Kaitlin
10th grade
The Lucky One
By: Nicholas Sparks
This book tells a tale about a young U.S. Marine, Logan Thibault, in Iraq that finds a picture of a young woman. From then on, he has good luck, winning poker games and surviving daily combat. After his tour ends, he sents off cross country on foot to find this girl and thank her for keeping him alive. This book was a very heart warming feel good book, with a few twists here and there. I picked up the book because I have read so many other books of Sparks's that were very well written. I finished this book because I wanted to know if he traveled cross country for nothing, or got what he wanted. I would give this book to anyone looking for a good summer read or a love story.
I give this book 5 stars! *****

This book is also coming out in theaters so hurry and read it then go see the movie!

Frankenstein

Name: Serina

Grade: College

Title: Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus

Author: Mary Shelley

Captain Robert Walton and his crew never expected to encounter a soul on their Arctic expedition, but when their ship became trapped in the ice, halting their journey, they spotted a strange figure in the distance, riding a sled pulled by dogs. The encounter was surprising enough as it was, but even more so because the man guiding the sled was a giant, gangly creature like none Walton had ever seen. Not much longer after the creature sped out of sight into the snow, the ice broke apart and the ship was able to proceed once more, however, much to Walton's astonishment, another man was spotted. The man was pallid and very near freezing to death, but he refused to come aboard until he knew to where the vessel traveled. Once he found their answer satisfactory, he allowed himself to be rescued. Walton immediately felt drawn to this strange man, who seemed like he had been gentlemanly at some point in his life, even though now his eyes were hollow and he was driven by a mad urge that he refused to explain. Until, at last, when he was informed about the sighting Walton had had of the creature. At Walton's urging, the man finally decided to tell his horrifying story, as well as his name: Victor Frankenstein.

I picked this book up because I have always wanted to read it, but never got around to it.

I finished the book because it was very different than I had expected.

I'd give this book to any science fiction fan, because Mary Shelley is rarely credited as being to inventor of the genre.

Rating: **** Really liked it!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Welcome to the 74th Annual Hunger Games! This yearly event is the height of Reality TV. Think "Fear Factor" and "The Amazing Race" meet "Survivor".

"The Hunger Games" are hosted by the Capitol of Panem, the nation formerly known as North America, and is the punishment for the uprising of the districts against the Capitol. Each of the 12 remaining Districts is required to send 2 tributes who have been chosen during the Reaping. One that day a lottery system selects one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate. In the case of this year's finalists from District 12, Katniss has stepped forward to take the place of the chosen tribute, her younger sister Prim.

Here is how the competition works. The 24 tributes (contestants) are placed in an outdoor arena specially designed by the game makers who have watched the tributes train and prepare. Once in the arena the tributes must do whatever is necessary to survive. The last tribute standing wins.

The competition is televised live so everyone in the country can watch and cheer on their tributes. The winning tribute will return home to a life of luxury. Their district will also receive a year's worth of food.

"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!"

Why I picked it up: I have been meaning to re-read the series since "Mockingjay" was released in 2010, because I couldn't remember all the details. The release of the movie & our party here at the library were a good reason to start again. (I listened to the audio the first time, read book this time.)

Why I finished it: I was hooked. Even though I was going slow and taking notes, I couldn't put it down. I could see the arena, smell the fire, etc. Even though I knew the ending, I kept rooting for Katniss and hoping Prim wouldn't be reaped.

I'd give it to: fans of dystopian and "The Maze Runner". Readers looking for a strong character. People who have time to read a whole series! Readers looking for a book they can't put down. People who go to watch the movie and want to know more about where it all started.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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