Fever 1793

Fever 1793


By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by: aviana, 14
Rating: It was alright...


it's ok not my type of book


Recommended to: cindy

Gregor and the Curse of The Warmbloods

Gregor and the Curse of The Warmbloods


By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


As I am reading the books out of order i cannot judge the equality of this series, but the third book is definitely a very good compliment. The curse of The Warm-bloods is an excellent book that will have anyone hooked.

In the third book Gregor is called back down to the under-land to help find the cure for a plague that has erupted. But when he his mother and his little sister boots go Gregor's mother falls ill with the plague and he must go on a quest to save her and the others.


Recommended to: anyone

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

Directed By: David Yates
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Harry Potter is an awesome series and as with the other movies The deathly Hallows is no different. Beautiful scenes full-some acting and a thrilling story plot will wow fans and critics all the same. The book which the movie is based on is so long and full of details that the movies are split into two parts. The current part released on the 19th of Nov. and the next will release some time in July of 2011. But before you go and watch this movie as I strongly suggest you do, you should first watch/read the other movies/books so you have an idea of what is going on. But since I recognize how long that takes i will give you a crash course. In every other movie Harry and his pals Hermione and Ron deal with voldemort in some way shape or form. Now in the darkest of times Harry must destroy the Horcruxes were Voldemort has stored parts of his sole so that he can never die. Once Harry has done that all he has to do is kill the strongest and most powerful wizard in all of history. Then Horcruxes are things that are important to Voldemort. Also there is some romance between Ron and Hermione ,Harry and Ginny.


Recommended to: Everyone

The Lost Symbol

The Lost Symbol

By: Dan Brown
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


The Lost symbol, The third book starring Robert Langdon, is based in Washington D.C. When Robert is tricked into coming to Washington, he finds a dangerous villain, the most powerful yet,on the quest for a great power. As he and another heroine attempt to stop the villain they witness countless bloodshed and for some time attempt to run from the C.I.A.
This book is just like the others in the series, which means it provides Dan Browns trade mark array of action and mystery. Anyone will enjoy this sequel of a remarkable series.


Recommended to: all

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

By: Suzanne Collins
By: John Steinbeck
Reviewed by: Kayleigh , 17
Rating: It was amazing!


If you’re looking for something to read for the holiday school breaks, I highly recommend this series. So, if you haven’t read this book you need to go to your nearest bookstore and get a copy because this book is amazing!

Every year teenagers of Panem gather together and pray they don’t get chosen. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen lives in a futuristic dictatorship in the ruins of North America that is now called Panem. Broken up in districts, each district must put up two tributes for the annual – and deadly – Hunger Games. These cruel games are the only way the Capitol can remind the citizens that they are in charge. So when this year’s “reaping” comes around, Katniss makes a decision that changes her life.

This is a survival story with some romance and two main characters who have to find themselves and defy this cruel and unjust government. Collins tells the truths about our society through her parallels between the USA and the fictional Panem. But the most gripping aspect of the story is the characters that you grow to love and their journey through constant peril.

This is the best one of the series.


Recommended to: This is a must read for all older teens! (even adults I know like it!)

Catching Fire

Catching Fire

By: Suzanne Collins
By: John Steinbeck
Reviewed by: Kayleigh , 17
Rating: Really liked it


For the second installment of the Hunger Games series, readers start to see the consequences of Katniss and Peeta’s actions. They spend the first half of the book back in District 12 where they both feel the effects of their show back in the first games. But soon the Quarter Quell comes around where a surprising twist shocks the reader just as much as it does Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch.

Ultimately this story is about love. Katniss’s love for her family, her sister and her friends. It is also about hope. Katniss and the mockingjay pin become the symbol of revolt against a cruel government that dominates over oppressed people. These people find hope and courage through Katniss and Peeta’s actions. It is engaging, entertaining and, depending on your interpretation, inspiring. Though the beginning is a bit slow, Collins still takes you on a journey that is just as crazy and enthralling as the first.


Recommended to: people who loved the first book

Mockingjay

Mockingjay

By: Suzanne Collins
By: John Steinbeck
Reviewed by: Kayleigh , 17
Rating: Really liked it


A person can only take so much. Reality sinks in for Katniss as the ash settles in her hometown. The war has taken its first innocent bystanders. The debris from houses in the Seam and the skulls of those she knew laying on the dirt path are too much for the strong and resilient heroine that we have all come to know and love. The last straw was the capture of the one she loves dearly. All of her loved ones are in peril…all because of Katniss (or so she thinks). But District 13 needs her. They need her power and inspirational image to win against the Capitol. So Katniss must adapt to her new, and unsettling life in order to punish the ones who have hurt her friends and family.

This is definitely the darkest book in the series. We are shown the atrocities of war and the effects war has on the characters’ sanity. I felt for Katniss and there were parts where I started to tear up because of what was happening. Although it doesn’t have the lighthearted feel of the first book and mystery of the second, this book has some gleaming value to it. Best of all, you get to see how things end. I liked this book, however it is nowhere near the quality of the first one.


Recommended to: dedicated fans of the Hunger Games series

Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde

Directed By: Robert Luketic
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 16
Rating: Really liked it


Legally Blonde is a funny movie. I liked it because I could relate to Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) being lost at first and then catching up towards the end.

The movie starts with Elle being the head of her sorority; Delta Nu and having the whole sorority wish her luck for her engagement to Warren Huntington III (Matt Davis). When she sees Warren, she is avidly envisioning him bending down on one knee and holding a ring box in his hand, proposing to her. But, no, it was to announce Warren's breakup to Elle because he wanted a more serious girlfriend to accompany his budding political career (going on to Harvard Law is his first step). Elle, after hearing the news, is devastated, and everyone in the restaurant could tell. After their breakup, Elle then was depressed for a bit and then is determined to follow Warren to Harvard Law to hopefully win him back. Things do not turn out well at first when no one could take her seriously because of the way she dresses and of her out-going personality. Emmett Richmond (Luke Wilson), an associate attorney, then tells her the tricks to survive the professors. She then befriends her manicurist, Paulette Bonafonté (Jennifer Coolidge). Eventually, throughout the movie, Elle slowly successes her way to scoring an internship with Professor Callahan along with Vivian Kensington (Selma Blair), Warren's fiancée; and Warren. At the end [~SPOILER ALERT~], Elle gets hired as an attorney and she saves the day. Three years later, she graduates with high honors, get hired at a prestigious law firm in Boston and gets engaged to Emmett. Warren proposed to her at the end but she rejected. She and Vivian are good friends and happily ever after.

All I can say is that Elle is one smart, determined blonde. It seems that what you can learn from this movie is that if you want it, you work hard for it, and you will achieve it. Plus, hair color makes no difference.


Recommended to: Most women

Anthem

Anthem


By: Ayn Rand
Reviewed by: Teralyn E., 14
Rating: It was amazing!


Ayn Rand's novella, Anthem, was an amazing read.

The original title of the book was going to be 'Ego'. The main theme in this book was ego, and how it is the heart, meaning, and glory of the earth.

Through the story, the reader may notice that Equality 7-2521, the protagonist and the point of view from whom the story is told, refers to himself as 'we'; This may be confusing at first, but the reason behind it is really quite simple!

The painfully obvious and yet overly-complicated plot to this story is captivating, interesting, and even enlightening.

A great book all around.


Recommended to: Anyone looking for a 'deep' read.

Cinderella

Cinderella


Directed By: Clyde Geronomi
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 18
Rating: Hated it!


Cinderella is about a young woman who is a servant because of her stepmother. She falls in love with a Prince.

Today I am going to talk about Disney's Cinderella, and let me say, it isn't pretty. I used to like Disney movies before, but I wasn't a huge fan presay. I found things that were off in Disney movies. But obviously I couldn't elaborate about it, I was only a kid. But now that I have formed my ideas, I see the problems with this movie. Let's start, shall we?

In the beginining we see the start of Cinderella's life. Her father passed away, so she was left in the hands of her evil stepmother. Want to know a well known cliche that is used in practically almost all disney movies? Jealousy. Over what exactly? The stepmother and stepdaughters hate Cinderella because of her 'beauty'. Seriously, this is very pathetic. What is this telling girls? That other woman will be hateful because of 'beauty'? Is this a realistic motive? Disney should have just stuck with the fact that the stepmother is plain evil, not so much driven by jealousy. I dunno.

Anyway Cinderella is considered the "Princess of hope". Hmm okay so she is abused and not happy with her life, though she stays optimistic. Aka waiting for her Prince to come. So there lays the problems. She is considered a hard worker, and yet she is there, waiting for a unknown prince to save her? What does this say? To wait for a man to save you? She could have left the house and make her own life, away from the evil stepmother. Indeed this IS a disney movie, a fictional story, right? But our girls of this generation look at that, and could possibly see that as reality. Believe me, such cases are true. Cinderella is not "so bright" if all her dreams lies within a Prince.

Secondly, the ball part. This scene in the movie disturbs me. So here is where I question Cinderella - She is risking herself getting into trouble, to go to some measly ball....knowing she can get into trouble. So why doesn't she do that for herself? In the fact that she could have left the stepmother along time ago? Hmm mmm. Anyhow, when Cinderella arrives to the ball, the Prince suddenly, drastically, changes his attitude. Before she came, he was bored. He didn't care for the ball. Want to know why he suddenly had a change of heart? It was her beauty. Maybe, just maybe - that isn't the center issue. May I point out that supposedly they fell in love during the dancing for only what? Two hours, or three? Exactly. They didn't know eachother enough to say it was actual true love. The prince didn't go out and look for her when she left her little glass slipper, just because she was a humble, hard working, and king young woman. Note the sarcasm.

Indeed this movie has flaws, that I can't help but question. What kind of message is this? I wouldn't want my sisters or daughters looking up to Cinderella. It's okay that we view this movie as entertainment. As it is, their is no such thing as Spider Man, no? It's okay to let our imagination fly. Only to a certain extent. Basically, Disney is selling a stereotypical cliche of what woman are seen to be, then what they could be.

Also I just wanted to say, her little friends are more interesting than Cinderella herself. I laugh when I saw those little mouses. The songs are cheesy; I didn't like them. I'm sticking with Pocahontas and Mulan.


Recommended to: Disney fans

13 Going on 30

13 Going on 30


Directed By: Gary Winick
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 16
Rating: Really liked it


It is surprising how much you can learn from movies. 13 Going on 30 happens to be one of those movies. Starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, the movie has a good moral, to enjoy as much of the moment as you can.

(WARNING: *Spoilers ahead*)
The movie starts with Jenna as a thirteen year old in 1987 who is struggling to get to the top of the social ladder and be a Six Chick. On her thirteenth birthday, she tries to dress up like one of the Six Chicks (believe me, this is a good movie to look for 80s trends) because the Six Chicks were coming to her birthday party. Matt, her best friend, built her a dream house for her birthday. He sprinkled wishing dust (the thing that will make all your wishes come true) onto the house. Jenna then hearing the doorbell ring shoves the dream house back into storage as it was the Six Chicks waiting at the door. They then do something to leave her out of her own party and then Matt finds her sitting in the closet. Jenna then finds out and shoves Matt out and then sits in the closet chanting "I want to be thirty, flirty, and thriving" over and over again. She then gets her wish all right except that her best friend is missing. She is thirty and a successful magazine editor for Poise. Many things have changed in the seventeen years she wished for to pass by. Basically, she is a thirteen year old stuck in a thirty year old body. Throughout the movie, Jenna tries to figure out what has happened to her in the seventeen years that has sped by, catch up in her job, get back in touch with former best friend Matt (whom she falls in love with), and etcetera. When she realizes that her best friend is getting married, her co-worker is backstabbing her, and is realizing how much of a bad person she has become, she finds Matt getting ready for his wedding and asks for the dream house. He gives it to her and she goes outside and wishes to be thirteen again. Happy ending afterwards.

Some parts of the movie did not make sense and felt awkward. Overall, it was funny. I had some personal revelations while watching this movie about how to live each moment to its fullest. Pretty good chick-flick right there!


Recommended to: All women, teenage girls, etc.

The Other Side of Down

The Other Side of Down

By: David Archuleta
Reviewed by: Tina R., 15
Rating: It was amazing!


Beautiful. David's voice is simply perfect. After winning American Idol, some people basically forgot about this talented singer. With this album, he gained several new and old fans.

Not only is each song catchy, the lyrics are meaningful and will instantly put you in a good mood. Plus, after spending a couple hours with David at the airport and after a couple of his concerts, I can say that he is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. What greater reason to listen to his music!?


Recommended to: Everyone (American Idol Fans!)

Teenage Dream

Teenage Dream

By: Katy Perry
Reviewed by: Tina R., 15
Rating: It was amazing!


In my opinion, this is her best album so far. These tracks range from sweet ballads to dance type of songs. The lyrics cover a range of topics and parts in her life. In addition to great music, the album has the bonus of having a sweet scent!


Recommended to: People who love music, especially pop

Lauren Conrad Style

Lauren Conrad Style


By: Lauren Conrad
Reviewed by: Tina R., 15
Rating: Really liked it


Lauren Conrad is mostly known for her realty tv shows and acting roles. Recently, she has written a couple books, and Style is one of her most recent. In this book, Lauren writes about her fashion tips. These range from makeup, nails, basics of fashion, shoes, etc. Some of the tips and things mentioned are common sense, but most were worthy. I'd reccomend checking this book out as a book to read on the weekend or before a shopping spree!


Recommended to: People who love fashion!

Speak Now

Speak Now

By: Taylor Swift
Reviewed by: Tina R., 15
Rating: It was amazing!


AMAZING!!!! AMAZING!!!! AMAZING!!!!
Taylor does it again! all of her fans can count on her to come out with another album of great songs. Each one of these tracks is worth listening to on repeat. Those of you that thought her previous music sounded somewhat immature, this album really shows how much she has matured. Also, each song has a hidden phrase. Look on the inside of the album cover, the lyrics are written out with capital letters here and there. But the letters together to see who or what the song was written about!


Recommended to: Everyone!

Teenage Dream

Teenage Dream

By: Katy Perry
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 16
Rating: It was alright...


his is Katy Perry's second and most recent album, Teenage Dream. I personally feel neutral to this album because while most of the songs have a catchy tune to it, her songwriting skills are lacking.

"California Gurls" is a salute to the California girls and I like it because I am a California Girl. I like "Teenage Dream" for its catchy lyrics but the songwriting of it is a bit lacking. "Firework" sends a good message for all to spark the inner light inside you and be confident! "ET" is very electronic and is very catchy. "The One who Got Away" has a sweet tune and is also addictive. "Not like the Movies" is interesting and is one of the few ballads from this album.

Some of her lyrics do not make any sense at all but somehow, Katy Perry still manages to make the songs addictive.


Recommended to: Teenage girls, Katy Perry Fans, etc...

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

By: Jacqeline Kelly
Reviewed by: Meeeee, 14
Rating: It was amazing!


It's summer 1899 in Texas, Calpurnia is the only girl in a family of boys, her mother tries to teach her cooking, piano and sewing and knitting, but she is far more interested in what is behind the library doors, or why there are yellow grasshoppers and green grasshoppers in that summer, with the help of her grandfather, Walter Tate, she slowly begins to be interested in naturalism.


Recommended to: anyone who wants to read it

Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons

By: Dan Brown
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: Really liked it


Angels and demons is the preview to The Da vici code. The book starts as all of the books do, with an unexpected contact from someone Robert Langdon doesn't know. Also as usual there is a heroin who our star becomes smitten with bla bla bla.... The really cool part of the this story is the mind-bending twists (yes that's right there are many of them). If you read the da vinci code then you know that near the end the true villain is some one you would never suspect. Similarly in Angels and Demons Mr.Brown makes you thoroughly suspect one character while it is a whole different character all together. These twists make the storyline very suspenseful. When Robert Langdon does indeed get on the case, based in Vatican City, the story is like one long treasure chase, but the tresure is not gold.... Not by a long shot.


Recommended to: anyone

All the Right Reasons

All the Right Reasons


By: Nickelback
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 16
Rating: Really liked it


Even though I hve reviewed Nickelback's newer album Dark Horse (2009), I am reviewing their previous album, All the Right Reasons (2005).

To me, I loved this album. They have many songs I can relate to which is why Nickelback is one of my most favorite bands. The song "Photograph" is about memories seen through a photo and I can relate to that. Some songs like "Far Away" (about not seeing the person you love for so long) amd "Savin' Me" (save me from my bad personality) are about love and I think they portray it well. "Rockstar" (about their quest for fortune and fame) approximately describes my desire for fortune for fame minus the drugs. "If Everyone Cared" is about life in general and it does make sense.

I think this album is better than their current album because of the quality of the songs.


Recommended to: Everyone including fans of Nickelback