Monday, May 25, 2015

Search for Safety, by Paul Langan

Search for Safety, by Paul Langan, is a sad story about a teenage boy named Ben. Ben’s life was going well until he gets the bad news that his mom is going to marry a man named Larry, that she has been going out with for only a couple of months. Ben ends up moving to a new house, and also a different high school. One day when Ben gets on Larry’s nerves, Larry begins violently attacking Ben, punching and kicking him. Ben’s abuse goes on for a while until people at school start noticing his bruises, until eventually the principal finds out and gets Ben help.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot because of the story line, which sometimes made me feel sad for the character. Because of the way the character acted and how he was treated. I liked it also because this is another book that you feel what the character is feeling. I recommenced this book to other people because i like this book and it is a very good book. it is also part of the blue ford series.

Reviewed by RB, Grade 8
Library Connection @ Adams Square 

Monday, May 18, 2015

Blood is Thicker, by Paul Langan

Blood is Thicker, by Paul Langan, is about a boy named Hakeem who has to move to a different house with his family because his dad has cancer therefor he isn't working and cant pay the bills. Hakeem gets pulled away from his girlfriend when he moves away to Detroit. When Hakeem arrives in his new house he meets his cousin who he used to have a connection with. His cousin used to be chubby and a nice person until he started going to the gym. In his new house Hakeem thinks his cousin is doing bad things because Hakeem sees hims sneaking out at night. Hakeem finds out his cousin is only going out to rap. Hakeem's cousin's dad finds out and Hakeem's cousin gets threatened to stop or get kicked out.

In my opinion I think this is a very good book because the ending is great. I also like how Hakeem's character acted in the story. I also liked that closed to the end Hakeem's cousin becomes friend's with Hakeem close to the end and Hakeem sticks up for his cousin that is in trouble. This book is part of the blue ford series that I like. I recommend this book to a lot of people you should read it.

Reviewed by RB, Grade 8
Library Connection @ Adam's Square 

Monday, May 11, 2015

Separate Peace, by John Knowles

Gene and Finny are two great friends who went to the same school around the time of World War 2. Gene is quiet and smart while Finny is outgoing and athletic. During a period of time, Gene suspects Finny of trying to outdo him in academics and starts a private rivalry with him which ends when they are on a tree and Gene shakes the branch causing him to fall off and breaking their leg. Gene then starts the process of apology and mending their relationship.

Separate Peace, by John Knowles, was a very interesting book. The characters were both opposites in personality but the book found a way to show that they can still be together. The plot itself follows an interesting story which kept me occupied from the beginning to the end. The ending was great, and it really finished off the novel in a nice way. This book slowly but steadily became my favorite book, and I would recommend it for anyone. It was a great read.


Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Grandview Library 

Monday, May 4, 2015

Nocturne, by Syrie James

Nocturne, by Syrie James, is a riveting novel set in the frozen city of Colorado. In the novel, the female protagonist, Nicole Whitcomb, had traveled to Steamboat Springs for her best friend’s ski wedding, and on the way back her car skids on black ice and sends her spiraling. Trapped in her shattered car with a bleeding wound on her head and a bruise on her cheek, Nicole thinks it’s the end. That is, until a handsome and mysterious man named Michael Tyler rescues her. Michael was shoveling snow by his home when he saw the car crash. Michael takes her back to his cabin in the middle of nowhere and looks over his guest until she regains consciousness. With the impending snow storm, Nicole is stuck in this giant cabin with this alluring stranger who tries to keep her as far away from him and his secrets as possible. Both her host and the house hold a mystery at every turn. Why does he barely have any food in his kitchen? Why does he live twenty miles away from civilization all alone? Why does Nicole never see him eat or sleep? The more she spends time in his home, the more she finds out about his dark past and who he is. But Michael isn’t the only one with secrets. What happens when Nicole starts falling for Michael even though he poses as a threat to her life? Now Nicole must choose between a secluded life with this man she’s only known for four days and all his dark baggage or to go back home and make things right.

If you like forbidden romance novels with a twist, this is the novel for you. This is the type of book you’d read when it’s raining and you want to curl up with a blanket and immerse yourself into a tragic love story. The first time I read this, I fell in love instantly and I could not put the book down. Although Syrie James makes Michael’s predicament obvious from the start, I was on the edge of my seat to read more about Michael’s dark past. The characters are clever and so sophisticated and as cliche as it sounds, they were perfect for each other. The romance in the novel is beyond heartwarming and it’s enough to curl anyone’s toes and make them feel warm and fuzzy inside. This novel would be perfect for all romantics and for people who like to shut the world out and lose themselves in a perfectly written story.

Reviewed by Nairi S., Grade 11
Montrose Library