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Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Once upon a time there was a little girl who had a perfect life, with two parents who would never dream of hurting her. That little girl didn’t know how lucky she was. During a field trip to an aquarium she met a man who would change her life, her name, her soul forever. She would become a hollow shell of a person, a Living Dead Girl. Once upon a time that little girl’s name wasn’t Alice and she wasn’t Ray’s little girl. Once upon a time that little girl’s life ended and her worst nightmare began.

Why I picked up the book: The original hardback cover-with the white dress laying on dried leaves and jean leg.

Why I finished it: It is probably one of the only books I've read in one sitting (twice). The writing style intrigued me and I couldn't get Alice out of my head. I couldn't leave her alone without knowing what ultimately happened to her and if she was ever able to escape.

I'd give it to: anyone (teens, parents, teachers) who has a tough stomach. By no means is this an easy book to read but the content is timely. Within the past five years, several kidnapping victims have been found and many people, including the media, have speculated on why they never tried to escape.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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The Scarlet Letter

Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is the tale of Hester Prynne. She is a woman who is convicted of adultery when she mysteriously has a baby, but no husband has been seen in over two years. This book is read all over the United States because it shows the cruelty of when people judge one another. Hester's punishment for committing adultery is to wear a scarlet letter A on her chest until the day she dies. All in all it is a very nice book with very creative characters. However it has a very long story that, though interesting, becomes very droll fast. I give it a solid 8 out of 10. If you're a person who loves the old style of writing and a great mysterious story plot then this is for you.

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union...."

By now, we all recognize these words from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. What do they mean to you and other Americans? Did they always seek to guarantee the rights and freedoms of everyone living on American soil? Did those who fought for our freedom from the British not see the irony of the slavery occurring on their own soil?

Isabel is a teenage slave girl living in the New York in 1776, at the brink of the Revolutionary War. For her, freedom is an unobtainable dream, stolen away by those with money, power, and a lighter color of skin. But the chains that bind Isabel to servitude cannot restrain her dreams and her iron will. She soon comes to realize that "If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl?"

Why I picked up this book: The book is part of the "We the People" bookshelf grant ("A More Perfect Union") that our library received and we are using it for our middle school book club. I enjoy the author's work, both historical fiction & realistic, so I would have eventually made my way to reading Chains.

Why I finished the book: I wanted to know if Isabel would ever break free from the Locktons and the chains of slavery. Would she get caught on her secret spy missions and what would Madam do to harm her? I was secretly plotting what Isabel could do to retaliate against Madam.

I'd give it to: readers young & old looking for quality historical fiction. Readers who aren't afraid to confront tough topics and look critically at American history, because it isn't always pretty. Sarah, who loved Fever 1793.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Chains: The Music Video (Fooyboys/YouTube)

Red Riding Hood

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th

Title: Red Riding Hood

Author: Sarah Blakley-Cartwright (Introduction by Catherine Hardwicke)

Review: Who doesn't like a good book with mystery, werewolves, girls in red cloaks... Oh wait... You're thinking of that fairy tale? Little Red Riding Hood... Oh no, puppets. This is the real deal. This is the story they don't want you to know about. Valerie is the girl behind that red cloak though, a teenager living in a city plagued by a werewolf simply called The Wolf. Sacrifices happen monthly, in an effort to keep the Wolf from them. But... this month is different. This story is set during the Blood Moon. And during this moon, no one is safe from the Wolf. Blakley-Cartwright shows a unique twist to the old fable of little red riding hood, introducing new, never see characters. A blacksmith, A sister, the towns folks. Best friends. Yet, it continues to show where threads of the fable mix with this book, giving it the generic plot line of the werewolf and girl. The woodcutter (or a version of him anyways) the grandmother....

The story begins with a festival of sorts that goes astray when Valerie's perfect sister dies, leaving Valerie lost in her own world. Her best friends attempt to keep her company. Her fiance tries to cheer her up. But nothing works, not really, until Valerie has a run in with an old friend, Peter. Do to the death of Valerie's sister, the men soon get together, from this tiny village, in an attempt to hunt down the wolf who has caused them ill for so long. But, Valerie, who had seen the wolf once before, has an odd connection with the wolf. A connection that makes her realize that the dead wolf the men bring back isn't the wolf they should be after. When a foreign priest comes to the village, however, he soon shows them the wrong of their ways, when during the celebration party for the wolf's death, the real Wolf strikes back.

It is during this party that Valerie comes to realize how deep this connection of hers is with the wolf, and just why the wolf is coming out during the blood moon. The story is set around Valerie, explaining the tale as she sees it. Illustrating forbidden romances, deaths of loved ones, and near death herself. It shows what one may give up for true happiness, and shows the ultimate sacrifice, and how that can move the people originally fighting against you. But, if you want to know the secrets behind what exactly happens towards the end of this book. You must pick it up yourself. Unless you're a cheater, then you can just go see it in theaters. For, like many other books of late, Red Riding Hood is going to be in a theater near you soon.

Why I picked this book up: Like most of my books, this is actually a book my mom picked out. And, when I saw it I had a heart attack. I love the faerie tale remakes, reading other people's versions of the fables I grew up with. And this one definitely didn't disappoint.

Why I finished it: I have always loved Little Red Riding Hood, granted not as much as Beauty and the Beast, but it has always been a favorite, so I had to read it. But I finished it because it was absolutely amazing... and I have to read a book before I go see the movie. I like knowing what they don't show.

I'd give this book too: Anyone who loves faerie tales, fables, werewolves, fantasy romance, and anyone who wants a good book. This book expertly crosses over so many lines of interest that anyone can pick up this book and fall in love with it.

Rating: *****/5 It was to good to be anything less.

Slice of Cherry

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: Slice of Cherry

Author: Dia Reeves

Murder is in sisters Kit and Fancy's blood. Their father, who had acquired the nickname the 'bonesaw' killer from sawing his victims into multiple pieces in the privacy of his basement, was convicted as a serial killer after police found forensic evidence. Kit and Fancy are determined not to follow in his path- as in they will make sure not to get caught... But wild spirited Kit, the older of the two girls, may have a hunger for cutting people up that may eventually get herself and Fancy in trouble. Fancy wants a way to kill without being conspicuous, and she thinks she may have found it when her great ancestor Cherry comes to her in a vision and tells her she can use a key to go to a place where Fancy and Kit can carry out their messy habits with no watching eyes. It seems only natural, because Fancy has a gift, the ability to see other worlds in random objects, like the old kinetoscope in their father's basement. But while the sisters enjoy getting blood on their hands, their closeness is slowly falling apart because of Kit's boy obsession and wish for true love. Fancy worries that Kit will disappear from her forever if she does not do something soon. So she entices Kit with the prospect that they can 'take out the trash' of their city Portero by stashing the criminals' bodies in the dream world Fancy sees in the kinetoscope, thanks to Cherry's advice. But will it be enough for the sisters to keep their bond shared in blood?

I picked this book up because it had teacups spilling blood on the cover.

I finished this book because it was too bizarre and enticing not to.

I'd give this book to any fan of morbid scenes or possibly people who like the TV series "Dexter."

Rating: **** Really liked it

Trickster's Choice

Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce
Briana: 12th grade
Aly, daughter of Tortall's famous Lioness warrior and untraceable spy and thief, is of fabled lineage, but is forced to disquise herself when she is captured by merchanaries. Aly is visited during her enslavement by none other than the trickster god, who gives her the task of guiding two young women- one of whom is foretold to bring an end to the cruel dynasty in which they live. Sarai is passionate and charming, a teenage noblewoman who is more concerned in what she wears and who she sees than believing in the prophecy set before her, where as her younger sister, Dove, has a calculating mind and hidden depths that Aly fears, knows that she is ment for something better than being her sister's "right hand man". While in enslavement, Aly is forced to teach these girls, prepare them for the world and the burden they share, but is unable to do it herself. Nawat, a crow turned human, but not quite a man- loves Aly and knows she is fearful, and he does whatever in his power he can to ease her burden. Throughout the story, Aly is visited by the trickster god and is constantly reminded of her task, and the awful horrors that will ensure should she not finish her goal.

Aly is a strong character that the reader loves right from the beginning, and while reading, you can feel her frustration and her pain, her joy and her love. I enjoyed this novel because it is very well written and is extremely entertaining. I like the espionage and trickery, but also have a soft spot for the romance in the story. I picked up this book to read for fun, and became enthralled with the story and with Tamora Pierce's style of writing.

I finished the book, and was ready for the next one, which was also very good.

I would give this novel to anyone who is in need of a fun book to read. It is a great "time-killer" book and it is very easy to get lost in the pages. No matter what style of books you like, or your age, or your background, I would suggest this book- or at least one of Tamora Pierce's other novels.

***** This was an EXCELLENT novel!

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.