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Post by Austin Harkey on Jul 21, 2013 16:09:44 GMT -5
The second book I choose to read was One Second After which was written by William R. Forstchen. It is a fictional book about the United States getting hit by an EMP which wipes out all of America's electrical items. Image America without the use of televisions, computers, phones, radios, and cars. The story takes you through the life of a history teacher named John Masterson. It goes through how the get medicine for his daughter who has diabetes and asthma. It also talks about how many people start to break laws and people start to loot, kill, gang up, and threaten other people. John's town gets attacked and he has to keep his family safe and protect his neighbors. The whole town kinda divides into two groups and a huge battle happens. John leads his army into battle and he knows so much about battle because he is a teacher in military history. I choose this book because my dad told me it was a great book and my grandfather also had recommended this book to me. I could not agree more, it is a page turner and it always keeps you interested in the book. you almost never want to put it down!! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good book and is into an action packed book.
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Post by alyssavazquez on Jul 22, 2013 0:17:50 GMT -5
The second book that I read was, "the first part last" by Angela Johnson This book was very interesting it was about a teenager boy named Bobby that is 16 years old that gets news that he is going to be a dad. His life of having fun stops. He has to grow up real fast. This story is very different from other books it goes from now to what it was like then and back and forth. From the moment he sees his baby Feather, he knows that his life will never be the same. He has to make a choice and not just any choice, but a life choice that will affect him and Nia the baby's mother forever. Bobby knows it's hard and we see this from his perspective throughout the whole book. It was different from the regular books it was a guys perspective, instead of a woman's. I chose this book because my cousin recommended it to me and it was a easy read. I really liked it, it made me think about life and how it's complicated when you don't make the right decisions. I recommend this book to everyone especially to all the teenagers...it makes you think about how it's not as easy as we see or think.
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Post by Emily Michalak on Jul 22, 2013 13:13:42 GMT -5
I read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It is about a young girl, Scout, growing up in a segregated society, Maycomb County, in the 1930s. Scout finds out her father, Atticus, was appointed by Judge Taylor to represent Tom Robinson, a black man, in court. Tom was accused of raping Mayella Ewell and prosecuted by the Ewell's. Scout then has to learn to stand up for herself and ignore the cruel comments toward her and her family. Poor Tom Robinson did not have a chance in his segregated town, even though the evidence proved Mr. Ewell had beat his own daughter. The town also knew this, which left Mr. Ewell looking like a fool. Mr. Ewell then decides to go after Attcus and his family, which leaves them in danger.
I chose to read To Kill A Mockingbird, because I am in Pre-AP English, needed to read an AP level book, and saw this book on the AP level book list. I also knew that To Kill A Mockingbird is a classic and heard it was a very good book, so that is why I chose to read it. I am glad I chose to read this book, because I really enjoyed it. I have always liked the WWII era, coming of age stories, and crime and punishment stories/shows, and this book included all three! I could not put this book down.
This book can be recommended to many different kinds of readers. If you enjoy coming of age stories, this book is definitely for you. If you also enjoy reading about the days of segregation and learning about segregation, you should read this book.
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Post by Andy Kim on Jul 22, 2013 17:18:00 GMT -5
The second book i read was "The Catcher in the Rye". The novel was written by J.D Salinger. The story is set in the 1950's and is basically a first-person narrative by Holden Caulfied, the main character. Holden was attending Pencey Prep, the fourth school which he attended has attended. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed. Holden's failing in most of his classes. It was close to Christmas Break when he received word that he would be expelled. Holden was scheduled to go back home to Manhattan on Wednesday, but decided to take care of himself since he didn't want to feel quietly about disappoint his parents. Holden packs his belongings up in his dorm. He sends his farewells to his former teacher. Before he left, he had a heated personal argument with his roommate and ended up with a few bruises and a bloody nose. According with his plan, Holden goes to Manhattan and secretly takes care of himself for a few days before going back home to hide the fact he was expelled. With alot of "pocket dough", he was able to have some spoils for himself. Holden encounters his sister the day before and successfully makes it home.
I enjoyed this book because it was interesting and it seems as if it was targeted to the demographics of high school students. I chose this book because it was an A.P book and it seemed like it had a good story line to it. I recommend this book to anyone. However, i do warn caution to some of those out there ( cuss words, etc.)
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Post by anysabella on Jul 23, 2013 11:58:51 GMT -5
The second book I read was "The first part last". This book was written by Angela Johnson. This novel deals with the subject of teen pregnancy. Johnson writes the story in first person from the perspective of Bobby, the single father. The book is divided into 4 parts and the chapters come between "then" and "now". Bobby and Nia. the childs mother, are in a very hard situation. They find out they are having a baby and they soon realize all the fun things are about to stop. Their whole life is going to change. The parents wanted to give up the baby for adoption but Bobby becomes a man and decides to raise the baby on his own. He thought it's not the baby's fault to go through something that isn't even worth it when he himself can be a single father and raise the baby on his own.
This novel was very different from other's I've read, instead of being a single mother it's a single father. I loved this book, a friend recommended it to me and she was right it was very good. It showed me how hard life can be and before you're going to do something make sure it's the right decision. I recommend this book to all the teenagers out there, you might learn something from it. Makes us realize how life isn't easy as many of us think it is.
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Post by Will Hanby on Jul 23, 2013 13:37:53 GMT -5
The second book I chose to read was "The Knights of the Hill Country". This novel was written by Tim Tharp. The story is set in Kennisaw, Oklahoma where Friday-night High School football ranks next to God and country. In fact the Kennisaw Knights are coming off of their fourth undefeated season. "The Knights of the Hill Country" is set around Hampton Green, a high school kid growing up in Kennisaw. Although this novel describes only one football season, it slowly shows how Hampton overcomes challenges he faces by turning to the one place he feels safe: the football field. Linebacker Hampton Green's life on the field is incredible, leading many people to believe that he could actually stop time. Hampton's life outside of the football field is a completely different story. His Father walked out on him when he was young, and now his mom has a new boyfriend every week. Hampton must overcome obstacles in his life to figure out what type of man he wants to be. Hampton's best friend Blaine Keller, the teams running back, used to be a very powerful player, but acquired a knee injury the previous season. Hampton and Blaine have been best friends ever seen they meet when they were nine years old, but their friendship is in question after Hampton meets a girl at school, whom Blaine insists isn't good enough for him and forces him to stay away from her. Hampton must come to the decision if he should stand by his best friend Blaine, or if he should start thinking for himself and decide what he wants to do with his life besides football. I enjoyed this book because it depicted the story of a boy who must choose what kind of a man he wants to become. I chose this book because it was about football, as well as being set in Oklahoma. I would recommend this book to any football fan, player, or anybody looking to read a good book.
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Post by holdenmckee on Jul 23, 2013 17:24:18 GMT -5
The book I read was the Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins. This book is about 12 districts that are ruled by one capitol. Every year A boy and a girl from the ages of 12-18 gets chosen to compete to the death. The way you get chosen is you can get oil, food, and medical supply, but in exchange you have to put you name in reaping. Prim was chosen to go the hunger games with her name in the reaping only once. Katniss volunteered as tribute to save her little sister because she had a better chance of surviving and she was very good with a bow. The boy chosen with her was named Peeta. There trainer was a drunk and didn't give them much advice to stay alive, but he gave her on tip and it is to act like you are in a relationship and you will gain sponsors. The reason you need sponsors is because when you are hurt or hungry they will send you medicine or what ever will help you. Along the way Katniss made a friend names Rue and when katniss got stung by a tracker jacket it makes you have powerful allusions and makes you pass out. Rue took care of Katniss and kept her safe then they had a plan to explode the food in the middle because alot of people gained up and was keeping the food to there self. They needed a way to communicate so they used the mocking bird. Katniss found Peeta by the river all painted up to match the rock so no one will find him after he got hurt. Katniss knew that he needed medicine so she had to fake a kiss to get more sponsors but Peeta thought that the relationship was true. In the middle of the Games they said that 2 people can survive as long as they are from the same District... i will let you see how that turns out!
I recommend this book to anyone who hasn't read it yet and it explains more than the movie. I read the book because alot of people has told me to read it and now i have a reason too
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Post by Konrad Sartorius on Jul 24, 2013 15:02:10 GMT -5
I recently read a book called, Between the Shades of Gray written by Ruta Sepetys. In this
book, a young Lithuanian woman battles for survival, and the survival of her family, during the Soviet
occupation of her country. I chose this book as I am very interested in the history and the events that
have shaped the world we live in today. I really enjoyed this book as it portrayed a greater historical
event and the individuals within it, and how it influenced a nation as well as individuals. I think that
anyone that is interested in history and stories of survival, such The Diary of Ann Frank would enjoy
this book very much.
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Post by Noah Boeckman on Jul 24, 2013 16:29:46 GMT -5
The book that I read is "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. This book is centered around a boy named Ponyboy. He lives with his two brothers, Soda and Darry. Ponyboy and Soda get along great, but Darry and Ponyboy fight sometimes. They have a few friends which they are extremely close to and would do anything for. He, his brothers, and his friends are all "greasers". They live in the poorer part of town. Their rivals are the "Socs" which is short for Socials. They are the kids with the nice cars and the cool jackets. These two groups do not get along and often fight. But one particular fight changed all of their lives forever. I chose this book because I have heard many great things about it from many people. All of those people were right because this was an amazing book. It had great detail and especially characterization. I really felt for the characters in this story. I feel like I have known them forever. It was a great story and had a lot of crazy things happen. I would recommend this book to mostly anyone except it is a little inappropriate in some sense. So whoever is reading this READ "THE OUTSIDERS"!!!
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Post by Leslie Torres on Jul 24, 2013 16:52:17 GMT -5
I just finished my group book. I don't know if we're suppose to write a review, but I am going to do one either way. I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Well, I don't know why I didn't read this book sooner. I loved it. All those special things that happened to Harry. Then all those letters he started to get. Then someone going to to tell he was a wizard. Harry began to go to Hogwarts, where he met his two new best friends, Ron and Hermoine.
Together they had so many adventures, that got them in to a bit of trouble. Harry found out about a stone that kept someone immortal and the stone was hidden in the school. Harry and his friends found out that a bad person was trying to get to the stone. For a while Harry and his friends thought it was a teacher, Snape,but at the end of the book all of them found out that it was not Snape. It was a teacher Harry had met on his was to the wizard world, which Harry thought the teacher was pretty weird. It was a shock to Harry and everyone they found out that it was Quirrell all along trying to get for his master, Voldemort, the one that must not be named. Voldemort was the one who killed Harry's parents and finally Harry faced him again and won again. It's a really good book and I hope that people who haven't read get time to read it. It's actually better than the movie I wish that the movie was just as descriptive and there are so many different things that went on in the book that didn't happen in the movie. I love this book and I think I am going to read the next one too!!
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Post by ivy868 on Jul 24, 2013 16:53:31 GMT -5
Catching Fire
By: Suzanne Collins
Katniss and Peeta after fighting a hard battle of the Hunger Games they return to District 12 in Panem. They won the Hunger games least they thought on the same day President Snow confronts them on how they have broken rules and have started rebellions in districts. After returning Katniss figures out information from another district that their were others in hiding. Not long until they figure they have to compete once again in a "Quarter Quell" . This book everyone should take time to read it really is a page turner. I chose this book because their was a lot of excitement for this series of books. I would actually sit down and read this series again.
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Post by Kyleigh Willis on Jul 24, 2013 18:38:47 GMT -5
The second book I chose was The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi.
This book takes place in a post-apocalyptic future in which most of America has been turned into a huge, sweltering bayou, by global warming, I presume as it's never quite explained why this happened. While this was going on, China attempted to help the US as it was kind of going nuts, and militia groups started up, causing chaos and bloodshed all around. China gave up and just kind of left, leaving 'Murica to it's own devices. The story tells of a half-Chinese, half-Drowned Cities (American) girl named Mahlia. She lives in a small group of people, and is looked after by a doctor and her friend Mouse. However, no one else trusts her. She and her family was attacked by a militia group, and she lost one of her hands in the process and her family was killed. Mouse found her, and took her to the group. While looking for food, they come across a huge mutant creature, a wolf-man beast by the name of Tool, who is dying after his escape and a fight with an alligator. He takes Mouse hostage and demands she give him medicine, or else he will drown Mouse with his dying breath. Mahlia hurries off, only to discover a militia group has decided to stay in the town. She gets the attention of a young man named Ocho, named thus for his killing of eight men in battle. However, Mahlia chases them off and takes medicine to Tool after she sics a pack of Coywolves, a hybrid of Coyotes and wolves, on them.
She assists Tool, who means to leave. When Mahlia returns, however, the militia has come back with a vengeance. They eradicate the village, killing most in the process and even taking Mouse into their group. Distraught, Mahlia swears vengeance. Yet again she runs into Tool, who saves her from Coywolves, and they strike a pact, and slowly become sort of friends with each other. Mouse joins the militia and becomes known as Ghost.
When Mahlia runs into Mouse, she tries to bring him back, which results in the capture of her and Tool. However, before they can be killed, Ocho realizes how crazy the man he's been following he is, and decides to help Mahlia, and another Militia group attacks the capitol building they are in. They escape, and Mahlia leads them to her old home, where her mom sold old artifacts from museums. Since they are valuable objects, the group takes some and builds a raft. Tool wants to stay in the Drowned Cities and more or less assist it back into greatness, while Mahlia, Ocho, and a couple of young militia members make their way to the open sea, where salesmen can assist their survival.
I chose this book, because honestly, I wanted another series to get into and read.
This book was... Eeeh. It was OK. It switched POV's way to much to get accustomed and to thoroughly enjoy the characters, and the ending seemed a bit weak to me. It was as if the author played all his cards and realized he still hadn't reached the ending.
However... If you enjoy a decent, chaotic post-appoc world, and some good (and accurate I might add) battles, then you might wanna give this book a try. It has a prequel(?) Called Ship Breaker, and I am considering reading that to see if it explains anything. However, it is not directly connected to this book, so it can be read out of order.
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Post by Tanner Olvera on Jul 24, 2013 20:17:12 GMT -5
The Second book I read was Storm Breaker by Anthony Horowitz. This book is the first book in the popular Alex Rider series where an average British High School student that is thrust into the world of spies in the form of MI6(the British Equivalent of the CIA) when his Uncle "mysteriously" dies in a car crash. Mourning his uncle Alex learns of his cause of death, a crash with a truck which he would have survived if he had on his seat belt, his housekeeper and him find this strange because Ian, Alex's uncle, was one who always wore his seat belt. Alex decides to investigate his uncles car at the local auto junk yard, once he finds the car there was something that caught his eye... the windshield was shot with multiple bullet holes. Alex then decides to meet with Ian's former employers "Royal & General Bank" which is actually a front for MI6, After stumbling into the British spy agency, Alex meets the director of MI6(Alan Blunt)and the deputy director (Tulip Jones) who inform him of his first mission. Alex then travels to a SAS training camp were he meets "Wolf" who returns, and is referenced, multiple times to assist Alex and even though he resents Alec when he first meets him he later became a great friend to Alex. Alex is later recruited by MI6 for his many adventures in spying, All while still being a high school student.
I chose this book because, well I didn't choose it, it was a gift, but I really enjoyed this one so I continued Reading the rest of the Series, although it was the first I would have to rate the 8/10 it starts a little slow but picks up after about 3 chapters.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes spies or just action, but there is a bit of humor because the main characters a teenage boy, but I highly recommend that anyone read it and the rest of the series.
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Post by Jordan Cowan on Jul 24, 2013 22:49:14 GMT -5
For my second book, I read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. In this book, we meet two characters: Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. They are both cancer patients who met at a support group. This book is not only about cancer though. It is about love. Hazel and Augustus go through so much together, along with their friend Isaac. Augustus takes Hazel on a trip to explore Amsterdam and to find their favorite author, Peter Van Houten. Augustus is able to take Hazel on the trip by using his cancer "wish". As they are in Amsterdam, Augustus breaks the news to Hazel that his cancer has returned. As they return to Indianapolis, it is clear that Augustus' time is quickly lessening. Throughout it all, Hazel stays by Augustus' side and doesn't give up. I recommend this book to mostly girls because it is a romance. I really liked this book because it kept me interested and drawn in and I felt like I could connect with the characters very well. I definitely recommend this to anyone, but mostly girls.
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Post by meganthele on Jul 24, 2013 23:26:26 GMT -5
Review of Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
Uncommon Criminals is the second book of the Heist Society series by Ally Carter. The series revolves around Katarina Bishop's family, who steals art, and their different heists. This particular heist is to steal the cursed Cleopatra Emerald to return it to its rightful owner. All goes as planned, but Kat, Hale, and Gabrielle realize that they have been conned into giving the emerald to a con artist who now plans to sell it for a major profit in Monaco. Kat, Hale, and Kat's cousins Gabrielle, Simon, Angus, and Hamish have a week to find out how to get back the emerald before it is sold to the highest bidder and carrying its curse to a new person. In doing this though, Kat has to go against her uncle's rule that forbids anyone in her family to try stealing the Cleopatra Emerald, so she must come up with her own rules now in order to make this mission successful.
A few years ago, I first came across Ally Carter's books with the Gallagher Girls series, and a couple years later at the book fair I noticed that she had a new series that was sort of similar. The whole mysterious, spectacular lifestyle aspect is intriguing because it shows a life that few live and the rest of us will never know exists. Reading about what life in a family of art thieves is something I find interesting because it shows a side of life that a normal person, such as myself, would never get to experience. There is also a sense of mystery and suspense in this book, and I always love a good mystery when I can find one. Overall, this was an amazing book in every way. There was mystery, suspense, drama, and cliffhangers that left you wondering what would happen next in the heist. I would highly recommend this book (and series) for anyone who likes mystery and suspense books, especially ones that include romance and vibrant settings.
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