Extracurricular+Books

__** Reviews **__ Book: __The Color Of Magic__ ISBN: 978-0-06-102071-1 Author: Terry Pratchett

Again, I will review for a comedic book follows. Similarly to the __Hitchhiker’s Guide__ this novel mocks the characters and reality in general. Specific examples of the satire need not be mentioned now because the whole book is full of it and now you need to know the basic plot of the book. So, here goes. The story is set in Discworld, which is a completely flat land that rests on the back of four giant elephants which are furthermore standing on a giant turtle. The gods of Discworld, in the novel, are playing a game in which they affect the lives of mortal champions, which to them are pieces on a game board, trying to eliminate the pieces of other gods. The two main characters, Rincewind, the wizard, and Twoflower, the first tourist are caught up in this game and end up going on an adventure that takes them all over the Discworld, and which almost gets them killed several times. During their journey they meet a host of other characters, including a barbarian hero, and death (who is one of my favorite characters; he’s a nice guy for being a walking skeleton who harvests souls). The story is full of hilarious witticisms and well developed characters. The plot is at times extremely convoluted, which is something I have learned leads to more interesting stories. A definite good read.

Book: __Pride & Prejudice__ Author: Jane Austen __Major Characters__: Mrs. Bennet - Mother, bad-mannered and somewhat obnoxious, Lydia is her favorite daughter Mr. Bennet - Father, sarcastic, Elizabeth is his favorite daughter Jane Bennet - Eldest of the 5 Bennet daughters, close to sister Elizabeth, loves Mr. Bingley Elizabeth Bennet - Heroine of the story, hates then loves Mr. Darcy (vice versa for Wickham) Lydia Bennet - Youngest of Bennet daughters (15 yrs.), extremely immature, disgraces her family by running off with Wickham Mr. Darcy - Main guy, secretly loves Elizabeth, richest man in Derbyshire Mr. Wickham - Son of Mr. Darcy's father's steward, member of militia, tricks everyone into thinking Darcy is evil, secret villain of the story, seduces Lydia Mr. Bingley - Best friend of Mr. Darcy, loves and eventually marries Jane

__ Other Characters: __ Mary Bennet- Third oldest daughter, extremely moral and religious Kitty Bennet - Second youngest daughter, follows Lydia's lead Mr. Collins - Clergyman, marries Elizabeth's best friend, Charlotte Lucas, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is his patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh - Mr. Darcy's aunt, wants Darcy to marry her sickly daughter, rude but wealthy Ms. Bingley - Mr. Bingley's single sister, envious of Elizabeth and admires Darcy, HAUGHTY Georgiana - Darcy's young sister, fond of Elizabeth once she meets her Charlote Lucas - Elizabeth's friend, marries Mr. Collins for convenience after his proposal was rejected by Elizabeth

If you consider yourself to be a fan of the classics, or if you just love 1800's romance stories as much as I do, then Pride & Prejudice is right up your alley! Set in the Regency Era (1811-1820 when King George III was deemed unfit to rule England and was thus replaced by the Prince of Wales, sorry to bore you with history), this novel follows the relatively poor Bennet family of the Longbourn Estate in Hertfordshire, England, and particularly the second oldest daugther of five, Elizabeth. When a single, wealthy young man from the north, Mr. Bingley, rents Netherfield Hall in Hertfordshire for the season, he immediately forms an attachment with Elizabeth's older sister, Jane, at a dance. Mr. Bingley brings his oldest and wealthiest friend to this assembly as well, Mr. Darcy, who is clearly arrogant and refuses to ask Elizabeth to dance as he is "in no humor to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men." If Elizabeth already considers Mr. Darcy to be the most disagreeable man she has ever met, she dislikes him even more once she learns from the handsome and congenial militia soldier, Mr. GeorgeWickham, that Darcy did him great wrong. Supposedly, Mr. Wickham's father was Mr. Darcy's father's steward, so their two sons often played with each other as boys. However, Wickham says that Mr. Darcy's father favored him and desired him to enter into the church. After Mr. Darcy's father died, Mr. Darcy refused to honor his father's wishes and thereby reduced George Wickham to his current state of poverty. Although Elizabeth believes this claim and makes her feelings obvious toward Mr. Darcy, her wit and beauty cause Mr. Darcy to fall in love with her despite her low family and monetary connections. Meanwhile, the Bennet's relgious and rather stupid cousin, Mr. Collins, tries to propose to Elizabeth, but she shoots him down even though the Longbourn property is entailed upon him. To make matters worse, Elizabeth (is COMPLETELY shocked when she) is proposed to a second time by Mr. Darcy himself, who says that despite her low station in society, he has a "passionate admiration and regard" for her. Insulted, she says that his pride (part one of title) and behavior toward Wickham makes him the last man on Earth she would ever marry (her unfounded belief in Wickham's tale is the "prejudice"). Darcy is wounded by this and then writes her a letter revealing that Wickham lied...OH SNAP! In actuality, Wickham used the 3000 pounds Mr. Darcy gave him to gamble. Then, Wickham tricked Mr. Darcy's sister, Georgiana, into believing herself in love and tried to elope secretly with her, but Darcy found out and stopped it. Elizabeth is now ashamed of her conduct and is thankful when her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner take her to Derbyshire for several weeks (an area that Mr. Darcy practically owns =] ) Here, Mr. Darcy shows Elizabeth that he wants to make amends to her by being extremely friendly to her relations and bonding with her while introducing her to Georgiana. A romance is quickly blooming, but is disturbed by the news that Elizabeth's sister Lydia has run off with the disolute Wickham! As the Bennet family fears Wickham will not marry Lydia, Darcy takes control by paying for their wedding and giving them 10,000 pounds (that was mad money back in the day). Lydia accidently spills the beans about this detail to Elizabeth, who soon learns of the entire event from her Aunt Gardiner. Elizabeth now truly admires Darcy and the two end up getting married (YAY) alongside Jane and Mr. Bingley. The end.

This has been my second favorite novel ever since I read it 3 years ago. What I like most about __Pride & Prejudice__ is they way in which every character feels the influence of societal restriction and develops uniquely as a result. Darcy, especially, embodies this as he tries not to fall in love with Elizabeth since she is below him in social status, yet emotion always trumps reason in the end (thank goodness). Furthermore, I love how each character experiences the consequences of his or her main character flaw (Darcy's proposals refused due to pride, Elizabeth's prejudice concerning Wickham backfires big time, Lydia's immaturity creates a major scandal, Jane's serenity almost convinces Bingley that she does not love him). Overall, the plot is exciting and revives the vivacity of 19th century England as well as its romantic atmosphere. In short, READ THIS BOOK!

- ChalotteHarper10

Book: __Sarah's Key__ Author: Tatiana de Rosnay

The book I am currently reading is __Sarah's Key__, by Tatiana de Rosnay. I would recommend this book to those who appreciate an interesting book related to a historical event in history. I have yet to finish the book, but from what I have read so far I have gone back and forth between being interested and bored. Recently though, I am interested in the novel. I love how the author alternates between two time periods and helps the reader to understand what went on "back in the day" and how it is connected to the second time period of the book.

Starting off in Paris during 1942, the author introduces her readers to a young girl by the name of Sarah who, with her familiy, is going through the round up in France (the round up was when French Police were given orders to take the Jewish families into custody and transport them to the Velodrome d'Hiver and then to concentration camps). After hearing a loud bang on the door to her families small apartment, Sarah reacts quickly by going to get her mother and then locking her 4 year old brother in large cupboard, promising that she will return for him. Unfortunately, she is shipped off with her mother and father to the Velodrome d'Hiver along with many other Jewish families. When the millions of families first arrive the men are separated from the women and children. Then, after a few weeks the men and women are both shipped to a new camp and the children are left alone. A young girl by the name of Rachel befriends Sarah and they decide they must find a way to escape. During broad daylight Rachel and Sarah execute their escape plan by crawling through a tiny hole in a barbed wire fence, trying not to get caught. A French policeman comes up behind the two girls and pulls them back into the camp. Sarah recongnizes the man's face from when she used to cross the street to get to school. She immediately tells him that she KNOWS he remembers her, and her brother. The man does not deny it. Taking out a key from her pocket (the key she used to lock her brother in the cupboard with) she tells the policeman that he must let her go and save her brother. After refusing at first, the man allows her to go and lets her friend, Rachel, go with her. He gives them some money and tells them that they must rip their stars off of their clothing because no one must know they are Jewish. The two girls continue on their journey back to Paris, but have no idea what to do...

The second time period that the novel takes place in is 2002. The main character for this part of the story is an American woman named Julia who came to Paris and fell in love. Her husband is a frenchman named Bertrand and together they have a daughter named Zoe. Julia and her family have decided to move into Mame's (her husband's mother) old apartment. Julia is a journalist for an American newspaper and has been told to write an article on the sixtieth commemoration of the Vel' d'Hiv'. Knowing nothing about her topic, Julia begins her research and is appalled by what she has found out. On her weekly visits to Mame she asks questions about the past to help trigger her Mame's memory. Little does she know what she is about to find out when Mame reveals something about her old apartment. Julia finds out that the apartment she has just moved into housed a Jewish family that was taken away by the French Police during the round up. Disturbed by this information, she tells her husband and he does not seem to give a care in the world ( he can be a MAJOR meanie)!!

November 18, 2010 While trying to finish __Sarah's Key__ I somewhat lost interest in it. I enjoyed reading about the history of the round-up in Paris, but once the chapters about history ended, I did not really enjoy the book as much anymore. If you enjoy a sad book that teaches you facts about events that took place in history, __Sarah's Key__ is for you! The was Natalia de Rosnay switches between the past and present time periods of the book is what kept me interested in the book. For the most part, the book was good! Give it a try!!


 * Book: **__Streams of Babel__
 * Author: **Carol Plum-Ucci

The book I am reading right now is __Streams of Babel.__ So far the main character is a girl named Cora Holman, her mother is a drug addict. In the beginning of the story her mother dies and Cora just assumes that she died from her addiction. Then when a neighbors mother dies from virtually the same thing, Cora is shocked. So far the story is interesting and suprising.

Book: __Speak__ Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Currently i'm reading the novel __Speak__ by Laurie Halse Anderson. The main character Melinda is shunned from her friends at school because of something that happened over the summer. We know that she called the police on a party she attended but we still don't know the reason why. Now, shes an outcast and has one friend who is new to the District, Heather, from Ohio. There is different groups of people who hangout and both Melinda and Heather don't fit into any of them. All of Melinda's friends have split off into their new groups of friends. Melinda doesn't have a good relationship with her parents. Her mom is always at work and her dad doesn't really care what she does. This book is easy to read and intresting. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">melissa_kilcourse


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Book: **__<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Hawksong __
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Author: **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Amelia Atwater-Rodes has created a speelbinding novel of love, trust and learning to except change. This captivating fantasy tells the story of two shape-shifters, Danica and Zane, who realize they would give up anything and everything to save their people. In order to stop the raging war going on between their two kingdoms they must forget their differences and learn to trust each other, even if only days ago they had made attemps to take each others lives. Hawksong is an exceptional novel, which will surely hold your attention from the first page onwards.

~sunshine3721~


 * Book-**__The Hunger Games__
 * Author-** Suzanna Collins

I have finished The Hunger Games and I think that it is an amazing novel. It kept my attention from the very first chapter to the very last page. One of the things that I liked most about the book was that at the end of every Chapter they made it so that it would leave you hanging. That way you when you got to the end of a chapter you wanted to keep reading to find out what happens. I think that anyone could like this book if they were to give it a chance. I would rate the book out of ten a 9.5 because it ended and it was one of those books where you do not want it to end. Panthers12

**Author:** Ken Follett
 * Book: **__<span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style','serif';">The Pillars of the Earth __

After taking a somewhat tedious AP Bio exam, I was planning on taking a 3 hour long nap (if you can call that a nap), but I picked up this book instead and haven't been able to put it down! Following the death of King Henry I in 12th century England, The Pillars of the Earth masterfully conveys the ensuing political turmoil, religious upheaval, romances and everything else an action novel junkie could ask for:) The characters in this novel are selling points for me, as they are so different from one another, yet all of their stories become intertwined. The novel's setting also paints a vivid picture of what life was like in medieval times. I have always wondered how beautiful cathedrals are built and since one of the main characters in this novel is a mason seeking to build his own cathedral, I have learned all about it (cool stuff!). On an end note, I like how every chapter switches between characters' viewpoints because you get a better sense of each character's personality. Overall, the flawless imagery, well-developed characters and interesting take on history presented in this novel earn it a definite thumbs up from me!

~ChalotteHarper10


 * Book:** __ttfn__
 * Author:** Lauren Myracle

After I wrote my first post I almost immediatley finished the book because as i had stated in the post it was a hard book to put down. The book was an easy read but an entertaining one. I would personally rate it a 9 out of 10 because i was upset with a few parts and it can get dull at some specific points during the book as well. Shortly after that i went to my friends house and went through her book shelves to find some new books to read while i was waiting for Mrs. Carroll (hint hint) to finish the second book that comes after __The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo__. Lucky for me though she has finished the book and now i can get started on reading it. I am trying to finish a small triology that i started in the process that center around three young teenage girls who are going through their first few years of high school. The main characters are Maddie (outgoing, lost in finding herself), Zoe (shy, religious, and smart) and Angela (desperate for the attention from boys, over dramatic). The entire book is formatted in IM form and can be confusing if you dont follow the days and know the characters screen names. I am on the second book called __ttfn__, which stands for ta-ta for now. This book is mainly centered around the three girl's Junior year in High School and right now im at a point where Maddie may have to deal with moving away from her friends (NO) and go live in California where her father has found a new job. She is struggling with having to deal with moving away from her friends and leaving everything behind.

At this point im a little frustrated with the book because I think that its hard to leave your friends behind in High School. Most people would say that your relationships in High School are not as important as the ones you will make in College but I have friends in High School that know more about me than anyone and hold most of the same memories as I do. Having to move away from my friends in my Junior year (this year!) would be the hardest thing because this is the point and time in my life that i am learning the most about myself and who I truly am.

~ckelly012


 * Book:** __Daddy's Little Girl__
 * Author:** Mary Higgins Clark

Towards the beginning of the year I read the novel __Daddy's Little Girl__ by Mary Higgins Clark. I was i nstantly drawn to the book because of the beautiful necklace on the cover. I began the book immediately and found it to be quite disturbing. The main character is a girl named Ellie. Ellie's sister, Andrea was murdered when Ellie was only a little girl. Ellie continues her life always thinking of the "what ifs" and "if onlys". The novel shows how the family is torn apart due to the death of the eldest daughter. I would rate this book seven out of ten because I was instantly hooked but I found some parts boring and did not hold my complete attention. I you like mysteries this is d<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">efinitely a book for you.

~sunshine3721~
 * Book:** __Pretend You Don't See Her__
 * Author:** Mary Higgins Clark

After finishing __Daddy's Little Girl__ I continued to read another Mary Higgins Clark book, __Pretend You Don't See Her__. I did not enjoy the book at first, to me it seemed like a typical suspense novel. I was at least half way through the novel when I really got into the book. Maybe because I had just read a Mary Higgins Clark novel but I found the book somewhat predictable. I became frustrated with the characters because of their actions. For example the main character Lacey, who was in the witness protection program because she witnessed a murder, told her mother over the phone where she was hiding. Then her mother continued to, buy a newspaper for the city in which Lacey was staying and left the newspaper unattended at a restau rant. Hours later a phone call was made revealing Lacey's location. I found the book both boring and terrifying, especially when your reading about the murder late at night when there are police cars outside your house. I would rate __Pretend You Don't See Her__ six out of ten because it was suspenseful and had a surprising end but it took me too long to get into the novel.

~sunshine3721~

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Book: __The Choice__ <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Author: Nicholas Sparks

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">I love most of Nicholas Sparks book but this one is by far my favortie. The main character, Travis, has everything. Good friends, a great job and an even better house. Travis is a single male in his early 30's, he goes on many dates and has good experience with women. One summer night he comes across his new neighbor, Gabby. They fall in love and there love grows quickly. Everything was perfect, they had a family and a house. Further down the road Travis has to make the decision that could change his life, the life of his kids, and Gabbys forever. I would rate this book a 9 out of 10! It was definately really sad I cried the whole ending but it was a excellent book. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">melissa_kilcourse

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">BOOK: __A Curse Dark as Gold__ <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">AUTHOR: Elizabeth C. Bunce

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">The novel, __A Curse Dark as Gold__, is a retelling of the classic story of __Rumpelstiltskin__. I am not very far in the book, but find it quite enjoyable. I like how Elizabeth Bunce added alot of new details and plot twists but kept the basic story the same. I take pleasure in reading books set in the past, just as this one is. I also find the main character, Charlotte Miller, interesting and amusing to read about. I can not truly relate to her because I have never lost a person, such as my father, to death as Charlotte did. __A Curse Dark as Gold__ is a charming and easy to read novel.

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">~sunshine3721~

Book: L__8r,G8r__ Author: Lauren Myracle

Following up to __TTFN__ and __TTYL__ the third book in this trilogoy following the lives of three High School teenagers is __L8r, G8r__ (read as later gator). In the Final book of the trilogoy L8r, G8r takes you through Angela, Zoe, and Maddie's senior year of High School. As many of us have experienced in person the drama that comes with this book is thrilling and mysterious. Throughout the book there are twists and turns that no reader can expect. This last book is for a more mature audience because at some points it goes into graphic descriptions for mature audiences only (I MEAN MATURE!) The structure of the book is again written in IM format and easy to read thanks to the different colors and styles of text that change between each character. As their senior year progresses the readers are able to easily adapt to the different personalities brought out through their many expressions and reactions to events in High School. As they prepare for college these girls have to work through being seperated from eachother and the approval they want from their parents on which college they choose.

I found this book easy to read and relate to due to the fact that I am a High School student and go through some of the same circumstances that Lauren Myracle brings up in her book. During the book the girls go through this rivalry of a reaccuring foe named Jana. They go through these times of payback and "evil plotting" in order to get back at her. Although this is a simple book and mostly for fun it brought to my attention how worked up we get over little things and how "desperate" (for lack of a better word) we are all to get revenge on that person. In a way I find that sad because this book brings to your attention just how easily we show people hate and how hard it can be for some people to show love and compassion. I am not saying you have to go around and be friends with everyone but is it that hard to say a simple "Hi" when you walk down the hallway or even just a smile??

~Ckelly012


 * Book**: //The Pillars of the Earth//
 * Author**: Ken Follett

I decided not to nap this time and instead got through another 100 pages in this great read. At this point, things are heating up for pretty much every character in the novel. However, I am going to dedicate this post to the most detestable chauvenist pig in this book, William Hamleigh. Being a member of the powerful Hamleigh family consisting of his grasping, boil-covered mother, Regan, and his fat "I-made-myself-the-Earl-of-Shiring-by-destorying-everyone-who-got-in-my-way" father (whose name escapes me), young "Lord William" feels that he can go around terrorizing all of the villagers because he believes fear is power. Not to mention he rapes every decent-looking girl he comes across and lets his groomsman, Walter, and other knight cronies follow suit! One of his victims was the former Earl of Shiring's(Bartholomeu) teenage daughter, Aliena, which makes me SO ANGRY, and all he thinks about is doing it again because he is obsessed with her! Forgive me for saying this Carroll123 and my idols, Charlotte Bronte and Harper Lee, but someone REALLY needs to junk punch him RIGHT UP IN HIS MAN BUSINESS!!!! >o< Okay, now that I have regained my composure, William basically represents the negative end result when greed and wounded pride collide. On another note, Jack finally met Aliena and I cannot wait to see how their relationship will evolve....nothing like young love to bind two hearts ;) Sorry for the crude phrase, Carroll123...I will most likely take it out later:)

~CharlotteHarper10

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**Book:** Speak <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**Author:** Laurie Halse Anderson

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">After reading further into the book, I found out that Melinda had a reason to call the police for the party that she attended during the summer. At that party she was raped. She kept it a secret because she was embarrassed of what other people would think for her calling about something like that. After she lost all of her friends over this she was alone in a bad situation and had no one to talk to. She is slowly putting her life back together. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">melissa_kilcourse

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Book:** Catching Fire <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Author:** Suzanne Collins

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The book I am currently reading is Catching Fire, so far this book is really good. It keeps you on your toes. My favorite character is Peeta, a boy who is in love with the main character Katniss and would do anything for her. In the beginning of this book Katniss and Peeta have to tour the districts because they won the Hunger Games. Katniss is then confronted by President Snow and she realizes that without realizing it she has started a rebellion. Soon the Quarter Quell is announced and Katniss and Peeta are back in the arena. This book so far is surprising.

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">~cadams11

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Book:** Catching Fire <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Author:** Suzanne Collins

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This book continued to surprise me throughout the whole story. In the arena Katniss and Peeta team up with other players to survive. The arena for the games turns out to be designed after a clock. At every hour a different horror occurs at a different part of the island. Many deaths occur, both friend and foe. Then the group comes up with a plan to kill the remaining players, something goes horribly wrong and the Katniss wakes up to find out that she is being transported to District 13. District 13 was supposedly destroyed by the Capital for its defiance. Katniss is then told that Peeta and two of the other competitors have been captured by the Capital and are either being tortured or are dead. After Katniss hears the news of Peeta she is then told by her best friend, that the Capital has burned down District 12 and that most people from her home district have been killed. How will Katniss handle the fact that not only has she failed in her task of saving Peeta, but she has also killed her district.

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">~cadams11


 * <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Book: **<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Beloved
 * <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Author: **<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Toni Morrison

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This book starts off with a strange beginning. It mention how most of the family in book had either died or ran away.The setting takes place in ohio 1873 they talk about soul and how everything was good before people started to act strange. Her pass is like the present intolerable, all Denver thinks about is dieding all of her family was gone 0they've ran away because they couldn't held the harsh disappearence of her familly like tthis anymore. Sethe Denver's father decide that they could do what they could to keep the house they've cherish so many momment the less they can is try help keep in their name. <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">honeygurl585

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Book: Lucky <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Author: Alice Sebold

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I have just finished this book and I thought that it was very good. It is about this girl named Alice who is brutally raped and beaten this is a memoir about what happenend to the author as an eighteen year old freshmen in college. I thought that she did an amazing job of explaining to the reader that she was hurt and scared and had no idea what to do but she fought through it because she was not going to let the attacker win. Alice afterwards though had some rough pathes where she got into things that she should not have but they helped ease the pain. Over all I would give this book a 8 out of 10 not because of the way she wrote the book but because in some parts it was hard to read because you just felt so bad for her. <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Panthers12

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Book: Mercy <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Author: Jodi Picoult

<span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I am now reading Mercy which is about this small town chief of police who has to make a terribly hard decision on wheither or not to send him cousin to jail for murdering his wife. Jamie the cousin of the chief of police has said that he killed his wife because she asked him to because she was dieing of cancer. The questions that keep running through my mind when I am reading this book is who would kill the one they love if they were asked and how much to do you have to love someone in order to kill them out of love? So far the book is good but in some parts it is confusing so I have to really be focused on reading the book and not on what is going on around me. <span style="color: #a200ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Panthers12

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">﻿ ﻿Book: __The Pretty One__ <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Author: Cheryl Klam

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The book I am currently reading is __The Pretty One__ and it i about a 16 year old girl, Megan |Fletcher, who is envious of her older sister Lucy because she is beautiful and everyone always pays attention to her. So far I think the book is great! Those of you who are teens that prefer to read books one can relate to... this is the book for you! Everyone is jealous of certain traits their older or younger sibling has, or just cannot stand them; and this book relates perfectly to that real life situation! __The Pretty One__ so far seems like a drama filled book about a sibling rivalry.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">12/8/10 <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">As I have gotten further in my book I have learned part of the sibling rivalry between Megan and Lucy is because Megan is a bigger girl than Lucy. Their father compliments Lucy and acts nice toward her but when he talks to Megan it is always about losing weight, going on a diet, or venting his anger and taking it out on her. Everyone wants a little attention, but poor Megan receives absolutely none. I think this book is wonderful because as I keep reading I realize how much it relates to real life, which is what keeps me interested in it. I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Megan... Will she change her appearance to compete with her sister's good looks? Will she become more self confident and show her true talent for theater?

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">12/14/10 <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">I love this book! The rivalry between Megan and Lucy continues to grow, whether it is over a boy or over a school production. The jealousy of one another makes the book that much more interesting. Megan is no longer unattractive ( read to find out why!) which is why there is a competition between her and her sister over a boy. But unfortunately Megan is drawing the attention of another boy which makes it harder to win over the heart of her "true love", Drew. Drew wrote his own independent production which is going to be put together and presented but there is only one girl part which both of the Fletcher sister try out for. One of them gets the part.. but who is it? Maybe you should get the book to find out!! :) <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">JS

book: Alphabet Killer Author: Cheri Farnsworth This book made me want to keep reading it because of all the events that were happening. There was three girls, ages ten to eleven who got taken by this man who was called the Alphabet killer. These girls had doubal initlas for there frist and last name. By the time that they were all found they were in the suburbs with the same letter that started with there first initals. Carmen Colon was sexually assaulted and killed and found in Churchville. This book also made me nervous because these murders were around us. Also it made me sick to know that some one could this to young girls. It makes you think twice before just skiming over a murder that you see in the paper. paige mascari<3 December 10/2010.....

Book: __A Curse Dark as Gold__ Author: Elizabeth C. Bunce

I continued to read and recently finished my latest novel, __A Curse Dark as Gold__. The story continues as Charlotte Miller takes over the family mill and starts a new family. She marries Randall Woodstone, a weathly banker, and they soon have their first child, William. Sadly, Charlotte's family has been cursed and has not been able to produce a son that has lived long enough to inherit the mill. To save her son, Charlotte has to go on a dangerous journey and break the curse before her son is taken away from her. The theme of the story is great courage breaks ill luck. I have loved reading this novel and am sad now that it's over.

~sunshine3721~ 12/7/2010

Book: __The Girl Who Played With Fire__ Author: Steig Larsson

This book is a follow up to an exciting series that started with __The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo__. Again this is a book that i find myself unable to put down. It has already started to take twists and turns that I would never be able to predict for these characters and what they are going through. Right now the Characters Blomkvist and Salander are seperated from their relationship that ended the last book. I was really mad about this because I thought they were a great couple but at the same time Salander's mysterious character makes you almost expect this, especially with her mistrust of people. Burjman (Salander's guardian) is actually dead right now. He is the third person to be murdered in a three person homicide that keeps leading itself back to Salander as the main suspect. I am a little perplexed by the plot and can not think of a motive for Salander to commit this crime but at the same time there could be so much reason behind her suggestive motives through what happened when she was only twelve, which is still a mystery to the readers. I can not put this book down right now and I want to know what happens to Salander. I rate this book a 9 out of 10 because at the moment Salander has dissappeared and it is giving no insite as to what has happened to her or her whereabouts. But the plot keeps on building through the novels numerous other characters. I can not wait to give you an update as to where this turn is going to take another turn soon!!

~ckelly012 12/7/10

<span style="color: #8714a3; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">﻿Book: __Mercy__ <span style="color: #8714a3; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Author: Jodi Picoult

<span style="color: #8714a3; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I have only a few chapters left in my book and it is really good!! What I like so much about it is that the author really makes you feel what the characters are feeling. It really puts you right into the book and in a way has you take the sides of the characters. Allie and Cameron are married and Cameron at one point in the book cheats on Allie and she finds out and what she does really makes you like her. After she had found out she took all of Cameron's belongings and puts them in the front yard and has a little garage sale. She sells all of his things and when he gets home all he has left is his boxers. What makes it better is that Allie leaves him in a home that would look like a women lived in it, since all of his things are gone!! I would give this book an 8.5 out of 10 because the beginning was a little slow. Panthers12 12/10/2010

Book: The Pillars of the Earth Author: Ken Follett

The fact that I am still writing book reviews for this particular novel serves as a testament to how long it is! I guess this is where that phrase “slowly but surely” comes into play. Also, I promise that this review will not contain any vulgarity like my last post (sorry Caity, since I know you found it amusing J). This recent book section was especially interesting to me because the romance between two of my favorite characters is finally coming out! Jack seems to be the James Dean of the 12th century as the village ladies are drawn to him, but the only one he cares about is Aliena. However, while Aliena is clearly attracted to Jack, it becomes clear that her horrific experience with William Hamleigh is and will be an obstacle in the relationship. In this way, readers gain a perspective on what life is like for a rape victim; there is a constant fear of being touched and having one’s trust violated on any level. Follett has done a superb job revealing this, as Aliena avoids physical contact and becomes increasingly withdrawn the more her feelings for Jack grow. My hope is that Aliena will realize that Jack appreciates her for who she is and would never hurt her like William. Gosh, love is a tricky business! Overall, the book is still very interesting and seems like a non-corny 12th century soap opera. Let’s face it, we all love dramaJ ~CharlotteHarper10 12/12/2010

Book: The Kidnapping Of Christina Lattimore Author: Joan Lowery Nixon

I started __The Kidnapping Of Christina Lattimore__ last night. So far the novel is ok. Christina lives with her grandmother and parents in one of the largest houses in the neighborhood. Both Christina's grandmother and father have made great fortunes and she feels the pressure to be the perfect granddaughter and daughter. One night while Christina is walking up to her front door she is kidnapped and brought to a unknown house and trapped in the basement. The book seems, so far, well written and I'm excited to see if Christina escapes.

~sunshine3721~ 12/13/2010

Book: The Murder Of Bindy Mackenzie Author: Jaclyn Moriarty

i started this book last Friday. the book kinda started off weird it talks about how the girls are so disgusted by Bindy. The main character is a bit crazy, she talks about her students in her fad or Friendship and Development class. Many people know that Bindy is a super nerd and they taunt and tease her about. Bindy decide she no longer going to tolerate people or in this classmates picking on her for the person she is. so she decide to bring a Bindy into her life one people would want to hang out with and show respect to. Bindy noticed the student who decided to join the FAD program started to connect well, without evening noticing. Astrid and Emily start to gossip about how Astrid best friend's boyfriend broke up with her. then Sergio decide to join the conservation trying figure out what the the main conflict was in a way he could understand. Still engaged with the conservation that students were having unexpected a lady show up for the class. Bindy was a curious about who the lady was and how she knew about the fire escape. The lady was short and energetic the way she moved around amused Bindy. The lady name name was Try Montaine, apparently the teacher forgot her first name but only can remember the first three letter of her name. I'm Interested to see how Bindy going to reacted to this teacher. honeygurl585

Book: The Pillars of the Earth Author: Ken Follett

Before I launch into this review, I just wanted to give a shout out to the GVB boys' team for beating ER today and to the GVB girls' team for beating Marion...awesome! Okay, so the most recent chunk I took out of this book was packed with drama (Tom is dead, Aliena is having Jack's baby, Jack has left for Spain), which made me keep reading. Still, this book is not one of my favorites as there is waaaaay too much sex involved! In fact, I think the amount of too-descriptive situations almost overshadows the drama of the novel. Call me old-fashioned, but I would rather read about platonic romance and adventure than constant instances of "whooping it up," or whatever it's called these days. Regardless, Aliena's story is becoming increasingly captivating and I hope she finds her happily-ever-after with Jack. Oh, and happy holidays everyone! ~CharlotteHarper10 12/17/10

BOOK: The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore AUTHOR: Joan Lowery Nixon

I haven't read all that much over break but intend to now becuse the book is getting really exciting. The kidnappers made Christina sign a letter to her grandmother as proof that they had her. Christina, trying to singal to her grandmother not to send the money and that she'd find another way out, spelled her name wrong. I thought that was a really smart idea, I probably won't have thought of it. A couple of days later the kidnappers brought Christina out of the basement and had her walk around the house. They held her at gunpoint and told her to do things like get herself a glass of water, take a bath, brush her hair, sit in different places, and change the channel on the television. I thought that was really werid but it makes me want to read it more!

~sunshine3721~ 12/29/2010 Book: Runner Author: Carl Deuker I have up to chapter 12 part one of the book and already I want to read more. Chance Taylor was 17 now and has living a dump, now personalily I think the boy should just get as far away of that place. His mother left him when he was a freshmen in high shool and promise him that she would return to get him. Now from the momment i read that paragraph i automictally that wasn't true because if was she would came 3 years ago. Chance been going there some pretty tough times with school and friends now that almost a senoir nothing has changed. Until the next day at Linocln high school there was a visitor they had from vietname, to Chances suprise it was Brent Miller. Brent was a old friend of Chance only because their fathers would hangout and get so drunk they forgetten they had kids. Brent and Chances' father were real until they get into a fight in which Brent's father was put in the hospitle for the same number of days Chances father was in jail. When Brent miller found out what happen to his dad his friendship with him was over. Brent decided that he was going show what he and Chances father are a piece of crap. So Brent and his buddies decide to beat Chance up and then stick his head in the toilet that was completely full of crap. They left him there until a football player help Chance wash his face then instructed to tell the princple happen he up never saying anything. Brent told the whole about what it like and cool it is to be able to fight his country and his rights. He answered question and then Melissa Watts ask about what kind of books Brent read since he said he read so many. Brent was then caught in his own lie he didn't know what to stay then the girls in class were glare at melissa like they were going to kill her. Then Chance finally spoke up and helped defeated her because answer to the question was really simple yes or no. That whole conflict got Melissa wanting Chances help, she wanted him to help her with the school paper. He didn't want to tell her because he secretly had crush on her so he told her that he would think about. When Chance return to the Tiny Dancer (their home boat), he found his father home early and of course drunk to only then find he got fired and that he can pay any of the bills and have barely any food or enough money to get the support. So Chance can only do what loves the most that is to run. ~honeygurl585~ 1/6/2011

Book: Northanger Abbey Author: Jane Austen (Who ROCKS, by the way)

Okay, so things with //The Pillars of the Earth// didn't work out. It reads too much like a bestseller to support a 12th century setting authentically and, as I mentioned in my last post, too much baw chicka wah wow :p Therefore, I have decided to stick with one of my favorite authors and read Northanger Abbey instead. Beside Jane Austen's mastery of the written English language, the theme within Northanger Abbey is sophisticated, yet funny. Basically, this novel equates to being a 19th century parody of the gothic novels that were so popular during that time period. One could think of Gothic novels as corny soap opera stories marked by sappy romances and moral corruption. One could also say that if Northanger Abbey were based on modern times, it would probably make fun of Twilight (the worst garbage on today's literary market that is more than deserving of ridicule). The unlikely heroine of Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland, loves to read Gothic novels, and I have a feeling that this will cause an issue in the future. As nice as it would be to find a magical pair of jeans that keeps friendship alive or to meet a smoking hot vampyre who is obsessed with you, real life doesn't work that way. My guess is that Catherine's novel-fueled imagination will somehow affect her growing relationship with the witty and handsome Mr. Henry Tilney. Let this review be a lesson to all Twilight-obsessed teeny boppers and crazy girls who when to the Border's Breaking Dawn party that THE TWILIGHT SAGA IS NOT REAL, so there is no need to scribble "I <3 Jacob/Edward" on your arms, or fight over which of you will marry them. I am still, however, a member of Team Edward....ROCHESTER!!! And yes, I'm done now:) <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">﻿ <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: Two-Way Street <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Lauren Barnholdt

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">1/9/11 <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">I just finished a book called Two-Way Street. Two-Way Street switches between the past and the present, it is a story of a young girl and boy in love, but there is a twist. After coming home from a party where he got to know a pretty girl, Courtney, Jordan never expected to walk in on his mother having an affair but it happened. Jordan called Courtney and asked her to go to breakfast although it was 1:00 AM, she accepted and so their friendship/relationship began. They started spending more and more time together and little did they know, they were falling in love. But a surprise obstacle pops up when Jordan finds out who the man his mother had an affair with is. Jordan and Courtney plan to attend the same College and have set up a 3 day road trip to orientation. But this trip to college turned into a terrible idea because Jordan broke up with Courtney out of the blue for a girl he met on the internet... Courtney is heartbroken but what she doesn't know is Jordan's reason for ending it or the actual truth. This 3 day trip is a rough trip for Jordan and Courtney but little do they know, it will be a journey of revealing secrets and finding out the truth.This book is such a good book and if you are someone who loves to read books about teenage love and relationships, this book is for you! It's so good you will not want to put it down; I didn't want to! <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">-JS

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: Runner <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Carl Deunker <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">So now Chances father is now jobless and it up to Chance to pay all the Bills that his father can't pay. Chance has been working since he was fifteen in a restuart on the shore they live on. That leave Chance one choice that is to go to the social service, I know what feels like going into one those buildings. It's like have someone giving you a death look, he felt so embrassed to do this because he lied saying there was he needed food stamps and the guy at counter was described cave lost in the present day. As he read the direction he began to feel doubt in his mind like will they sent me the stamps he begin to give himself second thoughts. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Honeygurl585 <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">1/10/11

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: A Bend in the Road <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Nicholas Sparks

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Miles takes his son Jonahs second grade tutor/teacher, Sarah, out to dinner. He finally is starting to feel feelings. He hasn't felt like this ever since his wife Missy died in a hit and run accident near their home. After dinner, Miles takes Sarah out to a special tavern. Here they play pool and while Miles is at the bar getting them drinks, Otis one of the suspects for Missys hit and run accident trys to hit on Sarah when she is waiting for Miles at the table they are going to be playing pool at. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">melissa_kilcourse

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">entry two: Otis confronts Miles at the bar and makes a comment saying "Looks like you've found someone new." After that Miles and Otis almost get into a fight. Sarah grabs hers and Miles' coat and suggests they leave. They start walking back to the car that was parked where the resturant they ate at was. Sarah says sorry for stopping the fight after all the problems Miles tells her about that they've had. It was silent for awhile then Sarah asks Miles about Missy. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">melissa_kilcourse

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">BOOK: __Revolution__ <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">AUTHOR: Jennifer Donnelly

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Andi Alpers watched her brother, Truman, die only a few years ago and she blames herself for his death. It's now senior year and nothing seems to be working out. At this rate Andi won't be graduating from high school any time soon. When Andi's father gets a letter from the school regrading Andi failing every class, except music, he demands that Andi comes to Paris with him and for her mother to go to a mental hosiptal. Andi and her dad stay with some family friends, G and Lili. G owns a old guitar case, which has a false bottem that he has been unable to open. Andi decides to try a key that she wears around her neck, and naturally, the bottem opens. Inside the case is an old diary and a small picture of a young boy that looks just like Truman. Andi finds out that the dairy belongs to an actress known as Alex Paradis that lived at the time of the French Revolution. Andi reads the dairy to find out what exactly happens to Alex, while still trying to figure out if the rest of her own life is worth living.

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">~sunshine3721~ 1/10/11 <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: This Is All <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Aidan Chambers <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The book is main about a mother who is preparing her unborn daughter the real world. Cordelia Kenn is taking all her daries entries, poems, love story, note...etc and making into a useful and enjoyable that her will love. Now Cordelia was unsure about when to tha book to her. The Book is split into series of books title by color. The books start will in the words PREGNANT nineteen year old cordelia give her life long story about the boy she and how aunt give her advice how to get the her dreams to actually fall in love or at least to the point where actually a social connection. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">~honygurl585~ 1/12/11

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: Runner <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Carl Deuker <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">So I've got the point in second book I'm reading that Chance's actually take action in school. His history teacher Mr. Arnold actually overacted to what Chance had said, in the beginnig of history class his teacher is repeating the whole same speech that lincoln. Then Chance had diagreed with something that involve what lincoln had then proceeded to mutter little to loud to actuallybring the teachers and class his attention. Heather the Carp then being the complete jealous snob she is then sitches on Chances. After the class was over Mr. arnold thanks Chance for actually for bring his opinin on the class. It brought fourth the most interseting agruement in the school year. Chance is now frustated because now his father had only one chance to another job and he ruin it because he couldn't controll his drinking problem. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">~ Honeygurl585~1/12/11

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: The Guardian <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Nicolas Sparks <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">I just finishing reading The Guardian and I thought that it was a very good book. It was about this girl whos husband had died at a really young age from a tumor and he sent her a great dane named singer to keep her company. The book did not come right out and say it but I think that the dog has some sort of ability to realize when his owner is in trouble. This book really pulls at your hearts strings and what you believe and think about other people. I think that I would give the book a 9.5 out of 10 only because it was so good and then it ended and the fact that it made me cry. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Panthers 12

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: Mercy <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Jodi Picoult <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">I finished reading this book and I thought that it was very good but sad at the same time but i read it a while ago so i dont really remember what it was about. I like the way that she writes her books because you get the see the other peoples perspectives on what it going on. The only thing with her books is that i have to read alot slower and really concentrate. I would give the book a 8 out of 10. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Panthers12

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: Just Listen <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Sarah Dessen <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">In the beginning of this story, Annabel Greene, a model and once popular girl, is being shunned by all of her schoolmates for a reason unknown to the reader. Annabel's life used to seem perfect and now she is forced to sit with another outcast, Owen Armstrong, at lunches. Annabel's sister was diagnosed with anorexia after Annabel found her almost dead in their bathroom and her family is struggling to bring her sister, Whitney, truely back to her old life. Towards the end the reader finds out the real reason that Annabel is being exiled and the same thing then happens to her one time friend. I think this story so far is good. It takes awhile to get into it but once you do, you are hooked. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">~cadams11 1/14/11

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: Hex Hall <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Rachel Hawkins <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">In the beginning of this story the main character, Sophie Mercer, a young teenage witch, uses a love spell to help a girl get a date for prom. The spell goes haywire and Sophie is sent to a reform school for witches, shapeshifters, and fairies. When Sophie arrives at her new school, Hex Hall, she goes through things she never would have expected. Her roomate is a vampire, she is crushing on the popular guy who just happens to be a warlock, and she is asked to join in a coven of dark witches. Sophie has gone through life not knowing her father and in school she finds out that the dad she never knew is actually the one who sent her to her new school. When students start being attacked by some mysterious being Sophie's new roomate, and best friend, is blamed. This book was really good and suspensful. The ending was truely unexpected. I would recommend reading this book. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">~cadams11 1/14/11

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book: Pretty Little Liars <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Author: Sara Shepard <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">In this story there are five best friends, Aria, Hanna, Emily, Spencer, and most importantly Alison. All of the girls have secrets, but only Alison knows them all. One night after Alison comes back from a trip the girls have a sleepover and Alison goes missing. Three years later, the girls are no longer the best friends they once were. Aria moved away and has now moved back, Hanna has gone from being the chubby outcast to the skinny, beautiful IT girl, Emily has become an over obedient daughter, Spencer has become the perfect student, athlete, and daughter with the exception of getting caught with her sisters boyfriend, and Alison is still missing. So far in the book it is exciting. It is interesting to see how Alison's dissaperance has affected each girl differently. I would recommend this book so far. <span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">~cadams11 1/14/11

<span style="color: #422424; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> =The Book Of The Month (Oct 2010)=

Important Characters: (just so you know the names)
Arthur Dent Ford Prefect Tricia McMillan Zaphod Beeblebrox Marvin

Now that you know the names of the characters here is an overall review.
The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide ISBN: 0-345-45374-3 By Douglas Adams

This book it should be understood is five novels integrated as one. All five Hitchhiker’s guide books are in one volume (awesome!, seriously this is amazing). I have given you the ISBN for the ommnibus, but will only review the first novel. The Guide is technically a science fiction novel, although its purpose is not to be read as science fiction, but instead, satire. Also, __The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy__ is perhaps one of the funniest satires ever written. It can also be rather melancholy, not in its telling, but in its analysis of humanity. First, there is the understanding that it is a fairly sad book in actuality. The earth is destroyed, and the lone human survivors find themselves traversing a galaxy which contains all of the problems they would have faced on Earth, just expanded to a colossal scale. The government is an over expanded bureaucracy, the politicians are inept (especially in the case of the president of the galaxy, who kidnapped himself), and the technology is even more convoluted than in modern times. In this way the author portrays life in general as being petty, materialistic, and inane. Once you ignore the purpose of the book and just enjoy reading the extremely humorous descriptions of human faults (not always carried out by “humans”) you will not want to stop reading it. Douglas Adams more than most authors is able to write seemingly contradictory or strange sentences that amuse more than they confuse. Now that you understand the humor of the book, (it is at times off topic and not entirely normal) you may want a short synopsis of the plot to get you properly excited about reading. The story can be summarized in three phrases: the earth is destroyed by a bureaucracy, the surviving humans and alien saviors try to find the meaning of life, and the meaning of life is not at all what you would have expected it to be. Sorry for not telling you the meaning of life, that would be too big a spoiler. Now, the reason I am not going to give a very detailed synopsis of plot for this novel is very simple, the plot is not what you will enjoy the most. What you will really enjoy are the descriptions the author uses for setting, characterization, and back-story. There are so many hilarious concepts and quotes in this novel that I could never list them all, however, here is one of my favorite and it describes space, the overarching setting in the book.

“Space, it says, is big. Really big. You won’t believe just how vastly hugely mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it’s a long way down the road to the chemist, nut that’s just peanuts to space. Listen… and so on…”

If this doesn’t seem a humorous way to describe the vastness of space than I pity you. But even if you don’t there are so many moments during which I laugh whenever I read this book that there has to be something you will enjoy in it. You, no matter who you are, will love this book.

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November 2010 __The History and Conquests of Ancient Rome__ By Nigel Rodgers ISBN Number: 0-681-10384-1

One of the most fascinating empires in history is that of Rome. It therefore makes sense that one of the most interesting history books written should also happen to be about Rome. This book fits that bill. It is a nonfiction book that tells the history of Rome. It has a history of their society from its founding through all of the emperors and all the way through its demise. It has records of the major battles and wars that were fought, and short biographies of some of the famous figures. If you like history this book is worth reading. If you don't like history it may be useful when you have to write a research paper.