Author Archives: Melody M

Animal Farm Book Review

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Imagine fighting to overthrow a corrupt leader, just to end up with someone even worse. Last year in Sophomore English class I was required to read Animal Farm by George Orwell. This book is an allegorical novella reflecting the events of Russia’s Bolshevik Revolution. At the time, I was taking an AP European History class, so this book really impressed me as a history lover.

Animal Farm depicts the story of a farm where the animals overthrow the farmer in hopes of a more egalitarian animal-run society. However, when they are able to overthrow their masters, their utopian vision does not seem to be their new reality.

The main theme throughout Animal Farm is power and the desire to obtain this power. The novel depicts how a revolution for better living can quickly turn into a state where citizens have less power than they started with. The allegorical style can be viewed as a simple breakdown of the events of the Russian Revolution and the novel almost acts like a history lesson. It’s important to note the controversy Animal Farm has sparked. Many institutions banned the novel as it was considered “communist propaganda,” while some simply disliked the novel as they believed it provided a negative view on socialism.

Regardless of public opinion, I thought Animal Farm was a very interesting novel and I was captivated throughout my whole reading experience. I would recommend this novel in particular to anyone who knows or has learned about the Bolshevik Revolution as it makes the book 100 more times enjoyable to analyze and identify the parallels. Watching the tone of the animal leadership shift was absolutely page-turning, and I think any fan of history would truly enjoy this novel!

Animal Farm by George Orwell is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: The Glass Castle

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I recently was given the opportunity in my AP language and Composition class to choose my own independent reading book. Normally, our book is assigned to us and we have no choice in what we are consuming. However this time, we were allowed to select a nonfiction book from a list of options provided. I chose The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, and I was not disappointed.

Jeannette Wall’s captivating memoir, The Glass Castle, is a narrative recounting the tumultuous childhood and adventures of the nomadic Walls family. When Rex Walls, Jeannette’s father, is sober he is a charismatic man who creates magical experiences for his children. However, when Rex is intoxicated, neglect is imminent and the Walls are poverty-stricken. This narrative dives deep into obstacles of alcoholism and poverty that plague the Walls children.

I was absolutely hooked throughout the entirety of Walls’ memoir. Every page brought about another crazy situation and adventure the Walls family was undertaking. I felt deeply connected to Jeannette and her siblings, and found myself rooting for their successes. There were many unimaginable scenarios throughout the story and when discussing with classmates, we all found ourselves jaw dropped. Seeing the Walls children be forced to parent themselves, yet still succeed, was a satisfying experience. Their journey shows that adversity can be overcome and one can rise up above the cards they are dealt, no matter the circumstances. This memoir was gripping and inspiring. It’s a great quick read and I would highly recommend it! It’s also great for my fellow AP Lang students to use as evidence for the free response question 3 argument essay!

This book contains imagery and discussion of topics such as alcohol addiction and SA, so please be cautious before reading!

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Recommendations

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Picking out your next read can be a difficult and time consuming task. Many of us barely have the time to read at all, and when we do, we want a book that absolutely consumes us. Below I have compiled a list of book that I have read and enjoyed. I have categorized these books by genre and included short summaries, as well as my thoughts, for maximum efficiency. Happy reading!

Dystopian

The Hunger Games Series- Annual games are held in Panem, a dystopian and futuristic America, and when 16 year old Katniss Everdeen is selected to participate in these games, she stirs a spirit of rebellion that changes Panem forever. The Hunger Games series had me hooked with great twists and turns. The movie adaptations are also some of the best I have seen!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Selection Series- 35 eligible young girls are selected to compete for the prince’s hand, for most girls this is all they have ever wanted. For America Singer however, a five on the rigid caste system, this is her worst nightmare. The Selection series was one of those series I simply could not put down. I was extremely immersed in the world of America and Maxon and I have actually read the whole series two times through!

The Selection by Kiera Cass is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Romantic Comedies

Better Than the Movies- With the inspiration of 2000s romantic comedies, Liz Buxbaum searches for love. While trying to get the guy of her dreams, Liz ends up in a fake dating scheme, and realizes she has been after the wrong guy all along. I really enjoyed all the quotes and references to romantic comedies. This book was such a fun read and if you are a Swiftie you will definitely enjoy all the references as well!

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Today Tonight Tomorrow- During their last 24 hours of senior year, academic rivals realize that they have a lot more in common than they previously believed. Today they were enemies, tonight they were friends, and tomorrow they might be falling for each other. I really enjoyed the time frame of this novel and the scavenger hunt aspect made it fun and fast-paced!

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon is available to download for free from Libby.

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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This review may contain spoilers

When I finished Daisy Jones and the Six, I stared at my ceiling for a few minutes before turning back to page one and starting all over again.

Daisy Jones and the Six details the rise to fame of a young artist, Daisy Jones. Simultaneously, Billy Dunne’s band, The Six, is also gaining popularity and attention. As both Daisy and the Six gain popularity and status in the world of music, producers see that their collaboration would break the charts. This collaboration formed one of the most beloved bands of the 1970s, Daisy Jones and the Six. Through not only their music, but their interviews and personal relationships, they attracted a huge devoted fan base. By utilizing multiple point of views, Taylor Jenkins Reid builds a wonderful world full of love and rock-and-roll!

I personally enjoyed every aspect of this book. From the romance, to the found family, to the vivid characters, and the band’s amazing lyrics, I was hooked. Taylor Jenkins Reid had me bent over laughing out loud with her use of the different characters’ points of view. While some are in tune, others completely contradict each other in the funniest manner. This book is one of those books you cannot put down, and it is such an addicting read. Jenkins Reid is also very good at dropping a fantastic quote that will leave you pondering and inspired. I really enjoyed the relationship of the leads, Billy and Daisy, but the background characters were what made this novel it for me. Their relationships in the spotlight are so touching and heart-warming. While they struggle with their new-found fame and not receiving equal attention or credit, they stand up for themselves and don’t allow anyone to disrespect them.

To conclude Daisy Jones and the Six is a must read! With colorful characters and wonderful world building, the reader is truly immersed in the 1970s music scene. If you read the book and enjoyed it, you must also check out the Prime adaption of the book starring Sam Claflin and Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough. Along with the adaptation is a phenomenal soundtrack which brings to life the lyrics in the novel! AURORA, the band’s hit album, can be found on many streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

This book may contain themes not appropriate for all readers.

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.