The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Book: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

An internship at a high-profile magazine is a stressful job- stressful and completely boring; at least that's Esther Greenwood's o[pinion of it. Esther Greenwood is an average person living in the 1960s, spending her time working, studying, going to school, and trying to find a nice boy to marry. Going through all of these norms, however, don't affect Esther the way they would affect most. The Bell Jar is about Esther's descent into madness and her eventual recovery from it. This books is considered an essential book to read and I would have to agree.
The book is written beautifully and starkly from Esther's point of view. Plath does not try to hide anything or give the reader any niceties about any situation. At one point in the book, Esther and many of the other character receive food poisoning that results in a vomiting sickness. After reading it, I was left with absolutely no appetite. Plath does a wonderful job of making Esther's opinions and thoughts tangible, as if the reader themselves is feeling and thinking them. It fascinating because Esther's madness is both obvious and undetectable at the same time; Esther doesn't think much anything of her morbid thoughts or peculiar behaviors, but to the reader it's blatant that Esther is not in any way alright.

I loved this book. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to put into words how much I enjoyed it because it was so excellently written. Plath really does a spectacular job of dragging the reader along without the reader noticing. The passages were, not unexpectedly, gorgeously written. Esther's madness is so tangible that it's almost as if it wasn't her under the bell jar, but you. The Bell Jar has definitely become one of my favorite books and I plan on reading it again, probably several times.

Why I picked up the book: I bought it on a whim at a used book store and one day decided to read it.

Why I finished it: It was so, so, so difficult for me to put it down. How could I not?

I'd give this book to: A very limited group of people. The book is very disturbing and very real. This books would be particularly good for people struggling with depression of their own or for people who love reading about morbid subjects.

I wouldn't give this book to: Anyone looking for a bright, happy book. This is really not it.


My Rating for this book: *****

Teen Book Club movie casting for Beautiful Creatures by Garcia & Stohl

For the past 9 months or so Teen Book Club has been creating their "perfect" cast for each book we discuss. They just finished discussing Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl and this is the casting options they brought to the table. **Side note: In creating the perfect cast, current age of the actor and/or book character is not important. This gives the group free reign to pick the actor that most fits the character in their mind. They are only in the order of suggestion, not necessarily rank.

Macon Ravenwood
Michael C Hall


John Hodiak


Ralph Fiennes


Johnny Depp


Ethan Wate
Logan Lurman


Matthew Gray Gubler


Lena Duchannes
Zooey Deschanel


Amy Lee (of the band Evanescence)


Drew Barrymore


Anna Paquin


Ethan's Father - Mitchell Wate
Robert Downey Jr.


Colin Firth


Marian (the Librarian)
Thandie Newton (Might she also make a good Amma?)


Emma Thompson


Amma
Queen Latifah


Ridley
Lindsey Haun


Saraphine
Helena Bonham Carter


Link
Aaron Yoo

Shapeshifter by Holly Bennett

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th Grade

Title: Shapeshifter

Author: Holly Bennett

Review: Shapeshifter is about a girl named Sive, who lives in the land of the Fae. It's about a girl who can take the form of a deer, and with a voice that can enchant as well as spellbind others. When she turned sixteen, she gave her first concert to an old familiar friend, and it was there that she was discovered by a man who used his power over others to, in short, take over the land. Or attempt to anyways. Sive did the only thing she could, to avoid being his new pet, and turned into a deer, keeping to the form, as she ran from him. From years, Sive traveled in hid, staying mostly in the form of a deer, before she found love in the human realm. Protected with in his walls, she was able to return to a human state, before, finally, she was captured by the sorcerer, who took her back to his lands. She fought, and fought him, till at last, he gave her peace by commanding she turn into a deer, and never turn back human. And she ran away. Soon the sorcerer was found, and ultimately destroyed, all of his spells broken, but Sive was to remain a deer, lost in the thoughts of a deer, with no way out... Of course, if you want to find out if she ever did return to her human form, then you'll have to read the book yourself, and find out for yourself... how the story of Sive was to end.

Why I picked this book: I've always had a thing for the mystical aspect in stories, and just reading the snippet in the cover had grasped by interest. It wasn't a matter of decided to pick this book, oh no... it was a matter of when I'd be able to read it.

Why I finished it: I had to finish this book,there was just no other option in the world but for me to finish reading it. It was such a good book, and kept you so interested. not to mention the sad fact that I couldn't put it down. It was the fastest book I had read in a long time. It was just one of those books you COULDN'T help but finish.

I'd give this book to: Really, this is just one of those books that if you didn't sit down and read it, you'd be missing out, so who would I recommend this book to? Easy, I'd tell EVERYONE to read it. Especially if you like reading about superstitious, magical things. Shapeshifting lovers defiantly need to put this book in their to read pile, as well.

Rating: ****

The Book Thief

by: Markus Zusak

Briana, 12th grade

The book thief is the story of a young German girl living in Nazi Germany. The story opens to the girl, Liesel Memminger, holding her dead brother on the train ride into a town called Molching so that her brother and her can meet their new foster family. While stopped, Leisel and her mother find a few gravediggers and ask them to bury the dead boy. As they leave, Leisel notices that one has dropped a book, which she promptly steals and keeps hidden. This is the first of many books Leisel steals, whether saving them from bonfires, stealing them from important households, ect. Leisel Meminger is the Book Thief.
While living with her foster family, Leisel discovers her hatred for the furher Hitler, her love for reading, how to keep secrets, and how to provide food and items for her family, all the while putting on a charade of a good German girl. Slowly, Leisel's world is utterly shaken when first, her family hides a jew, second, she gets caught stealing, and three, when those she loves begin to die off because of the hatred Hitler brings upon his country. The book thief is a great account of Nazi Germany, and one girl's fight against conformity.

Who would I give this book too: I loved this story, and know that many people would feel the same. I would give this novel to anyone looking for a good story. This novel is filled with action and at the same time sadness that will hit the heart of all who read it.

Why I picked up the book: Many of my friends have read this book, and suggested it to me. I have only heard good things about this novel, so I figured I might as well read it.

Why I finished the book:I was a bit skeptical about this book once I began reading it, because it took me a while to understand the style in which this novel is written. The speaker in the novel is also one I never would have expected, so that adds yet another twist. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, so there was never a question of not finishing it.

My rating: **** Really liked it!

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Title: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Author: Jonathan Foer


On September 11, 2001, thousands of people lost the ones they loved. Among them is nine-year-old Oskar Schell. In Extremely Loud and Incredibly close, the reader follows Oskar and his grandparents as they discuss their journeys to find Thomas Schell, Oskar's deceased father. Oskar's journey begins when he finds a mysterious key with his father's belongings and decides to track down the one lock in New York City that the key will fit in. Oskar's grandmother and grandfather intercept his story with stories of their own; they had been involved in the horrific Dresden bombings, lost the people they truly loved and decided to settle for each other.

This book was one of the best books I have ever read. What made it so wonderful were the individual voices of the characters. Oskar is one of those amazing kids that change the lives of everyone around him, even if he doesn't realize it. Every person Oskar encountered in the book came away feeling better about their lives because of him.

Foer has taken this book filled with devastating stories and horrible situations and put it into a nine-year old's perspective. Both 9/11 and the Dresden bombings left thousands dead and millions devastated, but in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, the reader follows each character as they struggle with their pain and find ways to help them cope. This book was beautifully, if unconventionally, written and speaks to the human perspective. I cared about Oskar as a character more than I have cared for a character since Harry Potter. His story and innocence draws you in and captivates you until the very last page. I was rooting for him the whole way. I think Oskar understands what he's doing in life more than I do- and I'm almost a decade his senior. Oskar and his grandparents and their stories may or may not have changed my perspective on things. If they did anything, they made this book one of the most spectacular books I have ever read.

Why I picked up the book: My sister dropped it on my bed and said "You should read this." So, I eventually picked it up on a whim and started it.

Why I finished it: I couldn't abandon the characters like that. I really didn't want to put the book down at all.

I'd give this book to: Anyone and everyone up for an amazing book.

My rating for this book: *****

Naughts and Crosses

Malorie Blackman's Naughts and Crosses is what you would call an upside down tale on history and is a great book for all young teens and up. As we all know, back around the 1960's there was quite a lot of racial discrimination between Black and White people. Well this book turns it around and makes history tell the tale of when Black people thought white people were below them. This is the first book in the series and it tells the story of Sephy, a black girl who daughter of a man who is to be a prime minister, and Callum, a white second class citizen. Black people are referred to a Crosses, while white people are referred to as Naughts, which is how you get the title. Anyway, these two kids have known each other, since they were children, and have been friends ever since. However they keep their friendship a secret since Crosses should never interact with Naughts. Their lives only get more complicated as the story unravels revealing some "complicated" feelings. This is truly one great story of friendship, hatred, and love as these two kid's tales reveal some dark facts about people. I began to read this book f0r a class but each page just became more exciting. It lead me to begin reading the next book in the series. I give it a solid 8/10 since it does get a bit to dramatic for me. But hey for all you drama lovers out there I recommend reading it.

The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees

Work, family, friends, girls, explosives, respect, loyalty, gangs. How do you find your place in the world? What does it take to become a man? Frankie Torres is about to discover that in life there is no clear line between good and evil. Sometimes you had to decide what you believe in and stand for.

Why I picked up the book: It is one of three titles for the 2011 Great Stories CLUB grant, which provided the books for our book club at Roosevelt High School.

Why I finished it: It was required. I probably wouldn't have finished the book otherwise. It is more of a character profile and didn't have a lot of action. It also uses a lot of Spanish phrases, slang, and meal names that I had to look up (since there wasn't a glossary). This one might be hard for our group, who may not be great readers.

I'd give the book to: Guys who are trying to find their way and not be defined by their siblings or by cultural expectations.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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Clover

Name: Serina

Grade: College

Title: Clover

Author: CLAMP

In the quest for happiness, everything can be lost. Kazuhiko, an ex-military soldier is called upon to complete one last mission. Reluctantly, he finds himself in the position of delivering a young girl named Sue to Fairy Park. It would have been an easy mission, after all, teleportation is the quickest form of travel, but something went wrong in the teleporting process and Kazuhiko and Sue found themselves dropped off in dangerous territory. Kazuhiko is forced to fight for his own life and the girl's, but as the mission progresses, he begins to wonder if Sue wants to get to Fairy Park at all, and if she has the power to hinder their quest; because Sue is a Clover, one of the gifted children sought out by the government and imprisoned for their own use. Each leaf of the clover tattooed on the children's skin states their rank and the strength of their powers. Sue is a four leaf clover, the most powerful of all, but she has one simple wish that can only be granted by Kazuhiko, no matter her abilities. And her wish will turn out to be ultimately bittersweet...

CLAMP, the masters of shojo manga, put all their beautiful creativity and ravishing art into the making of Clover, a science-fiction adventure that seemingly has no happy endings. For the first time, all four volumes were brought together into an omnibus compilation- meaning one very thick book. By far one of the best works of CLAMP, Clover was a unique experience that every manga fan should read, even though they may be brought to tears.

I picked this book up because I love CLAMP.

I finished this book because of the perplexing plot and the gorgeous art.

I'd give this book to any manga fan.

Rating *****

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Ever feel like your family was out of the ordinary? Not quite like any of your classmates' families. Let me introduce you to the Beaumonts. They may be one of the most unique families around. The members of this family are born with a savvy, which is revealed on a person's thirteenth birthday. What is a savvy, you ask? A savvy is like a magical power or a special gift. An ability to do something that normal people aren't able to do.

Momma's savvy is perfection. Rocket is electric. Fish has a way with water and his emotions can create huge storms. Grandpa moves mountains and other tracts of land and Grandma was able to trap radio waves and can them in jars for future listening.

While it may seem like having a savvy would be a great thing, it can also be a burden. Savvies are hard to control and even harder to explain the damage caused by them to those without a savvy.

Mississippi, known as Mibs, is closing in on her thirteenth birthday and is excited to discover her savvy. Poppa is involved in a devastating car accident right before her special day and all Mibs can hope for is that her savvy will be something that can save him.

Why I picked up the book: I liked the idea of everyone having a savvy (special power). The book has been on my to-read list since it was awarded a Newbery Honor Medal in 2009. I thought it might be a good choice for our middle school book club, as the group reads a wide range of books and may have missed it on their own.

Why I finished the book: I had to know if Mibs and the group would make it to Poppa and how their adventure would turn out.

I'd give this book to: tweens and teens looking for a good story and something that won't make you blush.

Savvy is a 2010-2011 Indian Paintbrush nominee.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Briana's Review: Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Reader's Name: Briana
What grade are you in?: 12th
Book Title: Luna
Author: Julie Anne peters

When Liam was was very young, his sister and mother began to notice that something was very different about the boy. Liam had a secret life, one he only shared with his sister Regan, and one he only displayed at night. Liam is a trans-gender. He believes that he was born in the wrong body, the body of a boy, when all he really wants is to be a girl. Regan knows that because of his "situation" he could get hurt, he even attempted suicide once. Regan knows her brother needs to change, but when he displays himself in public, she is embarrassed by him and even says that he is ruining her life. All her life, Regan has been catering to Luna (Liam's chosen name). What happens during this trying time for Luna could be the deciding factor between staying hidden, or changing.

Why I picked the book up:: This book was the December Teen book Club book, and I was very wary about the situation of the book at first.

Why I finished it:: Once I got further into the book, I started to enjoy this story. This is a story about a girl and her brother.

I'd give this book to:: I would give this book to anyone of my friends, especially those going through a hard time. This novel exhibits one boy's will to change the way he is and would be very appropriate for all teens.

My rating for this book:: **** Really Liked It

The Fall- Albert Camus

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Book: The Fall by Albert Camus

The Fall is a beautifully written first-person narrative from the point of view of Jean-Baptiste Clamence, who is discussing with a stranger his "fall" from grace. Clamence was once a highly respected lawyer, but as time wore on, he found himself falling from this position to a mere man at a bar in the "shady" part of town. Clamence's story is tragic and at times shocking. His utter detachedness from people and society clearly shows in the stories he tell you, the reader. As you travel with Clamence through Amsterdam, he tells his stories, spewing bits and pieces of advice for life and developing further his philosophies. The further Clamence falls from the "garden of Eden" the more apparent it becomes that he has lived his life the wrong way.

This book was a book unlike any I have ever read. It's almost impossible to describe to anyone that hasn't read it. The way the first person is written draws you in as an active character listening to this man, walking down the dirty streets of Amsterdam. Often, I found myself underlining the copy I was reading because parts of what Clamence said applied so well to me as a person, as well as applying to much of society.

It was a beautiful look into the human perspective and how we, as humans, can fall from even our highest positions. It discussed human innocence, judgment, truth, and imprisonment. I I loved this book and all it described and I definitely hope to read more by Camus in the very near future.

Why I Picked up the Book: I actually bought it because I loved the cover.

Why I finished it: Whenever I piked it up, I found it very hard to put down. It was also really thought provoking.

I'd give this books to: Anyone up to reading some philosophy; the nice thing about Camus is that his fictional philosophical narratives are typically very short.

I wouldn't give this book to: Anyone who finds philosophy boring, or hates reading books translated from their original languages.

My Rating for this book: *****

Misery

Name: Serina

Grade: College

Title: Misery

Author: Stephen King

"I'm your biggest fan," was the first thing Paul Sheldon heard after waking up in an unfamiliar room. His female caretaker, Annie Wilkes, informs him that she found him near her home after he had had a car accident, had pulled him from his vehicle, and had brought him to her home. She then tells him once more that she is his biggest fan, referring to his award winning romance series with a female lead named misery. At first he is touched by her sacrifice and admiration for him, but soon he starts to question Annie's charity. For instance, since his legs were broken so badly during the wreck, why had she not taken him to the hospital or at least called them? At his questioning, Annie flies into a rage and smashes a bowl she had been feeding him soup out of. Apparently she has an unstable temper that Paul will see the worst of in his state of immobility. Things get even worse when Annie reads his final novel in which he had killed off his character Misery. She goes on a violent rampage and demands that he write a new book in which Misery comes back to life, or he will never leave her secluded farm house alive. Kept as a prisoner, Paul has no choice but to write for his deranged fan. And as time passes and chapters pile up, he is beginning to suspect that he will not live even if he does finish the book; he will not leave Annie's home. At least, not with all his limbs intact.

This book was suspenseful, horrifying, and sometimes downright cringe inducing. The things Paul suffers at Annie's hands are as grotesque as Annie's character is.

I picked this book up because I am trying to read everything by Stephen King.

I finished this book because I had to know if Paul lived or not.

I'd give this book to any Stephen King fan or to anyone who plans to become a writer. You never know, there could be a fan like Annie Wilkes in your future.

**** Really liked it!

Steven Colbert's I Am America and So Can You

Yes folks this month I felt a bit political. While shelving books I was walking down a shelf when I saw this baby. And it called to me. It called out to me like a siren's song calling a ship to its destruction. As I picked this book up I felt intrigued. As I opened the book I felt patriotic, and as I read these pages I felt empowered. Empowered by the word the this man wrote. If this book tells me something about Colbert, its that he is pretty dang insane. But if anything it shows that he is a rebel. A man who says and does so many great things that it becomes patriotic. Let me tell you a story. There once was a boy who was constantly given rules by his father. He grew up with so many rules and boundaries that he became enraged. So when he got older, he decided to rebel against his father, and become something great. His father tried to set him straight but ended up with a slap to the face and dumb witted look. The son than left his father, and went on to make something of himself. You know who that son was? America. The greatest rebel ever known. When I saw this book I read it because it was witty, hilarious, and surprisingly true about what America really is. This book is is a good 9 out of 10, since, in the word of Colbert, nothing is perfect. I guarantee that just by opening the book you will become 20% more patriotic.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (Caster Chronicles #1)

Since the death of his mother, Ethan Wate has been haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl. When Lena Duchannes arrives in Gatlin, South Carolina, Ethan realizes that he has been having no ordinary recurring dream. Lena is the girl he sees every night. Her entrance in the old Civil War town where nothing happens and everyone knows everyone stirs the fires of gossip, jealously, and disapproval. It doesn't help that she is the niece of the town recluse, Macon Ravenwood, that she drives around in his old black hearse, and dresses all in black.

Ethan and Lena are drawn together and it isn't long before they realize that the dream is only one of the connections between them. Secrets will be revealed and the world as Ethan knows it will never be the same.

Why I picked up the book: The cover! I received an advanced copy of the book but it has been on my to-read stack ever since. The library copy is always checked out and I was looking for something a little different as a possible book club selection, so I grabbed it.

Why I finished it: I felt like I was living in Gatlin. While I usually don't have time to read sequels, I have already put Beautiful Darkness on hold.

I'd give it to: people who liked City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Readers who want supernatural and romance, without too much sap.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Visit the authors' website and listen to a clip of "Sixteen Moons".
Check out the publisher's website as well. They include a map of Gatlin.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (#5) by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is beginning another year of middle school and quite a few things are changing. He and Rowley are no longer friends. It is the year for "the talk" in health class, and the co-ed lock-in at school. Mom is heading back to college for the semester, which means things are changing at home ("Increased Responsibilities"). Will Greg survive or have to face "the ugly truth"?

Why I picked up this book: I loved the other Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and wanted to see where Greg would go next.

Why I finished it: It is a fast read & funny.

I'd give it to: boys, reluctant readers, middle schoolers, parents.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Double Shot (Maya Davis, #3) by Erynn Mangum

Maya Davis is a 20-something, college grad working as a barista at Cool Beans and her life is changing fast. Her roommate and bff is getting married and moving out. Maya's boyfriend, Jack, has just asked her to marry him. And she's about to become an aunt. But is Maya ready for all these changes? Can she really trust God when life doesn't turn out quite the way she imagined it would be?

Why I picked up the book: I read the first two and I was dying to know what happened with Maya, Jack, & their wedding.

Why I finished it: Maya is a quirky, fun character. I think teens and adults can relate to her.

I'd give it to: fans of Christian fiction (SHELBY!!), coffee, and anyone looking for a fun, fast series. (You may need a few Kleenex's handy for this one!)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Sophomore Switch

Name: Shelby

Grade:12+

Book Title: Sophomore Switch

Author: Abby McDonald

Review:

A semester abroad isn't always what it's expected to be. Take Emily a brain smart Brit girl from Oxford, working her whole life studying in order to become someone her father can be proud of who was suppose to be at Harvard, not UCSB, and the exact opposite Natasha a California born babe who's used to the guys, and umlimited sunshine. When each of the girls gets involved in switching it up for their Fall semester of their College Sophomore year- the trip itself is anything but expected. Both girls complete opposites are asking for advice from each other in order to fit in to make their semester abroad better than the first couple of days or even weeks of being outcasted and made fun of. Through emails, text messages, phone calls, and any form of communication each girl gives advice for the other in the areas of fashion, boys, and studies. While this newly found discovery is great and fortunate for both, each girl walks away with more than just a new friendship, and new styles, but a deeper sense of self, and purpose.

Why I picked up this book: I seem to always go for the attractive covers, and sophomore switch, just the title caught me questioning whether it were college or tenth grade in high school. I happened to be very fortunate to have it be about college :) which made me excited to read it on my thanksgiving vacation.

Why I finished it:

It was great, Abby does a great job developing both characters and having them live seperate lives, but communicate thoroughly. while this novel was cute, it was also a moral for development of who you are, and knowing what you are doing with your life. Abby also, did a great job of every other chapter writing from Emily's point of view, and then writing from Natasha's point of view keeping me focused and reading most of the time ;)

I'd give this book to:

Anyone who wants to read about the chaos of having a real life as a college student, and it's easily relatable to the lifestyle of what happens when your in a new place away from home, and the purpose of life. :)

Ratings ****

Five Flavors of Dumb - Antony John

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade Level: Senior

Book Title: Five Flavors of Dumb

Author: Antony John

Review: Five Flavors of Dumb is not the usual sort of book, I myself; would read based on title. My mom saw it while processing it; showed me the cover, and I decided to look inside it. Five Flavors of Dumb is titled the way it is, because it is about a band called Dumb, with five different members with their own unique flair. What the book starts out with, is the main character, a girl outside the group of Dumb, is living in her own world, keeping separated from others in the school. But when she starts to insult Dumb, she tells them that they are doing everything wrong, and she could easily not only make them a big name, but getting them paying gigs. That is when the lead of the band decided to challenge her to that - with an ulterior motive no one else knew about. Of course, the challenge was- she had to get them a paying gig by the end of the month. As if it wasn't hard enough already, you also had to count in the fact that Piper, the main character... is, well, deaf.

The book starts off with Piper not getting along with anyone in the group, at this point in time there are only three members. You have Josh, who is in charge of the band, you have Tasha, who plays guitar, and Josh's twin brother plays bass. The fourth member comes when Piper asks her friend, Ed, to come watch the band play - because she can't hear, and she needs someone who can to come in and help. Ed startles them all when he starts beating out a beat for the band to follow - when he discovers how off sync they are, and as they all break lose to really play, he dazzles them on his make believe drum set. At that point in time, despite Josh's displeasure at letting a 'freak' like Ed into the band, Ed becomes the new drummer, and helps the band get ready to really show what they have.

The next member is Kallie, the prom queen, who Josh has a crush on. Josh only offered Piper the job of manager, in hopes of getting Kallie into the band, so that he could get her to date him. Of course, Kallie gets into the band, but she refuses Josh's advances, and... to every one's disgust, Kallie can't play her guitar very well. So, Piper does the only thing she can think off, she brings her brother in, Finn, who has been playing guitar since he was little, and has him help get both Kallie and Tasha to play better... The story continues, showing Kallie becoming part of the band, Tasha welcoming and forming a bond with both Kallie and Piper, as well as other twists. All and all, it is an excellently written book, featuring a deaf main character - which made everything flow extremely well.


Why I picked this book: I picked this book, because I like the books where the main character is expected to fail, or has complications that might limit her winning the challenge put before her. I find them more interesting, and I've never read a book with a deaf person as the main character, so I really wanted to try it out.

Why I finished it: I finished the book in one day, in a few hours in fact. Why, you may ask? Well, partially because I had no desire to be part of my family's thanksgiving with so many people there. And also, because, I couldn't put it down. it was one of the few books, that while reading, I couldn't figure out what was going on, so I had to keep going. And going, and going.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who wants to see the heroine beat the odds, as well as anyone just looking for a good book.

My rating for this book: ****

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Book: The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

A glass castle; a majestic, towering structure made entirely of glass. For Jeanette Walls, this was one of the amazing dreams her father provided for her growing up. Together, she and her father would build the glass castle.

While her father did inspire her with brilliant stories and knowledge, the life that he provided for her and her siblings was less than average. The whole Walls family was always on the run; from the police, from people that want their money. For Jeanette, this life was wonderful-at first. As the book opens, Jeanette is only five and loves her father and his ideas very much. As the book progresses, however, as she tries to remain loyal to her father, everyone around her begins to lose hope.

Jeanette's father is wonderful-- when he's sober. On the nights that he drinks, though, he is violent and oppressive. When he spends the money he gets from odd jobs on alcohol, the children go without food. Unfortunately, their poverty and unsettled lifestyle grows. As his alcoholism grows, the family grows further and further apart, and the dreams of the glass castle start to fade for dreams of moving to New York.

Throughout the book, it's impossible not to feel outraged or sympathetic for Jeanette and the Walls family. There were times when all I wanted was for Jeanette to punch her father in the face, or otherwise cause physical harm. The characters and story of their lives make for a fascinating, emotional, and wonderful book. This story gave me a whole new perspective about life and what it could be like. I ended up rooting for the Walls family the entire time.

Why I picked up the book: I had a recommendation from a teacher, and I also really loved the cover.

Why I finished it: I couldn't even think of abandoning the Walls family.


I'd give this book to: Anyone that wants to feel better about their lives, root for the main characters, or anyone just looking for an amazing read.

My Rating for this book: *****

Lullaby by Chuck Palahinuk

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Book: Lullaby

Author: Chuck Palahinuk

Have you ever heard a culling song?

Chances are, you haven't. If you had ever heard one, reading this would be difficult...because you would be dead. A culling song is spell used in ancient Africa to relieve dying people from their pain, or, in modern application, untraceably kill those around you. It is also the basis of Lullaby by Chuck Palahinuk.

In Lullaby, we are introduced to Carl Streator, a run-of-the-mill, middle-aged journalist living alone. Streator is on a mission- to figure our why Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occurs so randomly in so many homes. On this routine investigation, Streator uncovers an ancient African poem called "The Culling Song."

Though this poem is only a few lines of text on a page, it's also the world's deadliest weapon. Stretor soon finds himself using the Culling song to his advantage. Fed up with all the noiseophobes and quietoholics, he kills several people in his apartment building, people that run into him on the street and people that generally annoy him- like his boss. He soon realizes what he has become and teams up with Helen Hoover Boyle, a real estate agent, her razed assistant, and her crazed assistant's eco-terrorist boyfriend on a quest to destroy all copies of the culling song.

On this adventure, they seek the original book the Culling song comes from; but at the same time, both Helen and Streator have a constant struggle not to kill their passengers-- or each other.

Palahinuk uses repeated sentences, awful characters, and bleak situations to demonstrate his lack of hope for humanity. It's twisted, dark, disturbing, and at times left me feeling claustrophobic. However, the idea of simple words being so devastating, a single poem wreaking so much destruction, became almost and obsession for me as I read on in the novel. This books was an amazing piece of fiction that spans so many different topics and ideas. IT left me sitting up long into the night pondering exactly what was happening to not only the people in the book, but also everyone in the real world as well.

Why I picked up this book: I loved Fight Club, and wanted to try another one of his novels.

Why I finished it: I literally could not put it down.

I'd give this book to: Anyone up for a dark, disturbing, amazing read.

I wouldn't give this book to: Noiseaholics, Quietophobes, or anyone opposed to the darker, bleaker, more twisted view of the real world.

My Rating for this book: *****

Dead Witch Walking

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: Senior

Book Title: Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows; #1)

Author: Kim Harrison

Summary: As the title suggests, the story Dead Witch Walking is about a young woman named Rachel Morgan, who after being stuck at a job she despised, decided to quit. Ah, you're probably wondering what this has in common with the title right?W ell, what if I told you that she was a Witch? And not just any witch, but a witch runner. You see, in the book, a runner is someone who is sent after a member of the 'Hollows' who has abusing their powers. Vampires forcing themselves upon victims, for blood. Weres causing chaos. Black Witches.... You're probably staring now right, Vampires, Weres, Witchs; the likes (and then some) all exist in the Hollows. You see, when a outbreak of some sort of poison fell upon the human world it was only humans (and elves who had bred into the human world) who were affected, and began to die off. And between you and me, the poison was carried in tomatoes. But, as it, when the humans began dying out, all the others realized here was their chance to take back the world. After a full on war, in some descriptions, and a retreat in others, the humans welcomed the 'others' as long as they stayed in the Hollows, and didn't bother them. So, to keep this peace, Runners, who were part of a group called the I.S. But, they don't allow you to quit. It's basically a 'you join up' you're in till you die... which, happens a lot.

So, Rachel Morgan decided to quit. Of course, this would have been okay if it was only her leaving - seeing how they wanted her to leave. But in the act of leaving, she took their best runner with her. Causing such an intense stir of emotions, that because they couldn't put money on the other girls' head (because she paid her contract off) they put out a hit on her. The entire story consists of Rachel running into some sort of trouble, here or there. Being thrown into a rat fight, as a small mink. Being caught in a bad guys house.... Things like this... Oh, that bad guy? Hmm, well, you see. When she realized the one way to get them off her back was to bring Trent in. Trent was a man who no one could pin any crimes on, though they all knew he was guilty. So she has to go through catching him, arresting him, avoiding certain death - all while dealing with an annoyed vampire she manages to keep turning on by accident, a man who she has no idea what to do, a demon she owes a favor too, and a pixy who thinks he's always right. All in all, the book is full of twist, turns, ups, downs, and the always favored cliff hanger.... But it's up to you if you want to keep reading.

Why I picked the book up: A few years back I had the misfortune of falling in love with this series, but because I could never get ahold of the first book, I resorted to reading the next one. Curiosity finally forced me to come back, read the series over again, this time starting with the first book in the series - I wasn't prepared for what I had missed.

Why I finished it: Honestly, it was impossible to put down. i was reading it in English, before Class, during Lunch, during Astronomy. My friends repeatedly kept asking what I was reading - I kept telling them... It was just impossible to not read.

I'd give this book to: Well, if you live in Cincinnati, this will probably be a survival guide, so I would defiantly recommend you to read it. Who knows! You might decide that you need to take on saving the world form these people too! Otherwise, I'd recommend this to anyone who likes your fantasy styled action packed, oh so amazing twisted stories. Well, not really twisted, but close enough.

My Rating: ***** , I hate giving anything a five, but after reading what I'd skipped out on the first time around - well, there is no other choice really. it's a five, or nothing xD And I wouldn't give this masterpiece a 0 to save my life!

The Shining

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: The Shining

Author: Stephen king

Jack Torrance is out of options. His career as an English teacher is down the toilet, his wife is threatening to leave him, and his writing career is also spiraling away; and he owes all his problems to his alcoholic lifestyle. But after becoming painfully sober to try and save himself and his family, Jack has one last chance to make things right. He is given the job to take care of a motel deep in the mountains that closes down in the winter due to the frequent snow storms. With family in tow, Jack heads to the Overlook Hotel with no idea what it will do to them. Once there and completely snowed in, the Torrance's make themselves at home. Jack spends his time working on a screenplay, watching to boiler, and heating the rooms. His wife, Wendy, prepares the meals. His son, Danny, wanders the hotel. Unknown to his parents, Danny has a very strong psychic gift that he calls a 'shine' and he sees a lot more in the hotel than just empty rooms. Evil lurks there, an evil that chases him through his dreams with a roque mallet, an evil that shares an uncanny resemblance to his father. Jack sees things as well and the hotel slowly begins to take over his mind, turning a once loving father into a monster that only seeks to destroy his family. There will be no help coming for Wendy and Danny; the phone lines are out after a rather hideous storm, and there is no way down off the mountain. Also, the Overlook is determined to keep them there in its clutches, because it wants Danny's shine, and it refuses to let them escape from the horrors inside its doors.

This book was slow at moments, but also extremely enthralling. Each chapter seemed to bring the Torrance family closer and closer to their doom, and while Stephen king threw in his general supernatural scenes, the horror was painfully real. As usual, Stephen king has churned out a horrific masterpiece that quickly became a cult classic as well as was adapted into a movie. But trust me, the book is more worth your time.

I picked this book up because I am trying to read everything by Stephen king.

I finished this book because all the seriously exciting and horrifying stuff happened in the last few chapters.

I'd give this book to any Stephen King fan and anyone who is willing to be patient for well written horror.

***** It was amazing!

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak (verb): to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice: talk. To express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally.

We learn to speak as infants, to communicate our needs and feelings to our caretakers. It starts with simple words, then short phrases, and then we learn to speak in sentences, paragraphs, and monologues.

But what if there were no words to describe your feelings? No one willing or able to listen? What if you weren’t even ready to speak to yourself and admit your deepest secret, deepest hurt, deepest fear?

Melinda starts her freshman year of high school with no words, no friends, an outcast even in her own skin. But would she even be able or willing to explain what happened the night of the party? The truth behind why she really called the police? Will Melinda find her voice and be able to Speak?

Why I picked this book up: I read it in 2005 for a Young Adult Lit class. Our teen book club requested we read it so I picked it up again.

Why I finished it: Melinda has so much to say without ever speaking. I keep hoping someone will hear her.

I'd give it to: teens, parents, and adults who work with teens. Anyone who needs reminded that teens face a harsh world and need adults who are willing to listen and let them speak.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Briana

Grade: 12

Title: I Am The Messenger

Author: Markus Zusak

Summary: This book is about a 19 year-old illegal cab driver without much of a future. He stinks at playing cards and is in love with his best friend Audrey, who does not love him back. His life is a peaceful routine until he accidently stops a bank robbery. Since then, Ed has been receiving mysterious cards with names on them. For each name, Ed must do something different, until he begins to ask questions of who is behind these mysterious messages. This book is filled with intense action and heartache. As Ed continues his joury, the reader mental roots for him to succeed.

Why I picked up this book: I was looking for an interesting book with some action involved, and when this book was listed for the Library's Teen book club, I jumped on the chance to read it. This book has suited my interests, involving action, a bit of romance, deceit, and it was just fun to read.

Why I finished the Book: I think it is obvious that I enjoyed this novel, so there was never a question about not finishing it!

I'd give this book to: Anyone really. It is relatable to everyone I think because it is about a guy, but he deals with family and friend issues like us all. I believe that any teen would enjoy this novel!

Punk Rock Etiquette By Travis Nicholes

Let me guess, your young dude/dudette who hates the idea of rapping. You don't want to spend 3 minutes of your life tuning into 104.7 just so you you can listen to, (ca-li- fornia girls are unforgetable), do you? No you want to listen to some dude screaming and actually sing with a hard core band behind him/her. The idea that talking in rhymes with some guy pressing a few buttons to make beats makes you sick. So here is my question for you. Want to fight back. Ya I bet that you play an instrument. What is it, drums, guitar, base, or maybe your a singer. Maybe you and your friends have some killer ideas for a song but don't know how to start. Well this book is the answer. It is the manual for starting a band. It tells you everything from what kind of rocker you are to how to make it big. You will be surprised at how accurate it is too. If you have a question it has an answer. It even has some funny comics in there. I give this book a solid 10 just because is was so darn awesome. I picked it up because just like you I like to rock and this book just screamed rock, and I finished it because it was so witty and funny that even if you don't want to be in a band it's still a good read. So stop reading this, pick up a copy at you local library, (I say that cause my boss is reading this), and start living like a rock star.

Jackass 3D (Rated R)

Hi I'm Esteban Mena and the Jackass 3D!! If your a fan of the original Jackass series than believe me the guys don't get any better than this. I went to the movies opening night and believe me I was lucky to get a ticket. But what do you expect from the movie that gained the most most money in October movie History. Every second of the movie is filled with extreme, over the top and might I say very stupid and idiotic stunts. But be warned, if you do go to see this movie come prepared with an empty stomach and a barf bag because you will see some pretty sick things. So if you have the stomach to see a the whole Jackass Crew, and a ton of midgets (haha), duke it out on their greatest movie than go grab a 20 and head to the theater to get your ticket for the funniest movie of your life.

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Title: Fight Club

Author: Chuck Palahniuk

There are times in everyone's life when you just want to punch someone in the face. It's unavoidable- especially when you have insomnia so bad that the only way to get a good night's sleep is to delve into the world of the terminally ill. In Fight Club, this is exactly how the narrator's life plays out. Our narrator, who is sometimes referred to as "Joe," but is otherwise unnamed, has been having trouble getting to sleep lately. Joe finds that the only nights he can fall asleep are the nights when he attends his testicular cancer meetings. Fortunately for Joe, he doesn't have testicular cancer; the only way he can fall asleep is if he encounters people who's lives are even less significant than his own. At one of his cancer meetings, he meets the twisted, dark, Marla. Along with Marla comes Tyler. Tyler is everything Joe wishes he was. Tyler has Marla, Tyler knows how to make soap, nitroglycerin, bombs, and how to lead a crowd.

Joe's world warps and changes as Tyler shapes and forms a club- a Fight Club. They meet in the basements of bars. The rules are short, simple, and not to be broken. Two men at a time fight in silence. The fight will not stop until one of the competitors asks or goes limp. The number one rule of Fight Club is not to talk about fight club.

As Fight Club's popularity spreads, Joe's sense of reality and society are warped and twisted until there is no path in front of him. Every day is ruled by Tyler, but Tyler is never around. Joe still has insomnia and everything around him is crumbling. That is what Fight Club can do.

Fight Club was an amazing novel. Palahniuk writes like he's in a movie. It's action-packed, ironic and so very twisted. The twists left me shocked and the ending left me feeling melancholy, but at the same time was perfect.

I picked this book up because I've heard amazing things about Palahinuk and everyone is always teasing me about never having seen Fight Club. Now I can tease them because they haven't read it.

I finished it because I couldn't put it down.

I'd give this book to anyone that loves books written in different ways or fast-paced plots with fascinating characters. Or, anyone that likes reading about cults causing havoc in society. :)

Just remember, kids. The first rule of Fight Club is: Don't talk about Fight Club.

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th

Title: Low Red Moon

Author: Ivy Devlin

Werewolves, murder, romance; who can’t help but pick up this type of book? Avery Hood is a teenage girl living in a small town utterly surrounded by woods. Having recently lost her parents in a murder which left their hacked into pieces leaves her with no memory of that night, except flashes of silver. Now forced to live with a grandmother she barely knows, she feels lost in a world she can’t control, and has no desire to be a part of. She goes back to school only to have whispers following her around. And when she wakes up one morning, with a part of her hair suddenly blood red, word gets about that she’s cursed.

Cue entrance of Ben, the new kid in town. And despite all the gossip circulating about Avery, he goes to her, and tries to talk to her. You soon see a sort of relationship developing between Avery and Ben, as they tell each other more about what they’re like, what they’ve been through. Everything is going fine, until another family, who lived deep in the woods like Avery and her parents did, were murdered. Once again the blood red streak showed up in Avery’s hair, and Ben’s uncle sees it, and realizes what Avery is.

After discovering that she has a connection to the forest, Avery soon starts attempting to put two and two together to figure out who her parents were murdered by. However, the conclusion she comes too couldn’t be farther from the truth, and when the real murderer steps forward, it’ll take all Avery has just to survive.

Ivy Devlin has created a masterpiece that takes you on a journey into a world of mystery, of danger, murder, love, and that always constant connection of the supernatural. It's an excellent example of a book that leaves you frozen in your seat. With a conclusion that keeps you guessing, and yet completely satisfied, you can't help but find yourself wishing, and hoping for a sequel. Ivy Devlin-defiantly an author worth reading.

I picked up this book because: It was a book my mother had found for me, and brought home for me. Always one for a good crime/supernatural story, I couldn’t wait to start it.

I finished this book because: Ivy Devlin managed to produce a book that not only caught me hook, line, and sinker, but a book that left me yearning to read more. I’m only surprised I didn’t manage to finish it sooner, considering I’m sure I didn’t even put it down in my sleep.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who loves to read about either the supernatural, crime, or romance stories.

Rating: ****

The Saga of Larten Crepsley

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Book title: The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a killer

Author: Darren Shan

Larten Crepsley and his cousin Vur Horsten stuck together like glue. Living in a poor family of many children is difficult, especially due to the time era. Because of their poverty, Larten and vur work as child labourers at a silk making factory. In the factory to tell where each child should be at which job, they die the children's hair. Larten and Vur both ended up with an unnatural shade of orange. While at their job, they are under the watful eye of a brutal man who likes to beat the children for doing anything out of line. On one particular day, he chooses to take his wrath out on Larten's cousin Vur. After holding Vur's head in a vat of water until he drowned, Larten became insane with rage and attacked the brute, slicing his throat clean open with an unknown object he found on the floor. Frightened by his bloody deed and labeled a murderer, Larten fled. He ran until he was no longer able to, and when a heavy rain washed over him in the cold of the night, he took shelter in a nearby cemetery inside a crypt, eating spiderwebs to fill his starving stomach. There, he meets Seba Nile, and elderly man that tells the boy he is a creature of the night, a vampire, and that Larten may join him as his apprentice if he wishes to. That night Larten would have to choose between an immortal life and his humanity. And there is no going back...

By now nearly everyone knows the story of Darren Shan, a young half vampire under the service of master Larten Crepsley. But readers do not know Mr. Crepsley's story. The author Darren Shan fixes this particular problem with his new set of books coming out, the first one being titled, "Birth of a Killer." The book was fast paced, not watered down, and exciting, following in Darren Shan's traditional style of writing. While there is not an incredible amount of action in the first book, the series is looking very promising.

I picked this book up because I read everything by Darren Shan.

I finished this book because it was a quick read and was also a great read!

I'd give this book to any Darren Shan fan or anyone who is a bit bored with pansy vampires.

**** Really liked it!

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

“Loser.” “You suck.” “Goin’ to a funeral, Sister Death?” “What’re you lookin’ at?”

Have you ever been bullied? Or perhaps you have been the bully? I think most of us would probably answer yes but why? Why is our world so full of hate? Why can’t we all just get along? How come some people get all the luck and all the friends and others seem to be magnets for pain? Why is it so easy to tease or taunt someone who is different and so hard to see them as human?

How can you stop the bullying? Do you stand up for yourself or do you retreat into your own private world? Is there a safe way to release your anger?

What if your release became known to the world and viewed as the motivation for another person’s crime? Are you a victim or a murderer?
Valerie and her boyfriend Nick were sick and tired of being picked on. Valerie began channeling her pain by writing the “Hate List”, a list of people and things she hated. On May 2nd Nick came to school with a gun and killed six people, wounded countless others including Valerie, and then committed suicide. Is it just a coincidence that the targets names appeared on the “Hate List”? Was Valerie involved in the shooting? Did she mean to get shot or was she a hero for interfering and saving others? Will Val ever be able to move forward with her life or will she always be the author of the Hate List?

Why I picked up the book: I've had an advanced reader copy sitting on my shelf for over a year but it just kept getting pushed to the bottom of the stack. Then the book was chosen as one of the 2011 Great Stories CLUB titles.

Why I finished it: Valerie. You can understand her pain and hope she will be able to forgive herself, continue on, and realize high school isn't forever. I also had to find out what happened with her family.

I'd give it to: everyone! Parents, teachers, and teens. Anyone who has ever felt like an outcast, been bullied, or been a bully. Nothing in life is black and white. Everyone needs someone to care about them.

Rating: 5 of 5 stars (AMAZING)

Dope Sick by Walter Dean Myers

Have you ever had a really bad day and wished you could just go back and change one thing? Hiding from the police after being an accomplice to a shooting during a drug deal gone wrong, Lil J finds himself squirreled away in an old abandoned crack house with a man who calls himself Kelly. Kelly has a television and remote control that allow him not only to view the scene outside the building, but rewind and fast forward Lil J's life. As Lil J comes face to face with the decisions he's made and potentially ending his life, he must decide if he can change or if being dope sick will ultimately determine his future.

Why I picked the book up: The book is part of the 2011 Great Stories Club Grant. If we are accepted, this is one of the books we will be using next spring for Roosevelt book club.

Why I finished it: The book is short and easy to read. I think it gives readers a lot to think about, especially in terms of who has control over your life and the decisions you make.

I'd give it to: teens and adults. Readers who don't mind the use of street talk and real life situations.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Case Closed

Name: Serina

grade: 12th+

Book: Case Closed series

Author/artist: Gosho Aoyama

Jimmy Kudo is a master detective. He can crack any case placed before him and the police have no choice but to listen intently to his clever deductions, since he is always right. Yes, Jimmy is a brilliant guy. And he is only in high school. After one particular case Jimmy solves dealing with the decapitation of a man in the black tunnel on the roller coaster, he decides to follow two very suspicious men dressed all in black. While listening in on their shady conversation about a murder plan, Jimmy is hit from behind by a lead pipe and knocked unconscious. The two men in black decide to give him an untested poison that is supposed to leave no trace in the human body. Unfortunately for them, and for Jimmy, the drug had a strange side effect; it caused Jimmy's body to shrink back to grade school age. Stuck as a child, Jimmy has to consult the mad scientist next door, Doctor Agasa, for a cure. But the doctor can't do anything until he has a sample of the drug Jimmy was given. So Jimmy is forced to go under the false name Conan Edogawa and live with his childhood friend, Rachel, and her wanna-be-detective father, Richard Moore. Richard is probably one of the worst detectives in business, but he has a knack for always ending up somewhere a murder has taken place. Unable to resist cracking a case, Jimmy/Conan drops hints to the man to help him solve it. Unfortunately, Richard doesn't really want a kid hanging around, so Conan has Doctor Agasa make him some special gadgets. One is a wrist watch stun gun, the other a bowtie voice modulator that can mimic any timbre and tone. Using his spy-like tools, Conan knocks Richard unconscious and sits him in a seated position while he uses the detective's voice to fool the police into thinking that Richard is solving the case. Because he is slumped over and looks like he is sleeping, Richard earns the nickname 'Sleeping Moore.' For some reason, no one seems to notice that Richard's mouth is not moving. With each case he solves, Jimmy hopes to get closer to the men in black so he can get back to the way he was before. But so far in the series, he'll just have to solve all the cases he comes across in the meantime.

The art for this manga (Japanese comic) is a bit different than the usual style, but it still appealing and grows on the readers. While the deductions in the series are usually ridiculous, as well as the stupidity of some of the characters, other than Jimmy, it is still great fun to read!

I picked this book up because it looked fun.

I finished all the series so far because it is a bit addicting.

I'd give this book to anyone who loves mystery and graphic novels.

Rating: ***