Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By: Carrie Mesrobian
Rating: It was alright...
I tend to find books that don't end the way I want them to end, but hey that's things in life to you. Not everything ends the way you want it. This story by the name of "Cut Both Ways" Is by a bisexual male whom is dating a girl, but having an affair with one of his best friend's who's a dude. Surely things will go right, right? Nope.
I would recommend this to: Anyone
Reviewed By: Aimee E.
By: Suzanne Nelson
Rating: It was amazing!
Alicia’s dad has run 'Say It With Flour', a small bakery with a loyal following, for years. They have to find ways to bring in new customers, especial after Perk Up, a big chain coffee and pastry shop, opens across the street. To make a bad matter worse, Dane, the cute new boy at school is the son of Perk Up’s CEO. She should hate him...but he’s really sort of sweet. How’s a girl supposed to deal? Ali begins to create incredible cake pops using her deceased mom’s cookbook.
I would recommend this to: Anyone who really enjoys romance books :)
Reviewed By: Ofelia F.
By: Rainbow Rowell
Rating: Really liked it
Who says you're to young to fall in love? It is known that you fall in love in the most unexpected ways. What if it all starts with with a song or the same interest for a comic book. That is how it was for Eleanor and Park. Throughout the novel you will notice how two distinct characters fall in love for one another and the many obstacles they have to overcome in order to be with each other. This is a beautifully written love story that you will never forget.
I would recommend this to: Those who love to read a good romance novel.
Reviewed By: Amanda S.
By: A.G. Howard
Rating: It was amazing!
In this sequel to "Splintered" (see a previous review for that), Alyssa is torn between fixing and maintaining her normal life in the real world and returning to Wonderland to save the netherlings there. Wonderland still haunts her in the human realm, and Morpheus doesn't help by showing up and turning her life upside down for the second time. But when the two world collide, it's up to her to set things straight again.
I would recommend this to: Fans of Alice in Wonderland.
Reviewed By: Amanda S.
By: George Orwell
Rating: It was amazing!
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a short and to-the-point book with many historical themes and ties criticizing Stalinism, while still fascinating and enjoyable to read. It can be considered a "classic", and is one of the few I actually got drawn into. Since it's fairly easy to give away, I sincerely suggest you simply go and read the book yourself. It can almost be described as "Charlottes's Web" with a dark twist; the seemingly sweet and friendly animals have a sinister plot in mind and will go to great lengths to achieve it.
I would recommend this to: 12+
Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By: Peggy Kern
Rating: Didn't like it
I didn't like the book, because "Little Peach" Is based off child prostitution and that is reality. That is something that has happened and it's still happening right now. However, the writing was good, but the story went to fast. That was a problem, but I'm kind of thankful, because the book is depressing and doesn't really end all puppies and rainbows...I liked that this book spreads awareness though. I'm glad t here's people who put it out there. It's awful that it happens, but now that we know..We should try our best to prevent it? It is wrong. These things are done without consent and if there is consent it is usually for the lack of knowledge on what foolish acts they're about to commit. "Little Peach" by Peggy Kern is no happy book. It starts off depressing and ends in a way that just makes you worry. I will admit I only requested this book solely because it had a bad review and I wanted to see if the person who wrote the review was sane or crazy and now I have a conclusion. The story itself isn't bad. It's the harsh reality that comes from it.
I would recommend this to: The oblivious.
Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By: John Green
Rating: Really liked it
'Looking For Alaska' is a book I feel I shouldn't review. It's waaaaay too easy to spoil the whole story line, but I'm going to give it a go. Halter Miles starts going to a college and hangs out with the type of people he was told not to and falls in love with Alaska. He likes her. She thinks he's adorable. Only problem is she's happy with her relationship and doesn't plan to cheat or change who she's going out with.
I really did like this story, but I hate Alaska and the way this book was ended. Why must all John Green books end with such a so called meaningful saying?
I ship Chip Martin with Halter Miles.
I would recommend this to: The ones who don't realize relationships don't always last.
Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By: Brian McNamara
Rating: Really liked it
Cute, funny, and realistically frustrating! 'Bottled Up Secret' is about a boy named Brendan who finally came out and met a boy he truly fell for and the struggle of having to hide his relationship, because his boyfriend is in the closet. Will their relationship last? Or will this fear of being caught make them quit seeing each other?
This book has a lot of clues and symbols and the name of the story really suits the story. Maybe a bit to well? The work is simple, but nice.
I would recommend this to: Those who don't get weirded out with flirting.
Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By: John Green and David Levithan
Rating: It was alright...
Two male adolescents both with messed up mind sets meet'coincidentally' they go by the name 'Will Grayson' Thus that is title of the book. This book over all is a cliche with a somewhat adorable heart grabbing ending. It infuriates me how much I could relate. Am I cliche? This book, like most books I read leave me thinking about my existence. Warning: Once you start reading you just want to finish it.
I would recommend this to: Anyone that has feelings
Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By: David Almond
Rating: It was alright...
'A Song For Ella Grey' by David Almond is a work that's based off Orpheus, a myth about a talented male who lost his love to Death, but got a chance to get her back and failed. The story is told in first person by a Hippie named Claire. She's hopelessly in love with her friend Ella who seemed to love her back, but ends up being torn away from her by Orpheus. Unfortunately she can't do a thing, because Ella obligates her to not. This story is depressing and somewhat nostalgic and has left me in a state of melancholy. I saw potential in this story, but it took a disappointing turn. 'A Song For Ella Grey' shows just how much pain people in love are willing to go through for those whom they love.
I would recommend this to: People who are not thinking about consequences.
Reviewed By: Aimee E.
By: Pam Munoz Ryan
Rating: It was amazing!
In the book's beginning, Esperanza's wealthy father is killed by bandits in Mexico; then, a scheming uncle sets fire to her house and family ranch in order to pressure her widowed mother to marry him. Fleeing to California, Esperanza tries to adjust to the cramped, exhausting life of a farm worker. Thanks to a supportive family and network of friends, she keeps hope alive and begins to work for a new future. Readers will learn a number of Spanish words and about the lives of migrant farm workers during the 1930's as characters deal with strikes, discrimination, harsh living conditions, and more.
I would recommend this to: Anyone who likes books that have an outcome of courage and bravery.
Reviewed By: Trina N.
By: Stephen Crane
Rating: It was alright...
This was a book I had to read for my English class. It's about a teenager named Henry who goes to war because he wants to feel the glory of fighting. He has an image that soldiers are brave and always being honored for fighting. When he gets into battle and combat, however he feels scared and realizes that fighting in the war is terrifying. The story is mostly and coming of age story and facing reality. I like the concept and the main idea of this story. However, it's very hard to read as it's written in older English and not something I'm used to reading.
I would recommend this to: Anyone who likes war stories
Reviewed By: Trina N.
By: Ayumi Komura
Rating: It was amazing!
This story revolves around the daughter of a pastry chef and the son of a sushi chef. Hanayu, the daughter of a famous pastry chef, wants to become a sushi chef and Hayato, son of a prestigious sushi chef, wants to become a pastry chef! They both go to the same high school together and Hanayu knows that her parents will be very upset if she reveals that she wants to make sushi instead of bake cakes. However, she thinks that if she marries Hayato, then her parents will understand her decision. What better way to impress someone is with one's cooking skills? I enjoyed this book because while it has its side of romance, there is a lot of comedy. The art style is very typical of a shoujo manga. This manga is also unique because the author discusses food with the story and there are even tips on cooking.
I would recommend this to: Anyone over 13
Reviewed By: Trina N.
By: Fuka Mizutani
Rating: It was amazing!
This is a story about a boy and a girl who are both fourteen years old. They both act mature in front of their classmates and are admired by their friends. However, when they are not at school, the two childhood friends show their inner childish side as average fourteen-year olds and how they experience the start of adolescence and bitter pangs of first love. I really like this book because there aren't many stories about two teens as young as fourteen years old that are in love. It is not only a light, fresh love story but has its mix of comedy school life as well.
I would recommend this to: Anyone older than 13
Reviewed By: Aimee E.
By: Suzanne Nelson
Rating: It was amazing!
This book is about a girl whose parents get divorced and that she has to live with her dad,older stepsister, and her newborn stepsister. She moves into this new town with her dad which she has a new home, new school, and new friends. The story starts off at a valentines day party with her stepsister, but she doesn't know anyone,so she wonders around the block and then sees a sign that says, "Enter for taste samples". So then she enters the bakery then she starts a conversation with this cute guy and at the same age as her. Once she leaves the bakery and then gets home, the next week of school she sees a sign looking for a frog princess,and meet at a bakery on Valentines day. That's when the story and romance adventure begins. :)
I would recommend this to: Anyone who likes romance books.
Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By: Shaun David Hutchinson
Rating: Really liked it
This book is about a gay boy who blames himself for the deaths of his family and lives secretly where his family dies. He has a comic book that he bases off himself intentionally. 'Andrew' has friends there who both have cancer, whom love each other, but don't want to, because what's the point? They think they're going to die. One day another gay boy who's a victim of severe bullying lands in the hospital. 'Andrew' can't keep his eyes off of him.
"The five stages of Andrew Brawley" by Shaun David Hutchinson is a very good book that really makes you think and steals your heart. It not only made me laugh, but almost made me bawl. The only thing I disliked is just that wasn't just about 'Andrew' and the other male, but that was just how the author wrote it, so I can't really complain.
I would recommend this to: Anyone who isn't homophobic.
Reviewed By: Trina N.
By: Frommer's
Rating: It was amazing!
This is a cute, little pocket-sized book packed with common Chinese and English phrases you will need when traveling. The phrases have pinyin, or Chinese pronunciation so you can say it correctly with the right tones. I'm learning Chinese for about a year now and I really think this book is useful for people who are learning Chinese. However, this book wouldn't be very useful if you were not learning Chinese at all, considering you don't know how to use tones in speaking yet.
I would recommend this to: People who are learning Chinese and want to travel.
Reviewed By: Avery W.
By: H. G. Wells
Rating: It was amazing!
In this classic novel, written by one of the three founding fathers of science fiction, a brave and curious inventor (known only as the Time Traveler) uses his newly-created Time Machine to see what the world is like in the future. Once there, he encounters what is left of the human race and has several thrilling adventures. "The Time Machine" was first published in 1895, causing many modern people to complain that it's dated or even lame when compared to today's science fiction, but I highly disagree. This is a fascinating, haunting book, consisting of what I consider to be a perfect mix of philosophical themes and adventure. The fact that it was written in the Victorian era just makes it even better!
I would recommend this to: Everyone. It's one of those books that we should all read at least once in our lives.
Reviewed By: Rodolfo T.
By: David Levithan
Rating: It was amazing!
This book was great i loved how he woke up everyday in a new body. This book was amazing and very intresting i absolutly recomend this book.
I would recommend this to: People who love books about romance.
Reviewed By: Trina N.
By: Amy Tan
Rating: It was amazing!
This story focuses on four Chinese immigrant families who play mahjong for money and feast of various foods. They name their gathering the Joy Luck Club. The story consists of sixteen interlocking stories about the lives of four Chinese immigrant mothers and their four American-born daughters. I really love this book because nowadays I'm into stories about Asian American girls and how their stories are unique from other childhood stories. Some of the stories are very touching, while others are more bold.
I would recommend this to: Anyone over 14.
Reviewed By: Trina N.
By: Cara Chow
Rating: It was amazing!
Takes place in the late 1990s in San Fransisco. This story is about a Chinese girl named Francis who lives with her mother. Her mother is very strict as she pushes Francis to get into UC Berkely and become a doctor so Francis can take care of her mother. Francis is okay with her mother's wishes. However, when Francis stumbles across a speech class, she realizes that speech is her hidden talent and that she can use words for power. And for once, Francis thinks about her own opinions. I really love this book because I'm an Asian American and I can relate to Francis about the pressure about getting good grades and getting into a good college. I highly recommend this book.
I would recommend this to: Anyone over 13. Asian-American girls especially.
