The Beautiful and Damned, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

 

Anthony Patch — a New York upperclassman in his twenties — lives a comfortable and wasteful life fueled by the allowance money sent to him by his wealthy grandfather. Longing for love, he meets flapper Gloria Gilbert, and the two spark a romantic relationship that moves rather quickly into a marriage. While the couple's friends settle into the successes of their adulthoods, Anthony and Gloria navigate a risky road in which taking care of their finances, their relationship, and themselves are ignored; instead, they drink, party, and spend money lavishly, believing that Anthony will eventually inherit his sickly grandfather's fortune once the latter dies.

The plot of The Beautiful and Damned, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, can best be described as consciously intricate — Fitzgerald sets out not to sketch for a reader what an excessive life the Jazz Age upper class lived, but to paint an entire landscape of that scene that never neglects even the finest of details. From the early parts of the novel, one understands how Fitzgerald contemporary socialites wasted about by themselves and with their friends; from the midsection of the novel, one understands how they wasted about with equally wasteful lovers; from the end of the novel, one understands how they wasted about in desperation and crisis, isolated and meeting repercussions with more self-destruction. Yet, Fitzgerald familiarizes one so much with the Patch couple, that — despite their blaring recklessness — one sympathizes with them. It is this ability of Fitzgerald's — to turn these simple, nonexistent characters into true people that evoke a emotional response — that cements the book's place as, not only my favorite from the author, but my favorite novel.

Reviewed by Markus, Grade 12

Chevy Chase Library 

November 9, by Colleen Hoover

November 9, by Colleen Hoover, follows a girl named Fallon, who meets a guy named Ben. At first, he seems like the perfect boy- he loves Fallon for who she is, and is the first person who doesn't pity her for the scars she has from a huge fire she survived. They go on adventures together, and grow closer and closer everyday. However, when secrets from both of their pasts resurface, Fallon has to make a very difficult decision.

In my opinion, the book was amazing! What I liked about it was the chemistry between the two main characters, Fallon and Ben, as well as the letters they write to each other- which is a huge part of the plot and ultimately the lead-up to the ending. However, although the ending was a definite tearjerker, it was extremely unrealistic. I think anybody in middle or high school would like this book; it does have some mature concepts, but it's not completely hard to understand at all. This book made me feel on the edge of my seat all the time because I was so anxious as to what would happen next, and it made me think about what I would do if I were in Fallon's situation (which, by the way, was the complete opposite of what she ended up doing).

Reviewed by Ani, Grade 9

Glendale Central Library 

Attack on Titan Volume 28, by Hajime Isayama

This volume is also a continued flashback from the two previous volumes. It also serves to develop two recently added characters, Gabi and Falco. These two undoubtedly represent younger versions of Eren, Armin, and Mikasa who are both naive, angry kids. Zeke's plans, including the one from years before on Ragako Village, are all revealed. There is also a ton of irony surrounding Gabi and Flaco as they escape their cells and end up being fostered by Sasha's parents. There are also good action scenes once again by Levi and Zeke as they provide a battle scene in the otherwise calm flashback chapters within the last few volumes.

I really enjoyed Attack on Titan Volume 28, by Hajime Isayama, lot. Seeing a lot of my questions about the series answered is always a good feeling and Isayama does a great job of keeping readers hooked. I really liked the continuing character development of Gabi and Falco. Especially when there is so much suspense surrounding them and Sasha's family. This volume really made me think about Eren, Mikasa, and even real children and how they think compared to how older people think. For example, Eren saw his mother get eaten by a titan and wanted to wipe out and destroy everything titan in his path. The same thing happens to Gabi and Falco seeing Eren attack their home city. It really made me think about how naïve children are and how influenced they are by the things around them. I definitely recommend this volume to anyone who enjoys mysterious mangas.

Reviewed by Neil, Grade 12

Glendale Central Library  

Ao Haru Ride Volume 2, by Io Sakisaka

In the manga, Ao Haru Ride Volume 2, by Io Sakisaka, Futaba was the first to volunteer despite some hesitation when it came time. Kou offered his assistance when she requested a male volunteer. Based on her developing connection with Futaba and the two of them being up there, Makita chose to volunteer. Everyone was shocked when Murao, a recluse by nature, agreed to volunteer. When they discovered the final place, they understood they ought to have heeded to Futaba about consulting their map since they had no clue where they were or how to get there. They eventually succeed, but it's their shared experience that ultimately makes them more compatible. 

The way the people are developing in this series is incredibly appealing to me. It's time to advance the primary plot now that the groundwork for our core cast's development has been established, and it appears that will happen in the upcoming volume. One needs to question how Makita's emotions would affect Futaba and Makita's newfound friendship now that they are pals. They hinted at things by making fun of Makita in their senior year of high school, hence why Futaba first wanted to become close to her. You begin to ponder whether any of those stories turned out to be genuine.

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 11

Glendale Central Library