Page Turners : The Insiders Guide to Book Reviews

Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

2014-08-18T11:09:00.004-04:00

NOW, before you cast aside a review about Harry Potter, because you are oh so knowledgeable about them... Let me give you a little pop quiz (no multiple choice on this one, whoops!).

a. None magical people born into wizarding families are called?

b. What is an animagus?

c. Hermione starts a club at Hogwarts called S.P.E.W., what is it for?

d. Of the three amigos (Harry, Ron and Hermione), who is/are named Prefects?

*Check answers at end of post

The Harry Potter series is my all time favorite childhood books and movies. I remember waiting in lines at the movie theater and book stores for these books, my family and I even made it in the newspaper waiting outside a theater for the first movie!
This is not my first time reading the series, it's probably the third time... But it seemed like a good time to go back to the classics. All seven books took me about three months, granted I was in school for one of those months.
Honestly, reading these again was so much better than having a Harry Potter movie marathon (which I tried to do and failed), there are lots of details and things that happened in the books that are completely different or simply not put in the movies. For example, Peeves the Poltergeist, who roams around Hogwarts tormenting students! Hermione solving Snape's logic puzzle at the end of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone! Dudley Dursley (in the final book) tries to make amends and cares about Harry! Voldemort had a muggle father (who he hated and killed), but still he wasn't a pure blood! The death of Peter Pettigrews (Ron's rat)! I'll leave that explanation a secret! Why Snape actually called himself the Half Blood Prince!? Well all of these things and more were left out of the movies... So you're actually missing out on a lot. If you don't remember these things from the books, maybe it's time to read them again?

If you aren't into watching movies and reading books, check out Pottermore! This website is so cool, you can explore scenes from each book, make potions and duel other house members, plus it has exclusive writing from the author! You can add me as a friend as well, MoonMidnight156.

I can't wait for another 10 years to go by so I can delve in the magical world of Harry Potter again!

Answers to pop quiz

a. Squibs

b. An animagus is a wizard who can transfigure himself in an animal at will. Professor McGonagall is a registered animagus, who turns into a cat. Sirius is an unregistered animagus, who turns into a dog.

c. S.P.E.W. stands for Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare. Hermione fights for house-elf liberation!

d. Ron and Hermione

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

2014-08-13T16:56:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon this book... It suddenly appeared in my "bookshelf" on the Overdrive app I use to read books off my iPhone and iPad through my actual library*. It turned out to be quite an enjoyable read.

Here is a quick summary of this book:
Wade Watts is a teenager living in the year 2044. Most of the inhabitants on the planet are starving and living in "stacks", trailer homes stacked onto each other. Instead of living in reality, people live in OASIS, a free, virtual utopia where you can be whoever you'd like and do whatever you want to do. The deceased creator of OASIS has set up an ultimate scavenger hunt within the game and to whom can solve it will receive power and riches. Wade hopes, like so many others, that the key to escaping the rotting world is to win. After years, and the whole world is still searching, Wade stumbles upon the first clue, which starts a frenzy. From there it is a deadly race to the finish... Wade must win to survive the quest and the world, but to do so he also must face the realities of life and leave his virtual utopia.

This was a great summer read and I honestly didn't put the book down. The idea of a virtual world such as the one described in the book does not seem so far fetch nowadays. Today, many people do escape the real world by playing online games and it consumes their whole life. To be whoever you want and have freedoms only a virtual world could provide, wow! Though this novel is fiction, Wade's world could become our own in a few years. Though I know I could easily find a game such as OASIS today, the technology to immerse oneself into the game sounds pretty awesome, and currently, I don't think any company has come out with it.
Wade is the type of kid that you want to see succeed. The reader sympathizes with Wade and wants him to win. He has a horrible life outside of OASIS, but he is sharp-witted and knows how to escape. He preservers and overcomes, like any great hero in a book.
Even though I may not be obsessed with video games, and this book has a lot to do with that subject (as well as pop culture of decade's past) I found this book light and entertaining.

So...
Ready Player One?

*Check and see if your library has something like this!

I'm Back and Ready to Blog

2014-07-20T21:10:00.003-04:00

I've had inspiration to return to my old book review blog and make it anew! I'm an older self and ready to start reviewing new books that will interest a more adult reader. For anyone out there that is reading this, getting ready for an on slaughter of reviews. My new love for e-books has given me the opportunity to read more and faster and my local library card has been a gift.

I hope to have the website updated soon and a new book review out in a few days. Maybe I'll be reviewing all seven books in the Harry Potter series or a new book, Ready Player One that has captivated my free time.

I'm looking forward to restarting this blog and seeing where it takes me.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

2011-07-02T21:57:00.002-04:00

This was a very interesting book which I have heard many different opinions about. I mean, it has a national book award, which must mean it's really good! Right? Well I thought it was very strange. It had some great poster quotes that I'll write down for future use but I didn't really understand the book. I would also say it had a very strange ending and I didn't realize that was the end.

When I don't understand a book I think, "wow, am I really that dumb not to understand this? Is there something wrong with me? Is this above my reading level? Am I reading it wrong?" Well, I honestly don't know the answer.

It was an interesting read, that had many different meanings. It could be just about a fireman who starts fires but starts to questions his actions or could it be more? As a reader that is for you to decide. As for me, because this read was just for fun and not a book I had discussed with my english teacher, I thought it was just a story about a fireman. I didn't contemplate the meaning of the book at all. I also don't plan to because I didn't think it was that amazing.

The strangest part for me was wondering why anyone would burn books? Why would anyone burn anything? Books are amazing! Why would anyone write about burning books...?

Here is a quick summary of this book: Guy Montag works as a fireman who starts fires. Guy has worked as a fireman for many years and likes doing his job. Watching houses go up in flames as the homeowners are arrested or commit suicide in their burning house. When Guy meets a young girl he begins to questions everything that he knows. The girl tells him about the past of books, how people were not afraid and books were never burned. Soon the girl goes missing, leaving Guy alone with his new thoughts and ideas. Guy meets a professor, who begins to tell Guy about his views on books and how people think. When his house is burned down, Guy realizes what he has to do and what he has to fight for. Thus, Guy becomes a fugitive and searches for the people who have answers.

My Life - Away

2011-05-25T19:49:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I know I've been gone for a LONG time, I am very very very sorry. I've been so busy with school and basketball. But both are ending very soon and I've decided to make a fresh start on my blog, new books, new posts, all the time!

Get ready readers and bloggers!

Life is pretty good, officially taking Spanish 3 over the summer which is going to open a lot of possibilities for my future.
Basketball is intense but great, love my teammates!
School is as crazy as every and I will be so happy when it is FINALLY over.
At home, my mom is back from college (she graduated with a masters degree in accounting), Jake just finished lacrosse and my cat has just covered me in fur. Great!

Hope everyone is doing good, send me a message, I'm lonely. I know I haven't treated my readers very well so I guess I deserve it. Stay tuned for more!

My Life - Back Pain

2011-03-18T16:05:00.000-04:00

We all know that feeling of pain. Whether it's physical pain or emotional pain, we all know it hurts. When you think of back pain what do you think? Well I think of lazy old people, that complain to much, and do nothing to stop the pain. Thanks a lot 15 year-old brain, you are WRONG! Anyone can have back pain, especially from sports.

Amateur Athletics Union, commonly known as AAU season has started. AAU is not just one sport, it is almost ALL sports (as far as I know). But for me, AAU is basketball AAU. Thursday was my second practice and it was so great! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE basketball, but when you wake up in the morning and can't even stand, it makes you think twice...

It's the last day of the school before the weekend! It should be an exciting and happy day, but it wasn't. I had massages, though no one could touch my back because it hurt so much. I took medications, but nothing helped. I guess I should go take some more medicine and hope it will work, but I doubt it.

Please! Everyone please pray that this goes away soon!!! It has ruined my day! Also, if anyone knows any solutions, PLEASE feel free to share your knowledge. Hope everyone else had a great friday!

P.S. Check out Friday by Rebecca Black... you'll thank me (or not). Haha it's "fun, fun, fun, fun!" ALL SMILES!

My Life - Sickness

2011-03-04T16:26:00.001-05:00

We have all been sick sometime in our life and this week is my turn.

Let me catch you up: Last Week: February vacation. Monday: Snow day. Tuesday: Town meeting (I didn't go, I went skiing). Wednesday: School day. Began to feel sick. Thursday: Sick (no school). Friday: Sick (no school) (today). Congratulations! Readers, you are now caught up.

I hate being sick, you miss school and you feel like crap. Surprisingly, I don't like missing school. You miss A LOT of stuff (usually) and everyone knows it except you.

This weekend I have a basketball clinic and if I'm sick, I can't go. So cross your fingers everybody and wish that I wake up feeling refreshed! I guess I'll go make some tea, drink/eat some soup, and suck on some strawberry cough drops.

Hope everyone has a great friday/weekend!Just remember, DON'T GET SICK!

L.A. Candy & Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

2011-02-22T14:23:00.000-05:00

Quite frankly these books were... not good. They were definitely "chick" books, in that awkward stage of leaving elementary school and entering high school (aka: middle school). The plot line was interesting and seemed very similar to The Hills, which would make sense considering Lauren Conrad is best known for starring in the series The Hills.

One thing I did learn was that In this book I found different types of cultures can unexpectedly change your life, maybe you're ready and maybe you're not, but it's coming. It is very unlikely the things that happened to these two girls would ever happen to anyone else (correct me if I'm wrong), but it's interesting to read how an event or culture can change your life. Most people wish to get rich and become famous but once it actually happens, it's not so great.

Here is a quick summary of this book: Basically, two girls move to L.A., wishing in the back of their mind they could be famous. Suddenly, in a unexpectent series of events they become two of the four girls on a new reality TV show called L.A. Candy. All four girls go through their ups and downs, hating and loving the other girls, but when Madison Parker decides she wants to be the star of the show things take a turn for the worse. While the drama is ruining the four girls relationships, the TV show is getting it's best ratings. Unfortunately, Jane (the main star) and Dana (her best friend) can't take another episode. One things for sure, no one can keep a secret on L.A. Candy.

Unfortunately I've just found out their is a third book to this series (Sugar and Spice: An L.A. Candy Novel), which means you'll probably see me at Borders or Barnes and Noble sometime soon, sigh. So if you're between the ages of 12 and 14 and/or love to read about drama, these books are for you! As for me, I'll just keep reading until the series ends whether or not I'm into dramatic books or if I'm 12, 13, or 14.

My Life - Black Eye

2011-01-13T14:23:00.000-05:00

So I got a black eye in a basketball game last week and guess what? They don't heal fast. Ugh. I think one reason it was the worst time to get a black eye was because I was getting my braces off in the next few days. If you've never had braces then I should tell you, they take a lot of pictures. Also, take into account I am not a photogenic person, so it was pretty bad...

Don't you hate when you go to school and everyone gives you a funny look? Well I've been getting that look for the last two weeks! What I hate the most is, when people don't know you, they don't ask what happened. It pisses me off so much, but luckily, I've gotten used to it.

I think one reasons I'm telling my readers about this is to warn them! I've also gotten used to having a black eye so I don't care or notice it anymore, but you'll notice strangers staring at you and you'll wonder why and then realize it's because your face is messed up. So remember, never talk to strangers and always give people dirty looks. Then people will know not to mess with you. The second reason why I'm telling you is because when you do get a black eye, be prepared to receive an abnormal amount of compliments. Usually starting with the word "bad" and ending in "butt" (PG people).

Anyways, I hope my experience will help and prepare you for the future. If it hasn't, buy this book... Just kidding, this book it's totally NOT about actual black eyes (Getting punched in the face in a basketball game), just thought it would work.

P.S. Don't try searching for a book about black eyes on Amazon, there isn't one.

My Life - Work

2010-12-30T21:19:00.002-05:00

I went to work today exhausted, why some of you might ask, well because I was at a friends house... staying up WAY to late... But it's not what you think! We weren't gossiping or eating ice cream out of a tub, I was reading... It make sense, I have a BOOK review blog, I've got to read sometime!

So anyways, I went to work pretty tired, but happy. I start polishing plates, trying to get some plates from the cupboard (down at my feet) and some plates aren't coming out. So I tried a little harder (wasn't that a horrible idea) and suddenly there's a HUGE crash and a look down and there's glass everywhere (Ugh, this is so embarrassing)! I felt like such an idiot, it's a five star resort and I broke six expensive bowls... Well after that I was just a little bit frazzled and I could tell some people noticed... So to summarize the event, my boss and some other workers came up to me after and told me it wasn't a big deal, and that everyone breaks things, which helped with the guilt (a little). Overall today was definitely not the best day at work. Wish me luck tomorrow!

I can't believe vacation and 2010 is almost over!! What's with this? Vacation goes way to fast...
What have I been doing this whole vacation?? What have you been doing this whole vacation? I still have a pile of homework! Sigh... I've had some ideas on a new years resolution but I guess I'll make the final decision tomorrow night! Do you have a new years resolution?

A new book review is coming out soon, if you've read the updates at the top of the blog, you should know what book(s) it's on. You should also know the poll that's going on right now. Transparent vs. Color. The posts now (as you can see) have a background color, I've heard many peoples opinion and I can't make up my mind, so I decided to let my readers decide. So please, vote!

Transparent Pro- See the lovely background of old books
Transparent Con- Viewers have a harder time reading the text

Color Pro- Viewers can see the posts easier
Color Con- You can't see the background of old books

What do you all think of The Gift by Susan Boyle album? I've heard of few songs and I've heard her amazing story. Tell me what you think? Do you like her, do you hate her? Have you heard of her, have you not? Do you think your the next big artist of 2011?

P.S. What do you think the best book of 2010 was? Send me an email or comment below. I want to hear what you think!

My Life - Holiday Vacation

2010-12-26T21:15:00.001-05:00

I think the best part of the holidays is eating the extravagant dinners, not going to lie. I love eating food and what better way to fatten yourself up with great homemade food with your family?

Every year I have the same problem, what to get my brother and father? Does anyone else have the same problem? I'm a teenager, so I don't have a lot of money and all my brother wants is a dirt-bike (around $1,500)! If you know any great gifts ideas, PLEASE share them with me!

Three days ago a got a call from my dad, offering me a job at a five star resort where he works. Considering I've been begging my dad to get me a job there, this was the best Christmas news I'd heard! Today was my second day of work as a "plate polisher." Yes, five star resorts do require ALL of their plates, silverware and glasses polished. For some readers this might sound horrible, but for a 15 year old girl, it's AwEsOmE! I've met some hilarious people and not, cough, another employee I work with. Overall, I love my job, period.

I hope everyone is having a great holiday break and everyone is spending time with friends and family! Feel the love!

P.S. Tomorrow I have basketball (hopefully it won't be disrupted by the snow) which will be the best part of my day, I also get to see some of my friends!

Has anyone else noticed gender racism of women and mens basketball shoes? Why is it that men get so many choices for basketball shoes, whereas women get none. Something must change!

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

2010-11-27T21:50:00.000-05:00

While I was reading The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan, I kept waiting and waiting for the big conflict to occur and when it never came, I was disappointed. Finally, the second book came out and I was eager to read it. I was waiting for a big climax that never came. The Dead-Tossed Waves seemed like it was repeating The Forest of Hands and Teeth (the first book). Both books had the same problem, always being surrounded and enclosed by Mudo or Unconsecrated, and fighting to be free.

While the book didn’t fulfill my expectations, I thought the author’s writing was incredible. Throughout the book I kept marking pages with quotes I loved, one that I especially love was, “I hold my breath, waiting for her touch to bring me comfort. And then I realize that that’s been my problem all along. Not only wanting comfort and security and safety, but looking to others to find it when I need to find it inside myself. I’ve spent every moment I can remember scared: scared of the Forest, scared to break the rules, scared of the world outside the Barrier. Scared of life. I’ve always looked at everything as black-and-white: alive or dead, safe or savage.” (Pg.324) This quote summarized the book completely. I especially enjoyed the blend of romance, adventure, and conflict.

Another thing I would like to commend the authors writing on, is the development of the character Gabry, she starts as a content, scared, young girl and changes into a strong, mature women.

Even though this wasn’t favorite book and I probably won’t be reading it again (because I’ve basically read it twice now), I found that a lot of the things the author wrote about really stuck with me. The Dead-Tossed Waves, made me think about my conflicts in life, if and how I will overcome them. How everyday I make choices and overcome small, but life changing things. I can’t go back and change them, I have to keep going on my adventure. The boundaries that I have, are made by life and by myself. As a individual, I have to push those boundaries to succeed. "There’s no way for us to ever go back. We keep going.” (Pg. 401) In Gabry’s adventure she realizes (at the end of book) life will never be like it was before the Return. She has to keep going and look for a better life. “We don’t have to live within the boundaries we set up… We have to learn to push those barriers.” (Pg. 404)

Here is a quick summary of this book:

Gabry is a only child, living in the small town guarded by high walls off the coast of an ocean. From the top of her lighthouse, she lives a quiet and content life. Listening to her friends dream of the Dark City, trapped between the barrier and the ocean. The world is unknown to Gabry besides the hungry Unconsecrated (Mudo) waiting to feast on the living. But one childish moment suddenly changes everything. The stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry, the secrets Gabry's mother has kept are now threats that she can't hide, and Gabry's friends are either dead (including the boy she loves) or imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she has to face the forest in order to save herself and the one she loves. The unexpected life adventure leaves Gabry always wondering, there must be more.

So for those who have read, and enjoyed The Forest of Hands and Teeth (or have not read the previous book), and also love continuous long reads, and books that are quite repetitive but have lots of twist and turns that will keep you guessing. I would recommend this book for you!

A Time Where I Most Felt Alive by Abby Hurwitz

2010-10-28T18:26:00.003-04:00

This is an update to the previous poem. This week's post is a little different, not a book review but a poem.
This week I was assigned to write about A Time Where You: I chose the topic A Time Where I Most Felt Alive and wrote a poem. After reading it to many people, I was advised to share it with the world. Leave a comment and tell me what you think. Also, if you know what experience I'm talking about. Enjoy.

A Time Where I Felt Most Alive

Could one simple move

Suddenly remove

Or maybe a sudden lift

My body now just a drift

When it looks so easy

All anyone can do is get queasy

The journey of it all

Is a dance between greatness and a foul ball

Hearing going

The clock slowing

No hurry

Just the worries

While you know the feeling

Others are in debt to the ceiling

As the coins leave her purse

You can see them converse

Arms and legs spread out

For a bird would not fly without

Spinning in the air

The feeling of despair

A simple single of the hand

A smile takes the stand

A once in a lifetime chance

Watching at first glance

The experience is what waits

But the tunnel is what creates

Defying gravity is such a simple task

When you have four 250 horsepower fans waiting for someone to ask

So take a dive

For this is when you'll feel most alive

The Story of My Life by Farah Ahmedi

2010-09-06T17:26:00.000-04:00

The Story of My Life by Farah Ahmedi is an autobiography about an Afghan girl's life and struggles.This inspiring and compelling story about survival is mesmerizing. It's a story many people can relate to their own lives and struggles.

I loved this book. I finished it in about five hours, only getting up to eat, drink, or use the bathroom. The Story of My Life is a wonderful and fantastic book to read. It's also a great book to discuss with others. There are two reasons I liked this book so much. First, I felt like I was there with Farah, living her life. Second, because I could relate to her life, even though our lives look so different. I could relate to Farah's difficulties dealing with death, pain, embarrassment, new cultures, traveling to new places and most importantly, not being able to drive. Many people have had similar experiences to Farah.Everyone has problems to face and overcome.

Here is a quick summary of this book: Farah Ahmedi lives in Kabul, Afghanistan, with her mother, father, sister, and brothers. While going to school one day, Farah decided to cut through the corn field to save time, and her life changed forever. Farah stepped on a land mine, and lost the ability to walk on her own two feet. Farah is sent to Germany, to be treated. Germany is like heaven to Farah. She's given her own plate and silverware to eat with, coloring books, and love. After two years in Germany, Farah is healthy enough to go back to Afghanistan and her family. When life seems to be getting back to normal, a bomb hits Farah's house, killing her father, sister, and brothers. Farah and her mother are left to survive on their own. Her mother's asthma attacks require several trips a week to the hospital. Farah is struggling to walk on her worn down prosthetic leg. The Taliban has invaded their town. Money is dwindling. One day, Farah learns about an organization sending a thousand Afghan refugees to America! Farah and her mother quickly apply, not listening to the rumors they will be treated like slaves. After long weeks of fighting and struggling to get an appointment with the Americans, Farah and her mother are accepted into the program. They're going to America. Unable to speak English, Farah and her mother struggle to make appointments, use phones and communicate with Americans. After the initial settlement period, Farah and her mother are on their own, surviving in a strange but exciting new world. Farah is taking English classes, walking on a new prosthetic leg, going to school, and driving. For her whole life, Farah has fought and struggled to survive. She wants to forget her past. She realizes though, she can't forget her past, that it is good to remember, because it is a part of who she is: part Afghan, part American, and wondering what her future holds.

I definitely recommend this book to 9th grade and up. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what life changing event, or miracle will happen next.
 Overall

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

2010-07-27T15:10:00.002-04:00

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold captivates the attentions of millions of people. This book taught me about living and dying, holding on and letting go. The Lovely Bones made me feel emotions I didn't want to feel. The sadness, beauty, pain, acceptance, horror, regret, and grief of this book enthralled (look it up) me. Throughout the book I couldn't stop thinking, what if this happened to me? How could anyone live through this? How would a mother live through this? The most touching and beautiful yet terrible and painful book I've read so far.

Here is a quick summary of this book: Susie Salmon was a regular teenage girl. On December 6, 1973 she was murdered. As Susie leaves earth and enters her new home in heaven, her family and friends grieve over their missing child. Susie watches life on earth continue without her, her parents lost but still trying to keep their normal life, her friends talking about her disappearance and her killer covering his tracks. Soon they start to find bits of pieces, her clothes, backpack, notes, and body parts. Now all her family wants is to find their daughters body and to send their daughters killer to jail. While friends, lovers, and family are being questioned, Susie is watching her killer erase the evidence. The police are doing what they can but Susie's dad knows her killer is out their somewhere, he just needs to put the pieces back together.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to adults, and teens (9th grade and up). I could read this over and over again and still cry and still want to read it again. "You don't notice the dead leaving when they really choose to leave you. You're not meant to. At most you feel them as a whisper or the wave of a whisper undulating down... The events that my death wrought were merely the bones of a body that would become whole at some unpredictable time in the future... The destination somehow inevitable, the sights seen in passing so many time. But this time I was accompanied, not ripped away, and I knew we were taking a long trip to a place very far away." (The Lovely Bones, By Alice Sebold)

Zeitoun By Dave Eggers

2010-07-22T12:47:00.002-04:00

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers is one of my favorite books so far. This book will be a part of history, the life of a family that lived through hurricane Katrina. What can happen (and has happened) to people when a hurricane hits. While reading this I suddenly felt the urge to go buy a canoe and keep lots of bottled water and food ready in case this ever happens to me.

Not only did this book keep you on your toes, you knew exactly how they felt, for example, when Kathy didn't know if her husband was alive or when Zeitoun sees animals left behind to survive by themselves.

Here is a quick summary of this book: Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun, are a Muslim family and own a painting company in New Orleans. While the city (including Kathy and their four kids) evacuates because of hurricane Katrina, Abdulrahman stays home to take care of the many properties they own. Soon his house is flooded, the windows are broken and there are large holes in the ceiling. Zeitoun travels around the flooded city on his canoe, picking up helpless people in need and feeding animals left to face the hurricane by themselves. One day while calling his family, Zeitoun is arrested and sent to Camp Greyhound, a prison for looters and alleged terrorists. There he is treated like dirt, living in a small cage, with no phone calls, food he can't eat, and no medical aid. When Kathy finds out where Zeitoun is, she stops at nothing to get him out. Soon life starts to get back to normal, fixing, repairing, and building houses, but after everything they've been through, will their lives really be the same?

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

2010-07-18T21:54:00.001-04:00

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks was about a heart broken love story. About no matter how passionate love can be, long distant relationships don't always work out.

I loved this book, it was a great mixture of love and sadness. After the first chapter, I was hooked. I felt like one of those old ladies watching a soap opera yelling... "No! Don't give up!" When you actually think about it, millions of people have to deal with long distant relationships over seas because they're enlisted. This book will tug at everyones heartstrings.

Here is a quick summary of this book: John Tyree joins the army after high school. Soon after John meets Savannah Curtis and both of their lives change. John suddenly has a reason to stay home and Savannah's best friend Tim has to help the girl he loves cope with her love leaving. But during their new found love, John has to finish his tour of duty and has to make a decision of love or his country. And that sometimes you have to make decisions (ones you don't like) because you love someone.

Overall this book was a MUST read, I would recommend this to anyone who has or has ever been in a tough or new relationship.

Seventeenth Summer by Maureen Daly

2010-07-15T23:09:00.003-04:00

Seventeenth Summer by Marureen Daly, was not what I expected. I thought it would be a story about modern era love, but to my surprise this book was actually taken place in the past. Girls where dresses, all men (young and old) smoke, everyone drinks beer, helping the family take care of the house is the main priority and no internet. (What would we do today if there was no internet!) Angie and Jacks relationship continues throughout the entire book. They met at the end of school and stayed together throughout the entire summer. It was a summer to remember.

Here is a quick summary of this book: Angie was never the popular girl but when she met Jack everything changed. He was the high school basketball star and she was a nobody. It was a summer love to remember. Parents are unsure about their relationship and her older sister has some major boy problems. Angie waits for Jacks call sso they can hang out and Jack shares his feelings about her while she also wants to but never really does. The summer is coming to an end and neither of them know what to do. Angie is going away to college while Jack has no real plans. Will their love last forever or will it just be another summer fling they will never forget?

This book is definitely a summer read, hence the name... It was different from other books I've read and surprisingly I really liked it. I would certainly recommend it to grades 9th and up.

The Taker by J.M. Steele

2010-07-14T23:50:00.013-04:00

The Taker by J.M. Steele not only has an ending you wouldn't expect it also has helpful tips about school and test taking. When I first started this book I thought it wouldn't be that great (boring). But the unexpected twists kept me reading! This book kept me on my toes. What is Carly Biels going to do? Will she use The Taker? Will she focus on her studies? Will she stay with her (not so great) boyfriend.

Each chapter starts with an SAT question about Carly, and instead of just plain, "chapter 1," "chapter 2" they
used fill in bubbles (like on the actual SAT's).

Here is a quick summary of this book: Carly Biels finds out she will NEVER get into Princeton with the SAT scores she got. Carly suddenly gets a text from The Taker. Carly starts to study with Ronald Gross her nerdy next door neighbor. She and her boyfriend start to have some relationship issues. Carly takes the makeup SAT's and gets an amazing score. She finds out The Taker didn't actually take the test for her and realizes her real feelings for her study partner.

This book is worth reading and I would recommend this book to 8th graders and above.

Kissing Annabel by Steven Herrick

2010-07-12T23:05:00.006-04:00

Kissing Annabel by Steven Herrick was... how should I put this... different. First, every page looks like a poem, I think Steven Herrick wanted it to be like that because Jack (the main character) loves poetry. But from my point of view it's a HUGE waste of paper. Second, there were many missed spelled words and punctuation errors. Don't they proof read books before they're published?

This quick read is a story of Jacks life which includes: Annabel, love, nose hairs and apples.

Here is a quick summary of this book: Jacks in school, he starts seeing Annabel, they grow up, they graduate and decide to not go to college, he leaves with Annabel, they start working at an apple orchard, they become very close with the apple orchard family, they leave the apple orchard to live on the beach with the little money they earned.

Overall I would not recommend this book... to anyone.