I will say that while this is not a Nobel Prize book, I was excited to find out how it ended. There were some good twists and turns, and some pretty unique ideas to it. And there were two mysteries in it- first was who would be voted to survive the car crash (there can be only one (am I the only one who hears the Highlander in my head?)), and second is how did Jim die? We obviously find out both, and while some say the book was slow paced, I found it pretty well done. I can't think of any annoying tropes and had enough of a mishmashed idea of several other books, it still came out fresh. Definitely one many of my high school students will enjoy.
4/5 stars
I will say that while this is not a Nobel Prize book, I was excited to find out how it ended. There were some good twists and turns, and some pretty unique ideas to it. And there were two mysteries in it- first was who would be voted to survive the car crash (there can be only one (am I the only one who hears the Highlander in my head?)), and second is how did Jim die? We obviously find out both, and while some say the book was slow paced, I found it pretty well done. I can't think of any annoying tropes and had enough of a mishmashed idea of several other books, it still came out fresh. Definitely one many of my high school students will enjoy.
0 Comments
4/5 stars I think this is my second favorite Gillian Flynn book. I was ok with Sharp Objects, loved Gone Girl, and this fits nicely in the middle of the two. And I didn't figure out who did the murders, although some in the book group picked up on the clues. I loved how much I really didn't like the main character, who was honest to the point of saying there is no way she could ever have a Monday-Friday job because that would require her to actually work. That's self awareness! There's some rated R parts, but for the most part the story was intriguing, and it kind of makes me glad to be kind of a boring person rather than the girl whose family was murdered. It was a dark book. Take only in small doses (I may have needed some anti-depressants as I read it). 5/5 stars I loved this book. It was the right amount of twisted fairy tale along with the action and kick-butt girls. We do hear all about Cinderella, but what happens to the family after she leaves? And with a mother who has now lost all ideas of reality, the sisters must confront the hate of their town and the possibility of war. Oh, and there were some cool interjections of fate vs. free will and a fairy godmother who is a bit scary, and I haven't even met her. I haven't met a Jennifer Donnelly book I haven't liked yet. 3/5 stars
I'm wondering if I had to read invisible Emmy first to understand the dynamics of the book, but regardless, it was a cute story that completely shouted from the pages that we need to have a support group and something we enjoy as a release of our day. Even if that joy comes from studying. But it was a charming book, written about two young girls who ultimately end up in a play, and their journeys about how they got to the stage. Great book for middle grade, elementary, and even some high school students would enjoy it. 3/5 stars You are now warned- this is a psychological book. But NOT a psychological thriller. I kept waiting for someone to die. Never happened. Rather, it was about a couple of people with issues who should have gotten therapy by page 14. But instead they had a twisted relationship with each other that went down a path of love, but always the fear of actually relying on that love. And a little bit of weirdness akin to 50 Shades of Gray. I never read the gray book, but I'm guessing this was more like just 10-13 shades. Anyway, it kept my attention, but I doubt I will look back again at the plot or the story. 4/5 stars
Inspiring. I love the dog angle, but mostly it is a story about how handicaps are not to be something that can stop us from doing what anyone can do. A blind man learned how to ride a bike. How's that for determination? And of course, it hints a bit to how we who do not have an obvious disability like blindness or paralysis need to treat everyone as people without the kid gloves. A great book that is an inspiration for all. 5/5 stars I thought this was going to be a very gruesome book (which wouldn't deter me, but I was prepared), but I have to say everyone can read this. It speaks truth, but not to the point that it is trying to shock you by the explicitness of it. Rather, the reader is shocked by the horror of the truth of the history of people's beliefs and actions towards African Americans. Set in a home for wayward young men, we see the dichotomy of treatment between the White population and the Black population. There is mistreatment for all boys, but the severity is not equal. The story still echos in my head, and I feel like I learned a little more about the 50's. It was not at all like the movie Grease. 3/5 stars This was gruesome! And bizarre, and I'm still trying to work it out in my head. So, there is a boarding school on an island full of girls who got "the Tox" and are now mutant. These are not x-men powerful mutations. They are just mutations. And they are quarantined. The three girls who the story revolves around are just doing what they are told to do, up until there seems to be something that isn't quite what it seems. So now the story really begins, and the pace picks up. There are some twists, but mostly nothing too surprising. And there are some gory parts, but nothing that made me go run for the throw up bowl. And of course, it may be a social commentary on some evil things that our trusted ones do to us (trying not to spoil the plot). It's ok. Not my favorite sci fi, but it was still pretty good for a debut author. 3/5 stars
Oh, Riley Mack, you are always getting yourself in trouble! But it is a trouble that I was glad my kids could listen to, as they saw a group of young kids fight for what is right- even when it comes to exposing a puppy mill and dog thieves. It also had a somewhat unlikely scenario of breaking into a bank, but you have to do what you have to do to keep up the interest of pre-teens. A cute story, and according to my daughter, very fun. And it brought up some good discussion, so kudos for that, too. 4/5 stars I found this fascinating. I didn't care too much about the dinosaur bones, but I still tell people about Puma vs. Addidas. And while we all know Hamilton and Burr's dissent, this put a different light on the two men, as well as the idea of dueling. It was cheeky at times, (some would even go so far as to say corny), but for the most part it was really enjoyable. Who knew I could enjoy a non-fiction book? 4/5 Stars I think I like this one as much or as her last book. It is a recipe of sassy morals, intense work ethics, and not letting things pull you down. Put it all in the oven and you have a great YA book for all students. And to put a sprinkle of ethnicity over the entire book, we have an even sweeter deal. I loved all the characters, and came out feeling like everyone became a better person. I think everyone should read this book, then make some of the recipes and serve them to me. Because they look yummy. 4/5 stars I'm late to the party, but now I understand why my teens loved this book. It is not just a love story, but it's also a book about what we consider worth living. As a young girl hovers between living and dying and is able to watch the reactions of family and friends, she looks back at her life and what she values. The ultimate is her family. Which she has lost. And the book explores whether or not there are things to live for. It delves into young love, friendship, and loss. It pulled on my heart, and I'm curious about book #2. 2/5 stars
I'm late to the party, but now I understand why my teens loved this book. It is not just a love story, but it's also a book about what we consider worth living. As a young girl hovers between living and dying and is able to watch the reactions of family and friends, she looks back at her life and what she values. The ultimate is her family. Which she has lost. And the book explores whether or not there are things to live for. It delves into young love, friendship, and loss. It pulled on my heart, and I'm curious about book #2. 3/5 Stars
Very cute cartoons about loving books. There were some true nuggets that resonated with me (humorous too). Fun book. |
AuthorI'm a high school librarian. I love to read. Really. Love. To. Read. Archives
December 2023
CategoriesThis website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of Cookies |