Book review: Daisy Jones & The Six

Posted on April 6, 2026 by ameenahoss09

Book cover of Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Daisy Jones & The Six are one of the few books to leave a lingering ache after the last page. This book explores the lives of a band and a talented singer and songwriter Daisy Jones. The interview-style format for this book was captivating and I thought it was different.

Each character had their own internal thoughts. You really got to know what each character’s thought process was like and I thought that was interesting. I think Daisy Jones is definitely one of the most complex yet relatable characters ever written. The way Reid introduced her background story was a strategic move. It made sense she acted the way she did with how she handled addiction. It was really interesting how she seemed lost yet found with the band. I really wished Reid added more angst and interactions with Daisy and Billy. I understood that they were probably going to fall for each other but I wish there were more conversations between them before Daisy almost kissed him. Camila was also one of the most infuriating characters for me. She really got on my nerves throughout the entire book. I hate how the book made it seem like she was this extraordinary woman when really she was just a selfish woman who wanted things her way no matter what. I understand she stayed because she loved Billy and had a baby on the way. What I don’t understand is why you would stay with him knowing he loved another woman. I think Billy definitely just convinced himself he loved Camila more than he loved Daisy because of what she endured for him. The talk Camila gave Daisy before she left the band honestly gave away what type of woman she is. I honestly don’t believe Daisy would have left the band if Camila didn’t talk to her that night. She talked to her in such a manner that it seemed she wanted the best for her, when really she just wanted Daisy out of the way of her marriage. The Graham and Karen dynamic was also pretty messy. If Graham and Karen had talked the whole baby situation out I do think they would’ve been together or the very least friends. I also understand Karen’s frustration towards Graham when he insisted on her keeping the baby, considering she wanted to focus on her career. Eddie also made me kind of man. I get why he was upset at times but he’s literally not the main focus of the band. Pete and Warren were kind of in their own world. They were a part of the band but they weren’t really a part of the drama. It makes sense they all broke apart at the end but it was sad to see. Overall, this book really showed a lot of insight on what type of lives people in bands live. Looking past the romance and drama, the novel looks into how addiction and talent can create extraordinary art and destroy it. Each character goes through obstacles that test their limits.

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Abi G.

Some books make their impact slowly. The Rent Collector by Camron Wright is one of those stories that doesn’t rely on plot twists or dramatic pacing, but instead settles into you through its ideas. Set in a Cambodian landfill, the novel follows Sang Ly, a mother whose life is defined by survival: finding food, protecting her son, and enduring poverty that feels inescapable. But the heart of the story isn’t just where she lives; it’s how she learns to see herself.

What struck me most while reading was how literacy is treated as something deeply personal, not just practical. Learning to read doesn’t immediately change Sang Ly’s circumstances, but it changes her sense of possibility. In a place where dreaming feels risky, education becomes a quiet form of hope. That idea felt especially meaningful to me, because it reframes learning as more than schoolwork or achievement; it becomes a way of reclaiming dignity.

The most unexpected part of the novel is Sang Ly’s relationship with the rent collector, Sopeap Sin. At first, Sopeap represents fear and control, someone whose power is built on intimidation. But as her love for literature and storytelling is revealed, the novel complicates the idea of good versus evil. Sopeap’s character shows how people can be shaped by trauma and still be capable of beauty. This relationship is uncomfortable at times, but that discomfort is what makes it honest.

For teen readers, The Rent Collector offers a perspective shift. It’s easy to think of education as an obligation or a burden, especially when school feels overwhelming. This novel reminds us that learning is a privilege and one that can become a lifeline. Sang Ly’s determination to learn, despite exhaustion and fear, highlights how access to knowledge can change the way someone imagines their future, even if it doesn’t change their present right away.

By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t thinking about the landfill as much as I was thinking about stories themselves. The Rent Collector suggests that stories preserve humanity when everything else is stripped away. They hold memory, identity, and hope, things that can’t be taken, even in the harshest conditions. This book didn’t leave me feeling devastated or inspired in an obvious way. Instead, it left me more aware of how powerful something as simple as a story can be and how easily we forget that.

Divergent

Posted on March 28, 2026 by Eden B.

Divergent is the first book of the dystopian series by Veronica Roth, I first set my hands on this book when I was gifted it on my birthday. This book captured me, because of how its story line and plot follows along the same lines as Hunger Games, which is one of my favorite series. Divergent takes place in a futuristic Chicago where there are four factions, Dauntless, Abnegation, Erudite, Amity, and Candor. It follows the journey of a 16 year old girl named Beatrice, who must go through the choosing ceremony to discover which faction she belongs in and discovers she is ¨Divergent.¨

Ever since I started reading this book, I could not remove it from my hands it is such a great read! The word choice and syntax used in this book group together to create meaningful sentences, and serve to move the plot forward in a captivating, very actionable way. I especially love dystopian novels like this one, that take place in the future and create tension and dramatic effects when reading the book, all in all this is what makes a book a good read and captures the audience, which is exactly what Veronica Roth accomplished. I was excited to see that there is even a movie based on the book, which I will definitely be watching, hopefully it is as good and explains the same details as in the book. Next, I will be reading the second book in the series, which is Insurgent, which I am really excited to read because the first book leaves you in suspense, forcing you to read the remaining books in the series.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book for action seeking readers, and dystopian fans who are seeking a book that always holds you in suspense and brings you on the edge. I will definitely be writing more reviews on the remaining books of the Divergent series, so stay tuned. The Divergent book is currently available to check out at the Mission Viejo Library today!

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Abi G.

I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical in starting this 65-page novella, largely because I wasn’t sure how much I’d learn or capture from such a short book, a book whose premise centered upon a man who wakes up as a bug. While my impression of the novella was hesitant, the story unraveled timeless ideas that I hope many will value just as I did.

The Metamorphosis opens with Gregor Samsa’s transformation into a bug. Despite his unfamiliarity with his newfound bodily functions, Gregor immediately turns to his responsibility as the breadwinner of his family, resolving to his normal morning routine of getting ready for work. His family soon discovers Gregor’s alarming physique and are burdened with the responsibility of caring for him and undertaking the new responsibility of working to maintain their financial status.

Overtime, Gregor is outcasted by his family due to the physical loss of his humanity and his inability to fulfill a role in his family; however, Gregor spends his days in reflection and meditation and begins to understand his true role in society. Ultimately, this realization causes Gregor to shut down, finally finding peace in a slow, and bittersweet death.

The most significant moment in this novella, in my opinion, is the moment in which Gregor’s sister, Grete, begins to play the violin in the living room. Gregor’s parents watch, hoping to please their guests and disregard the artistic value of Grete’s playing. Gregor, on the other hand, losing more and more of his humanity, sits and embraces the music from the violin and no longer cares about pleasing others; he enjoys the music for the music. In this moment, I think Kafka is trying to show the reader that there is no monetary compensation for artistic appreciation and that the thing that makes us human is our ability to make art. In this way, Gregor actually becomes more human during his transformation into a bug; his family, rather, are the true insects in that they exploit Grete’s violin playing.

Kafka presents the idea that humans become obsessed with the idea that they must fulfill a role in society in order to avoid alienation; however, humans are ultimately fulfilled by the thing that only humans can do, which is making art and music.

I found this message quite beautiful, especially in today’s society. Many of us are largely obsessed with material value when it comes our status in society. Kafka shows us that our value actually comes from doing the things that makes us human.

Bleach by Tite Kubo: Manga Review

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Mina N.

Bleach chapter cover art Kubo,Tite | Bleach manga, Bleach anime art, Bleach anime

Even though he has the ability to see spirits, Ichigo Kurosaki strives to live as an ordinary high school student in Karakura Town, Japan. His life takes a drastic turn when he must obtain the powers of a Soul Reaper, which he receives from Rukia Kuchiki, to cleanse evil spirits known as Hollows. With these mysterious powers, he embarks on a journey to protect his loved ones and discovers hidden parts of the world and himself.

Characters and Pacing

Each character has unique thematic elements and distinct philosophies which make them stand out to me, although some aren’t obvious at first glance. Also, the character designs are super cool! Bleach is the type of manga where each page must be read carefully while taking the time for reflection, as it may be easy to overlook crucial details that give deeper insight into a character’s actions and agency.

The intense battle scenes and violence aren’t just for hype moments, but reflect conflicting ideals between its participants. Throughout his battles, Ichigo not only forms and strengthens bonds with those around him, but he gradually learns to accept the darkest and most vulnerable parts of himself.

Compared to the anime, the manga’s pacing is faster and much more consistent, though it might make the fighting scenes a little boring and anticlimactic.

Mayuri's speech on perfection, his relationship with Nemu, and the events of TYBW: what's your take? : r/bleach — In Kurotsuchi Mayuri’s battle with Szayelaporro

Not to mention, there are some amazing antagonists and plot twists! I would’ve liked to include my top favorites in this post, but revealing their existence spoils the surprise.

However, I personally find the emotional development and impact to be lacking, as the series focuses more on presenting ideals and battles.

World Building and Themes

Much of Bleach’s world building and themes are predicated on the concepts of life and death, and encourages the reader to ponder not only the meaning behind the characters’ actions, but how those same ideas exist and can be applied to our modern society. Yes, the existence of multiple supernatural realms is fascinating, but they serve more as narrative mechanisms to demonstrate how the balance between life and death is delicate and how accepting both gives meaning to our existence.

What does white ichigo poem mean? : r/bleach

There are more poems like this at the end of each volume, and they really tie everything together.

Afterword

This is one of my favorite series ever, and I recommend it to older folks. It is highly advised that the manga be read first before watching the anime, as there are pacing issues in the animated version.

If you are planning to watch the anime, it’s okay to only watch the Thousand Year Blood War arc since there’s additional content which wasn’t in the manga.

…That’s it!

Book Review – When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Brady B.

Cover of the book 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi, featuring a minimalist design with a blue feather.

As a pre-med, I’ve gotten into the habit of reading not just books containing relevant technical knowledge, but also the books that really show the human side of medical careers. This was the book that filled the story-shaped void in my stack of cell biology textbooks.

Dr. Paul Kalanithi, the author of this autobiography, details his journey, starting out with his experience moving to Kingman, Arizona from New York City. He didn’t have much to begin with; at the time, the school district he grew up in didn’t have the best resources, yet he pressed on. Finding solace and meaning in the classics, he built a solid foundation which ultimately got him into Stanford University. After finishing his master’s degree at Cambridge, he found his calling, and went to medical school at Yale.

Yet, the nature of this book wouldn’t be the same if it were just about his successes. The story takes a tragic turn in the middle of his neurosurgery residency. He was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic lung cancer. Reflecting on his mortality as a human, he realized that coming in such close contact with his own mortality had changed both “nothing and everything,” simultaneously realizing that thinking about death all the time was no way to live. Despite being faced this diagnosis, he didn’t stop being himself, continuing his career for as long as he can hold on.

Of all the autobiographies I have read, this one is the memorable, not because it related with a future career trajectory that I’m trying to pursue, but a rare book that addresses human mortality and the nature of life itself in a field that coexists side-by-side with death. It’s for this reason that I believe that this work is a must-read for anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The one part that I simultaneously love and hate about autobiographies is their dual and fickle role— while they chronicle the herculean tasks that their authors had to go through to achieve overwhelming success, loss and sadness bleed through the pages as well. A good autobiography will have moments where one feels like they’re standing at the summit of the mountain with the author, and moments where one is crying alongside them.

Ultimately, my greatest takeaway from the book is this line, which follows me today, and will follow me as I continue to go through my own journey: “even if I’m dying, until I actually die, I am still living”.

Frindle by Andrew Clements

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Hugh H.

Frindle is a short novel by Andrew Clements. The story is about a ten-year old boy named Nick Allen who attends Lincoln Elementary School in New Hampshire. Nick has developed a reputation for being mischievous. He tries to get away with doing as little homework as possible. Upon entering the fifth grade, he meets a new teacher named Mrs. Granger who is known for being very strict about using a dictionary and following the rules of the English language.

Nick tries to challenge Mrs. Granger by inventing a new word. In front of his teacher, Nick begins to use the word “frindle” to describe a pen. The other classmates find this amusing, and they start using the word frindle as well. Mrs. Granger tries to stop them, but it becomes a massive craze. What started off as a childish prank eventually develops into a nationwide phenomenon, and even Nick can’t stop its momentum.

This book is extremely entertaining. The characters are very realistic and the book makes it seem like this could have happened in real life. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the many surprises throughout the book. I read it very quickly because I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. Not only is the story funny and enjoyable, but it explores interesting themes about the power of language and creativity. It helped me think about the origin of words and about the beauty of the English language. I would definitely recommend this book to readers of all ages.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Eden B.

The first impression I got from watching the quirky, animated stop-motion film “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is that it’s a fun, lighthearted film about clever animals and the angry, vengeful farmers who seek to harm them. The film follows Mr. Fox, an ex-thief, who cannot help himself from returning to his old ways of stealing food, despite the promises made to his wife that he would try to live a safer, more quiet life. When Mr. Fox does finally give in to his wild nature again, his actions put his family and friends at risk and causes chaos to erupt. Even though the film has many laughs and is action-packed, it also is a thoughtful and emotional film, especially concerning family, identity and growing-up.

When I first started reading the first few pages of this book, I just could not stop. This book is like my cup of tea, I love dystopian, fantasy novels, and if you are looking for a book in that genre, this is totally the book for you. It is so interesting to follow the journey of Haymitch as a 16 year old boy, because he is so different in his character compared to when he first makes his appearance in the first book of the Hunger Games series. This book is beautifully written with much detail, and action, and is associated with feelings of sadness, and catches your eye throughout the whole book. I am a huge fan of the Hunger Games world, and when I saw that Suzanne Collins was going to release a new book, you have no idea how excited I was, but I also had mixed feelings on if it was going to be as good as the last Hunger Games, the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, I was not disappointed at all and love this book.

I would highly recommend this book for action, and adventure seekers, and fans of fantasy and dystopian novels. I would recommend however, reading the first Hunger Games book in the series and continuing through in order, before reading Sunrise on the Reaping, as it better follows through with the story and will allow you to better understand the different characters, and the story. Sunrise on the Reaping is now available to check out at the Mission Viejo Library today! And is going to become a major motion picture in theaters in November!

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach (Book Review)

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Elane F.

Book cover of 'Fuzz' by Mary Roach featuring an embroidered patch with animals including a bear, a coyote, and a deer, set against a yellow background. The subtitle reads 'When Nature Breaks the Law'.

What does the natural world owe us? Should animals and humans exist as separate entities or be allowed to co-exist? If a bear robs your house, is it a crime? Fuzz by Mary Roach tackles all these questions and more, examining what occurs when nature breaks the laws of human society.

One such case involves suburbanization and its impact on wildlife. As suburbanization continues, food related bear break-ins have become more prevalent, delivering an interesting moral quandary. In later chapters, I found that this book veers somewhat from its original concept of “Nature Breaking the Law,” instead providing insight into the role of wild animals (and a few plants) in our increasingly less wild world. Roach travels throughout the world to investigate issues at the intersections of Human-animal interactions. One chapter I found very interesting was when Roach travelled to India to investigate elephants and the behaviors that stem from the expansion of agriculture.

One thing I really love about Roach’s writing is that she always finds a way to include fun little tidbits and facts. Some of my favorites include:

Drunk Elephant isn’t just a skincare brand, it’s a phenomenon that occurs relatively often when elephants break into fermenting products.
Bears, when hibernating, reabsorb their waste. Bear cubs, however, don’t. They just let their mother eat it later.
Mountain lion, cougar, and puma are all just names for the same species.

This book isn’t only about animals though. There are also a few chapters on plants, including one specifically on, of all things, castor beans. Castor beans contain the poison ricin, which is illegal to possess. However, the plant itself is legal to own. I also learnt about the dangers of old, tall trees, which can cause death or injury from falling limbs.

In general, I found this book highly informative, grappling with serious topics while still maintaining a lighthearted and funny tone. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in nature, or just anyone looking for a nonfiction book that doesn’t read like a textbook.

Book Review: Animal Farm

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Olivia B.

Cover of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell featuring a silhouette of a pig and the text, 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others', against a red background.

Animal Farm by George Orwell was one of my first classics, and is one of my favorite pieces of literature. It is a dystopian novella that, despite having complex ideas and themes, is quite easy to understand, making it a great read for beginners. However, it should be noted that this story contains mature themes, such as violence.

Taking place in a mid-20th century English farm named Manor Farm, the book follows farm animals that overthrow their abusive human farmer, Mr. Jones; the animals hope to establish an equal society within the farm. However, the pigs, led by Napolean, take control and tyrannically oppress the other animals.

The plot is interesting, keeping readers engaged the entire time. Orwell’s writing style and language is a bit challenging, but still understandable. The slow build up to the pigs’ corruption is thrilling yet terrifying; the reader slowly begins to understand that the pigs are no better than the humans. Despite being published in 1975, Animal Farm‘s themes are still significant to society today. It criticizes totalitarianism, revealing how power corrupts.

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This quote by George Orwell is ironic, satirizing tyrannic leaders. It means that ideals of equality can be destroyed by unchecked power. The corrupt pigs of the farm demonstrate this danger.

Perhaps I am a bit biased because it is one of my favorite books, but I cannot provide any criticism when it comes to The Animal Farm. To me, it is an amazing book that challenges readers to contemplate society and its flaws. This novella is powerful, despite its seemingly simple story.

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