Franny and Zooey

Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger

The short story, "Franny", takes place in an unnamed college town and tells the tale of an undergraduate who is becoming disenchanted with the selfishness and inauthenticity she perceives all around her.

The novella, Zooey, is named for Zooey Glass, the second-youngest member of the Glass family. As his younger sister, Franny, suffers a spiritual and existential breakdown in her parents' Manhattan living room -- leaving Bessie, her mother, deeply concerned -- Zooey comes to her aid, offering what he thinks is brotherly love, understanding, and words of sage advice.

                                   I was very surprised by the ssophisticatedmanner in which this book was written. In stark contrast to Salinger's other famous work, "The Catcher in the Rye", this book was immensely wordy, and where as Holden from Catcher despises actors, one of the main characters in this book, Zooey Glass, is a professional actor, with the other Franny, being an amateur. It is a read which deserves periodic reflection, and may require one to carry around a pocket dictionary, but despite and also because of these facts it is a satisfying and worthwhile read.

Rating: 8.877777 out of 10

Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

                                         Griff- This book is full of mystery and action. It will keep readers on their toes as they read through the adventures of the main character. The reader will cheer and cry along with the characters and feel as though they were with them. If you're in the mood for suspense and mystery this book is definitely for you!

Rating:10 out of 10

The Green Beauty Guide

The Green Beauty Guide By Julie Gabrial

Go green and get gorgeous The promise of beauty is as close as the drugstore aisle shampoo that gives your hair more body, lotions that smooth away wrinkles, makeup that makes your skin look flawless, and potions that take it all off again. But while conventional products say they'll make you more beautiful, they contain toxins and preservatives that are both bad for the environment and bad for your body including synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, and even formaldehyde. In the end, they damage your natural vitality and good looks. 
Fortunately, fashion writer, nutritionist, and beauty maven Julie Gabriel helps you find the true path to natural, healthy, green beauty. She helps you decipher labels on every cosmetic product you pick up and avoid toxic and damaging chemicals with her detailed Toxic Ingredients List. You'll learn valuable tips on what your skin really needs to be healthy, glowing, and youthful. 

                                                        This book is great for anyone ooking to increase their knowledge on the toxic chemicals we but into our bodies via cosmetics! It is a wonderful foundation in starting a greener life style. The recipes are a bit advanced, so try checking the internet for more basic ones, before trying the ones in the book. If you are concerned about putting cancer causing agents in your body you need this book!

Rating: 9 out of 10

We Were Liars

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

                                   "Me, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat. Gat, Mirren Johnny, and me." They were liars, but they were so beautiful. Lockhart wrote one of the deepest and most beautiful novels ever.  Each chapter is like a short story. Also, every paragraph seemed as if it was the last. Lockhart is gifted. She is deep and her writing is like no other. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

City Of Bones

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

                                   Griff- This book emotionally tore me limb from limb with twists and turns all along the way. Just when you think you know everything, there's something else the author adds to give it a spin. this book was fantastic and I recommend it to all audiences. The author's style will leave you curious, and that will force you to go out and get the next book. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

This Star Won't Go Out

This Star Won't Go Out by Ester Earl with Lori &Wayne Earl 

A collection of the journals, fiction, letters, and sketches of the late Esther Grace Earl, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 16. Photographs and essays by family and friends will help to tell Esther’s story along with an introduction by award-winning author John Green

                                This book was eye opening. To be able to read someone's diary is one of the most interesting experiences. Rarely do you get the unfiltered truth of what it's like to be a cancer patient, but in this book Esther Earl tells you what it is like. Esther's story of friendship and hardship inspired me. Nonfiction isn't my cup of tea, but Esther's inspiring story kept me interested until the end. 

Rating: 9 out of 10

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

                                      Austin Shaw: The Fault in Our Stars is the greatest story of all time. The way Augustus Waters speaks is inevitably the most amazing way to speak to another. John Green will make you laugh and cry. It's an easy read and an amazing story. 

Rating: 10 out of 10


                                Desarae- This was absolutely amazing! I was attached to it for like 2 days straight. It shows the struggle of loving someone and also having a health condition. There are parts of the book that are very emotional, and there are also parts that are absolutely adorable. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that likes reading about love stories! 


Rating: 10 out of 10

A Clock Work Orange

A Clock Work Orange by Anthony Burgess

Fifteen-year-old Alex and his three friends start an evening's mayhem by hitting an old man, tearing up his books and stripping him of money and clothes.

Or rather Alex and his three droogs tolchock an old veck, razrez his books, pull off his outer platties and take a malenky bit of cutter. For Alex's confessions are written in 'nadsat' - the teenage argot of a not-too-distant future.

Because of his delinquent excesses, Alex is jailed and made subject to 'Ludovico's Technique', a chilling experiment in Reclamation Treatment...

                     Ivy Musser: This is a very unique book. The author uses a made-up/teenage slang that is often difficult to decipher. Very graphic and typically meant for young, but mature readers. I quite enjoyed this book despite it's graphics. This book has also been made into a film, which I also think is excellent. This book was made in the '70's, but set in the 'future' which creates an unusual, but interesting setting for the story. 

Rating: 8 out of 10

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973."

So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her -- her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling. 

                  Ivy Musser: I thought it was an excellent novel. I think the fact that the author some of her personal experiences for the inspiration really helped the book become successful. The climax of the novel was most powerful and brought me to tears. The author is very descriptive with a neat writing style which is what drew me into the book. After reading this book, I wanted to read more by this particular author. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. 

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

                      Janelle Hayward: Perfect Chemistry was an amazing read. The story was so strong, each scene filling me with sadness or joy. I simply couldn't put it down. The suspense, growing love, and constant action was just amazing I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a story after your heart. 

Rating: 10 out of 10


                   This was one of the best books I have ever read. The plot was AMAZING, I never wanted to put the book down! I love the characters so much, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! My emotions were constantly changing, hands down one of the best books ever!


Rating: 10 out of 10

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic.

                                 This book was slow at times, but overall I enjoyed it. It followed the lives for two children who had their own unique personalities. I liked the first half of the book much more than the second, when it got into the court case mare and less about the children and Boo Radley. I loved the end of the book though and how Boo was brought back into it. 

Rating: 7 out of 10


                              Smee Bucket- This book, know as an American classic, is worth that label. It is very detailed, both for characters and setting, and readers can clearly picture everything.  Some of the words are hard and the first couple pages are very slow, but other than that, the story is interesting, In the story, 6-year-old tom boy Scout Finch llives in the South during the 1930's and must learn about racism, respect, maturity, and other important themes. 


Rating: 8 out of 10

Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

                        This book wasn't bad although a bit confusing to me at times. I liked the idea of it although it's quite unoriginal, but I think it's an important lesson to remember; don't judge by appearance. Kind of uneventful in my opinion and written in a way that it wasn't exciting. This book wasn't up to my expectations. 

Rating 6 out of 10

Compound

Compound by S.A. Bodeen

Eli and his family have lived in the underground Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone, and they've become accustomed to their new life. Accustomed, but not happy.

For Eli, no amount of luxury can stifle the dull routine of living in the same place, with only his two sisters, his father and mother, doing the same thing day after day after day. 

As problems with their carefully planned existence threaten to destroy their sanctuary—and their sanity—Eli can't help but wonder if he'd rather take his chances outside. 

Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. But are they safe—or sorry?

                            I loved this book so much. I twas full of twists and non-stop action. It was so unpredictable and a very creative idea. This book really got me thinking constantly wondering what was going to happen next and figure out the mystery of whether or not it was the end of the world outside the little sanctuary the father forced them into for their 'safety'. 

Rating: 8 out of 10

Everyday

Everyday by David Levithan

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day

                         Great book and very well written. I loved the creativity of the idea and how every chapter he was a new character. It never got boring and I loved the diversity of the people's bodies he was in. It got me thinking about how different people really are. I loved the drama and romance thrown in with the adventure. This is a great book for all. 

Rating: 8 out of 10

No Safety in Numbers

No Safety in Numbers by Dayna Lorentz

Life As We Knew It meets Lord of the Flies in a mall that looks just like yours

A biological bomb has just been discovered in the air ducts of a busy suburban mall. At first nobody knows if it's even life threatening, but then the entire complex is quarantined, people start getting sick, supplies start running low, and there's no way out. Among the hundreds of trapped shoppers are four teens.

                                 I liked the idea of the book, but I think it was poorly written. It was just boring and slow for most of the book and I just couldn't get into it. The setting was often the same and I had to push myself to finish the book. Not worth my time. Very disappointed.

Rating: 3 out of 10

Now is the Time for Running

Now is the Time for Running by Michael Williams

Just down the road from their families, Deo and his friends play soccer in the dusty fields of Zimbabwe, cheered on by Deo's older brother, Innocent. It is a day like any other . . . until the soldiers arrive and Deo and Innocent are forced to run for their lives, fleeing the wreckage of their village for the distant promise of safe haven. Along the way, they face the prejudice and poverty that await refugees everywhere, and must rely on the kindness of people they meet to make it through. But when tragedy strikes, Deo's love of soccer is all he has left. Can he use that gift to find hope once more?

                                 This book was pretty interesting in my opinion. A great book to read if you like sports (especially soccer). Even if you don't you still might like it because it is very eventful and well written. I got very connected to the characters as they fought to stay alive and free. Very fast-paced novel that will keep you reading. 

Rating: 7 out of 10

Bruiser

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

There’s a reason why Brewster can’t have friends – why he can’t care about too many people. Because when he cares about you, things start to happen. Impossible things that can’t be explained. I know, because they're happening to me."

When Brontë starts dating Brewster “Bruiser” Rawlins – the guy voted “Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty” her twin brother, Tennyson, isn’t surprised. But then strange things begin to occur. Tennyson and Brontë’s scrapes heal unnaturally fast, and cuts disappear before their eyes. What at first seems like their good fortune turns out to be more than they bargained for…much more.

                           I really liked this book, but it was a bit slow at parts. I loved the mystery of it at the beginning and I wanted to keep reading to get all of the details. The characters I quickly fell in love with especially Bruiser. I loved how he was tough, but still had some sensitivity. Bruiser is a must read for anyone who loves mystery and romance. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 

The Last Lecture

The last lecture by Randy Pausch & Jeffrey Zaslow

A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can't help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?

When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave--"Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"--wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because "time is all you have...and you may find one day that you have less than you think"). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.

                              This book really touched my heart. By the end, I had shed a few tears. The fact that it was a true story really got to me. I liked it, but it took me a little while to get through it because it was pretty slow at times. It really made me have a new look on my life after reading about people so close to death. It was an inspiring novel that I would love to read again sometime. 

Rating: 7 out of 10

Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

                                 This book was on of my favorites. It kept me on the edge of my seat through everything. I thought the whole idea of the novel was creative and interesting and I loved the romance that was throne in. I thought it had the perfect balance romance, violence, action and intensity along with the mystery of what was going to happen next. I also love how Tris is a strong female protagonist in the story, but realistically, she isn't perfect. 

Rating: 9 out of 10

Candor

Candor by Pam Bachorz

In the model community of Candor, Florida, every teen wants to be like Oscar Banks. The son of the town’s founder, Oscar earns straight As, is student-body president, and is in demand for every club and cause.

But Oscar has a secret. He knows that parents bring their teens to Candor to make them respectful, compliant—perfect—through subliminal Messages that carefully correct and control their behavior. And Oscar’s built a business sabotaging his father’s scheme with Messages of his own, getting his clients out before they’re turned. After all, who would ever suspect the perfect Oscar Banks?

Then he meets Nia, the girl he can’t stand to see changed. Saving Nia means losing her forever. Keeping her in Candor, Oscar risks exposure . . . and more.

                                This book was good although I feel like the idea is kind of unorigional. The whole idea of a city where everything people do and think is controlled, has been done before. Picking up this book I was hoping for something more, but I didn't get it. Just the same old romance and adventure that has already been written. Although the book did keep me wondering why exactly this city turned into what it did. 

Rating: 6 out of 10

Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

                        This book was great. While reading this I was constantly wondering why exactly she committed suicide; I didn't understand. As I neared the end of the book I was finally starting to understand that for some people, the little things add up to be really big things. This book opened my eyes to bullying and really changed my perspective on life. Everything you do matters and sometimes the smallest things can make a huge impact on peoples lives. This book allowed me to see that. 

Rating: 9 out of 10

                          Miranda Petrosky- This was one of the BEST books I've ever read! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this novel. The plot is amazing. The story makes you keep guessing what's going to happen next, or who's on the next tape. This is a MUST read!

Rating:10 out of 10

The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay

Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

                       I had high hopes for this book because of how much I loved the first two, but after reading this I was really let down. It was slow and nowhere near as well written as the two before it. Also I was disappointed with the entire ending and who Katniss ended up with. I feel like not much happened at all through the book and it was a waste of my time reading it. Very disappointed. 

Rating: 4 out of 10

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

                     Surprisingly just as good as, if not better than the first one. It was action packed and still had just the right amount of romance. I loved the idea for the arena this time and all the new characters that were introduced. I liked how it was similar to the first, but had enough differences to make it worth reading for sure. Again it was very well written and I could read it over and over. 

Rating: 9 out of 10

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The 'tributes' are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

                  I loved the creative idea of this book and how futuristic it was. I quickly fell in love with all of the characters and it was like I could feel the pain Katniss felt at different times in the novel. I thought it was very well written and I loved the fact that Katniss was a strong female character, but still had her weakness like all people. Defiantly a must read if you haven't done so already.

Rating: 8 out of 10

The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. 

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl who scratches out a meager existence by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist: books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. 

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

                 I liked the way the book was written which is much different than other Holocaust novels, but it wasn't very enjoyable for me. I thought that it was somewhat uneventful and I didn't want to keep reading it like I do with a lot of other books. I didn't like the ending at all I found it really unrealistic and disappointing.

Rating: 6 out of 10

 

 

                 Bucket- Zusak is almost synesthetic in his descriptions, and involves lots of color and smell symbolism. Somehow, having death as a narrator makes the story more light hearted, even when things get dark. The book gives you a different perspective of WWII. I loved this moving and exciting book, and I especially recommend it if your English class doesn't cover it.

 

Rating: 9 out of 10

Beanball

Beanball by Gene Fehler

It's the last inning of a high school baseball game between arch-rivals Oak Grove and Compton. Center fielder Luke "Wizard" Wallace steps up to the plate--and is hit by a beanball, a wild pitch that shatters his skull, destroys the vision in his left eye, and changes his life forever.
In this riveting novel, the events surrounding this pivotal moment are recounted through free-verse monologues by 28 different voices, including those of Luke and his Oak Grove teammates; the pitcher, Kyle Dawkins, and other Compton players; the two coaches; Luke's family members and teachers; and Sarah Edgerton, a new classmate who seems more affected by Luke's injury than his girlfriend is.
With its unusual format, gripping subject matter, and economy of language, Beanball is a thought-provoking, fast-paced read.

                     I loved how this book was written through poems and paragraphs. I also loved how it told the story through so many different peoples perspectives. I really enjoyed this unique book and even though it's mainly about baseball, I think everyone could enjoy it. It made me think about how I would be if something tragic happened to me and made me thankful for the life I do have. Good book for all to read. Defiantly worth the time. 

Rating: 8 out of 10

How to Save a Life

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr 

Jill MacSweeney just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she’s been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends—everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels like she’s somehow trying to replace a lost family member with a new one.

Mandy Kalinowski understands what it’s like to grow up unwanted—to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, one thing she’s sure of is that she wants a better life for her baby. It’s harder to be sure of herself. Will she ever find someone to care for her, too?

As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn to both let go and hold on, and that nothing is as easy—or as difficult—as it seems.

             I thought this book was rather dull and uneventful. I like how it switched to a different peoples perspectives, but it took me forever to get through. The book was kind of sad and depressing following the troubled lives of these girls and it was not very enjoyable to read. Although it did make me think that maybe people act a certain way because of things that happened in their past and it's important to give everyone a chance. 

Rating: 5 out of 10 

Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.

                          I thought the book was very well written and had a very interesting plot. Not only was the plot unique, the ending is a huge shocker. I started on the second book and I can't wait to finish it!

Rating : 8 out of 10