Naomi
This is by far the best book I've read in my junior year. It's an immediate favorite and I don't understand why I didn't engage in it as quickly as I tried to about two years ago. Thanks to so many of my friends, I tried reading the book again, and Stephenie Meyer did an excellent job of luring her audience in the storyline romance between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Set in Forks, Washington, Bella leaves her mother and step-father in Phoenix to give them time together, and unreluctantly stays with her father in the small town in Washington. Not always the most popular...or the most coordinated, Bella was expecting to blend in with the crowd, trying to be as unnoticed as possible. After she's made friends (a shocker to herself as well), she becomes fascinated by a small group of pale students, with alluring beauty and striking features that isolate them from the rest of the small town look. It is then the relationship between Bella and Edward start to formulate, even after countless rescuing and rude behavior, the chemistry could not be ignored any longer. This amazing novel that focuses on the power of love when the forces of good and evil clash against each other will most definitely keep you turning the pages until you have to go to the local bookstore to find [b:New Moon 49041 New Moon (The Twilight Saga, Book 2) Stephenie Meyer http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414jgcy2FAL.SL75.jpg 3203964] (the second installment in the twilight series).
This book was really good because the author, Frances Temple was able to tell the story of the haitian people and their turbulent times during the early 90's. Personally I was also able to connect to the book because as a haitian, I could really visualize the things that were happening, and the culture of Djo and Jeremie [the main characters of the story]. It was fast reading, but overall, I didn't put it down much because I was able to learn more about Father Aristede and his journey to power as the first democratically elected president of Haiti. Overall it is a really good book.
At first I wasn't interested in continuing Things Fall Apart after I started it a couple of years ago. But because we're studying Nigeria in AP comparative government, I decided to re-start this proclaimed masterpiece. I definitely appreciate the book the 2nd time reading it because I understood Okonkwo's journey and his moral values of being an Ibo warrior. Chinua Achebe took the culture of Nigeria and created a story that tests an individuals devotion to their country, and what happens when outsiders come and disturb that cycle of traditions...or if an individual stops themselves from continuing on. Its a quick read but it makes you think about Okonkwo's position in life, whether he is right or wrong with the decisions he makes, and whether or not his final action was justifiable. I would definitely read it again and I recommend it to everyone.
Ernest Hemingway may be a classic novelist and reformer of 20th century literature, but I didn't really like his pulitzer prize winning novella The old man and the sea. The main character Santiago (referenced throughout the entire book mostly as the “old man”) is on a journey of some sort to find a balance between nature and humanity. This quite, simple book does make the person dig much deeper because of its simplicity. The novella has many references towards larger main ideas including some from the bible. It would seem like a quick read, but takes longer because of all the questions that'll go through your mind. I give it 2.5 out of four stars but you can't give half stars here...
This was such a cute book for fans of J.K Rowling and the whole Harry Potter series. Those who still wish to live in the wizarding lands should read this book, a collection of fairy tales that correlate similarly with the fairy tales of the “muggle” world. Hermione Granger first mentions these tales in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; so now we get a chance to hear her translations of the 15th century man, Beedle the Bard, and have commentaries from the beloved Albus Dumbledore.
A beautiful compilations of stories that capture the essence of Haitians in the mainland and the Diaspora. Painful at some points, but fully grabs your attention, I couldn't put the book down!
The reason why I hate this book so much is because I don't like reading about things that CANNOT ever happen.
There is a difference between could happen and can't happen. A society cannot EVER have a utopia because eventually someone whose identity is in conflict with that community will try to revolt against it. Lowry is a really good author in my opinion, but this book is not really me at all.
A walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks is one of the greatest books that I have ever read in my life. The movie with Shane West and Mandy Moore was extremely good, one of my favorites (if you haven't seen it, you should). But when you read the book, there are alot of differences between it and the movie. It is about a devout christian named Jamie Sullivan who isnt the coolest person in her school. But she is probably the sweetest, most genuine,and kind-hearted person who ever lived in that small town of Beaufort,North Carolina. Raised by her reverend father, Jamie loves to visit the orphans,help the elderly, raise money for the underpriveleged etc. When cool guy Landon ended up taking Jamie to the homecoming dance as a last resort, she starts to change him into a much better person who gains new perspectives on the world around him, christianity, and being an individual. Not wanting to give everything away, its not one of those teen novels about falling in love and being a typical teen. I think its a real romantic story about how true love comes in all shapes and sizes, and that the unexpected always seems to inspire the way the rest of your life will become.
I had higher expectations for this book before I read it. Page one instantly drew me in with its amazing introductory paragraph, but then it became a slower read. And after doing so, I didn't really see what was so great about it. It was a good book, I can't deny the fact, but Nabokov used extensive details at some points that I didn't find necessary, and sometimes the chapters seemed extensively long for no reason. But in a way, it was a love story that does touch the audience no matter how weird it seemed for Humbert Humbert to fall madly in love with a little 12 year old ‘nymphet'. I think I'll consider watching the movie to see if it does the book justice.
This is a really good book- it is the fictionalized diary of Elizabeth I while she was in her early teen years. I thought it was a quick read because I had no other book to read. This book is just about what Elizabeth would have been doing as a Princess in the Royal Court of her father King Henry VIII and his 6th wife Queen Catherine Parr. She lived with her dear brother Prince Edward (at the end of the book, he becomes King Edward IV when their father passes), and her loathesome sister Princess Mary (aka Queen Mary I or Bloody Mary). She pours her heart out about being an “invisible” daughter and her troubles of entering and exiting exile every other year. Even though the story is mainly fictional, you still learned historical events such as the accomplishments of her father King Henry VIII, his six wives starting with Catherine of Aragon until his death with wife Catherine Parr. You learn about Renaissance England a little bit and how it was a Protestant community that Mary I later tried to turn Catholic (in honour of her Spanish Blood). Elizabeth I was probably one of the greatest monarchs of English history “The Elizabethan Age” named after her 45 year ruling as a single Queen. Her many accomplishments showed a strong willed woman, and we got to see her in a different light and how she may have been as a child.
Reading The Land influenced me to read Roll of thunder Hear my Cry ( and the next two books in the series) because the Logan family is such an inspiration and symbol of hard work and good faith especially in the time period that they live in. The setting is 1933 in Mississippi and Cassie Logan is the main protagonist in the book. She lives on the 400 acres of land that her mulatto grandfather Paul-Edward bought over 25 years ago with her parents, grandmother and 3 brothers. Usually a hot tempered soul, Cassie's life changes when she encounters the bitter truth of the south and the white people who resided there. Her older brother Stacy became distant to her and she didn't know how to handle not being so close to him anymore. And her family also has to deal with not getting their land taken away from Harlan Granger, one of the most powerful and rich white people in that section of Mississippi; jealous and resentful that a Negro family owns so much land- land that used to belong to his family before reconstruction. When you read this book, you will definitely feel like you are on the same journey Cassie had to travel. And the brutalities and cruelness that they encounter are just mountains that they have to climb over in order to be able to stand strong and keep their pride that was instilled with them forever, just like their land.
Farming of the bones is a novel written by Edwidge Danticat in 1998; the fourth novel that I've read from her alongside “Behind the Mountains”, “Breath, Eyes and Memory” and “Krik Krak?”. The setting is in 1937 in the Dominican Republic,m as tensions rise between the Dominicans and their bordering country Haiti. Amabelle's lover Sebastian lost one of his close friends and co- cane cutter in a car accident, which rose the level of distrust between the Haitians and Dominicans. Once Amabelle and Sebastian are separated, she goes on a journey to find him- but the pain and sufferings she has had faced mounts up to sadness and dissatisfactions as she fails to find her true love, and experiences trauma after the massacre occurred. What makes the story so touching is Danticat's ability to bring her experiences growing up in Haiti, and creating a connection with her audience as Amabelle's journey progresses. And I think at some point, an author who shares there culture and similar backgrounds as the reader, it definitely strengthens the meaning of the book.
The misfits is a great book about four best friends Addison,Robert,Schuyler and Joseph aka Addie,Bobby,Joe and Skeezie. They have been social outcasts since they were very small, which brought them together to become best friends. They are seventh graders attending Paintbrush Falls Middle school and the school elections are going to take place, and Addie who is labeled “know-it-all” and other names, wants to add a third party to the elections. Its more than just an election, but being able to have your voice heard and not being defied by a school society. These kids want to make a difference that names will not break their spirits and such. I think that it is a really good book because even though the characters are 3 years younger than I am, the issues that they deal with is 100% relatable and still happens in high school today. I can relate to the characters one way or another and it makes the message stronger since you are going on the same journey as they are. And I think that the biggest lesson that I have learned from this book is that you don't have to “wear” the name that they label you as. That maybe the name is directed to the name caller opposed to the named called. And I never thought of it that way before.
This book is soooo good. It's about a girl named Wonder Blake whose life fell apart right after her sister/best friend Lucky was killed by a drunk driver. Then her parents marriage starts to fall apart and they have to move from Cambridge,Massachussets to their summer home. Suffering from the fact that she had no friends in her new school except her neighbors Katie and her brother Henry [aka science project], she tried to live every day to meet her sister's expectations if she was alive. Even Katie didn't associate herself with Wonder during school since she because a popular cheerleader, only when they were at their job at the local dairy queen. It's there that she gets discovered by Gerald Tiggs, a record producer to some of the hottest teen pop stars in America including pop princess Kayla ( who was best friends with Lucky and good friends with Wonder, during their earlier years in mass. as well as a tv show called Beantown Kidz). Not to give anything away, but from there Wonder goes through ups and downs, searching for true love, and recognizing those who were always there for her opposed to those who just liked her after her fame. I thouhgt it was a book that was amusing and fun to read and you wouldn't get bored!
This book is the third installment of the Cyd Charisse stories. Cupcake is about a girl named Cyd Charisse who has just connected with her biological father and her half brother and sister. She moves out to New York City from California to start a new life with them and expirience a new beginning. Not wanting to live up to the potential of her movie star name, CC tries to find a balance in her life [without going to college or any other school] between her brothers cupcake business and her addiction to the solution for great coffee. She encounters many people who have either been a positive influence to her or someone who brings her back to her troubling past. Most of all, she tries to live life without the love of her life Shrimp.
I think this book is extremely funny and witty because Cyd Charisse's sarcasm and unknown smartness is relatable and undeniably entertaining. She can be serious, and silly; her cravings for cupcakes,coffee and men can be a rollercoaster ride but her faithfulness in her true love is so sweet; and her connection with her new family prove that second chances can be given in life.
Begging for change is the sequel to Sharon G. Flake's earlier novel Money Hungry. Its about a 14 year old girl named Raspberry who has gone through so many rough times at this early stage in her life. From being homeless to having an drunk bum as a father, Raspberry ultimately has no one to turn to as her mother is viciously attacked by a 17 year old girl who took her anger out because Raspberry's mother did not appreciate the “loud music” and other ruckus that was caused by her and her friends. Raspberry has a group of friends who she loves dearly including Zora, her best friend since childhood whose father is dating her mother. Reluctantly, Raspeberry ends up stealing Zora's money out of greed and spite, greed because she always did love money alot, and spite because she was jealous of all the opportunities that came Zora's way, never having to go through the real hardships in society. The book has alot to deal with finding your identity, accepting who you are, and teen love. Its a real good book to read, and id recommend reading the first novel “Money Hungry” as well!
4.5 stars. JLB hit her stride with “All In.” Strongest writing/storytelling & most compelling of the series so far.
My god. This book was sitting on my bookshelf for over a year and I finally decided to take a chance and read the book. It is one of the funniest stories ever written, and because it is a memoir, its much harder to believe that all these crazy things happened to one person.
The story follows Augusten Burroughs growing up gay, with a mentally ill mother, her psychotic shrink and his anything but normal family in Massachusetts. He fakes a suicide attempt to get out of school, has a sexual relationship with a man 20 years older than him by the time he was 13, smokes pot, drinks alcohol, studies feces positions and other oddities that people don't usually do on a day to day basis.
Of course I believe some things must have been exaggerated. It is impossible to realize that ALL of the events happened exactly the same way he creatively writes them in. But I couldnt put the book down much during my christmas break, and I think everyone would enjoy this story and wish for more.