Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The Fallout, by S.A. Bodeen


After being held in a compound by his mentally insane father for six years, Eli is finally reunited with his twin brother, Eddy and his grandmother. As they reemerge and try to lead normal lives, Eli feels as if they are being watched everywhere they go. This anxiety worsens as new information arises from his father's company and Eddy's new suspicious friend. Unsure of who to trust, nothing seems normal to Eli anymore, which makes trying to fit in even more complicated than it already was.
 
Fallout by S.A. Bodeen was a good end to The Compound and it was written and executed nicely. I liked how the problems that Eli and hi family had had were figured out and they had a shot at leading normal lives after being deprived of six years of it. They all change for the better and learn more things about themselves and each other that they hadn't known before. I really liked the book and would recommend both books to anyone into young-adult, almost dystopian types of books.
 
Lusine M., Grade 9
Central Library
 

Monday, August 29, 2016

For One More Day, by Mitch Albom

For One More Day, by Mitch Albom, that forces you to realize that the concept of family is never simply black and white and you only know what you had until you lose it. Charley “Chick” Benetto’s life has gone down the drain: he has lost all his money, developed a drinking problem, and has been shut out of his only daughter’s life by not being invited to her wedding. One night he decides to drive out to his hometown and take his life, but instead is given the privilege to visit his dead mother who had raised him and his sister as a single mother in the 1960s. He is given the chance to spend one more day with his beloved mother and learn her sacrifices and realize the strength of parental love.


Albom creates a unique voice for the protagonist: he’s bitterly funny and heartbreakingly broken. He deftly alternates between his past childhood memories and his present situation with his mother. Each memory tugs at the heartstrings for the young boy who grew up way too fast. It also keeps readers intrigued with the secrets that unravel one after the other, continuously shocking and gasp-worthy. The way that Charley is presented and described is also painfully heartbreaking and can be related to in so many ways. The author does a very good job with tone and playing with readers’ emotions. I found myself crying from start to finish, and just when I thought I ran out of tears, fresh ones would pop up. This is not a read for the emotionally weak person because it will make your heart ache and eyes flood with every turn of the page.


Reviewed by Lilit, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Code Geass: Knight, by Various


Code Geass: Knight, by Various, is a collection of light-hearted stories based Code Geass. Fifteen authors all share their take on Lelouch's rebellion, often using gags to question elements in the original.

There is no indecation on the outside of the book showing that this is a spin-off, so the reader has no way of knowing to read the Code Geass first. Originally thinking that Knight was a story on its own, I was very frustrated when reading this. And as one may expect, I first thought that the book was just terribly written. But, I have since changed my opinion.

After some digging, I found out the real nature of Knight and I read Code Geass. Once I was clued-in on the backstory for Knight's mini-stories, I found that the book wasn't too bad. The jokes are funny enough, and it is very interesting seeing 15 different takes on Code Geass' art style. But, besides that, there isn't much for me to say about this book. 


If you are a big fan of the Code Geass series, you may want to read this for a few laughs about a notoriously dark series. But I wouldn't recommend this for the general public. It's only funny if you know the original, and the lack of a cover summary leads to frustrating confusion. 

Reviewed by Matty, Grade 12
Montrose Library

Monday, August 22, 2016

Hexed, by Michelle Krys

 Hexed, by Michelle Krys, is about a girl named Indigo blackwood who is just as any regular teenager even though her quirky mom owns an occult shop and a nerd wont stop trying to be her friend but she's still high in the social status for example: popular cheerleader, football- star boyfriend and a social circle to make everyone's lives at her school a living hell, then mysteriously a guy dies right in front of her and a dusty old family bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. but that's when a sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie's world, it's when that moment she learns that her destiny involves a lot more than pom-pom's and parties. if she doesn't get that bible back, every witch on the planet will die (yup you heard me "witch's"), and that's major bad news for indie because according to bishop, she's a witch too. so forced into centuries old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie is about to uncover the dark truths about her life and a future unlike any other she's ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid

If you're into magic witches and sorcerers then this is the book for you, I would defiantly recommend this to teen's of all ages, the plot isn't just some supernatural story where the girl is learning how to fight with supernatural powers and falls for her trainer, no it is completely the opposite there is action comedy and very little bit of romance. if this isn't the book for you then your crazy not to give it a chance, if you ever finish the book don't worry the author will be writing the sequel soon and you can get on e-books, to me if this book was on a scale from 1-10 I would rate it a defiant 10.

Reviewed by Nina G., Grade 9
Glendale Central Library

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Invisible, by James Patterson


   
Emmy Dockery thinks that there is a link between hundreds of unsolved cases, she takes a leave of her job as an FBI researcher to take these cases on by herself. Everyone thinks shes crazy and not even her ex-boyfriend believes her. Although no one believes her, Emmy is determined to prove them all wrong and find out who was in charge of her sister's death. But not even Emmy is totally prepared for what is yet to come on her journey to get justice for her sister and and all the other hundreds of unsolved cases.


Invisible, by James Patterson, was very exciting and pretty fast paced. The author created twists and turns that you wouldn't expect and that made it harder to put down. It was mysterious and interesting, making it an enjoyable read. I would recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, thriller, and action based books, and I would definitely read this book a few more times. The book was very well-written and there is just enough of suspense and action to keep you satisfied.




Reviewed by Lusine M., Grade 8
Glendale Central Library

Monday, August 15, 2016

The Distance Between Us, by Kasie West

Caymen Meyers and her mother have learned the tactics of the rich and that they are not people who should be trusted. She is struck head over heels when she meets Xander Spence, a rich boy who meets all the opposite characteristics she has set on the rich. Through their journey Caymen realizes that he may be different and decides to give him a chance. They are met with many difficulties and new discoveries that not only affect their relationship, but also families.

I thought The Distance Between Us, by Kasie West, was fantastic and a great easy, summer reading. I loved the plot and the surprising events that occur throughout the book. I mainly enjoyed getting to know the main character Caymen as she has many different layers to her personality. I would recommend this book for readers who are looking for a romance book without a heavy plot.



 
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
                                                     Glendale Central Library

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Leftovers, by Laura Weiss

Two young, teenage girls who lose every shred of innocence and go to extremes to avenge a loved one. They arm themselves with the very weapons that were used to hurt them and rise to defend the only person who had any genuine hope and faith in them.

Leftovers, by Laura Weiss, is a deep, intense story that breaks your heart at every turn. The author uses an interesting second-person point of view to describe the story which contributes to the memorability of the book. The author uses this point-of-view to give the reader the feeling that they themselves are inside of the story and going through everything. Needless to say, it creates a strong connection between the reader and the two narrators. The story is told as it is- bitter and sour with no sweet, sugar-coating layer to shield the reader, shocking the reader at the raw and powerful dose of manipulation, categorization, and different forms of abuse. The author could have given a little more attention to the physical features of the characters as it was challenging to play out the scenes without having a face to match the personalities. The author is able to create real, vivid, and relatable characters that capture your heart, but refuse your pity.


Reviewed by Lilit, Grade 12
Grandview Library

Monday, August 8, 2016

The Au Pairs, by Melissa de la Cruz

Mara Waters, a small town girl, Eliza Thompson, a rich girl gone secretly broke, and Jacqui Velasco, a Brazilian beauty, all apply for -- and get -- a summer job in the Hamptons as au pairs. Throughout this summer, they establish new friendships, forge new romances, and learn a little about themselves.

The Au Pairs, by Melissa de la Cruz, to say in the least, was just another book to pass time by. It was small town girl makes it big and gets the popular/rich/super-hot player; former IT girl realizes she was a snob and finds a guy who likes her for her; and a beautiful, cold shouldered girl realizes that she should wait for love and not rush. It was too corny and too cheesy. The storyline, the characters, the setting, the usage of the Hollywood stars’ names…it was all too much. It was ridiculous how the girls were not caught at going out basically every night when they were supposed to be babysitting. The protagonists, especially Mara and Eliza, were all too predictable and, in turn, uninteresting. Cruz used phrases and plot twists that were all too overused and familiar which, again, made it uninteresting. The author was also giving off an air of trying too hard and running out of ideas. The story ended all too predictably and did not move me in any way at all. Meaning that I was not giddy for the happy new couples because they were, again, too predictable nor was I left with a melancholy ache because they had to go back to where they came from. Instead, it was more like “Good riddance!” I will give Cruz credit, however, for the interesting pairing of Jacqui and Kit, which I did not see coming. Other than that, I wasn’t intrigued or absorbed by the book.

Reviewed by Lilit, Grade 12
Grandview Library

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Cleopatra's Daughter, by Michelle Moran


Cleopatra's Daughter, by Michelle Moran, depicts what life was like in Ancient Rome – the lifestyle, the politics, the scandals, and the drama. Through our tour of Ancient Rome, we follow Selene Helios, daughter of Marc Antony and Kleopatra, who is captured by the Roman dictator Octavian after his forces defeat her beloved homeland of Egypt. Throughout the novel, we watch her grow and blossom into a young woman who stands by her values and does not lose herself in the midst of utter turmoil.


The reader does not merely read the book – they live in it. It is absolutely amazing the way Moran transports her readers thousands of years back into Ancient Rome. She goes over-the-top with imagery (in a good way). Moran appeals to all five senses, using heavy doses of details and a variety of figurative language. She illustrates a vibrant shade of purple; brings alive the clanging of bells, jingling of coins, and loud chatter at the marketplace; describes the wonderful taste of ofella that melts in a person’s mouth; describes the fragrance of the clear, salty ocean breeze or stench of urine and manure in the slums; and depicts the soft, light texture of the fabric of a tunic. The details regarding architecture are quite overwhelming and illustrated to the last carving or arch – the author does not leave anything out. Although for some readers it may seem too much, Moran describes the architecture down to the last detail to bridge a connection between the readers and Selene. Selene loves to sketch all kinds of buildings, such as temples, palaces, pyramids, mausoleums, and having the book written with a special eye for the architecture of things brings the readers closer to the protagonist. Moran also does an excellent job in moving the story along and having mini plot “trap doors” and “dead ends” such as Alexander’s homosexuality, to keep the readers on their toes. A problem I did have with the book, especially in the beginning, was how the author just tosses the readers into the maelstrom of Egypt’s capture. Although that tactic works to grab the audience’s attention, it can also confuse and overwhelm the audience. There were too many names and relations mentioned, and it was very confusing to keep up. On a personal note, this novel has given me an opportunity to experience what a genuine cannot-put-it-down, thinking-about-it-in-my-sleep, abandon-all-work book is like. When I was not reading Selene’s struggles to understand the Roman customs or her headstrong, determined attitude to be Vitruvius’s apprentice, I was replaying the scene over and over in my mind, predicting what will come next. This book is for an audience of people who like to be told “everything”(as in details), who like a little scandal, who enjoy some drama, and who admire strong, determined protagonists.

Reviewed by Lilit, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library

Monday, August 1, 2016

Once Upon A Quincenera, by Julia Alvarez

An informative, yet entertaining book that portrays what it is like to grow up in the USA as a Latina. The author investigates the traditional ceremony of a Quincenera. A quinceanera, also called a quince, is a ceremony where a girl of fifteen officially transitions into womanhood. Practiced in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and various parts of Southern America it is a very important ritual for teenage girls. The author decides to tell the story of one girl’s quinceanera, Monica, and how everything is planned out and put together.

Everything is covered from the dress, to the dinner plates, to the shoes, to the flowers. By covering all matters related to the quince, Alvarez tries to show how the ceremony is a time and money consuming project that causes a great deal of trouble and stress to everyone involved. She also describes its evolution from its home countries to its introduction into the US. She weaves the story, Once Upon A Quincenera, by Julia Alvarezof the Monica’s quinceanera with her own reminiscing about the quinceanera she always dreamed of but never had, indicating that this is something that every girl dreams of. She breaks down everything very well: she describes the meaning of the “last doll”, the style and preferences of the dress, the sentimental meaning of the father and daughter dance, and the role of the court of fourteen couples. Although some of her explanations became dull when over-explained, Alvarez was not shy in giving readers the full history behind everything. She adds a lot of sentimental and tearful moments to remind the reader that this is the end of young childhood and the beginning of young adulthood. This book is especially well for young Latina's growing up here in the USA; it can be seen as a small portal to the roots of their rich culture with its many important and heartfelt ceremonies like the quinceanera.

Reviewed by Lilit, Grade 12
Grandview Library