Author Archives: Nicole G.

Book Review: The Program, by Suzanne Young

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program_cover

“I’m going to die if I don’t cry right now. The sorrow is going to rip through my chest and kill me.” p. 43

The Program by Suzanne Young is unlike any book I have ever read before, set in a dystopian society with one key change to the world today. It takes place in a time when teen suicide is high, the government institutes The Program to “cure” depression. It also strips your memories and the essence of who you are.

“Would we commit suicide without The Program, or does it drive us there?” p. 63

Sloane has seen suicide firsthand, her brother’s. James, who is both her boyfriend and brother’s best friend, was also there. Now they live with survivors guilt. They both support each other and need each other to survive. Are their promises enough to withstand The Program?

It is never a matter if The Program will find you, but when they will. They will be free of The Program when they reach 18, but will they last that long? Can Sloane hold on to her love for James if her past is taken from her forever?

This is not a happy, light read kind of book. It deals with harsh topics plaguing society to this day. It is written in a way that feels so real, I have to remind myself it is only a story. I honestly had to put the book down a couple times just to cry; it was so sad.

Yet, I needed to know what happens next. The worst part is having likable characters that can’t fight back. At least, not at first. Even when it seemed hopeless, there was always some part of me that wished things would get better. You have to read the book to find out how it ends.

Due to the topic, this book is recommended for older teens. If you want a book that is deep and meaningful, (and will make you cry) this is the book for you.

-Nicole G., 10th grade

Book vs. Movie: The Lightning Thief

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percy_book_movieI want to start off by saying the Percy Jackson series is one of my favorite series of all time. The first book, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, begins the entire crazy adventure for Percy and his friends. I had high hopes for the movie version, though I never expect them to be as good as the book. That being said, I was still disappointed when I saw the movie.

There is no denying that it wasn’t a good movie, but lots of “creative license” that the movie took were really annoying. There were little things they messed up on like Annabeth’s hair being brown instead of blond, completely cutting out Clarisse, and giving Hades a surprise appearance at camp. There were other major things that got on my nerves, though.

There was the random quest to find pearls, when in the book, they were a gift from Poseidon to Percy. Speaking of Poseidon, he caused the gods to be distant from their children because he was becoming mortal? That was really weird and felt very unnecessary to the plot.

The thing that changed the most was the main characters’ age. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover were only supposed to be 12, but they were driving cars and looked 16. Which completely changes the course of the series. There were plenty other things that changed from the book, most of those are understandable for the time restraint.

Now on to the positive parts. There were good fight scenes (most not in the book) with great special effects. The scenes with Percy healing himself and Annabeth looked really cool. It was also interesting to see the different scenes at Camp Half Blood, Medusa’s place, The Underworld, and Mount Olympus. The movie was far from bad, it just can never compare to the written version.

This movie would probably be enjoyed more by someone who didn’t read the book. The experience, of course, is different for everyone. So the only way to know if you’ll enjoy the movie is to see it yourself. So which you like better and why as books vs. movies continues.

-Nicole G., 10th grade