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

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Trimester One Book Reports- Hour 6

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Trimester One Book Reports- Hour 5

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Trimester One Book Report- Hour 4

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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!