A new student review of Templand

VBat posted a new student review of Templand . See the full review.

I felt that Templand was a good book, especially due to its relevant themes. Templand embodied the horror with which young people eye the job market today, as well as their persistant hope for a great job that will enable them to change the world. With unemployment still an issue around the globe, many young adults are anxious about their future, and this idea was clearly present in Templand. 

The style of Templand contributed to making a serious topic more enjoyable to read about. Humorous temp jobs from Melanie's past are mixed in with her narration of the present, which provides comic relief and makes the book lighthearted rather than depressing. The crazy blood-bank manager and her endless professional failings balances out Melanie's awful stint in the asbestos-filled Annex.

Some characters were developed better than others, but on the whole they were likeable and relatable. Melanie's relationship with her grandparents, especially her grandfather, is described well and contributes to the reader's understanding not only of Melanie's past, but also of her work ethic and goals for herself. 

One thing I didn't like about Templand was the lack of dialogue. Most descriptions were narrated through Melanie's eyes, in a journal-type format. However, dialogue was used in these journal entries. I would have liked to see more of that, to break up some of Melanie's thoughts. 

Overall, Templand was a good book that I would recommend to teens and young adults who enjoy chick-lit. It is a great book option for a day at the beach or lazy weekend. 

 

A new student review of Daniel Locke and the Tower of Eden by Marty Longson

scifiguy posted a new student review of Daniel Locke and the Tower of Eden by Marty Longson. See the full review.

I personally enjoyed this book. Its fast-paced action and adventure is appealing to young readers. The plot had incredible twists and turns. I would recommend this book to young adults.

A new student review of Indelible

kaiyle posted a new student review of Indelible . See the full review.

I thought this book was pretty good.  There was fantasy, romance, mythology, adventure, and a little bit of everything else.  It was a little confusing sometimes trying to understand the “claims” that creatures could put on humans but it was not that bad.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

A new student review of The Silent Dragon

MIZZIQ posted a new student review of The Silent Dragon . See the full review.

This was a really intriguing book and reeled me in and wouldn't let me leave until I had read the entire thing. At times it jumps around, leading to confusing passages but for the most part it was pretty easy to follow. I would reccomend to older readers, solely because younger kids may not be interested.

A new student review of Majestica; First Glimpse

ReesaOnFire posted a new student review of Majestica; First Glimpse . See the full review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this “Chick Flick” turned science fiction-fantasy. I couldn't predict what would happen and had to read every detail. Mize did a wonderful job of creating not only a plot, but also ideal characters, realistic situations, and hints for a sequel (for example, whenever Mize mentions Jace’s older Brother).

The only compliant I have about the book is the slow middle. It felt like in the middle Mize put in a few “filler” chapters full of fluff—chapters that had nothing to do with the central story. But the reader will quickly forgive Mize for these “fillers” as she dramatically brings Jace’s past and future into the story. She weaves together betrayal, allies, enemies, and green eyed monsters.  She lets Lacey and the reader find out that Jace isn’t just a normal Tribesman.

Anyone who enjoys a good science-fiction or fantasy story with a wave of romance will love this book. They might get a little frustrated with a few ‘filler’ chapters toward the middle, but if they stick to it they will be rewarded with a great end.  

A new student review of The Language Inside

swimmer1430 posted a new student review of The Language Inside . See the full review.

I really enjoyed The Language Inside and thought that it was a beautiful read. I was not expecting the book to be written in verse, but it worked well with the story, especially since Emma spends part of the book writing poety. I was able to read The Language Inside very quickly because there weren't many words on each page and the pages flew by. Even with less words, the author is able to present a well-rounded story with developed and interesting characters. I loved reading about Japanese and Cambodian cultures and I felt like I learned a lot. This book would be great for a book club, fans of poetry and people who like to read about different cultures.

A new student review of The Spirit of the Heart by Ismael Nuno

nlsings posted a new student review of The Spirit of the Heart by Ismael Nuno. See the full review.

Ismael Nuno does a great job of balancing the content of his anecdotes.  They were readible and engaging.  I would recommend this book to readers who favor memoirs, enjoy medical stories and triumphs, and those who are interested in how people with demanding and complicated careers find symmetry between their professional and personal lives.  Dr. Nuno's tales are professional, but engaging.  They are not bogged down with medical jargon.  

A new student review of The Beautiful and the Cursed

dancechicka posted a new student review of The Beautiful and the Cursed . See the full review.

As promised, this book certainly was unique in its own little way.  It had drama, romance, action, mystery...let’s just say that it kept me on the edge of my seat.  It introduced some points that I have never thought of before.  As soon as I looked at the cover and saw the title--The Beautiful and the Cursed:  Some Nightmares Walk in the Light--I knew I was going to have fun with this one.  I enjoyed all the different points of view—Ingrid’s, Luc’s, and even Gabby’s.  It added much more drama to the novel and helped me understand the plot a little better.  All in all, this was a great book and I would thoroughly recommend it.

“The heat fired up her arm and boiled through her veins.  It reached her face and colored everything she saw red.” --excerpt from The Beautiful and the Cursed

I would recommend this book for ages ten and up, for the reading level, book length, vocabulary, and the mild expletives that you may run across while you or your child is reading.

After uncovering a secret that can never again be buried, will Ingrid ever make it all worth it by finding her lost brother...or will she die trying?  Read Page Morgan’s The Beautiful and the Cursed to find out!

Note:  Can’t get enough of Ingrid and the gang?  The second installment of the Dispossessed series by Page Morgan, The Lovely and the Lost, is coming out in spring 2014!

A new student review of Small as an Elephant

Anjel posted a new student review of Small as an Elephant . See the full review.

My favorite part was when Jack learns that his grandmother didn’t want to take him away, and that she really she cared. I also liked the parts where Jack took out the small elephant for hope. I did not like the parts when Jack got hurt or when he cried. I felt like I was feeling (emotionally and mentally) what he was feeling, but that means that author did a good job writing this book if you can take on the emotions of the characters. I would recommend this book to my friends.

A new student review of Cheesie Mack: Is Cool in a Duel by Steve Cotler

LegoLover posted a new student review of Cheesie Mack: Is Cool in a Duel by Steve Cotler. See the full review.

In "Cheesie Mack is Cool in a Duel", Steve Colter take Cheese's adventures to summer camp.  Just days into a long summer at Camp Windward, he is challenged to a duel to prove who's the coolest.  With best friend Georgie at his side, Cheesie takes on his arch enemy Kevin.  I like the scary story that Cheesie tells about a one-arm man to try to win the final day of the cool duel.  Cotler created an exciting continuation of the life of Cheesie.