Summer Reading 2014: The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh

Reviewed By: Ravi K.
By: Penguin Classics (author Unknown)
Rating: Really liked it.

The first book to ever be written (1st one found, anyways). It was amazing! Although it's very basic, the story is based off of Gilgamesh and his best friend Enkidu who become inseparable until death. This poem describes their adventures and shows the strength of their relationship.

I would recommend this to: People who'll read anything! I'm sure you won't be disappointed by this short read.

Summer Reading 2014: How to Fall

How to Fall

Reviewed By: Magali J.
By: Jane Casey
Rating: It was amazing!

I would recommend this to: Mystery lovers.

Summer Reading 2014: Paper Towns

Paper Towns

Reviewed By: Sara C.
By: John Green
Rating: It was amazing!

One of the best John Green books! Two childhood friends who grew apart come together one night to pull a prank to those who wronged them. Quentin, realizing his feelings for Margo is excited to talk to her again but after a few days of not seeing his neighbor, he knows something is up. Margo is missing, Quentin, eager to find her is searching everywhere for clues she left especially for him.

I would recommend this to: Mystery lovers.

Summer Reading 2014: Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle

Reviewed By: Amanda S.
By: Diana Wynne Jones
Rating: It was amazing!

Howl's Moving Castle is an absolutely amazing book! Sophie Hatter, the eldest of three, is magically cursed by a mysterious witch, and turns into an old woman. Follow Sophie in this amazing story as she enlists the help of a fire demon, a heartless wizard, and a turnip-headed scarecrow to reverse the terrible enchantment.

I would recommend this to: Everybody! Guys and girls of all ages, wether they're 9 or 19 or 90!

Summer Reading 2014: Legend

Legend

Reviewed By: Emily P.
By: Marie Lu
Rating: It was amazing!

June's brother has just been murdered and the most wanted teenage criminal in the republic is being held responsible. June goes undercover to capture the criminal only to discover there may be more to him than the Republic thinks. Will June go through with her plan to turn him in for the murder of her brother or will a change of plans take place? Great book! I wasn't sure I was going to like it when I first started reading it, but after a few pages, I was hooked! Great book with a interesting plot that will leave you wanting more!

I would recommend this to: Anyone who likes dystopian books.

Summer Reading 2014: Life Before Legend

Life Before Legend

Reviewed By: Emily P.
By: Marie Lu
Rating: Really liked it!

This short book was written to show June and Day's life before the first book in the series, Legend. It helps to explain how they became the way they are now and explained in more detail events that were hinted at in other books in the series. Be sure to read it AFTER you read Legend. Very informative and helped to answer some questions I had after reading Legend. Due to its short length, it is not a book you can really dive into. Quick 20 minute read, but also very helpful.

I would recommend this to: Anyone who has read the book Legend.

Summer Reading 2014: Altered

Altered

Reviewed By: Emily P.
By: Gennifer Albin
Rating: It was amazing!

Adelice, Jost and Eric have made it to Earth. Adelice's mark from her father is very important on Earth, helping her gain shelter and a protector. Secrets and pasts are revealed and twists and turns you never imagined occur. Must read! I actually enjoyed this book more than the first book, Crewler! Very intriguing and you won't want to put the book down.

I would recommend this to: Teen girls.

Summer Reading 2014: Poison Princess

Poison Princess

Reviewed By: Michelle C.
By: Kresley Cole
Rating: It was amazing!

Imagine if you are in a situation where you are running or fighting for your life. Would you kill or be killed? Evie is a normal sixteen year old year until she starts having hallucinations. Soon an apocalypse hits her hometown, changing her life. With evil out there, who can she trust? The person who saves her, Jack, or others that are just like her. Who is good and who is evil? Read and find out!

I would recommend this to: Teen girls.

Summer Reading 2014: Dear Cassie

Dear Cassie

Reviewed By: Avery W.
By: Lisa Burstein
Rating: Really liked it!

"You'd think getting sent to Turning Pines Wilderness Camp for a month-long rehabilitation 'retreat' and being forced to re-live it in this journal would be the worst thing that happened to me.

You'd be wrong."

Cassie Wick is arrested on prom night and decides that going to Turning Pines Wilderness Camp for a month is better than jail. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens next...

This was a really beautiful, bitter book, but the main character swore a lot. (There is actually a reason for that!) "Dear Cassie" felt real and the characters were very fascinating in their own odd ways. I liked the way it ended a lot (even though I can't say what happened.) A mind-expanding, complex book about change and letting the past go.

I would recommend this to: Teens. Girls might be "into" it more but I have a feeling most guys would like it too.

Summer Reading 2014: Trial by Fire

Trial by Fire

Reviewed By: Magali J.
By: Josephine Angelini
Rating: It was amazing!

After a humiliating accident at a party with her best friend and crush Lily Proctor wishes she could just disappear. Then, she suddenly finds herself in a different Salem,one that is filled with monsters and rules by witches. The strongest of them all is Lillian...the other Lily. Lily learns that the allergies that made her weak on her world make her strong in the other Salem.
Now she has to learn to live with huge responsibilities, unimaginable dangers, and an unexpected love.

I would recommend this to: People who like supernatural stories or like Josephine Angelini.

Summer Reading 2014: Tilt

Tilt

Reviewed By: Sonia H.
By: Ellen Hopkins
Rating: Really liked it!

The whole book was written in poems and I have not often seen that in books. The book centered around three teenagers going through difficult times. This books shows what its like to go through parents divorces, teen pregnancy, peer pressure and the hardships of coming out to your family.

I would recommend this to: Teens.

Summer Reading 2014: The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass

Reviewed By: Avery W.
By: Philip Pullman
Rating: It was Amazing!

I find it sad how much people belittle this book. Yes, it does have violence and some religious themes that may offend certain people, but is everybody not allowed to have their own ideas? Does everyone have to believe in what you believe in? Besides, any religious themes in "The Golden Compass" are subtle and aren't even stated in a confronting way. I found this book fascinating and beautifully written. The characters almost seemed alive and I found myself thinking about them long after I closed the book. I feel bad that Pullman wrote such a great book only for it to get criticized and beaten down. I'm not commanding you to change your opinion about this book, your religious values, or anything else. I'm not even telling you that you have to read this book. All I want to say is that people should at least give it and others like it a chance.

I would recommend this to: Fantasy fans age 13+ who are at least moderately open-minded.

Summer Reading 2014: My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper

Reviewed By: Emily P.
By: Jodi Picoult
Rating: It was amazing!

Anna is tired of having to give herself up for her sister...literally. She has given her sister, Kate, cells, blood, bone marrow, etc. and now she is being asked to donate an organ. She is fed up with her family for the way they do everything they can for Kate, while Anna gets left behind in the shadows. Anna decides to make a big decision that could cause her family to fall apart. Find out what happens in, My Sister's Keeper.
This book was very intriguing and I really appreciated that it was told from the point of view of several characters. It was fascinating to watch how grief, anger, happiness, etc. affected each character in a different way. I was really able to connect with the characters and I couldn't put the book down because I needed to know what happened in the end. Overall, great read and I recommend it.

I would recommend this to: Teen Girls.