The Giver by Lois Lowry

Have you ever wished you lived in a different world? A world in which there was no war, no economic problems, no global warming? No rich, no poor, no one dying of hunger? A world where families were simple and complete with a dad, a mom and two children, a boy and a girl?

Welcome to Jonas’s community. It has no apparent problems or struggles and you never have to worry about what comes next because it is all planned out for you. Every year from age one to age twelve, there is a ceremony. The whole community gathers together to celebrate the yearly milestones that bring you ever closer to being an adult and a productive member of society. This year Jonas will be a part of the Ceremony of the Twelves, and will be receiving his assignment. The Committee of Elders has observed every child during recreation and volunteer hours and has decided one the assignment, or job, each child is best suited for. Jonas is worried because while he has volunteered in many places, he hasn’t displayed an aptitude for anything in particular.

During the Ceremony, each child is called up to the stage to receive their assignment from the Chief Elder. Jonas realizes that something is wrong when his number is skipped and not called. The reason for Jonas’ singling out isn’t revealed until the end of the Ceremony. You see, Jonas has been selected for a special job, the most honored in the community. He will be the Receiver of Memory.

Jonas is being trained to replace the current occupant of the job, the man who is now The Giver. Being the Receiver is a lonely, often painful duty, one that may convince you that your wish for perfection isn’t worth what must be left behind in order to achieve it.

Stolen lives, written by Malika Oufker was an account of the trials and joys from the Fakirs, told by Milka, who were used

to a very luxurious lifestyle, until the ruler of Morocco arrested the family because of a threat to

the throne. Malika, her mother, and the many brothers and sisters were imprisoned in a penal colony that was in need of everyday necessities. In 1987, after ten years

of solitary cells, and five years surviving in the desert, Malika and her siblings finally attempted an escape through a tunnel which was dug from their own hands. The delicious taste of freedom lasted for a mere five

days, when the authorities took the Oufkirs back to solitude. in 1996, Malika was allowed to leave her cell after so many years of confinement, and begin her life anew.

THE MOST COMPELLING ASPECT of the book was how she managed to survive and give hope

to her siblings and aging mother in the time of trial.

RECOMMENDATION: I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about

learning more on the politics, as well as the more personal side of her life, and the royal court.

Interview with the Vampire

If you are a fan of blood stealing creatures of the night, dangerously gorgeous men, and the famous author, Anne Rice, then "Interview with the Vampire" is a fabulous book to pick up. No true vampire fan has not read this book! The dashingly morbid Louis is the main character of the story, and the readers follow him through his tale of tragedy, joy, and the thrills and chills of being a Vampire. After being changed by the seemingly charming vampire Lestat, Louis finds himself in the entirely different world of night and immortality. Yet as time goes on, he finds Lestat to not be so charming. In fact, the man is selfish, arrogant, and not willing to let Louis go! Helplessly stuck with Lestat, Louis longs to be human again, coming to despise his never ending life and the torturous feelings of being a monster as well as Damned for eternity. With so many twists and turns that will leave the reader nearly sick from the ride, "Interview with the Vampire" is a beautifully written book, with tantalizing characters and heart breaking situations. So sit down and read; Louis would like to tell you his story.

5Q and 4P

Diary of a Teenage Girl: It's a Green Thing By: Melody Carlson

It's a green thing is the second novel by Melody Carlson of her Diary of a teenage girl series written by Maya. This book is written from the aspect of Maya, and is her diary. Within the book are her thoughts on life and her ups and downs just like any teenager has. With Maya's mother locked up in jail for drug addiction Maya has the opportunity to live with her uncle and her cousin, and learn what it is like to have a normal family for once. Maya's father is making a comeback as a singer, so her lack of parental figures is an issue Maya deals with. Chapter by chapter this book goes through the ups and downs of being a teen who for the first time is going to high school, living with a family, and expressing herself through her green actions. This novel is a super quick read, and I fell in love with the character Maya, because she's not a normal teenager, and her take on the world, and going green is different. Something I really enjoyed was at the end of each chapter Maya has a green tip of the day that is a fact about going green, or helping with the green thing. Reading this diary of Maya, is like a roller coaster, and is relatable to our lives because most of us don't know what's coming next. I suggest this novel if you like anything about going green, a diary of a teenage girl, or more than just an average story. I assure you, you will not be let down.

Q:5
P:3

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is Haruki Murakami's second compilation of 25 fascinating short stories. Included in the vintage edition of the novel is an introduction by Murakami. This is exciting for any fan of his works. Murakami tells readers of the process of his novel and short story writing and also explains how he often finds writing short stories much more exciting than novels: "I find writing novels a challenge, writing stories a joy. If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting a garden". Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is Murakami at his very best. A mixture of romance, horror, comedy and drama these stories are deliciously wound together with a combination of both complex and simple plot lines and undecipherable symbolism. A haunting mirror, romantic getaway, talking monkeys, and reminissing the good old days are some of the stories that can be found. Full of wisdom, passion, and mysticism this novel lives up to the highest of expectations.

Q:5 P:3

Wake by Lisa McMann

Janie was eight the first time it happened; now she’s seventeen and her aptitude has developed, producing some dangerous consequences. You see if Janie is in close proximity to someone who is dreaming, she is sucked into their dreams. It happens during school, while working at a nursing home, and even once while driving Ethel, Janie’s new-to-her car. Janie doesn’t understand why or how she gets sucked into the dreams and so far she’s found no way to stop it. No one, not even her mother, knows about her ability but she can’t hide it forever. Imagine if your worst nightmare happened when you were awake.

Sequels: Fade and forthcoming Gone

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Alex Fuentes and Brittany Ellis. The only thing they seen to have in common is the table they are forced to share in senior chemistry. Alex lives on the south side, is the oldest son of a single mom, and is a member of Latino Blood, the same gang his father belonged to before he was murdered. Brittany is from north side, drives a Beemer, is captain of the pom squad, and appears to be the perfect princess of Fairfield High. Mrs. Peterson’s assignment not only makes them partners in class but also requires them to spend time together outside of school. When the initial disgust wears away, Alex and Brittany realize that they don’t necessarily fit the mold they have been cast. And although their friends, families, and classmates might not approve, it’s hard to fight Perfect Chemistry.

Perfect Chemistry Book Trailer created by the author!