BOOK BLASTS: Summer Reading
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The Fault in our Stars by John Green Submitted by Emily J.
Plot: A boy and girl suffering from cancer fall in love and travel to Amsterdam. Why read?: It is a great romance but also sad and very heart-felt. |
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The Rag and Bone Shop by Robert Cormier Submitted by Marquis J.
Plot: A neighborhood girl is killed and detectives try to find the killer. Why Read?: Every chapter is interesting and will make you want to read. |
1984 by George Orwell Submitted by Shijo B.
Plot: Winston lives in a society where the Party controls everything, including the past, present, and future. Privacy is eliminated by the telescreens that watch him and individuality is destroyed by the thought police. Even the truth is fabricated and constantly changed. Through physical and psychological means, the Party forces Winston to become inhuman. There is a sense of hopelessness, fear, and hatred.
Why Read?: Orwell warns society of the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of human freedoms.
Other comments: Very influential.
Plot: Winston lives in a society where the Party controls everything, including the past, present, and future. Privacy is eliminated by the telescreens that watch him and individuality is destroyed by the thought police. Even the truth is fabricated and constantly changed. Through physical and psychological means, the Party forces Winston to become inhuman. There is a sense of hopelessness, fear, and hatred.
Why Read?: Orwell warns society of the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of human freedoms.
Other comments: Very influential.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Submitted by Sharon T.
Plot: This book is about two different civilizations and how the people in the story deal with the whole situation.
Why Read? : The Brave New World is a very complex book and I suggest using spark notes after you read each chapter but once you understand it, it is a great book to read. I recommend it for people who like stories about different types of civilizations.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Submitted by Ryan S.
Plot: It takes place in a futuristic dystopia where people are bred in tubes by science, and relationships have no standing. An employee at the breeding facility brings a "savage", or a person who lives outside of the science controlled, back to the society and he struggles to adjust.
Why Read? : It's an interesting read that shows what could happen if technology and superficiality become increasingly prevalent in society.
Comments: One of my favorite books. A great read.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Submitted by Sal L.
Plot: It is about a futuristic society where the government controls everything you do. They won’t even let the members of the society think on their own.
Why Read? : The book is worth reading because it is very complicated but it has a good twists and has a lot of good descriptive characters.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Submitted by Evan W.
Plot: Brave New World is about a futuristic world where everything is regulated by the government. What you do, and who you see is pre-determined, and the world is not free. One man sets out to change things.
Why Read? : This book is worth reading because everyone had thoughts about what the world would be like in a completely different society. It interests most people to see what the world would be like if they were controlled by the government.
Plot: This book is about two different civilizations and how the people in the story deal with the whole situation.
Why Read? : The Brave New World is a very complex book and I suggest using spark notes after you read each chapter but once you understand it, it is a great book to read. I recommend it for people who like stories about different types of civilizations.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Submitted by Ryan S.
Plot: It takes place in a futuristic dystopia where people are bred in tubes by science, and relationships have no standing. An employee at the breeding facility brings a "savage", or a person who lives outside of the science controlled, back to the society and he struggles to adjust.
Why Read? : It's an interesting read that shows what could happen if technology and superficiality become increasingly prevalent in society.
Comments: One of my favorite books. A great read.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Submitted by Sal L.
Plot: It is about a futuristic society where the government controls everything you do. They won’t even let the members of the society think on their own.
Why Read? : The book is worth reading because it is very complicated but it has a good twists and has a lot of good descriptive characters.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Submitted by Evan W.
Plot: Brave New World is about a futuristic world where everything is regulated by the government. What you do, and who you see is pre-determined, and the world is not free. One man sets out to change things.
Why Read? : This book is worth reading because everyone had thoughts about what the world would be like in a completely different society. It interests most people to see what the world would be like if they were controlled by the government.
I know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Submitted by Dakota R.
Plot: A young lady name Maya has great stories and experiences to talk about of her life. She expresses her emotions about growing up and how she did things just to live life right. Young Maya faces racism, lies, and hard working in a neighborhood full of different people both black and white. As a child she grew up to know what’s wrong and what’s right in life and she learns from her mistakes, dishonesty, and foolishness and how to take the golden key to unlock the good of her life. Maya grows and learns that life can change on you quickly and when she wants to find something better or good to do in life that one can be treated unfair as well. Maya moves along in her journey in life to never forget the past.
Why Read?: This book is worth reading because you will learn how hard life can be and that sometimes things are handed to you easily and that sometimes things aren't handed to you as easily. She teaches that growing up can take a lot of footsteps to hit the path you expect to walk through. Be careful who you run up to as both friends and family members can be your enemies. Sometimes you have to teach yourself to grow out of things and to crawl into what’s going to benefit you and the things you do. At the end the decisions you make may turn out with more work for you to do for something you'll find worth doing.
Comments: When I had read this book, I felt the author, Maya, had set me on a ship to a wild journey for a purpose. She allowed me to see how rough the waves can get, how the ship can turn when you don't take the effort to sail it through the right way. The weather around you can change on you either behind you or in front of you, and some moments on that ship between the sky and water may feel good or bad and a learning experience with you in the middle of everything. Once you land to a destination, you realize where you had ended up and why because of the decisions you made to turn that wheel and sail your way on that ship of life.
Plot: A young lady name Maya has great stories and experiences to talk about of her life. She expresses her emotions about growing up and how she did things just to live life right. Young Maya faces racism, lies, and hard working in a neighborhood full of different people both black and white. As a child she grew up to know what’s wrong and what’s right in life and she learns from her mistakes, dishonesty, and foolishness and how to take the golden key to unlock the good of her life. Maya grows and learns that life can change on you quickly and when she wants to find something better or good to do in life that one can be treated unfair as well. Maya moves along in her journey in life to never forget the past.
Why Read?: This book is worth reading because you will learn how hard life can be and that sometimes things are handed to you easily and that sometimes things aren't handed to you as easily. She teaches that growing up can take a lot of footsteps to hit the path you expect to walk through. Be careful who you run up to as both friends and family members can be your enemies. Sometimes you have to teach yourself to grow out of things and to crawl into what’s going to benefit you and the things you do. At the end the decisions you make may turn out with more work for you to do for something you'll find worth doing.
Comments: When I had read this book, I felt the author, Maya, had set me on a ship to a wild journey for a purpose. She allowed me to see how rough the waves can get, how the ship can turn when you don't take the effort to sail it through the right way. The weather around you can change on you either behind you or in front of you, and some moments on that ship between the sky and water may feel good or bad and a learning experience with you in the middle of everything. Once you land to a destination, you realize where you had ended up and why because of the decisions you made to turn that wheel and sail your way on that ship of life.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Submitted by Coree M.
Plot: The main character is Offred, who is a handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. Handmaids are assigned to bear children for the higher class couples who have trouble conceiving. Offred belongs to the commander and his wife. Every month, at a certain time the commander and Offred have wordless, meaningless sex while the wife of the commander sits behind her and holds her hands. Offred has no freedom, she is only allowed out of the house for shopping trips.
Why Read? : The book is worth reading because it's very interesting, and keeps you wanting more. There was never a time while reading this book where I became bored and or uninterested.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Submitted by Meghan R.
Plot: Basically, a feminist dystopia takes over and everyone is organized into a religiously- based hierarchy. The story follows Offred, a handmaid, who has been chosen to produce the next generation for a man high up in the government's family.
Why Read? : The story, for an intellectual reader, could be interesting because it addresses some points that are relatively intriguing. The story addresses ideas of religion, how it should and shouldn't play into society, how women should be involved, and various political slurs.
Other Comments: Seriously, this book is trippy and worth the read. I'll tell you this much, you'll be thankful for what you have.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Submitted by Casey S.
Plot: In the not-so-distant future, there is a radical takeover of the government and in the new government, women are suppressed. Women can no longer work, vote, or leave the house without permission. The main character, Offred, must accept the changes or risk her life to fight for her rights.
Why Read?: I could not put this book down. It seems so realistic and this may become the future of the United States. This is one of the few school-assigned books I have enjoyed reading. It is much like the books I have read for leisure, like Whither by Lauren DeStefano. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.
Plot: The main character is Offred, who is a handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. Handmaids are assigned to bear children for the higher class couples who have trouble conceiving. Offred belongs to the commander and his wife. Every month, at a certain time the commander and Offred have wordless, meaningless sex while the wife of the commander sits behind her and holds her hands. Offred has no freedom, she is only allowed out of the house for shopping trips.
Why Read? : The book is worth reading because it's very interesting, and keeps you wanting more. There was never a time while reading this book where I became bored and or uninterested.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Submitted by Meghan R.
Plot: Basically, a feminist dystopia takes over and everyone is organized into a religiously- based hierarchy. The story follows Offred, a handmaid, who has been chosen to produce the next generation for a man high up in the government's family.
Why Read? : The story, for an intellectual reader, could be interesting because it addresses some points that are relatively intriguing. The story addresses ideas of religion, how it should and shouldn't play into society, how women should be involved, and various political slurs.
Other Comments: Seriously, this book is trippy and worth the read. I'll tell you this much, you'll be thankful for what you have.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Submitted by Casey S.
Plot: In the not-so-distant future, there is a radical takeover of the government and in the new government, women are suppressed. Women can no longer work, vote, or leave the house without permission. The main character, Offred, must accept the changes or risk her life to fight for her rights.
Why Read?: I could not put this book down. It seems so realistic and this may become the future of the United States. This is one of the few school-assigned books I have enjoyed reading. It is much like the books I have read for leisure, like Whither by Lauren DeStefano. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker Submitted by Megan F.
Plot: Celie is a protagonist throughout the book, The Color Purple. Celie is a fourteen-year-old African American. She is poor and uneducated. Celie starts writing letters to God because her father Alphonso beats and rapes her. Although the many obstacles that Celie faces throughout the novel, she able to overcome and conquer the life that she was born into.
Why Read?: Although this book was written in 1982, the events that occur in this book are still prominent in today’s world. It also paints a picture of how African American women were treated in the early 1900's. Also for those of you that don’t like reading this book is written in the format of letters, it does hold your attention throughout the whole novel.
Other Comments: If you’re not interested in this book that might seem a little dated, I suggest reading the book Precious based on a Novel "Push" by Sapphire. It is a more coming of age story about the same events that are detailed in The Color Purple.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker Submitted by Dominique M.
Plot: Celie, the protagonist turns into a very well-rounded girl even thought she suffers abuse and torture.
Why Read? : It keeps you on your toes.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker Submitted by Markus J.
Plot: The story of a young black girl growing up in the 1900's gets pregnant and is forced to move in with a very evil man. This man wants her sister but settles for what he can get to help raise his kids and do work.
Why Read? : This book is worth reading because it opens your eyes to culture in the 1900s time period and how women did not have too many rights.
Comments: I feel this book is worth reading because it is very easy to read and it is designed to be interpreted for everyone to understand.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker Submitted by Shilah S.
Plot: The main character Celie, a very uneducated African American, who gets abused and raped at a young age by her father, who impregnates her. Her sister runs away because her father was abusing her as well. She meets people that help her change the way she has become based on the problems that she has throughout her life.
Why Read? : This book is worth reading because it shows the life of an African American woman and the hardships that she endures in the 1960s.
Plot: Celie is a protagonist throughout the book, The Color Purple. Celie is a fourteen-year-old African American. She is poor and uneducated. Celie starts writing letters to God because her father Alphonso beats and rapes her. Although the many obstacles that Celie faces throughout the novel, she able to overcome and conquer the life that she was born into.
Why Read?: Although this book was written in 1982, the events that occur in this book are still prominent in today’s world. It also paints a picture of how African American women were treated in the early 1900's. Also for those of you that don’t like reading this book is written in the format of letters, it does hold your attention throughout the whole novel.
Other Comments: If you’re not interested in this book that might seem a little dated, I suggest reading the book Precious based on a Novel "Push" by Sapphire. It is a more coming of age story about the same events that are detailed in The Color Purple.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker Submitted by Dominique M.
Plot: Celie, the protagonist turns into a very well-rounded girl even thought she suffers abuse and torture.
Why Read? : It keeps you on your toes.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker Submitted by Markus J.
Plot: The story of a young black girl growing up in the 1900's gets pregnant and is forced to move in with a very evil man. This man wants her sister but settles for what he can get to help raise his kids and do work.
Why Read? : This book is worth reading because it opens your eyes to culture in the 1900s time period and how women did not have too many rights.
Comments: I feel this book is worth reading because it is very easy to read and it is designed to be interpreted for everyone to understand.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker Submitted by Shilah S.
Plot: The main character Celie, a very uneducated African American, who gets abused and raped at a young age by her father, who impregnates her. Her sister runs away because her father was abusing her as well. She meets people that help her change the way she has become based on the problems that she has throughout her life.
Why Read? : This book is worth reading because it shows the life of an African American woman and the hardships that she endures in the 1960s.
The Stranger by Albert Camus Submitted by Jillian C.
Plot: The Stranger is a story about a man named Meursalt who is emotionally detached from everything. He gets in a lot of trouble throughout the story because of his lack of emotion. The ending is truly surprising.
Why Read? : This book is a short, easy read. The plot keeps turning and gets better as the book goes on.
Plot: The Stranger is a story about a man named Meursalt who is emotionally detached from everything. He gets in a lot of trouble throughout the story because of his lack of emotion. The ending is truly surprising.
Why Read? : This book is a short, easy read. The plot keeps turning and gets better as the book goes on.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain Submitted by Brittany C.
Plot: "Tom Sawyer" is the story of a boy’s adventures. He is considered a troublemaker throughout town and hated by many adults. He rebels by running away and breaking all the rules.
Why Read? : It’s a fast paced book that keeps you interested. It never gets boring.
Plot: "Tom Sawyer" is the story of a boy’s adventures. He is considered a troublemaker throughout town and hated by many adults. He rebels by running away and breaking all the rules.
Why Read? : It’s a fast paced book that keeps you interested. It never gets boring.
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry Submitted by Brent C.
Plot: It's centered around the struggling Younger family, whose patriarch has died, and they're receiving insurance money for his death. The story takes place in the Southside of Chicago in the late 1950's. Everyone has dreams; some of the Younger family members' individual dreams are deferred, or shattered, while others are fulfilled. In a racially tense society, they press to make their dreams come true.
Why Read? : This may seem like a stereotypical black novel from back in the day, but if you read between the lines, the book is phenomenal. The book is so good; it was turned into a Broadway play, and has two movies to go with it. The 2008 movie based from this book is great, too.
Other Comments: READ THE BOOK, WATCH THE MOVIES!!!!!!!
Plot: It's centered around the struggling Younger family, whose patriarch has died, and they're receiving insurance money for his death. The story takes place in the Southside of Chicago in the late 1950's. Everyone has dreams; some of the Younger family members' individual dreams are deferred, or shattered, while others are fulfilled. In a racially tense society, they press to make their dreams come true.
Why Read? : This may seem like a stereotypical black novel from back in the day, but if you read between the lines, the book is phenomenal. The book is so good; it was turned into a Broadway play, and has two movies to go with it. The 2008 movie based from this book is great, too.
Other Comments: READ THE BOOK, WATCH THE MOVIES!!!!!!!
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Submitted by Jessica Y.
Plot: Hazel was diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12. She was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs. Two years post-miracle, 16-year old Hazel is post-everything else. And even though she could live for a long time, Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank. After meeting some people, falling in love, and traveling she re-examines the meaning of life & death.
Why Read? : There are so many levels to it. Questions about love, (family, family and romantic), about living the life you’re given, definitions of strength, and life & death and the importance we attribute to both. It's a deeply emotional book, it’s told from the point of view of the cancer sufferer, it puts you right in the heart of the subject material.
Other Comments: Great book. Definitely worth reading.
Plot: Hazel was diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12. She was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs. Two years post-miracle, 16-year old Hazel is post-everything else. And even though she could live for a long time, Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank. After meeting some people, falling in love, and traveling she re-examines the meaning of life & death.
Why Read? : There are so many levels to it. Questions about love, (family, family and romantic), about living the life you’re given, definitions of strength, and life & death and the importance we attribute to both. It's a deeply emotional book, it’s told from the point of view of the cancer sufferer, it puts you right in the heart of the subject material.
Other Comments: Great book. Definitely worth reading.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Submitted by Samuel G.
Plot: This story is of a rich man named Jay Gatsby told through the perspective of Nick Carraway. Nick begins to grow curious of his neighbor, Jay, and he learns some odd things. Throughout the book, much happens that alter both the characters of Jay and Nick.
Why Read? : This book is worth reading because it is written very creatively. You can truly feel the characters come alive.
Other Comments: You will get sucked in to this book and you won't be able to put it down
Plot: This story is of a rich man named Jay Gatsby told through the perspective of Nick Carraway. Nick begins to grow curious of his neighbor, Jay, and he learns some odd things. Throughout the book, much happens that alter both the characters of Jay and Nick.
Why Read? : This book is worth reading because it is written very creatively. You can truly feel the characters come alive.
Other Comments: You will get sucked in to this book and you won't be able to put it down
