One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Detention took a turn when Simon Kelleher, an outcast student in Bayview High who runs an infamous gossip app called About That, dropped dead after taking a sip of water. One of Us is Lying is a gripping mystery young adult story about the four suspects of murder who made it out alive of the classroom, Adelaide Prentiss, the beauty, Bronwyn Rojas, the brain, Nate Macauley, the criminal and Cooper Clay, the athlete. Everyone has secrets, so how far would the four highschool students go to get the attention off themselves?

I liked this book because you can’t put the book down until you’re finished and makes you think about it after you’re done. Each character had their own chapters so readers can understand what they’re thinking about and what their relationship is between them, the victim and the other suspects. I couldn’t guess how the victim died but maybe some people can. I liked how smart but kinda dark this book was. I would recommend this book to people who like mystery in a regular teenage life setting.

Reviewed by C.B., Grade 8

Montrose Library

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

The book takes place in the deep south where a poor family fulfills the request of their dying mother. The book begins with Addie Bundren, the mother, alive but extremely sick. As she lays dying, she requests that her son builds her coffin, and that she be buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. Now the entire family must carry the body of Addie, slowly discovering themselves and passing each stage of grief over the course of the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It switches perspectives every chapter, allowing the reader to gaze into the eyes of every character. It was emotionally heavy, but wonderfully written. Faulkner was able to make the audience connect with every character, and make them go on the journey the Bundren’s go on. I would recommend this to people who want to go through a roller coaster of emotions. This classic is a must read for anyone who is experiencing a death within their family.

Reviewed by Stacey, Grade 12

Pacific Park Library