March into the Library!

Spring is here, and with it comes new book reviews from our teens!

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Inez Olivera had been living a stationary life while her parents went galivanting around the world- exploring the great unknowns of the old world and its magic. Her listless aunt and cousins, comfortable in the affluent side of Buenos Aires, never understood Inez’s longing to follow her family into the glittering world of Cairo, Egypt; where their untimely death left her packing her bags and setting sail across the ocean to investigate the circumstances of their passing. In the whirlwind of a new world full of glitz and glamor, Inez must navigate mysterious people and dangerous situations like archeological digs and swims in the Nile River, all the while dealing with her guardian’s irritating assistant. 

Inez’s spunky and sensible demeanor makes for a lovable character you can’t help but root for as she manages the alluring city of Cairo. Ibañez does a wonderful job of creating well developed characters who never fail to surprise you when you least expect it as she leads you through the winding streets full of their own twists and turns. The author manages to wind a dash of magic into this story without overdoing it to enhance the glamorous setting.

Essentially, What the River Knows is an adventure full of secrets, wonder, and a love for Egypt that leaves you wanting more.

Review by Sophia B.

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Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl are something the town of Shaker Heights had never seen before.

Shaker Heights embodies stereotypical upper-middle-class suburban America where appearances are made perfect and successful people hide behind pretenses so that everything in their little bubble appears just so. Mia is a single mother and traveler constantly pursuing inspiration for her next big piece of art and so her daughter Pearl has never lived in the same place for long. The Richardson family in particular become encaptivated by the pair in good ways as well as bad and soon they are more than just tenants of a rental property. Little fires begin to start when Mia and Mrs. Richardson’s differences clash and Pearl’s friendship with the Richardson children grows into something more. The characters become tangled in a plot of secrets and misguided intentions and the events put many who were once close on opposite sides of difficult situations.

This novel deeply explores relationships and the relationship between Pearl and Lexie Richardson in particular stood out to me. As the two grew closer, the complications caused by Pearl’s obsession and Lexie’s false altruism made the story even more interesting. Lexie’s sudden change in principles was intriguing and the choices the characters made further added fuel to the fire (sorry can’t say more – no spoilers!).

This story’s thoughtful intricacies, the changes the characters faced, and the impact of the nature of the town’s society on the outcome were very well done. The way the pieces fall into place at the end makes this novel an incredibly riveting and eye-opening read I’d recommend to any friend.

Review by Shreya S.

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The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders is an amazing teen adventure book. The book is focused around a group of teen boys really living on their own and facing bullies. Each boy in the group is in their own way different which I think is better for the reader to relate or understand them. Many exciting, sad and suspenseful events happen in this book, and make you always guessing what’s going to happen next. The book really takes you through the story of each person and lets you get to know them personally. I would differently recommend this book to anyone who likes teen dramas with a lot of adventure.

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us is Lying is a great mystery teen drama book. I have read this book multiple times, and every time I find a new detail about the characters or the plot. The plot of this book is very dark but very interesting, and I believe many teens will enjoy this book because of how well written and in some ways relatable this book is. The book switches through the different perspectives of the characters as the story unfolds, which lets the readers connect to the characters on a different level than any other book. You really hear the thoughts and emotions of the characters, and get to understand their personal life and why they are the way they are. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery with many plot twists along the way.

Reviews by Brylyn T.

Fe-brewing Great Reads!

Phew! We made it out of the darkest time of the year! Let’s celebrate with some great books recommended by our teens!

Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson

The story follows the protagonist, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who is now a college student. Pippa becomes involved in another gripping mystery when her friend, Jamie Reynolds, goes missing. Jamie’s disappearance leads Pippa to start her own investigation, documenting it through a podcast. As she delves deeper into the case, Pippa uncovers dark secrets and faces the challenge of navigating through a web of lies and deception. The novel explores themes of truth, trust, and the consequences of uncovering hidden truths. It’s a compelling and suspenseful story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. (Note: this is the sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.)

5 Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott

The story revolves around two teenagers, Stella Grant and Will Newman, who both have cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the challenges of living with a chronic illness. Despite the limitations imposed by their condition, Stella and Will find ways to support each other emotionally. The title, “Five Feet Apart,” refers to the small, risky distance they decide to compromise on, breaking the six-foot rule for a chance at a more intimate connection.

-Reviews by Tanya R.

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Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

This novel is a dystopian fiction of a completely different, not-so-impossible, reality.

The story focuses on the life of a clique of young students at a far-away English boarding school called Hailsham. The intricacies of the characters’ relationships and personalities as they grow up are moving, heartwarming, and change the way the reader might question what does it mean to be human? When they finally leave the safe haven of Hailsham, they learn the shockingly tragic truth about their existence and “special destiny”. Their times shared in blissful childhood innocence before the rude awakening of the real world forever ties their souls together, however painful.

Never Let Me Go is full of mystery, love, heartbreak, and more mystery. I’d say this story is intense and perfect for anyone in for a good cry!

-Review by Shreya S.

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All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Salahudin and Noor are two Pakistani-American teens trying to navigate their harrowing lives. They understand each other like no one else does, and they trust each other in the unconditional way that only family can. But after the Fight, things seem to only go downhill and everything spirals out of control.

Juggling his mom’s failing health and his dad’s sudden dependence on alcohol, Salahudin tries in vain to keep the motel (his mother’s dream) open for business. And Noor isn’t faring any better either. She wants to escape the city she lives in, Juniper, forever, but the only thing between her and her dream is her wrathful uncle. He wants to keep her in Juniper forever, so as she balances working at her uncle’s liquor shop, she secretly applies to colleges in hopes that she can leave her uncle, and her past, behind forever.

But Sal soon finds himself caught in something bigger than himself as he scrambles to save the dying motel. Soon Noor and Sal must combat the monsters of their past in order to overcome the demons they face in the present, and in the process, they must determine how much they are willing to risk for each other for their own happiness.

Let me start off by saying how I even stumbled upon this book. One of my friends gifted this book to me for my birthday, but since my birthday is in May, AP exams were around the corner and I basically forgot about the book until two days ago. For a book project in English class, I was required to annotate this book, so I (somewhat unwillingly) cracked open my book and began reading.

What I didn’t expect was for me to devote the next three hours curled up on the couch with the book, snarling at anyone who came within a five foot radius of me.

This is easily one of the best books I’ve read in quite a while, and I’m so thankful my teacher assigned this book to me.

I’ll admit the story got off to a slow start (maybe it’s just me), but I couldn’t quite understand what was happening and why it was happening. But nearing the middle of the book, I was enraptured. Tahir’s meticulous word choice and her decision to emphasize Sal and Noor’s inner turmoil made this book relatable on a whole new level. I may not be experiencing the same circumstances that Sal and Noor faced in the book, but the way the book was crafted made me feel as if I had been absorbed into the pages of the book and that I was living alongside the characters.

This book certainly covers some very deep topics, such as drug addiction, child abuse, sexual assault, and racism, but the way Tahir tackled the obstacles opened my eyes to the truth of humanity in the real world as well. Although there is some humorous banter exchanged between the characters, the majority of the book is solemn and serious and explores the complexities of life. I’m not one to sympathize with characters, but I was so immersed in this book that my heart broke a little every time something went wrong.

This book is definitely not a light read, so I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a relatable, serious book about struggles that are found too frequently in the world today. When everything seems lost, there’s always hope to hold on to.

-Review by Sristi U.

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The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Are you interested in Greek Mythology? Maybe Fantasy? In case you are, I have the perfect solution for you. How about you read Percy Jackson, The Lightning Thief.

Percy Jackson is a boy who is a half-blood. A half-blood is a person who is half-human and half-god. Percy’s father is a god and Percy’s mom is human. Percy struggles with school and has jumped to many boarding schools. There is a camp for half bloods he makes it to, then one day in the camp Percy, Annabeth, and Grover (Percy’s protector) go on a mission together to figure out where Zeus’s Lightning Bolt is. They overcome difficulties and challenges in order to give Zeus’s Lightning Bolt back to him before The Summer Solstice.

The Lightning Thief is Greek Mythology and a great book from Rick Riordan. Some of the character of Percy Jackson is inspired from his son.

I would rate this book an 8 out of 10 because I really enjoyed reading this. It was really thrilling and suspenseful. Greek Mythology is greatly represented in this book and if you want to read more from these series there are other books in the series. This book really brought attention and there are so many conflicts and obstacles which really catch your attention. I would recommend this book for Greek Mythology people.

Next time you want to read a book that is Greek Mythology you know what book to read.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Are you on your bed thinking about what book to read? Well don’t worry I got you covered. How about you read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins?

The Hunger Games takes place in a city called Panem. They are split into 13 districts. The city, Panem, hosts a game which is a death or win situation. These districts aren’t given a lot of money—they barely have enough to get food. Katniss, our hero and main character participates in The Hunger Games. Each district is supposed to have 1 boy and 1 girl to play in The Hunger Games which is determined in a drawing. If they do win then they get a lot of food for a year.

The Hunger Games is part of the dystopian genre. This is not the 1st book by Suzanne Collins. She got inspired to write this book from “Theseus and the Minotaur.”

The protagonist is Katniss. The antagonist is someone you need to figure out. 24 people fighting against each other just for food.

I rate this book a 9 out of 10 because it is fun and interesting. I read this book with my class but I am sure you would enjoy it as much as me. It is suspenseful and keeps you up at night thinking about what’s going to happen next. Now the next time you’re laying on your bed you don’t have to think what book to read because The Hunger Games is calling out your name.

-Reviews by Harshitha N.

How to Write a Good Book Review

Whether you’re after volunteer hours, you want to be a better writer/reviewer, you love to read, or any combination of all, you may not know how to start writing good book reviews.

The first step is the most obvious: read a book! You don’t even have to like the book, but as long as you finish it, you can review it!

Synopsis

Now that you’ve read your book, it’s time to review it. A great way to start your review is to provide a synopsis of the book. Now, it’s important to note here the difference between a synopsis and a summary. A synopsis will tell the reader just enough about the book to wonder what will happen without spoiling anything, whereas a summary is a breakdown of everything that happens in the book, spoilers and all. To write a good synopsis, think about how you would describe the book to a friend to get them to read it. If you’re struggling with your synopsis, you can read the back of the book (or the inside front flap for hardcovers) to read the synopsis writen by the publisher, or you can look at sites like goodreads, thestorygraph, or the library catalog (remember, this is for ideas only! Don’t copy what someone else wrote!). For example, if I were writing a review for Caraval by Stephanie Garber, my synopsis might look something like this:

Scarlett Dragna had all but given up hope of seeing the legendary Caraval—a magical production where the audience participates in the game—when she and her sister, Tella, get their invitations. They escape their island and their cruel father helped by a handsome sailor, but when they arrive, Tella is stolen away by the mastermind behind Caraval, the illusive Legend. Scarlett must find her sister to win the game, but she’s not the only one playing, and she must be careful and avoid getting swept away in the magical world of Caraval. Sinister secrets lurk in the shadows, and time is running out…

A synopsis like this provides the reader with information about the main character (Scarlett) and their motivations (find Tella), while also providing a glimpse at the world (the legendary Caraval) and the stakes (Scarlett is not the only one looking for her sister). The end of the synopsis should be some kind of hook that will make readers want to pick up the book to see what will happen.

Finding a balance between how much information to provide and how much to leave out can be difficult, and it ranges from book to book, so if you find one synopsis easy to write and the next challenging, it’s probably not you. Also, regardless of whether you liked the book or not, you should still write a synopsis that will hook the reader. Just because you dislike a book, it might be someone else’s favorite! Even if you think “there is absolutely nothing good about this book,” I guarantee you someone out there loves it. You may even read a negative review from someone else and think “now that is a book I’ll love,” so keep that in mind for your reviews!

Analysis

So now that you’ve written your synopsis, you can start your analysis of the book. This is the review part of the review, where you can talk about what you liked and what you didn’t, but just remember to keep it respectful, especially if you’re submitting a review for this blog. Another thing to keep in mind is that we still want to avoid spoilers! If there’s a part of a book that you really want to talk about it in your review, do your best to discuss it without giving spoilers (talk about it without talking about it, if you will), or if you really can’t avoid spoiling the book, make sure you warn you readers that there are spoilers ahead, and if they want to avoid spoilers, they can skip to the next paragraph, or wherever your spoiler ends.

For your analysis, you can go as deep as you want, which means you don’t have to get very deep at all, but this also means your review won’t be very fun to read. Sometimes it can be hard to remember what happened (even if it’s a book you just finished), so if you know you struggle with this sometimes, it might be a good idea to keep a note of things you want to talk about in your review.

Some types of things you might want to note:

• The worldbuilding. This is pretty exlusive to alternate universes (think science fiction and fantasy), but think about things like the magic system, kingdoms and countries and their relations with each other, the history of the world, and other things like that.
• The setting. If you’re reading science fiction or fantasy, this goes along heavily with worldbuilding; however, setting will apply to any book you read. Did you feel rooted in the setting? If it’s a place you’ve been to before, did it feel like the author knew what they were talking about, or did it feel like they’ve never been there?
• The characters. Did you like them? Did you find them annoying? Did you understand why they made the choices they made, even if you generally disliked the character? Why did you like or dislike them? Could you relate to them?
• The writing style. Some authors use very flowery language that sounds beautiful and poetic, while other writers have a very matter-of-fact style. What was the author’s writing style like, and was it something you enjoyed, or did it take you out of the story?
• The story. What was the actual plot of the book like? Did it grip you from the very beginning, or was it a bit slower? Did you feel like it was engaging? Was it to the point, or did it meander and take its time coming to the end? Was there a lot of action, with lots of things happening back to back, or was it a calmer story where not much happened?

You definitely don’t have to talk about all of these points in your review, especially if it feels like pulling teeth trying to find something to say. If something stands out to you, talk about it! Other things you might want to think about include quotes you liked, the tone of the book, the pacing, larger themes, or whatever comes to mind—I don’t know; I’m not your English teacher.

Here’s an example of what I might say in my review for Caraval:

I really enjoyed Scarlett’s character. She has spent her entire life on a small island living in fear of her father and trying to protect and take care of her sister, and this is the first time she gets to start figuring out who she really is and who she wants to be, making decisions for herself that she’s never had to make before. When she makes a bad decision, we as readers might be yelling at the book because we have the benefit of being outside and can see it as a bad decision before Scarlett can, but it makes sense for her character to go down that wrong path; she’s just now learning how to be her own person.

The worldbuilding was especially interesting and reminded me a bit of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern with its casual magic and interesting characters. The concept of the game is very fun, and I love how the repeated refrain, “remember, it’s only a game” seems to get more and more sinister as the book goes on. I felt like the book wrapped up nicely and could work as a standalone if one didn’t want to continue; however, I love being immersed in this world and am looking forward to seeing how the Merridian Empire will expand in the sequels.

This review showcases a couple different things you can do in your own review: in the first paragraph, I focused entirely on Scarlett’s character, digging a little deeper into this one aspect of the book; in the second paragraph, I touched on a few different things that I liked without going into much depth on any of them. Both of these are great options, and you can do a mix of them like I did here to really flesh out your review.

If there’s something you don’t like about the book, or if you just didn’t like the book in general, you can discuss those things without putting the book or the author down by remaining respectful. If the book invoked strong emotions in you, it’s a good idea to wait until those emotions die down before writing  your review, or you can write a draft of your review, then come back and revise it when you feel calmer. Also keep in mind that this review is based on your opinion and to make that known when you write. If you didn’t like something, explain why without being rude. Instead use phrases like “I didn’t connect with it” or “It might have been better if the author had done this instead.”

Good: “I unfortunately couldn’t stay rooted in the story because I didn’t connect with the author’s writing style”
Bad: “I felt like the author was trying too hard to sound poetic, but it came across as pretentious.”

Good: “I wish the main character’s best friend was a bit more fleshed out; they came across as sort of flat.”
Bad: “I didn’t care about the main character’s best friend at all. It felt like they weren’t even a person.”

Basically, just be conscious of your words!

Conclusion

Ending your review is also a skill. I’m not saying you have to have a conclusion paragraph that restates your thesis statement like you’d have to do for class, but you don’t want your review to just… end. If my review ended after I talked about Scarlett’s character, it would feel abrupt, like maybe I was going to go back and add more but forgot. The end of my second analysis paragraph, though, feels like a satisfying ending. Why? It summarizes how I felt at the end of the book and mentions that I’m hopeful for the sequels.

Let’s talk about another way to end it, though. For example, if I only wanted to talk about Scarlett’s character in my review, and I wanted that to be the end, then after I say she’s just now learning how to be her own person, I might add, “Watching Scarlett learn and grow as she made this journey was really satisfying. The person she became by the end of the book was much stronger and more sure of herself than she was at the start, and I was proud to see the progress she made.” This addition summarized my analysis, which makes for a more natural conclusion than if I hadn’t.

Now that you know how to write a good review, it’s time to put those skills to use! Remember, reviews submitted for this blog must be at least 100 words long, which should be easy to do if you’re following this formula. You can only get volunteer credit for 2 reviews, but you can write more if you want.

Cozy Up With These Books While You Wait for Spring

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The Woman In the Window is an intense thriller about an agoraphobic woman who starts spying on her neighbors discovering something unusual. 

Anna Fox, a woman who suffers from agoraphobia and anxiety, starts spying on her neighbors through her window. After watching the Russell family, she witnesses something she shouldn’t have. Things start to escalate, and she doesn’t know what to do. People think she’s crazy and don’t believe what she actually saw through the window. Soon it seems that roles have reversed and someone is spying on her. Everything starts to change and Anna has to figure out how to deal with the scary occurrence she saw and watch her back. I thought this was a very interesting read and I was shocked by the ending.

Things We Never Got Over is a romantic mystery about the importance of family and following your heart.

After leaving her fiancé at the altar, Naomi Witt tries to figure out her life. She’s used to having lists, and organized plans. But now she doesn’t know what comes next. Her twin sister, Tina, is the complete opposite. Tina has a history of committing crimes and causing trouble. After Naomi’s failed wedding, Tina proceeds to steal all of Naomi’s money and her car, and runs away. Without any form of transportation Naomi is left in a small town and meets a man named Knox. At the beginning, they start as enemies. But Knox is determined to help Naomi find Tina and get her life back on track. Throughout the process they become closer with many mysteries and twists along the way. This was a fun book to read because it mixes romance with mystery.

Beowulf is a book that focuses on the history of the old British literature and hero qualities.

I thought Beowulf was very interesting to read because it is an Anglo-Saxon epic poem. Being one of the oldest literatures, it highlights the history of Denmark and Geatland. The story focuses on the main character, the hero Beowulf, a Geat warrior that saves the Danes from an evil demon named Grendel. The poem illustrates the concept of a hero’s journey as Beowulf learns lessons and faces challenges along the way. Furthermore, it shows the standards and expectations a hero during that time period must meet compared to heros now. Anyone that is fascinated with fantasy and history should continue reading this.

Book review by: Abigail Jennings

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Non-Cliche Dystopian Picks

We’ve all seen the stereotypical zombie movie/show/fill in media of choice. Sometimes the zombies run, sometimes they only walk, and our motley group of survivors have to fight their way out; but each story has the same basic plot. Here are two books that flip the ‘zombie’ trope on its head:

Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry takes place 15 years after the apocalypse that ended the world. Our main character, Benny, lives a sheltered life and has never seen a ‘zom’ up close. Suddenly, he is thrown into a life-or-death game when he decides to join his brother, Tom, in a career as a ‘closure specialist’; someone who tracks down zombified friends or family members and kills them for clients, not to be confused with a normal zombie bounty hunter.

What sets this book apart from the typical zombie genre is the world-building. Maberry answers questions unique to a zombified world, like ‘What if people turned killing zombies into a religion?’, or ‘What kind of defenses would different parts of the world put up against the zombies?’. It’s a book that you really have to read for yourself, but it is most definitely worth it (and if you enjoy it enough, there are five more books that continue the story). 

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What if the world fell into ruin not because of zombies, but because of water – or rather, the lack of? Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman answers this question in a gripping, relatively short read. With water as one of our most precious – and limited – resources, this novel serves as a hyperbole for the climate crisis in our world, making it that much more important to read. On the whole, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a twist on the zombie genre. 

Reviews by Grace L.

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Refugee
By Alan Gratz

Refugee by Alan Gratz is a novel told from three perspectives across different time periods. These stories explore the modern day issue of refugees fleeing their countries and the encounters they face along the way to a better and new life. The stories are from the perspectives of three teenagers/young children. The storylines are from three different times too and the locations vary (Cuba, Nazi Germany, and Syria). Eventually, their three paths have more in common and the connections come as a surprise to the reader.

Gratz really was able to capture the emotions of splitting apart families and having hope stripped from you. Throughout the novel, you really develop these bonds with the characters and you feel compassionate for the situation that they are in. I would definitely recommend this novel to all teens. This novel not only educates you about the current state of the issue that refugees are facing around the world, but it also helps make a connection with the reader because it tells stories from people around our own age. I think that this heightens the tension in the novel as at some points you put yourself into their shoes and you are able to feel their emotions.

Scythe
By Neal Shusterman

Scythe written by Neal Shusterman is a novel written about a society in which scythes act as people who control the population size of a never dying population. Normal people train to be scythes and are required to meet a quota on the number of people that they kill every week in order to maintain their coveted title. The story shifts back and forth between two characters, Citra and Rowan. It tells their perspectives about their journeys to becoming scythes and their thoughts when interacting with each other. Originally, Citra is very nervous when she sees Scythe Faraday at her house as she is scared that he is there to kill her family, but he is actually there to ask her to become a scythe. She is reluctant to oblige as she wants to save her family. The book has so many twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat, and with the addition of events that could happen in our society, it makes it so that you feel you are transported to their world. There are also villains who are trying to stop the scythes from correcting this corrupt society.

Scythe is a really good read for people who love fiction novels. It is slow at some times but it is only that way so that the author is able to develop the characters and environment. It is also confusing at some times but the more you read on you are able to go back and comprehend what actually happened. This book kept me on my toes and I would always find myself lost in this book. This book is part of a series and the two other books further develop and share the stories of the Scythes in their society.

Esperanza Rising
By Pam Munoz Ryan

Esperanza Rising is a novel written by Pam Munoz Ryan about this girl named Esperanza who is forced to flee her family’s farm following the murder of her father. This story focuses on the harsh realities in other places around the world. The family moves from Mexico to California and since this story takes place during the Great Depression so they have a hard time making money and supporting themselves. Ryan is able to capture the emotions of the family greatly and while this a fictional story, the possibility of this wasn’t very far fetched as during the Great Depression, farmers had a very difficult time supporting themselves. 

This book I feel isn’t for everyone. It has a lot of historical references and is more warm and fuzzy compared to other novels such as Sci-Fi and Mystery. That being said, it is a great novel that does a great job exploring the story of Esperanza’s life and the emotions of the mourning of her father and home and the exploring of different complex themes being the book to a whole new perspective that readers will enjoy. This was a great read and I definitely recommend this novel to others.

A River in Darkness
By Masaji Ishikawa

A River in Darkness is a nonfiction autobiography written by Masaji Ishikawa. I believe that the most intriguing part of the novel was being able to hear from a survivor what life was like in North Korea. The main character, Masaji, was born in Japan with his abusive father and mother. His mother was a native born Japanese while his father was born in Korea. At the time, many North Korean recruiters were begging people to go back to their country and to show loyalty to their leader, Kim-Il Sung. Masaji’s father decides to take them up on their request, bringing his family back with him. This is where we can start to see what life was like in North Korea, such as the harsh labor conditions, little food, and communist loyalty. Ishikawa’s writing style was very tense throughout the whole novel. Dialogues between characters often used words with a negative connotation leaving me on the edge of my seat. Might I add, the overarching topic of this novel was about life in North Korea. Obviously, it would be very tense because of the conditions over there, but when able to hear what it was actually like, it makes people very nervous. 

I recommend this book to everyone because the story not only educates the reader about other cultures and ways of life, it also shows a true story of a survivor who once lived there. This gives insight as to how our lives compare with others around the world and this story of such a modern day issue helps the reader connect to the story being told. Ishikawa constantly kept me on my toes throughout the whole novel and will do the same with other readers. This is a great read to others and I wholeheartedly recommend this to other teens.

Reviews by Logan P.

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The Fault In Our Stars
By John Green

The book The Fault In Our Stars is an amazing book about a girl and her life with cancer. Hazel joins a cancer support group where she meets Augustus, and together they embark on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It is a coming-of-age romance book that is masterfully written by John Green to help you give perspective you have never even imagined.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy young adult books, full of witty humor and heartbreaking events. You can expect to laugh, cry, and smile throughout this whole book. The book has even been adapted into a fantastic movie directed by Josh Boone.

One of Us is Lying
By Karen M. McManus

Five kids walk into detention and only four leave.

One of Us is Lying follows the gripping story of high school student Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, and Cooper who are suspects in the murder of fellow classmate Simon Kelleher. Everyone has secrets that they don’t want in the spotlight but the question is how far are they willing to go to keep their secrets safe?

McManus does a great job on portraying a teenage-take on dark themes like murder and depression. Most authors fail to incorporate these themes in their plots, but McManus writes with an enjoyable voice that clearly establishes her story and is targeted well toward a young adult audience.

I liked this book because it delved into the inner personalities and thoughts of each individual character to keep the reader guessing who the murder was. The book was engaging and hard to put down. I was left gripping the edge of my seat after every chapter.

This book is highly recommended to anyone who loves complex murder mysteries and young adult fiction. If you love this book a series based on the story has also been released.

Reviews by Rhea S.

Chilly Weather Books

Bless the Beasts & Children by Glendon Swarthout

“Send us a boy-we’ll send you a cowboy!” This is the motto of Box Canyon Boys Camp; a camp in northern Arizona where boys are sent to turn into men. When six misfits are forced into the camp, they make history.

And not in a good way.

The camp has never seen a bigger batch of, well, losers, in one cabin, and it doesn’t help the boys’ case because they don’t even want to be there. The oddballs, nicknamed the Bedwetters for being a bunch of chickens and actual bedwetters, count the days  they have left in that torture place before they have to go home. But when the boys see something they’ll never forget, they start to question what society labels as being a “man.” As a result of some choices made on a whim and purely accidental planning, the band of misfits go on an adventure, and along the way, they discover that being themselves ain’t too bad of a thing. 

This eye-opening novel is based on a true story. The author, Glendon Swarthout, relates this book to experiences of his son (Miles) when Miles went to a similar boys camp. Of course, additional fluff has been added to the plot, but the main plotline is based on true events. This book was written during a time of social change, and has caused social change as well. This novel changed buffalo hunting laws in Arizona, as the inhumane hunting ways Swarthout described throughout the book sparked a cry of outrage in the 1960s that led to a change in hunting.

As much as I’d like to admit that I’m a self-respecting person and refute the fact that I definitely didn’t judge this book by its cover, I can’t because I’d just be lying to myself. We were tasked with reading this book for our English class (forced, another way of putting it), and I’ll admit that I frowned slightly when I took note of the book cover. I’ve never been one for classic literature; the different style of writing that was prevalent in the 19th and 20th century never really appealed to me. When we were required to read this book, I was less than thrilled, but as I started flipping through the chapters, I could feel myself focusing more on the upcoming chapters and not taking note of how many pages I had left until I finished my daily reading homework. This book was an eye-opener; it touched base on so many ideas ranging from unjust buffalo treatment and child neglect to what it really means to be a “man.” That last idea was brought up many times throughout the novel. Does a boy become a man when he smokes his first cig? Or does growing up mean getting rid of the chains that hold oneself back? The author did a wonderful job of developing the plot and his characters by the use of parallel plot structure and flashbacks; the past helped explain the characters’ present-day choices. This book isn’t a light read, but the many lessons prevalent in the novel makes it an unforgettable read. 

Book review by Sristi U.

The Inheritance Games – Is it Worth the Hype?

Let’s be real.  We’ve all heard about The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.  However, is it worth all the buzz that it’s been accumulating?

Essentially, this book is about a poor girl, Avery Gramble, whose life changes in an instant when a stranger leaves her with a large inheritance.  As part of the requirements to accept the money left in the will, she leaves in a mansion with a new family, the Hawthornes.  As she lives with them, she solves mysteries to figure out why the inheritance was left for her.

Let’s start off with the things I didn’t like about the book.  One downside of the book is that the mysteries are complicated for sure, and even though I reread the books a couple of times, I wasn’t able to keep up with the numerous puzzles.  In retrospect, it may have been helpful for me to annotate my books, write down notes, or maybe even read the book slower.  If you’re a fast reader who typically skims books instead of diving into them, this may not be the book for you.

Another thing that I didn’t enjoy about the book was the romance section.  I’m an avid romance reader, and when I picked up this novel, I was expecting a little more romance.  Don’t get me wrong, the book already includes a few elements of romance, but for me, it simply wasn’t enough.  If you like books with only a few hints of romance, this would be a great selection for you.

Time for the aspects that I loved about this book!  First of all, I loved the concept of the book.  I felt that it was original, exciting, and entertaining – all at the same time.  Furthermore, the writing of the book is simply stunning.  You will find a plethora of metaphors, similes, and pieces of personification scattered throughout the novel.  This makes the book perfect for advanced readers or those who need a good book to read for their English class.  In addition, this book will captivate you for hours on end.  As I was reading it, I found myself indulging in the pages, often forgetting that I was reading!

All in all, I believe that The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes definitely lives up to all the hype it gathered over the past few months.  If you’re looking for an entertaining, mysterious read, this novel is the one for you.

By Thiyanah N

Woman in the Window, A.J Finn 

Former psychologist Dr. Anna Fox is afraid to go outside. With only the movies and online forums to keep her company, Anna finds that her favorite entertainment is what she can see from her windows. A new neighbor presents her with a brand new show to watch and even a new friend. When she witnesses something horrific in one of her new neighbors homes, not only is her reality questioned but so is her new found friend. She is forced to go outside of her comfort zone to do the right thing. Can she trust others? Can she even trust herself?

Although Anna’s story starts fairly slow, the engaging writing and intricacies of the main character’s mind make it well worth the leisurely pace. With quick chapters that reflect the monotonous tasks of her life, Finn’s writing and format greatly enhance the way the story is received. The way Finn paints Anna’s thoughts is addicting. It leaves the reader wondering what is real coming from an often unreliable narrator who wonders that herself. The other characters serve primarily to highlight the isolation Anna experiences and provide much needed relief from the prison of Anna’s mind. Once the reveals start, they keep hitting until the very end, and every one of them is well worth the wait. 

The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe 

Nora O’Malley thought she had escaped the criminal life, but it seems to be following her everywhere. When she walked into the bank with her two best friends, she had no way of expecting to be caught in the middle of a robbery. What the two robbers don’t know though is that Nora is a former con-artist with a historic track record. They don’t know all of the different girls Nora has played before, and they have no way of knowing what they’re up against. 

The book primarily chronicles the events of one hectic day but is broken up by chapters explaining Nora’s complicated background. The balance allows the reader to slowly come to conclusions that help explain the actions she takes in the present and serves to help form a connection with Nora quickly. Oftentimes, books that cover only a short period of time lose out on the reader to character connection because there is not much character development. However, the consistent depictions of Nora’s life helps avoid that trap while simultaneously keeping the action fresh. Although some of Nora’s background seemed a bit raw for the style of writing, they did back up the action and help to fill out the story. Overall, The Girls I’ve Been is a quick read with lots of action and a unique premise.

Book reviews by Brooke S.

Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers 

This book is a historical fiction and it’s about the life of Maddie Sykes in 1946, North Carolina. She is a young seamstress who recently moved to Bright Leaf, North Carolina, the tobacco capital of the South, with her aunt. She quickly ends up being the lead dressmaker of the town where she tends to the wives of the powerful tobacco executives. As she’s thrown into that world, she discovers secrets about the powerful society that could get her in trouble. Although, she doesn’t back down and works to get the truth out. 

I really liked this book because it was actually interesting and nerve racking. The author successfully portrayed the characters emotions and she also used a lot of foreshadowing. The theme was also women empowerment. This is typically not the type of book I’d read but I actually liked it. So I would also recommend it to others who like suspense and historical books. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

This book follows the story of two young teenagers, Hazel and Augustus. Hazel is a 16 year old who is diagnosed with lung cancer and so she reluctantly joins a support group. There she meets Augustus, who is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which is a rare form of cone cancer. Together, they go on a trip to find their favorite author. In their journey they fall in love, experience life and also experience the sad parts of life. In the end, they discovered that Augustus’s cancer had gotten a lot more serious and there was little to no chance that he would survive. 

I really loved this book . The first time I read it, I actually cried in the end. It was so sad when Augustus died. I really enjoyed Hazel and Augustus’ relationship and how happy they were together even with all obstacles in their way.  They overcame it together in the most unexpected way and it was so wholesome. I rated this book a 10/10 and would highly recommend it to someone who enjoys a good cry session. I also watched the movie and it was almost as similar as the book. 

Book reviews by Alena R.

It Ends With Us is an intense heartbreaking book about a girl who deals with a life altering situation and has to make a decision for herself.

Lily Bloom has grown up in an abusive household. Her dad abused her mother, and she witnessed it herself. She wants a fresh start to her life so decides to move to Boston to pursue her dreams of owning a flower shop. In the process she meets a handsome, funny, kind young man. His name is Ryle. For some strange reason, he has never been in a relationship and says he has never been ready for commitment. Regardless, he convinces Lily that he is ready for a relationship and soon they fall in love. But is Ryle who he says he is? Things start to change and Lilly has to figure out what the right decision is for herself. It is a disturbing heartbreaking book, but I believe everyone should read this. It is well written and has a good lesson for everyone. 

Beach Read is a cute romance book about two authors that start as enemies.

January is an author of romance books whose life used to be the definition of perfect in her opinion. Perfect boyfriend, perfect family, perfect job. But soon, her father passes away and secrets about his life unravel. January has a new perspective on her life as she temporarily moves to her dad’s secret beach house to fully understand his story and to write another book. With the help of an author that started as an enemy, their relationship continues to grow and turns into something more. This is a fun read!

Book reviews by Abigail J.

What to Read this October

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is an eerily beautiful novel.

Piranesi, the main character, resides in a house; more specifically, The House. It is the only world he has ever known, as the House has infinite Halls, Statues, Staircases, and three Levels: Clouds reside in the Upper Halls, the ever-constant Tides in the Lower Halls, and thus Piranesi lives in the Middle Halls. Piranesi only knows of one other person in the House: The Other, a mysterious figure who is searching for a Great and Secret Knowledge hidden somewhere in the House. Strangely enough, Piranesi cannot remember any life before the House, though he is well into middle age. And why are there fourteen skeletons in various Niches of the House? 

Susanna Clarke writes a captivating novel composed of loneliness, dreamscapes, and unraveling mysteries. Although there is a massive fantasy aspect of this book, the heart of the ugly secret is ultimately based in reality and explains a lot about House, with its infinite Rooms. Piranesi is an amazing well-written character; although his very psyche and body are tested, he remains rooted in his own beliefs and learns to adapt to his environment. Highly recommended read, especially for those who like gripping plot twists and fantasy dreamscapes.

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom – master of capturing abstract concepts in simple narratives – begins Life of Pi-esque; we open on survivors of a massive shipwreck, people of all classes and races lumped together in one vessel. And suddenly, there he is: Jesus. At least, that’s who the near-dead castaway claims to be. The passengers are skeptical, but the strange man tells them that even though he is the Lord, he cannot save them from being stuck at sea until each one of the people believes that he is Jesus. Can these people put aside their biases to work toward salvation, both physical and spiritual?

Almost tipping the 300-page-mark, Mitch Albom presents a thought-provoking narrative very deeply rooted in reality. Lovers of simple writing paired with deep concepts (again, like Life of Pi, or even The Giver Quartet) will enjoy this book. 

Book reviews by Grace L.

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

This novel really is perfect for anyone with a thirst for mystery. 5 high school students walk into detention on a normal day, but not all 5 walk out. One of the students, Simon, dies after ingesting peanut oil because he’s allergic. The next day, it’s found that Simon had dirt on the other 4 high schoolers with him when he died and was planning on exposing them. So, did he die from an allergic reaction or did someone kill him? Now, I’m not going to spoil it, but I couldn’t stop reading this book as it portrayed mystery after mystery. 

Two Can Keep a Secret …. If One is Dead by Karen M. McManus

Mystery lovers, this book is calling your name! Ellery, a high schooler, moves to a small town called Echo Ridge with her grandmother once her mother goes to rehab for her drug addiction. The town is innocent on the surface, but it has a history of high school girls going missing, including Ellery’s aunt. In the beginning of her time there, a girl goes missing, leaving Ellery wanting answers. Does she find all the answers as to why these girls are going missing or not? Find out by reading!

Book reviews by Kevin M.

Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh 

This book is about abortion and the different sides to it. It’s about the main characters Claudia and Victor and their different perspectives on it. Claudia works in an abortion clinic while Victor is retired. He made a website and posts pictures of women who go to abortion clinics. He has people all over the country who take illegal photos of women entering abortion clinics and then send it to him to post it. 

I really liked this book and would recommend it for everyone. The author did a really good job showing the different perspectives and it felt like I was in the minds of the characters. It also spreads awareness and how abortion effects individuals. I just felt like it was really fitting with what is going on right now with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. 

Divergent by Veronica Roth 

This book is about Beatrice, “Tris” and her story as she tries to fit in her new world. In the book, humankind is split into five different factions, Erudite: clever, Amity: peaceful, Candor: honesty, Abnegation: selfless and Dauntless: brave. She leaves the faction she was born into and starts a whole new life in another faction. The book tells her story and how there’s a war coming. 

I liked this book and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy action and fiction. It is interesting and the plot twists make the book better. There is also romance in it which makes it more appealing to readers. It makes you want to read more. 

Book reviews by Alena R.

Your Next Binge Suggestions!

Abstract: The Art of Design, Episode 1 features illustrator and graphic artist, Christoph Niemann who takes the viewer on a journey through the wonders of abstract design as well as the trials and tribulations in the difficulty of creative inspiration.

As a fellow artist, what I really liked about this episode is that Christoph—as talented as he is and having designed 22 covers for The New Yorker magazine, whole heartedly admits the difficulty of coming up with another good, creative design and on command.  He insists that every good idea becomes difficult because you cannot repeat it and how you measure yourself against that crazy moment or spark of creativity and then fearfully, are expected to repeat it. To this, Christoph maintains that to overcome these fears, you have to practice. He says, “Athletes and musicians practice. Why are artists any different?” It’s not about waiting for hours for this moment where inspiration strikes.  You have to enable the chance for something to happen and you have to practice. In other words, you just have to keep at it and keep drawing and creating for ideas to flow. It’s nice to know this because ALL artists, and creative persons alike have the same fears. Its a relief to know I am not an exception.

“Thirteen Lives” is a drama based on the incredible true story of the Tham Luang cave rescue and the massive global effort to save the thirteen boys of a Thai soccer team and their coach who become trapped in a flooded, elaborate cave system.

Most of us are familiar with the remarkable cave rescue operation to save the thirteen boys but, what I liked most about this film is how it shows people coming together to work for a common goal against all odds. What makes this story so extraordinary is the courage, tenacity, and selflessness of every single person involved in this miraculous rescue story—from the soccer coach who kept the kids calm and collected for 17 days in the cavern, to the community who sacrificed the livelihood of their rice fields and used their logic in how to divert the water filling the caves, to the unwavering determination of the Thai navy seals and last but, not least the British cave divers who ultimately risked their lives to save the boys. Prior to watching this film, I knew nothing about cave diving. Watching the gripping story unfold of how these ordinary, everyday men who were not paid and volunteered out of pure selflessness to save the boys was truly astonishing yet humbling to say the least. I highly recommend this film to everyone. One would have to have a heart of stone to not be moved by this incredible, poignant story.

Reviews by Kelsey S.

Fall in Love with These Books this September

The Unhoneymooners is a hilarious romance book about two enemies that surprisingly turn into lovers.

When Olive Torres has continuously compared herself to her twin sister she sees herself as the “unlucky” one. But soon things change as her sister’s wedding unexpectedly goes unplanned. Food poisoning makes everyone sick leaving the already paid for honeymoon available for Olive, and Ethan (the groom’s brother). Ethan and Olive are known to be enemies but who wouldn’t go on a free honeymoon trip to Hawaii? They take it and agree on staying apart from each other. But that’s easier said than done. The two enemies change their minds about each other on the trip and more happens along the way. Olive soon realizes that maybe she isn’t unlucky anymore. This book is hilarious and extremely entertaining. I think everyone who enjoys romance books should consider reading this.

Book review by: Abigail J.

Where the Crawdads Sing is a mysterious murder mystery about a girl who discovers herself in the marsh of North Carolina.

When Kya’s family leaves her behind in the marsh of North Carolina, she learns to survive and live by herself. Kya is an innocent girl who finds a deep connection with nature and understands the marsh on a deeper level. It is her safe place where she feels protected and loved. The people of the town see her as the “marsh girl” as they think she’s strange and don’t speak to her. Except for her childhood friend, Tate, who teaches Kya how to read and write. Additionally, Chase Andrews, a popular townsperson, is suddenly found at the bottom of a tower dead. Did he fall, or was he murdered? The book combines this murder mystery with coming of age, and romance. It is very mysterious and is written beautifully. I highly recommend this read.

Book review by: Abigail J.

Shoe Dog is an autobiography about the founder of Nike, Phil Knight.

In this book, he talks about how he came up with the idea of selling shoes as a graduate when he published a paper about sports shoes. He traveled to Japan and gained distribution rights to sell Japanese shoes in America. He talks about how went from gaining success in the United States selling existing shoes to creating his own model, which became a massive success, all the way to where he is right now. I liked this book because it teaches many valuable lessons, such as the value of taking calculated risks and mentorship.

Book Review by Amol S.

Interested in trying Manga novels but not sure where to start?

Fruits Baskets Volume 1 by Natsuki Takaya, a romantic comedy, slice of life, supernatural story/series.

Fruits Baskets Volume 1, introduces the story of high schooler, Tohru Honda an orphan girl who meets and comes to live with the Sohma family, who secretly is cursed by turning into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac when touched by the other sex. As tragic as her life has been, Tohru learns the members of the Sohma family have been faced with their own hardships and pain but, due to her unwavering selfless, and generous loving nature, helps heal their wounds                               and changes their lives forever.                 

Having heard about how great this series was, the thought of reading books about how the characters turn into animals when hugged by the other sex sounded silly. However, Volume 1 had me hooked because to my surprise, it is so much more than that. It has so much to offer and relates to anyone and everyone. It is funny. It is sad. It is heartwarming. There are secrets, tragedies and unsolved mysteries that turns into deeper, meaningful life lessons that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.

Volume 1 is the first of twelve books in the series. I am almost done with Volume 2 and can honestly say, I am hooked!

Review by Kelsey S.

Perfect Books to Read Right Now

Before George Takei became known as Mr. Sulu from Star Trek to most, he was a four-year-old boy who was interned along with his family under Executive Order 9066 during WWII. They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott is a timely graphic novel that follows George Takei’s experiences and gives a first-hand account into the struggles that Asian-Americans faced during WWII. 

Nothing is more poignant than a first-hand account, especially during noted periods in history such as the Japanese internment. While not overly long, the book is succinct in its narration. The amazing writing allows the reader to feel the fear and uncertainty that Takei undergoes as a young child during WWII. The well-done art adds to the quality of the book. If anything, more books like these are needed to teach children about history in a way that is engaging but also serious. It is important, but also humorous when it needs to be and blunt when it needs to be. Highly recommended to anyone, especially if you like history (or George Takei).

Going in a full 180, People Like Us by Dana Mele falls more into the genre of something like Euphoria or Riverdale – something that only seems believable if you stretch your imagination. This isn’t to say that the book is too overexaggerated, only that it has a crazy amount of twists and high stakes for a novel centered around a girl’s boarding school. 

Kay Donovan has completely reinvented herself at her new school. She is soccer captain, only talks to the school’s social elite, and never, ever divulges more than necessary about her past. When the body of a student is discovered in a nearby lake, Kay’s fragile web of lies will be brought to the surface.

What I love about this book is that the narrative is completely unexpected. One by one, each of Kay’s friends (and eventually her) are forced to reveal baffling secrets that they have been hiding, on top of realizing that most of the details of the student’s death don’t add up. The book essentially pulls the best aspects of different murder mystery genres (such as Agatha Christie, Nancy Drew, and some of Stephen King), and it does so well – a feat that could easily go wrong. A thoroughly satisfying and scary read, I highly recommend for fans of murder mystery bordering on thriller.

Book reviews by Grace L.

In Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is about four sisters and their mothers surviving poverty and navigating through it. Each sister has their own dynamic and personality and are very different from each other. They were the March girls, Mag, Jo, Beth and Amy. Through the book, we see all four sisters find love, survive the hard conditions and expectations from society and the occasional bickering between them. 

I liked this book and it’s nice to read something more realistic. Although, there were parts that were boring since the book was very long. All in all, it was very interesting to see how all the different sisters came together and were there for each other at the end of the day. It reminded me of my sister and I think the author did a great group portraying each sister’s feelings. 

The book Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is about the relationship between a mother and daughter. Every mother wants to protect their children from all harm but Maddy’s mother takes it a step too far. Maddy, diagnosed with SeverCombined Immunodeficiency, prevents her from leaving the house since it can cause a fatal infection or allergic reaction. But when Olly, her new neighbor and Maddy fall in love they risk it and go to Hawaii without her mother’s knowledge. There she discovers that she never suffered from SCID and finds out that her mother lied to her because she wanted to protect her from everything. Her mom lost her husband and son in a car accident and so she lied about Maddy’s disorder to protect her. 

I really liked this book because of the plot twist in the end. It was very different from the previous books I have read and I really enjoyed the romance between Olly and Maddy, I think the author did a good job in narrating Maddy and how she worked through her disorder and problems. I sympathize with the mother but I believe she would have handled that a lot better than she did. The plot in general was good and I would recommend other people to read it too. 

Book Reviews by Alena R.