Author Archives: Adarsh V

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS (SPOILER) BY JOHN BOYNE

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Imagine moving to a new home where everything feels strange, and no one will tell you why. That’s what happens to Bruno, a curious nine-year-old boy, in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. One day, while exploring, he meets a boy named Shmuel sitting on the other side of a barbed-wire fence. Even though they come from different worlds, they become friends—but Bruno doesn’t realize the terrible truth about where Shmuel lives. This is a powerful and emotional story about friendship, innocence, and the horrors of the Holocaust.

One of my favorite parts of the book was Bruno’s friendship with Shmuel. Even though they live very different lives, they understand each other in a way no one else does. Bruno is curious and doesn’t see why the fence should keep them apart, while Shmuel knows more than he can say. Their friendship feels real and makes you care about both of them.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by Boyne, John (2006) Hardcover

Bruno’s family also plays an important role in the story. His father is a strict Nazi officer in charge of the camp, his mother starts to realize something is wrong, and his older sister, Gretel, slowly changes as she begins believing in the ideas of the adults around her. Then there’s Lieutenant Kotler, a young soldier who is always at Bruno’s house. He is cruel and harsh, especially to the people on the other side of the fence, showing just how unfair and dangerous the world around Bruno really is.

As the story unfolds, we learn that Shmuel is a prisoner in a concentration camp during the Holocaust, a time when millions of Jewish people were taken from their homes and sent to camps where they were treated terribly. Bruno, who doesn’t understand what’s happening, thinks the people in striped pajamas are just living another kind of life. The fence between him and Shmuel is a symbol of the way the world separates them.

One of the most intense parts of the book is the ending, which is both shocking and heartbreaking. It makes you think about how unfair and cruel the Holocaust was, especially for innocent people like Shmuel. The story stays with you long after you finish reading.

What I liked most about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas was how it showed the world through a child’s eyes. Bruno doesn’t see enemies or differences—he just sees a friend. This makes the story even sadder, but also more powerful. If you like books that make you think and feel deeply, I highly recommend The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded from Libby. 

The Loop by Shandy Lawson

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What if you were stuck in a world where time never moved forward, forcing you to relive the same terrifying events again and again? That’s exactly what happens to Ben, a teenager who finds himself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same deadly events over and over. With danger closing in and no clear way out, The Loop by Shandy Lawson is a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing until the very end.

One part of the story I really liked was Ben’s growing friendship with Maggie. At first, Ben is confused and scared, but Maggie already knows what’s happening—she’s been stuck in the loop longer than him. She’s not just a companion; she’s his guide to surviving the nightmare they’re trapped in. Maggie’s determination and quick thinking make her a strong character, and I liked how she never gave up, no matter how many times they had to start over.

Then there are the loopers, the men chasing Ben and Maggie. They’re mysterious, dangerous, and always seem to know what’s coming next. Unlike Ben and Maggie, the loopers don’t seem surprised by the time resets, which made me wonder—are they part of something bigger? Do they control the loop, or are they just as trapped? Every time Ben and Maggie try to escape, the loopers are there, making the story feel like a mix of mystery and action.

One of the most intense parts of the book was Jerry, the ruthless hitman working for the loopers. He’s a serious threat to Ben and Maggie, and his presence makes the stakes even higher. Unlike the loopers, who are mysterious, Jerry is direct—he has a job to do, and he won’t stop until it’s done.

I also liked Ben’s friend, Todd, because he represents the normal life Ben wants to return to. Todd has no idea what’s happening to Ben, which adds to the frustration and loneliness of being stuck in the loop. Ben’s mom also plays a small but important role, reminding us of the life he’s desperately trying to hold onto.

What I loved most about The Loop was its fast-paced suspense and unpredictable twists. Just when I thought Ben and Maggie had figured things out, something would change, throwing them back into chaos. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, making me wonder—will they ever escape, or is the loop unbreakable? If you like thrilling stories with mystery, action, and high stakes, I highly recommend The Loop!

-Adarsh V.

Paperboy by Vince Vawter

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Paperboy: Vawter, Vince: 9780385742443: Amazon.com: Books

Imagine taking on a job that’s way bigger than you expected—especially when you have to do it alone. That’s exactly what happens to 11-year-old Victor when he takes over a paper route in his Memphis neighborhood. Victor stutters, which makes it hard for him to talk to people and leaves him feeling different from everyone else. I found it inspiring how something as simple as delivering newspapers turns into a summer of bravery and self-discovery for Victor.

One part of the story I really liked was Victor’s relationship with Mr. Spiro, one of the people on his paper route. Mr. Spiro isn’t just a kind customer—he becomes a mentor to Victor, helping him see that his voice is important, even if he stutters. The notes Mr. Spiro writes for Victor are thoughtful and full of wisdom. Reading about their bond made me realize how much a single person’s kindness can change someone’s life.

Then there’s Ara T, the thief who brings danger into Victor’s world. Ara T is the total opposite of Mr. Spiro. He’s sneaky and scary, and when he steals from Victor’s house, it forces Victor to face his fears. I could feel Victor’s nervousness during these parts, and I was amazed by how he found the courage to stand up to Ara T. It showed me that bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about doing the right thing, even when you’re scared.

Victor’s housekeeper, Mam, was another character I really connected with. She’s tough, protective, and always there for Victor, especially when things get dangerous. Mam reminded me of people in my life who are always looking out for me, no matter what. Her strength gave Victor the confidence he needed to handle the challenges he faced that summer.

What I loved most about Paperboy was how real and relatable Victor’s journey felt. It wasn’t just about overcoming a stutter—it was about growing as a person and learning to face life head-on. This book taught me that everyone has challenges, but those challenges can make us stronger. If you’re looking for a story with heart, inspiration, and unforgettable characters, I highly recommend Paperboy.

-Adarsh V.

Paperboy by Vince Vawter is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.