight immorality and to save mankind.

Roth engages the reader by including an intriguing writing style and a plot with fascinating characters. She delineates the scenes and characters in such a way that it is difficult to put down. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wanting to know more. She tells the story from the opposing perspectives of Tris and Tobias. Some argue that the two perspectives confuse the readers. Nevertheless, the contrasting viewpoints capture the readers’ attention and allow them to perceive the story through a different character’s eyes.This adds more complexity to the plot, which is full of conflicts. Tris and Tobias have arguments and trust issues like most relationships in today’s world, but they persevere through the difficult times. Likewise, Tris and Christina have a realistic relationship that constantly vacillates. Like sisters, they bicker all the time, but they forgive each other and move on. There is no option of going back to the past to change events that have diminished their friendship. Lastly, there’s Caleb, the brother that Tris sometimes wishes she never had. Caleb, who nearly gets Tris killed, betrays her throughout the entire series while she constantly forgives him. Roth perfectly depicts Caleb as Tris’s foil by showing his selfishness.

Full of drama and suspense, Allegiant captivates its readers and warns them about the dangers of power, and how it can be used for unethical reasons. Today, there are times when the government manipulates its people. The compelling novel lives up to its three slogans: One choice can transform you, One choice can destroy you, and One choice will define you. This novel is definitely a must read if you want answers to all of your questions from the first two books of the trilogy. I implore readers to finish the third book in the series to figure out how the characters solve their problems. There is only one weakness of the novel, which is Tris’ astounding decision at the very end. Although the ending is both poignant and shocking, Allegiant is an ideal conclusion to the Divergent series.

Natasha PrestonThe Cellar


The Cellar by Natasha Preston

Released in 2014 and still fairly new to readers, The Cellar is a suspenseful book by Natasha Preston. The story is extremely captivating and includes several real world concepts that are relevant but often overlooked.
This book deals with a young, pure and innocent girl named Summer who is kidnapped and taken away from her loving family. Her kidnapper Colin, is a twisted psycho who puts Summer and many other girls that he kidnaps through living hell.
How can an author capture fear and give a horrifying experience to readers? Preston depicts this flawlessly while relating to today’s issues. Themes and concerns of kidnapping, abuse, and stockholm syndrome are conveyed. Although people endure struggles today, The Cellar goes above and beyond to portray these disturbing realities of today’s world. The fact is that people don’t think about these problems or how to solve them. The novel reminds readers of being aware of your surroundings and who you choose to trust. In the book no one takes the disappearance of Summer seriously, even the police. Only the ones who truly love her make the biggest effort to try and find her. This comes back to today’s world too because people just assume the worst when something tragic like this really happens.

Other issues presented in the book include poverty, abuse, neglect, rape, and trust. Trust is a major issue for Summer, as she is forced to live in the cellar of a man she doesn’t know with three other girls he has kidnapped over the years. Who is she supposed to trust now? The other girls? Only herself?
Some strengths of the book were the plot, story development and characterization of each girl. The plot is alluring and made me not want to put the book down! The story is horrifying and I easily put myself in Summer’s position, making me be careful of whom to trust. Each girl has distinct personality and attitude towards Colin, aka “Clover” which he makes the girls call him. The idea of this psycho wanting a perfect family of pure “flowers” and changing each girls’ name to a flower sent chills down my spine. As far as weaknesses go, the writing style wasn’t strong but the blood-curdling plot compensated for it.
I would highly recommend this book to readers because it was a perfect blend of terror and excitement. Imagine being kidnapped by a psycho who tortures you, along with three other girls, makes you call him Clover, changes your name, and threatens to kill you or actually kills you if you don’t follow his rules. The most horrifying part, he falls in love with you.

“You are Lily”, he repeated.

“Before I could blink he threw his arms forward and grabbed me, I tried to shout, but he clasped his hand over my mouth, muffling my screams. My heart racedNatasha Preston. I’m going to die.”

These Shallow Graves
Works of historical fiction walk a thin line. They not only have the job of any novel; entertaining the reader with well-developed character, an intriguing plot line, and excellent writing skills, but they must also maintain the authenticity of whatever time period the book is set in. Sometimes the setting takes over the story, and other times it seems that the story might as well be performed on an empty stage for all the setting affects the novel. These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly is a stellar book simply in the way that Donnelly manipulates the setting of New York in the 1890s, nevermind her memorable characters, Charles Dickens-equse plot, and gorgeous prose.

Before reading These Shallow Graves, I had a weak understanding of society in American cities like New York in the late eighteenth century. Now on the other side of the novel, I have a much greater of understanding of the trials and tribulations that citizens had to conquer, nevermind their social status. The characters in the book had different levels of sophistication: Josephine Montfort on the high end of the social pyramid, Eddie Gallagher in the middle, and Fairy Fay on the very bottom. They all faced challenges such as confronting the archaic ways of high society life, attempting to make a name for oneself in a profession, and dragging oneself out of a life of poverty and crime, respectively. The time period is present in the slang, actions, and mindsets of the characters. Instead of taking attention away from them, however, the setting compliments their traits and shows off how certain characteristics like bravery, loyalty, and love are not monopolized by a single time period. The characters themselves were works of art.

Characters are like cakes; sometimes they are dry, sometimes they are too sweet, sometimes they are gilded with way too much extra stuff, and sometimes you think you would be happy to spend the rest of your life with them. The cast of Donnelly’s novel are of the latter variety. The main character Jo faces external and internal conflicts with admirable courage, but not an inhumanly brave way. Sometimes characters in books are made to be infallible. For example, a novice author may be apt to write about how a shy schoolgirl meets a boy and suddenly the school suddenly realizes that she is funny, smart, charming in society, an amazing dancer, and beautiful. In this sort of situation the reader is left in puzzled annoyance about why the character had every single trait she needed and how she became perfect over the course of a single page turn. Donnelly does not fall victim to this. Jo lacks street smarts which is a skill covered by Eddie, who in turn does not know how to behave in high society. The characters round each other out because they each have their own personalities. The effort exerted to flesh every single character out is well worth it to the reader. All the effort put forth by Donnelly in order to polish the book off makes the read highly enjoyable.

Technical aspects combined with a thought-out plot line can make or break a story. These Shallow Graves is covered on both accounts. The sentences flow smoothly across the pages, allowing the reader to appreciate every plot twist, development, and clue that Jo and her friends uncover throughout the novel. These details are gathered up at the end and result in a big reveal which leaves the reader satisfied. Different story lines are connected in unexpected ways which is reminiscent of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. The ending itself, despite being of high quality from a plot standpoint, was the weakest point character-wise.

Throughout the story, characters make and break bonds. At the end of the novel, although the characters are able to wrap up past conflicts, it felt a bit rushed. If there was an epilogue tacked onto the end of the story in order to tell the reader what happened to a few characters whose futures were full of opportunity, it might have been a nice addition. It also could have developed a few themes that were persistently woven throughout the work.

A big part of the story was Jo’s ongoing struggles against prejudices regarding women. At this point in time, young ladies were viewed as something used to connect rich families through marriage, or someone to stay at home and out of the work place. Although these problems are not as troubling in American society, in other parts of the world, these are still problems. On a less specific scale, the feminist attitude Jo holds demonstrates to the readers what a strong-willed woman can achieve. The message she demonstrates about challenging how things are for the chance of making society a more equal place can be applauded. The themes addressed thoroughly add to the reading experience.

I recommend These Shallow Graves with high praises. Its technical aspects, characters, plot, setting, and overlying messages are all of the highest degree. I was entertained and drawn into the story in a way that I haven’t been for quite a while. I did not expect to enjoy the story as much as I did because historical fiction is not my favorite genre. In actuality, These Shallow Graves helped to sway my opinion of the genre in general in regards to what historical fiction can and should look like.

The Book Thief By Markus Zusak


A poignant novel, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl in war-stricken Germany, and her experiences with World War II through the eyes of Death. Death has an unusual perspective, encountering souls with different stories and experiences. He tends to try and remain indifferent towards the people that he meets, but something draws him to the “book thief”, and he decides to tell her tale.


Markus Zusak is a master of suspense and of delineation. Right away, the reader is sucked into the plot, a train amid frigid temperatures, setting the scene with the meticulous care for detail as a painter for his artwork. Along with attention to detail, Zusak’s writing indulges both humorous parts that makes the reader long to laugh, and heart-wrenching scenes that leave a tear sliding down the cheek. One of his wonderful themes is the power of words. At the start of the novel, Liesel steals her first book after her brother’s funeral, not knowing what the words say but holding onto it as though it was life itself. Once she is taught to read, her development throughout the book has a large impact on other characters, leading to an intriguing idea of the power of words. Also, words are used to spread humor, as Rosa Hubermann, the foster mother of Liesel, uses unsavory language as terms of endearment and for verbal lashings. Zusak seeks to both ease the reader into the harsh reality of Liesel’s world and thrust them simultaneously into the cruel world of World War II.


Characterization is a key element of the story. Liesel Meminger, a quiet, kind girl who wishes to be able to read, is immediately likable. Next is the lovable character of Hans Hubermann, Liesel’s foster father. He is both Liesel’s protector and teacher, shielding her from unrelenting verbal abuse and shame in school, as well as giving the odd strokes of ink on the pages life and meaning. Hans's Wife is his polar opposite, his cheerful disposition emanating against her demeanor of ice. Though the only time her words seem to thaw is when her words turn foul, Rosa Hubermann holds her love deep inside, trying to conceal from the world her solicitous heart. Rudy Steiner, Liesel's best friend, is undyingly loyal and caring. Zusak crafts him to be, on the outside, the ideal German boy: fair complexion, blond hair, and athleticism. His interior, however, is furnished with quite a different perspective. Rudy does not wish to fight in World War II, and refuses to go away after Nazi officials witness his athletic prowess. Max Vandenburg, a Jewish refugee hiding in the Hubermann’s home, is essential to the plot, showing Liesel the undeniable power of words, and helping her to cope with many of the situations in her life. Finally, perhaps the most important character in the book, Death. Death brings a different view on how the Grim Reaper himself truly views those of the mortal kind. He does not hold indifference or disdain for humanity, but rather a loving interest that brings a humane quality to the stereotype of a cold demeanor. The indifference that Death tries to have is kept as a veneer to keep him going. Just like us, Death can be somber in the face of someone passing, and has questioned the reasoning for a person’s abrupt end to life. He also carries with him an amused humor, which gives this previously one dimensional figure multiple facets. His view of the story makes the book what it is, and leaves the reader’s mind racing while his narration continues.


Issues of racism and poverty are also brought up in The Book Thief. Throughout the story, Jewish citizens are blatantly victims of racism, and Liesel’s foster family suffers with them. Hans Hubermann, after surviving World War I because a Jewish man saved his life, has no resentment or hatred towards Jewish people. When the Nazi party strides through, looking for people to sign up, he hesitates. A Jewish man saved his life, but he would sign up for a party that discriminated against and abused them? Hans eventually goes to sign up, as he was losing customers that he could paint for, but made two mistakes that would follow him: he informally withdrew his application, and offered to paint over Jewish slurs on a Jewish man’s house. This severely hurts the family, as Hans Hubermann lost work and the Nazi Party held suspicion against the family. Poverty is shown throughout Himmel Street, the street Liesel lives on, a contradictory point to the apparent power and grandeur of the Nazi Party. Without jobs coming in for Hans as a painter, Rosa Hubermann has to wash clothes for the wealthy, making a pittance for the whole family. Penury is clearly a plague that is ravaging through the war, but in spite of this and the racism, a character reaches out to help, breaking through social barriers and satiating someone’s undying hunger. Liesel Meminger was hungry for a decent meal, that goes without saying, but her appetite for a book had only been whet by the scarce collection in her house. Frau Hermann, the mayor’s wife and a customer of Rosa Hubermann, sees the book thief steal a book from a book burning, and instead of turning her in brings Liesel to the private library in her house. Liesel at first only touches the books, the sheer number a breathtaking experience for someone with so little. She soon begins reading, and her love for books and words soars along with her budding friendship with the mayor’s wife.


This book is very relevant to the world we live in today. Poverty and racism are still two issues that come up in our society, and there are still people who defy these standards to do what is right despite the odds and risks. Also, The Book Thief stresses the importance of words and books. If a person does not have an education or cannot express themselves, they will not make it far in an interview or through college. Also, we must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of our antecedents, for corruption in the government will lead to the loss of our opinions and freedom of speech. I would definitely recommend this book, as not only the writing is beautiful and in itself a work of art, but the messages that come through are poignant and are worth anyone’s time.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
Malcolm Gladwell
The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell, is a fantastic in-depth look at the intricacies of social plagues and viruses, and what causes them to “tip” and become wildly popular. By using various scientific findings and studies, Gladwell is able to backup every single astonishing claim he makes throughout the novel right as you are beginning to question his ideas, proving to the reader right then and there that these fantastical psychological phenomena discussed by Gladwell are in fact true, making them all the more spectacular to read about. Though The Tipping Point is non-fiction, and real life stories are often seen as mundane and boring, Gladwell has a way of making these real life stories, such as the creation of Sesame Street and the cleaning of the New York City subways into tales comparable to that of soap operas, while also teaching many important psychological ideas about tipping points and social plagues, and the people who cause them. A criticism of the book may be that Gladwell jumps around too much from story to story, but in reality, this is Gladwell’s way of slowly meshing all of the stories together into one lesson in psychology. This also makes the book a lot more interesting as Gladwell never stays on one topic for too long, allowing you to constantly wonder what is coming next and stay on your toes, as even his chapters are further subdivided into smaller mini-chapters within the whole. When Gladwell discusses the certain types of people who start trends, he uses real life examples, allowing you to really picture what each type of person is like, and maybe even start to piece together who of your acquaintances may fit into the certain categories. The issues addressed in The Tipping Point are of great importance to the world and society today because, if we can learn how basic social epidemics start, then we can apply it to very important epidemics in society, such as outbreaks of crime or rioting, and prevent them before they begin, such as in the book, when Gladwell discussed the crime rate being greatly increased in NYC due to a couple small changes as the result of studying tipping points. I would recommend this book to others, as it is a very interesting book that almost reads like a story, while also teaching you many psychological lessons in the process.

John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars won me over immediately because he knows how to relate to young adult lives, so I knew another one of his books had to be just as compelling and special. When I first read the inside cover of Looking for Alaska, I thought it was going to be a sappy love story, but I was proved wrong. John Green captures the reader’s attention by expressing emotions that young readers can relate to.

Miles Halter is a junior at a boarding school in Alabama in search of his “Great Perhaps.” The young teen is originated from the hot, sunny state of Florida and use to the sun; not the sticky, dampness of the South. Miles was an outsider and did not interact with many kids until he transferred to Culver Creek. He was immediately adopted into a crowd of a few friends: his brilliant roommate The Colonel, Alaska Young, the most gorgeous, clever, and screwed-up girl, and Takumi, a Japanese exchange student with a southern accent. Apart from their academics, the teen’s main source of fun was drinking, smoking, and playing tricks on the other groups of kids. The characters may behave badly, but it helps readers deal with self discovery. About half way through the book, a tragedy transpires that the characters try to make sense of which leaves them wanting to pull off one last sneaky prank.

The book focuses on the relationship between Miles Halter and Alaska Young. Miles starts to have feelings for Alaska at the beginning of the book even though he is aware she has a college boyfriend. The friends try to set up Miles with another girl because Alaska knows she cannot catch feelings for Miles, but he knows he just wouldn’t feel the same way about another girl as he does for Alaska.

Looking for Alaska is comical, sad, and compelling. This book helps teenagers to learn how to deal with others and how a single person can impact your life whether it be for the good or for the bad. Beyond all of the high school drama, this book showcases how much a person can mean to you and how s/he changes the way you look at things.

John Green’s lively and pragmatic novel that holds the hearts of readers throughout, Looking for Alaska, has become a phenomenon. The intriguing adventures and relatable struggles draw in the reader from the first page. This book is structured differently than a “normal” book, being split into two parts: before and after. This setup sets the mood and tone for the book as the reader is suspicious about the inevitable “after”.

This novel follows a high school student named Miles as he transfers from his former high school to a boarding school. Never being apart of the popular crowd, Miles is shy and awkward and this makes his adjustment to a new school even harder. He soon meets his roommate and soon-to-be friend, the Colonel. The Colonel is a free spirit, a genius, and always has a comment about the situation. He soon meets Takumi, and then Alaska Young. The trio immediately takes Miles, who they rename Pudge because of his skinniness, under their wings and show him the ropes of the school. As soon as Pudge lays eyes on Alaska, he is falling madly in love with her. Not just because of her looks and rebellious nature, but because she shares the same passion as him. Pudge enjoys remembering the last lines that people ever say and divulging himself into literature, and Alaska loves to read. They bond over that connection and as much as Pudge values that time he gets to spend with her, they don’t go beyond being friendly (much to his dismay).

The group finds themselves trying to avoid trouble and stay clear of “the Eagle’s”, the dean of Culver Creek, wrath. Soon, as the reader nears the gloomy “after”, they begin to understand the realistic aspect of this book. Sex, smoking and drinking are common variables that these high school teenagers take a part in. After a shocking event unfolds that breaks the hearts of the students of Culver Creek, the group sets out on self discovery.

Some specific strengths that this book had was the way Green develops his characters, and how they grow with the help of each other. Real life problems impact them, and tragedy shapes them. The thing about tragedy is that it is bittersweet. It breaks your heart, makes you grieve, and question you life’s worth. But the thing that it does do, is it makes you stronger. The pain eventually fades no matter how much you think that it will stick with you forever, you learn from the pain. Pain becomes a part of you and it changes you, good or bad, you choose. That’s the thing about pain, you can let it either destroy you, or you can become stronger. The pain that Pudge and his friends endure during the second half of the book make them stronger and value the things that they cherish and hold dear to their heart, because life is short.

The only thing that could be considered a weakness in this novel, is the horrible event that occurs, and breaks the hearts of the characters, but the readers as well. Even though it was necessary to keep the plot moving, it was still harrowing. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages as they embark on a journey that leaves them thinking. John Green has done it once more with his captivating plots and relatable characters, which makes this book an overall coming of age story.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven, written by Mitch Albom, is really a great book and I would definitely recommend it to others. You are introduced to an elderly man named Eddie who works at an amusement park, Ruby Pier. Eddie is a rugged guy and his job is to make sure all the rides function properly, to prevent anyone who rides them from being injured. One day something goes horribly wrong and the incident leads to the death of Eddie. The rest of the book consists of Eddie’s experiences in the afterlife. Eddie learns the true meanings to life through the people he encounters in heaven and the adventures into the past they take him on. Each person he meets inspires him with a new lesson, and helps shed some light on his past and the true purpose of his life. The lessons are very empowering and the reader can take a lot out of what Eddie is learning. Not knowing who Eddie is going to meet next in Heaven or what they are going to teach him, keeps the reader hooked. The novel is thrilling and explores a very sensitive topic, life after death. Even though the book is fiction, the author's depiction of Heaven is a truly interesting view to consider. Religion is dying today, many have lost their faith that there is something after death. The only negative aspect is that many will not consider the book because they are either not religious or practice a different religion that does not include Heaven. Mitch Albom’s depiction of Heaven is heart-warming and also very interesting one. This novel will teach you a lot and the ending is truly satisfying. Overall, the book is extremely interesting and I would absolutely recommend this novel to others.

Having no prior knowledge of the book Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, I assumed it was just another romance novel about a loving couple that faces issues, but overcomes them due to their love for each other, but I decided to give it a shot due to my brother’s glowing review on it. This assumption stemmed from the cover of two people holding hands with a reasonably happy-looking background, and safe to say, I was wrong. Nineteen Minutes is an extremely intricate and drawn-out novel about a school-shooting that rocks the small town of Sterling, New Hampshire. The novel starts out by chronicling the daily lives of many characters that live in the town and paints a very simple picture of the setting in the story. One of my quips with the book would be that the characters and their descriptions did seem to go on for an interminable amount of time and I would argue that the amount of characters introduced was excessive and not vital to the plot. With that being said, the descriptions of the main characters did definitely add to the heartbreak and disgust felt when the tragic shooting occurred. One of my favorite aspects to this book was the writing style of Jodi Picoult and how descriptive she was on each character, even if she jumped around characters a lot. I came into this book blindly, as I knew nothing about Nineteen Minutes or Jodi Picoult, and I was blown away by her writing style, which connected you to each & every character that was detailed and made you feel even worse and heartbroken when the shooting occurred. On the topic of the shooting, it pains me that the book could almost be seen as a true story, as the world right now is a scary place, full of shootings and killings and overall torture. The senseless killing of innocent people is a scary occurrence that has become more & more common in today’s world. Along with that, the lack of help for those who may have issues that aren’t capable of being seen by the eye, is very troubling and needs to be changed before more of these terrible killings occur. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to a friend, as it is extremely well-written, and very thought-provoking. The novel is very riveting and begs many questions about the human race and the state of it, including the question “Do you ever really know someone”.

The Art of WarSun-Tzu's The Art of War is a guide to waging war against your enemies and how to overcome any obstacles that are thrown at the commander during the conflict. It is a book that has stood the test of time: it was written in the fifth century B.C. and is used by many military strategists today. An example of a general who was known to have read this book was Douglas MacArthur. He was a General who helped the United States defeat the Axis powers during World War II. This book can also be related to sports, business, and law. A coach who has read this book is the New England Patriot’s own, Bill Belichick. The Art of War is used by coaches because of its descriptions of how to defeat opponents by outsmarting them, giving lawyers and businessmen the edge in competitive situations. I would recommend this book to others because it gives the reader an edge on any competitors they may come across. It will give you the confidence to know how to outsmart your opponent in whatever it may be that you are facing them in: sports, business, and anything else you can apply it to. This book is very detailed, and should be read by any person who wants to succeed and make a good name for themselves. Although it may not have direct relations with you, because you are not a general in war, you may be able to take some of the big ideas out of the book and use them to help you become a opportunistic person. Some specific strengths that may make this book attractive to you is its ability to make you feel like you can begin to outsmart people and its ability to make you want to learn more about the tactics of the lessons taught. These lessons taught make you want to go out and achieve something and be successful. A major drawback to this book is its inability to keep you entertained while reading it. The translation makes it hard to follow, and it will be hard for the average reader to pick up. Overall, the book is a very good read, and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to succeed. It is a book I will take with me everywhere, to remind me of lessons I have learned from it. This book will teach you lessons that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Looking for Alaska
Want an existential crisis anytime or anyplace? If so then this book, is the book for you! Where even to begin… Looking For Alaska by John Green, is neither romance, nor tragedy, nor fantasy, it is in essence real life, yet it’s not non-fiction. I guess for now we’ll call it philosophical writing. The book is set over the course of the school year, and split into two (exactly) equal parts. The first piece follows Miles “Pudge” Halter, the quintessential awkward teenage boy, as he moves to a new boarding school, and meets and develops relationships among new friends. Said friends include: Chip “Colonel” Martin the genius mastermind, Takumi Hikohito the up-and-coming DJ, and Lara Buterskaya, Pudge’s first girlfriend, and most importantly Alaska Young, mysterious, vivacious, and unreachable.

The first twenty pages might as well have been labeled prologue, they introduce the characters, yes, but nothing essential to the plot. The real action starts around page 15, when we, the readers, are introduced to Alaska. Alaska, as in Looking For Alaska. Suddenly the tumblrs in your mind click, and it no longer become a search for a piece of land way up north, but a quest to understand her, and by proxy, human nature. The rest of the first half was mostly mundane, or at least as mundane as an award winning novel could be. Pudge expectedly develops a crush on Alaska, unexpectedly begins dating Lara, and understandably almost fails precalc. There’s the classic high school cliques- Pudge being apart of the outcasts-, and the ever present culture of drugs and sex. As I continued reading the novel, an unsettling fact occurred to me. Instead of regular chapters, there were only titles such as 136 days before, 89 days before, 64 days before, simple little blips, counting down to an unknown date. The effect was much like the ticking bombs you always see in the movies, and much like the movies, my anxiety only increased as the chapters ticked down to zero.

BOOM! ZERO! The chapter read “day of”, I knew it was time, I turned the page and was met with a gray wall of a page. The next page was simply “1 day after”, and suddenly in countdown was counting up. The life-shattering crisis had passed, and by life-shattering, I more accurately mean chest-shattering. *SPOILER* That’s right, Alaska Young, enigma of the novel is discovered to have died. Not only did she die, but she dies horribly intoxicated in the early hours of the morning as she sped away from the school top speed because of some unknown reason.

The rest of the novel can be nicely summed up as the grieving process. Pudge and the Colonel both having helped her escape the night before are crushed by the unyielding guilt, present only when you know you could’ve stopped something. Driven by this guilt to find some way to relieve themselves of the pain, they throw themselves full-heartedly into unraveling the mystery of Alaska’s last night. Unfortunately their questioning only leads them to another unsavory theory: suicide. Had Alaska young, troubled youth and loose cannon offed herself? I wish I could give you a straight yes or no answer, but the problem is I don’t know myself. While the boys eventually figure out why she fled in the first place, they never do figure out if it was a tragic accident or a purposeful decision, and neither, dear reader, will you. John Green has revealed that it will never be known what happened on that fateful night, and that we as readers should just learn to accept that.

I find that this, perhaps is one of the novels few flaws. While I understand Green’s decision to withhold this crucial piece of information, I believe after a while the joke grows old. I, the reader, have had my mind fully blown, and my existence fully questioned by the enigma that is Alaska Young for a sufficient amount of time. Any more is just torture, so even if it’s not mentioned somewhere in the book, he could at least give his perspective somewhere on the internet. Heck, he has his own YouTube Channel, even if he didn’t want to give any one news channel the glory of being the one with the answer, he could’ve just posted it himself. There are zero excuses for my continues emotional pain at the thought of not knowing. Other than that, although I personally did not have a problem with this, many parents apparently are disturbed and angered by the controversial content included in Looking For Alaska. Such content includes prevalent mention of smoking and normalization of alcohol. Pudge, Alaska and their friends have a careless regard for such things, something that seems to worry the parents, even though John Green himself has spoken out on multiple occasions and said the characters were “complete buffoons” for smoking and drinking so carelessly. Another ever-present theme throughout the novel was sex, although never directly depicted, mentions were frequent, as they should be when writing about teenage characters left with little adult supervision.

Now don’t let my few critiques convince you to avoid this novel, as that would be a regretful mistake. Indeed, not only have I consistently like John Green’s novels- others include The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns-but I believe that Looking For Alaska may very well be my favorite. As usual John Green has delivered relatable, down to earth characters. Also as usual he has written these characters and their plots in such a deep and philosophical manner, that I cannot think of any other way to describe them as the novel forms of poetry, epic novels full of romance and tragedy. What I like best about Looking For Alaska especially is the new layer Green added to his adult characters. The Eagle, the hawk-eyed rule vigilante constantly reprimanding the students is ironically my favorite character. He is written so beautifully, that even though he is one of the antagonists of the book, I can still understand his perspective perfectly, and cannot help but side with him against the students sometimes. Finding an antagonist as skillfully written as the Eagle is so rare, that the only other time I can think of is Aaron Burr from the musical Hamilton: an American Musical.
In conclusion, Looking For Alaska by John Greene is the telling of one life and the growth of a human being (Pudge) intertwined with the tragic death of another (Alaska). Eloquently written and thought provoking, the novel will leave you with but one question: What happened? Now, the only question you should be asking yourself currently is: Why aren’t you reading it right now?

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

There are many dystopian novels being published today, most with the same basic plot structure, that it can be hard to find one that captivates you as much as the first. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard can do just that. It tells the story of a world divided by blood. The people with red blood are normal people, just like you and me. The ones with silver blood, however, have god-like powers, giving them full control over the Reds. Silvers live a luxurious life, while Reds live in poverty, serving the Silvers. Mare is a Red, and she is forced to serve in the palace. But Mare is no ordinary Red, and she is not alone.

Told from Mare’s point of view, this book is the story of Mare, a Red and a servant, who has abilities just as fantastic as any of the Silvers, even stronger. Mare has the ability to control and produce electricity, something unheard of in the Silver world. She discovers her ability during Queenstrial, a pageant displaying the powers of Silver girls eligible to marry the Prince, and future King of Norta, Cal. Having displayed her impossible powers in front of every High House Silver family in the country, the King and Queen must lie about her blood, announcing that she is a daughter of a once lost house, Titanos, and betroth her to their other son, Maven. The book goes on to tell the story of Mare learning to fit into the Silver lifestyle, and learning it’s not as glamorous as it appears. Still, with all her new found power, Mare joins a Red rebellion, aiming to gain equality for the Reds; but people are not always who they say they are.

Full of exciting plot twists and cliffhangers, the story engages the reader, making them never want to put in down. Every word fills the reader with suspense,as characters unveil their true colors, or new schemes unfold. As one conflict is resolved another arises, always leaving the reader to wonder what will happen next. The multiple complex battles within the novel, between Norta and the southern countries, the High Houses, and the Silvers and Reds, make sure there is not one moment the reader is not left hanging. The story contains so many surprising, jaw dropping moments that leave the reader wanting more from every word. With plot twists so surprising and completely unexpected, the book is sure to keep your attention and leave the reader speechless. There are so many different subplots, and even a love quadrilateral, that there is never a dull moment in a world where power is the only thing that matters.

Power is a dangerous game, and that saying stands true throughout the novel. It explains the dangers of people having too much power, but even more so, it shows the even greater danger in those who seek it, or those who wish to take it all away. It shows how the fight for power only upsets the balance in the world, a message that rings true in our world today. Power, oppression, and rebellion are constant themes in the novel, and are relatable to anyone is today’s society, even if they are presented in such an exaggerated way. This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves dystopian novels, filled with real life struggles in an impossible world. The ending is one of the best worst endings of anything I have ever read, and I’m still not over it. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel, and the many more books to come in the series. It is the perfect beginning to what I’m sure will be an extraordinary series.

The Sports Gene is a fascinating book that aims to answer one main question: nature vs nurture. More specifically, it examines if genetics is the root of athletic success, or if it is environment and practice that really matter. Even though the title would lead one to believe otherwise, the author, David Epstein, argues that there is no single gene that leads to superior athletic performance. The book is a combination of in depth scientific evidence and information on specific genes, and also the fascinating story of numerous athletes and scientists. Within the first few pages, Epstein reveals his answer to the long debated question: “The broad truth is that nature and nurture are so interlaced in any realm of athletic performance that the answer is always: it’s both.” However, the statement acts more like his thesis, which he sets out to prove for the rest of the book.

The Sports Gene is packed full of detailed information on the science of genetics. It goes into explicit detail describing IGF-1, myostatin, and ACTN3. However, it begins each chapter with a real life story of situations that involve the science talked about in the chapter. Chapter one begins with the true story of MLB superstar Albert Pujols being repeatedly stuck out by softball pitcher Jennie Finch. Chapter two details the lives of two professional high jumpers; one who trained nonstop for decades to compete in national competitions, and the other who became an Olympic champion after a month of goofing off in practice. Epstein cleverly uses these stories to peak the readers interest in a certain topic before he explains the science behind it.

Overall, The Sports Gene is an engrossing adventure of genetic exploration. It is thoughtful and well written, and the story lines make it difficult for the reader to realize that he or she is getting an advanced lesson in genetics. It examines topics that many people are familiar with, such as the 10,000 hour rule for becoming an expert. The fact that Epstein states early on that the true answer to nature vs nurture is both may seem indecisive, but it allows him to get into the nuanced details of the topic. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is remotely interested in sports or science, or even just wants an interesting read.

A Dream of Death
A Dream of Death, by Harrison Drake, was a fantastic story that held my utmost attention with every flip of the page. Drake’s style of writing allows me to look through the eyes of detective Lincoln Munroe, as he solves the case of London’s infamous serial killer, who targeted vulnerable women, whose husbands were out, working the night shift. Before reading the story, I was never a fanatic of mystery stories, however, as the suspense that built as Munroe got closer and closer to solving the case grew, I was flipping for more and have now grown a significant appreciation for mysterious novels. As I read the story, with each and every murder, I felt more and more like detective Munroe, and wished to find the murderous scum and let justice be served and avenge the poor women.


The story is told by Drake through the eyes of Munroe during the investigation of the case, describing the crime scenes in graphic detail. He uses bloody imagery to allow the readers to paint a perfect picture in their minds of the horrific scene that followed each murder: victims stripped of their clothing, sitting upright with a slash through their neck. Harrison Drake makes it clear how helpless the women were and some argue this theme carries over to current issues like the second amendment, which guarantees the right of civilians, to keep and bear arms. Although the story takes place in Canada, Drake addresses the issue of self protection for women alike who may be defenseless like the women slain in the novel. An obvious polarizing issue in today’s society as many oppose the second amendment and desire the confiscation of all guns. The debate ravages and vacillates every day and Harrison Drake makes it evidently clear in the novel that personal protection for defenseless women is a necessity.



Another issue that Harrison Drake addressed was the idea of post traumatic stress disorder, and the effects on life the subconscious mind takes. Detective Munroe investigates many gruesome, and devastating murders and it begins to hit too close to home. Throughout the story, he has a recurring dream where he finds himself floating through the clouds, falling at the sound of thunder and seeing a bloody knife drip blood onto a skull lying in the dirt. The blood puddles to form the word “Why?”, which leaves Munroe and the reader to believe that this is the thought and cries of the slain women, why them, why did they have to die? Today, many people suffer from PTSD like Soldiers returning home from war, and anyone who experienced death.


Although it is not strongly stressed, the importance of family is addressed. Lincoln Munroe is the father to two beautiful children and husband to his very loving wife. Throughout the story, his family is the anchor he leans on and frees him of emotional pain he experiences while investigating the murders. When Lincoln has his terrible, recurring dream, his wife and kids are there to usher him back to reality and cheer him up.


Overall, Harrison Drake’s A Dream of Death was a beautifully written story surrounded by death and evil with an antagonistic plot. As a teenage boy with an interest in criminal psychology and law enforcement, I found the novel to be very satisfying and it delivered the excitement and suspense I desire when devouring a good story. While incredibly enjoyable, it was also very informative at the same time as Harrison Drake addresses some major issues that affect us today. Self protection, PTSD, and importance of family, all these issues are broken down and each play a huge roll in the story and in our everyday lives.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien is a classic piece of literature that both captures the imagination of the reader, and teaches lessons still relevant in the contemporary age. The book is told mostly through the point of view of Bilbo Baggins, a small hobbit thrown into an unfamiliar situation. He is the perfect underdog, as he uses brains rather than brawn to survive his adventures in a world of beings that are all bigger and stronger than him. This book is a great read because of Tolkien’s incorporation of numerous literary techniques, but two aspects of this book are what make it such a timeless classic. Tolkien’s writing style has the unique combination of storytelling and vivid imagery, while integrating the time-honored themes of bravery, heroism, and morality.

While reading this book the reader feels less like he or she is reading a book, and more like he or she is listening to someone tell a story. The narrator frequently addresses the reader as “you”, and makes side comments about characters or plot developments. These lapses in the story are Tolkien’s way of reminding the reader that it is indeed just a fictional story, whereas other works of fiction work so hard to convince the reader of its realness. The narrator also maintains the perfect balance between seriousness and lightheartedness. Through well timed jokes and a sprinkling of cynical comments the narrator keeps an upbeat tone, but is still able to convey scenes of danger, sadness, and more. For example, when Bilbo and company are captured by goblins: “They seized Bilbo and the dwarves and hurried them along… The passages there were crossed and tangled in all directions, but the goblins knew their way, as well as you do to the nearest post-office” (Tolkien 60). The narrator establishes the dilemma of Bilbo and the dwarves, but also puts in a simile that the reader can relate to and appreciate. Along with great voice, Tolkien uses excellent imagery to draw the reader further into the story.

When one reads this book, the precise sensory language of the author will create an image in his or her mind. Each character, place, or object is described in such detail that the reader feels like he or she is meeting a character or visiting a place in person. Tolkien is able to adeptly describe not only the physical characteristics of people, but also their personality and mindset. In the beginning of the book, the reader can imagine living a comfortable life in a hobbit hole. As the story progresses, readers are able to share the characters’ fears in scenes of danger, and feel their happiness in scenes of celebration. While this book has an engaging voice and word choice, its big picture lessons are just as important.

In this story, Bilbo goes from never having experienced the world outside of his home, to being thrust into an epic adventure where he must constantly step outside of his comfort zone. Overcoming his initial reluctance, he redefines the stereotype of being a hero. When people think of heroes they envision big, powerful Superman-like beings who never fail. Bilbo is neither of these. He is the smallest creature around, and is susceptible to making mistakes. However, he uses his cleverness and bravery to get himself and his friends out of many predicaments. He is an integral part of the dwarves’ quest, and because of said qualities, he is able to be the unlikely hero of this tale. Bilbo is a sign to readers everywhere that they don’t have to be the biggest or the strongest to be a hero. The hobbit shows that by overcoming fear and being courageous, truly anyone can be a hero. Tolkien also teaches the lesson of morality through Bilbo.

The author acknowledges that the choice between right and wrong is not always easy. Sometimes, it is easier to do the wrong thing. For example, when Bilbo is stuck in a goblin tunnel, and has the option to kill Gollum, he shows mercy, thus sparing a life. It would have been much easier to kill Gollum and escape, but Bilbo reasons that it would not be fair to do it because he was invisible. Tolkien is teaching the lesson, very similar to Harper Lee, that we should not hurt the innocent and defenseless. Although Bilbo almost doomed his quest, he was able to leave without blood on his hands. Bilbo is presented with another tough decision when he tries to mediate peace between the dwarves and the men. He steals a precious jewel from the dwarves and gives it to the men as a bargaining tool in hopes of preventing a fight. Even though he is initially shunned by the dwarves because of this, Bilbo shows that sometimes doing the right thing will not always be appreciated right away. However, eventually all is forgiven and his good intentions were seen. This stance on morality by Tolkien is the final reason why this story is enjoyable and relatable.

The story of Bilbo Baggins’ adventure is one that will never be forgotten. It is told in a way that enchants the reader, while making a lasting impression through the messages it sends. Tolkien skillfully hooks the reader with his unique voice and descriptiveness. He is also able to show, through the hobbit, that being a hero is not just about physical stature, and that right and wrong might not always be black and white. Because of these factors, this timeless piece of literature is great to read for all ages and backgrounds.

Unwind Neal Shusterman
I’ve read a few dystopian novels in my lifetime, but this book was by far the most interesting and thought-provoking for me. Unwind by Neal Shusterman is a gruesome and thrilling book centered on the debate between pro-life and pro-choice. This book takes place sometime in the future after the Second Civil War, which was fought over reproductive rights. The two armies, Pro-Life and Pro-Choice, came to an agreement called The Bill of Life. The Bill of Life states that life is untouchable at the moment of conception until the age of thirteen. Between the ages thirteen and eighteen, the parents can have their child “unwound”. All of the child’s organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn’t technically end.

This is a very unique take on the concept of abortion because instead of removing the fetus from a female’s body, they are having grown teenagers be sent to these places called harvest camps, and basically taking their organs out. Now, you are left to wonder if a person really dies from this process. All their organs are still functioning, they are just separate and potentially living in someone else’s body, so is that really dying? One would consider unwinding as dying, but maybe it's not as black and white as it seems. Is it helping the general public in this story? In a way, yes, because these healthy organs could be saving another life. But exchanging one life to save someone else? Is that really worth it? For someone that believes unwinding is doing the world good, one character states that if unwinding never existed, there would be more doctors and scientists trying to find cures instead of surgeons taking someone’s life away and putting it into someone else. This is something the author does very well. If you strongly believe an idea in the book, the author will include something that will contradict that idea and make you question if that belief is truly right.

The main characters, Connor, Risa, and Lev are all trying to escape their fate of being unwound. Each has a reason for being unwound. Connor is too difficult for his parents to handle, Risa, a ward of the state, is not talented enough, and Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they fight their way to freedom. These reasons alone, make you question the parent’s thought process for this. They are the ones deciding if their child gets unwound or not. The author never includes a parent’s point of view, but you are left to wonder if they really love their child. How could any parent sign their child’s life away like that? Connor is a troublemaker, like any other sixteen year old and his parents could not handle that. They say they try their hardest for him, but if they decide to sign the document to have their child unwound, is that really trying hard enough? Risa is a ward of the state, which means she is an orphan sent to this facility to be taken care of by the state. She is talented at playing the piano, but not talented enough because the ward decides that she will be unwound. This brings up an issue that being average is not good enough to keep someone alive. A person that has no special qualities is not capable of surviving in this society. Lev is raised to be unwound because his family believes that he must be sacrificed to God for the greater good. The topic of religion is brought up and it questions if these beliefs are moral and ethical or not.

Family is big problem in this story. Parents are supposed to love their children unconditionally and have a strong bond with them, but with unwinding, it really puts that to the test. With the process of unwinding existing, parents are not as responsible because if they feel as if the child is too much for them to handle, they can just sign their child off to the harvest camp and never have to deal with them again just like how Connor’s parents did. Lev’s parents are sacrificing him to God by unwinding him. Instead of treating Lev like their own son, they treat him almost like an object they are waiting to get rid off to fulfill their duties.

These three characters meet at a chaotic scene full of car accidents, police, etc. They all run off together into the woods. Connor and Risa have only one goal: to be able to make it until their eighteenth birthday, when the law will protect them from being unwound. Once a person turns eighteen, they are untouchable. Lev, who has always believed in his special purpose, is deeply conflicted. Should he run with his two 'rescuers' or should he turn them in? The one thing they have in common is that they are singled out from society.

We get to learn about this disturbing world mainly through those three character’s point of view. Their actions and emotions is clear and there is no guessing involved when it comes to what they are thinking. I not only found the three main characters, but also the friends and enemies they make on their journey drawn realistically and very relatable. Everyone has his own way of dealing with their situation and nothing is painted in black or white. Those characters have their faults – some more than the others – but in the end there was no one who deserved to be treated like he was nothing but human spare parts for those who could afford it. I thought it was interesting how Shusterman includes one disturbing scene that stands out from the rest of the book. It is not graphic, but what happens in that scene is left almost completely to the reader's imagination.

One of the author’s strengths is his ability to get you to think. You wonder why the parents would ever do such a thing to their kids, what would happen if this was real, and how the characters are going survive their current situation. There is never a time where you don’t think. The story is also very captivating and it sticks with you. It always leaves the reader wanting more.

Aside from the main characters’ point of view, there are many other small characters where you can see the world through their eyes and see what their thought processes. While this can be a good thing, since you have an idea of the different ideas people may have, the frequent switching between the different points of view makes it hard to become fully attached to all the characters.
Overall, Unwind was a satisfying book to read. The ending is well written and complete. There were times that frustrated me, but I never wanted to put the book down. In fact, I did not want it to end. Unwind is a book that gets someone thinking on the issue of abortion. I recommend this for someone that loves to read about dystopian societies, it is a plot unlike any other and full of interesting concepts that you’ve never even thought of before.

The Martian

150 million miles from home and no one to talk to.
Step into the shoes of Mark Watney, a botanist turned astronaut stranded on Mars.
When an extreme sandstorm is deemed too strong to endure, the crew is told it must evacuate immediately. However, as the six crew members try to reach the return rocket, a radio antenna that has blown away spears Mark. The crew assumes he is dead, and launch just seconds before it’s too late.
Mark wakes up to find himself alone on Mars, with a hole in him. After some patch work, he makes his way back to the Hab, or the base camp.
Now with only potatoes and vitamins to eat, mere months of water, and equipment built for the short term, Mark must survive with what he’s got for nearly two years. Not to mention the Hab was only meant for thirty days.
The book was written around scientific accuracy, and can barely be classified as sci-fi when all the technology mentioned is a reality today. Mark’s point of views is heard through diaries that he writes daily, while command center on Earth is seen through the eyes of many important characters. This offers multiple storylines as handfuls of people try to save the stranded American
The book brings to light the main issue with sending humans to Mars; how long it would take to rescue them if they got stranded. Space agencies plan to send people to Mars in the coming decades, and they must face the fact there are gaps that span years where it's simply not possible to rescue the astronauts. Mark must also rely on his inner engineering skills as problem after problem arises where he must find a solution with only the limited supplies he has with him.
This book opens the reader’s eyes to the endless amount of creativity a little duct tape and tools can give, and if the they are put into the right hands, almost anything is possible. This book is a must read if suspense is your thing, as every page a new obstacle is presented for Mark to solve. So dive into The Martian and find yourself trapped on another planet with nothing but 70s disco to keep you company.
The Martian

Forrest Gump, by Winston Groom, is a story about an idiot named Forrest Forrest GumpGump. I chose the book mostly because the movie based on this book is one of my favorite movies. Starting this book I had high expectations because of the movie. These expectations were sadly not met. One weakness of the book was that the book was too scattered. There was an overlying plot, but too much happened that was not related to it. The main plot is about Forrest trying to get a girl named Jenny. Forrest never stayed in one place for an extended period of time and when he goes to a new place he accidentally or by chance winds up doing something remarkable. The amount of crazy situation Forrest was involved in was too distracting from the plot. Some of the things Forrest does are down right ridiculous. For instance NASA sends him to space with an orangutan because he is brilliant at math. This seems far fetched to me because I do not believe NASA would send an idiot to space no matter how good at math he is.
Although the book has its flaws, it has some strengths to it. I like how Groom uses improper grammar in the book to allow the reader to hear Forrest’s voice. It is written like Forrest is sitting next to you telling you the story. This makes the reader connect to Forrest in a unique way because the reader can see what he is thinking. I like how Forest is characterised. At the beginning of the novel all the reader knows is that he is that he is an idiot. Through his actions such as winning saving the lives of his fellow soldiers in Vietnam and being good at chess, Forrest is shown to be more than an idiot. He is intelligent in his own way.
A major issue brought up is intelligents. Forrest is considered by many as dumb and nothing else. Forrest must deal with people talking down to him, when he is smart. Many themes such as love and warfare are addressed in the novel. These themes are still relevant today. People will always fall in love and there is almost constantly a war going on somewhere in the world.
I would not recommend this book to someone because I think the movie is better than the book. The movie cut out parts of the book that I think are unnecessary and added new parts that fit better. Such as they took out the NASA parts and added Forrest running across the country. It was not a bad book, but it is overshadowed by the movie.

In David Levithan’s Another day, it tells the same story as Every Day, but from the point of view of A’s love, Rhiannon. Levithan aims to cover main topics, like in Every day in this book as well. Rhiannon lives through struggles with gender, love and topics like sexism and racism. In the beginning, Rhiannon accepts her life as it is. She has a boyfriend whom she thinks she loves, but he abuses her. Not physically, but mentally. He doesn’t treat her as he should and degrades her. She understands that she cannot get excited for things and not need anything from him. But, her mentality grows when something changes. The one day where A takes over Justin and treats her right, she knows there is something missing and strives for answers. Although there are physical scenes in this book, the best described and heart touching parts are the emotional ones. Levithan continues to write about internal struggles, but not as obvious as Every Day.
In my opinion, the original, Every Day, was good enough alone and I didn’t feel like I needed to know Rhiannon’s point of view. If anything, I was looking forward to a book to continue A’s story and provide answers about his future. Does he get help? Does he make friends? Will he get his own body? Anyways, Another Day is just the same story from another perspective and unfortunately, the reader does not learn anything new about A. A continuous theme though is, obviously, Justin. If you aren’t into repetitive relationship problems and issues with love life’s, then this book isn’t for you. Their relationship, is very competitive.
Overall, I thought the book was okay and would recommend it to anyone who is more interested in Rhiannon than A. If you are more interested in A, then it will be a total disappointment. Although, I do think the two stories combined in a movie would be awesome :).

The Hunger Games]

The novel, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, is strong, unique, and enjoyable. This book is like no other, having a plot that is something not like the rest. The Hunger Games is action-packed but also contains a hidden but revealed love-story between the two main characters. Romance is always a favorite so this book is ranked at the top of the list. Throughout the book, the two main characters, Katniss and Peeta, must pretend to be in love in order to catch attention. But, it is revealed at the end that Peeta truly loves Katniss. This shocking but somewhat expected twist is a new addition to the ending. Since it is somewhat expected, this is a flaw in the ending. But, the characterization and the way that Suzanne Collins develops the characters in this book makes up for it. She uses Katniss’s forever best friend, Gale, as a competitor to win Katniss’ heart. Also, Haymitch is the drunken old man who turns out to be the wisest in terms of the conflict in this story and he is the character that is misinterpreted. The way Suzanne Collins makes her characters stay intriguing throughout the story is brilliant. She keeps all the characters relevant and complete. The issues that are addressed in this book are that of the need for power and the fear of rebellion. The place named Panem, home to the cast of this book, is divided into 12 districts. Annually, the Capitol hosts the Hunger Games, a competition between two tributes from each district who fight till the death; the winner is the last one standing. In district 12, where Katniss, Gale, Peeta, and their families live, Katniss’ sister and Peeta are selected. Out of fear, Katniss volunteers to take her sister’s place. The Hunger Games is just a way for the Capitol to tell the people of Panem about what it is like to rebel and to show them the power they can exert. It should be an eye opening thing to see. The book is somewhat relevant to today. Being from the United States, the book seems to not pertain to this area and the government set up here but other countries must deal with similar issues. The theme is power and control in this book and the sense of overcoming that power and control and for some totalitarian governments, they act in the same way. But for minor things, like overruling an opinion from a teacher or parent, are very relevant in today’s world and every day life. I would recommend this book to others that are looking for a romance but not just a romance, a book with action and twists and turns that are not expected. Although romance is great, it is not consumed with it and constantly obsessing over it, the general part of the story is the struggle of the tributes to stay alive and the tension that brews. I think this book would be great for anyone looking to be completely entertained with something action filled but also fall in love with the characters and the love between Katniss and Peeta.

As if his heart-wrenching story of a terminal cancer patient falling into love and out of time wasn’t enough, John Green manages to once again put his readers through wet pillows and stuffy noses with his first book, Looking for Alaska. This lively and extremely realistic novel captures the hearts of readers, and inevitably, shatters them. We readers should have known, if not from The Fault in our Stars, then from the very first page, not to get invested. By this I mean that the book is split into two parts, Before and After, with each chapter being a countdown to an unknown event in which the book is centered around. I mean literally centered, as it takes place exactly in the middle of the book. Obviously something crazy is going to happen. Don’t be hesitant to pick it up now though, as the dry humor and relatable situations almost make up for it.
This book follows a gawky and shy boy named Miles Cavalry, who transfers from his school in Florida to go to Culver Creek Preparatory School in Alabama. His roommate, Chip “The Colonel” Martin, is a genius mastermind who memorizes things and quarterbacks pranks his friends pull. He takes Miles under his wing and introduces him into his friend group, which includes: Takumi Hikohito, a thin Japanese boy who loves to rap, and Alaska Young, the mysterious, clever, and unattainable girl Pudge falls for. The trio ironically grant Miles the nickname “Pudge”, for his skinniness, and immediately start to partake in rebellious teenage acts. As for the rest of the first half of the novel, these friends go through situations in which they drink, smoke, and barely stumble through school. They love to play pranks and daringly execute them around “The Eagle’s” (a nickname dubbed for the Dean of Culver Creek) watchful eye. The topic of sex is thrown in there a couple times, but never for long.
John Green characterizes his characters increasingly well as the story goes on. We see the broken Alaska, with her ever-changing temper, her incredible love for books, her lack of interest for anything other than smoking and her college boyfriend, and her intriguing aurora. She is understandably the most complex and confusing character in the novel, as she is intended to be. Then we see the awkward Pudge attempting to gain self- confidence and win over the heart of Alaska, trying to get over her with a new girlfriend Lara, and ultimately destroying himself with guilt. Just as our hearts flutter when Pudge gets his kiss with Alaska, readers realize that this is the end of Before… cue extreme anxiety.
*SPOILER* Alaska Young, the centerpiece of the novel, is discovered to have died. She was intoxicated and in a terrible state of mind when she speeds off campus down the freeway in the early hours of the morning. This rips readers hearts out of their chests, and continuously stomps all over it for the rest of the book. After is all the grieving process’ from friends, and their journey to find out what happened to her. Pudge and The Colonel are drowning in their self-pity and guilt, as they both helped her escape that night knowing very well that they could have, and should have, stopped her. As the book draws to an end and no verdict has been reached on how she died, readers slump in dismay as we realize we never will know. John Green does an amazing job with this, as readers grieve and feel everything Pudge does right along with him. It is like we lost someone also, and we need to learn how to accept that as Miles tries to. Though I consider that also as a major flaw, as we are abandoned wondering what really happened to her and it becomes fairly annoying.
After taking a couple days to let the books unanswering ending set in, I was able to overlook it and realized I absolutely loved the book. The realistic themes and rebellious nature of a strong female character lures readers in while John Green’s poetic style of writing keeps them underlining quotes and lines. My favorite part of the book was the style of the plot, because it tied you to characters quickly, but then took that bond away and forced you to grieve over them for the rest of the book. It is extremely thought provoking and philosophical in a sense. Once again John Green doesn't fail to write a fantastic novel; this time about the struggles of an being a teenager and dealing with the extreme tragedy of a friend. Now go pick it up and read it.

Andrew Almeida B3

Fahrenheit 451 is a compelling science fiction and dystopian novel that finds a way to be expressive and poetic, while being menacing and satirical. Written by Ray Bradbury, one of the most venerable authors of our time, it is often regarded as his best novel. Published in 1953, Bradbury focuses on issues occurring around the time of the novel’s publication. Nevertheless, Fahrenheit 451 still manages to relate to today’s ever-growing society in 2016. This coming of age masterpiece truly illustrates the effects of censorship and modernization, the significance of knowledge, and the exploration for purpose and identity.

Set in the 24th century, Fahrenheit 451 takes place in a futuristic American city that is more of a nightmare than a nirvana. Imagine a world where firemen start fires instead putting them out. Imagine a world where books are illegal; where independent thinking and enjoying nature is shunned. Is this a world you would want to live in? The story centers on Guy Montag, a fireman in this futuristic dystopia. Montag and the rest of the firemen have a responsibility to burn illegally owned books upon discovery, as well as the criminal’s house. Montag has no doubts or misgivings about his job; in fact, he takes pride in being a fireman. He loves the euphoric rush of burning things, the beauty of the flames, and the smell of the kerosene. I mean, who wouldn’t love getting paid to set things on fire? However, all of this changes when he meets a quirky and curious seventeen-year-old girl named Clarisse McClellan. This innocent girl is a social outcast as she loves nature and doesn’t want to know how, she wants to know why. She is constantly questioning the world. She just so happens to move in next to Montag. Clarisse begins to open Montag’s eyes to the world of nature, the real world. Despite being social outcasts, Montag notices that her family is happy. As a result, he begins to feel unhappy and question everything in his life. Attempting to break free from this oppression of ignorance, he decides to open a book for a change.

The novel has numerous strengths and few weaknesses. For instance, the plot is captivating and well executed. The book has a menacing and foreboding tone, which constantly keeps the reader guessing. In addition, the writing style is very descriptive, poetic, and expressive. Bradbury’s use of sensory images helps paint an accurate picture of various settings in your mind. Moreover, I enjoy how Montag and his wife, Mildred, turn into character foils; Montag tries to gain knowledge while Mildred accepts ignorance. Nonetheless, one gripe I have with the novel is the character of Faber. His character comes off to me as a plot device since little time was taken to develop this important character. Lastly, the book is an easy read, but it can be incoherent at times. This is mainly due to some characters making questionable decisions. Bradbury is so fixated on the messages he is going to convey that he forgets to flesh out some characters and events. Some will see that as good; some will see that as bad.

Many messages are conveyed in the novel. When Bradbury wrote this book in 1953, he sought to criticize Hitler burning books in Berlin, as well as the burning of libraries in Alexandria. Since Bradbury educated himself in the library, the burning of books grieved his soul; they are his heroes. Bradbury was also inspired by the TV and radio rapidly gaining popularity. He was afraid that this would cause a lack of attention in humans. Many wonder what he would think about our world today with smartphones and such. Essentially, he is not wrong. At this point, it is not farfetched to say that everything will be based around technology someday. Even now, we live in a fake world filled with Photoshop, conversation via Snap Chat rather than face-to-face, and more. In fact, it is rare to find insightful people who think for themselves nowadays. Will technology one day take over?

The novel also portrays the idea of censorship and how books are banned due to many different people being offended by their messages. Consequently, they decide to scrap books to prevent unhappiness and make everyone think alike. In our world it seems like everyone is offended by everything: religion, politics, gender roles, you name it. I wouldn’t be surprised if something like this occurred. For instance, open discussions about religion are illegal. I could see that. The banning of books in Fahrenheit 451 emphasizes the importance of knowledge. Lastly, the journey to find a purpose is portrayed, which we, especially teenagers, can all relate to. With high school coming to a close soon and all that being eliminated from existence, we start to question what was the point? What is my purpose as I venture out into the real world?

All in all, I adored the book. If you are a fan of science fiction and dystopian literature, this is the book for you. This book will especially resonate with young adults and teenagers who, like Montag, are trying to find their purpose in life. If you want a book that is engaging, something to keep your attention, then I would highly recommend this book. Honestly, anyone who isn’t a fan of literature would be a fool not to read this book. It is a must read. Even if it does not appeal to you, it can still open up your eyes to other ideas, theories, and ways of thinking. Also, if you are wondering about the title, it originates from 451° F being the temperature at which book paper burns. So, find out what comes of Montag in this burning novel.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

In the book Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys is a novel of a World War II tragedy that was covered up by the Axis Powers. Not many know the story of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that was packed with various refugees trying to flee Germany. On it’s voyage to flee the violence of World War II, it was struck by the Soviet Union submarines, resulting in the death of many. It was pretty much a Titanic II. I really enjoyed how the story was centered around four characters with different backgrounds. The main characters are Joana, Emilia, Alfred, and Florian. Each tell an interesting story;

-Joana is a nurse who is trying to find out if her mother is dead or alive.
-Emilia is a pregnant fifteen year old
-Alfred is a radical Nazi who keeps writing to this girl that doesn’t write back
-Florian is trying to get revenge on those that have wronged him and others

I really liked how the author brought the characters together in their voyage to the ship and how they interacted with one another. I really enjoyed how the book was realistic with 3D characters and not some cardboard cut outs, draped with simplicity.

But let me tell you: I really freaking hated Alfred. That “man” was a damn kid. He kept writing to this girl who NEVER replied to him. In his letters he’d write about how he was such a good Nazi and that death had to come to all those that weren’t the fine Aryan specimen. *Spoiler Alert* He’s been writing to a girl that is Jewish. Alfred, she is dead, you Nazi. I understand why the author wrote him into the book, but my god, he was as stupid a doornail.

Continuing, this book was just a fast read in general. I started reading it at a 11pm and ended at around 1am. I loved how when I started reading I felt as though I was in 1945. The book causes lots of emotions and made me want to cry at some points because some of my favorite supporting characters died. However, the ending is worth the sadness that the reader endures while reading. I’d recommend this book if you like historical fiction and a fast read because it honestly is full of useful information and an understanding of the refugees whose tales of hardship have been forgotten.

Scott Falzano
Only the Strong Survive by Larry Platt was an extremely good read. The book about Allen Iverson really opened my eyes and actually taught me a lesson, to appreciate what I have now because people may have it worse. Allen Iverson is one of my idols, he is my favorite basketball player ever and in my eyes the greatest. The book itself covered everything, from his childhood to his rap career it got everything. It included his NBA career and it was an all around very interesting book. The book gave me an overall look at the phenom’s life and was hard to put down. The author did a very well job handling this, interviewing over 75 sources to get the information for this story.
This book, is the first fully written biography about Allen Iverson, including everything about his life. The author used multiple sources for this story, gathering all the information to make this a complete story. Larry interviewed anyone he could to make sure he did not leave anything out. The way he handled this large story and the effort he had put in to give his readers the best they could get, it truly amazes me. Larry even was allowed to interview Iverson’s father who had been in jail throughout Iverson’s life. Larry stepped up to the plate with this story, in a tough scenario. He was the first to put out a full story on Iverson, he had used past stories written about Allen, but those stories were not like Larry’s. Larry stepped up, swung, and hit it out of the park with this book.
The overall book was extraordinary. I was excited to read this as I am a huge fan of Iverson, and I can happily say, I am extremely glad I chose this as my book. The way the story is told, from his rough childhood, to his rap career, and diving into his NBA career. The way Larry covered the story was truly amazing. Larry told it how it was and did not accommodate for kids, telling it how it went. I believe that helps and makes the reader feel the story more and he makes it easy to understand.
The story has opened my eyes wide. It has showed me to appreciate what I have because to other children, I’m lucky. I actually have learned a lot from that story, and it’s not just about Iverson, I learned a life lesson. I also learned from Iverson, I picked up on his mistakes, as he is now broke, and during his career made numerous mistakes. The story was just amazing, it was told beautifully, and was executed perfectly by Platt.
This story is a must read for any fan of basketball, the story also has some Civil Rights included, which is a cool incorporation. Platt kept me fiending for more after every page, just truly a work of art. A very highly recommended read for anyone who wants to learn a life lesson, about Allen Iverson, and even to be given an example.

Since their birth, twins Saba and Lugh have never been separated. After their mother dies birthing their little sister Emmi and their father loses reason, Lugh and Saba still stick together, making what home they can in Silverlake, even as the lake dries up and the unforgiving desert claims a little more land each day. Lugh is the light to Saba’s dark. He goes first, and everyone listens to him. As long as they’re together, that’s all that matters to Saba. That’s how it has always been.

But then, on the heels of a devastating dust storm, a group of hooded men ride into their isolated home, killing their father and taking Lugh as their prisoner. Enraged and determined, eighteen year old Saba vows that she will find her brother and bring him home. With her stubborn nine year old sister Emmi in tow, Saba sets off across a desert wasteland to find Lugh, no matter the cost.

The two are captured by a couple, Rooster Pinch and Miz Pinch, who force Saba to fight in the Colosseum for a man known as the Cage Master. The couple, Mr. and Mrs. Pinch, keep Saba fighting by abusing and threatening the life of Emmi. Saba and her sister eventually escape from Hopetown, the place where the Colosseum is located, with a fellow fighter named Jack and a group of female warriors known as the Free Hawks.

As the story progresses, Saba learns that Mr. and Mrs. Pinch are actually the parents of a king who uses an addictive drug to control people. This same king is the one who sent the four cloaked horsemen, known as the Tonton, to kidnap Lugh. Not only are more plans made to rescue Lugh, but more conflict ensues and a romance develops between Saba and Jack. In the end, she manages to rescue Lugh but a few people died along the way, like Epona and Ike(secondary characters). At the end of the novel, Jack heads of the The Lost Cause to inform Molly of Ike's death while Saba and her family head west to The Big Water.

Moira Young’s well written book Blood Red Road brings light to the main issue of the Dystopian-style rule that is placed in Hopetown. In Hopetown, readers see the real side of Saba as she brutally fights her way to freedom, saving her annoying little sister Emmi. This is a strong point in the plot because it signifies Saba’s strength and determination to get out of Hopetown. One weakness of this book was the amount of sub-topics it contained. It was sort of hard to follow despite it being a well written book.

The style of writing was a mere broken english that was sort of hard to understand. The downside of this broken english was the fact that it was used throughout the novel. Lastly the book wasn't really relevant to today’s society due to its dystopian society, however; it connects in the sense of Saba risking her life for her sister. Nowadays we see that in poverty stricken families. So dive into this book and indulge yourself in some Dystopian-style adventure book filled with romance and suspenseful action.

John Gibbons
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is an American classic by Samuel L. Clemens, known better by his pen name, Mark Twain. It tells the story of a boy’s childhood in rural Mississippi, forgetting none of the details of a small child’s existence. Perhaps it is this accuracy and the way it reminds us of ourselves in universally recognizable fashion which have made the book and its counterpart, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, staples of American literature. No matter what it is, though, that makes the book what it is, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a book everyone must read in their life.
Tom Sawyer is a normal American boy: imaginative, energetic, and troublesome beyond measure. Tom’s adventures chronicled throughout the book are filled with trickery; the earliest and most famous sample of his deception is that of the fence. When told by his Aunt Polly to whitewash the fence, Tom instead attempts to shirk his duty to go swimming. After being caught and forced to remain at his post until his chore is complete, the young trickster finds a way to get neighborhood boys to whitewash the fence while paying him for the opportunity in trinkets. The juvenile trades which happen throughout the story harken back to our own childhoods doing much the same. In the absence of a monetary system, it seems that youths inevitably contrive their own bartering systems, as depicted in our setting of St. Petersburg. Universal childhood oddities like this make up the backbone of the narration, story, and characters.
The major events around which the plot revolves are much the same way; they take immature dreams and thoughts but follow them to their conclusions to exaggerated results. After being rejected by Becky, his childhood love interest, Tom melodramatically considers running away as children imagine doing when they feel wronged. Unlike in our own childhoods, though, Tom acts upon his ambition and sets off with Joe Harper and Huckleberry Finn as pirates. They spend a time living on Jackson Island in what seems to be childhood paradise before getting homesick and returning once their funeral is underway. The portion of the story concerning Jackson Island fantastically encompasses every aspect of the way a kid imagines running away when they get upset. Twain seemed to have a perfect memory of the innocently skewed lens through which we all see the world as children.
The entirety of Mark Twain’s writing lends itself to this childhood theme, not just the events of the story. His narration seems to find the perfect balance of childlike thoughts befitting mind of Tom and intelligent, insightful, and well-spoken commentary from the narrator. The two flavors of narration are so expertly mixed that while the reader can tell the two apart instantly, there is no point at which it ruins the flow of the chapters. The narration does the same when transitioning between third person limited and something more akin to third person omniscient. Twain even manages at a point to transition without awkward ruination of flow between Tom and Becky Thatcher. In short, between the storyline, the narration, the characters, and the setting, Mark Twain is able to create the perfect representation of childhood. It would be a shame for any reader to neglect such an elegant capturing of youthful joy and innocence.

The Alchemyst is a thrilling and dramatic story revolving around the conflicts of three main characters: Nicholas Flamel, and Sophie and Josh Newman. Nicholas Flamel, holder of the secret to eternal life, is hunted down for his possession of the Book of Abraham, or the Codex, which could end the world. Twins Josh and Sophie are the only way to stop evil Dr. John Dee, on an undercover mission. Through mystical adventures, numerous battles, and sacrifices, Dr. John Dee is thwarted.
Although the book is fiction, Michael Scott tries to incorporate a historical aspect into his plot by basing his characters off of figures in ancient history and mythology. Both Nicholas Flamel and his wife Perenelle were actual people born in France in the fourteenth century. However, the book focuses on a more fantastical style. Fake creatures, sorcery and spells, and magical powers are the focus of this book. I found myself being drawn in by Scott’s use of strong descriptions and sensory details; his advanced and strong vocabulary help to give precise explanations of characters or situations. Most of the book has a rushed and unsure tone, which fits how each of the characters are feeling. Scott does a great job forming his characters. Their personalities shine through what they say, and are revealed through how they react in certain situations.
One of my favorite parts about the book is that the ending is not predictable. A story like this doesn’t really relate to modern day issues, it isn’t a popular book topic and is not full of cliches. Just as we don’t know what’s going to happen, the characters don’t either. As the story progresses, the audience travels through each conflict along with Sophie and Josh, and are left guessing what is going to happen in the next chapter. Michael Scott guides readers through foreshadowing what will happen by the use of voices and visions. Each of the characters get visions randomly, and sometimes can hear the voice of Nicholas Flamel helping them or giving advice.
At points in the book more towards the end, the two siblings find themselves battling and escaping inhumane creatures, half-human animals, gods and goddesses and evil giants. This is where Michael Scott emphasises on action and suspense. Many of these scenes describe the situations with a frantic tone, and guide readers through the thoughts in each character's heads. Along with the rest of the book, I found this part especially intriguing. I was absolutely enveloped in the story, unable to contain my excitement for the next page.
This book is fabulous! It contains multiple aspects of writing that can fit numerous people’s taste of books. I would one-hundred percent recommend this book to everyone. So far, it is one of the best books I’ve ever read. If you’re looking for an exciting book that will suck you in, buy The Alchemyst by Michael Scott!

Taeya Peroni On the Alchemyst by Michael Scott

The Fault In Our Stars Review

The novel The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green was an emotional roller coaster. The two main characters Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, were both surviving with cancer. While in a support group in the “literal heart of Jesus”, Hazel and Augustus caught each others eye. They were instantly in love. However, Hazel was trying to avoid a relationship because she was a “grenade”, but with Augustus by her side she overcame this fear. The two characters become each others rock and even end up going Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, they go meet Peter Van Houten, visited the Anne Frank house, and go to a fancy restaurant. However, it all comes crashing down when Augustus reveals he was cancer again. It was shortly after Amsterdam he died. The end of the book includes Hazel reading the emails Augustus had saved. It brought a very emotional end to the book and you couldn't help, but spread tears.

The novel was very well written. John Green did a extraordinary job writing the book. The Fault in Our Stars, made you feel like you were actually in the book. You felt like you were fighting the same struggles as Hazel and Augustus. His descriptive writing made the book reach its fullest potential. For example, when Hazel and Augustus went to Germany, you felt like you were with them. When they met Hazel’s favorite writer Peter Van Houten, you could feel the angst in the room. You could feel the frustration between Hazel and Augustus to Van Houten. This novel was a great read and you could easily read the whole book in one sitting. I know I did. The Fault in Our Stars, made you laugh, cry, and even gasp. The emotion would through you for a loop, and the author really portrayed what living with cancer is like. It is a struggle and especially when you are a teen that is terminally ill. It’s not normal to take part in support group with other sick kids and wear oxygen twenty-four seven. Green made you feel emotionally attached to this novel and you didn't want to stop reading. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyway who is interested in emotional books. I made an excellent choice and I'm glad I read it.

Marissa LoGrasso on The Fault In Our Stars

My Drunk Kitchen: A Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Going with Your Gut By Hannah Hart

In the book, My Drunk Kitchen, Hannah Hart ingeniously combines her love of food and wise advice. She creates a cookbook with a new style. In each recipe, she teaches the reader how to make simple food while giving a life lesson. She incorporates real-life scenarios in each of her recipes. Her writing style is informal which allows the reader to be engaged without being bored. Her personality comes through her writing style. After each chapter, she incorporates a table of contents which showcases all the lessons learned through the recipe. Truthfully, there are barely any weaknesses in this book. This cookbook contains effortless recipes that are appropriate for a 5-year old. Since it is a cookbook, there isn't a clear cut plot. It is mostly a fun read.

The issues that Hart addresses in her cookbook are categorized by chapter. Every chapter focuses on a certain issue which leads into a life lesson. She tells the readers how to go with their guts and make risks in their lives. She admits that hardships in life will happen, but they will only make you stronger. She has a romantic chapter that encourages people to find love and new relationships in life.

Mostly, the general theme in this book is to be honest with yourself and confident with the public. This theme is evident in today's world because many people struggle to obtain self-worth and confidence in their life. Hart explains how she dealt with heartbreak and betrayal. Her inner self was not happy to interact with the world. She takes the initiative to make herself happy and fulfilled. Her reasoning is that if she can make herself happy, she can make others happy. Positive thinking cannot lead to negativity; it creates a chain reaction which allows it to grow immensely.

I highly recommend this book to everyone except young children because there are concepts in their book that are geared towards a mature mind. This book is a fast read, but I have learned useful information about future life decisions.

A Game of Thrones Review:Joey Balliro

A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin, is a masterful entry to the fantasy genre. This novel is written in the first person and each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character.

One of the strengths of this writing style is that it allows the reader to see varying viewpoints and reactions to the same event. A weakness of this writing style is that it takes a longer time to fully develop one single character due to the fact that each chapter deals with a new character. The plot deals with the struggle between different families such as the Starks, the Lannisters, the Baratheons, or the Targaeryan's to assert power across the land of Westeros and claim the iron throne. This is shadowed in today's elections as different candidates fight to control the United States by being elected president. The themes of betrayal and honor are shown throughout the novel through characters such as Lord Eddard Stark and the deceitful Circe Lannister.

I would absolutely recommend this book to others because it is a gripping thrillride from start to finish and the twist at the end is terrific.

John Cox
Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort Review


The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort is a book that tells the tumultuous story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to success to his drug addiction and his downfall. Throughout the book, intimate details about Belfort's life are revealed to the reader, allowing a personal look into the life of a wealthy man who makes million dollar deals daily,while running from the F.B.I. and enabling a drug addiction. The Wolf of Wall Street is a story that will grasp readers and allow them to enter into the mind of The Wolf of Wall Street himself, Jordan Belfort.

Belfort does a truly incredible job bringing the reader into his mind, speaking with a personal tone and describing events to you like he was telling a story to a friend. While telling these stories, Belfort would often go off topic, unfiltered,as if the story was unfolding in his mind as it was being read.While describing a fight with his wife, Belfort said “The water glass was filled to the rim; her blue eyes death rays;....and her legs… Christ!I couldn’t keep my eyes off of them.”(Belfort, Pg. 46) This line is relatable to many people, especially men. Despite how angry a woman is, a man’s mind will repeatedly wander to sex, and Belfort was no different. While this gave the book a more personal feel, at certain times the tangents felt extremely off topic, and took away from the atmosphere he had created. While in the middle of an intense story about a fight with his father, Belfort said “She had a thick mane of dark brown hair, fair white skin, and a tight little body. She had beautiful blue eyes, but there were a certain sadness to them as if they’d seen too much heartache for someone too young.” (Belfort, Pg. 55) He took time to describe his assistant in detail. While the reader was able to have a detailed image in there head of how the assistant looked, the suspense was taken away. Some may call this good writing, but in the moment it took away from the build-up that had been created. The extreme detail of Belfort’s descriptions were not always a flaw. In fact, nearly every person mentioned had a description so in depth that a picture immediately forms in the reader's head.

The main plot of the book is relatable to nearly everyone. It is about money, sex, drugs, and the rise and fall of a man who lived a life many only dream of. People are often intrigued by things that are illegal, or taboo such as drugs. The mind of a drug addict is different to that of someone who is sober, and the perspective change is intriguing to say the least. Belfort has done every drug in the book, from cocaine to pot to Quaaludes. Despite the power of these drugs, Belfort’s greatest addiction was money. He pushed this addiction onto his young employees and stockbrokers, telling them “There’s no nobility in poverty. I’ve been a rich man and I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor, and I choose rich every time. At least as a rich man, when I have to face my problems, I can show up in the back of a stretch limousine, wearing a two-thousand-dollar suit and a twenty-thousand-dollar watch!” (Belfort, Pg. 97) He got them hooked on money, because the more money they made, the more that he made.

The theme of greed is common in the world today, and was exemplified in the Wolf of Wall Street by the way Jordan Belfort lived his life. Constantly wanting more, stopping at nothing to obtain what he wanted. Greed is still very obvious in today's society. Whether it be professional athletes leaving their team for more money, to a man unnecessarily raising the price on a drug necessary to the life of someone gree is still a very common issue in modern society.

I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys discovering a different perspective from their own. This book, with it’s smooth flow and personal tone is a fun read that can provide lessons that benefit the reader. Lessons such as how to make money or why not to do drugs are both beneficial to everyday life. I believe that in order to improve as a person, you must be able to look at situations from multiple perspectives and understand them

The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown

The DaVinci Code is a suspenseful novel that calls into question many concepts that have become ingrained in our daily lives. Dan Brown’s direct style of writing and liberal use of plot twists keeps the readers on the edges of their seats, always wondering what will happen next. The main protagonist, Robert Langdon, is a scholarly symbologist who is thrown out of his depth and into one of the biggest conspiracies in the world. He meets Sophie Neveu, a shrewd cryptographer who has come to seek justice and answers after the mysterious death of her grandfather, Jacques Sauniere, a renown art connoisseur. As they investigate the cryptic codes and puzzles left by the late Sauniere to uncover the unsettling history of the powerful societies Opus Dei and the Priory of Scion, they are chased by prideful and bellicose Bezu Fache, chief of the DCPJ who is hellbent on locking up Langdon for the murder. All the while, a devout follower of Opus Dei with a dark past, Silas, creeps closer to Langdon and Neveu as he searches for the Holy Grail. The clues left by Sophie’s grandfather lead them to seek the help of Sir Leigh Teabing, an eccentric historian with a keen fascination of the Holy Grail, who is more than delighted to help them with their quest to unveil the truth. However, Teabing’s motives were not as pure as the duo initially thought.

In this thrilling tale it seems that the plot could only go so far before another layer is uncovered, delving deeper into the intricate riddles and complex schemes that make the book hard to put down. The plot is well thought out, and every plot twist makes sense, the story flows nicely, which was no easy feat because of the switching point of views. Each character had their own personality and flaws, however I feel that the characters were a little too cookie cutter. The protagonists never did anything that made them question if they were going on the right path. They always seemed to know what to do just in time. Silas was, from the beginning portrayed as the villain, and there was no reason for you to ever question if he wasn’t because Brown never gave you the opportunity to. It just felt like the characters were written for the plot, when it should be the other way around. The writing style was simple and straightforward, which was better than it dragging on for ages, which would have been easy, considering the multiple settings that included works of art. There are some times that I wished there was just a bit more substance, but overall I can’t complain. It’s a engaging book, and it’s easy to get through. Was it my favorite book? No. Did it change my life forever? No. It was a fun, quick read with an interesting storyline and I would recommend it to those who take an interest adventure-dramas and controversial theistic beliefs.

A Zebra Like Me is about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and how Maybelle Dawson struggles to find balance in her life. Maybelle is constantly sick and in pain so she misses a lot of school because she has a rare form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which makes her a zebra. She struggles in school and doesn’t have many friends. As Maybelle starts her sophomore year, after just barely passing freshman year, she meets Malach her guardian angel and develops a romantic relationship with her next door neighbor Nick.
Towards the end of the summer Maybelle starts to receive mysterious notes from the clouds and tells her cousin Erin about them. Erin thinks she is crazy and does not believe her when she says that they are coming from the sky. As it turns out Maybelle has a guardian angel named Malach watching over her. She meets him at school and becomes friends with him. Malach actually understands Maybelle, but because he’s an outsider Erin and Maybelle’s next door neighbor Nick do not want her hanging out with Malach. Malach realizes this and tries to be friendly with them, even though Nick is treating him poorly because he is jealous. He likes Maybelle and he wants to be the one to take care of her, but a sports injury and then his ego get in the way of this.
With the help of Malach, Erin, Nick, and other friends Maybelle makes, she is able to come out of her comfort zone and do things she might never have been able to do. While overcoming struggles at school, Maybelle has to overcome struggles at home too. Her grandmother is not accepting her syndrome and thinks her mother is babying her. Her grandmother has her go see a therapist, who turns out to be extremely helpful. Her therapist takes the time to learn about Maybelle and her syndrome instead of just pretending to know about it.
A Zebra Like Me was a story of acceptance, overcoming, and taking control of your life. At the end of the story Maybelle has gained many friends, a boyfriend, a stronger relationship, and many memories. She is able to end the school year on a high note instead of a low note like the past year. Throughout the school year, Maybelle went to her first dance, started to write a blog for a club, and went to a football game.
“I’m a different person now.I’ve found friendship and acceptance… Most importantly, I’m happy.”

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Brown
Caroline Andersen

Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden puts you in the shoes of Chiyo, a young girl from a small fishing village off the Sea of Japan, as her father sells her to a geisha house. Yoroido is a small place where not much changes, but everything changes fro Chiyo when she meets Mr. Tanaka. Next thing she knows, she is on a train, being passed from stranger to stranger and finally separated from her sister Satsu. Chiyo is ultimately sent to the Nitta Okiya where she learns the ropes of being a geisha and faces many obstacles on her journey to become the beautiful geisha, Sayuri.

Right from the beginning, readers are sucked into the life of young Chiyo and are anxious to know what will happen to her next. Golden uses lengthy descriptions of the people and places she encounters so the reader can imagine that they are in Japan themselves. Though interesting, sometimes these descriptions took away from the suspense that was being built and dragged out a moment that did not need to be dragged out. One can only read so much about the hairstyles of an apprentice geisha.

After reading this novel, I have a greater appreciation for Japanese culture and feel very educated about the geisha traditions. It is clear that Arthur Golden did sufficient research for his book and enjoyed doing it. His love for the culture really comes through in his writing. Although geishas are a very old and respected tradition, Golden seems to think of them as glorified prostitutes and treats them as such in his writing. A reader can see his feelings about the culture but one can almost sense disrespect for the geisha way of life. Personally, I do not agree with the geisha lifestyle and believe it to be sexist and outdated, but I do respect the old tradition and the hard work these women put in everyday. The lives of Sayuri, Hatsumomo, Mameha, and even Pumpkin show the dedication and time that it takes to become a full geisha.


I would recommend Memoirs of a Geisha to any young adult or adult who likes historical fiction or is interested in expanding their knowledge of other cultures. This book contains very explicit adult themes that are very controversial, but remember that some of this book is fiction. Golden makes you connect with the geishas and in the end, cry out of pure happiness. Chiyo/Sayuri will capture your heart and wish you could witness the beauty of the geishas of this time period. The beauty and grace of the Gion geishas are like nothing you will ever imagine and will make you appreciate cultural differences all over the world.

Jill Roche
The Fifth Vial by Michael Palmer

The Fifth Vial, by Michael Palmer was a thrilling and suspenseful medical mystery. The story follows the lives of three people; Natalie Reyes, Ben Callahan, and Joseph Anson. Natalie Reyes is a Harvard medical student in Boston. All her life she has trained to be an Olympic runner, although that dream is crushed when she loses a lung after being kidnapped and shot in Rio De Janeiro. Ben Callahan, a private investigator in Chicago, is hired to investigate the death of a young boy in Florida who was killed by a semi truck. The young boy’s body had wounds that showed he had donated bone marrow, which is why his death needed to be looked at more closely. Joseph Anson, a doctor and scientist in Cameroon, discovers a new treatment that has the potential to save million while just barely surviving pulmonary fibrosis himself. Although he is in terrible health, he refuses to get a lung transplant. These three people live completely different lives, all across the world, yet they just so happen to end up at the same place at the same time, all because of the fifth vial.


Right from the beginning I was captivated by the plot. The endless mysteries and questions make you not want to put down the book until you find out who is responsible for the illegal organ selling. Throughout the story, the characters are separately trying to find out the mystery around the world. At the beginning, it seems as if the characters are three totally different people and have absolutely no way of knowing each other, but as the story goes on you are able to see how many people are involved in the web of unethical organ selling. It may be hard to follow at first because of all the chapters jumping around from person to person, but once you realize they are all linked together it is very simple to follow. These three ultimately all came together just because of the power of a vial of blood, and in the end they work together to put a stop to it.


This book really got me thinking about illegal organ trading, and despite how cruel and unethical it may be, it can still happen. In the story, over four normal people were murdered by an organization in order to use their organs to save more important people they called the “Guardians” of the earth. These people included doctors, scientists, singers, actors, and important political figures. Perfectly normal and healthy people were murdered just to make sure these “important” people’s lives were spared. Today, although not common, illegal organ trading still happens.


Palmer lets you inside each of the main characters heads by switching off the point of view every chapter. It provides insight on their thoughts and feeling that you would not get if only one person was telling the story. The characters were easy to relate to; each having problems that people in everyday life could relate to including going to school and work, training for a sport, and trouble with bosses at work.


I would recommend this book to all people interested in medical mysteries, and enjoys reading about crime and murder. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, not knowing who could be the next victim to get murdered for their organ. It is a chilling tale that makes you think about what actually happens to the blood samples you give every time you go to the doctors. It also gets you thinking about how much you can trust some doctors, because everyone is not always as nice as they come across. The Fifth Vial shows how even in the toughest of situation when you feel like you have nothing left to give, there will always be someone there supporting you, whether it be a friend, family, or even a total stranger. You should never give up hope, because sometimes that is all you have.


The Fifth Vial is an action packed book with a complex plot, fascinating characters, and a whole lot of mystery and crime.

The Giver
The Giver is a thought provoking novel written by Lois Lowry. Lowry’s story depicts a society in which there is no sadness. Everything in the community works like a well-oiled machine. Every year there is a ceremony in which the children in the community receive something based on their age. At the age of nine, the children are given their own bicycles with their names on them. At the age of twelve, the children are given their assignment for the job they will have in the community. There are no birthdays in the community; everyone becomes one year older at the ceremony in December. There is no crime in the community because those who make a mistake are chastised, and if you are chastised three times, you are released from the community. No one really knows what being released from the community entails. This dystopian society brings the reader to another place, showing what it would be like if there was complete order among people.

The main character in the novel is a young boy named Jonas. Jonas is an eleven in the community, so he is about to receive his job assignment. After an intense ceremony, it is announced that Jonas is to be the next Receiver of Memory for the community. The community does not know sadness or struggle, so they need someone to spare them of all the memories of the past and advise them based upon them. This job is the most honorable of all the occupations in the community, but Jonas is warned that he will experience physical pain during his training.

The current receiver is to share all of the memories of the world with Jonas so that he may take over the position. He refers to Jonas as “the receiver” so he tells Jonas he may call him “the giver” so there will not be any confusion. Jonas suspects he may have the ability to see beyond when he sees changes in an apple and his friend Fiona’s hair. The giver reveals to him that he has the ability to see color when the rest of the community cannot. This is an enlightening idea posed by the author, the gift of seeing color. The giver shares beautiful memories with Jonas such as the memory of a rainbow and a Christmas celebration among family members. This family memory shocks Jonas because he is exposed to the idea of grandparents for the first time; in the community, parents and children are separated once the child has grown and they do not stay in touch with each other. He begins to question the way his perfect community functions. Lowry brings attention to the theme of family and the need for human connections.

As Jonas undergoes his training, he realizes the job of receiver is a lonely one. The giver must share horrifying memories of warfare and hunger with Jonas as well as happy ones. The Receiver of Memory must carry the burden of these memories so that the community can avoid feelings. Jonas’s family discusses their feelings at every meal, as everyone in the community does, and Jonas realizes they do not understand the true feelings they are experiencing. His father is amused when Jonas asks if he loves him. The idea of love is not understood in the community because the members do not have the memories or knowledge of what love is. Lowry shows that the memories and bonds we share with people allow us to experience love, a poignant thought.

In the end, the giver and Jonas agree that the way the community works is wrong and memories should be shared. Jonas uses all the strength and courage he has attained from the memories, and decides to run away with his baby brother to release the memories to the community. He endures a long, painful journey, trying to use the joyful memories to keep them safe. The end of the novel may be interpreted as the reader chooses, and it should be enjoyed rather than spoiled. I highly recommend reading Lois Lowry’s, The Giver. Her touching, inspiring themes will make this book an important experience that will stay with the reader. I am glad that I had the ability to experience Jonas’s world and learn from his training.

The Fault in Our Stars
Jill Miele

The Fault in Our Stars written by John Green takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. It focuses on the main two characters, 17 teen year old Hazel Grace Lancaster and 18 year old Augustus (Gus) Waters. Both fight through different types of cancers and suffer in their own way. Hazel with having to wheel oxygen around for herself for her bad lungs and Gus with his prosthetic leg. Despite Hazel coping with depression in the beginning of the novel, she manages to find the love of her life, Gus in the Cancer Kid Support Group she meets up with. The connection between the two are inseparable excluding the cancers that each is facing. They travel to Amsterdam together for Gus’ one wish where Gus rides on a place for the first time and they put Hazel’s favorite author. Right before the trip, Hazel got very sick from her lungs filling up with fluid again but she still manages to go on the trip. Little does she know that while she was in the hospital Gus got another cat scan. His cancer had spread throughout his entire body and he didn't have much time to live. He doesn't tell Hazel this because he didn't want her to stress over it when she obviously had some problems of her own. Gus requests for Hazel to write a eulogy for his funeral which she proceeds to do. She then presented it to him in the church beforehand with his blind friends Isaac since he cannot attend his own funeral (in human form) when he dies. The two love eachother unconditionally and are never apart until the day Gus passes.

This love story helped me snap back to reality and realize how precious life is and to be grateful for everything I have especially since it is a true story. It shows how to cherish every little thing and every moment spent. It holds so many life lessons in such a simple yet sweet story that can last a lifetime.

The story is in Hazel’s point of view for the most part but includes enough dialogue between the characters to make you feel like you are living in the moment with them. It is difficult to relate to what the characters have to cope with since it isn't common that 17 and 18 year old kids have cancer but it is easier to relate to the meaningful love story that goes along with it.

I would highly recommend this book more specifically for girls. It is an emotional roller coaster throughout the whole novel. Every emotion is it at some point and everything ties together in the end. The ending does not leave you with a cliffhanger or anything like that. It all smooths over and makes sense in the end.

Joslyn DeFeo
Awake by Natasha Preston


Awake by Natasha Preston is an amazing suspense filled book that will keep you guessing up until the very last page in the book and then even still. Scarlett thought she lived a normal life in her small England town. That was until a car accident brought back her suppressed childhood memories. All she knew about her childhood was that she had lost all her memories due to trauma in a fire. She was told her house had coughs fire the night before her fourth birthday. After the car crash Scarlett began remembering bits and pieces of her past life. A fire, a white dress, a millions faces she didn't have a name to place with, and a mother whose face she didn't recognize. Her boyfriend Noah seems like the average supportive boyfriend who is helping his girlfriend cope with the lies she had been told for most of her life. Only little that she knew he was connected to her past in a way that might cost her, her life.

Noah didn't know life outside of Eternal Light. It was all he knew. Having grown up living off the land, away from the technology filled world. So when he was approached by the leader of Eternal Light with an unthinkable task, to a person who has grown up in the modern day society, he didn't think twice before accepting it. Human sacrifice was a normal part of his life. It's what he grew up learning. Now faced with the decision will he change his mind before the unthinkable happens to Scarlett?

While the first few chapters of Awake dragged on it picked up fairly quickly and draws the reader in. The plot is filled with multiple twists and turns. Suspense leaks from every page, drama around every turn. Awake transport you to a new world. One people don't experience every day. The plot in this novel has its strong and weak points. At time there are times where the plot could have been stronger and more developed and others where it was developed perfectly. Natasha Preston created another amazing work of fiction for her followers to enjoy.

Before reading this book I had a little knowledge of cults and how they worked, now I can see that the followers rely solely on their leader to tell them what to do. No matter what their leader says they listen. No matter how insane an order is. The followers are in need for a leader. Someone to control their actions and tell them what to do. The children born into the cult know no better. They think that this is how everyone lives. Children are so naïve and innocent learning what the life is like through their parents, through those around them. So life in a cult is a strange one. While the aspect of a cult is a main underline in this novel there is also betrayal, love, and loss.

Each of these themes play a major part in the novel. Scarlett is betrayed by the ones she loved. Lied to, kidnapped, and almost killed by ones who were suppose to love her unconditionally. Noah, sent to befriend Scarlett, falls deeply in love with the girl he's suppose to send to her death. Finally loss. A sister Scarlett never knew she had, lost in the world. Having run away no one knew her fate. Awake by Natasha Preston is an amazing novel filled to the brink with suspense and mystery.

Shadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus

Shadow on the Mountain, by Margi Preus, is a novel based on the true events of Erling Storrusten, a Norwegian spy during World War II. The main character, Espen, lives in Lilleby Norway with his sister, mother, and father at the time Germany invades their country. As the Germans take over Norway and slowly increase their control over the people, the Norwegians form a resistance group. Espen joins the resistance against the Germans after soccer is declared illegal, unless supervised by the Nazis. He partakes in operations delivering illegal newspapers, feeding starving prisoners, and trespassing into German compounds. The actions he takes are an attempt to help the Norwegians reclaim their country from Germany.

Margi Preus writes the novel from three different points of view, Espen’s, his sister, Ingrid’s, and his former soccer teammate, Aksel’s. Each point of view is described in the third person throughout the novel. I would have preferred the story to be written in first person so we could see what each character was thinking. Preus describes Espen’s, Ingrid’s, and Aksel’s actions, but the reader does not get the complete story from each point of view. The reader is unable to put themselves into the characters’ shoes, making the story less enjoyable than it could have been. Although I disliked the third person point of view, I enjoyed the constant action taking place throughout the novel. Whether Espen was making an illegal delivery or if he was being hunted down by the Nazis, Margi Preus always made sure something was going on to keep the reader engaged. Preus also kept the reader wanting to read on by presenting backstories within each major event that occurred in the story. This helped the reader further understand the reasoning for the current event taking place.

The concerns displayed in the novel are unlike the world we live in today. In the novel, the characters are in constant fear of the Germans and have limited freedom. In our society, we live freely and are able to carry on with our daily lives without being monitored or questioned by the police. The concerns addressed in the book may not be relevant to us, but would be for people living in communist countries such as North Korea where nearly everything is controlled by the government. The book helped me to appreciate our freedom and how lucky we are to have it.

Overall, I would recommend the novel to anyone interested in World War II or history as a whole. I found the novel to be slow at beginning, but it turned into a compelling story towards the end. Some may not be able to endure the beginning, forcing them to put the book down and never pick it back up. Others might bear with Margi Preus, and enjoy the true experiences of a wartime spy.

The 100
Kass Morgan epically portrays the cataclysmic future of the Human race in her opening of The 100 Trilogy, The 100. In her book, Kass addresses many questions concerning human nature and characteristics, all while following the action and drama filled lives of four teenagers, as they and 100 others become the first humans to step foot on the earth after centuries of nuclear devastation. It’s a great read and I would recommend it to anyone.

This science fiction novel follows the 3rd person perspectives of four teenagers, who all struggle with love, duty, and survival. A space station, which is thought to hold the last of the human race, has used its resources for more than 300 years, and it is decided that re-colonization of the Earth must begin. 100 juveniles that have been sentenced to death have been given clemency; in return they will test if the Earth has become habitable. As tensions rise and order breaks down at the colony, and shocking discoveries are made aboard the space station, our characters are put to the test. Clarke is a med student whose parents are executed due to her bad decisions. Wells is the Chancellor’s son who risks everything to correct mistakes made by his father and protects Clarke by joining the expedition. Bellamy forces his way into the expedition to protect his younger sister, Octavia. Finally, Glass escapes the ship before it takes off for Earth, and struggles to readapt to society after her confinement.

The biggest strength of the book is how it defined its characters through well-placed flashbacks. Another strength of the book is the author’s vivid portrayal of the characters and settings, and its descriptive style of writing. With colorful phrases like; ‘There was a sickening thwack, and Asher flew backward. Blood bubbled out of his mouth as he fell to the ground”(Morgan, 166) my head was filled with imagery throughout the novel.

There are many issues that the book tries to relate to contemporary societal problems. For example, the book showcases class struggle, as the lower classes from Walden and Arcadia (poorer residential sections of the space station) are abused and dominated from the higher class of Phoenix, who hold importance, power, and wealth. In the Earth camp, many juveniles scoff at the children from Phoenix and mock them for their life of comfort. Another issue that the book addresses is love, and the complications that come with it. All 4 of the teenagers whose perspective we follow are all struggling with the love of others, some more than others.

The Apocalyptic future of the human race is superbly interpreted in Kass Morgan’s, The 100. The book addresses struggles related to our contemporary times, and take an in depth look into human nature. The book is a page-turner and always leaves a hunger to keep reading on. Once you read this book you will be forced to finish the epic trilogy.

When Breath Becomes Air

If you pick up the book "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi, I can guarantee that you won't put it down unchanged. Enter the very real world of Paul's life in this book about life and death that is reminiscent of "Tuesdays with Morrie", though you'll soon see after starting the book that Paul and Morrie were very different people.

Paul was at a place in his life that most of us can only dream of being. He was obsessed with learning about life from a college age, and decided to skim the border between life and death by becoming a neurosurgeon. Travel with Paul as he details his path through medical school, showing exactly how grueling going into such a profession can be. But you don't read this book to learn about medical school. Just before Paul completes his residency, he is diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. Just like that, Paul's future is gone. The reader gets to watch Paul's metamorphosis, from an up and coming neurosurgeon to a dying man. What does it feel like for the doctor to become the patient? Paul found this out the hard way as he went through several different treatments for his disease that worked to varying degrees, but none of them could stop the cancer completely. And when the drugs stopped being beneficial, after years of fighting, Paul surrendered to his cancer. He died peacefully, in a hospital room surrounded by family. His wife documented his death, and it is included in the book as an afterword.

I would strongly recommend "When Breath Becomes Air" for anyone who is looking for a book that stays with you weeks after you put it down. As high schoolers, a lot of us look at Paul as who we want to be in life - he found something hes passionate about, he has gone to college and studied it, and is about to enter into the real, adult world, into a job that he loves with a wife supporting him. The cancer hits Paul just as his life is about to start. It shows how fleeting life can be- Paul worked his entire life towards being a neurosurgeon, and it was taken from him by the cold, cruel hands of fate. We know about his cancer from the very beginning of the book. We know that his life will be thrown off kilter before he reaches his goals, yet we go through his experiences anyway. That is another aspect of "When Breath Becomes Air" that makes it so unique, and so strong- the reader experiences Paul's failures, his triumphs, the lessons he learns from his training. We know that the narrator is dead, and we are shown what he did while he was alive. We are shown all of the lives he saved, his greatest triumphs, but we are also shown his failures and regrets. "When Breath Becomes Air" does not just include the views of doctor and patient; it includes the views of the living and the dead. This is why the book is so powerful. Paul goes through so many stages throughout the book, that nearly everyone can relate to at least one of them. We see Paul as an aspiring student, as a college student, just starting to train for his job. He becomes a nurse, a neurosurgeon, a scientist, a teacher, a writer, a father. We see Paul as a person, and we see him as a ghost. Combine all of these conflicting views with Paul's elegant writing style and how captivating his story is, and it is easy to see why "When Breath Becomes Air" is a #1 New York Times Bestseller.

Looking for Alaska
John Green has the power to make both young girls and grown men tear up with his emotional and tumultuous storylines. In his novel Looking for Alaska, 16 year old Miles “Pudge” Halter meets a beautiful and mysterious girl at his new boarding school, Culver Creek. This mystifying girl introduces herself as Alaska. Miles, his roommate Chip “The Colonel”, Takumi, and Alaska become best friends and traverse campus, causing mischief wherever they go. Unsurprisingly, since this is a John Green book, Alaska tragically dies in a suspicious car accident. Following the accident, Miles and The Colonel delve into this case to find the truth behind the crash; there were notions that this may not have been an accident. In the spirit of childlike Alaska, they pull a massive prank to commemorate her death.

Throughout the story, John Green begins each chapter with a countdown. Readers don’t realize that this countdown anticipates the death of Alaska. By starting each chapter like this, Green is able to pique the readers’ interest, making the book impossible to put down. As we near the countdown, there is still no sign of the imminent event. In the middle of the book, the titles change from “days before” to “days after”. This proves that even though Miles is the narrator, the main character is still Alaska throughout, even after her untimely death. The countdown after her death helps us understand the time frame of events that follow this traumatic situation. I’ve never experienced a book with this format, but I really enjoyed how it kept me on edge, wondering what the countdown was for.

The main themes of Looking for Alaska include love and friendship, but also alcohol abuse and depression. The first half of the book focuses more on the positive concepts, and switches immediately after Alaska’s death. In the beginning, the plot revolved around Miles’ love interests and his escapades with friends. The book then shifts to darker times, focusing on Miles’ grief and coping process. Along with his depression we learn more about Alaska’s inner demons and instability. Her alcohol abuse was included in the first half of the novel, but did not become a pressing issue until the boys discovered that it contributed to her death. In today’s society, these are all relevant issues, so the book can be easily related to.

After completing this book, I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for an emotional rollercoaster complete with angst and comedy. I was drawn to the sudden change of pace in the book, and its unpredictability. All of these ups and downs made it very easy to follow along, even though there was a lot going on. In true John Green fashion, he has left yet another fan demanding answers.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games, by award-winning novelist Suzanne Collins, is a phenomenal action/science fiction tale suitable for all ages. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic North America called Panem, that is divided into 12 districts and ruled by a single dictator. Every year, one boy and girl are chosen from each of the twelve districts to compete in a battle to the death which is known as the “Hunger Games”. Although some subject matter may be gruesome for children, I believe many important life lessons are taught throughout the novel. Love, friendship, and sacrifice all play major roles in the plot of the story.

Collins does an exquisite job describing the scenarios and creating images in the reader's mind, especially during the high action-packed scenes. “…the warmth of Rue at my side, her head cradled on my shoulder, have given me a sense of security. I realize, for the first time, how very lonely I’ve been in the arena.” (Collins 209). There were not many weaknesses in Collins’ writing style, and the story was explained very eloquently overall.

**SPOILER ALERT**

Being a big movie fan, I watched the movie before reading the book and was quite surprised to find the amount of differences between the two. From the start of the novel I began to notice the slight differences found in scenes. For example, in the book Katniss receives the mockingjay pin from Madge (Katniss’ friend from district 12), however in the movie, Katniss receives the pin from an old working lady. Many other differences are shown between the novel and movie but none of them changed my opinion of either pieces of work.

Overall, I highly recommend this piece of literature because of the plot alone and can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading it. This book was definitely a hard one to put down.

While reading this book, If I Stay by Gayle Forman, I was always on the edge of my seat. At the beginning it started off slow and made you think about what was happening. Then all of a sudden their car had just crashed and both of Mia’s parents had died. The book’s switch from past to present made the book interesting. Each part of the past related to her decision to stay or go. Character like Kim and Adam showed different parts of her life. Kim was more the studious aspect of Mia’s life and Adam had more to do with the music part of her life. One of the book's strengths was that it was interesting and suspenseful. This kept me as a reader want to keep reading.
As Mia debates between staying or going her friends and family waits for her. As only immediate family can go in her boyfriend, Adam, desperately tries to see her. He got his friends to help out and do anything just so he could see her and hold her hand and see her for a minute. This book showed the relationships Mia had and stories to go along with the relationship. It wasn’t at all surprising that Adam would try anything to see Mia.
The main themes of If I Stay are choice and sacrifice. These are addressed by the decision Mia must make and what she must give up when she makes her decision. In today’s world everyone has to make choices daily and everyone must make sacrifices. Mia’s choices and sacrifices in the book are much bigger than people usually experience daily but choices are choices and sacrifices are sacrifices. The book goes through a person's thoughts usually would before making a decision. They look back on memories and think about the effects it will have, which is exactly what Mia did.
I would most definatively recommend this book to others. It has to do with family, friendship, love, choices, sacrifices, lost, and many other things. It is interesting and full of suspense. This book is emotional, certain parts may make you cry and some may make you laugh. It has a little bit about everything and isn’t continuously the same thing over and over again. If I Stay is a beautifully written novel that will keep the readers interested, it’s a great read.

The Book Thief

Initially, when you hear that a book takes place during the Holocaust, you immediately picture Hitler, Jews, death and/or anything that relates to World War II - you would never picture a book thief. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak is truly a unique and compelling piece of literature, that both tells a touching story, and alludes to issues still relevant today. With Death opening the novel as the narrator, Zusak is able to immediately draw his readers in and take them on a journey as they follow the central protagonist, a young girl named Liesel Meminger, through her trials and tribulations in Nazi Germany during World War II.

Right away, the story portrays nine year old Liesel having her world turned upside-down. The plot begins on a train amidst the middle of winter, setting the scene where Death looms overhead and will continue to throughout (with her brother being its first victim). Setting her reputation for the story, Liesel steals her first book after her brother’s burial, The Grave Digger's Handbook, not knowing a single word in it, but understanding the power of words and holding on to it as a memory. Liesel soon moves to the fictional town of Molching, Germany on a street that is ironically named Himmel (Heaven) Street where she is meets her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, whom she and the reader both grow to love. There, Liesel is taught to read and write, developing the way in which she will soon shape the lives of many other characters.

Characterization plays a vital role in the telling of this story. Liesel Meminger is a kind and imaginable girl who wishes to have the ability to read. Her foster mother is one of the first characters we meet, who right away is depicted as a strict, harsh and outspoken woman. However, as the story continues, we soon come to realize that Rosa is truly a loving character who only hides it deep within. Her foster father on the other hand, is immediately gentle and affectionate towards her. He is the first to gain Liesel’s trust, by allowing her to feel safe and secure while also being the first to teach her how to read. Rudy Steiner is the Hubermanns’ neighbor and Liesel’s best friend. He is loyal and constantly there for Liesel in every situation. Although Rudy is an ideal German boy, mentally he is not. He resists everything about the Nazi Party, from their treatment of the Jewish to having to fight in World War II. Max Vandenburg, is the Jewish refugee hiding in the Hubermann’s home. Both he and Liesel share many similarities, such as nightmares from their pasts, history of fist-fighting, and a love for words. Lastly, one of the most essential characters to the story, is Death. By using an outside and surreal personification as the narrator, the author is able to make the characters more accessible. This character tells the story from his vantage, and gives a different perspective on all situations within Liesel’s life, while also including the ugly happenings of war on the outside. Zusak portrays Death as having human feelings as well, even as he is taking the souls of the ones passing away. This continued viewpoint through the book makes it truly unique, and keeps the reader wanting more.

Racism, family, and memories are all themes the reader is able to interpret by experiencing the different perspectives through the characters that are still relevant today. Throughout the story, typical of the time period and events, Jewish citizens are targeted and victimized by racism. Not only do the Jewish people suffer, but so do those that try to help such as Hans Hubermann who do not find this inequality justified or humane at all. Family and memories are another theme often overlooked in today’s society. These are the foundation for many lives that are not appreciated; this book brilliantly helps you realize that all of this could be taken away so quickly, and leaves your mind thinking about your own.

This book is beautifully written, with the author choosing his words carefully, and including explicit detail and imagery on every page, while also teaching you a little about history at the same time. All aspects of the book are written in a way that allows the reader to feel as though he or she is in the book with the characters, thinking their thoughts or living through their misadventures with them. Zusak is able to make his readers’ feelings run the gamut between suspenseful scenes that leave your heart racing, and heart-wrenching that leave you with a box of tissues by your side. I highly recommend this book to all readers, because it is able to depict a poignant story, while leaving you to cherish and value what you hold on to still in your own life.

My Life Next Door, by Huntley Fitzpatrick, is a compelling story of one girl's struggle as a teenager. Samantha Reed, a shy reserved girl, sits outside her bedroom window ever since she was little watching the family next door. She watches the family grow and live over the years. Her neighbors, the Garretts, are a crazy and loving family. The summer before Samantha’s senior year she finally meets one of the Garrets and to her surprise falls deeply in love. Samantha’s senator mother is involved in a hit and run. Jase Garrett and Samantha’s love is put to the ultimate test when she finds out it was Mr. Garrett that her mother had hit.

Throughout the book the author uses great techniques to keep the reader wanting more. Fitzpatrick draws the reader in with the ongoing question of when Jase and Samantha will finally get together. They constantly get so close, but are stopped by something. This definitely kept me reading. I felt as though I was living through the characters. I felt that Jase and Samantha’s relationship was so real and I was apart of every twist and turn it took. When Jase and Samantha finally did get together I was ecstatic. I was so confused on how Fitzpatrick would possibly keep the book going and keep me interested. Although I had doubts, Fitzpatrick succeeded in keeping me drawn to the book. Just when I thought it was over another problem comes along that draws the reader in.

I highly recommend this book to everybody. It is an emotional roller coaster, but is an amazing and heart-warming story. It is an easy read and not too confusing to follow. Fitzpatrick did a great job at keeping it simple yet beautiful.Fitzpatrick created a love story between two unassuming characters and also tied in relevant issues in today's society. She addressed the issues of the importance of family. Through Grace Reed, Samantha’s mother, Fitzpatrick showed that sometimes you get so caught up in work and trying to succeed you forget the most important things in life, family. My Life Next Door is by far the best book I have ever read and I hope everyone has the chance to read it.
My Life Next DoorHuntley Fitzpatrick

Breathe

Breathe, a book set in a science-fiction environment due to ‘The Switch’ is relatively your generic dystopian genre book. With cardboard cut-out characters, this novel struck me as a common sci-fi romance story. Not much stuck out about this book besides the descriptive language about the setting. I expected much more from this book because it’s preview was very eye catching. A cliche love story and missing details were the downfall of this novel.
The three main characters, Alina, Bea, and Quinn didn’t strike me as anything with applaudable character development. Alina is the typical female protagonist whose family has been torn apart by those with the most power. In this case, Breathe. She seeks revenge against those who murdered her parents, and Abel, a boy she fell in love with. There wasn’t much detail about Abel and that part confused me the most. I wasn’t exactly sure what his role exactly was in the novel, but I can definitely say it did not contribute much. I understand that Crossan probably wanted Abel’s death to be the event that solidified Alina’s heart. At first, Alina looks like a strong character whose existence meant a lot to the Resistance, but eventually, her character breaks down and she’s ultimately seen as a weak girl who cannot do much on her own. I disliked that Bea was able to convince Alina to take Maude Blue with her. I expected Alina to remain the cold hearted rough girl who didn’t need Quinn to save her anymore. Crossan made this “character development” too unnatural and unrealistic. If Alina was willing to sacrifice her life to protect the trees, it should have been much more difficult to convince her to take a wanderer along.
Bea, was much harder for me to deal with. Her constant whinings about Quinn not noticing her love irritated me throughout the novel. Not once did Bea do anything to change that fact that Quinn didn’t realize her childish crush on him. Bea is a weak hearted character who is seen as kind and passive. I disliked her naivety. Crossan probably designed Bea to be this way so she could act as a foil to Alina, but Crossan eventually counteracts herself by making Alina change into a Bea-type of character. Bea is also too easy on the fact that Quinn was chasing after Alina while having her self-proclaimed “true love” for him. When Quinn finally notices Bea, I disliked how quick the progression went. I feel as if Crossan could have added more details.
Quinn was another character that bothered me as I read Breathe. I understand that he’s a premium who doesn’t like to shine his wealth upon others, but if he grew up in such a stuck up family and no event caused Quinn to be so modest, why is Quinn so lowkey about his status? Why was Quinn so ungrateful about his father trying to make a future for him? I didn’t like his personality- how he followed around and helped Alina just because he found her attractive.
The story line had a lot of potential in my opinion, but the way Crossan executed it, Breathe lost a couple stars. ‘The Switch’ was the event where the humans used up many of the trees, and never bothered to grow more, so all of the trees disappeared and oxygen on Earth became limited. I understand that Crossan was trying to say that if our current world ends up abusing trees like that of the book, we would end up in a similar situation, but I also think that Crossan was too vague about ‘The Switch’, and a lot of details were missing to make the story go smoothly. I wish that Petra was characterized more, and that she was involved in more of the last half of the book. I would only recommend this book to those who have a strong interest in dystopian setting books. Breathe is a decent book in terms of the dystopian genre, but not the best book overall. Resist is the sequel and I plan on reading it. Hopefully it will not disappoint me as Breathe has done so.
Breathe

Divergent

Divergent is an astounding book and everyone should take the time to read it. The plot and characters in the book are well developed, and the book was always interesting. Reading this book has made me want to read more and I will read the rest of the trilogy. Even though there is a movie about the book, I would recommend the book. Even though the movie was thrilling, the book was better developed.

In the book there are five factions, which are organized groups that people are split up into. They are Dauntless or the brave, Amity or the peaceful, Erudite or the intelligent, Abnegation or the selfless and Candor or the honest. Beatrice is raised in Abnegation with her family, but does not believe it suits her. When she turned sixteen she tested to become Dauntless. She had to take the aptitude test, which gives you the results of what faction you belong in. When they look at her results, they are not normal. It says she is Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite, meaning she's Divergent. Nobody can know she is Divergent, it is very dangerous. She has to decide which faction to stay in, she chooses Dauntless. Tris must be one of the top ten initiates, or she will become factionless. She ranked top ten and became Dauntless. Tris does not realize how hard her life will be, and how dangerous it is.

In the book there are important characters, while others do not have such an important role. The two most important characters are named Beatrice or Tris and Tobias or Four. There personalities and attitudes were well thought out, and they were my favorites. Tris is a young girl, but that does not stop her. When she turns sixteen she decides to join Dauntless, and leave Abnegation. Four is one of the instructors in Dauntless, and he is also Divergent. When we find out both of them are Divergent, it really develops the plot. They eventually fall in love but they have to keep it a secret. This makes their characters more believable, and it makes the book more intriguing. Since they both are Divergent they need to protect, and care for each other. Also they love each other, so we see how they take chances for. Four is my favorite character because he seems very serious, but once Tris gets to him, we see his real side. He is loving, caring, and willing to do anything for Tris. These two characters and their stories are well developed and they keep the book interesting.
Not only were the characters well developed but the plot as well. When we find out Tris is a Divergent, it is the climax of the book. The moment that got everyone was when they injected everyone with a simulation serum, that will turn everyone against Abnegation. Only Divergents will not be affected by the serum. If they see someone like this, they will kill them. Tris and Four have to pretend they are sleepwalking, because that what is supposed to happen to them. Eric, who is an instructor, was going to kill Four, but then Four and Tris Fought back. Now their secret about being Divergent is out. After this it all just goes down from here. People die, and the town becomes a disaster. At the end of the book we are left with a cliffhanger, this is to make you read the next one. The book was very detailed, and well thought out. IT was adventurous, suspicious, and entertaining.

The book can relate to today’s world. In the book it is divided into factions, today society is split up too. We have the nerds, jocks, popular people, goth people, and other identities. If you don’t fit into a category, you are a nobody, just like in the book, a factionless. Everyone is divided and others believe in different things, like in the book. Our world is still like that today, not everyone agrees with each other. Most of the book can relate to today, but not all of it.

Overall, this was one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was so thrill seeking, and it made me use my imagination. Ever since I’ve read the book, I’ve been more imaginative, and it has helped me with everything I do. If you are looking for a good book to read, this is a book for you. After you read one, you have two more great books to read. Then you have the chance to see the books in movie form. The movie was great too, but I would read the book first.