Category Archives: Book Reviews

The Scarlett Letter: Book Review

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Recently, I just read The Scarlet Letter in AP Lang, and I think the book was a great work of fiction although it was quite tiring to read.

Basically, the book follows the story of a woman named Hester Prynne and her child Pearl. The setting is Boston, Massachusetts, and the society they live in is strictly Puritan. This Puritan society is the main theme of the book because it revolves around how strict and unforgiving they are towards “victims”.

The beginning of the book starts with Hester being shamed for her sin on a platform with her baby called Pearl as she conceived the child with another man. No one knows the real father of the child (as she keeps it a secret), and her actual husband has been away for business for a long period. Originally, they were thinking of whether to kill her or ban her from the colony for this disgrace, but instead, they decided to force her to put a letter A on her chest for the rest of her life. The “A” on her chest stands for adultery, which is the central theme of the book.

The story continues and Hester sees her actual husband on the platform where she is standing with her baby. Then, the story turns into one of mystery as the husband tries to find out who the father of Hester’s child is.

The book is very dense and is great for learning syntax. For me, it was difficult to get through, but the ending was pretty shocking. There were many revolving themes of the sense of sin, conformity to religion, public/individual guilt, and redemption. If you read closely, you will see many allusions to the bible.

Overall, The Scarlet Letter is still relevant today given our present issues surrounding identity, guilt, and resilience. It is a great book to read for anyone interested in exploring how the impact of societal judgment and societal expectations.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Lessons in Chemistry TV Show VS Book by Bonnie Garmus

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Well for starters, this was a great show and an even better book. Although I broke the unspoken rule of watching the TV show first, I loved the show so much I knew I had to read the book too. Let’s just say, it did not disappoint.

In Lessons in Chemistry, the main character is an unsocial chemist named Elizabeth Zott. Sadly, she lives in the 1950s, meaning that she faces extreme sexism in every aspect of her career. Furthermore, Elizabeth is a very attractive woman, so she faces sexual assault and cruelty from the men and jealousy and catiness from the women. Personally, I wonder how her life would have been different if she was not as attractive. Back to the summary, Elizabeth does have a job at a science facility called Hastings in Common, California. There, she meets a man named Calvin Evans. They fall deeply in love and live together happily for about two years. They do not get married at Elizabeth’s request and do not have children, but the couple did have a very intelligent dog named Six-Thirty. 

Unfortunately, Calvin gets hit by a police car and dies. Then, to make matters worse, Elizabeth gets fired because she finds out she is pregnant with Calvin’s baby. In her prematernal rage, Elizabeth returns home and makes a lab inside her house to continue working. She also ergs (which is a rowing machine but on land) to keep healthy. When her daughter, Mad, is born, Elizabeth struggles to be a good mom. Her neighbor, Harriet, hears the screaming child and comes to help take care of her and offer support. Now with a 4 year old in kindergarten, Elizabeth has to find a source of income for her family. She gets a job working as a TV chef. On her show, Supper at Six, Elizabeth cooks while explaining the chemistry behind it. She is a huge hit and her show skyrockets. While her mother is on TV, Mad has a troublesome school project. She ends up talking to a minister for help, and later finds out he was a pen pal of her father. After that, (I’m almost done I swear), Elizabeth quits her job. She returns to Hastings and finds out that her sponsor who has funded her work was actually Calvin’s mother. However, the endings are different between the show and the book.

Ok, now that you have the summary for the idea, let’s get down to the differences between the show and the book.

Elizabeth’s Job at Hastings

Show: Elizabeth is a lab technician, showing sexism.

Book: Elizabeth is a chemist (although not respected).

Rowing

Show: It’s not really a key point or focus. It does appear, but not often.

Book: Calvin and Elizabeth row together often and even row with other men. Elizabeth continues to erg for a long time as it not only connects her with Calvin but makes her tired. 

Harriet Sloane

Show: Harriet is a young Black woman who lives with her loving children, as her husband is a soldier at war. She is also an activist.

Book: Harriet is an older white woman. She lives with her abusive husband and her kids are grown up. She is in a way a nanny for Mad and dedicates her time to the Zotts. 

Civil Rights

Show: Harriet is a huge activist. Elizabeth also lives in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Furthermore, Harriet and Elizabeth had important conversations and went to a protest together.

Book: Not talked about or mentioned at all.

The Ending

Show: Elizabeth becomes a chemistry teacher at a local college. 

Book: Elizabeth (is assumed) to return to Hastings as the Head of Chemistry. 

To sum up this entire article: read or watch Lessons in Chemistry, it’s great. I love it. I think it’s a deeper show, but it has so many light moments that it feels satisfying to watch/read. 10/10 Recommendation. 

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: A Growth Mindset for Teens

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A Growth Mindset for Teens by Sydney Sheppard offers an empowering guide for teenagers transitioning from teen to young adulthood. Addressing the pressures of school, relationships, family, and societal expectations, this book is a lifesaver for me and those overwhelmed by uncertainty and self-doubt.

This book emphasizes the universal struggle that’s experienced by millions of young people. There are times in our lives when we feel anxiety and inadequacy; realizing we are not alone in our inadequacy really helps empower us. A Grow Mindset for Teens breaks down the concept of a growth mindset by comparing and contrasting it with a fixed mindset. Understanding differences, myths, and facts provide a powerful catalyst for change.

The book’s practical approach is its strength. The author provides many strategies for developing resilience and persistence, making the readers feel it’s all possible.

The neuroplasticity and cognitive reframing section offers readers concrete methods to rewire their thinking patterns and mindsets. Self-compassion, empathy, and gratitude introduce a holistic approach to personal growth, reminding readers that emotional well-being and mental work are equally important.

The 31-day growth mindset is a great challenge, making the journey interactive and engaging for me. I’m sure other teen readers as well. The book encourages readers to do uncomfortable things and step away from their family and friends. The discussion fosters a sense of community and gives the readers a sense of reinforcement for the concept learned. Also, growth is experienced as a collaboration between self and community.  

I like the author’s supportive tone, which helps me to feel reassured, supportive, and motivational throughout the book. t makes me feel like a mentor is guiding me throughout the book.

A Grow Mindset encourages readers to take ownership of their growth journey. This promotes and provides young people with a skill set to be more confident and open-minded to transition from teen to more mature young adult.

The book’s message is clear: What you think you will see. Our thinking will shape your reality.

I highly recommend this book, A Grow Mindset for Teens, as it is an invaluable resource and lessens my doubt about the complexities of emerging into the adult world. This book gives practical advice that equips us as young readers with the skills we need to thrive. Let’s Turn fear into empowerment, confidence, and breakthrough. A Grow Mindset for Teens is about confidently becoming the best version of yourself.

Let’s grow!

Bella H.

Why you should read Giovanni’s Room

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NO SPOILERS

James Baldwin has quickly risen to become my favorite author of all time. I am someone who does not read romance books and actively refrains from reading books where the plot is solely on a romantic relationship. However, Baldwin’s writing style is very attractive to me. He has the ability to make someone fall in love with just the way he describes a room.

Giovanni’s Room is about an American named David, engaged to a faceless woman determined to “find herself” in Spain. Much like his fiancee, David uses every excuse to stay in their respective foregin country, delaying the marriage for months, although neither will admit it. As David starts to decline into debt he seeks help from his friend at a gay bar when he meets an Italian bartender whose childish emphaticness is in direct contradiction to the pessimistic American. David struggles with self- acceptance, denying to both himself and Giovanni of ever having feelings with a man before. This eats at him during the relationship as he feels both pleasure and shame at once. Throughout the book there is an impending doom, a clock counting down the days when David’s fiancée will eventually return to finalize the marriage, and David withholds this from Giovanni. Although this relationship was destined to turn tragic, they can’t help but becoming intertwined. Giovanni’s Room is about guilt, self-acceptance, and love.

Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

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.

Two Must-Have Books for Biology-Interested High Schoolers

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Over Christmas break, I will spend some extra time studying for USABO, or Biology Olympiad. Even though I am currently taking AP Biology, I quickly realized that AP Curriculums in most schools don’t completely cover the curriculum required for similar competitions for high-school students. After a little research and personal experience, I found the following list of books the most helpful:

Campbell Biology (Any edition after 8th)

This series of textbooks has historically been a must-have if you are studying for USABO or any similar biology-related competition. It is by far one of the most comprehensive and time-saving resources I have found. I currently have the 11th edition, which is not much different from the 10th or 12th editions content-wise. The price of a textbook from this series ranges from 60 dollars to a whopping 300 dollars (if you are considering buying a textbook). Still, many libraries offer this textbook, making it accessible if you would like to use it.

Anatomica: The Complete Home Medical Reference

This book is one of the most comprehensive human anatomy and physiology resources I’ve used. Although not for the faint of heart, with highly detailed diagrams of internal organs and organ systems, I found this book highly helpful for the human A&P class I am currently taking at school. Furthermore, the book contains some more information detailing diseases and disorders affecting each one of the body systems it covers, making this book useful for those who want to learn a bit about medicine.

Overall, if you really love biology or science classes in general, I would recommend both these books as a more comprehensive way to learn at a higher level about biology-related subjects!

Onyx Storm Releasing Jan 21- Empyrean Series Review

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The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros is gaining a new addition on January 21, 2025: Onyx Storm. The book series has been extremely popular with only two editions so far: Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.

In a quick summary, the novel follows Violet Sorrengail joining the Riders Quadrant and her entire life changes. She begins to discover herself through physical and mental challenges, while gaining new friends, finding romance, challenging family dynamics, and battling larger political issues. The last book, Iron Flame, ended on a heart wrenching cliffhanger concerning the two main characters.

My thoughts:

The series has been an absolutely beautiful enemies to lovers with amazing world building. I often am a bit opinionated when it comes to some popular BookTok recommendations as the books serve as easy to read introductions to new readers and sometimes can be lackluster, boring, and/or repetitive. Sometimes this is manifested through its reliance on a certain trope to carry the story along. Although, I think is series has gotten traction for it just being a wonderful book. I enjoy the sociopolitical aspects of the books and it really brings out a popular dystopian political dynamic that I have seen showcased in book series like Divergent and The Hunger Games. I also feel the relationships between characters are realistic , even to some readers dismay.

Anyways, look out for Onyx Storm and I hope everybody who decides to read it enjoys it as much as I did.

The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

One Hundred and One Black Cats by Stephen Mooser

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One Hundred and One Black Cats is a short novel by Stephen Mooser, with illustrations by Quentin Blake. Tod is a ten-year-old boy living in an old warehouse with his gout-ridden uncle, Captain Bones, in the harbor town of New Bedford. One day, Captain Bones sends Tod to Fogcutter Inn to pick up a package for him. According to Captain Bones, the package will make him and Tod wealthy enough to live in a big whaling ship. Tod is excited by the thought of finally leaving the dark and moldy warehouse, to go out to sea with his uncle. However, once Tod reaches the inn, a sailor tells him that the package is basically worthless. Tod begins to think that Captain Bones had tricked him, but then he finds out that his uncle has been kidnapped. Tod realizes that the package must be valuable after all.

This book is extremely short, but it is fast-paced and enjoyable to read. I found it very difficult to put this book down once I started reading it. The story is action-packed and engaging, and the characters are entertaining. I am also especially fond of Quentin Blake’s illustrations. I have enjoyed many other books illustrated by Quentin Blake. His illustrations give life and personality to the characters in this book. Some parts of the story seemed a bit rushed, especially toward the end of the book. However, I thought the conclusion was rewarding, and it was very satisfying to find out what happened to Tod and Captain Bones. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and entertaining read.

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos

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Joey Pigza Loses Control is a short novel by Jack Gantos. This is the second book of a five-book series. Joey Pigza is a young boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because of this condition, Joey finds it difficult to manage his behavior and feelings. Sometimes he loses control of himself. He was prescribed a patch that provides medication that helps calm his mind so that he can better control his behavior. In the summer, Joey is sent to meet and live with his father and grandma for six weeks. Joey’s mother had told him that he was like his father. Joey soon learns that he shares more in common with his father than he had realized.

Joey’s father also has ADHD. However, he does not believe in using medication. He told Joey’s mother that he stopped drinking, which is why his mother allowed Joey to visit him. However, Joey finds out that his father is still drinking but does not want Joey’s mother to know. Joey’s father takes off Joey’s medicated patch and confiscates the rest of Joey’s medications and destroys them, believing that this will make both of them free. Joey tries to adapt to his new “free” self while trying to avoid falling back into his old self.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, Joey’s father wants to teach him valuable lessons about overcoming challenges and gaining control of life. However, Joey’s father also makes risky decisions that put Joey in danger. I appreciate that this book portrays ADHD in a realistic way, but I found Joey’s father to be unlikeable overall. Joey’s grandmother is a more sympathetic character, and she plays an important role as the story develops. For the most part, I felt sorry for the characters in this book. I found it somewhat unpleasant to read about their contentious behavior and disagreements, but I think this book is intended to deal with some difficult subjects that many people can relate to. This seems like a book that some people would appreciate, but I do not think it would appeal to everyone.

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park (Some Spoilers)

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A Long Walk to Water is a short but inspiring read based on a true story. Set in the country of Sudan during troubling times, the books jumps between the narratives of two different kids, Nya and Salva, both living in different times but still facing hardships at the young age of 11.

Nya, whose story was set in 2008, walked up to 8 hours a day to get water for her family. Making 2 trips to the faraway pond everyday for 7 months a year, after which her family would move to a camp. The camp did not require long walks for water, however living there also contained risks, one of which was coming face to face with the Dinkas, a rival tribe. All was going as usual, till her beloved sister Akeer fell sick, and the problem rooted back to the water.

Salva, a kid driven away from his family and everyone he knew because of war is forced to keep walking. In a group of refuges, consantly running from war, and getting further and further from his family. Facing lions and crocodiles, taking lead of a group of boys for a journey more than a year long, Salva eventually makes it to the United States. The book focuses more on Salva’s long and cruel journey and how he came out with a plan, determined to make a change.

The book ends on a hopeful tone, and demonstrates the power of determination and the power to make change resting in everyone. Overall, it was a short read that could be finished in one sitting but it gives hope and contains the inspirational message that anyone can contribute to a positive change in this world full of negatives.

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.