The Social Network

The Social Network


Directed By: David Fincher
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 16
Rating: Really liked it


Even though this movie is not a true story on how Mark Zuckerberg found Facebook (the social network -we all know and love/despise- with over 500 million people connected) this movie is amazing because of the fantastic cast, and plot.

Even Mark Zuckerberg stated in some TIME magazine interview that "he founded Facebook to get over his breakup" was not true since he had a girlfriend and is still is with her. Also, the portrayals of his selfishness and his cockiness was not true since he donated some money to some school not long after the movie was released. The true reason why he found Facebook was because he wanted people to have the social connections like he did. Zuckerberg even admits that he likes the appletini (some alcoholic drink) as he was depicted (by Jesse Eisenberg) drinking in the movie. Also, most of the shirts Jesse Eisenberg wore in the movie, Zuckerberg states he also has.

This movie is for sure a breakout role for Justin Timberlake[who plays Sean Parker (founder of Napster)], the one who along with Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) helps revolutionize Facebook into the most popular social networking site we know as of today, because in past movies he did not get much critical reception until this movie.

Some part of this movie were boring as they used some computer language that most would not understand but overall this movie is a pretty good story on how Facebook became an international phenomenon.


Recommended to: Everyone

Crank*

Crank*


By: Ellen Hopkins
Reviewed by: Jessy, 17
Rating: Really liked it


I really liked this book. I loved how the story was told through poems and how Kristina met and dealt with the "Monster". I actually got to meet the author and get her autograph. :)


Recommended to: People with eyes :D

Water Steps

Water Steps


By: A. LaFaye
Reviewed by: JNoto, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Kyna's life is literally ruled by her fear of water. At the age of three, a storm at sea had taken away her family's life, and almost her own. Her adopted parents try to entertain her with stories about shape shifting silkies, pony riding, baby stealing fairies and whatnot, she still can't get over her traumatizing past. Her parents encourage her to take 'water steps' - trying to get over her fear of water by getting her closer to it. Everything takes a turn for the worse when Kyna's parents rent a house for the summer. Right next to a lake.

Kyna finds herself to be too close to the water when her new friend tries to prove the existence of silkies in the lake. But, she doesn't know that she is also very close to finding the truth about her adoptive parents.

"Water Steps" is a good book, anyone should read it.


Recommended to:

Worth

Worth


By: A. LaFaye
Reviewed by: JNoto, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Eleven year old Nate feels neglected and useless to father after an accident breaks his left leg, unabling him to do any farm work. When an orphan boy named John Worth is taken in by his father to help on the farm, Nate feels even worse. Jealous that John has taken over his work, Nate also thinks that John is taking away his father's attention away from him even more. John is also still greiving over the death of his family and the city life he used to live. However, they discover a connection that sheds a ray of hope that there might be enough space for the two of them on the farm.

It's a really sweet and touching story, I thoroughly enjoyed it.


Recommended to:

Dead Boys

Dead Boys


By: Royce Buckingham
Reviewed by: JNoto, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


After Teddy Matthews and his mother move to Richland, a small, remote town in eastern Washington, Teddy is pushed by his mother to get out of his shell and go make some friends. While successfully meeting several boys over the course of a few days, they all disappear after a few minutes. On top of that, whenever Teddy goes for help, he's always told that they vanished decades ago. Teddy soon grows suspicious of their disappearance and is worried that they might be connected to the unnaturally large and malicious looking sycamore tree outside his house. When he goes to investigate, he discovers a horrifying truth that all leads to the tree.
Scarily awesome, I loved it!


Recommended to:

The Limit

The Limit


By: Kristen Landon
Reviewed by: JNoto, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Thirteen year old Matt never dreamed that he would be sent away to the Federal Debt Rehabilitation Agency (FDRA) workhouse. His parents are responsible spenders, right.
When his family goes over the legal debt limit, he's whisked away into an FDRA workhouse. All seems ok at first, but soon he learns that more serious things are at work at the workhouse than first meets the eye.

I liked it a lot, the story line was interesting.


Recommended to:

The Big Field

The Big Field


By: Mike Lupica
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Normally i don't do sports books , but Mike Lupica has opened my eyes. His style, small font, and incredible detail will make anyone sit done till its done. His story is inspiring and full of emotion and i definitely recommend you read it.
Here is a quick summary,

Baseball's the thing for young "Hutch" Hutchinson, but when a new guy on the team seems intent to hate Hutch as much as possible, will he be able to hold his temper to find the real person in the new kid?

Great book, read it , Trust me.


Recommended to: anyone

Gregor and the Code of Claw

Gregor and the Code of Claw


By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: Really liked it


In the last book of the Gregor series, Gregor goes on his final battle and on the way looses so much it gets hard to count. As Gregor's death is foretold he starts to let go and he becomes a terrifying warrior, who just happens to be 12. More intimate feelings also appear. Suzanne Collins did a good job with this book and readers will enjoy. But i do not recommend skipping to red this book important ideas will be missed and the full experience will not be appreciated.


Recommended to: Anyone

Country Strong

Country Strong

By: Various Artists
Reviewed by: Tina R., 15
Rating: It was amazing!


I loved Country Strong, the soundtrack and movie. Be prepared, because the movie can make you cry. A drama based on a rising country music sondwriter who finds a spark between him and a fallen star who ruined her career. Together, they go on her journey to become a superstar again, leading to romantic complications involving her husband and a beauty-queen and a singer. Leighteen Meester, Tim MgGraw, and Gywneth Paltrow star in the movie and sountrack!


Recommended to: Country fans

Elixir

Elixir

By: Hilary Duff
Reviewed by: Tina R., 15
Rating: Really liked it


Most people know Hilary Duff for her acting roles, but Elixir is her first novel. This novel combines science fiction and romance to create a story that will keep you turning pages and wanting a second book!

Do you believe in soul mates? In Elixir, Seventeen year old Clea Raymond has to choose between her best friend and a soul mate that might have been following her, even before she was born. Caught in the middle of a scary love triangle, Clea, Ben, and Sage race to solve the problems of their lives and after lives.


Recommended to: Hilary Duff fans! (Teens)

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars


By: Sara Shepard
Reviewed by: Annabelle L., 16
Rating: It was alright...


With all the hype from the TV series and books, I decided to try the first of the "Pretty Little Liars" novels...

Meet Alison DiLaurentis. The social butterfly, the queen bee, the ONE you trust... But also the one you fear, the one that knows ALL your secrets.

Now meet four girls that were her best friends- Spencer Hastings, the 'hyperperfect' person; Aria Montgomery, the weird girl; Emily Fields, the swimmer; Hanna Marin, a girl with uncontrollable eating habits. Each have their own dirty little secrets as well as The Jenna Thing.

Ali goes missing, and for three years, everything is buried, and everyone is- for the most part- relieved.

But then, a mysterious person begins to threaten each of the four girls lives with hidden secrets both past and present; she signs off as "A", but Ali is gone right? So, who is this "A"?

Pretty Little Liars reminds me of a cross between Desparate Housewives and The Clique series. It's a lot more mature than The Clique, and brings up a lot of controversial teen issues today- sexuality, relationships with older people, eating disorders, sibling rivalry, overachievement, etc.. It's a suspense drama that you can and can't see happening at the same time.

For me personally, it's a good quick read on rainy (or sick) days, though the mystery part of it appeals to me, especially because at every corner, sometimes you just don't know what to expect. I liked the ways Shepard also wrote the book in the four girls different parts, which tells their own little stories over a grand big one, which helps connect the reader more so to the girls, despite their little faults.

Some of the different parts seemed either too rushed or maybe not enough explanation, though the mystery part of it probably is the reason why. For a modern day teen fic, it's fun, enjoyable, and leaves you wanting more.


Recommended to: older teenage girls

Stolen

Stolen


By: Lucy Christopher
Reviewed by: Yvonne, 16
Rating: Really liked it


Stolen from her parents. alone in the desert.


Recommended to: Everyone

A Child Called "It"

A Child Called "It"


By: David Pelzer
Reviewed by: Nickole, 16
Rating: Really liked it



it was a qewd book it was kinda crazy bt i lky it tho..evan tho his mother was a complent pysco path wit her son...the book made me cry of how sad it was so i had read it more den 5tyms(:


Recommended to: every one n thee world piimp((:

Daniel X: Watch the Skies

Daniel X: Watch the Skies


By: James Patterson and Ned Rust
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: Really liked it


Daniels at it again... Fighting the monsters on Terra Firma... As Daniels deals with a lime light crazy monster Fantasy lovers will be pulled into another great tale. This is comparable to Harry potter or Percy Jackson. James Patterson really owns this story and truly makes it come alive inside the readers head.


Recommended to: Anyone

Hate List

Hate List


By: Jennifer Brown
Reviewed by: Teralyn E., 14
Rating: It was amazing!


We all have people we can't stand. Things we wish never existed. And we all need a way to vent those despised figures. Nick Levil and Valerie Leftman created their own Hate List. A notebook full of everything they hated. From people, to concepts, to images, to actions.

But Nick took it one step farther.

Hate List is more than a story about a school shooting. Its the story about the aftermath of a mass tragedy that leaves families broken, friends disassembled, and lives shattered. Most of all, it is the story of Valerie Leftman. The murderer's girlfriend and cohort. The one who was taken most by surprise, and left to deal with the mess left behind.

This book was very touching and emotional, but at the same time it was very realistic and easy to relate to. The characters had flaws and issues and they could easliy be associated with people from any readers' life. Because of this factor, the reality behind the story, the reader is pulled into Valerie's head, feeling what she feels and moving along this journey with her.

Very good read.


Recommended to: Teens- 13+

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X


By: James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


In the first Daniel book we are introduced to Daniel and his way of life. The details are complicated so I suggest that you read the books. But put simply Daniel is an alien hunter. Weird right? At first I thought the story was going to be poorly written, (judging from the cover) but it turned out this is one of the best books i have ever had the pleasure to read.

I am going to repeat myself. Great book, definitely worth a thorough read, it was so good that i sat down and read it in one go. The book is kinda short, but not very. Just goes to show that you cant judge a book by it cover.


Recommended to: Everyone

Gregor and the Marks of Secret

Gregor and the Marks of Secret


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


In the 4ht part of the Gregor series there is no prophecy. Just Gregor visiting his mom who is recovering for the Plague. Or is there? Something is wrong with the nibblers. Very wrong. As Gregor goes investigating he finds something horrible . Will he be able to save them?

Suzanne Collins does a great job in this book. The emotion is strong and well portrayed, the characters develop well through the adventure of a twisting plot as the author leads us to the conclusion. I recommend this book to everyone ( read the rest of the series too).


Recommended to: Everyone

Seven Pounds

Seven Pounds


Directed By: Gabriele Mucinno
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 16
Rating: It was alright...


This is one of the few movies (brought to you by the director who also directed "Pursuit of Happyness") that has almost made me cry. The name "Seven Pounds" comes from the fact that's how much your heart weighs.

Will Smith plays an aeronautical engineer turned IRS tax collector who sets out to change the lives of seven different people in redemption for killing seven people (six strangers and his fiancée) because he was reading a text message while driving. I liked the chemistry between Rosario Dawson and Will Smith throughout the movie. I was even anticipating the two to kiss.
The one thing I didn't like about the movie is that it was so predictable. What Ben (Will Smith) [taking on his brother Ben's identity as an IRS agent even though his name is Tim] was planning for Emily (Rosario Dawson) is so obvious and that the two subtly fall in love with each other throughout the movie. Also, Ben seemed to very stalker-like whenever he happens to pass by Emily's house.

Throughout the movie the strange things he did become more understandable as the movie progresses with the various organ donations he has made to others, the two-week hotel stay, the pet jellyfish, and etc. The scene towards the ending is very painful and understandable.

All I can say is that the movie was very, very predictable.


Recommended to: Fans of Will Smith, almost everyone

The Tourist

The Tourist


Directed By: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 16
Rating: Really liked it


This movie was not only great because it has Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp in it but because it has balance between romance, thriller/mystery, and comedy.

The chemistry between Jolie and Depp was pretty believable but was a bit awkward at times. Also, reading a Vogue magazine article on Angelina Jolie on her role as Elise in this movie helped me to see how dedicated to this role she was and on her thoughts of fellow actor Johnny Depp while filming the movie. Also it is cool that Jolie does her own stunts in this movie and other ones. Depp was really funny as the clueless American tourist in Europe named Frank and in being someone's look-alike. Another thing I liked was Jolie's costuming in the movie where her dresses were phenomenally pretty.


Recommended to: Fans of Johnny Depp, fans of Angelina Jolie, and etc.

Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X 2

Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X 2


By: Ubisoft
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was alright...


In Hawx 2 you fly as several different pilots form several different countries. The game play is good the graphics are nice so why is this only and alright? Well, because for one you cannot choose what aircraft you want to take in to battle. Secondly, the targeting system is poor and it is difficult to choose a target. This can cause pilots to miss their targets, crash, and as a result fail the mission. This is especially true when it comes to ground attack or support missions. Another factor is that the online game play is silly, as all you do is try to engage other aircraft in a team death match type idea. But in online it is basically who shoots first because it is difficult to evade the missiles. However if you are looking for a quick game I think this is a good choice. Especially if you love flying.


Recommended to: Flying fans

Allyoop.com

Allyoop


By: NCS Pearson
Reviewed by: Lauren A., 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Basically, it's a website to help you reach your goals of, hopefully, getting to college, getting good grades, and achieving your dream job.Best of all, it's free! You can create a career cloud, track your grade, and get involved in activities related to your career. Activities range from math and writing to doing good and money matters. Overall, it's a great site! I really hope people who read this and join their site think so too.


Recommended to: Everyone