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Monday, December 30, 2013

Paper Towns

Review by Edan (and once again, I am sorry for the lack of posts due to my school work and high school applications)
Title: Paper Towns
Author: John Green
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Published: 2008

Summary:
Quenten’s life started out as the next door neighbor of Margot.  They were friends, but over the years, things changed. Margot became popular with her adventurous ways, Q stayed in the shadows with his few friends and they rarely talked. But one night, a few weeks from the end of senior year of high school, Margot shows up my his window with a list of random chores and daring tasks they have to do. The moment he decides to help her is the moment he starts his journey of discovering who Margot really is. The next day, Margot is missing, but she leaves clues for Q and his friends. Only clues he could understand. And with that, Q embarks on a journey to find Margot and answer the question: Who is Margot Roth Spiegelman?

Review:
This book has now been added to my short list of my all time favorite books (along with Eragon by Christopher Paolini, Skellig by David Almond and Pay it Forward by Catharine Ryan Hyde). I loved the mystery and the character building. Q transforms from a kid just going with the flow, to actually looking at the world around him. He realizes new things about his friends and their friendship and he begins to see people in different angles. On his journey to find Margot, he has to question himself as well. Had he really known her? What was the dark shadow within her? Had he let her get away? Was it all his fault?

 I found this book completely hilarious at times, but sad and lonely at others. Paper Towns has a way of capturing your interest and literally pulling you into the story. When Q and his friends had to a limited time to go somewhere important (I'm not going to tell;), I had the same rush and hurriedness as the characters. When I had to put the book down for a moment, I felt like I was running out of time as well. That ability to capture the feeling of being in the story and the mixture of undeniable humor and sadness is what makes John Green such an amazing author. I love his writing and think Paper Towns is his best book yet. 

Rating:*****

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Review by Edan (Sorry, I haven't posted much lately. I have been really busy with homework and high school applications :)
Title: The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants (Sisterhood #1)
Author: Ann Brashares
Published: 2001
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Summary:
A tight knit group of high school friends, Carman, Tibby, Lena and Bridget begin an exciting summer with a pair of pants. Carman had found "The Pants" at a thrift store. They were your average blue jeans, but were more then just average to this group of friends, to them they were magical. As these four split different ways over the summer, the Traveling Pants collected each of their stories. With Lena in Greece, Tibby staying home, Carman visiting her dad in South Carolina and Bridget at a soccer camp in Mexico, these pants travel from person to person, binding them even though each girl has had so many different experiences. And when they finally meet again with the same trust and love, they have the pants to thank.

Review:
I thought this was a very fun and entertaining book. The reader follows each person's very different story, and you really begin to empathize and understand each character. It was hard at first, because the author changes character and character seamlessly, I was reading about Carman and flipped the page and was suddenly reading about Tibby. This style was really easy to get used to though. It felt as though I was reading 5 different books at the same time. One about each girl, and the story about all of them together. I enjoy fantasy books, but I also like to read about real life magic. The type of magic that follows us everywhere and shines through the trees and friendships. It was a fun read that made me want to know what was coming next, causing me to finish the book in two days :) I can't wait to read the second one and see what adventures await them. I would recommend this book to any teenager looking for a good read full of friends, emotions and trying to understand yourself and others.

Rating:****

Monday, October 14, 2013

Pay it Forward

Review by Edan
Title: Pay it Forward
Author: Catharine Ryan Hyde
Published: 2000
Publisher: Pocket Books

Summary:
12 year old Trevor lives in a small town in California. He starts off the school year with a new teacher and an extra credit assignment: To come up with a plan to change the world for a better future and to put it into action. Trevor jumps onto this assignment and comes up with a simple but brilliant plan. An idea called Pay it Forward. An idea that could truly change the world and everyone in it. An idea of generosity and favors, where instead of paying someone back you pay it forward by another favor to someone else. Its a story of pure wonder.

Review:
It is a amazing book. It is full of ordinary kids and people with regular lives who can truly do something about the world. The story moves between characters, Trevor, his mom, his teacher, people he payed it forward to, a reporter and even more. It also sometimes flips into first person for a little bit, helping you understand the characters a little better. It also enters Trevor's diary. You read the story form all angles, the one who started it, people who received it, to people who wonder about it. It is amazing and a must read. It is inspiring and makes you wonder why hasn't anybody actually done it. The idea has been created, why doesn't someone try to do it. Maybe that is what the author was trying to get us to to. Maybe she was trying to get the idea out there to the public. It is inspiring for anyone with dreams. Anyone with a plan to change the world. Anyone who wishes for a better future for all.

Rating:*****

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Looking for Alaska

Review by Edan
Title: Looking for Alaska
Author: John Green
Publisher: Dutton Books
Published: 2005

Summary:
Miles, or Pudge, loves last words, everyones last words, and obsesses over the "Great Perhaps". When he decides to go a boarding school called Culver Creek everything he ever believed and done is questioned. He is thrown into pranks with his friends, studying, conceptions and Alaska Young. She is one of his friends, full of humor, smarts, self-corruptiveness and mystery. When he finally falls in such deep love with her and her shroud of mystery, she becomes impossible to get. Impossible to see. Impossible to hear. Impossible to find. And causes him to never trust himself and the world again.

Review:
It was an amazing book. It was divided into two sections, Before and After, leaving you to wonder what they mean. Miles is an interesting character, a good boy leaving his home, not ready to bet mixed up with everything else. Or thats what he thinks when he first gets there. He just wants to fit in and eventually Alaska changes who he is. Everything about him. He forms a new Miles, a new Pudge. It is an enchanting story. The end becomes slightly tiresome, of fighting over dumb stuff and blind ideas. It is a humorous book with a depressing undertone that I would highly recommend, though to anyone at least in 8-9 grade. It makes you think, while also being entraining and wondrous. It has a good plot, with interesting characters and philosophies. I would highly recommend it. But watch out, it will make you cry....

Rating: *****

Monday, September 23, 2013

My Name is Mina

Review by Edan
Title: My Name is Mina
Author: David Almond
Published: 2010
Publisher: Hopper Childrens Books

Summery:
Mina has always been different. She sees the word in different ways. She didn't fit in at school. She picks up this journal and writes what she thinks. How she sees the world and what is is to her. She explains everything through her writing, third person stories and poems. She will change you views with just a couples of phrases.

Review:
OK, I know that was a bad summary. It is just a hard book to explain. It is so beautiful though. I love David Almond's writing. Mina writes in a way that is easy to understand and relate to. She learns and discovers everyday and shares her ideas with you. After reading this book, I truly was changed. My English teacher says that a good book is one that changes your views, it is not always true, but this one certainly does. David Almond got his idea of writing My Name is Mina from his other book Skellig. I loved Skellig. I think that you should read Skellig before picking up My Name is Mina. It would take away some of the mystery of Skellig if you had read My Name is Mina before hand. These two books are beautiful and mysterious, leaving you to wonder and think. I think everyone should pick up these books and read them, then decide what they think of them. Reading these books is about understanding, if you can not purely understand or except what is happening, reading these books will infuriate you. You have to open your mind. These two books and wonderful, mystical, beautiful, awe-inspiring and touching books; a must read for anyone.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

San Francisco Book Sale

If you love books and live near San Francisco, CA, make sure to come down to Fort Mason next week for some book-mania!

Next week will be the annual book sale! They have old books, new books, kids books, science books, books on tape, vinyls, CDs, DVDs and more! Everything is under $3 and all proceeds will go to the San Francisco Public LIbrary. A warehouse with rows upon rows of books, what could be better?! All of the books are organized into tables to there is some order to it all ;)  If you have the time, try to make it down there, I love it and have found some of my favorite series there.

Location:
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion

Times:
(***Members only preview and reception***) Tuesday (9/25) 4PM-8PM
Wednesday (9/26) to Sunday (9/29) 10AM-6PM

Click here for more information.

Hope to see you there!




Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Thirteen Reasons Why

Review by Edan
Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Published: 2007
Publisher: Razorbill

Summary:
One day Clay Jensen comes homes to find a box of cassette tapes on his porch. The cassette tapes were recorded by Hannah Baker, a classmate who committed suicide two weeks earlier. He begins listening to them, they are the thirteen reasons why she did it. Why she ended her life. Each side is about someone and each person on the list will have to listen to all of them. Clay doesn't know why he is on the list. He never did anything to harm Hannah, or at least he didn't think so. He finally sits down to a long night of wandering, crying, listening and understanding.

Review:
It is an amazing book. It makes you truly understand how all the little things can truly change or harm someone's life. As you hear Hannah talking, you also hear the thoughts going through Clay's mind. You watch him go where Hannah tells him and you hear what he has to say about Hannah. It is beautifully written. It is sad and depressing, but also inspirational and makes me want to learn more about suicide statistics. I don't really know what else to say about it, but it is a must read for any teen. It is a wonderful book that I could read again and again and never catch everything.

Rating:*****

Monday, July 29, 2013

Goose GIrl

Review by Edan
Title: Goose Girl (The Books of Bayren #1)
Author: Shannon Hale
Published: 2003
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Summary:
Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, or Ani for short, is the Crown Princess of Kildenree. But others cast long glances at her and act like she is an outsider, because when she was young her aunt taught her the language of animals and birds. Her mother forbid her from conversing with her animal friends, so she began working on getting ready to be queen. Soon her mother announces Ani will be marrying the prince in Bayren and she is quickly sent away. On their way to Bayren, her lady-in-waiting leads a mutiny and she and the most of the other guards take the lady-in-waiting to marry the prince. Alone, Ani goes to the king and finds a job as the goose girl for taking care of the royal geese. Ani has secrets that can't be kept for long and she is finally building a trustworthy family around her. Will the truth be enough to convince the king that she real is the princess?

Review:
I know that summary probably sounded really bad, but I didn't really know how to explain the plot. Just read the book, it all makes sense and is amazing. I like how instead of having one universal language of animals, Ani has to learn the body movements and individual sounds of each species, witch is a lot more believable than being able to talk with telepathy. There is some of that though, not to give anything away. I like Ani's character, she is shy and is nervous talking with people. She feels like she can't trust anyone and has to choose between friend and foe. The beginning is a little slow, but the rest of the story is enchanting and beautiful. It was a fun read that I really enjoyed. It is full of mystery, beauty, adventure, chance, friendship and plots. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fun fantasy.

Rating:****

Friday, July 12, 2013

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes

Review by Edan
Title: Beyonders: A World Without Heroes (Beyonders #1)
Author: Brandon Mull
Published: 2011
Publisher: Aladdin

Quick Summary:
Jason Walker's life is turned upside down when he stumbles into the hippopotamus tank at the zoo. He is devoured by it's gaping jaws, but is not eaten. Jason soon finds himself in another world... Lyrian, where the evil wizard emperor, Maldor, rules with an iron fist. Jason accidentally happens upon the first syllable of the word to unmake Maldor and is thrown to the secret rebellion, where he meets another Beyonder from Earth, Rachel. Together they set off on a perilous quest to find the word. They must pick their friends and foes, evade the emperors destroying servants and maneuver through this strange world. And, in the end, will they ever live to find a way back home?

Review:
I really like this series. I am rereading it because I forgot what happened and need to read the third book, but it is still an awesome book. I love how creative Brandon Mull is. He created bizarre animals, plants, stories and other human-like races. Soon you really feel like you belong to Lyrian, like it is real world. Having read it before, it was easier to imagine all of the different objects. Jason is interesting. He is an average 8th grade boy who plays baseball and is a devote student. Somehow, he and Rachel manage and maneuver their way through Lyrian. Jason is stubborn at times and in the beginning, he doesn't understand the way that information is told,  people act and the main principles of Lyrian. Rachel is also stubborn and hates the way women are treated there. Jason and Rachel are alike in many ways and make a good team. They are resourceful, careful, hurried and determined. I would really recommend the Beyonders for anyone who enjoys other world, fantasies and thrilling adventures.

Rating:*****

Monday, June 24, 2013

White Cat

Review by Edan
Title: White Cat (Curse Workers #1)
Author: Holly Black
Published: 2012
Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

Summary:
Cassel comes from a family of curse workers, people who can change your emotions, luck, memories and even your physical being with a touch of a hand. Cassel is an outsider, different from the rest, because he was not given the ability to curse work when he was born. There is one different thing about him though: he killed his best friend Lila when he was 14. Cassel soon has nightmares about a white cat, and is constantly sleep walking. Things start to go astray when he hears secret conversations, reads things he's not supposed to read and notices suspicious behavior. Is his family keeping a deep truth from him? A truth that changes everything. A truth that changes who he is and who he was. A truth that will change his life forever.

Review:
White Cat is an awesome book. It takes place in a world where people are afraid of bare hands and everyone wears gloves. Our world, just slightly different. It is really interesting. Cassel is an interesting character. He is different than the rest of his family of murderers, assassins and thugs. He uses his brain and con. He gets by in his world of magic just with his brain. It is a thrilling novel, but sometimes is confusing. It takes awhile to understand everything to know about "workers" and curses. It is also confusing when he talks about Lila. How can you kill someone and not remember? It is just weird, but makes sense later in the book. White Cat makes you sit on the edge of your seat and try to piece everything together. I would recommend White Cat for anyone looking for a good fantasy or thriller.


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Shiloh

Review by Edan
Title: Shiloh
Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Published: 1991
Publisher: Atheneum

Quick Summary:
Young Marty lives in West Virginia and has always wanted a pet. One day he finds a small, shy and timid beagle in the woods, falls in love with him and takes him home, naming him Shiloh. He finds out it is really Judd Travers' new hunting dog and return Shiloh to Judd. Marty comes across Shiloh again and decides to keep him in secret, where Judd can't starve and kick him for running off. Things get tuff as Marty struggles to keep his secret and soon it slips out. It is up to Marty whether he has enough will to stand up to Judd and keep Shiloh forever.

Review:
I really liked the short, beautiful tale. I love animals and can relate to Marty in many ways. I don't know what I would do if I found Shiloh in the woods, but 11 year old Marty was really brave to stand up to Judd. In the beginning, it was a little hard to understand because it was written in first person and he wrote with an accent. Eventually it was fine. The story is not really that slow. It is so short that is fits everything in and has no lapses. If you like adventure, this book is not for you. But if you like real life stories about kids or if you like animals, you would probably enjoy this book. It is short and sweet and is one story about a boy and dog that has a happy ending.

Rating:****

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Theodore Boone: The Accused

Review by Edan
Title: Theodore Boone: The Accused (Theodore Boone #3)
Author: John Grisham
Published: 2012
Publisher: Penguin Group

Quick Summary:
Theo Boone, son of two lawyers, is excited in the retrial of the Pete Duffy murder case, where Theo turned the table of events a few months earlier. The town of Strattenburg is alive with murmurs, but soon things start to look worse for Theo. First he find items stolen from his locker, later his bike tires and slashed and a rock flies through his window, showering him in glass. Next, things go too far as the police suspect him as the thief of a computer shop theft. All of the evidence is pointing toward Theo and only he can find out who the real thief is. Join Theo to see if he can find them before the case is closed...

Review:
Out of all of the Theodore Boone books, I liked this book the most. It was the most interesting and thrilling. It made me sit on the edge of my seat even more. It is full of suspense and you are as stuck as Theo when it comes to figuring out the problem. I love Thoe's character. It is really real and make you realize how fake and brave some other main characters are. It makes you think about who you would react to the vandalism and framing. The stories are always complicated and full of other cases and trails that Theo gets wrapped up in. It captures how busy a middle schoolers life really is. The Theodore Boone books are realistic and easily relatable, and it is still inthralling and captivating. I really enjoy reading the Theodore Boone books and can't wait to finish up the series with the last book, Theodore Boone: The Activist

Rating:****

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Delirium


Review by Edan
Title: Delirium (Delirium #1)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Published: 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins

Quick Summary:
Love is a disease, or so Lena has been told all her life. Her evaluations are coming up, when she will be paired, and finally married. Married, of course, after she has been cured of the deadly disease of love. They tell her the cure will make her happy, that she has nothing to be afraid of, and she doesn't doubt them. She is afraid to do anything wrong and follows along everyone else. She finally begins to open her eyes when her friend Hana shows her the world of invalid music, parties and opinions. Where love is not scared of, where uncured girls and boys come together. Then there is Alex. Another boy with a mysterious past and who Lena looses her heart for. He shows her the lies that surround her life, the lies that had been fed to her since her mother committed "suicide". In the end, it is up to Lena has to decide who to trust, where to go, and what to believe.

Review:
I really like Delirium. In the beginning, I assumed it would be another Sci Fi book about a girl who falls in love, but has to marry someone else. She runs away and starts a rebellion or something like that. Delirium is different and a thrilling novel. In the beginning I was really frustrated at Lena because of how stubborn she was. She couldn't believe Hana was doing the illegal and was just scared. I hated how blind she was being and how she just wanted to go along with everything. Finally, things become more clear and you understand more about Lena. This book is not just about love and choice, but about freedom and truth. They lead more choosing lives than people in other Sci Fi books, but their minds have been corrupted into just believing what is told to them. They don't doubt the system. The end of the book leaves you with more questions, some answers and a longing to find out what happens next.

Rating:*****

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

Review by Edan:
Title: Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer (Theodore Boone #1)
Author: John Grisham
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Published: 2010

Quick Summary:
13 year old Theodore Boone is the son of two lawyers in the small town of Strattenburg. Theo dreams of becoming a big lawyer or judge someday and is acquainted with almost every policeman, lawyer and judge in the town. There is a big murder case and Theo is soon watching it with intensity. He soon finds himself wrapped up in this mystery. It doesn't have a clear answer and there is a unidentified witness confiding in Theo. The trial is finally coming to an end and the guilty man might go away free. Can Theo get this witness to the courtroom before it's too late?

Review:
I thought this book was very interesting and fun. It was a little slow at first, but I really liked Theo. He is not very complex, but still complicated. He know a lot about the law and it teaches the reader some new facts in a fun way. Theo has large ambitions and is always dealing and advising with legal issues with people around his school. The book was exciting and never too boring. It makes you wonder what will happen next and how he will confront his problem. Theo works with his family and friends to find answers that others cannot. This was a fun, delightful, exciting and inspiring book.

Rating:****

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Life of Pi

Review by Edan
Title: Life of Pi
Author: Yann Martel
Published: 2006
Publisher: Seal Books

Quick Summary:
Pi Patel lives in Pondicherry, India on a zoo owned by his father. He loves to study two subjects, animals and religion. Pi is a devote Hindu, Catholic and Muslim. He has his own opinions and thoughts that aren't always excepted. Finally, his parents are forced to sell the zoo. They go on a cargo ship called the Tsimtsum with the zoo animals heading to Canada. Soon, the ship sinks and Pi is thrown onto a lifeboat with a bengal tiger. He realizes he will have to work twice as hard to find a way to alive with the tiger (Richard Parker). As Pi struggles to survive, he learns to love his companion Richard Parker and they both experience amazing scenes and mystical events. Will these two castaways survive on a adventure they will never understand?

Edan's Review:
Life of Pi is a crazy, nerve racking story. The first half was a little boring and confusing as Pi describes his ideas, beliefs and life in Pondicherry, but is still interesting and intriguing. The second half is an amazing unbelievable story about a boy and tiger. Because the reader is in Pi's head, it is hard to look at the scenario in someone else's perspective. You are tested to see what you believe as Pi sees many crazy and amazing things. By the end of the book, the reader has a connection with not only Pi, but also Richard Parker. The story takes many unexpected twists and has many different ideas. I loved reading this fascinating, colorful, a bit gruesome, mysterious and interesting adventurous book.

Rating:*****



Friday, April 19, 2013

Eragon

Review by Edan
Title: Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle, Book 1)
Author: Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Knopf Books
Published: 2005

Quick Summary:
Eragon is just a small farm boy from the Palancar Valley in Alagaesia. One day he stumbles upon a blue stone in the forest. Eragon is soon swept  into confusion and doubt as the stoned hatches into a dragon, turing Eragon into one of the long gone Dragon Riders. He names his dragon Saphira and together they learn their path as a dragon and Rider. The only Rider left is Galbatorix, the immortal and evil ruler of Alageasia who wants to have Eragon as his own Rider. Eragon soon is off on a journey with his town storyteller, Brom, to track down the creatures who killed his uncle. Eragon soon has to face dangerous choices of allegiance, trust and friendship, for what he chooses will slant the prospects of an ever brewing war...

Review:
I love Eragon. This is the second time I have read it and still love it. It is a book filled with secrets and adventure. The ideas about dwarves, elves, dragons, magic and other creatures of the sort are different, more realistic and believable than other perspectives. If I had to choose the most believable type of magic that I have read about (wands, charms, spirits, potions, ect.) I would choose this one. Eragon changes a lot throughout the book, turning from a illiterate farm boy to a Dragon Rider, swordsman and magic user. He gains knowledge and cautiousness, but still remains the stone headed fool that he was. Like Saphira says, Eragon is like a hatchling always getting into trouble. The never stopping excitement  leaves me reading for hours on end. Re-reading it had made somethings clearer than before, and I think I wouldn't mind re-re-reading this series once I done with it again. Eragon is never ending, adventure, trust, battles, information, thoughts and choice.

Rating:*****

Monday, April 15, 2013

The Hobbit

Review by Edan
Title: The Hobbit
Author: J. R. R. Tolkien
Published: 1937
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin

Quick Summary:
Bilbo Baggins lives an easy life in his cozy little hobbit hole. He doesn't have a care in the world, until a group of dwarves sweep Bilbo off his feet and into an adventure that changes this little hobbit's life forever. The dwarves (and their announced "burglar" Bilbo Baggins) set off on a quest to take back the dwarfish gold stolen by the dragon Smaug. On their journey to the Smaug's lair, Bilbo encounters giant spiders, a ring of invisibility, goblins, trolls and many twisting riddles and problems. To get to the Lonely Mountain, slay a dragon and return alive seems unlikely, but can this small troop do it?

Review:
I loved the fantasy, adventure and never stopping excitement. Bilbo changes a lot through out the story, at first always needing his handkerchief, to later making do with his one meal a day. There is a lot of imagination though out the story and many twists on the different ways mythical creatures look like and act. The journey is expectable, hardships and obstacles blocking their way, but when they reach the Lonely Mountain the story takes another turn. Bilbo begins to act more unexpectedly and has more surprises and secrets. All the characters are interesting, but because Bilbo is traveling with 13 dwarves, you really only get to know some of them. It takes longer to read because each page is crammed with as many words that can fit on it. At first it feels like it is going to take forever, but then it just flies by. I really enjoyed reading The Hobbit and can't wait to read The Lord of the Rings next.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Bitterblue

Review by Edan
Title: Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3)
Author: Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Dial
Published: 2012

Quick Summary:
King Leck left Monsea in mayhem. He was what is called a Graceling in these seven kingdoms. Like all Gracelings, he had two colored eyes and his Grace was being able to use words to control people. He could make anyone bend to his will and feel or think as he tells them. Now, it is up to Bitterblue (Lecks daughter) to clean up his mess. He was killed, to her relief, at age ten and she now she tries to rule her kingdom as best she can at age eighteen. Her world is covered by lies. She tells lies, her most trusted friends lie to protect her, her staff lies and Leck filled everyones heads with lies that cannot be solved. Bitterblue leaves her castle to find truth and is astonished at who she finds lying. She tries to make sense of her world and what really happened during Lecks reign.

Review:
I loved Bitterblue. I held my breath reading the entire thing. I tried to understand what happened and find I cannot figure out who did what and why. It seems as if everything twisted and tied. Everyone is scarred by Lecks reign and Bitterblue needs to find answers to be a good and strong queen. I think I liked Bitterblue better than Graceling. The first 300 pages are filled with lies, truths, sneaking, discovering, puzzling and making sense. Finally pages 400-500 are filled with excitement and Bitterblue discovers the terrifying and depressing truth. I could not stop reading. Bitterblue is filled with emotion that makes everything seem so real. It is awe and inspiring. I feel that I should I explain and expand more, but I don't know what to say. I absolutely loved it. it is full of fantasy, adventure (in an exiting sort of way), lies, emotions, mysterious characters and questions.

I know that Bitterblue comes after Fire in the Graceling Realm Serries, but I don't think it matter what order you read them, just as long you read Graceling first. I have started reading Fire and I liked reading Bitterblue second because Graceling and Bitterblue are more connected in the storyline. Fire gives explanations for something that happens later in Bitterblue. You should read all of them anyways! :)

Rating:*****


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Graceling


Review by Edan
Title: Graceling (Graceling Realm #1)
Author: Kristin Cashore
Published: 2008
Publisher: Harcourt

Quick Summary:
Katsa is Graced. She is one of the rare people with a Grace. Her Grace allows her to fight and kill as easily as nothing. She is the King Randa's niece and has to distribute his punishments. Everything changes as she saves the grandfather of the Lienid royal from another kidnapping king. She meets Po, another Graced Lienid prince, and begins a journey that will change her life forever...

Review:
Graceling is an exciting and connecting book. The main character, Katsa, explores her Grace of death and is torn about how easily she can kill. She fights herself throughout the book and connects with the reader. She doesn’t know her identity. She slowly uncovers parts of herself and becomes confuse, but begins to understand who she is. At one point she finally realized how much she hated not having control. The way Katsa uncovers herself herself, also helps the reader realize who they are as well. Katsa has a whole journey to find that out though, unlike most people. Along with Katsa’s thoughts, this book was never ending excitement. It was full of perils and hardships. The way Katsa and her friend Po pull through them are always inventive and creative. They meet unwanted soldiers, wrestle, fight, travel, run, discover and talk. The reader never wants to put the book down as this mysterious girl surges through forests, fights, mountains and seas. Graceling is full of excitement and adventure, but also thought and thinking.

Rating:*****

To Live

Review by Edan
Title: To Live
Author: Yu Hua
Published: 1993
Publisher: Anchor Books and Random House of Canada

Quick Summary:
Fugui lives in China on their estate. He belongs to the rich Xu family and probably wouldn't have to worry about his future, but he takes up gambling. Soon, he had thrown away all of his family's land and money, turning them into peasants. He struggles at first, but soon he and his family start to understand peasant life. As the Communist and Cultural Revolution are beating down hard, Fugui watches everything as a farmer. He sees his town change, his family change, his life change and his world change. He sees things that will change his life forever.

Review:
To Live is very informative book about China and the Communist and Cultural Revolutions. You watch one very interesting character though out the whole book and watch him change. He starts out being a selfish person not caring about his family, but he ends his story loving the little things he has left, especially his family. You grow a strong connection to all of the characters. This is a inspiring book that can tell a lot to the reader. If you are looking for a cheery book though, this book is not for you. It had funny parts and isn't all gloomy, but it isn't a book full of happily ever afters either. It makes the book feel somewhat real, but a little over the top. There becomes a pattern about Fugui's family that the reader picks up early on. Anyways, it's a great read!

Rating:****

Friday, February 22, 2013

Murder on the Prowl

Review by Edan
Title: Murder on the Prowl (A Mrs. Murphy Mystery #6)
Author: Rita Brown and Sneaky Brown
Publisher: Bantam
Published: 1999

Quick Summary:
In the town of Cozet, Virginia, "Harry" Haristeen lives alone with her intelligent tabby cat, Mrs. Murphy, her corgi, Tee Tucker and her fat cat, Pewter. In this small town, everyone knows everyone and soon a false obituary appears in the paper for Roscoe Fletcher, the principal of St. Elizabeth's, the local high school. The town is flipped upside down as people wonder if it is a warning or joke. A few weeks later, another false obituary winds up in the newspaper for one of Roscoe Fletchers best friends, a old Hollywood star. Murders begin taking place all around town, yet everything seems to surround the school in unexpected ways. Mrs. Murphy and her furry friends dive into these murders and try to find ways to lead Harry and the humans to this blood thirsty killer.

Review:
I hadn't read any of the other book of this series, but loved this one all the same. I tried picking up another Mrs. Murphy from earlier in the series and didn't like how some people were missing and things were different. I have started reading the book after this one and am enjoying it much more. There are so many characters in these books, I had a hard time figuring out who was who in the beginning, but luckily they included a character cast. By the end of this book and the start of the next, I understood the major characters who stay in most of the stories.  Mrs. Murphy and her friends add another aspect to these mysteries. All the animals speak to one another and understands the humans, yet the humans don't understand them. Being cats and dogs, they can get away with listening in and going places other people wouldn't be able to do. Only a true cat lover could add some comments and complaints that the cats make. Me, being a devote cat owner, found the cats very funny and lifelike. Any cat owner would like these books. I personally am not very fond of mystery books, but I love these fascinating, funny, thrilling and enthralling mysteries.

Rating: *****


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Behemoth

Review by Edan
Title: Behemoth (Leviathan Trilogy Book #2)
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Published: 2010
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Quick Summary:
As the Leviathan flies toward Istanbul, Deryn Sharp (a midshipmen in the British Air Service disguised as a boy by the name of Dylan) and Prince Aleksander (the secret heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary) continue to hold their secrets. They are fighting during WWI, but Deryn is a Darwinist and Alek is a Clanker. The Darwinists use their fabricated animals like the Leviathan, a giant, helium inflated whale, and the Clankers use their war machines. In Istanbul, they are thrown into a exciting journey as Alek tries to flee the Leviathan and Deryn struggles to keep her secret and make sure Alek is safe. They work together to try to put a stop to the war that keeps these two friends apart.

Review:
I liked this enthralling book just as much as I liked the first book. The characters are complex but understandable. Though out the book, the point of few shifts. It isn't in first person, but it lets you understand what Deryn and Alek are thinking and what secrets they are worried about being discovered. It is so nerve racking knowing Deryn is a girl. I wanted Deryn to tell Alek the truth, but she was never able to. It is hard to understand the machines and animals and what they look like. The pictures make it all clear. The story is twisting and unexpected and there are many surprises in store for the reader. After reading the second book in this series, your have to read the last one immediately  afterwards.

Rating: *****




Sunday, January 27, 2013

Leviathan

Review by Edan
Title: Leviathan (Leviathan Trilogy Book #1)
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Published: 2009
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Quick Summary:
During a fabricated WWI, two very different people started their adventures....

Prince Aleksander parents were murdered and this would-be ruler of Austrian-Hungary is forced to flee from his country with a walking war machine and a small band of men. Meanwhile, Deryn Sharp changes her name to Dylan Sharp to become a boy in the British Air Force. This is what she has always wanted, but is always scared of her secret being discovered.

Aleksander is a Clanker, and Deryn is a Darwinist, the two sides of WWI. Clankers use their machines, while the Darwinists use their fabricated animals. These two war torn teenagers each have their own secrets and struggle to become friends under these circumstances. These two opposites are thrown together on a perilous journey aboard a fabricated whale air balloon called the Leviathan....

Review:
The Leviathan is a amazing book that let me understand the places of everyone in the real WWI, but also enjoy this new version of it. The ideas were fantastic and the characters each have a strong, understandable personality. By the end, I didn't only know the two main characters personalities, but also their friends and parts of each of their crew. It is a little confusing at parts figuring out who is allies with who and who is enemies, but the author gives it to the reader as easily as he can. I think it would be interesting to read this series then compare them to the real events, people, and machines from history. The author describes all of the creatures and animals as best he can, but the black and white illustrations help understand what everything looks like. Without them, I'm not sure I would of known how to think of the animals and machines. It feels like a Sci-Fi book about a past event, if that makes any sense. This is an amazing, adventurous, imaginative and informative book.

Rating:*****

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Green Glass Sea

Review by Mo
Title: The Green Glass Sea
Author: Ellen Klages
Publisher: Puffin Books
Published: 2006

Quick Summary:
While WWII rages through Europe, Americans at home are working tirelessly to end the war. The brightest scientists are gathered together in the middle of New Mexico in a town that officially doesn't exist. The kids go to school in the town and while they know their parents are working on something for the war, they don't know what. As unusual as their lives are, Suze and Dewey go through the usual childhood problems. They form a friendship and Suze's family takes Dewey in when her dad is killed. One night, the whole town gathers to see it go off: the atomic bomb.

Review:
I really liked this book. I was astonished that no one knew the effects of the bomb, but after reading this book I understand that the people were under extreme duress and didn't have time to fully test the bomb's lasting effects. I couldn't stop dwelling on this book after I finished it. I kept going back to it, wanting to find someone to blame for the disaster the world faced after the bomb dropped, but it was more complicated than that. I still can't decide how much the people who ordered the bomb to be dropped knew. I was a little anxious before starting the book because I wasn't sure how much I wanted to know about the atomic bomb, but know I'm glad I read it. Besides the bomb, the book was also about fitting in. Both girls were outsiders but while one of them just accepted that and did her own thing, the other one tried desperately to fit in, even if her trying was turning her into a person she didn't want to be. I liked both parts of the story. All the characters were complicated and real. There was a lot of character development throughout the story, as well. It was an interesting way to learn about history. The book was really well researched, so without having to study, I now know much more about WWII. This book was also unique, because even though this people were far, far away from the battle, they impacted the war more than anyone else did. The story left me thinking.
Rating:*****

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Hush: An Irish Princess Tale

Review by Mo
Title: Hush: An Irish Princess Tale
Author: Donna Jo Napoli
Published: 2007
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Quick Summary:
Melkorka is an Irish princess. For her birthday, she begs her parents to take her to visit Dublin. Then finally consent, but, while there, Melkorka's brother's hand is cut of. The family rushes him back to their home, where he is treated. When a viking kind asks to marry Melkorka, she is firmly set against it. However, her father has a plan. She and her sister, Brigid, flee their home and hide. Then, a passing slave ship sees the two girls and captures them. Melkorka refuses to speak to anyone. This confuses her captors and gives her power. Far from home and everything she knows, her silence becomes more and more important.

Review:
I thought this book had a good story. I really felt for Melkorka when she was captured. I thought she was really brave when she stood up for other slaves who were being abused, but she also frustrated me when she acted like she was better than peasants. I really liked her sister, Brigid, because she was kind and brave. I think I actually liked Brigid better than Melkorka. At some points, I felt like the story was moving a little too slowly, but I think it's kinda supposed to be that way, because Melkorka is supposed to feel trapped and frustrated that she can't escape. There were also some kind of weird(inappropriate) parts in the book. If it were a movie, it would be PG-13. I hated the ending thought. It didn't feel resolved to me, and I kept thinking about it a lot after I finished. I was expecting a different ending. Overall, I recommend this book as long as you don't care about the romance and stuff. It was interesting and I'm glad I read it.
Rating: ****


Friday, January 18, 2013

The Outsiders

Review by Edan
Title: The Outsiders
Author: S. E. Hinton
Published: 1997
Publisher: Speak

Quick Summary:
Ponyboy has always lived with his brother's and friends. They are all greasers and are in a gang. They don't pick fights, as Ponyboy says, unlike the socs who are just wealthy kids looking for some greasers to jump. Ponyboy has always been proud to be a greaser, but one night some drunk socs jumped Ponyboy and his friend. Either they would take his life or they would have to take theirs. These two friends are thrown into a turmoil as they try to hide from the murder, from themselves and the police. They finally come out and Ponyboy is wound into a confusion that he doesn't understand. Is all there is to life greasers, socs, and gangs?

Review:
I found The Outsiders to be captivating and thought worthy. I got a very strong connection with the characters and understood their hardships. Even though there were many characters to keep tract of, Hinton makes sure you know who is who. The story remind me of two other books, See You at Harry's and Out of My Mind. In See You at Harry's the main character has to learn to cope with a death, blame and loneliness. She is confused about if she can be happy and live on, or if she should stay secluded and depressed. In Out of My Mind the main character, Melody, is different than everyone else around her, like Ponyboy who doesn't see a reason to fighting which everyone else does. Melody and Ponyboy have unique opinions that they can't seem find a way to tell to the world. The ending of the two books are very similar too, they both end by writing something to tell their stories for school, and they begin to write the beginning of the books. The Outsiders makes you think and ponder about Ponyboy and his life. It is a book that you don't want to finish, but has a complete ending. It is a book that makes you cry when someone dies. It is a book full of characters, thoughts, ideas and questions.

Rating:****




Sunday, January 13, 2013

The Blue Shoe

Review By Mo
Title: The Blue Shoe
Author: Robert Townley
Publisher: Yearling
Published: 2009

Quick Summary:
A boy named Hap Barlo is the apprentice to a kindly cobbler. In the window of their shop, known as "The Blue Shoe", sits an amazing blue shoe, covered in blue stones. It captivates everyone who sees it and beckons people from far and wide to marvel at it. The cobbler was visited by a mysterious stranger and told to make the shoe, but the stranger has yet to return. So, when a beggar is about to be sent away to prison, Hap takes a stone from the shoe to pay her bail. However, as soon as the stone is removed from the shoe, the shoe turns to a lifeless, dull gray. Hap is sent to the mountain prison, where he searches for his father, but before the two are reunited, they are tangled up in a mystery that lies within the heart of the mountain.

Review:
This was an easy book to read and didn't take me very long, but it was pretty good. I liked Hap, and thought he was a kind person. He was good but had flaws, which made him more realistic. The book also had some messages about the world hidden in fantasy. For example, inn the book, the Aukis were enslaved by the humans, even though it was their mountain, as many different groups of people have been over the course of history. One Auki married a human and was afterwards disowned by them, like many people have been after they married someone their family or community deemed unacceptable. I liked the rebellion and how many people you wouldn't have expected to be part of it were. I'd recommend the book to anyone who just wants something pretty to read, but still interesting.
Rating: ***

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Lionboy

Review by Edan
Title: Lionboy
Author: Zizou Corder
Published: 2003
Publisher: Puffin Books

Quick Summary:
10 year old Charlie lives in the near-future London with his parents, who are two scientists. One day he returns home to find them missing, kidnapped because of the cure for asthma that they discovered. Charlie begins his mission of finding them, finding out all of the information that he needs to know from the local cats (by his talent of speaking Cat). He finds himself on a floating circus headed to Paris where he plans an escape with the lions onboard. Can he track his parents down without getting caught in the first book of this exciting trilogy?

Review:
I liked it. It wasn't the best book, but the idea was very interesting. It was slow going and to keep on being interested, the reader would had to know more about why his parents were captured than Charlie. Charlie's character isn't very personal or easy to connect with. He has flaws, but it is hard to feel emotions the he goes through.  His character took his time and made me want to yell at him sometimes. Other than that, the book has a very interesting idea (especially for me, because I love cats) and leaves off at a cliff hanger. At the end of the book, you may decide to continue on with the series or not, it just depends on your opinion.

Rating:***

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Out of My Mind

Review by Edan
Title: Out of My Mind
Author: Sharon M. Draper
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 2010

Quicke Summary:
Melody is 11 and has never walked, talked, written or ran. She has cerebral palsy and is stuck in a wheelchair, unable to talk. Even though she is stuck in a room with other disabled kids learning the A-B-C's everyday, she is one of the smartest kids in her school, but no one know's it. She observes the world and takes in everything, and even has music connected to colors and smells. Finally she is able to  break free of her trap and can finally "talk" and learn in a real classroom, but will she be able to go on without letting herself, family and friends down?

Review:
I really enjoyed this book. It was constructed with vivid words and phrases and gave me a personal connection with the characters. It gave me another view on the physically disabled and made me appreciate the fact that I can move, talk and communicate. Whenever I see or meet someone physically disabled, understand them more and what challenges they have. Even though I normally don't like slow moving books like this, I became so connected with Melody that I couldn't stop reading. I needed to know if everything ended up okay, or if something happened to her. I could pick up this book over and over and never get tired of it. This book will change your view on the disabled forever.

Rating: *****

Saturday, January 5, 2013

William S. and the Great Escape

Review by Mo
Title: William S. and the Great Escape
Author: Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Published: 2009
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Quick Summary:
William S. and the Great Escape is a story about four siblings. They live in a horrible family and desperate to escape, William and his sister hatch a plan to escape. They decide to take their two younger siblings and live with their kind aunt. The stay for a few days with a rich, lonely girl. The travel all the way to their aunt's house, only to find they still aren't safe. Can they escape their family?

Review:
I liked this book because it really made you appreciate how brave some kids are. They're family abused them, yet they still dared to escape, even knowing the terrible consequences. This story was pretty good, but the characters weren't very complicated. They were realistic, but not very complex or flawed, so it wasn't as interesting as stories with better characters. The story was a pretty easy book to read, but it was still pretty good.
Rating: ***




Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Divergent

Review by Edan
Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Published: 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegen books

Summary:
Beatrice Price was born an Abnegation. This is one of 5 factions, Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Erudite (the learners), Dauntless (the daredevils) and Amity (the peaceful). She is 16 and it is time for her to choose her new faction. The test results are inconclusive, and she learns a terrifying fact. She is Divergent, she could go into any faction. Finally Beatrice decides Dauntless over Abnegation. Beatrice fights to be brave and face her fears. She struggles as the Erudite leader criticizes Abnegation and havoc breaks out. Beatrice seems to be surrounded by lies, and Erudite seems to have caused all of the trouble, but have they? and why?

Review:
I really liked this book. It has a complex start and it takes a while to understand the world Beatrice lives in. After that, the story just flows. Being her head, you see the situation as she does and sometimes I found it hard prying myself away from her and looking at it in another way. I felt the way Beatrice did and had a strong connection with all the characters. In a way, this story had the same exciting feeling as The Hunger Games and Matched, even though the stories are completely different. If you liked either of those books, you would like this one. The story is full of excitement and I could never put down my book. This is a thrilling page turner that is inspiring and wonderful.

Rating:*****