Kidd, Sue Monk. The Secret Life of Bees. New York: Penguin Books, 2005.
After reading Ellie's review on The Secret Life of Bees, I thought it would be a good novel to add to my reading collection. I agree with the point Ellie makes about how the author does a great job of creating a lot of small plots that all connect to one large plot. My favorite thing about this book would have to be the interaction between the characters. I loved August and Lily's relationship, and I always enjoyed reading about August's overemotional sister May. Although the book is an easy read the author depicts many heavy topics like physical and mental abuse, racism, and suicide. Overall, I think that if anyone is in the mood for a simple read and a terrific story, I would highly recommend The Secret Life of Bees.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
S. Melfi - The Last Coyote
Connelly, Michael. The Last Coyote. Grand Central Publishing, 1995.
I read the same book that Jesper Sandsjoe read last quarter, The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly. When I read his review on the book I knew it would be an exciting book that I would really get into.
The book follows a man by the name of Detective Harry Bosch whose life as it seems to be falling apart right in front of him. His house was recently condemned due to earthquake damage, his girlfriend had just left him and he began drinking heavily. On top of all that, he had just put his commanding officer through a glass window and faces an indefinite suspension. While serving his suspension he begins to think of his childhood and how his mother was murdered and no one was ever convicted of the crime. He begins going through old pieces of evidence to try and figure out who killed his mother. I agree with Jesper on the fact that you do get more in touch with Connelly’s personal feelings throughout the novel. It is also a very intense book. The whole time I was reading it was on the edge of my seat. This was a very, very good book and I would highly recommend to anyone that’s into this genre of writing to read it.
I read the same book that Jesper Sandsjoe read last quarter, The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly. When I read his review on the book I knew it would be an exciting book that I would really get into.
The book follows a man by the name of Detective Harry Bosch whose life as it seems to be falling apart right in front of him. His house was recently condemned due to earthquake damage, his girlfriend had just left him and he began drinking heavily. On top of all that, he had just put his commanding officer through a glass window and faces an indefinite suspension. While serving his suspension he begins to think of his childhood and how his mother was murdered and no one was ever convicted of the crime. He begins going through old pieces of evidence to try and figure out who killed his mother. I agree with Jesper on the fact that you do get more in touch with Connelly’s personal feelings throughout the novel. It is also a very intense book. The whole time I was reading it was on the edge of my seat. This was a very, very good book and I would highly recommend to anyone that’s into this genre of writing to read it.
Brendan Gallagher, Raiders Night
Lipsyte, Robert.Raiders Night. New York: HarperTempest, 2006.
Nick DePompei Inspired me to read this book. After I read his blog about this book I knew that this was one for me to read. Anything with me and football goes like peanut butter and jelly. I agree with Nick's review he did a really good job summing up the story and persuading others to read it.
If anyone knows how crazy the city of Massilon is about their high school football this book reminds me a lot of that. I liked how the entire town was crazy about football in this book. Every baby boy that was born in the town is given a football with their teams logo on it from the mayor. This book was very unpredictable. The author did a great job of leading you on that the boys weren't going to get caught taking illegal steroids to enhance their performance, but in the end a lot of senior players got in trouble. All in all I feel like this book didn't have any weaknesses.
Nick DePompei Inspired me to read this book. After I read his blog about this book I knew that this was one for me to read. Anything with me and football goes like peanut butter and jelly. I agree with Nick's review he did a really good job summing up the story and persuading others to read it.
If anyone knows how crazy the city of Massilon is about their high school football this book reminds me a lot of that. I liked how the entire town was crazy about football in this book. Every baby boy that was born in the town is given a football with their teams logo on it from the mayor. This book was very unpredictable. The author did a great job of leading you on that the boys weren't going to get caught taking illegal steroids to enhance their performance, but in the end a lot of senior players got in trouble. All in all I feel like this book didn't have any weaknesses.
Nick DePompei, Beach Road
Nick DePompei
8th Period
Mrs. Brown
18 March 2009
Patterson, James, and Peter De Jonge. Beach Road. London: Headline Book Publishing, 2002.
Dee Brizzolara inspired me to read "Beach Road", and it was as good as he said. He told me that it was going to be a suspenseful, but easy read, and I definitely thought the same thing. I really liked the basketball part of the novel, because I am a big sports fan, so that helped me focus on the reading. Dee did a great job with his blog about the novel, because his assessment was 100% accurate.
I enjoyed most of the book, but the one thing that I did not enjoy was the ending. The outcome of the case was so unpredictable and outrageous that it really let me down. The book was totally believable until the outcome of the courtcase, where NBA prospect Dante Halleyville is acquited of murdering 4 other players. I enjoyed every aspect of the book until the very end, which was very dissapointing
8th Period
Mrs. Brown
18 March 2009
Patterson, James, and Peter De Jonge. Beach Road. London: Headline Book Publishing, 2002.
Dee Brizzolara inspired me to read "Beach Road", and it was as good as he said. He told me that it was going to be a suspenseful, but easy read, and I definitely thought the same thing. I really liked the basketball part of the novel, because I am a big sports fan, so that helped me focus on the reading. Dee did a great job with his blog about the novel, because his assessment was 100% accurate.
I enjoyed most of the book, but the one thing that I did not enjoy was the ending. The outcome of the case was so unpredictable and outrageous that it really let me down. The book was totally believable until the outcome of the courtcase, where NBA prospect Dante Halleyville is acquited of murdering 4 other players. I enjoyed every aspect of the book until the very end, which was very dissapointing
Chris Yanda 3rd quarter, Mrs. Brown 8th peroid
Book: D.A. Stern, The Punisher
Border’s: $6.99
320 pages
I was inspired to read this book by Larry Stevens post about it, so i decided to check it out. His post made the book seem like something i would enjoy and keep me interested rather then get bored and stop reading it mid way threw the book.
I agree for the most part with Larry's review of the book, but there are a few things i disagree on. I agree that the book is more in depth then the movie and that it does fill in some gaps that are sorta skipped over in the movie, like his life before his family was murdered. I did have a little trouble getting into the book at first but maybe that's just me since i have trouble getting into most any book i read.
like Larry said the book is more in depth then the movie and i like that about the book but i also dislike in in some ways because some times i find my self caught up in the details, but this book is fast moving enough to avoid much trouble with that. I also like the imagery used in the book that allowed me add onto characters and scenes I already had an image in my head of because of the movie. It almost makes me wish i had read the book before i saw the movie.
A lil something to make reading a million of these a little better
New Post
J Ticer
3/18/09
Mrs. Brown
8th Period
Twilight was a very interesting book. I agree with the review by Jordan. The plot line in the book developed extremely well. I liked the speed of the book as well. The book was definitely geared more towards girls. I would recommend the book to girls. There was a lot of action towards the end of the book, if you can get past all of the romantic parts of the book. It is not your typical scary vampire book. I hope you enjoy the book as well.
3/18/09
Mrs. Brown
8th Period
Twilight was a very interesting book. I agree with the review by Jordan. The plot line in the book developed extremely well. I liked the speed of the book as well. The book was definitely geared more towards girls. I would recommend the book to girls. There was a lot of action towards the end of the book, if you can get past all of the romantic parts of the book. It is not your typical scary vampire book. I hope you enjoy the book as well.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
E Dankelson. Mrs. Brown. Twilight
Ellie Dankelson
8th Period
Mrs. Brown
3/18/09
Similar to many other people, I decided to read Twilight. At first I was skeptical about a love story between a girl and a vampire but Meyer does an amazing job of pulling the reader in with the story of Edward and Bella. Carlie’s blog was able to sway me to final read it when she described the constant suspense between Edward and Bella because of his thirst for her blood. The suspense helped me overlook the oddness of the story and kept me reading until I was completely absorbed. Carlie was also correct about the importance of setting in the book. The forests play a crucial role in the story and help keep the reader turning pages. Twilight is more a love story than anything and it helps readers relate because we’ve all had that one love interest that doesn’t fit in with our friends, Meyer just takes it to the extreme and pulls it off beautifully in Twilight.
8th Period
Mrs. Brown
3/18/09
Similar to many other people, I decided to read Twilight. At first I was skeptical about a love story between a girl and a vampire but Meyer does an amazing job of pulling the reader in with the story of Edward and Bella. Carlie’s blog was able to sway me to final read it when she described the constant suspense between Edward and Bella because of his thirst for her blood. The suspense helped me overlook the oddness of the story and kept me reading until I was completely absorbed. Carlie was also correct about the importance of setting in the book. The forests play a crucial role in the story and help keep the reader turning pages. Twilight is more a love story than anything and it helps readers relate because we’ve all had that one love interest that doesn’t fit in with our friends, Meyer just takes it to the extreme and pulls it off beautifully in Twilight.
S. McElroy. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Chbosky, Stephen
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
MTV Books: 1999
Heart
Borders $11.20
Fiction
213 pages
The post that inspired me to read this book was by Kim Brasher. I have heard about this book before from other friends also, so thought that this was a perfect time to read it. I agree with Kim in that this is a pretty good book. She talks about how the book was written and I agree that writing it as letters was the perfect layout for this book. The letters make it like a diary, so you almost feel like the character is telling you about his life, not another character. I also think that the author did an awesome job by making to story easy for teenagers to relate to, in order to make the book easier to read. Some of the issues Charlie faces are similar to ones readers might, so you feel invited into the story so you can relate your problems.
It is a very easy story to read, and I like how the author focuses the book on the events. The location is anonymous and the people are renamed because Charlie, the main character, does not want anyone finding out who he really is. There are many events throughout the book, so the reader is never bored. However i believe that the ending of the book was just OK. The ending was not predictable, so I was happy about that; however, the whole point of the book is discovered within a page or two. I'm not exactly sure how the author could have changed it to make is better, or more shocking. The result of the main story is shocking, however i feel it should have been shown more. Overall, I thought it was a very good book and i plan on reading it a second time.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
MTV Books: 1999
Heart
Borders $11.20
Fiction
213 pages
The post that inspired me to read this book was by Kim Brasher. I have heard about this book before from other friends also, so thought that this was a perfect time to read it. I agree with Kim in that this is a pretty good book. She talks about how the book was written and I agree that writing it as letters was the perfect layout for this book. The letters make it like a diary, so you almost feel like the character is telling you about his life, not another character. I also think that the author did an awesome job by making to story easy for teenagers to relate to, in order to make the book easier to read. Some of the issues Charlie faces are similar to ones readers might, so you feel invited into the story so you can relate your problems.
It is a very easy story to read, and I like how the author focuses the book on the events. The location is anonymous and the people are renamed because Charlie, the main character, does not want anyone finding out who he really is. There are many events throughout the book, so the reader is never bored. However i believe that the ending of the book was just OK. The ending was not predictable, so I was happy about that; however, the whole point of the book is discovered within a page or two. I'm not exactly sure how the author could have changed it to make is better, or more shocking. The result of the main story is shocking, however i feel it should have been shown more. Overall, I thought it was a very good book and i plan on reading it a second time.
Monday, March 16, 2009
J. Sandsjoe, Mrs. Brown, Brother Odd
I read same book as David Walker in 5th period, Brother Odd by Dean Koontz. Since I haven’t read any of the books about Odd Thomas before I had kind of a hard time getting in to the book, so I recommend people to read the previous ones first. Anyway, in this third book about Odd Thomas, he is staying as a guest at a monastery and most of the book is about how he and his friend is trying to stop a terrible event using Odd Thomas’s psychic skill. The skill is to be able to talk to spirits using the medium of children that first died and then were revived. If Odd Thomas can’t prevent this horrible thing from occurring many people will die.
I agree with Walker on most of his thoughts about the book. I think that throughout the story, you were never bored because it was pretty intense, and I like the way the author uses humor in the book, it makes the reading a lot more fun. I also like the details in the book a lot; it makes the story more real. Overall, I’m not a huge fan of the psychic stuff, but I think it was a decent book and it might be something you should consider reading if you like supernatural plots.
J.Mervin Songs of the Humpback Whale
Jaime Mervin
8th
Mrs.Brown
Picoult, Jodi. Songs of the Humpback Whale. New York:Washington Square Press, 1992.
I also read the book Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult, and I enjoyed it very much. It is very touching like most of her books(I have read about 6 now) and definitely is a heart breaker. In the novel, Jane and Rebecca have to make a choice to be with the one they love or who they are already tied too. I really like this book because it can easily be related to anyone's life. A journey to find yourself can often produce changes and this is prevalent in this book. Romance and passion are found in this novel, it is a love story. I believe that the review of the novel is accurate. I love reading these types of books because there is always a tough decision to be made, and they always keep me turning the page. I literally could not put this book down; I finished it in 3 days. Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors and behind My Sister's Keeper, this is my favorite novel.
Raiders Night Too
Zach Flowers
8th period
Mrs. Brown
3-16-2009
I also read the book Raiders Night by Robert Lipsyte, and I Agree with Nick that it was an intense novel that shows the darker side of high school sports. I thought that the author did an excellent job using imagery to describe his scenes. Descriptions like how Matt was so nervous while he was first taking steroids that it felt like it took hours for each bead of sweat to run down his neck. I also thought that it was important to give the players overbearing parents because I know from experience that parents always think that their child is the best player on the field and expect nothing less from their kids. All in all the book Raiders Night was a good read because I could somewhat relate to it. I've never used steroid but I've been involved with high school sports my entire career and I know the pressures that go into playing, and this book displayed them well.
8th period
Mrs. Brown
3-16-2009
I also read the book Raiders Night by Robert Lipsyte, and I Agree with Nick that it was an intense novel that shows the darker side of high school sports. I thought that the author did an excellent job using imagery to describe his scenes. Descriptions like how Matt was so nervous while he was first taking steroids that it felt like it took hours for each bead of sweat to run down his neck. I also thought that it was important to give the players overbearing parents because I know from experience that parents always think that their child is the best player on the field and expect nothing less from their kids. All in all the book Raiders Night was a good read because I could somewhat relate to it. I've never used steroid but I've been involved with high school sports my entire career and I know the pressures that go into playing, and this book displayed them well.
NEW POST A. Oliver Mrs. Brown Twilight
Meyer, Stephanie. Twilight. New York: Little Brown and Company, 2005.
In response to Carlie Schmidt’s blog on Twilight by Stephanie Meyer I believe she wrote an accurate review on this novel. I was skeptical upon reading the review that Edward a main character is a vampire. I do not usually read fantasy or Science fiction books but I found this story to be a page turner and at many points in the novel you forget your reading about a vampire. I found that this story of love, desire and risk applies to all people and interests many. The fact that the love is similar in a way to Romeo and Juliet’s because their love is not written in the stars as well as they are not from the same type of family; other parallels are also seen though both texts. I found that the reader stays engaged throughout the whole novel which makes this an enjoyable read. I felt the audience could really connect with the characters; there is a little bit of Edward and Bella in all of us.
In response to Carlie Schmidt’s blog on Twilight by Stephanie Meyer I believe she wrote an accurate review on this novel. I was skeptical upon reading the review that Edward a main character is a vampire. I do not usually read fantasy or Science fiction books but I found this story to be a page turner and at many points in the novel you forget your reading about a vampire. I found that this story of love, desire and risk applies to all people and interests many. The fact that the love is similar in a way to Romeo and Juliet’s because their love is not written in the stars as well as they are not from the same type of family; other parallels are also seen though both texts. I found that the reader stays engaged throughout the whole novel which makes this an enjoyable read. I felt the audience could really connect with the characters; there is a little bit of Edward and Bella in all of us.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
SECOND BLOG POST J. Curtis, Mrs. Brown, Twilight
Stephenie Meyer. Twilight. Little, Brown and Company: United States, 2005.
After reading Brandy Dahlgren's post for the book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer I immediately knew that i wanted to read that book. I'm usually not one to read fantasy, but this book was amazing. This book truly kept you reading, until there were no more pages. Meyer's reveals the profoundness of love, and illustrates what love makes people do. Her captivating story line, and intense details allows to reader to actually become involved with the novel. One moment Bella Swan passionately falls in love and the next her hushed affection morphs into a terrifying race to stay alive. It is all so exciting. I agree with Brandy's post, her description of the book provides the viewer with just enough information without giving away any important details. What I like most about the book, is the way Edward describes his feelings toward Bella. Since he has been a vampire from the end of World War I, everything he does for her is how they acted back then; he is a true gentlemen. Also, this book leaves you wanting to know more, she really does grab the readers attention. I am now reading book 4 of the series, it is that good, i can't put it down.
After reading Brandy Dahlgren's post for the book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer I immediately knew that i wanted to read that book. I'm usually not one to read fantasy, but this book was amazing. This book truly kept you reading, until there were no more pages. Meyer's reveals the profoundness of love, and illustrates what love makes people do. Her captivating story line, and intense details allows to reader to actually become involved with the novel. One moment Bella Swan passionately falls in love and the next her hushed affection morphs into a terrifying race to stay alive. It is all so exciting. I agree with Brandy's post, her description of the book provides the viewer with just enough information without giving away any important details. What I like most about the book, is the way Edward describes his feelings toward Bella. Since he has been a vampire from the end of World War I, everything he does for her is how they acted back then; he is a true gentlemen. Also, this book leaves you wanting to know more, she really does grab the readers attention. I am now reading book 4 of the series, it is that good, i can't put it down.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Contest by Matthew Reilly
Chris Yanda
8th period
Mrs. Brown
Reilly, Matthew. Contest. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2006.
The Book Contest by Matthew Reilly is about a man trapped in a library with six other people all fighting for the same thing…their lives! This book is a page turner that is impossible to put down. Throughout the book there are many things that keep you thinking about how the events will play out and what you would do in the same situation. I continually found myself think well if I was him I would… Many times while reading this story the illustrations from the story The Most Dangerous Game Popped into my head, so if you have read that short story you will most defiantly enjoy reading this suspenseful thriller! The great use of imagery in every part of the book helps the book fly by and it seems to play out like a movie because every aspect is so well described without overdoing it and making the book drag on.
I would recommend this book to those seeking a suspenseful read that will keep them turning the pages. People that don’t mind staying up late to “just finish this one part” will find this to be a good choice. If you don’t like action and thrill seeking then this book is not for you but if that sounds like you go get Contest by Matthew Reilly.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Joshua Wood, Mrs. Brown, Glass
Margaret k. McElderly Books
Simon & Shuster Children’s Publishing Division
Ellen Hopkins
The book Glass is a sequel to a previous Ellen Hopkins novel called Crank so in order to really understand Glass you would have to read Crank which I also recommend you read but to give you an idea Crank is about a girl named Kristina who starts off as a normal high school girl but a visit to her dead beat father sends her down a path she’d wish she never came close to. When she gets back to her home where her mother and step father live she has tried of meth, become a tobacco goon, and fell in love with a boy named Adam, and an altered personality she calls Bree. Crank ends with Kristi na or Bree being pregnant and a meth addict Glass begins by showing you what Kristina’s life is like with a new baby and how she will deal with her deadly addiction while juggling a child, problems with her family, and trying to find love. Ellen Hopkins is an enticing author she writes compelling storys and beautiful poems about the twisted lives of teenagers, stories about how they over come or fall under deadly addictions whether it be to drugs, self inflicted pain, and the other problems that come along with becoming a teenager. Some of the books written by Ellen Hopkins include Crank, Impulse, Burned she lives in Carson City, Nevada with her husband and son.
Margaret k. McElderly Books
Simon & Shuster Children’s Publishing Division
Ellen Hopkins
The book Glass is a sequel to a previous Ellen Hopkins novel called Crank so in order to really understand Glass you would have to read Crank which I also recommend you read but to give you an idea Crank is about a girl named Kristina who starts off as a normal high school girl but a visit to her dead beat father sends her down a path she’d wish she never came close to. When she gets back to her home where her mother and step father live she has tried of meth, become a tobacco goon, and fell in love with a boy named Adam, and an altered personality she calls Bree. Crank ends with Kristi na or Bree being pregnant and a meth addict Glass begins by showing you what Kristina’s life is like with a new baby and how she will deal with her deadly addiction while juggling a child, problems with her family, and trying to find love. Ellen Hopkins is an enticing author she writes compelling storys and beautiful poems about the twisted lives of teenagers, stories about how they over come or fall under deadly addictions whether it be to drugs, self inflicted pain, and the other problems that come along with becoming a teenager. Some of the books written by Ellen Hopkins include Crank, Impulse, Burned she lives in Carson City, Nevada with her husband and son.
S Melfi - Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code
Colfer. Eoin. Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code. New York. Hyperion Books for Children, 2003.
After being held prisoner for years, Artemis Fowl's father has finally come home. He is a new man. He makes Artemis promise to give up his life of crime, and Artemis is forced to go along with it, but not after one final scheme of his. He has created a supercomputer made from stolen fairy technology called the "C Cube". It is designed to render all existing human technology obsolete. He then arranges a meeting with a powerful businessman from Chicago, Jon Spiro, to broker a deal for the C Cube. Instead Spiro springs a trap, steals the cube, and seriously injures Artemis's butler, Butler. He knows his only hope is to employ fairy magic. So once again he must contact one of his old rivals, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon fairy police. Has Artemis's luck finally run out?… The Eternity Code is the third book of Eoin Colfers Artemis Fowl series and is a really good, easy read for anyone who's into adventure stories with some fiction and fantasy in it as well.
After being held prisoner for years, Artemis Fowl's father has finally come home. He is a new man. He makes Artemis promise to give up his life of crime, and Artemis is forced to go along with it, but not after one final scheme of his. He has created a supercomputer made from stolen fairy technology called the "C Cube". It is designed to render all existing human technology obsolete. He then arranges a meeting with a powerful businessman from Chicago, Jon Spiro, to broker a deal for the C Cube. Instead Spiro springs a trap, steals the cube, and seriously injures Artemis's butler, Butler. He knows his only hope is to employ fairy magic. So once again he must contact one of his old rivals, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon fairy police. Has Artemis's luck finally run out?… The Eternity Code is the third book of Eoin Colfers Artemis Fowl series and is a really good, easy read for anyone who's into adventure stories with some fiction and fantasy in it as well.
Monday, January 5, 2009
City of Ashes
The book city of ashes was awesome it was one of those books that left you craving to finish and let your mind wonder more. The book was a sequel to the book City of bones and it was just as good if not better because it let you follow the plot from the first one into a deeper entanglement of lies and secrets. Clary after finding out the truth about her father, and that the love of her life was really her brother is forced to try and move on in her screwed up teenage life. With her mother still in a deep sleep she tries everything she can to hold on. But when recent deaths start showing up it’s her mission as a shadow hunter to investigate the incidents. But could they be related to her father and if so what’s going to happen next? Read this book to find out more about Clary and her secret life. It’s a given that you would enjoy this book because I know I did and I really recommend it to anyone who is looking for a book filled with nothing but suspense.
M. Musarra, Evernight
Melissa Musarra
8th Period
Mrs. Brown
8th Period
Mrs. Brown
Evernight
Publisher: HarperTeen
Author: Claudia Gray
Heart
Personal Collection
Young Adult
336 Pages
Evernight is about a girl named Bianca who’s new to a school called Evernight Academy. The moment she enters the school she knows she’s not going to fit in. The Evernight types go partying and are all rich and beautiful, while Bianca isn't the most pretty thing around. But she’s not the only one who feels like a social outcast. There’s another boy named Lucas, and he seems more out of place at the academy than she does. After a fateful run in with Lucas when Bianca is trying to run away from the school, she realizes there’s something more to him than she ever imagined. From that moment on she felt a connection to him like non-other. There’s a secret hidden in the Evernight Academy that Bianca’s parents never even told her about. There are a lot of secrets that the Academy holds, and most of them are willing to bring Lucas and Bianca apart. Vampire stories and folk lore are only half the story.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and vampire stories with a little mix of mystery and suspense. Claudia Gray did a great job putting this book together and keeping your attention. This is one book you won’t be able to put down. I can guarantee you nothing will seem real again after reading Evernight.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Beautiful Boy By: David Sheff
Brendan Gallagher
8*
Mrs. Brown
4 January 2009
Beautiful boy is about the journey author David Sheff goes through with his son Nic, who is addicted to crystal meth. The story starts off with a happy setting, a good marriage, wealth, and Nic as a young boy who strives at everything he does. He was always doing well in school, hanging out with the right crowd, and well mannered. Everyone who talked to his parents brought up what an intelligent and polite young man Nic was. A turning point of this story is when Nic’s parents got a divorce. It was very hard for Nic as he spent the school year with his dad in San Francisco and Summers with his mom in Los Angeles. This is when Nic started to develop bad habits. He was first caught smoking cigarettes in the sixth grade, and smoking marijuana in the seventh grade. His father thought that this was just a one time thing and he had learned a lesson, but Nic continued this behavior to fit in. He began to listen to grunge music falling in love with Nirvana. His father, also a fan, got Nic very involved in music when he bought Nic a guitar. He believed this would keep Nic occupied and away from drugs. And it did for a while, although when Nic got accepted into a private school he was soon expelled for selling drugs on school grounds.
As Nic grows older he goes through 3 different colleges, not because of his grades, but because of his addiction to methamphetamines. His addiction grows throughout the story and his father many times wants to give up. He struggles just as much as Nic does almost as the drug is killing him. Find out the ending of this story by reading Beautiful Boy.
I would recommend this book to anyone at the high school level or above. It is an incredible story and an easy read, YOU CANT PUT THE BOOK DOWN!
8*
Mrs. Brown
4 January 2009
Beautiful boy is about the journey author David Sheff goes through with his son Nic, who is addicted to crystal meth. The story starts off with a happy setting, a good marriage, wealth, and Nic as a young boy who strives at everything he does. He was always doing well in school, hanging out with the right crowd, and well mannered. Everyone who talked to his parents brought up what an intelligent and polite young man Nic was. A turning point of this story is when Nic’s parents got a divorce. It was very hard for Nic as he spent the school year with his dad in San Francisco and Summers with his mom in Los Angeles. This is when Nic started to develop bad habits. He was first caught smoking cigarettes in the sixth grade, and smoking marijuana in the seventh grade. His father thought that this was just a one time thing and he had learned a lesson, but Nic continued this behavior to fit in. He began to listen to grunge music falling in love with Nirvana. His father, also a fan, got Nic very involved in music when he bought Nic a guitar. He believed this would keep Nic occupied and away from drugs. And it did for a while, although when Nic got accepted into a private school he was soon expelled for selling drugs on school grounds.
As Nic grows older he goes through 3 different colleges, not because of his grades, but because of his addiction to methamphetamines. His addiction grows throughout the story and his father many times wants to give up. He struggles just as much as Nic does almost as the drug is killing him. Find out the ending of this story by reading Beautiful Boy.
I would recommend this book to anyone at the high school level or above. It is an incredible story and an easy read, YOU CANT PUT THE BOOK DOWN!
C. Iannaggi, Mrs. Brown, The Cabinet of Curiosities
C. Iannaggi, Mrs. Brown, The Cabinet of Curiosities
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The Cabinet of Curiosities. Warner Books: New York, 2002.
The Cabinet of Curiosities is the third novel in the series about Special Agent Pendergast. A mysterious, yet charming FBI detective interested in finding a serial killer copying a murderer from the 1800's. What's interesting about these murders is that it looks like the killer was performing some sort of operation on all the victims. To completely understand how the new copycat killer works, Pendergast teams up with Nora Kelly, an archaeologists at New York's Natural History Museum to try and find out more about the old murders, and how the killer operated. Also helping with the case Nora's boyfriend William Smithback Jr. Although he can be slightly obnoxious at times, everything he does is for Nora even if it only seems like a good idea in his head. Preston and Child's page turner while entertaining also enlightens the reader about what Cabinet's of Curiosities actually are, and how these murder's are also connected with the Natural History Museum itself and the people working there.
Preston and Child's writing style keeps the reader entranced in the book the whole time. At certain points in the novel it can be tricky to follow because of the forensic terms, but both author's make sure that reader's can still follow what's going on. Also, I thought the author's did a great job with character development. Pendergast can come of at first as a creepy mysterious person to be around, but once you start to get into the story it all becomes apart of his charm. Nora Kelly is a very strong female character. She always stands up for herself, and although she is described as a very beautiful woman she uses her wit and intelligence to get what she wants.. I highly recommend The Cabinet of Curiosities to anyone interested in a good crime/suspense novel.
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The Cabinet of Curiosities. Warner Books: New York, 2002.
The Cabinet of Curiosities is the third novel in the series about Special Agent Pendergast. A mysterious, yet charming FBI detective interested in finding a serial killer copying a murderer from the 1800's. What's interesting about these murders is that it looks like the killer was performing some sort of operation on all the victims. To completely understand how the new copycat killer works, Pendergast teams up with Nora Kelly, an archaeologists at New York's Natural History Museum to try and find out more about the old murders, and how the killer operated. Also helping with the case Nora's boyfriend William Smithback Jr. Although he can be slightly obnoxious at times, everything he does is for Nora even if it only seems like a good idea in his head. Preston and Child's page turner while entertaining also enlightens the reader about what Cabinet's of Curiosities actually are, and how these murder's are also connected with the Natural History Museum itself and the people working there.
Preston and Child's writing style keeps the reader entranced in the book the whole time. At certain points in the novel it can be tricky to follow because of the forensic terms, but both author's make sure that reader's can still follow what's going on. Also, I thought the author's did a great job with character development. Pendergast can come of at first as a creepy mysterious person to be around, but once you start to get into the story it all becomes apart of his charm. Nora Kelly is a very strong female character. She always stands up for herself, and although she is described as a very beautiful woman she uses her wit and intelligence to get what she wants.. I highly recommend The Cabinet of Curiosities to anyone interested in a good crime/suspense novel.
D Brizzolara, Mrs Brown, Beach Road
Patterson, James, and Peter De Jonge. Beach Road. London: Headline Book Publishing, 2002.
Beach Road is about the murder of four people in East Hampton, New York. The upper class, white dominated area has one exception- movie star T. Smitty Wilson. Wilson has built a regulation size basketball court for his friends to use. The friends vary from ex-NBA stars to current prospects for the pros or college; guys that are too good to play a regular street game of basketball. When a game gets out of hand and tempers flare, 4 people that were in the game were found dead the next day. The fingerprints of a promising pro prospect Dante Halleyville are found all over the murder weapon. Dante knows he is innocent, and this book focuses on the mystery of who committed the murders. A local lawyer and former NBA player, Tom Dunleavy, agrees to defend the star and makes an attempt to win back his ex-girlfriend in the process. Dunleavy orchestrates a series of revelations that lead to a stunning outcome, only to find afterward that the truth is wilder than anything he ever imagined. Beach Road has all the elements of an entertaining thriller- conspiracy, courtroom drama, and mystery. It is a very easy read with little thinking required.
Beach Road is about the murder of four people in East Hampton, New York. The upper class, white dominated area has one exception- movie star T. Smitty Wilson. Wilson has built a regulation size basketball court for his friends to use. The friends vary from ex-NBA stars to current prospects for the pros or college; guys that are too good to play a regular street game of basketball. When a game gets out of hand and tempers flare, 4 people that were in the game were found dead the next day. The fingerprints of a promising pro prospect Dante Halleyville are found all over the murder weapon. Dante knows he is innocent, and this book focuses on the mystery of who committed the murders. A local lawyer and former NBA player, Tom Dunleavy, agrees to defend the star and makes an attempt to win back his ex-girlfriend in the process. Dunleavy orchestrates a series of revelations that lead to a stunning outcome, only to find afterward that the truth is wilder than anything he ever imagined. Beach Road has all the elements of an entertaining thriller- conspiracy, courtroom drama, and mystery. It is a very easy read with little thinking required.
The 100-Mile Walk by: Sander and Jonathon Flaum
Zach Flowers
8th Period
Mrs. Brown
4-January-2009(what!)
The book The 100-Mile Walk is a collection of true stories compiled together by Sander and his son Jonathon Flaum. These stories where chosen by the father and son team who are on a quest to find the essence of leadership. The book is 10 chapters, with each chapter being a different aspect of leadership, "the Ten P’s" as they call them are People, Purpose, Passion, Performance, Persistence, Perspective, Paranoia, Principles, Practice and Providence. Each "P" has several stories that go with it that project the importance of the term. At the end of each chapter the Flaums provide a "checklist" that summarize all the key ideas of the chapter. Also scattered throughout the book are quotes said by various people from CEO’s to Senators. One that really spoke to me was by Jeff Rich, the CEO of Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. He said "I think the day that your people stop bringing their problems to you is the day you stop leading. They’ve either concluded that you don’t care about their problems or that you cannot help them. And leaders always have to be in a position to help." If you are looking for an adventurous tale then this book is not for you. But if you are someone who is looking for something to help guide you in the right direction through life, or wants to gain a deeper and more profound understanding to guiding one’s self then look no further because The 100-Mile Walk is the book for you. I give it five out of five stars.
8th Period
Mrs. Brown
4-January-2009(what!)
The book The 100-Mile Walk is a collection of true stories compiled together by Sander and his son Jonathon Flaum. These stories where chosen by the father and son team who are on a quest to find the essence of leadership. The book is 10 chapters, with each chapter being a different aspect of leadership, "the Ten P’s" as they call them are People, Purpose, Passion, Performance, Persistence, Perspective, Paranoia, Principles, Practice and Providence. Each "P" has several stories that go with it that project the importance of the term. At the end of each chapter the Flaums provide a "checklist" that summarize all the key ideas of the chapter. Also scattered throughout the book are quotes said by various people from CEO’s to Senators. One that really spoke to me was by Jeff Rich, the CEO of Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. He said "I think the day that your people stop bringing their problems to you is the day you stop leading. They’ve either concluded that you don’t care about their problems or that you cannot help them. And leaders always have to be in a position to help." If you are looking for an adventurous tale then this book is not for you. But if you are someone who is looking for something to help guide you in the right direction through life, or wants to gain a deeper and more profound understanding to guiding one’s self then look no further because The 100-Mile Walk is the book for you. I give it five out of five stars.
Jake Ticer
Mrs. Brown
5 January 2009
Brisingr
Paulini, Christopher. Brisingr. New York: Knopf, 2008.
Christopher Paulini once again takes us to the world of Alagaesia with the third installation of The Inheritance Cycle. Brisingr pìcks up right where Eldest left off, after the battle of the Varden. The book starts off with Eragon and Roran seeking out Roran's girlfriend, after a quick recount of the Varden's battle with the army of King Galbatorix. Once Eragon returns from this mission to save his brother's girlfriend he is immediately sent off to help the dwarves select a new king to lead them after Hrothgar's death from the second book. Read the book to find out what will happen to Eragon.
Christopher Paulini uses a variety of methods throughout the vook to portray his meaning. He uses an upbeat style to portray the mood of the characters. In addition Paulini utilizes juxtaposition of different scenes to capture the idea that whatever one person does has ramifications on those that are on the other side of the world. He also uses this juxtaposition to capture the varying viewpoints of different characters.
Overall Brisingr is a fantastic, fast paced book. It is an ecellent installation to the Inheritance Cycle. The ending of the book presents an interesting development into the series. However do not read the book if you have not read the first two in the series because this installation builds off of elements from both the first and second books.
Mrs. Brown
5 January 2009
Brisingr
Paulini, Christopher. Brisingr. New York: Knopf, 2008.
Christopher Paulini once again takes us to the world of Alagaesia with the third installation of The Inheritance Cycle. Brisingr pìcks up right where Eldest left off, after the battle of the Varden. The book starts off with Eragon and Roran seeking out Roran's girlfriend, after a quick recount of the Varden's battle with the army of King Galbatorix. Once Eragon returns from this mission to save his brother's girlfriend he is immediately sent off to help the dwarves select a new king to lead them after Hrothgar's death from the second book. Read the book to find out what will happen to Eragon.
Christopher Paulini uses a variety of methods throughout the vook to portray his meaning. He uses an upbeat style to portray the mood of the characters. In addition Paulini utilizes juxtaposition of different scenes to capture the idea that whatever one person does has ramifications on those that are on the other side of the world. He also uses this juxtaposition to capture the varying viewpoints of different characters.
Overall Brisingr is a fantastic, fast paced book. It is an ecellent installation to the Inheritance Cycle. The ending of the book presents an interesting development into the series. However do not read the book if you have not read the first two in the series because this installation builds off of elements from both the first and second books.
S. McElroy, Mrs Brown, The Secret Life of Bees
Kidd, Sue Monk. The Secret Life of Bees. New York: Penguin Books, 2005.
Lily Owens is a 14 year old girl who lives on a peach farm with her father in South Carolina. Lily and her father, T. Ray, do not have a good relationship because of the tragedy that hurt them when she was young. Many years ago, Lily's mother was accidentally shot and killed in their home, and Lily feels that she should blame herself. The only memoir of her mother is a box that Lily has, and keeps a secret, of things that used to be her mothers, one being a picture of a black Virgin Mary. Lily becomes very curious of the photo. One day, Rosaleen, a black woman chosen to take over the role over Lily's mother, disrespects some of the racist men in the town, so Lily decides to take Rosaleen and run away with her. Lily's destination is the city of Tiburon. The name of the city was written on the back of the picture of the black Virgin Mary, and Lily decides that this town must hold the truth and past about her mother. As they search for this town, they find the original source of the picture, the home of the Boatwright sisters who are beekeepers and sell honey. Lily finds their home, makes up a story as to why they’re there, and decides to stay in this house until she learns about her mother. However while she is there, she must be careful not to uncover her real identity as a runaway in order to stay safe from T. Ray and the police.
Sue Monk Kidd's fun and interesting novel is easy to read, which is good for those who aren't the best at it. This book is well written because Kidd keeps you turning the pages, however something unique are the quotes that come before each chapter that something foreshadow the upcoming events. All of the stories and events in this novel tie together to create a remarkable story that you will be recommending to everyone after you read it.
Lily Owens is a 14 year old girl who lives on a peach farm with her father in South Carolina. Lily and her father, T. Ray, do not have a good relationship because of the tragedy that hurt them when she was young. Many years ago, Lily's mother was accidentally shot and killed in their home, and Lily feels that she should blame herself. The only memoir of her mother is a box that Lily has, and keeps a secret, of things that used to be her mothers, one being a picture of a black Virgin Mary. Lily becomes very curious of the photo. One day, Rosaleen, a black woman chosen to take over the role over Lily's mother, disrespects some of the racist men in the town, so Lily decides to take Rosaleen and run away with her. Lily's destination is the city of Tiburon. The name of the city was written on the back of the picture of the black Virgin Mary, and Lily decides that this town must hold the truth and past about her mother. As they search for this town, they find the original source of the picture, the home of the Boatwright sisters who are beekeepers and sell honey. Lily finds their home, makes up a story as to why they’re there, and decides to stay in this house until she learns about her mother. However while she is there, she must be careful not to uncover her real identity as a runaway in order to stay safe from T. Ray and the police.
Sue Monk Kidd's fun and interesting novel is easy to read, which is good for those who aren't the best at it. This book is well written because Kidd keeps you turning the pages, however something unique are the quotes that come before each chapter that something foreshadow the upcoming events. All of the stories and events in this novel tie together to create a remarkable story that you will be recommending to everyone after you read it.
E. Dankelson, Mrs. Brown, The Secret Life of Bees
Kidd, Sue Monk. The Secret Life of Bees. New York: Penguin Books, 2005.
The Secret Life of Bees takes place in South Carolina in 1964. Lily Owens is a young, white girl whose only recollection of her mother is the day she was killed by an accidental gun shot which Lily believes to be her fault. Her mother’s death leaves Lily living with her abusive father T. Ray and her black servant, Rosaleen. Lily desperately wants to know more about her mother and the only clue she has is an old picture of a black Virgin Mary with the town Tiburon written on the back. Lily hopes that there she will find more answers about her mother. Lily decides to run away with Rosaleen to Tiburon. There she meets the Boatwright sisters who also use the picture Lily’s mother had. They allow Lily and Rosaleen to stay but do not know they are runaways. Now Lily needs to take the opportunity to learn about her mother while worrying that T. Ray and the police do not find her and that August and her other sisters do not figure out that Lily is lying and send her away.
Sue Monk Kidd does a wonderful job combining many small subplots into one large story that all comes together. Her vocabulary is very easy to read but the subject matter is very mature. The shirt quotes about bees at the beginning of each chapter foreshadow what is to come and keeps the reader glued to the pages. Kidd’s story The Secret Life of Bees is a suspenseful tale about love, understanding and self realization I would recommend to almost anyone.
The Secret Life of Bees takes place in South Carolina in 1964. Lily Owens is a young, white girl whose only recollection of her mother is the day she was killed by an accidental gun shot which Lily believes to be her fault. Her mother’s death leaves Lily living with her abusive father T. Ray and her black servant, Rosaleen. Lily desperately wants to know more about her mother and the only clue she has is an old picture of a black Virgin Mary with the town Tiburon written on the back. Lily hopes that there she will find more answers about her mother. Lily decides to run away with Rosaleen to Tiburon. There she meets the Boatwright sisters who also use the picture Lily’s mother had. They allow Lily and Rosaleen to stay but do not know they are runaways. Now Lily needs to take the opportunity to learn about her mother while worrying that T. Ray and the police do not find her and that August and her other sisters do not figure out that Lily is lying and send her away.
Sue Monk Kidd does a wonderful job combining many small subplots into one large story that all comes together. Her vocabulary is very easy to read but the subject matter is very mature. The shirt quotes about bees at the beginning of each chapter foreshadow what is to come and keeps the reader glued to the pages. Kidd’s story The Secret Life of Bees is a suspenseful tale about love, understanding and self realization I would recommend to almost anyone.
Raiders Night by Robert Lipsyte
Nick DePompei
Mrs. Brown
Raiders Night
Robert Lipsyte
Fiction
Lipsyte, Robert.Raiders Night. New York: HarperTempest, 2006.
Raiders Night is a novel about big time high school football, and many of the stereotypes that follow it. The novel starts out with Matt, the star player, and many of his teammates receiving steroids from a trainer at the gym. All of the players “juice”, because they think that the steroids will make them a better team, and help them finally win the conference. Many of the players face pressures from overbearing parents, and people in the city. Then, everything that can possibly go wrong does as result of a hazing ritual. The main characters in the story are many of the seniors on the football team. They go through lifting and the hazing ritual together, where they haze younger members of the team and transfers. The story really focuses on one character, Matt. Matt is the star of the team, and everyone thinks he’s perfect. What many people don’t know is that he can never play well enough for his dad, he takes steroids, and he is getting sued for inappropriately hazing a team member. The setting for the text is important, because it is a football crazed town. The players are pressured to win by everyone. Robert Lipsyte does a great job in writing this novel. What I like about his works are that they show the dark side of sports, not just all the glory.
Mrs. Brown
Raiders Night
Robert Lipsyte
Fiction
Lipsyte, Robert.Raiders Night. New York: HarperTempest, 2006.
Raiders Night is a novel about big time high school football, and many of the stereotypes that follow it. The novel starts out with Matt, the star player, and many of his teammates receiving steroids from a trainer at the gym. All of the players “juice”, because they think that the steroids will make them a better team, and help them finally win the conference. Many of the players face pressures from overbearing parents, and people in the city. Then, everything that can possibly go wrong does as result of a hazing ritual. The main characters in the story are many of the seniors on the football team. They go through lifting and the hazing ritual together, where they haze younger members of the team and transfers. The story really focuses on one character, Matt. Matt is the star of the team, and everyone thinks he’s perfect. What many people don’t know is that he can never play well enough for his dad, he takes steroids, and he is getting sued for inappropriately hazing a team member. The setting for the text is important, because it is a football crazed town. The players are pressured to win by everyone. Robert Lipsyte does a great job in writing this novel. What I like about his works are that they show the dark side of sports, not just all the glory.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by:Rebecca Wells
Andrea Oliver
Mrs. Brown
The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Rebecca Wells
Fiction
A story about the uniqueness of mother daughter relationships.
Wells, Rebecca. The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. New York: HaperCollins, 1996
This is a curious tale of a mother and daughter and their fight to stay connected through the rough times. The novel takes place in Louisiana and in Seattle, Washington though mother and daughter are separated their story stands strong. Throughout, the character’s life, Sidda has always felt loved even through her mother bourbon streaked abuse. Always trying to please her and walking on egg shells Sidda, for once speaks honestly to a news reported about the abuse. Immediately separating them and angering her mother. Vivi her mother, the other main character, has had a past full of good friends and good times although the good times soon became fewer and further in between. Throughout this wonderful novel the reader is able to view both characters’ lives through flashbacks, letters and an amazing scrapbook called The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. The importance of setting is great because the reader really feels like they are in the Deep South with words and phrases used like Confederacy and Gone with the Wind. The author’s use of flash back is tasteful and just right while the book is a touch hard to get into the middle to end is a page turner. Wells’ style is geared and written for women although men may get a laugh out of some of the female antics and stories.
Mrs. Brown
The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Rebecca Wells
Fiction
A story about the uniqueness of mother daughter relationships.
Wells, Rebecca. The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. New York: HaperCollins, 1996
This is a curious tale of a mother and daughter and their fight to stay connected through the rough times. The novel takes place in Louisiana and in Seattle, Washington though mother and daughter are separated their story stands strong. Throughout, the character’s life, Sidda has always felt loved even through her mother bourbon streaked abuse. Always trying to please her and walking on egg shells Sidda, for once speaks honestly to a news reported about the abuse. Immediately separating them and angering her mother. Vivi her mother, the other main character, has had a past full of good friends and good times although the good times soon became fewer and further in between. Throughout this wonderful novel the reader is able to view both characters’ lives through flashbacks, letters and an amazing scrapbook called The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. The importance of setting is great because the reader really feels like they are in the Deep South with words and phrases used like Confederacy and Gone with the Wind. The author’s use of flash back is tasteful and just right while the book is a touch hard to get into the middle to end is a page turner. Wells’ style is geared and written for women although men may get a laugh out of some of the female antics and stories.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
J. Sandsjoe, Mrs. Brown, The Last Coyote
Connelly, Michael - The Last Coyote - Grand Central Publishing, 1995
The Last Coyote is the forth in the series about Michael Connelly’s character, the L.A. detective Harry Bosch. Detective Bosch, who usually is very calm and collected, has gotten in trouble. His life is a mess. His house has been condemned because of earthquake damage, his girlfriend has recently left him and he is drinking too much. He has also put his commanding officer through a glass window during a fight, and Harry is now suspended indefinitely pending a psychiatric evaluation. While on suspension, Bosch notices that there is something else that bothers him. In 1961, when Harry was only a kid, his mother was murdered, and no one was even accused of the crime. Harry relentlessly follows up the old evidence of the thirty-year-old unsolved crime. As always, Connelly’s writing is very informative and realistic. In this book you as a reader get more involved in Harry’s personal feelings and thoughts than you usually do in most of the other books in the series. This is also a very intense book. You don’t have to read a bunch of pages and wait for it to get interesting, but already in the beginning of the book it is fun to read. This is one of my favorite novels and anyone who likes the crime genre should most definitely read this.
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