*Note: if you think you've already seen this post, you have. I was having some irritated technical difficulties.
The Prince of Mist: Let's be real about this. I thought it was going to be about a slightly friendly ghost that needs something figured out. Turns out there's a scary clown AND no happy resolution where the demon/ghost thing dies. Sorry to spoil it, but I had to stay up all night to finish it hoping that the thing wouldn't get me. I was home alone and had to call my sister I was so scared. I'm a baby.
The Secret Life of Prince Charming: I REALLY liked this book. It's similar to the book Story of a Girl that I mentioned in my previous book post because it's one of those find yourself, coming of age stories, but I liked this one much better. Sure the love story part is predictable, but the point of the plot is NOT what you think when you pick it up. I also like the bits of romantic history and advice given by different character voices spread between the main story. I liked it so much I read another of her books (which you'll find at the end of this post). Note: the language in this book isn't always clean, but I'm not ultra sensitive to that.
Carpe Diem: I did not expect to like this book. The first couple of chapters are BORING. However, there's a purpose to the boringness. Vassar Spore is a high school student taking AP and advanced AP classes to try and be the best, the smartest, and get into Vassar (surprise surprise). A twist and a change of plans leads her reluctantly to the adventure of her life. I ended up loving this story and the real growth of the character. Some of the situations seem a little far fetched, but it's fiction for a reason, right?
The Invention of Hugo Cabret: I read this book on the recommendation of my children's lit teacher a year ago (I read it this summer, he recommended it a year ago). It's one of the first books that's ever been considered for both the Newberry and Caldecott awards. The story is told though both text and pictures. The concept and differentness is the main reason I gave it a look. I didn't fall in love with the story (part of that is because it's aimed at much younger people), but the concept is kind of really genius. Give it a try, if you're curious. Don't be intimidated by the size of the book. I read it in just a few hours.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox: I picked this book up because of the cover. It looked intriguing. As soon as I realized that it was another future gone wrong/weird (dystopian) novels I was so excited. Jenna is a girl waking up from a long coma after a devastating car crash and she can't remember anything. Eventually her memories start coming back and she figures out (with the help and hints of those around her) what really happened during that long stay in darkness. This is another book that I really really liked. Sidenote: I know that I give a lot of positive reviews, but I really like to read and rarely really and truly dislike a book).
The Compound: Yes, another in the near future book. There's been a nuclear attack. Luckily Eli's dad is rich and has built a self-sustaining compound for his family (which they will have to stay in for 15 years (if memory serves)). Unluckily, Eli's grandmother and twin brother Eddy are left outside. Time passes, food starts to go bad, and things start to go wrong. Eli's father's back up plan is unthinkable and Eli gets super angsty about what he's really doing with his life and who he really is. Finally, he discovers a secret that changes everything. Just read this. It's so so good. It's one of my most highly recommended on this list.
The Wizard Test: A book aimed at slightly younger kids, but still a good read. To be a wizard in this community is definitely not desireable. After passing (failing?) the test of wizard-hood the main character (who's name I can't remember right this second) has even more trouble trying to figure out what is right and what is wrong. A decent, quick read.
The UnNameables: I did not like this book when I started. I even told Sarah that it was boring and I wasn't sure I would finish it. It did start a little slow, but eventually picked up and I found myself putting off other tasks and events to finish it. Basic plotline: a group of people live on an island secluded off the mainland and everything must have a purpose and be named for that purpose. An orphan with a secret passion and a wandering goatman (I'm thinking he was probably a faun in the style of Narnia) don't quite fit in with the community and unsettle the islands careful system.
The Fortunes of Indigo Skye: See! I told you I would come back to this author. This book was perhaps a little more unrealistic than even The Secret Life of Prince Charming, but isn't that what fiction is for? To take us out of our world into a made up world and hopefully maybe make us think while doing so? I enjoyed this book, once again, and have just picked up another by the same author. The real question is, what would you do with 2.5 million dollars?
**Another note: If anyone can recommend any dystopian novels to me I'd be very interested (or any books for that matter.
1 comment:
I've been meaning to read "The Secret Life of Prince Charming." I've heard good things.
"The Adoration of Jenna Fox" was awesome! What a great book. I got to hear the author speak at a conference last month, and she is just as amazing as you'd expect. AND she's working on a sequel. Which rocks.
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