Student Book Reviews
The following is a book review written by Estefania Garcia, Class of 2013, of the novel Delirium by Lauren Oliver.
"Delirium is an outstanding novel set in a dystopian world where love is a disease and where it's looked down upon to show affection to anyone. Scientists have found a way to eradicate love, and all citizens are required to receive the cure when they turn 18. Lena Holoway, who has always believed in the cure, can't wait to turn 18. After having lost her mom at an early age to the disease, Lena has always looked forward to day she would be cured. What Lena didn't expect was to meet Alex. With only days left before her cure, Lena begins to question the cure and everything else she has ever been told. Delirium was thrilling and suspenseful, and will keep you turning page after page. To find out what happens, you will need to read Delirium and find out for yourself."
"Delirium is an outstanding novel set in a dystopian world where love is a disease and where it's looked down upon to show affection to anyone. Scientists have found a way to eradicate love, and all citizens are required to receive the cure when they turn 18. Lena Holoway, who has always believed in the cure, can't wait to turn 18. After having lost her mom at an early age to the disease, Lena has always looked forward to day she would be cured. What Lena didn't expect was to meet Alex. With only days left before her cure, Lena begins to question the cure and everything else she has ever been told. Delirium was thrilling and suspenseful, and will keep you turning page after page. To find out what happens, you will need to read Delirium and find out for yourself."
The following is a book review written by Megan Barton, Class of 2012, of the novel Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher.
"Th1rteen R3asons Why is a very odd story. Hannah Baker has committed suicide and everyone is asking themselves what drove her to do that: she was friendly to everyone and had friends. Upon her death, eight students at her school receive tapes containing 13 reasons why Hannah killed herself. Clay Jensen is one of the eight people given a tape, and he wants nothing to do with it, but Hannah wanted him to know the reasons. He can either listen to the tape by himself or wait until other tapes are sent to everyone in school. Clay wants to know what he has done to influence the suicide, but the answers remain hidden. What secrets haven't been told and what will be revealed? You will have to read Th1rteen R3asons Why to find out.
"Th1rteen R3asons Why is a very odd story. Hannah Baker has committed suicide and everyone is asking themselves what drove her to do that: she was friendly to everyone and had friends. Upon her death, eight students at her school receive tapes containing 13 reasons why Hannah killed herself. Clay Jensen is one of the eight people given a tape, and he wants nothing to do with it, but Hannah wanted him to know the reasons. He can either listen to the tape by himself or wait until other tapes are sent to everyone in school. Clay wants to know what he has done to influence the suicide, but the answers remain hidden. What secrets haven't been told and what will be revealed? You will have to read Th1rteen R3asons Why to find out.
The following is a book review written by Ariel Sheker, Class of 2013, of the novel Divergent by Veronica Roth.
"Divergent by Veronica Roth is a very riveting and intriguing book set in a futuristic dystopian Chicago society. In this society, there are five factions which people belong to depending on their strengths and attributes. The factions include: Candor (the honest), Abriegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent).
When society members reach 16 years old, they are tested to see which faction they belong in. Usually they remain with the factions they were born into, but for our main character, Beatrice, the tests indicate she could belong to three different factions. Her choice will take her on the ride of her life, but being "divergent" also is extremely dangerous. So what will she do? You'll have to read it and find out.
I loved this book, and if you have a taste for adventure, so will you!"
"Divergent by Veronica Roth is a very riveting and intriguing book set in a futuristic dystopian Chicago society. In this society, there are five factions which people belong to depending on their strengths and attributes. The factions include: Candor (the honest), Abriegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent).
When society members reach 16 years old, they are tested to see which faction they belong in. Usually they remain with the factions they were born into, but for our main character, Beatrice, the tests indicate she could belong to three different factions. Her choice will take her on the ride of her life, but being "divergent" also is extremely dangerous. So what will she do? You'll have to read it and find out.
I loved this book, and if you have a taste for adventure, so will you!"
The following is a book review written by Megan Barton, Class of 2012, of the novel Tricks by Eleen Hopkins.
"In Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins, five teenagers all experience life at a young age. As their problems get more defined, they turn to one thing, one way to live: prostitution. They all have their struggles: living in the shadows, fear of becoming what they have been forced to be, addictions, and even allowing themselves to have a new life. The teens soon begin to ask themselves how they ended up in this line of business. By playing tricks, they realize their need to get help. Find out if it works for them by reading Tricks."
"In Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins, five teenagers all experience life at a young age. As their problems get more defined, they turn to one thing, one way to live: prostitution. They all have their struggles: living in the shadows, fear of becoming what they have been forced to be, addictions, and even allowing themselves to have a new life. The teens soon begin to ask themselves how they ended up in this line of business. By playing tricks, they realize their need to get help. Find out if it works for them by reading Tricks."
The following is a book review by Megan Barton, Class of 2012, of the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
"In Lord of the Flies, a group of British boarding school boys finds themselves trapped alone on an island during World War II. Ralph and Piggy, two of the older boys, work to keep the hope of rescue alive, which works until the Beast begins to tear friendships apart. Jack, the hunter, is in constant conflict with Ralph, the chief. The boys who support Jack begin to find the evil ways of humans appealing, and someone dies as a result. To find out if they make it out alive, read the book! Make sure you research the author first. It will give you insight and a better understanding of the book. It is the best novel I have ever read!"
"In Lord of the Flies, a group of British boarding school boys finds themselves trapped alone on an island during World War II. Ralph and Piggy, two of the older boys, work to keep the hope of rescue alive, which works until the Beast begins to tear friendships apart. Jack, the hunter, is in constant conflict with Ralph, the chief. The boys who support Jack begin to find the evil ways of humans appealing, and someone dies as a result. To find out if they make it out alive, read the book! Make sure you research the author first. It will give you insight and a better understanding of the book. It is the best novel I have ever read!"
The following is a book review written by Brooke Pirkle, Class of 2012, of the novel Stolen by Lucy Christopher.
"Stolen is one of the best books I have ever read! I definitely recommend this book to teens who enjoy reading about adventures and finding love. I fell in love with the main character, Ty, a wild, rough, and handsome 25 year old. Each page within this book keeps you interested and craving more. This is definitely a nail-biter that will have you on the verge of tears and fill you with adrenaline rushes."
"Stolen is one of the best books I have ever read! I definitely recommend this book to teens who enjoy reading about adventures and finding love. I fell in love with the main character, Ty, a wild, rough, and handsome 25 year old. Each page within this book keeps you interested and craving more. This is definitely a nail-biter that will have you on the verge of tears and fill you with adrenaline rushes."
The following is a book review written by Kayla Cochran, Class of 2012, of the novel Hold Still by Nina LaCour.
"Caitlin is a junior who is struggling to deal with her best friend's death. Caitlin is the girl who loves to build things out of wood or take photographs; however, after Ingrid's death, she does not have the desire anymore. When Caitlin finds Ingrid's journal, she decides to keep her friend close to her by reading one page, one day at a time. This is a story about dealing with death, trying to find love, and trying to find yourself after a piece of you has been lost."
The following is a book review written by Kayla Cochran, Class of 2012, of the novel Carrie by Stephen King.
"Carrie is a misunderstood girl who is all but invisible at school. She is an outcast at school and is abused by her mother. There is also one thing you should know about Carrie White...she has telekinetic powers. When a nasty prank is pulled on Carrie at prom, she unleashes all her powers and decides to take her revenge. This is the perfect story if you like to curl up with terror and have a good scare from the master of horror himself, Stephen King."
"Carrie is a misunderstood girl who is all but invisible at school. She is an outcast at school and is abused by her mother. There is also one thing you should know about Carrie White...she has telekinetic powers. When a nasty prank is pulled on Carrie at prom, she unleashes all her powers and decides to take her revenge. This is the perfect story if you like to curl up with terror and have a good scare from the master of horror himself, Stephen King."
The following is a review written by Kayla Cochran, Class of 2012, of the novel Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
"Most of you are probably familiar with the story of Cinderella, the girl who is like a servant to her stepmother and two stepsisters. She couldn't go to the ball unless all her chores were done, and when all hope was lost, her fairy godmother appears. Well, this isn't exactly the way it happened. For starters, it's Cinders-Ella, or Ella Brown. Ella has to learn her place as a princess by taking royal etiquette lessons and learning palace rules. She learns that Prince Charming isn't all that charming after all. With her two friends, Mary, a servant girl, and Jed, her lovestruck tutor, it is up to Ella to take fate into her own hands once again."
"Most of you are probably familiar with the story of Cinderella, the girl who is like a servant to her stepmother and two stepsisters. She couldn't go to the ball unless all her chores were done, and when all hope was lost, her fairy godmother appears. Well, this isn't exactly the way it happened. For starters, it's Cinders-Ella, or Ella Brown. Ella has to learn her place as a princess by taking royal etiquette lessons and learning palace rules. She learns that Prince Charming isn't all that charming after all. With her two friends, Mary, a servant girl, and Jed, her lovestruck tutor, it is up to Ella to take fate into her own hands once again."