Category Archives: Book Reviews

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

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A classic by Arthur Conan Doyle is a novel any mystery lover must read. First published in 1887, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes follows an unrivaled detective and his many cases. The detective who lives on Baker Street applies both his forensic skills and outstanding intellect to every problem to find the truth. Every story has a unique twist and is portrayed in the eyes of Holmes’ companion, Dr. John Watson. 

I personally love mystery stories and found “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Man with the Twisted Lip” to be my favorite stories. “A Scandal in Bohemia” is the very first short story about Sherlock Holmes and introduces one of the very few female characters in the series, Irene Adler. I love Adler’s role in the story and she is portrayed as being intelligent and in Holmes’ eyes, unforgettable. “The Man with the Twisted Lip” contains intriguing descriptions and an unlikely twist that got my attention. The story is extremely engaging and kept me on my toes while reading. The layout of the novel is enjoyable too. I love short stories and chapters because it keeps me engaged and interested.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is special and unique, and no other mystery stories come close to this classic. Personally, I would recommend the novel to anyone who loves a good mystery book and is a fan of short stories. It is definitely a book that should be on every mystery reader’s list!

Kaiya T.

The Adventures of Sherlock Homes by Arthur Conan Doyle is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Moffats by Eleanor Estes

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The Moffats, by Eleanor Estes, is one of the author’s most well-known books, and the first in a series of four books. This book is about a family that consists of a mother, four children and a cat, living during World War I. The father had died a few years earlier. The children’s names are, from oldest to youngest, Sylvie, Joe, Jane and Rufus. One warm day in late summer, Jane is enjoying her day outside when a man named Mr. Baxter comes up to the Moffat’s house and nails on a sign that reads “for sale.” The Moffat children, and especially Jane, are very concerned by the sign. Their mother tells the children to try and forget about it, but it is difficult at first because they keep seeing the sign whenever they go in or out of the house. To make things worse, potential buyers stop by occasionally to inquire about the house.

The Moffats are able to forget about the sign for a while, but Jane gets increasingly annoyed by the sign. She cannot imagine living anywhere else, and she does not want to sell the house. Eventually, Jane gets so angry at the sign that she starts throwing mud balls at it. Afterward, while she is cleaning up the mess, a family named the Murdocks notices the sign and begins coming to the house every other day. The Moffat children resort to locking doors, closing windows and hiding whenever they sense the presence of one of the Murdocks. Jane wonders whether her family will ever get rid of the sign.

This book is really a collection of simple childhood adventures. The events seem quite ordinary, but the book is very well-written and engaging. The for-sale sign seems to be one of the main elements of the story, but this book is really about many small events from the perspective of a child. Jane seems to be the main character, and many of her observations are humorous even though she seems to overreact to things. This book is a good reminder of what it feels like to think as a child. The author does an excellent job of portraying life from a child’s perspective. I found it enjoyable to read about what happens to the children in the Moffat family, although I would have liked to learn more about the two older children. Sylvie is usually only mentioned, so I would have liked to read more about her. However, this is a very good children’s novel and I would recommend it to anyone in the mood for reading a simple and delightful book.

The Moffats by Eleanor Estes is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

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The book Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe The World was written by and uses personal stories from Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired member of the US Navy. He served as a Navy seal for 37 years, with his highest ranking being Commander of all US Special Operations Forces; a four-star admiral.

Throughout the book, McRaven uses his personal experiences, through both his training and his time during service, to teach you how to better live your life.

The book is a more in-depth explanation of McRaven’s speech he gave during the University of Texas Commencement Ceremony in 2014. A major positive of the book is that it is short but sweet. It is only 125 pages long, with lots of empty space and large font. By cutting out the unnecessary information, the author makes the lessons more digestible and easier to understand.

Each of the 10 chapters focuses on a different life lesson. A similar formula is used throughout: McRaven begins by explaining his personal challenges and relating them back to the lessons.

For example, the first chapter begins with a story of how he and his fellow trainees were always required to make their beds during Seal training. This simple habit spread to other areas of his life and promoted overall organization and cleanliness. He explains that the act of making your bed helped him start the day off with a task completed.

Finally, the lessons taught in the book can be applied to every aspect of life, whether you serve in the military or not. McRaven emphasizes teaching others with respect and building connections with others. He believes that “it takes a team of good people to get you to your destination in life. You cannot paddle the boat alone. Find someone to share your life with. Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that your success depends on others.”

He asserts not only ideas of discipline and perseverance but also not judging people for how they look and standing up for yourself. No matter what your background or goals are, this book is a must-read for anyone who would like to change themselves for the better.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe The World by Admiral William H. McRaven is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

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Recently, I read a book called House on Mango Street, which is the story of a girl named Esperanza, which translates to “Hope” in English, as she navigates her process of coming of age. This book was definitely an interesting read, as it is formatted and told in a style that not many books utilize.

To understand the novel and its purpose, it is recommended that one reads the author’s foreword, as it explains the author’s story, how her background led to this book’s creation, and how Esperanza is loosely based upon Cisneros herself, as both of them like writing. This novel starts off with the author introducing the environment that Esperanza grows up around, her house, and the school she goes to. The author deliberately makes Esperanza an unreliable narrator at the start, realistically depicting a younger child’s naive view of the world. Cisneros shows this through the fact that she didn’t know a car she was riding was stolen by one of her cousins earlier in the book, and is expressed later in the book when she doesn’t understand that some boys were joking with her friend, causing her to react unexpectedly.

The novel is written into short little segments, which the author calls “vignettes”, instead of being split into specific chapters like a traditional novel. This gives the novel a more personal feel and really frames the story, as well as giving the readers more details of the impoverished neighborhood in which Esperanza eventually comes of age. The author also blends her cultural background into her writing with this story, and it is reflected in the character of Esperanza, whose parents are quite similar to Cisnero’s parents in a way.

Overall, this book is a great read for those who are interested in reading novels in which the protagonist grows and matures as a person, and the author definitely makes this process interesting through plenty of storytelling and nuanced descriptions of this book’s setting, giving the reader a more personal look at the lives of the characters within this book.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

TFIOS: An Updated Review

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It’s irrational to think that no book has flaws. It’s silly to imagine it. Alas, I was still in the stage after reading a book where you haven’t quite processed everything, and you can only think of either brilliant praises or detestful criticism. My original review of The Fault in Our Stars on the blog was skewed in the former. This is my redo.

Needless to say, I still love this book. I didn’t have a complete change of heart like that, but now I am more able to recognize faults and places where the writing fell short.

My biggest gripe upon rereading and rethinking is that while there are some great, really quotable, and flowy lines, they don’t always fit naturally into the dialogue. if you can suspend your disbelief and accept that all of this is apparently normal people things for these teens, you can really enjoy the poeticism of it all. Seriously though, they pull monologues as normal conversation starters. In particular, the cigarette metaphor was not resonant with me

Fortunately, for the most part, I was able to overlook this and let myself sink into the writing.

I enjoyed Augustus’ character over Hazels, the trope of “We can’t be together cause I could die!” is particularly grating but thankfully the plot graces over this fairly quickly.

Again, there were some monologues and dialogue that really, really, REALLY worked for me. It wasn’t all a bit meandering, I promise.

For all of the criticism that this review seems to hold, I promise you that this book still holds a place in my heart. I merely wanted to present that this book, like all others, has flaws. What worked for me might not work for you, or vice versa.

Either way, you should still check it out. A lot of what I said in the first review still applies. It’s beautiful writing, a beautiful story, and it’s a beautiful experience to read. Do check it out.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

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America Singer has been chosen to compete in The Selection for a chance at Prince Maxon’s hand. The only problem? She’s secretly in love with her best friend, Aspen.

Upon arriving at the palace, America and Maxon strike a deal. America will spy on the other girls for Maxon to find out what their true intentions are and Maxon won’t eliminate America from the competition, so that she can continue to improve her family’s financial situation.

As far as storylines go, it’s a little cliche with your typical childhood friend romance trope and rags-to-riches story. However, personally, I liked how it was kind of like a dystopian version of Cinderella.

America also has a very strong and selfless personality as she is willing to do anything if it means that her family’s living situation will improve. She’s also very sympathetic with others as she tries her best to make friends with the other girls in the competition, even though they all see her as an enemy. Prince Maxon is very sweet as well. He’s completely understanding when America is having a panic attack or when she’s feeling homesick, to the point where he arranges an event at the palace, so that she can see her family again.

Overall, I’d say it’s a 4/5. It can be kind of predictable at times but if you’re a fan of royal romances or books like The Red Queen, I’d say that this is right up your alley.

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.

The Outsiders: Some Spoilers Ahead!

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Yesterday, my class finished a classic novel called The Outsiders. Of the many classic novels I’ve read, this one was really deep for me!

The book starts off with the rivalry between two gangs: the Socs (pronounced soashes, not socks!) and the Greasers. The Socs are the wealthy rich kids, throwing parties almost everyday and “jump” Greasers for fun. The Greasers, however, are the poor kids with all the “rough breaks” but they are one big family and look out for each other. They don’t look for trouble with the Socs unless one of their gang gets jumped.

The story follows Ponyboy, the youngest of a Greaser gang in his neighborhood. Both his mother and father died in an unfortunate car accident, and has been living with his two brothers, Sodapop and Darry, ever since. However, it’s reassuring to know that the three of them aren’t alone throughout this adventure; they have friends who help them along the way.

For me, the novel was really heart-warming and bittersweet! I don’t want to spoil the entire story, but the ending took me by surprise! Additionally, I love how the Outsiders makes allusions to poems and books. Throughout the novel, S.E Hinton connects to Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay”, and Gone with the Wind to enhance the plot of this book! If you ever decide to read this book, the amount of allusions you will find will shock you! Heads up however, there is A LOT of slang in this novel! Sometimes, I was reading the book, and I had to stop and ponder on what the words meant, for example, one of Ponyboy’s friends asked Ponyboy, “Ain’t you freezing to death Ponyboy?”, and Ponyboy replies with “You ain’t a woofin”. Just make sure to bone up on your slang vocabulary before reading! I would most definitely recommend this book to people who need a reminder of the good in life!

Happy Reading!

-Alia Charles, 8th grade

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (Book Review)

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The book, It Ends With Us, dives deeper into Lily Bloom’s life, a businesswoman, who tries to let go of her past and focus on her future. Lily is constantly reminded of her past in her present-day life and is challenged with the people she meets and the people who return into her life.

The story revolves around her first love Atlas and her new love Ryle. Lily and Atlas were young and in love and promised to return to each other after certain events had separated them. Lily and Ryle however, met later on in Lily’s life, and found themselves growing closer overtime.

Lily’s life is starting to come around as she opens her new business, finds a new best friend, and develops a closer and better relationship with her mother. Yet hardship comes her way as Lily finds out more about Ryle and gets too comfortable with the fact that his version of a relationship is too different from hers. She juggles with the idea of what other people might think of her relationship as she grows in fear of him over the course of months. This leads to her acknowledging where she stands and relates to the abusive relationship between her mother and her father.

Throughout the book you might find yourself wondering, why doesn’t Lily just leave him? How could she make that choice? Why can’t she let go of her past? Well, Lily wonders the same things in most chapters and is able to find an answer and solution to them all by the end.

I personally loved this book, it is very well written and leads the audience in a different direction than most books. The book itself entails a rollercoaster of emotions for the readers. I disliked the intimate/in depth scenes of Lily’s relationship that I skipped past but overall, it was hard to put this book down and I loved the story line so much that I have continued reading onto the sequel!

*Be advised this book is for older readers*

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

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Mab Churt, Osla Kendall, and Beth Finch are an unlikely trio. All from very different backgrounds, connected by one mysterious letter, calling them to action.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn captivated me in its pages. This historical fiction novel shines in how Quinn wove her meticulous research into the plot. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a book that you can’t put down.

The story takes place at the start of World War II where women are called to action to help with the war. Not in the field, but as spies. Spies behind a desk, cracking codes. As I read further down the chapters, the rich history of Bletchley Park was connected with both stories of love and grief.

Mab Churt continues to wow me in everything she accomplishes despite being from the lower east end. Her heartbreaking secret will leave you in tears by the end of the novel. She certainly will jump off the page and you can easily envision her as a strong female heroine.

Osla Kendall, a cunning and smart debutante shows off her skill at espionage and shines in every situation she is in. Her relationship with a certain prince of Greece ends in tragedy but also hope. Read the Rose Code and dive into her secret relationship with the future king of England.

Beth Finch is a girl who has been lead in her abusive household to be homely and slow all her life. She has been stuck with her overly religious mother and push over father for too long. When the letter than Bletchley Park comes, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Beth slowly climbs up the ranks at the Park and becomes one of the greatest codebreakers.

This story is interesting as it has two different timelines. Alternating between 1940 and 1947, it shows a completely different story and the end of Bletchley Park. One of the girl’s story ends in confusion, one ends in a mental asylum, and one in a never ending road of grief. The trio of never ending female solidarity shatters into pieces as a traitor rips into the Park. Will they ever find who it is and rescue their friend from the sanitarium? Will they ever forgive and move on from the momentous secret that was exposed? Read the Rose Code by Kate Quinn to find out.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

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**this review may contain spoilers**

I have recently gotten back into reading after being on a month long reading slump with no desire to read, I decided that it was time for a genre switch. Fourth Wing is a romantic-fantasy novel that follows Violet and her journey entering Basgiath War College.

Typically 20 year olds are the main occupants of Basgiath whether they choose to be a Healer, Scribe, Infantry, or Rider. Violent Sorrengail has always had expectations among her being the youngest of her family with her two older siblings, Mira and Brennan being excelled riders as well as her mother running Basgiath War College. Violet seemingly passes through the entry to the Riders Quadrant, a lean bridge that can lead to a 200 foot drop if slipped upon.

Violet, along with her fellow cadets have to overcome challenges in order to survive it til graduating. Three more years of survival. The most important part for Riders is bonding with a dragon in order to gain a signet (a shared connection between a rider and a dragon). However, matching with a dragon isn’t as easy as it may be said and involves respect as well as strength.

The book consists of Violet’s first year at Basgiath War College under the Rider’s Quadrant and the different friendships, enemies, lovers, she faces. The riders are split amongst four wings with 3 sections within each wing and 3 squads within each section. A relationship begins to form between first-year Violet and Fourth Wing leader, Xaden Riorson. However, these two have clashed without even knowing with each other, their parents have gone through rivalries of their own.

Fourth Wing encompasses components a fantasy novel should include but also touches on romantic aspects frequently which is exhilarating for a romance reader! I think venturing out to romantic fantasy actually is what I needed because I was obsessed after reading and even decided to re-read Fourth Wing. Those trying to get involved within fantasy, I would check out Fourth Wing because even though the writing isn’t complex, it allows new fantasy readers to grasp the storyline easily.

The book happens to end a pretty big cliffhanger that made me questioning myself for days but luckily this book is a part of a five book series that is slowly but gradually releasing. Yarros’ next book, Iron Flame releases on November 7th, 2023 so if you don’t like cliffhangers just start reading near then!

-Madison C.

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