Ender's Game
By: Orson Scott Card
Reviewed by: Karthik, 15
Rating: Really liked it
This book is an amazing action adventure, sci-fi and developmental and heart breaking tale of a boy whose potential is too good for him to handle and in the process it kills others. Ender is special, he is bullied by his brother, babied in many ways, and rises through "school" fast, too fast. Ender is an amazing character and Card's storytelling will never cease to impress. I highly recommend this book to all readers due to the fact that it is just an amazing story.
Recommeded to: Everyone
The Old Man and the Sea
By: Ernest Hemingway
Reviewed by: Karthik, 15
Rating: Really like it
This book is one of those books that means one thing on the outside but is a totally different think on the inside. It is "about" an old man and the battle he as with a giant fish. But this book is actually about John Steinbeck, and is an autobiography. All characters represent something deeper in this book and it is hard to read a part that isn't filled with symbolism. I highly recommend this book, but also read about the symbolism because it is what makes this story great.
Recommended to: Everyone
The Color of Water
By: James McBride
Reviewed by: Karthik, 15
Rating: Really liked it
The Color of water is a book about the relationship between James McBride and his family, especially his mother. This book is non-fiction, but parts of it can seems almost surreal when read. While James is black his mother is white. His mother's story alone is quite amazing and can inspire deep feeling and keep you up late at night. This book explores many controversial ideas including but not limited too racism, sexism, class ism, and social status ism. Readers able to comprehend and understand these concepts will be able to relate to them better however this book is readable by all teen and up age groups. ( Note: Vulgar Language and the use of teh above mentioned concepts can be disturbing, reader discretion advised)
Recommeded to: Teens+
The Pearl
By: John Steinbeck
Reviewed by: Karthik, 15
Rating: Really liked it
Expository Journalist turned writer John Steinbeck has truly eye opening and head turning take on the normal things in life. This book, The Pearl, is about how greed can overcome the mind and make us into thing we are not. He also blurs the lines between right and wrong, need and want. This is a truly Classic book that all mature readers can enjoy.
The reason I say mature readers is because it has some violent parts, and wording that can be hard for a younger reader to understand and enjoy, and most of all learn from.
Recommeded to: 12+
Twilight
By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: JNoto, 14
Rating: Hated it!
A human girl, Bella, and a vampire boy, Edward. Both aware that love between the two is forbidden and dangerous. But their longing for each other sends them into a chaotic, lethal ride. Will Bella and Edward ever experience a happily ever after together? Possibly one of the worst books I’ve ever read. The main characters are Mary Sues and the plot is cliché and predictable.
Epitaph for a Peach
By: David Mas Masumoto
Reviewed by: JNoto, 14
Rating: Really like it
Epitaph for a Peach follows a peach and grape grower’s attempts to preserve an unpopular yet sweet and juicy peach variety from the commercial market. Mas Masumoto also relates his struggle to become an organic farmer and swears to find a home for his fruits. I liked this book. It has a lot of imagery and figurative language, which I appreciate, but I think some people will find this book boring.
Fablehaven
By: Brandon Mull
Reviewed by: JNoto, 14
Rating: It was amazing!
Thirteen year old Kendra and her eleven year old brother Seth are dropped off at their Grandpa and Grandma Sorenson’s place while their parents are on a trip. They meet the groundskeeper, Dale, and the housekeeper, Lena. They also learn that Grandma Sorenson is missing. What they don’t know is that Fablehaven is actually a preserve for magical beings and Grandpa and Grandma Sorenson are the caretakers. Kendra and Seth suddenly find themselves faced with overthrowing a witch and powerful demon, guarding the preserve from an enemy society, eliminating a disease that turn light creatures into dark creatures, and keeping infamous, evil demons in their dungeon. I really like this book! I think the plot is unique and the writing reels you in upon reading the first sentence.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By: Jeff Kinney
Reviewed by: JNoto, 14
Rating: It was alright
A year in Greg Heffley’s life is far from normal. Besides starting middle school, he learns to deal with, among other things, being chased by teenagers on Halloween night, his failing friendship with his best friend, and the horrid, infamous cheese touch. Can a wimpy kid survive such a tough life? Cute book, definitely geared towards elementary kids.
Fast Food Nation
By: Eric Schlosser
Reviewed by: JNoto, 14
Rating: It was amazing!
Ever wonder what’s in that McDouble you’re eating? Or what went into those curly fries you got from Arby’s? In this eye-opening novel, Eric Schlosser explores the dark secrets of the fast food industry, covering things from marketing towards kids to meat processing plants. If you read this book, you’ll most likely think twice about stopping to eat at McDonalds. It’s really insightful, though, so I recommend reading it.
Robinson Crusoe
By: Daniel Defoe
Reviewed by: JNoto, 14
Rating: It was amazing!
Young and shipwrecked on a deserted island, Robinson Crusoe is faced with challenge upon challenge. Learning to hunt and make his home on the island, the terrible realization of solitude kicks in. But one day he finds someone's footprint embedded in the sand. Has someone come to rescue him? Will he be able to return to his homecountry?
I love this book. It's a must read for anyone.
