Th1rteen R3asons Why

Th1rteen R3asons Why
By Jay Asher

Here I go.  This is my first truly negative book review on this blog.

Th1rteen R3asons Why is quite a mysterious novel.  Clay, the protagonist, finds an unmarked package addressed to him.  Inside of the package are thirteen tapes from Hannah Baker.  Hannah recently committed suicide.  The tapes, one for each person are similar to a suicide note addressing the people whom Hannah says pushed her to suicide.

Without revealing the major plot points, I was not a fan of the novel.  I found it flat and frustrating.  At times, I even felt it glorified suicide.  Readers, you are strong people.  It is nice to get different points of view, but know that you can get help.  You are not alone, like Hannah thought she was.

On the other hand, I think some people might find it a good read.  Also, my point of view is that of a 23 year old English major.  Teenagers approach this novel very differently.  It is extremely popular at Champlin Park High School. This book is suitable for 8th graders and up, especially those who like deeper topics.  Should you read it?  Go for it.  Would I read it again?  Heck no.

Legend

Legend 
By Marie Lu

The sci-fi nerd in me rejoiced as I read this novel.  I have a weakness for dystopian novels and Legend kept me on my toes.  At the age of ten, all children are required to take a test that measures their mental and physical strengths.  This test assigns them a number, as well as their fate.  If your number is high, you can go to college or join the military.  If it is low, you're lucky to go to high school.  Otherwise, you are shipped away from your home forever.

Day and June are two teenagers from very different worlds. June is a prodigy who earned a perfect score on her trial.  Day is the most wanted criminal of his time.  As they cross paths, lies and deceit sprinkle their relationship, but will true feelings get in the way of their missions?

I recommend this novel for middle school readers and older.  It will satisfy actions junkies as well as those interested in relationship dynamics.  If you liked The Hunger Games, The Knife of Never Letting Go, or The House of the Scorpion, you will enjoy Legend.  I look forward to the sequel: Prodigy.

Trimester One Book Reports- Hour 7

View the comments below to see what my students have to say about the books they've been reading!

Trimester One Book Reports- Hour 6

View the comments below to see what my students have to say about the books they've been reading!

Trimester One Book Reports- Hour 5

View the comments below to see what my students have to say about the books they've been reading!

Trimester One Book Report- Hour 4

View the comments below to see what my students have to say about the books they've been reading!

Born On A Blue Day

Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant
by Daniel Tammet

Back in high school, I was completely intrigued by my psychology class, mostly in part due to the fantastic Ms. Weise.  It was upon our lesson on autism that she shared with us the story of a savant named Daniel Tammet who memorized pi to the 22,000th digit.  He remembers information as colors, making dates, numbers, and words visually come to life in his head.  They appear as landscapes in his mind and contribute to his fantastic memorization skills.  It was with Ms. Weise's recommendation of his autobiography Born on a Blue Day that I was able to learn more about Tammet.  After a long seven years, I finally purchased his book and dove in.
     
I find this book fascinating for a number of reasons.  First, it is an excellent piece of nonfiction, and I do not normally read from this genre.  Secondly, it is a great way to understand autism.  Not only does it break preconceived notions you may have, but it also allows you to jump inside his head.  Tammet is remarkable because he is able to explain his thought processes in a way that is understandable to everyone.  Lastly, Tammet is very open in regards to his personal life.  Not only does he explain his struggles socially and behaviorally, typical of people with Asperger's syndrom, but his everyday struggles that make him relatable to every reader.
   
 I suggest this book to all of my nonfiction fans, as well as those interested in psychology.  For all of you romantics out there, there is a little bit here for you as Tammet accepts his sexuality and finds the love of his life.

Watch this short video on Daniel Tammat!

All We Know of Heaven

All We Know of Heaven
by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Mistaken identity is a common theme in adolescent story lines, but this novel brings it to a whole new level.  Best friends and lookalikes Maureen and Bridget suffer a tragic car accident, leaving them unrecognizable from their injuries.  As doctors attempt to bring Bridget out of a coma, it isn't until after Maureen's funeral that they realize they have been mourning the wrong girl.  Maureen deals with the tragedy of losing her best friend, the bitterness of her best friend's parents, and the recovery of a brain injury.

I recommend this novel for ninth and tenth grade students.  This book was especially interesting to me because it takes place in small town Minnesota.  There are frequent references to cheerleading, the Twin Cities, and high school life that make this book a page turner.

Don't Call Me Ishmael

Don't Call Me Ishmael
by Michael Gerard Bauer

Ishmael Lesuer feels like he is the most unlucky student in year nine.  Not only is he the target of the school bully, but he does not have many friends and also has a name that makes almost all of his classmates giggle.  With the help of the fearless Scobie, the new kid to school, Ishmael manages to rise from humiliating situations to being an important member of the forensics team.  Ishmael also falls fate to the beauty and brains of Kelly Faulker, and you cheer for him until the end to get the girl. 

I literally laughed out loud during much of this book and it left me with a smile on my face.  I find this novel entertaining and hilarious for a number of reasons.  First of all, it has amazing English-class humor.  From speech team to Miss Tarango's class, Ishmael is constantly battling his self diagnosed "Ishmael Lesuer Syndrome," a condition he suffers from that means he can turn and regular situation in an utterly embarrassing event that makes him look like an imbecile.  Also, Everyone can relate to the bullies and "weird" kids in this novel.  If you're looking for a relatively easy read, Don't Call Me Ishmael is for you.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

I love this novel for a number of reasons.  Not only does it tackle a wide range of teen issues, but it is done so in an interesting way.  The book is written in a series of letters by a narrator who goes by the alias "Charlie," sent to an anonymous reader.  Charlie is a special person.  He is intelligent and friendly, but also lonely and a little socially awkward.  It isn't until he meets his first real friends as a freshman in high school that he starts to break out of his shell.  Not only does he makes friends with these seniors, but he also has a special relationship with his teacher who provides him with an endless reading list to help him understand his life.

Drugs, partying, sexual orientation identification, and psychological illness drive the book.  It keeps the reader reflecting on the troubles of high school students and how it will get better.

I recommend this book to anyone who is mature enough to handles the big issues in the novel.  There is some blush-worthy conversation, but it is what makes the narrator realistic.  If you liked It's Kind of A Funny Story, this novel is for you.

This novel has also been made into a movie starring one of my favorites, Emma Watson.  Click here to see the trailer!

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald

I am always a fan of reading authors from Minnesota, and F. Scott Fitzgerald is at the top of my list.  His masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, is not only a worldwide classic, but it is also my favorite novel.

The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway as he lives on the West Coast for one remarkable summer.  His next door neighbor is a notorious millionaire, throwing lavish parties weekly.  Although Gatsby seems to have it all, he is missing one key aspect to fulfill the American Dream: love.  Not only is Gatsby's curious past called into question, but also his romantic obsession, unknown occupation, and questionable relationships.  The novel is complete with scandalous affairs and fast cars.

Being my favorite novel, I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.  People who may especially enjoy this novel are ones who appreciate the 1920's, complicated character relationships, and have a flair for the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy.  Warning: F. Scott Fitzgerald is very descriptive and has an extensive vocabulary, so don't be surprise if you do not know the definition of every word in the book!

Happy reading!



P.S.  Although there are already two movies based on the novel, Baz Luhrmann has directed a new 2013 version.  This is exciting being the director of other great movies such as Moulin Rouge! and Romeo+Juliet.  For your viewing pleasure, here is the trailer starring Leonardo DiCapprio and Tobey Maguire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARN6agiW7o

Check out this gem I ordered online!  Now I have a sweatshirt to match my favorite book! :)

Karma

Karma
By Cathy Ostlere

I have read three novels which have taken place in India, and this is the most entertaining of the three.  Although there is a lot of religious references that I needed to look up, I found this novel very intriguing.  The story is of a 15 year old girl named Maya and her Indian parents.  They all live in Canada. One parent is Hindu while the other is Sikh, creating tension between them and confusion for Maya as to her true identity.  When her mother kills herself, Maya and her father return to India.  Maya is separated from her father during the deadly Delhi riots, and her survival is left into the hands of strangers, especially a charming young man named Sandeep.  Maya spends the novel questing faith, humanity, and her fate to overcome the horrors she sees in India.

I highly recommend this book to high school juniors and up.  It is written in free verse, making it emotionally packed and entertaining.  I chose this age group because of the context.  To reach the maximum understanding of the novel, it requires quite a bit of knowledge about Indian culture, which would require some research.  Karma was a page turner, and I enjoyed every minute.

Water For Elephants

Water For Elephants
By Sara Gruen

This historical novel is one of my favorites.  Obviously, it is an excellent book because it has been made into a movie, but the novel has amazing depth of characters that Reese and Robert could not portray in the film.  Jacob Jankowski is an elderly man watching the circus arrive into town from the window of his nursing home.    He remembers fondly his days working as a vet for the Benzini Brothers Circus.  There he falls in love with the wife of the head trainer, makes new friends, and even enemies.  His true love is Rosie the elephant, a stubborn and abused star attraction to the ring master, Uncle Al.

I highly recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.  The style reminds me of The Notebook which makes you love both the young and old Jacob and his memories.  Because of some sexual content and the reading level, I would recommend this novel to anyone in high school and older.

Bronx Masquerade

Bronx Masquerade
By Nikki Grimes

This novel is a celebration of slam poetry.   Bronx Masquerade is the story of eighteen inner city kids who learn to express themselves in their English class.  Each vignette is a different student's point of view written in poetry or narrative form.  As the novel progresses, the students discover new things about their peers and themselves.

I suggest this novel for anyone in need of a fresh story and style.  The short chapters progress the plot quickly, keeping the reader's attention and curiosity.  Although there is references to teenage pregnancy, drug use, and gang violence, I believe any high schooler could handle the content with maturity.

Brown Girl In The Ring

Brown Girl In the Ring
By Nalo Hopkinson

This was, by far, the book I've read most outside of my normal taste.  It takes place in the future with a Caribbean-Canadian woman as its protagonist.  Ti-Jeanne had recently had a baby after the economic crash and the city of Toronto is run by the gangster Rudy.  The father of her baby is supposed to kill a stranger to steal organs for the corrupt Premier of Ontario, leading him to turmoil, especially knowing it would be against Ti-Jeanne's wishes.  Mixed in with this story are rich cultural details, duppies (ghost-like spirits), and witchcraft.

I suggest this book to anyone interested in Caribbean culture, science fiction, or novels with strong female leads.  At first, I did not fully appreciate the book, but with proper background knowledge and a little research,  Hopkinson's novel is an entertaining and rich read.

To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird
By Harper Lee

This is by far one of the most classic novels of all time.  The first time I read it, I was in ninth grade.  I didn't catch everything in it and remembered some of the vocabulary was hard to tackle.  Now, reading it about 6 years later, I have a new appreciation for the book.

Not only do I find it more interesting the second time around, but it was far less intimidating.  The length and difficulty were easily overlooked.  The story is of Atticus Finch and his two children.  Atticus is the attorney to a black man accused of raping a white women and the family journey through the trial.  The unseen Boo Radley, whom has never left his home, is also an ongoing mystery throughout the novel.

Although this novel is taught in ninth grade, I would suggest it to tenth graders.  Some of the language and content is very mature, but is a critical part of our past.  It appeals to history buffs, justice seekers, and the everyday reader who enjoys a young protagonist.  This is also a great novel to analyze, with endless symbolism and racial issues to pick apart.

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

World War Z- Max Brooks

This book, written at the beginning of the zombie apocalypse hype, will continue to be an engaging and entertaining read.  Written in an interview format, Brooks has enabled readers to analyze what a war with zombies could potentially be like.

What fascinates me about this book, after carefully reading the military-esque accounts, is the great deal of thought Brooks put into the book.  He clearly did his research, making responses from the US government, Korea, Iran, and every day people very plausible.

I highly recommend this book for juniors and seniors.  Anyone younger should be ready for a challenge with vocab and technical writing.  This book will surely not bring you disappointment.

Maus I: My Father Bleeds History and Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began

Maus I & Maus II by Art Spiegelman

These two novels about the author's father were the first graphic novels I have ever read.  I found it an interesting and effective way to portray a Holocaust survivor's story.  It is written as a flashback and jumps between the the WWII era and the late 80's.

The first volume is about Vladek Spiegelman's experience hiding from Nazi Germans.  His son, Art, is a comic artist and author of the book.  The tension between father and son is heavy throughout the novel.  As the interview progresses, Art learns about his father's endeavors and relationship with Art's mother, who killed herself years before the interview takes place.

The second volume focuses on Vladek's life after arriving at Auschwitz and his poor health in the present day.  As his illness progresses, his story ends after his emancipation and return home.  The most interesting part of this novel was the present day struggles between father and son and how the Holocaust may have permanent changed Vladek's personality.

I recommend this novel to any high school student.  I especially recommend it to students who enjoy graphic novels or enjoy comics.  I like that these two novels go against what you would think a graphic novel would be.  I also think they would be appropriate for an interdisciplinary course or even a History class.

Night

Night by Elie Wiesel

Wiesel's story of his struggle through concentration camps as a young Jewish boy is truly heartbreaking.  Being such an honest account of the Holocaust, it is sometimes a difficult story to read.  Even after reading it for a second time, I am surprised by the lack of emotion some of the characters experience.  As Wiesel explains, it was as if they had cried all of their tears early in the war and had none to shed as their family and friends died in front of them.

The scene that sticks out in my mind the most would be the young boy the guards hanged in front of all of the prisoners.  The cruelty of the act, to me, encompasses the who genocide.  It was unjustified, violent, and inhumane.  It was one of the moments that Wiesel truly lost his faith.

I recommend this book for 8th graders and up.  This memoir is an honest look into the lives of a Jewish family during WWII.  Although it has pretty graphic stories, it is an important story and a significant piece of history.

Power

Power by Linda Hogan

Although this is not one of my favorite books I have read so far, it is still well written.  It is heavily saturated in description, so there is not much dialogue.  It is the story of Omishto and Ama and their experience killing an endangered species, a panther.  Trapped between the modern and traditional worlds, Ama and Omisto is on trial for killing a panther.

What I do like about the novel is that it emphasizes the importance of nature.  Most of the description is centered around things Omishto finds in nature, how the wind is a living breath, or how the plants wait for the redemption of rain.  Obviously, the importance of the panther is also help tell the story of a healthy and balanced nature.

I would recommend this book to tenth grade and up.  The novel is a little bit longer and its descriptions might be a little bit much for ninth graders and younger.  I also recommend it to anyone who likes Native American novels, especially ones centered around the modernization and disappearance of traditions.