Martha Boyle had never known Olive Barstow very well. She had always known her as the quiet on in the class of which she had to feel sorry for. No one really liked Olive and now, she was gone. Not much of a disappearance to anyone though, such a shame to find such a young and beautiful girl on the side of the road. She had been hit by a car one day while riding her bike. Olive's Mother found her way to Martha's house with a diary entry that she had written. Never seen the Ocean? How did she think Martha was so nice since, she had never really talked to her before. Martha visits her GrandMother, Godbee, near the ocean and finds far more than she ever thought she would. Love, betrayal, confusion, and fear surrounds her trip. Soon she finds her heart's desires and without a doubt, a heart desires her. It's no use lieing to the world anylonger. Martha's secret will dwell no longer!
Olive's Ocean was a very quick read and I must admit that, this book did not catch my interest quite as I had hoped. This book is definately for younger readers. It was a beautifully written book although it did not quite catch my interest for a few reasons. The character in the story is 12 years old and young romance is too slow moving for older teenagers. When you find yourself further in the book, it definately starts to get Juicy!
This book is meant for younger readers but does mention subjects such as sex but in a modest manner. Kissing and holding hands is also in the book but that is of no matter.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Shalamar Code by Mary Louise Clifford
This book is about Mumtaz's adventures in Pakistan's criminal underworld. Mumtaz is a girl from a wealthy family in Pakistan. Her brother likes to gamble, and he owes fifteen thousand rupees to his bridge friends. In order to make up this debt, he promises to deliver a package of cigarettes to a seedy character who calls himself Moocher. However, when there is a mix up, Mumtaz is forced to help her brother get out of a tight spot. She enlists the help of her friend, Rashid. Mumtaz and Rashid discover that there is more to the package of cigarettes then what first meets the eye. Hidden in the package is a secret message. Together, Mumtaz and Rashid discover a plot that could endanger none other than Mumtaz's father. They create a plan that will destroy Moocher's plot. However, when the plan backfires, Mumtaz and Rashid are in serious trouble. They will have to do some quick thinking if they wish to save Mumtaz's father and themselves!
This book is a quick read; it is very fast paced. The description of life in Pakistan seems very realistic. The characters are also well-developed. I especially liked the author makes the criminal Moocher's character believable. I also really liked that the author shows the reader some the motives of the criminals. It gives the reader an unusual perspective. However, I thought the plot was rather predictable. The book's plot seems like a thriller, but the action in the book is slow.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Urbana , Illinois United States
This book is a quick read; it is very fast paced. The description of life in Pakistan seems very realistic. The characters are also well-developed. I especially liked the author makes the criminal Moocher's character believable. I also really liked that the author shows the reader some the motives of the criminals. It gives the reader an unusual perspective. However, I thought the plot was rather predictable. The book's plot seems like a thriller, but the action in the book is slow.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Urbana , Illinois United States
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Private by Kate Brian
Reed Brennan has waited a long time to get away from her family problems, so when she receives a scholarship to Easton Academy, she leaves as soon as possible. She immediately stands out as the new kid, not as smart, or rich, or beautiful enough as everyone else. But when she is allowed to hang out with the Billings Girls, the most exclusive girls on campus, Reed jumps at the chance and does their every bidding. The more Reed spends time with the Billings girls, the more she realizes how dangerous they really are. But the girls aren't her only problem. She also isolates her roommate and has bad luck with boys on campus. But when Reed realizes what she's gotten into, it's too late to get away.
I thought this book was great! Kate Brian gets better and better with every book she writes. Private exceeded my expectations. Once I started this, I finished it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Reed was an interesting character to read about. The story really sucks you in as well. I was really excited when I found out that there are 3 three other books in the series. I'm giong to pick them up as soon as possible.
Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA
I thought this book was great! Kate Brian gets better and better with every book she writes. Private exceeded my expectations. Once I started this, I finished it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Reed was an interesting character to read about. The story really sucks you in as well. I was really excited when I found out that there are 3 three other books in the series. I'm giong to pick them up as soon as possible.
Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA
Busted by Phil Bildner
As a lot of us know, High school has way to much drama. It's a wonder that most of the adults you see even made it through those tedious four years. But in Phil Bildner's new book Busted, if you get caught, you don't make it. It doesn't matter if you are busted for being high, bullying, gambling, or breaking the zero-tolerance policy. If you are busted, you will have a lot to pay. Your consequences could include not going to prom, not being able to graduate, or even being sent to jail. If you are ever sent to Creek High school, you better watch out and obey the rules. Don't get busted like they did.
I enjoyed reading this book. I felt like all the stories and ways that people were acting prepared me for High school. But if these stories are based from a teachers experiences, it also made me fell a little scared. Especially because of Andre, the school bully. All through the story I hade chills running up And down my spine. Listening to him terrorizing people the way he did made me want to run away and hide. But I couldn't do that. It was almost as if the book was hypnotizing me, making me read all the thrilling stories that Phil Bildner created. So if you want a terrific school story, get caught reading this new book, Busted.
sexual references, drug use, laungauge
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, AZ United States of America
I enjoyed reading this book. I felt like all the stories and ways that people were acting prepared me for High school. But if these stories are based from a teachers experiences, it also made me fell a little scared. Especially because of Andre, the school bully. All through the story I hade chills running up And down my spine. Listening to him terrorizing people the way he did made me want to run away and hide. But I couldn't do that. It was almost as if the book was hypnotizing me, making me read all the thrilling stories that Phil Bildner created. So if you want a terrific school story, get caught reading this new book, Busted.
sexual references, drug use, laungauge
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, AZ United States of America
Holdup by Terri Fields
A group of seventeen and eighteen year olds who don't know each other. The only thing they have in common is the grease stains on their uniforms. Until now. When two gunman come to the fast food joint where they work, they must all band together to fight the people who are capable of killing them. All they have to do is give the man his money. If only it were that simple. In the captivating novel by Terri Fields, Holdup is unlike other novels. You are able to read from nine point of views from the lives that were affected that night, as the drama unfolds. Will they make it? And when the gun goes off, who's hit?
I have never read a book like Holdup, but now that I have, I am thirsty for more Terri Fields novels. In this dramatic book, you are unable to leave the book unread. I had to know what would happen next, all the time. You could feel the pain, suffering, confusion in each of the persons lives. Not a lot of people can do that, and that Terri Fields can makes her a truly special author. I believe that this book is for people who like thriller tales and for those who like knowing how all people react to the same situation. But this books is one of the best book I have read in a while, so I think just about anyone could enjoy Holdup!
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, AZ United States of America
I have never read a book like Holdup, but now that I have, I am thirsty for more Terri Fields novels. In this dramatic book, you are unable to leave the book unread. I had to know what would happen next, all the time. You could feel the pain, suffering, confusion in each of the persons lives. Not a lot of people can do that, and that Terri Fields can makes her a truly special author. I believe that this book is for people who like thriller tales and for those who like knowing how all people react to the same situation. But this books is one of the best book I have read in a while, so I think just about anyone could enjoy Holdup!
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, AZ United States of America
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
The Mother-Daughter Book Club is comprised of four girls; Emma, Megan, Jess and Cassie; and their mothers. Well, all except for Jess's mother, who's off in NY acting on a soap opera. The club was started by the mothers, and the girls aren't particularly happy with having to hang out with each other. Megan would rather be spending time with her popular friends; Cassie would rather be playing hockey; Jess would rather be with her mom; and Emma would like to be writing or reading quietly. But who knows - maybe a whole year of reading and discussing Little Women together will bring the unlikely quartet into a fresh outlook of each other.
The chapters in the book rotate between each of the girls' viewpoints. Their voices weren't particularly distinct, and I found it difficult to keep track of all the names. The writing wasn't outstanding, but it certainly was a cute little book. A fun, fluffy story that's perfect for a rainy day You'll especially like it if you're familiar with Little Women.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA
The chapters in the book rotate between each of the girls' viewpoints. Their voices weren't particularly distinct, and I found it difficult to keep track of all the names. The writing wasn't outstanding, but it certainly was a cute little book. A fun, fluffy story that's perfect for a rainy day You'll especially like it if you're familiar with Little Women.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA
The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
The Mother-Daughter Book Club is comprised of four girls; Emma, Megan, Jess and Cassie; and their mothers. Well, all except for Jess's mother, who's off in NY acting on a soap opera. The club was started by the mothers, and the girls aren't particularly happy with having to hang out with each other. Megan would rather be spending time with her popular friends; Cassie would rather be playing hockey; Jess would rather be with her mom; and Emma would like to be writing or reading quietly. But who knows - maybe a whole year of reading and discussing Little Women together will bring the unlikely quartet into a fresh outlook of each other.
The chapters in the book rotate between each of the girls' viewpoints. Their voices weren't particularly distinct, and I found it difficult to keep track of all the names. The writing wasn't outstanding, but it certainly was a cute little book. A fun, fluffy story that's perfect for a rainy day You'll especially like it if you're familiar with Little Women.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA
The chapters in the book rotate between each of the girls' viewpoints. Their voices weren't particularly distinct, and I found it difficult to keep track of all the names. The writing wasn't outstanding, but it certainly was a cute little book. A fun, fluffy story that's perfect for a rainy day You'll especially like it if you're familiar with Little Women.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA
Monday, April 23, 2007
Tasting the Sky by Ibtisam Barakat
After her entire life being told to forget, Ibtisam Barakat will remember and piece together her childhood in war-ravaged Israel. Her memories show the hardships of war and truly what it is like to be a refugee. As a child Ibtisam finds happiness and relief in her Arabic language, the way someone would when seeing family. When older she writes pen pals around the world, giving her tastes of different cultures, governments, and freedoms from language. As more of a six-day war, a goat, and a lost shoe, comes back to Ibtisam, she will have to put these shards of memory together, to fully remember her childhood.
The insightful memoir Tasting the Sky, by Ibtisam Barakat, gives us a glimpse of a misunderstood culture through the blood-shot eyes of a 3 year-old refugee. Right off the bat, I was pulled into a gritty world as Ibtisam barely squeaks out a word, with an almost soulless looking soldier frighteningly barking broken Arabic down her throat. She is defined through her childhood memories, and as the book progresses, you see the evolution of the character, and how she grew up into who Ibtisam is now. Although the beginning of the novel was fast paced, the middle slowed down and I found myself losing some interest, like being handed puzzle pieces that don’t fit together. What kept me reading was the beautiful detail, which felt like reading art, like on page 7, when it states “Lighting a cigarette from the dying ember of the one he has just finished and filling his chest with the flavor of fire, he makes frog cheeks and blows smoke rings that widen like binoculars as he glances at us through the smoky panel. He looks at us as though we are only suitcases in his custody.” Towards the end, the picture formed and all the pieces fit together. If Tasting the Sky was consistent with the pace throughout the entire book, it would be a great deal better, but with believable characters, an original story and simply beautiful detail, this memoir is a fantastic read.
Content:2
During a walk home from school Ibtisam was almost raped, but fought back and got away. This only takes place on about 2 pages though. Also, the mother was almost sexually assaulted by two soldiers forcing the family to move. It could have been more graffic or detailed so I gave Tasting the Sky a 2 as a content rating.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mount laurel, New Jersey USA
The insightful memoir Tasting the Sky, by Ibtisam Barakat, gives us a glimpse of a misunderstood culture through the blood-shot eyes of a 3 year-old refugee. Right off the bat, I was pulled into a gritty world as Ibtisam barely squeaks out a word, with an almost soulless looking soldier frighteningly barking broken Arabic down her throat. She is defined through her childhood memories, and as the book progresses, you see the evolution of the character, and how she grew up into who Ibtisam is now. Although the beginning of the novel was fast paced, the middle slowed down and I found myself losing some interest, like being handed puzzle pieces that don’t fit together. What kept me reading was the beautiful detail, which felt like reading art, like on page 7, when it states “Lighting a cigarette from the dying ember of the one he has just finished and filling his chest with the flavor of fire, he makes frog cheeks and blows smoke rings that widen like binoculars as he glances at us through the smoky panel. He looks at us as though we are only suitcases in his custody.” Towards the end, the picture formed and all the pieces fit together. If Tasting the Sky was consistent with the pace throughout the entire book, it would be a great deal better, but with believable characters, an original story and simply beautiful detail, this memoir is a fantastic read.
Content:2
During a walk home from school Ibtisam was almost raped, but fought back and got away. This only takes place on about 2 pages though. Also, the mother was almost sexually assaulted by two soldiers forcing the family to move. It could have been more graffic or detailed so I gave Tasting the Sky a 2 as a content rating.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mount laurel, New Jersey USA
Saturday, April 21, 2007
The Big Book of Pop Culture by Hal Niedzviecki
This book is about the history and basics of pop culture. Also, it serves as a guide for aspiring artists who want to publish magazines and books, make movies, music or radio shows, or create a website or blog. This book focuses a lot on independent (indie) pop culture and its history as well. At the end of each segment, there are resources for further information on each subject of pop culture. Recommended books, do-it-yourself activities, and internet searches give the reader more knowledge to make that perfect work of art.
This book is a must-have for anyone who wishes to be involved in the media or have their work distributed in the community. The book lists numerous outside resources to perfect your "zine" or to make your movie a hit. The book also features interviews from independent pop culture icons so you can see first hand that you are traveling the same path they did early in their careers. You learn a lot about how the media industry operates, and it helps readers understand the motives and decision making behind the content we see everyday. Step-by-step approaches and case stories from the pop culture world provide readers with in-depth knowledge about making your impact and further understanding pop culture. This is a great book for future pop culture phenomenons.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States
This book is a must-have for anyone who wishes to be involved in the media or have their work distributed in the community. The book lists numerous outside resources to perfect your "zine" or to make your movie a hit. The book also features interviews from independent pop culture icons so you can see first hand that you are traveling the same path they did early in their careers. You learn a lot about how the media industry operates, and it helps readers understand the motives and decision making behind the content we see everyday. Step-by-step approaches and case stories from the pop culture world provide readers with in-depth knowledge about making your impact and further understanding pop culture. This is a great book for future pop culture phenomenons.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States
True Talents by David Lubar
True Talents was a sequal to Hidden Talents. One year ago six 14-year-old boys with special talents met at Edgeveiw Alteritive school where they became close friends. Now "Trash" who can move things with his mind, has been kidnapped but doesn't remember how or why and is acting a little loopy. He is a lab rat and has to escape, that is one thing he konows for sure. Slowly but surely puzzle pieces of his past are comming together. Meanwile his friends and family believe he is dead. Trash's friends (Torchie, Cheater, Lucky, Flinch and Martin) are having there own difficulties with their talents, home life, the death of their friend and being apart from the people who can truely understand and help, each other.
I thought the book was good, a little daring at the beginning because Trash is babbling on nonsence like a talkative, imaginative ten-year-old. But if you make it threw the first few pages you realize he's been drugged and can't think straight, he is a prisoner and is being experimented on. Lubar has a very interesting way of writing you see things from many points of veiw. He creates the charecters with distinct personalities and problems in which other kids could easily relate. there is accually more to the plot then meets the eye, there are some delightful and unexpected surprises that will catch you off guard and a few twists and turns in the plot. But sometimes the book is hard to keep up with, he can't always get across what I think he's trying to say. Some of the word choice is slightly amatueur. For instance some of the things the kids say are things people don't really say. The book is a bit slow at parts as well. To be an excellent book it would need to be more developed but over all I thought it was a good book and enjoyed reading it.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sandy, Oregon United States
I thought the book was good, a little daring at the beginning because Trash is babbling on nonsence like a talkative, imaginative ten-year-old. But if you make it threw the first few pages you realize he's been drugged and can't think straight, he is a prisoner and is being experimented on. Lubar has a very interesting way of writing you see things from many points of veiw. He creates the charecters with distinct personalities and problems in which other kids could easily relate. there is accually more to the plot then meets the eye, there are some delightful and unexpected surprises that will catch you off guard and a few twists and turns in the plot. But sometimes the book is hard to keep up with, he can't always get across what I think he's trying to say. Some of the word choice is slightly amatueur. For instance some of the things the kids say are things people don't really say. The book is a bit slow at parts as well. To be an excellent book it would need to be more developed but over all I thought it was a good book and enjoyed reading it.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sandy, Oregon United States
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)