Category Archives: Book Reviews

Book Review: The Bell Jar

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The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath that explores mental health, identity, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations, especially for women in the 1950s. The story follows Esther Greenwood, a bright and ambitious young woman who wins an internship at a prestigious magazine in New York City. On the surface, Esther seems like she has everything going for her, but internally she’s struggling with depression, confusion about her future, and a growing sense of alienation from the world around her.

One of the most powerful aspects of this book is how it portrays mental illness—not in a dramatic or romanticized way, but with raw honesty. Plath’s writing pulls you inside Esther’s head, where her thoughts become darker and more fragmented as she spirals into a deep depression. The “bell jar” in the title is a metaphor for how Esther feels trapped, like she’s stuck in a glass container where she can’t breathe or connect with the world around her.

What makes The Bell Jar stand out is how well it captures the feeling of disconnection and pressure to fit into roles that don’t feel authentic. Esther is expected to be excited about marriage, children, and a stable life, but she’s unsure if that’s what she really wants. That inner conflict between personal ambition and societal expectations is something a lot of readers can still relate to today.

Esther’s journey is painful and honest. She undergoes various treatments for her mental health, some of which are disturbing, and she struggles to find a sense of meaning or identity. But the novel doesn’t end in complete despair—there’s a sense of survival, even if things aren’t neatly resolved. That balance between darkness and hope is part of what makes the book so impactful.

I found this book emotionally intense but deeply moving. Plath’s writing is poetic and sharp, and she captures what it feels like to be lost in your own mind better than almost any other author I’ve read. The Bell Jar is definitely not a light read, but it’s an important one—especially for anyone interested in mental health, feminism, or literature that dives deep into human emotion. I’d give it a 7/10 for its raw honesty and unforgettable voice.

Book Review: 1984

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1984 is a dystopian science fiction novel that draws inspiration from totalitarian regimes, especially Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany. The author, George Orwell, creates a bleak and terrifying world controlled by an all-powerful government known as the Party, led by the mysterious and ever-present figurehead Big Brother. The story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party who begins to secretly question the system he’s forced to live under. In this society, every move is watched, every thought is monitored, and even the past is constantly rewritten to fit the Party’s version of the truth.

One of the most interesting ideas in the book is how the Party controls reality itself through language and psychological manipulation. Concepts like Newspeak, which reduces the number of words in the language, and Doublethink, the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs at the same time, show how powerful and dangerous propaganda can be. Orwell’s world is chilling because it feels like it could actually happen—where truth no longer matters, and people are brainwashed into loving their oppression.

Winston’s journey starts with quiet resistance. He writes in a secret journal, begins a forbidden relationship, and seeks out the truth about the past. But as the story progresses, we see how overwhelming and inescapable the Party’s control really is. What makes the story so powerful is that it doesn’t offer a happy ending. Instead, it shows what can happen when power is unchecked and people are forced to give up their freedom in exchange for safety.

I found this concept incredibly thought-provoking. The idea that a government can erase history, control language, and break a person’s mind until they fully accept lies as truth is honestly terrifying. Orwell does an amazing job showing how fear, surveillance, and manipulation can destroy not just individuals, but entire societies. I read this for the first time in 7th grade, and it left a big impression on me. The themes still feel relevant today, which is part of what makes it such a powerful read. This classic is a 10/10, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in politics, psychology, or just a good, intense story.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 Book Review

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 is a historical fictional novel by Christopher Paul Curtis. It is set in the 1960s when segregation was still common in the Southern states, and the Civil Rights Movement was rising. The protagonist of the story, 10-year-old Kenny, finds himself in the middle of a traumatizing experience once he and his family drive from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama to pay Grandma Sands a visit. For those who like realistic fiction books, I think you’ll enjoy this novel, though I do have some likes and dislikes about this book.

Reading the synopsis at the back of the book, I thought that there was going to be more action—action like the riots that arose when peaceful protesters were attacked, or more racist actions against Kenny and his family. Kenny does live in Michigan, though, so there was less racism up there than down in the south. When the synopsis said, “toward one of the darkest moments in history,” I did think it was going to be more dramatic, leading to some slight disappointment that it was over so quick. And with the title being, The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 alsokind of surprised me that most of the book was spent in Flint.

Overall, the book had a really good story and plot to it. Christopher Paul Curtis keeps the book realistic and tangible. The reader can relate to and understand Kenny. He’s the underdog in Flint, tailing his older brother, and he does have some more adventures in Alabama. Though I thought the climax was a little dry, the experience did traumatize Kenny, which led to him having to develop strong character traits. All in all, I think this novel was well-written and enjoyable despite some minor disappointments.

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone

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The book Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone is an excellent start to the Harry Potter series. The book begins by introducing our protagonist, Harry Potter, and how his life was with the Dursleys. Unfortunately, the Dursleys did not treat Harry kindly, to the point that he didn’t even have a bedroom. He lived in a cabinet under the stairwell of the home. One day, multiple owls came with letters inviting Harry to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Mr. Dursley didn’t like this, so he moved to a shack on an island where he thought he would be away from these strange letters. This did not work, since Hagrid came to get Harry Potter himself. The iconic quote, “You’re a wizard, Harry” was said here. Hagrid took Harry to get his school supplies at Diagon Alley. Afterwards, they went to the platform “9 3/4”. I think this was a very creative way to hide the magical world. It was called this to hide evidence of magic in the Muggle world. On the train ride to Hogwarts, Harry met his best friend Ron. After many events at school, Harry sees a hooded figure drinking unicorn blood. It was none other than Lord Voldemort. Voldemort wasn’t at his full power, so he needed the Sorcerer’s Stone to come back. His host was Quirrell, a teacher at Hogwarts. He lived on him and was very weak. Harry decides to find the stone before Voldemort to stop him from coming back. Check out this book in the Mission Viejo Library to learn how he does it. I would rate this book a 5/5 and I particularly enjoyed following the storyline and especially the uniqueness of each character.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows [Book]

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling is the final and 7th book in the Harry Potter Series. We follow the journey of Harry Potter once again with more challenges and obstacles awaiting him. Harry Potter discovers more of his past life, his parents life when they were about his age, and why Harry Potter has a deep connection with Voldemort.

I would say this is one of my favorite books of the series, all the elements and ideas that combine together as it is the end that we did not realize in the other books really adds a whole different level of understanding to the Harry Potter world. I have been obsessed with Harry Potter since a very young age, and am still currently today, this is the type of book where I can´t seem to stop reading, this is a stay up all night book for sure. J.K Rowling is one of my favorite authors of all time, she adds a whole layer to all the Harry Potter books, it is beautifully written with description in each of her books.

I would highly recommend this book to fantasy readers and fans of the fantasy world! Harry Potter is a must read series for anybody and if you continue reading through all the books I assure you will love the last book, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Currently, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library today!

Book Review: Much Ado About Nothing

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Much Ado About Nothing is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies. Interestingly, this story is the origin of the enemies-to-lovers archetype we see in all kinds of films and books. This tale explores many themes like epistemology, sexism, classism, honor, and reputation. Set in Messina, a Sicilian city, during the 1500s, Much Ado About Nothing tells the tale of two couples 

Hero and Claudio: The stereotypical couple of their time. The ultra-masculine man and the honorable, demure young lady. What started as a fairy tale, picture-perfect romance quickly becomes heartbreaking for both. These characters were portrayed as almost entirely good, and it was the evil and deception of others that drove them apart.

Benedick and Beatrice: A more modern love story and a transition from enemies to lovers. A loud, outspoken, and opinionated woman with no interest in love, and a witty young man who does not believe in romance. These characters were portrayed as more realistic archetypes, not quite anti-heroes but not as perfectly pure as Hero and Claudio. It took deception from “better” characters like Hero and Claudio to bring them together. 

Overall, this was an amazing read and proof of how Shakespeare’s stories stood the test of time. I highly recommend it for fans of romance stories, but also if you are trying to get into Shakespeare. This play is not as emotionally traumatizing as something like Titus Andronicus. But it would provide a reading challenge along with a pleasant story.

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

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The Hundred Dresses is a short novel by Eleanor Estes. This book won a Newbery Honor award in 1945. This book relates the experiences of Maddie, along with her friend Peggy, and a girl named Wanda. Wanda has only been seen wearing the same faded blue dress every day, even though she claims to have a hundred dresses “all lined up” in her closet. Peggy does not believe this at all, so she makes fun of Wanda every day at school. Maddie knows this is wrong, but she does not stop Peggy for fear of losing her friendship. Peggy teases Wanda on a daily basis, while Maddie just stays silent.  Even though she does not say anything, Maddie feels guilty for lacking the courage to defend Wanda.

One day, Maddie and Peggy are in class when the teacher makes an announcement.  Wanda’s father had sent a letter to the school informing them that Wanda would not attend their school anymore, because of the teasing she had received.  This gives Maddie a sick feeling in her stomach.  She knows that she should have tried to defend Wanda.  Peggy seems to be affected as well.  Later that day, Maddie and Peggy decide to go visit Wanda.

I have always enjoyed Eleanor Estes’ novels, and this book is no exception. In fact, I consider this to be her best novel. Despite its short length, this book conveys many emotions.  It seems light-hearted and melancholy at the same time. However, my favorite thing about this book is the story behind it. When Eleanor Estes was in elementary school, she had a classmate who was constantly teased because of her unusual Polish name. After a short while, in the middle of the school year, the Polish girl moved away before Estes had a chance to apologize. Years later, Estes wrote The Hundred Dresses as her way of saying that she was sorry.

After learning about this background story, it greatly enhanced my appreciation for this book. I really appreciate the lessons taught by this book about compassion and forgiveness. Even though this is such a short book it conveys a sweet but powerful message.  I would recommend it to everyone.

Book Review and Summary: Gregor the Overlander

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A couple of weeks ago, one of my youth group leaders talked about the book Gregor the Overlander. Since it is summer, I’ve been trying to find new books (and book series) to read. So, I decided to embark on Suzanne Collins’ series, The Underland Chronicles. This series starts with Gregor the Overlander.

Spoilers Ahead!

The book begins by introducing the main character, Gregor, an 11-year-old boy who lives in New York City with his mother and two sisters (Lizzie and Boots). Two years ago, Gregor’s father mysteriously disappeared without any word or trace. Most people believe that his father is an absentee; however, Gregor knows that his father will never leave his family. Because Gregor’s father is gone, he takes on many other roles, such as caring for his two-year-old sister, Margaret (fondly called Boots).

One day, Gregor evades his nosey neighbor by going to the laundry room to clean some clothes. He takes Boots with him so she can get out of the apartment. After dumping the clothes into the washer, Gregor discovers Boots has disappeared. He panics but then sees an open grate where Boots has fallen into. Gregor quickly climbs into the grate and falls. Little does he know that the open grate is a portal to the Underland, a mystical world.

After falling down the grate, Gregor is immediately abducted by life-sized centipedes. It is at this moment that he realizes this land is magical. Luckily, the centipedes (aka crawlers) are not evil and bring him to Regalia, the city where Underland humans live.

Gregor first meets Luxa, the 11-year-old who is to be crowned Queen. Her grandfather, Vikus, guides Gregor and his sister to the palace, where they will be kept. Later in the day, Gregor attempts to escape Regalia and go home. However, he is almost killed by the giant rats guarding the exit (the rats and humans are rivals). Fortunately, some humans (including Luxa, Vikus, and her cousin Henry) save Gregor and his sister from the rodents.

When the siblings return to the palace, Gregor finds he is entwined to a prophecy called “The Prophecy of Gray.” Through this prophecy, Gregor is supposed to save the humans of Regalia, who are endangered by their enemies, the rats. At first, Gregor refuses to go on the quest to fulfill the prophecy. But he learns that his father was captured by the evil rats. So, he decides to undertake the perilous prophecy.

The book continues with Gregor, Boots, Luxa, Henry, two crawlers, two spiders, and a peaceful rat going on the quest and eventually fulfilling the prophecy. Ultimately, Gregor and Boots reunite with their father and return home.

My Rating: 8.9/10

At first, I had doubts about this book since it was written for a younger audience. However, after reading this book, I can say it was worth the read. Suzanne Collins made the plot entertaining to read. Each page was full of fun twists and turns and made me anticipate each outcome of the prophecy. I didn’t expect the book’s ending, which pleasantly surprised me. Overall, this book was fantastic, and I highly recommend it to all age groups.

Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan

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Surviving the Applewhites, by Stephanie S. Tolan, is about a troubled teenager named Jake Semple.  Jake has a spiky red haircut and a reputation for getting kicked out of schools.  He even burned down the last school he attended.  Both of his parents are in jail, so Jake is sent off to live with the Applewhite family.  The Applewhites run a homeschooling program, and they are very eccentric and unorthodox in their teaching methods.  Most members of the family are immersed in some kind of artistic or creative endeavor.  They tend to be very spontaneous and difficult to work with, and they enforce many rules that make it difficult for Jake to adjust to their lifestyle.

However, Jake begins to get along with one member of the family named E.D. Applewhite.  E.D. is an intelligent and practical girl who does not have the same artistic preferences of her family members.  She prefers structure and organization, so she does not fit in with the unstructured and impulsive nature of her family.  As Jake and E.D. realize that they both struggle to get along with the family, the two of them begin to develop a friendship as they help each other to survive in the midst of all the chaos.

I think that the author does a great job of creating a cast of realistic and distinct characters that make this story very interesting and compelling.  The internal struggles experienced by Jake and E.D. are very relatable for most people and their personal growth and ability to overcome trials over the course of the story is actually quite inspiring.  This book teaches about the importance of discovering individual gifts and talents.  It also shows the value of a home that nurtures education, and that sometimes unexpected people can help us to become our best selves.  This book is also quite entertaining and humorous, making it very meaningful and enjoyable at the same time.  I am homeschooled myself so I enjoyed this portrayal of a homeschooling family.  This book definitely deserves its Newbery Honor award and I would highly recommend it to everyone.

Ash´s Cabin

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Ash's Cabin

Ash´s Cabin, is a young adult graphic novel by Jen Wang, that follows the life of a teenager who flees to find isolation and independence away from home, after feeling that they feel misinterpreted and ignored by at home and at school. They learn to survive in the wilderness, and understand what it means to be alone.

When I started reading this book I could not remove my grasp from it at all, I finished this book in about just 30 minutes because I was so into it. I would say the illustrations of the book caught my eye the most, they are beautifully drawn with accuracy and detail that really elevate the written portion of the story into a better understanding overall. Reading this book, allows readers to understand the difficulty of growing up especially as a teenager, the transition from childhood to adulthood can be extremely challenging at times. A theme commonly shown and depicted throughout this novel is self-discovery, when Ash is alone at a cabin in the middle of the woods, they grow to become much more mature and independent as a teenager, understanding that it is difficult to live without people around you.

Ash's Cabin - KINDERCOMICS

Overall, I would really recommend this book to anyone, especially teenagers as it teaches a lesson of the difficulty of this age in your life. I am looking forward to reading more of Jen Wang´s books, as the illustrations are really magnificent with much detail incorporated into it. Ash´s Cabin is currently available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library today!