The Shining, Stephen King

The Shining, Stephen King is about a family who lives in a hotel alone and finds out that this hotel has many secrets in it. In this book characters are solving their problem that aren't always connected to ghosts living in the hotel, mostly those problems are connected to themselves, for example: alcohol problem, problem with controlling themselves, problem with lying and so on.

This book is very interesting, because the problem in this book are talking about humans and their choices which are connected to most of the readers, one of those problems is problem of changing, I think parts of this book which include this problem are very interesting and breathtaking to read. Also this book was written by Stephen KIng, so it is connected to other Stephen King's books and it will be interesting to read if you've already read some of his books. As I said before this book is not for everyone, because it takes too much time to read, because it's pretty long and also if you aren't comfortable in reading horrors "The Shining" may be not the best choice for you.

Reviewed by George K., Grade 9

Glendale Central Library 

The Exact Opposite of Okay, by Laura Steven

Izzy O'Neil has a pretty good life. She is beginning her career as a screenwriter and a comedian, she has a great trio of friends, and a supportive grandmother. However, when one bad decision at a party leads to a school-wide smear campaign that threatens to go viral, Izzy must grapple with her life as everything she loves begins to slip away. The author presents themes of mental health, women’s safety, and sexuality that will make you laugh, cry, and rethink your own life.

I loved The Exact Opposite of Okay, by Laura Steven because Izzy is so honest. She never once backs down from her beliefs, and she presents this whole new idea of a victim. Izzy doesn't just roll over when things get tough, and she is willing to risk a lot in order to maintain the support she does have. I love how the author takes a very serious issue and presents it from a different outlook. I think modern feminists and girls who just want to learn a little confidence would enjoy Izzy's ferocious personality and her dedication to being wholly herself, even when the entire nation seems to be turned against her

Reviewed by AL, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library