Monthly Archives: January 2015

Book Review: I Remember You by Cathleen Davitt Bell

Posted on by

i_remember_you“I didn’t know whether to kiss him, smile at him, or ask him if I should call 911.”

It starts in the sort of cliché– eyes meet. Two different people from different worlds. Juliet is debate kid bound for law school. Lucas is a hockey star planning to enlist in the marines. And they fall in love. The only weird thing is Lucas knows things from the future. Not that he can predict what will happen, but he claims to remember it. Juliet initially thinks he’s crazy. With a brain tumor. Although, as time goes on, with more of Lucas’s “memories” come true, Juliet can’t help but believe his crazy theory.

These memories aren’t all fun and games. They come to Lucas as a dream. His dream progresses, and gets worse; both the dream and his mental state. Lucas told her that one day they will break up, so how can they hold on to love that is certain to end?

This is a really cool book. It’s a time-travely romance that takes place in the nineties. Reminds me of Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone in that respect, with the time traveling male love interest. But in this book, Lucas is very confused. He has no clue how he got here, only that he loves Juliet.

I felt Juliet just accepted some of his weirdness too readily, even though she did question some things like how he knew her schedule and locker, she didn’t stop seeing him after she concluded he had a brain tumor for believing in future memories. I suppose it’s about as believable as time travel. Oh, wait…

I really like how the book was written. It’s reflective on the past, giving little comments like I didn’t know then, or I should have done kind of thing. It made it feel more authentic, continuing the overall story arc that makes it all work out to a happy ending. So how does Juliet find happiness? You’ll just have to read to find out.

This review is based on an advance reader copy provided by the publisher. I Remember You hits bookstores everywhere on February 10.

-Nicole G., 11th grade

Book Review: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Posted on by

heart_darknessWritten as a narrative, Polish author Joseph Conrad writes about a character known as Charles Marlow. Charles Marlow is a ivory transporter who works down Central Africa traveling through the Congo river. From the beginning of the story, Charles Marlow is sort of obsessed with the “yellow” colored river on the map, the Congo River. It is this obsession that leads Marlow to work for a company that transports ivory down in Central Africa. Curious fact is though, that this company has had many steamer captains, the recent one of which died due to savage natives. However, this seems as nothing out of the ordinary since Marlow is set on traveling through the Congo River. Marlow joins the Belgian ivory trade firm and starts up on a journey to Africa.

During his journey through Central Africa, Marlow hears of an important and successful man named Kurtz. From the accountant, Marlow learns that Mr. Kurtz is a respectful man who has gained the most ivory compared to the other posts. Kurtz is sick, however he still has ambitions of becoming a manager within the ivory company. Even though Marlow does not know much of Kurtz, he starts to adore him, and eventually becomes obsessed. Throughout the trip, Marlow goes through many experiences, such as having a dead crew member fall at his feet and bleed to death, and get attacked on the ship by the local natives. In the conclusion of the story, Kurtz eventually dies, and Marlow is left looking into the darkness.

-Nirmeet B., 11th grade

Book Review: Slated by Teri Terry

Posted on by
1

slatedIn a future world of England, teenage terrorists get to have a second chance by being

SLATED
where they don’t remember anything of their past life. Their memory is wiped clean, and they get a new name, family, and future.
Kyla is one of those people who got slated. She gets to experience the Levo, which can kill her if she gets too sad or angry, the taunts of terrorists, and the people who do understand her.
Oh, and did we mention that she is not like other slated victims, since she is left handed even though she was listed as right handed, and she has memories of her past life?
PS: the government also seems to be slating non terrorists people against their will.
I found this book to be very interesting. It has some of the old qualities books have, such as evil governments, the main character hardly knowing anything about themselves, and the key feature to not trust anyone. However, it also has some new elements that were a good mix to this book, such as there being a few allies that are from the opposite side and a huge case of identity.
This book also goes into the mind, and the question of if people can really change, even when their whole memory is erased.
I suggest that you try this book out!
-Megan V., 9th grade

Book Review: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Posted on by

westing_gameI recently read The Westing Game as an assignment for my English class. Even though I read this book for school, I ended up loving it.

The Westing Game is an intriguing mystery written by Ellen Raskin. In this fascinating novel, Samuel Westing of the Westing Paper Products Corporation is found dead, supposedly murdered. His sixteen chosen heirs, including everyone from a doctor to an inventor to a judge, are invited to live at Sunset Towers, located at the edge of Michigan Lake. Westing’s will is read to his heirs, where it is revealed that they are to play the Westing game. They must play in order to name the murderer amongst themselves and inherit Westing’s 200 million dollar estate.

I found this book very interesting and well detailed, but at the same time it didn’t give away all the answers. The Westing Game was hard to put down, and the whole time I was reading it I was on the edge of my seat. The amazing twists and turns made sure that things were not always as they seemed. I was constantly guessing and formulating the solution in my mind, but I did find it challenging to keep track of all the characters. There were about 20 people introduced in the plot, which got a little bit confusing. However, it all became clear towards the end, and all in all, this was an enjoyable mystery with evidence that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

I love the fact that even though The Westing Game is a fictional story, it is believable enough that you could see it actually happening in real life. This book is great for grades 6 and up. Please note that the book has several old-fashioned stereotypes about certain characters and some drinking. Whether you have to read The Westing Game as a school assignment or if you are just looking for an interesting read, I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a brain-stimulating mystery.

-Alaina K., 6th grade

Book Review: Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

Posted on by
1

spy_schoolThings are not always what they seem.  This certainly describes the “science school” which is actually an undercover CIA training base.  Ben Ripley, a twelve-year old math prodigy, aka “Smokescreen,” gets an invitation to attend the spy school for the second semester of 6th grade as a mysterious spot opens up and because of his amazing math skills and the strange project linked to him known as “Pinwheel.”  He trains to become a CIA agent for one school semester although he may not live that long.  As if spy school wasn’t hard enough, Ben must survive an assassin, find a mysterious mole, and make sure he looks good while doing it.  However, he’s not alone. He finds friends in other students, Erica AKA “Ice Queen,” Murray AKA “Washout,” Zoe, and Warren.

I recommend this book to fans of Alex Rider, Percy Jackson and Artemis Fowl because of the humor and action.  The way the story is written make you second guess everything as it unfolds in this suspenseful mystery novel.  Be warned, this book is not for the easily frightened or timid population as it contains confidential, top secret government secrets. Buy it at your local bookstore or rent it at your nearest library and you won’t be disappointed. Although, don’t expect any James Bond or anything, spying is a dangerous job, and is only accomplished by the best of the best, the cream of the crop, you get the idea. Spy school has all of the same things as normal school: bullies, boring teachers, bad cafeteria food, and occasionally someone tries to kill you.

This message will self destruct in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one…

-Evan G., 6th grade

My Top Pick Going Into The New Year

Posted on by

Sstaying_strongtaying Strong 365 Days a Year by Demi Lovato has become a part of my daily routine in the last year and I have already restarted in the New Year. For each day of the year is a page with the date that contains; the date, a quote, a positive message that usually ties everything together, and a daily goal. I got this book as a gift while a family member was in the hospital and have read it everyday since.

I usually pick it up in the morning and then put the daily goal in my phone or write it down so I can make sure that I accomplish it. There are times that it will stay in my phone for days, or even weeks before I actually can delete it. But the feeling is indescribable and it is something that I can easily look forward to everyday.
I always recommend it to friends and even family, everyone that has read it has loved it.

If you are looking for a book that is uplifting and can bring some extra positivity into your life, this is definitely the book. I can’t describe how much it has changed my life for the better.

-Shelby B., 10th grade

Book Review: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Posted on by

christmas_carol_coverThis terrific novel by Charles Dickens tells a tale of an old, stingy, and wealthy man, Ebenezer Scrooge, and a lesson about Christmas spirit. On a cold foggy Christmas Eve, Mr. Scrooge works in his office as his clerk, Bob Cratchit, attempts to warm himself with a measly fire of one single coal. Seven years ago on this day his equally selfish partner, Jacob Marley, died. One at a time two businessmen, a caroler, and his nephew, Fred, enters Ebenezer’s office. Quickly, he sends them off by saying, ”Bah Humbug!!” Scrooge grunts at the merriness of Christmas as people joyfully pass by.

At the end of the day, he goes to his gloomy mansion. Before he went to bed, he hears chains outside his bedroom. An apparition of Jacob Marley walks through the door! He has a pale white face and bears long, heavy chains with moneyboxes, watches, and cashboxes. The ghastly spirit tells Scrooge his horrific fate. Jacob warns Scrooge that three ghosts are going to appear before him to take him on journeys of Christmas. As Jacob leaves out of the window, Scrooge notices that there are other melancholy ghosts just drifting in the sky. After, he falls asleep disbelieving the existence of the ghosts of Christmas. Do you think his perspective on Christmas will change after the visits of the spirits? To find out- read A Christmas Carol.

I really enjoyed this book. It describes each of the ghosts very well and really gave a feeling of Christmas as you read. Charles Dickens is truly a wonderful writer, and he makes it that you are engaged in this book. I recommend this story to all ages. I hope you will read this book if you have not.

-Samantha S., 8th grade

Book Review: Amity by Micol Ostow

Posted on by
1

amity“Here is a house of ruin and rage,
of death and deliverance.
Here is where I live.
Here is always mine. (3)”

Everyone has heard of haunted houses. Some people believe there are ghosts living in the very house they stay. Others think the whole thing is just a hoax, either to add an interesting aspect to the property, or to scare people away. Many people are even afraid of moving into a new house or staying in a hotel room in fear of there being ghosts present. But what if there are not just ghosts and spirits you have to deal with? What if the house itself is possessed, is a living force with its own evil intentions?

This story is about a boy, Connor, who moves into the house with his family ten years prior. He is overwhelmed with dreams of gore and demons and destruction and revenge. These dreams he doesn’t have a problem with. These dreams he sort of likes. And these dreams he can make a reality, with Amity’s help. Connor Webb, Amity’s next colleague and next victim.

Gwen’s family moves to Amity, ten years later. They are hoping for a fresh start, a clean slate, given Gwen’s troubled past. But when she is haunted by visions and voices in dreams and while she is awake, she questions her sanity yet again. She can try to reach out, to warn her family about the dangers surrounding them, but with her past, who would believe her? And what could they do to save themselves?

This is Amity. A normal, completely ordinary house, on the outside. When you step inside, normal is the farthest word from your mind. She will use Connor and Gwen to perform whatever task at hand she wants completed. To bring death and destruction as she has done before and continue to do again. And again. No one can stop her.

Personally, reading a horror story is not as scary as seeing a movie about it. However, it would be very interesting to see this made into a movie. With all of the supernatural elements, the story could really be brought to life. Another thing about this story, it was based off of a true-crime story. Not only was the plot intriguing but the set up of the story was as well. One chapter will be about Connor and his days spent in the house, and the next chapter will be Gwen’s point of view for the same day just ten years later. It goes back and forth, telling the story from different people living the same day. This way it shows how similar their days are and how they correspond with each other. 28 days, 3:14am, red rooms, how does it all come together? Well, you soon learn “that there’s no such thing as coincidence when it comes to Amity (352)”.

-Sabrina C. 9th grade

Book Review: The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart

Posted on by
1

nicholas_benedictThe Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, a clever and witty book by bestselling author, Trenton Lee Stewart, is a novel that I have read and loved many, many times.  As a prequel to The Mysterious Benedict Society series, also by Trenton Lee Stewart, this book is rated highly.

Little orphaned Nicholas Benedict is nine years old and has never seen or known what love is.  Both of his parents were scientists and died in a lab experiment when he was very young.  He was sent off to live with his aunt, but she also suffered the same fate as his parents.  Ever since that time, he has lived in orphanages.  At the beginning of this story, Nicholas’ loneliness made me think of the song Imagine by John Lennon in a sense that we should imagine what it would be like to live in a place where everyone cared about each other and how nice that would be.

In a small city called Pebbleton, the story begins.  Nicholas is transferred from Littleview to the Manor, or Roschilds’ End.  He has a rare disease called narcolepsy which is where sudden or strong emotions cause him to fall asleep at inconvenient times.  This condition causes him to avoid certain activities because of the risk of falling asleep at the most unfortunate moments.  Because of this, the director requires Nicholas to sleep in his own locked room instead of the boys’ dormitory.  To avoid this, Nicholas engages in creative ruses to distract Mr. Collum, the director.   In one such event, he grabs a bowl of hot, soft wax from the candles that light the hallway.  Hurriedly, he pushes Mr. Collum’s key into the bowl, leaving a perfect imprint behind after pulling the key back up.  He then stays up all night molding the key to be metalized.  Little to his knowledge, this clever boy unwittingly made a skeleton key of the whole estate, including the expansive library in which Nicholas spends all of his free time.  Nicholas makes a friend with a trustworthy boy of the age of twelve named John.  The two then seek out an adventure to find the Roschilds’ missing inheritance.

This ending was both happy and touching.  Trenton Lee Stewart makes the reader feel happy and safe in this story.  At the ending, if this novel was converted into a movie, the song What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong would be perfect.  It fits the ending theme of the book of how, even though not everything may go your way, some things do.  And some of those things are what we come to love in life.

-Maya S., 7th grade

Book Review: The Odyssey by Homer, interpereted by Robert Fagels

Posted on by
Reply

odysseyYou may have heard about the two great epic poems of Greece, purportedly written by a blind poet, Homer: The Illiad and The Odyssey.

It was required reading for my English course to read The Odyssey. Warning: It is not a quick and easy read. I read the poem version, and that was 485 pages of verse. Though it may seem like an odyssey in itself to read this book, I found it to be surprisingly good, given the time period in which it took place.

An odyssey is a long journey. This epic tells of the odyssey of Odysseus, a great hero who left his hometown of Ithaca, Greece to fight in the Trojan War. The entire poem tells of the trials and hardships that Odysseus encounters in his attempt to return home after the war. The book is full of daring adventures, the whims of the immortal gods (mainly Zeus, Poseidon, Athena), and lots of bloodshed.

Given that the novel is in verse and was written so long ago, the names and places are now abstract to present day audiences, but that did not necessarily take away from the poem. To me, this aspect of the poem made it seem even more like a fairytale, since many of the names and places are so intangible and seem made up.

I would not necessarily recommend going out of your way to read this book, but when you have to study it for an English class, keep in mind that it is not a terrible book as may have been rumored by other students. Be grateful that we now have access to ways of reading books both on paper, audio books, and electronically, because in Homer’s time, this entire poem was passed down through oral traditions. That means this 485-page poem was memorized in its entirety! That was probably the most shocking part of the whole reading experience!

– Leila S., 9th grade