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Post by Ms. Kalmar on Jan 14, 2013 18:24:21 GMT -5
Each review should include:
Book Title & Author:
Brief summary:
Why did you choose this book?
What is your opinion of this book?
Who might enjoy this book?
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Post by leslietorres98 on May 30, 2013 19:31:28 GMT -5
The book I chose is called The Oval Amulet written by Lucy Cullyford Babbitt. This book is about a seventeen year old girl the name of Paragrin. Her father was Ruler of the Colony and his name was Trag. Paragrin's grandmother was Ruler of another colony that only had women. She separated form her fathers government and made her own, her grandmother's name was Zessiper. Zessiper had a daughter named Tempira. Her daughter was taken away from her when Tempira was just a baby. The one that took her was Trag, Trag kept her prisoner kind of like every other women in his Colony. There Tempira had her daughter Paragrin, when Trag wanted a boy. Paragrin never knew about her existence. One day Paragrin's step-brother named Strap decided to leave his father's Colony. One day before leaving she was walking by a house she always saw had a beautiful woman in it and guard at the door. The woman called her over when the guard was not at the door and gave her an oval amulet and called her daughter, that was the only thing she could say, because the guard had returned to the door. When her brother took her, Strap made his own colony called Lexterre. Ten years passed and Paragrin was seventeen now, all that time she kept the oval amulet hidden without knowing what it meant. Strap was ruleing Lexterre almost as Trag women have to act lady like and never do man things. Paragrin of course did man things. Her brother banished her, because she interfered between a fight where to men were fighting for her. One of the men was dancing with her and the other which she kind of liked got her by the waist and his name was Kerk. Paragrin's brother told her someone would be there in the morning to pick her up and take her to her father's Colony. She got ready took out the oval amulet and put on clothes of her brohters's she saw she could still see her curves so she got one of her blankets and put around her waist. Paragrin also cut her hair and she looked like boy. She went to her brother and told him that she would go, but she would go by her self. The next day she left and traveled for a while until she fell asleep. In the morning she was woken by a voice, it was Kerk and his brother Cam. They of course did not recognize her, well may be Cam did realize she was Paragrin. Paragrin told them that her name was Gret and that she was from the Colony. Both Kerk and Cam excepted for her to travel with them, because they were also going to the Colony. During the journey the guys mainly Kerk began to notice strange things about "Gret"/Paragrin, when they went for a swim without any clothes she did not even want look at them and stayed on land and things like that started happening. When they arrived they got separated and Paragirn felt like everything had changed. She was looking for the woman that gave her the oval amulet, but she was no where to be found. Paragrin remembered about a farm that was full of women and they usually knew what happened around the Colony. She went there and she was told that the woman she was looking for the name Tempira was killed by her father Trag. She went back sad a found Cam. While they were looking for Kerk they stumbled with Ram, Paragrin's grandfather. When Paragrin and Cam found Kerk he was gambling with Paragrin's father's soldiers. Both of them tried to get Kerk out, but he wouldn't go, when both Paragrin and Cam went outside they saw Trag going inside and tried to hit Kerk and Cam interfered and Trag slaped him and Paragin went up to him and started punching him and calling him murderer and saying that she hated him. All three friends started to run, because Trag saw the oval amulet and looked at Paragrin close and called her Tempira. Both Trag and Ram wanted to kill Paragrin, because she had the oval amulet. When the three friends arrived at Lexterre they were taken by an army, right when they were about to take them Paragrin fainted, because of the cold winter. When Paragrin woke up they were in a prison. A woman went to them and kind of explained what was going on and they would be taken to the leader. As the woman said they were taken to leader and back to the prison. A few moments later the woman by the name Jentessa took Paragrin to a separate room and told her to think and listen and when she was ready that she would take her to the leader again. Paragrin was not a prisoner anymore, she was aloud to walk around, which was a cave. She noticed only women were there and she went back to her room and took off her blanket that covered her curves. Paragrin did not notice that Jentessa was watching her and Jantessa said finally welcome back and she took her to a chamber full of clothes and Jantessa told her to pick what ever she wanted to wear and when she was ready to go tell her friends who she really was. When Paragrin went to her friends Kerk was asleep looking sick and Cam said her name and she explained everything to him and Kerk woke up and asked why she had a skirt on thinking she was Gret she explained everything to him and he said no wonder you were so weird when we told you to take a swim with us and he was remembering and he said you had quite a show didn't you while laughing. Paragrin got a black skirt, because she noticed that the leader had one similar to it and she picked a shirt that was not noticeable that she had the oval amulet inside. When she was ready Paragrin when to Jantessa's room and told her she wanted to talk to the leader, because she wanted her friends out of the prison. When Jantessa went to tell the leader, Paragrin saw that Jantessa had paint and noticed a painting that was not finished it was a line of man and women each in pairs side by side and the women had an oval and the men had a rectangle, Paragrin realize that the last women did not have an oval. When Jentessa was back she told Paragrin she could go with the leader now and when Paragrin left Jentessa added the oval on the last woman and said finally. Paragrin told the leader she wanted her friends free and the leader told her why she dressed as a man that men were no good. The leader told Paragrin her story and while the leader told her the story she realized she was her grandmother. Paragrin told her and said Zessiper I have the oval amulet and Zessiper said your my granddaughter. Zessiper made a feast to make Paragrin the new leader, Zesspier ordered for everyone to attend. After making Paragrin leader they were eating and Zessiper realized that Paragrin's friends were there and Zessiper order for them to be punished for listening and being there the guards grabbed both but Paragrin instantly said to let them go she also ordered for them to be released and to give them a room and was done as she said now that she was the new leader. After the feast Zessiper told her that they needed to begin a war to get the rectangle. They both agreed to go to Lexterre and wait for Trag and his army, Trag and his army were going there, because Trag knew that she lived there and they were going to atack Lexterre. Paragrin was looking outside then Cam went to sit with her and they hold hands for while and Zessiper separated them and was really mad. When Cam went to his room he found Kerk and confessed to him that he was in love with Paragirn and both did not notice that Zessiper was ease dropping. Kerk was not going to fight and was going to wander around before going back home and Cam was going to with Paragrin to go with her to Lexterre and talk to Strap before the attack. Zessiper talked to Cam and told him to leave with Kerk, because he was making Paragrin not concentrate in being a leader. Cam decided to leave with Kerk, before leaving Cam went to talk to Pargin and they kind of argued, because Paragrin wanted him to stay. All the women practiced for the battle and they really good at it. Then it was her turn to leave and in her way to Lexterre she found Cam. Together they went to Lexterre during their journey the had their first kiss. When they go to Lexterre everyone welcomed him, but looked at Paragrin weirdly. When she got to her brother's house they talked and she showed him the oval amulet and she also told him that another group of people would come to help them and he did not agree at first, but then he agreed for her to talk to the people about the battle that was going to happen. At first the people did not listen to her, then Strap talked the crowd and told them that it was true. Everyone agreed some to fight even women and some to stay in the field. They built a wall and they were prepared. Treg got there first then the women and that was not part of the plan. During that Treg told Strap that he only wanted Paragrin and the oval amulet. Cam, Paragrin, and Strap went out and on that confrontation Trag killed Strap. Trag and his army took Pargrin and Cam to his Colony. Paragrin was about to forced to give up the oval or Cam would be killed only that the women interfered and the women won the battle. Jantessa did not let Paragrin or Cam to fight. After the battle when the rectangle and oval were recovered Jantessa made Cam also the leader. At the end Jantessa "died" also with Zessiper. Both Paragrin and Cam ruled and everything was back to normal and women were equal as men.
I chose this book, because of its cover. I know your not suppose to judge a book by its cover, but I liked it. I also chose this book, because on the back it said something about immortals and I liked it. I loved to read this book so far this book and the Twilight Saga have been my favorite books. I would consider this book to anyone who likes love stories and fiction books.
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Post by Juliana Lassiter on Jun 6, 2013 11:14:42 GMT -5
I read a book called The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. It's the third book in a series called The Heroes of Olympus. These books are basically a continuation of the Percy Jackson series. I chose to read this book because I had already read the first two books of the series and I had fallen in love with the characters and the way Riordan writes about them. Also, I love mythology which is what this book is all about.
In the Mark of Athena, a group of seven demigods, kids that are half human-half god, are brought together yet again to save the world. They had been chosen and brought together due to a prophecy foretelling seven demigods, hopefully, saving the world. In the demigod world, there are two camps, one Greek and one Roman, though neither camp knows about the other. When the mother of all goddesses, Hera, messes with all of their lives to bring them together, the camps discover each other. To save the world and destroy their new enemies, undefeatable Giants and the very first woman-Gaea the earth goddess, the camps must be brought together with the gods on their sides. However this is not as easy as it may seem. The Romans and the Greeks have hated each other since the beginning of time. In an attempt to bring the camp together, the seven demigods try to speak with Romans and befriend them. There’s a mishap and the Greek ship fires at the Roman camp and the Romans believe the Greeks are liars. Immediately they set out to kill. To save the world, the seven demigods must sail to the roots of the giants which is in Rome. No one has ever dared to go there before, because it is an absolute suicidal quest. Instead of sailing after them, the Romans decide to attack the Greek camp. The seven demigod sail to Rome and face many challenges on the way. Each of them has to face something they’re scared of to be able to save the world. They do kill some giants, but the earth goddess is still awakening and they have one more task before they can even try to destroy her: close the doors of death.
This book has the ability to grab a reader and not let them go until they are finished. The characters seem so real that often times, you might think of them as your own friend. This book shows us what real fear, hope, and love is really like. All through it you’re going to be biting your nails, praying that everyone comes out alive. Although it looks like it would be pretty long, it’s an easy read.
I love this book very much. I could never stop reading it because there were so many twists and turns that if you put the book down you wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about what was next. This is a good book for people who love mythology and learning about other cultures. Also, if you’ve read the Percy Jackson series and were sad it was over, it’s perfect for you because all the old characters are back.
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Post by Sarah Singletary on Jun 7, 2013 11:59:35 GMT -5
Hey y'all! This is my first book review so bear with my ok?! We all know the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover", well when I'm at my weekly trip to the library, that my friends is exactly how I choose the books that I read. If the cover draws my attention or looks interesting, I'm definitely going to read it! So thats how/why I chose my book. Now lets move on to what book I chose! I chose the book "If I Should Die" by Amy Plum. If I Should Die is part of a series by Amy Plum. Books before If I Should Die are: Die For Me, Until I Die, and Die for her: A Die for Me Digital Novella.
If I Should Die is a story about self-sacrifice for love, over and over again. Violette, the numa leader, is holding Kate's boyfriend, Vincent, hostage. Vincent is no ordinary boyfriend, he is actually undead. Violette believes that Vincent is the Champion, someone who holds multiple powers; powers that could aid her in her quest to control all immortals. Kate is not willing to let the love of her life be officially dead; the only way that she and Vincents fellow revenants can bring back Vincent is re-embodying him. Meaning that they have to have a ceremony where they make a man out of clay, Jules must cut himself and bleed out onto the clay man, while Kate is basically giving the man of clay CPR. The ceremony is complete and Vincent is back in business. As soon as Violette discovers that Vincent is no longer dormant, she takes Kate's grandmother, Mamie hostage. Violettes plan is to lure Vincent and Kate back within her reach so that she may finally kill Vincients and take the Champions power. Kate, not willing to lose Vincent again, sacrifices herself to Violette in place of Vincent. Violette accepts this offers and instantly murders Kate, turning Kate into a reverent, like Vincent and Jules. 4 days later, it's discovered that Kate is in fact the true champion. Violette already knowing this, holds Kate hostage on a boat, waiting for Kate to develop her full Champion powers. Kate escapes the boat. A war between the numa and the revenants break out; Violette leading the numa, and Kate leading the revenants. Kate ends the war by killing Violette. As a result of killing the ever evil Violette, Kate is now free to love Vincent for the rest of eternity.... or so they think.
I thought this book was very enticing. Although getting into the book was difficult, finishing it was a breeze. Once the author caught your attention, you would be up at all hours dying to know how everything ended. I loved the surprise twist, when Kate turned out to be the true Champion! As you read on, one more surprise twist came on, and was completely unexpected! You'll have to read the book to find that one out;)
I would recommend If I Should Die to girls ages 13 and up. Why girls you might ask? Only because of all the lovey dovey romance that takes place... I can't really see a guy liking this book as much as a girl would appreciate it!
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Post by Ms. Kalmar on Jun 9, 2013 16:13:38 GMT -5
Review of The Loved One by Evelyn WaughWhile I was in California this summer, I made a trip to a very neat used bookstore in downtown Los Angeles, called The Last Bookstore -- a haven for literary types and hipsters, with serious reading downstairs and an upstairs loft full to bursting with $1 mass market paperback thrillers and romance novels. I try to pick up a book in every city that I visit -- to me a book will always be more meaningful than a trinket or a tee shirt -- and this trip, I wanted to find a novel set in Los Angeles to commemorate my trip. I really lucked out, stumbling upon The Loved One, a lesser known work by Evelyn Waugh. Waugh is actually a British author, most famous for Brideshead Revisited, which I read and loved in college. The Loved One is a short novel -- Mr. Grondin and I took turns reading it out loud to each other on the long drive back to Oklahoma City (zomg so cute  ) -- which explores the inner workings of the funeral industry in Los Angeles in the 1940s. The novel's protagonist, Dennis Barlow, is a British expatriate poet who, after a failed career as a screenwriter, works at a pet cemetery called Happier Hunting Grounds. The story begins in earnest after Dennis visits the local luxury funeral home, Whispering Glades Memorial Park, to arrange the funeral of a friend. Dennis is fascinated by the opulence at the funeral home, and meets (and instantly falls for) a corpse beautician named Aimée Thanatogenos. The story revolves around a love triangle between Dennis, Aimée, and the head embalmer at Whispering Glades, Mr. Joyboy. It's a very strange premise, but the story is in excellent hands -- Waugh is arguably one of the most masterful prose stylists in the English language, as well as a master of dry British wit. His satire of the funeral industry -- and Americans attitudes towards death and grieving -- is alternately thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny. The characters are unique and well-developed, and overall I was really enthralled by this novel. That being said, this novel is full of black humor -- more common in European literature and culture than in America; if you're not used to it, this kind of comedy can be uncomfortable or even somewhat disturbing. All in all... if you appreciate subtle, dry, "British" humor, and aren't too put off by the subject of death and a healthy dose of black comedy, you'll probably enjoy Evelyn Waugh's The Loved One.
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Post by Rachel Bornstein on Jun 9, 2013 22:50:59 GMT -5
Review of The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick After seeing the movie and being a huge fan of Jennifer Lawrence, I decided to read and review The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick! From the amazing movie, the spectacular acting, and all the hype intrigued me to select this read.
The story is told from the point-of-view of Pat Peoples. He spent eight months at the "bad place," the mental institute, after his ex-wife, Nikki, divorced him for something he did. Pat believes in happy endings, or a silver lining. Whether it's about a book, movie, or life, there has to be some kind of happy ending. When he's released from the "bad place," he's determined to end his "apart time" with Nikki and regain her affection by exercising and self improvement. Pat lives with his mom and dad, where his mom is emotional and supportive, and his dad is over obsessed with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. A big part of the story is how football is what bonds Pat and his father. Every few days, he visits his therapist, and they become friends. Winning back Nikki is Pat's main focus and motivation, until he meets Tiffany, a widow who has many problems herself. Their abilities to understand each other cause a bond between them. Tiffany tries to help him escape "apart time," while having help from him to achieve her own wishes.
I'm very pleased that I chose this as one of my summer reads. The plot was very well structured and easy to understand. Matthew Quick did a great job building the characters, all with flaws. Some readers might find themselves relating to some! Quick did a great job capturing the reader's attention and admiration for Pat, understanding his background and making us want to route on and support him. It was nice not to read a usual teen romance where girls would make "teams" for their favorite character couples. This book mainly focused on a man trying to reinvent himself and become a better person, to make up for all his wrong doings in the past.
This book would be great for the general teen and adult audience, any gender! This book shows us how some things in reality will not end up the way we originally hoped for, but that we can always make it better if we work for it and think and believe in ourselves. The story has some humor, twists, and surprises that pull the readers in.   |
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Post by Christina Bass on Jun 10, 2013 11:34:27 GMT -5
I read the book called "Brutal" by Michael Harmon. This book is about a girl named Poe Holly(who is a singer, doesn't follow the rules and gets in trouble a lot) who lived in LA with her mom, she is a nurse and went to South America to help people. Poe had to go to Benders Hallow, California which is a small town; to go stay with her dad (he loves to write and is a counselor at Benders High School) who she barely knows until her mom comes back. Her parents are seperated because her father was actually afriad to be her father. She meets Andrew who goes by Velveeta and Theo who is a politican. She goes to Benders High Schooland this school has a lot of cliques. Poe thinks this school prevents the bullying and has cliques all the time. Velveeta gets bullied by Colby Morris who is on the football team. So, Poe gets revenge on Colby and fights him at this festival they have at the school. Poe wins the fight.
I chose this book because it is interesting about how there is a lot of cliques and bullying. I loved this book about how a big city girl can change a lot in her life. I think that teens would love to read this book because of how many teens get bullied a lot today.
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Post by Patrick Wilson on Jun 12, 2013 9:29:03 GMT -5
I read the book soldier's heart by Gary Paulsen. This book is about this guy who wanted to go in the war but he was to young so he went to a different city and lied about his age. he got in and on the train ride there he thought it took forever. the war was going on and a lot of men died and so the president Abraham Lincoln came and talked to the soldiers and they when back in.
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Post by Jazmin Chavez on Jun 12, 2013 12:27:12 GMT -5
The book I read is the demon apocalypse by Darren Shan continuing on his hit series The Demonta. The demon Apocalypse begins with a boy named Grubs who is powerful magical magician and also carries the genes of a werewolf inside of him. Having been fighting his disease of becoming a werewolf, he turns to women named Juni. Juni was therapist at his school that knows all about the Demonta realm. She gain the trust of him and his uncle; She gain their trust so much that she had his uncle wrapped around her finger. Although that all soon changed when Juni had betrayed Grubs traveling in air plane to run away from an organization called "the lambs" that were called to execute Grubs before he becomes a beast. The truth behind Juni lies is revealed when a demon master named ,Lord Loss, transports inside the air plane to seek his revenge on Grubs for humiliating him in a game of chess. Juni's personality is twisted and inhuman that Grubs couldn't believe that it was actually Juni that betrayed him.
Nearly closed to death as everyone in the airport was eaten by the demons of Lord Loss, a man by the name Beranabus saves him. He takes Grubs to his secret Cave where no one or his disciples know about except Kernel who is magician that can create doors to the demon's realm. Beranabus wanted to have Grubs release the magic inside of him and fight demons along with him. Unfortunately it turned out horrible for Grub who still had a weak fear of demons ever since the death of his parents. Feeling like a coward, he is sent back to the cave alone for weeks until Beranabus and Kernel came back. When they arrive matters start to worsen, the tunnel is open and the demons are killing all the humans in town then soon the whole USA and then the world. The only way to stop the tunnel from bringing more demons is a sacrifice. Already volunteering, Grubs was willing to make that sacrifice but he wasn't the one to be sacrifice, it was bill-E, Grubs younger brother. Having no choice but to kill his own brother to save humanity, Grubs uses his magic to stop his younger brother's heart from beating. The world is saved from Lord Loss, for the moment and now Grubs is in grief, not wanting to have nothing to do with magic. As much as wants to deny his powers he can't, his destiny is to fight demons in the demonta where everyday is pain.
Now why do I choose such a sad series and book to read? I chose to read these kind of books because not everything has a happy ending. Although things turn out great in the end like saving humanity for example, challenges are I meant to be face even though they are difficult at times, but of course not to the extreme of killing off your younger brother. It also makes me think of the character's emotions and draws me in it. I finished this book in 4 days, so yes I did enjoy it, very much. I had a little trouble with reading the fight scenes in the book but overall it was great!
Students who have strong stomach and love for gory action should read this book. It comes with surprises and twist that makes you want to know what happens next. I highly consider anyone to read it even students who are into romantic novels, which I am also but the book can change anyone's perceptive on books.
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Post by Will Hanby on Jun 13, 2013 21:42:43 GMT -5
The book I chose to read was To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. To Kill A Mockingbird is a realistic fiction story that could easily have happened. It was set in Maycomb, Alabama in the early 1930's at a time before any of the civil rights laws had been written or implemented. Scout Finch, the main character, is six years old at the beginning of the story, and lives in Maycomb, Alabama with her Dad, Atticus, and brother, Jem. She was scared of her neighbor named Boo Radley, whom was a recluse and no one had seen him in fifteen years. It was even rumored that he ate dead animals. Scout Finch was entering the first grade and school was beginning to start up again. By the middle of the story, Scout's father, Atticus, a lawyer, had been assigned a case. His job was to defend a black man named Tom Robinson who was accused of raping a young white woman named Mayella Ewell. Scout became angry because people in the community were calling her Dad a "cupcake lover" and some people made comments to Scout about it too. At the end of the story, Tom Robinson's trial was taking place and Atticus was successful in collecting lots of information proving that Tom Robinson was not guilty. The facts showed that the young woman's father, Bob Ewell, had abused her. Despite all the evidence, Tom Robinson was found guilty by the jury anyway and Atticus lost the case. This made Scout sad and upset because she really thought Atticus had done his job well and would win. She was also upset that even though Tom Robinson was innocent, the jury still believed Bob Ewell's story. During the time period that To Kill A Mockingbird was set in black people did not enjoy the same privileges and freedoms as white people in society. The story itself is as example of why the civil rights movement was so badly needed and is similar to several other real life situations that occurred during that same time in the United States. The fact that Atticus Finch was able to gather evidence to prove Tom Robinson was not guilty and then for a jury to find him guilty anyway is a clear example of racism. It is really sad that Tom Robinson was sent to jail for something he did not do and then later killed while trying to escape. I chose to read To Kill A Mockingbird because I heard it was a very interesting novel as well as a classic for American literature. Another reason why I chose to read To Kill A Mockingbird is because I thought Harper Lee would actually provide information on how to kill an actual mockingbird. Although no instructions were given, I would defiantly recommend To Kill A Mockingbird to anyone who is interested in reading an excellent book with a strong story.
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Post by Sarah Singletary on Jun 17, 2013 12:05:17 GMT -5
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I know I'm doing this completely out of order, but I am going to write my number 3 book report, even though it is only my second book I have read for my summer reading. I am doing this because my last book review is going to be my book club “The Great Gatsby”, which reminds me- if anyone is planning on participating, will you please let me know by commenting on that thread? Thanks! I chose this book not because I liked the cover but because it was a Sequoyah High school 2014 Nominee. I did not read the back cover because to me, the summary of the book is a total and complete *SPOILER ALERT*!!!!!! The book that I chose was The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.
Elisa is getting ready for her wedding with her nurse, Ximena, and her lady in waiting, Lady Aneaxi. Elisa’s father gave his daughters hand in marriage in exchange for his military assistance to Joya d’ Ayend, ruled by King Alejandro de Vega, Elisa’s betrothed. Elisa is not only a princess but also the bearer of the Godstone. God chooses one child each century for an act of service. The Godstone is lodged in Elisa’s belly button, and responds to Elisa’s prayers and when put in danger of any kind. Cosme is Condesa Arina’s chambermaid, who is really someone like a spy. Ximena is not only Elisa’s nurse but is also her undercover bodyguard of the bearer of the Godstone. The Peditoes and the people of Invierne are Joya d’ Aveda’s enemy’s. The two are also about to start a war.
One of Elisa’s greater problems, besides her apparent weight, is that the Godstone she bears is a precious stone that many would literally KILL for.
Cosme kidnaps Elisa and takes her to her village of which she lives in, after discovering that Elisa bears the Godstone. There, in the village, Elisa meets Humbrto, Cosme’s brother and Elisa’s soon to be true and only love.
Elisa’s find out that this war that everyone all over the country has been preparing for, it hasn’t begun because it never really finished. (If you're wondering what I mean by this, you’ll have to read the book yourself).
Elisa, with the help of her Godstone and many of those who love her, end the war. Finally, defeating the people of Invierne!! Mwhahaha…
Humbrto and Alejandro die in the quest to do what it right. Elisa is now the Queen with King Alejandro’s son, Prince Rosanothe at her side.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a book with many surprise twist! How could the author make you so happy for Elisa, when she finally finds true love? Then go and turn and kill the love of her new found life?! It’s just wrong!! What I find the craziest, is when King Alejandro is beginning to find Princess Elisa attractive, but only after she lost so much weight after being held hostage. Can you say shallow much?! On to the literature itself, I think this book was very well written, You can't help but want to be friends with our main character Elisa, and at times I would find myself speaking out loud saying “You go girl!”.. Quite embarrassing actually….
I would recommend this book for anyone really, considering that it is a Sequoyah Nominee! It would be rated PG if it was a movie, but only because of the violence. There isn't much gory detail but I have a feeling if this were a movie that they would make it pretty gory... But basically I say if you can read, READ THE BOOK!! #booknerdsunite |
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Post by Ruby Gutierrez on Jun 19, 2013 11:58:43 GMT -5
In The Dark Divine, written by Bree Despain, Grace Divine, one of the main characters and daughter of the towns pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi, her childhood friend, disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood--but she has no idea what was the secret their family had struggled so hard to keep from her.
The memories her family have tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's mysterious past and the promise of something more as she struggles to push him away.
The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life and her family's future as her actions stir resentment in Jude. Soon she realizes that she is not the only one keeping secrets in her family and as her father begins to take Daniel under his wing, Jude is pushed further away drawn into the center of mysterious disappearances and tragic accusations. Grace must discover the truth behind the boys' dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.
This book holds an allure for many readers who like both a dangerous love and a dark secret. It will keep you thirsting for more, for all the supernatural fans this book will keep you coming back for more as you discover the power of true sacrifice and the renewal of love.
I enjoyed this book because of its intriguing mystery and its supernatural creature, it was an excellent read and kept me biting my nails. I chose this book for its promising interest in a dark, entertaining story at a new other view of Beauty and the Beast.
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Post by Ruby Gutierrez on Jun 19, 2013 11:59:23 GMT -5
In The Dark Divine, written by Bree Despain,
Grace Divine, one of the main characters and daughter of the towns pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi, her childhood friend, disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood--but she has no idea what was the secret their family had struggled so hard to keep from her.
The memories her family have tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's mysterious past and the promise of something more as she struggles to push him away.
The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life and her family's future as her actions stir resentment in Jude. Soon she realizes that she is not the only one keeping secrets in her family and as her father begins to take Daniel under his wing, Jude is pushed further away drawn into the center of mysterious disappearances and tragic accusations. Grace must discover the truth behind the boys' dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.
This book holds an allure for many readers who like both a dangerous love and a dark secret. It will keep you thirsting for more, for all the supernatural fans this book will keep you coming back for more as you discover the power of true sacrifice and the renewal of love.
I enjoyed this book because of its intriguing mystery and its supernatural creature, it was an excellent read and kept me biting my nails. I chose this book for its promising interest in a dark, entertaining story at a new other view of Beauty and the Beast.
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Post by Ashton Boda on Jun 19, 2013 13:51:21 GMT -5
I read The Young Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews. The book is about teenager Michael Holder and his journey to finding the seven decissions for success.. In the beginning of the book he is in jail for wreckless driving and learns that his father was diagnosed with lung cancer. He thinks that everything is against him. When he goes out to look for a job to help out his parents he is rejected due to him spending a night in jail. He is so upset that he doesn't pay attention and ends up in another wreck. When he wakes up he doesn't realize his surroundings. He went back in time and meets President Truman. While with President Truman he learns to stop blaming his problems on other people and take responsibility for his actions. He receives the first decision for success. After leaving the President he meets King Solomon. He learns to seek wisdom and to focus on other people. After Solomon he goes to the Civil War and meets Colonel Chamberlain. There he witnesses the war and learns to be a man of action. He learns to have courage and do away with fear. After leaving the war he finds himself on the Santa Maria with Christopher Columbus. He learns that even if people tell you that you're crazy to not listen to them and make your own decision. To have a decided heart and look forward to the future. Michael then goes and meets Anne Frank while they are hiding from the Germans. From her he takes away the lesson do be happy. He realizes that he can choose to be happy even in the worst situations.He then goes to meet Abraham Lincoln. He meets him before he delivers the Gettysburg Address. From Lincoln he learns to forgive. He even learns that he needs to forgive himself as that is what is holding him back the most. His last stop he meets Gabriel. He visits the place where all of things that people gave on or lost faith in are. He learns that he is in control of his future and that is his choice whether or not he gives up. He learns to go after everything no matter the circumstances. Before returning home he sees his future. He sees that he can make a difference in people's lives. He finally wakes up in the hospital and sees his mom. To the doctor's suprise he suffered no major injuries from the wreck and his dad makes it okay. At the end of the book he realizes that none of it was a dream and he has each of the papers to help him with the decissions of success.
I chose this book because it seemed like an intersting book to read. Also, just to be completely honest, the cover looked pretty cool and mysterious.
I really did enjoy this book. I think that no matter who you are you can learn something from this book. I learned that we are in charge of our actions and no one else is. I can choose to be happy and I decide what my future will be like by working towards it now.
I think anybody who enjoys a weird twist would enjoy this book. It suprised me that he was going back to differnt points in time and learning from influential people in history. I also think that anyone who needs a little pick-me -up or wants to be inspired would enjoy this book because you can take something away from it that will apply to your own life.
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Post by katiemaupin on Jun 19, 2013 16:32:54 GMT -5
The first book I chose to read was The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green. It's about a young girl, Hazel Lancaster, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Thyroid cancer when she was only 13. At the beginning of the story, she spends most of her time either alone or with her parents, usually reading. Her mother and father always encourage her to attend a Cancer Kid Support Group, which Hazel normally cannot stand. One day that she goes, however, she meets a boy, Augustus Waters, who changes her life for the better. I immediately fell in love with Augustus, an outgoing and witty boy who lost his right leg to osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and is in remission. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't yet read the book, but it's amazing. I chose to read it because everyone who had read it before me said it was very good. I was at a Barnes and Nobel in Galveston with a long ride home ahead of me, and saw it and decided to read it. I had high expectations for the book, and it lived up to them easily. It takes a lot for a book to make me cry, but this one did (multiple times.)  I think anyone who enjoys fiction would enjoy this book, as long as they don't mind it being a bit cheesy at times.
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) -- which explores the inner workings of the funeral industry in Los Angeles in the 1940s. The novel's protagonist, Dennis Barlow, is a British expatriate poet who, after a failed career as a screenwriter, works at a pet cemetery called Happier Hunting Grounds. The story begins in earnest after Dennis visits the local luxury funeral home, Whispering Glades Memorial Park, to arrange the funeral of a friend. Dennis is fascinated by the opulence at the funeral home, and meets (and instantly falls for) a corpse beautician named Aimée Thanatogenos. The story revolves around a love triangle between Dennis, Aimée, and the head embalmer at Whispering Glades, Mr. Joyboy.
I think anyone who enjoys fiction would enjoy this book, as long as they don't mind it being a bit cheesy at times.