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.