Summer Reads

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
I really appreciated the different view of World War 2 that was given in this story.  The sights and sounds of war were made very personal and real through the stories of 2 young people connected only by radio waves- one in France and one in Germany.  This was a sophisticated story that required the reader to participate and read actively, as the timeline jumped forward and back, and across borders.  It was worth the work though, as human kindness unfolded against the backdrop of war.




Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks
What a neat concept for a story- an imaginary friend struggling between wanting what was best for his person and not wanting to disappear himself.  What does it mean to be imaginary?  What makes someone real?  What does true friendship look like?  Although I enjoyed the exploration of these questions, the story was a bit dark, as the young boy was abducted and only the imaginary friend could rescue him.  I think the story could have been better told without that twist.


Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire
Although the book had a slow start I loved this adventure of two young girls set against the backdrop of Russian folklore.  Elena and Ekatrina couldn't lead more different lives, but they learn and grow as they are thrown together and then apart.  The intricately woven tales of Baba Yaga, the Firebird and an Ice Dragon create a fantasy world that is both unbelievable and truthful.  Without having any indication of time period this story takes you on a tour of Russian culture and a bit of history as the young people travel across the country to save magic.



The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
What if your twin fell in love and forgot all about you?  What if the team was counting on you, and your family was falling apart?  These are some of the questions Josh is struggling to answer this season.  As he pushes through the loneliness and challenges he learns that, "True champions learn to dance through the storm".  I really appreciated the heart and emotions shared through this story.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
This may have been my favorite book of the summer!  A love story in the style of Eleanor and Park, filled with truth and vibrance.  Violet and Finch come from different crowds, seeming to have nothing in common, and yet they fill in all the right spaces for each other.  Although the story is sad, I appreciated the raw truth of it.  It is a journey through healing as much as it is a wandering into darkness and the contrast makes it shine all the more brightly.  An excellent read that I know I will recommend often.

Hate me!

Dear Readers,
I have read a story called Hate me. The intensity of that story is wow! This story revolves around a girl named Lily Gamel whose past is not the best. Lily is forced to marry Zaid. Lily is afraid. All her life she is beaten and abused. She's scared. She wants Zaid to hate her since everyone she's ever known hates her. Zaid has a different idea. Zaid showed her love and what life is really about. Zaid was her superhero. He brought her out of her depression. I rate this story 4.5!!!

The Adventure Continues...

Good Afternoon fellow readers,

Summer has begun which means more time for me to read! So I currently am still reading the Inheritance Series which is, without a doubt, one of the best, most magical, enchanting, breathtaking authentic series amongst many books I have read (that are fantasy). I may be exaggerating, yes, but again I'm not much of a total fantasy person so I'm comparing it other fantasy books that I have read.  Anyways, I have finished Eragon and Eldest (the second book) and currently am reading Brisingr. Eldest was just as attention grabbing as Eragon. It really just keeps you on the edge of your seat dying to know what is to come next. The events are so unexpected and ironic which makes it so intense and amazing. Its such a rich and sophisticated series that literally takes you in your mind to see it in action. Is that weird or what! But honestly I can't wait to see how the book turns out to be in the last book Inheritance. I honestly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, a trust me you don't have to like fantasy to love this book! Happy Reading! P.S. sorry I don't have a picture for this post-I'm using the Caldwell library computer so I can't save pictures. But you can certainly look it up in Google Images!

Educated by Malala

Image from: https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malala_Yousafzai

The story of Malala is so inspiring!  I was very excited to read her book, I Am Malala.  Although I have decided that I like the story of Malala more than I actually enjoyed her book, I am still glad that I read it.  

Her pride in her family (especially her father) and culture are clearly evident as she describes in detail how she became an advocate for education and was shot by the Taliban.  This part of her story doesn't come until the last few chapters of the book, which to me reads more like a news report than a novel.  

Her story is one of hope and inspiration though as she and her family stand for what they believe is right no matter the cost.  It also gives a clear picture of the complexity of politics and people groups in the Middle East, something that can be hard to grasp.  Her story breaks down stereotypes and helps us to see people as individuals rather than a cultural or religious group.  For this I truly appreciate her voice- and look forward to hearing more from her. 

Wounded Into A Whole New World

Fellow Readers,

I understand that one of the most treacherous times is upon us that occurs every year. Exams. Although that doesn't stop anyone reading! Lately I've been reading a new series known as the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. Let me just tell you guys something: You. Must. Read. It. No doubt it is a magical mystical books that holds you on the edge of your bed night and day. I can't even begin how many times I got caught during class reading it, just waiting to see whats next. There isn't a sentence that relieves the the minds of readers. It's so good. By the way did I mention that its the first book in the series (Eragon). I'm not much of a fantasy reader but this book leaves you speechless. Honestly it really does make you feel like you're wounded up into a who new world. One that is full of dragons, magic, mystical beings, and much much more. I'm almost done with this one and can't wait to go read Eldest the second book. Please I really recommend this book and I encourage you read this even if you don't read fantasy. Trust me the first page just makes you crazy with determination and questions. It's amazing.

Reading Through Time

I just finished reading The River of Time series by Lisa T Bergren, and really enjoyed being whisked back through time, as the sisters in this series were transported back through ancient tombs into 13th century Italy.  The adventure and romance made me wish to be transported along with them.  Marcello is almost too good to be true, as the handsome courageous Lord of the manor.  Gabriella is the courageous, romantic heroine every princess wants to be, with her loyal sister right by her side every step of the way.  They continually live up to their titles as the "She-wolves" of Siena.
 Although there were way too many "convenient coincidences", with battles always turning their way, plague being stopped at the door, and the girls always having the knowledge they need, it was very entertaining.   I was willing to suspend my disbelief to enter the world recreated by Bergren.
Although I have always been intrigued with Renaissance Italy I didn't previously know about this earlier history of Firenze, Siena, and the other territories that later created Italy.

 I wasn't quite ready to emerge into the 21st century when they were over, and will look forward to reading more from the author.  These stories are full of great adventure and romance, even if they are a bit too "happily ever after" in their outlook.

Keep Calm and Read On!

So recently I haven't been reading (which I am ashamed about) but only for a legitimate reason which is I have and that is because really these past two months are crazy! I know last time I said I started Life of Pi which I did but never got to end. It is truly a magnificent book and that is all I'm going to say. I totally recommend reading it. At first I was just reading through it and I was like okay, okay but as I progressed it just got better and better! I can't wait until I watch the movie. What makes that book just more amazing is that it is based on a true story. Unbelievable. Although I didn't finish it the author says something about this story will make you believe in God and honestly as a believer already it just made it even a stronger belief. Anyways, I look forward to finish reading that and again recommend anyone and everyone to read it! So in english we read the book To Kill A Mockingbird which was sooooo good! I really love that book, honestly it was such an un-expecting plot. The book is split into two parts and the way the author, Harper Lee, weaves in the first part into the completely different plot of the second part was just outstanding. She did it and indeed did it in such a way that leaves you speechless in a good way! Recommend reading it although it is part of the 10th grade circular, so eventually much of you will read it or already have read it. I don't even know what I'd do without books in my life. It probably would be so boring and unimaginative! I love how books opens your mind to the most bizzarest of things! So just keep calm and read on guys! P.s. to all the book club members next meeting is May 13th, be there because we have got some awesome plans for the upcoming end of the year. You can go and ask Mrs. Olson about the April meeting! 

How awesome is this bookmark! We should get one for the LG Book Club!