Category Archives: Book Reviews

Japanese Tales of Mystery & Imagination by Edogawa Rampo

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Japanese Tales of Mystery and Imagination is a collection of nine mystery and psychological horror short stories, such as “The Caterpillar” and “The Red Chamber”. I’ve read this again and again and never managed to get sick of it.

Each short story managed to scare and surprise me. Edogawa added an unexpected twist to each of them that I could not have predicted. Every story didn’t disappoint; they were spine-chilling page-turners.

Of the nine short stories, “The Human Chair” was the most memorable. It left me with the feelings of disgust and horror at once. I remember hearing my heart in my ears and being so engrossed with the story that I had refused to do anything until I finished it.

With his imagination and straight-forward writing, Edogawa wrote excellent, disturbing worlds driven by corrupted human motives. What really disturbed me was how realistic these stories seemed. If someone had read to me any of those stories and told me it was a true story, I would’ve believed them. That’s where the feeling of horror comes from.

For most, the stories in Japanese Tales of Mystery & Imagination aren’t very high on the horror spectrum. I would highly recommend this book to readers that are just starting to get into horror stories, but don’t want to start off with a book that’s overwhelming. However, I think all readers could be able to enjoy this book just as much. Overall, it’s a fun read and is deserving of your time.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

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The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, by C.S. Lewis, is part of his much-loved Chronicles of Narnia series.  This was the third book published in the series, but it would be the fifth book chronologically. This book mainly features the two younger Pevensie children, Edmund and Lucy. They are visiting the home of their cousin, Eustace. One day, the three children notice an interesting picture in Lucy’s bedroom. The picture depicts a ship in the midst of large waves. To their amazement, the children realize that they are being pulled into the picture. Within just a few moments, they find themselves swimming in the middle of an ocean. They are rescued and brought on board the ship. To the delight of Edmund and Lucy, the captain of the ship is their old friend, Caspian. They have returned to the land of Narnia.

Caspian is now the king of Narnia. His ship is named the Dawn Treader. King Caspian has built the ship to embark on a rescue mission. His quest is to find the men who had been banished from the kingdom by his evil uncle, Miraz. The children join King Caspian on this voyage, and they experience many dangers as they find themselves sailing toward the End of the World.

This book is filled with adventure and contains many exciting moments. A few of my favorite episodes include a transformation into a dragon, a battle against a sea monster, and an escape from a land of nightmares. A mouse named Reepicheep might be my favorite character. He has an endearing personality, and his loyalty to King Caspian is admirable.   

One of the important elements of this book is the change in Eustace’s attitude and behavior. He is quite bitter and rude in the beginning of the story, and he does not want to stay in Narnia. However, his heart gradually changes. By the end of the story, he is almost like a new person.

I love the Chronicles of Narnia. The books are in this series are rich in magical adventure and meaningful symbolism, and this book is no exception. Just like the other books in the series, this book is a wonderful story of redemption. I would highly recommend this book and the rest of the Chronicles of Narnia to anyone.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

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To read, or not to read? That is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of Shakespeare’s outrageous language, or to take arms against a sea of metaphors, and by SparkNotes-ing understand them.

This is, of course, a reference to perhaps one of the most famous scenes in literary history: Hamlet’s soliloquy in the Shakespearean play of the same name. This is the story of Hamlet, prince of Denmark, who, in his quest to prove his uncle murdered his father in order to ascend to the throne, faces obstacles both external and personal that cause his (and the majority of the characters’) downfall.

However, looking beyond the scenario as it is presented, Shakespeare’s characterization captures ideas that permeated throughout society then and still exist in society today. The character flaw that is acute indecision plagues all people in a multitude of ways. Though it may not end in complete misfortune like it does in Hamlet, there are still times when we are paralyzed while making a big decision, and this hesitancy ends up costing us. 

Additionally, for those coming from Romeo and Juliet, be forewarned: Hamlet is not a book of romance. While Hamlet and Ophelia are shown to be in love, Hamlet ends up using Ophelia in his quest to avenge his father, driving her to madness in one of the most tragic events of the play. Hamlet is, first and foremost, a play about appearances versus reality, loyalties and betrayals, and the overarching fear of death and the afterlife.

Hamlet balances these heavy elements with intermittent light-hearted scenes that keep the audience’s attention (after all, this was originally meant to be an Elizabethan-era play), and this creates a book well-worth reading. By doing so, the reader will not only be exposed to one of Shakespeare’s finest works, but also to his most famous lines, many of which originated from Hamlet.

– Mahak M.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

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Growing up, I had always heard mixed feelings about the Twilight Franchise. My mom had told me that she read all of the books and loved them, but I felt as though they’d be cheesy. Yet, here I am, writing a review on the first book in the series.

Since 2020, I have read the first three books, and am currently on the fourth. I would have finished it a long time ago, but I get distracted very easily. Enough information about me, let’s get to my thoughts on the book!

I had no prior knowledge about anything in the Twilight universe. The only thing I knew was there was a girl who liked a boy who happened to be a vampire. In the first few pages of the book, I was hooked. The way Bella’s thoughts were organized in the book were so relatable to me.

She seemed like a very raw character to me and I loved seeing how she grew throughout the book. She is a very relatable teenage character to me. I see a lot of aspects of me in her character throughout the book.

Before I even read the book I knew I would love Edward’s character. I am always down to read a romance book, but with vampires? Even better! I love mystical creatures like vampires so it was non stop entertainment for me.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Jessi’s Secret Language and the Importance of American Sign Language (ASL)

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This book can be found in both novel and graphic novel format, but the storyline is the same.

Jessi Ramsey, now the newest member of the Baby-Sitters Club, has taken on a new assignment. A repetitive one, it requires the same person every time. Jessi soon learns that the reason this job may be harder than others is because one of the two kids she will be baby-sitting for is deaf. Taking on this assignment means she will have to learn ASL (American Sign Language). However, this job will soon prove harder than she originally thought, since she has to learn a whole new language.

I liked this book because of its emphasis on the importance of ASL. While I do not use it, or know anyone who uses it, I still think ASL is very important to know. This is because even though I do not need to use it or even know it, for the people that do require ASL to communicate with others in daily life, it is a vital tool. If no one else (as in those who do not need to use ASL) do not know anything about ASL, it is a major communicational block between those who use ASL and those who do not. Those who need ASL every day would find it a lot harder to communicate with others on a daily basis, just because everyone else never bothered to learn this unique way of communication. Over half a million people in the US use ASL, with that number expected to increase greatly in upcoming years. So, the more people who know ASL, the easier it will be for everyone else to communicate with those who see ASL as a vital tool in their lives.

In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this book to others. I felt that it really empasized the importance of American Sign Language, a topic which I think should be much more important for both those who use ASL. Knowing sign language makes it easier to lift the communication barrier with those who use ASL and have hearing loss.

Some high schools actually offer ASL as a foreign language course, and colleges/universities accept ASL as a world language. If your high school does not offer ASL as a foreign language, you can dual-enroll at a community college to take the course.

– Peri A.

Jessi’s Secret Language by Ann M. Martin is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

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I had to read this book for my junior honors society and change book and surprisingly found it interesting. This book was outside my comfort zone but the dystopian society built within the book was intriguing and led me to analyze the true meaning behind the text.

It follows main character “Offred” and her journey into this transformed society and their way of life. People are ranked within certain classes which determine what they contribute to society. She struggles reconnecting with her “past” self and reminiscing about her husband and kid. Having to face a new society with strange workings and rules she expresses her feelings with the audience for them to understand what is going on in the world she lives in.

I think I typically enjoy dystopian realms because I feel immersed within the society and the systems portrayed within the book. I’m aware there is also a tv show for this book but the first episode essentially covers the entirety of the novel. I would say Atwood’s idea into creating this book is absolutely astonishing how someone came up with this idea. I would recommend to high schoolers but those sensitive to strong topics (suicide, sexual assault, violence) shouldn’t look into reading this book!

  • -Madison C.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo revolves around the story of a young aspiring actress who struggles with the misogyny and overall demanding life of the Hollywood film industry. Beyond highlighting the seven marriages throughout her career, the novel also discusses the objectification Evelyn feels as a woman in the 60s, the discrimination she faces for her ethnic Latino background, and the confusion she experiences with her identity all at the same time.

Through Hugo, Reid was able to showcase many inspiring themes, such as ambition and the ability to stand up for one’s self. Hugo’s strive for success, and her ability to rise to such a high position despite the challenges she faces early on in her career, causes readers to feel a sense of admiration, as well as just genuine care and concern for the character. Additionally, the author also emphasizes how Evelyn grows from a young girl who is willing to do what is asked of her to a strong, independent woman who demands respect, and stands up for her own rights. However, these words wouldn’t nearly do the complexity of the character justice, as Hugo is also extremely flawed, and has made some morally shocking choices that can leave readers feeling confused and frustrated, adding to the overall intense atmosphere.

I would highly recommend this novel as it’s not only an engaging, fast-paced story, but also opened my eyes towards the issues of the entertainment industry and the struggles many celebrities go through to get where they are. However, I would beware of some potentially triggering content, especially towards younger age groups.

-Aysha H.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: The Sun is Also a Star

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This story is a narrative about two main character love interests: Natasha and Daniel, two young and intensely passionate people. Daniel believes in love, time, fate, and the cosmos, while Natasha is a firm believer of science and all things tangible and observable in nature.

The narrative opens with Natasha’s family being deported back to Jamaica the next day as a result of his father’s DUI, from which the authorities discovered that the family are undocumented immigrants in the United States. Natasha is prepared to do anything to stay in New York because she refuses to accept leaving America, her real home.

Meanwhile, Daniel, who is the son of a Korean immigrant family, is forced to pursue a medical career. He got a interview from Yale in which his parents think is his ticket to a good life. However, he has a passion for poetry. He knows that he has one day to decide whether to attend that interview or save himself from permanently losing himself.

To be quite honest, I was first a bit dubious about this narrative since I wasn’t really much of a believer in fate or the power of the stars to bring people together. However, as I continued reading I realized that we don’t have control over love, and perhaps it does depend on the little coincidences of life that bring people together.

This quote from the book is one of my favorites. “There’s a Japanese phrase that I like: koi no yokan. It doesn’t mean love at first sight. It’s closer to love at second sight. It’s the feeling when you meet someone that you’re going to fall in love with them. Maybe you don’t love them right away, but it’s inevitable that you will” really explains how love is mysterious in its own ways and maybe really is determined by fate.

This book really is though provoking and brings many questions to the surface. For people who believe in fate and the stars: What really brings people together? Is it hormones as Natasha said? Or is it predestined by the stars and fate?

For people who don’t believe in stars and fate, and instead believe in science: How do we know for sure that our world was created by the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago? There are always things we can’t answer and will remain a mystery…

“How did we go from eyes as a survival mechanism to the idea of love at first sight?”…I guess we’ll never know.

– Aleena C.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: Vengeful (Villains 2), by V. E. Schwab

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Vengeful was certainly an interesting book. Be aware that this is the second and final book in the short series Villains- the first book being Vicious which I have written a review on so be sure to check that out! 

To start off, I would give it a solid eight out of ten. This book is definitely aimed towards older teenagers and adults and was quite a shock for me to read. The first book, although having strong language was appropriate enough for eighth grade and up but this book had much more innuendo and language so I would say tenth grade and up. 

Now looking at it from the plot and book point of view it was very interesting and kept up from the first book- the characters all complex the plot being enticing and entrancing. The book is hard to put down and is the perfect dark action book for any teenager. 

As the two college students, Eli and Victor, turn to rivals, time skips to where they now face off as adults. More characters are thrown in and there is a new dangerous EO (extra-ordinary) in town. In a competition to fight to the top these characters all face off on this strenuous climb.

This book opened me up to all sorts of different topics, and it may be a bit darker than most fantasy/sci-fi books but really can have people contemplating the meaning of power, and how life and death can affect us all. For people interested in this genre, and even those who aren’t, it is definitely worth the try!

Have a good read!

-Zayna G.

Vengeful by V. E. Schwab is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

US IN PROGRESS – Short Stories About Young Latinos- by Lulu Delacre

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US, in Progress, is pure heaven. I read the title as us, like the word, but my mom read it as US, like the abbreviation for the United States. I like that because both work as the title. It’s really fun. There are 12 independent stories in this book. Each has their own title and drawing that has a special meaning. 

The first story is called, The Attack, and is about a young Mexican boy named Emilio. His older brother, Tony, has epilepsy and there ends up being a problem. Emilio and José, his twin brother, try to help but it ends up worse. This story was thought-provoking and it was quite a start to this book.

*This one has spoilers 

The second story is named Selfie and the beautiful drawing is of a girl with a sugar skull painted on half of her face. That picture alone intrigued me. The girl, Marla, has a diabetic mother and she started having signs of type 2 diabetes. At school, she learns about bike programs and works to get her own bike. She then rides in the 9 mile Dia de Los Muertos ride and starts to feel better. In my opinion, it was a nice story because it had a happy ending.

*This one has spoilers 

The next story is by far my favorite one. Its name is Güera. It’s so fun! It centers around a Latina girl with pale skin and blond hair. Boy can I get that! Her giant family calls her Güera instead of her birth name, Vicky. When she gets on the subway, a guy gets up behind her. He and another man start to speak in Spanish and it starts to get negative. Luckily, our powerful Latina speaks Spanish and understands what they are saying. She does the unthinkable, she gives a snappy one liner. This story is amazing and perfect in every way.

Burrito Man is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. A teenager, Alex, goes with her Salvadorian (only one in the whole book) dad to his job as a burrito man at his truck. She then sees how much he cares for her and knows his community when he talks to each person by name as they put money into his tip jar which has a handwritten sign that says Alex´s College Fund. I won’t finish this summary because if I do, it will make you sad.

You have to rip off band aids, especially when you read the story Band Aid. It’s such a sad story with a tear jerking ending. It all starts when Alina´s father gets deported back to Honduras. She then becomes like a mother to her siblings, all while ghosting her best friend. This story really makes you long for your parents to wrap you up in a fuzzy blanket and shove warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookies in your face.

As a firstborn child, I make fun of my brothers a ton, but I would never bully them. Firstborn is about a middle child from Puerto Rico trying to live with her bully of an older sister. Her older sister is verbally tormenting her younger sisters. Eventually, the younger sisters snap. This short story makes me really think about how I treat my younger siblings and it’s definitely an eye opening read.

Cubano Two is about the two new hosts of  the morning news show. Both of them are 8th graders and Cubanos, which you could get from the title. They spend most of the chapter talking back and forth with their spicy vocabulary. It’s a very short chapter and not my favorite one. It’s still good though.

This next short story is called Peacemaker. It is about a young boy and his fighting parents. It’s a very suspenseful story that has a happy ending that makes me question how long the peace will last. I empathize a bit with the main character because I also calm down people after fights, when I can at least. But, I can’t really understand the pain that this guy has to go through.

Following the last story, The Secret, is another happy ending. A teenage girl finds out she’s illegal and starts to isolate herself from her younger sister, the main character. The younger sister reads Esperanza´s, the older sister´s, diary and tries to find a way to help. This story is nice because Esperanza means hope and that’s what this story oozes. Hope.

Pickup Soccer is a story you have to read a bit slower because of all the peoples names! You just read name after name and so it’s a bit of a slower read. It’s also in more of a poem format so it’s fun to read aloud! It’s about a VERY energetic guy and a pickup soccer game, which are very common.

*This one has spoilers 

This next story is named Saturday School. It centers around an unofficial Spanish speaker who goes to summer school to clean up?, her Spanish. It’s funny though because she learns Argentinian Spanish and I always have to explain to my friends that there are different types of Spanish. But, there is a very nice ending with a book club!

The last story!!!!!!! It’s called 90,000 children and there’s this guy, Frank, who hates immigrants, or as he calls them, aliens. It starts out weird because Frank hates immigrants but ends nicely. 

This book is amazing in every way. I love it so much and wish I owned it!! I can’t wait for more people to read it because it has so much knowledge and emotions  and experiences in it that there is plenty to spare!