Book Review: Divergent

So I feel very behind the times having just read this book… But I am so happy to have finally read it that I do not care!

I read the first half within one sitting.  The only reason I put the book down was because I needed sleep (I started the book late at night as well).  Anyway, I loved the first half – and it reminded me a great deal of Delirium by Lauren Oliver (which I think came out after this book… But I can’t remember and I read Delirium prior to this book… so… that’s how my comparisons work…).  So, I was happy to have those feelings back.

Around 3/4 of the way through I started getting annoyed as parts became very predictable.  (Or at least I thought they were…)  Fortunately this only lasted for a few chapters before things began to pick up again. … And then the book ended. Haha!

I have already ordered the box set of the three books in this series.  I checked the first one out from the library, but I always want the first book in a series – otherwise it makes no sense to purchase the other ones… This book is so good that I do not mind buying it after I have already read it.

I recommend this book for those in high school (or older).  There were some concepts that I was not exactly thrilled about for younger readers (but that’s usually the case with more action-packed books anymore…).

Awesome book!  Can’t wait to read the next one!

Book Review: Beneath a Meth Moon

I purchased this book at a professional development event – where I met the author!  I knew very little about Woodson (I had read one of her picture books last summer and didn’t even realize it!) and I was curious to meet her.  She was interesting to listen to and had a positive energy about her when it come to writing.  Anyway, I purchased this book (and had it signed!) and was able to read it fairly quickly.

This book hit a big Ellen Hopkins vibe for me.  On one hand, yes because of the drug use/abuse, but on another… It seemed (mostly) realistic.  One complaint I had though was that I couldn’t imagine the characters.  I tried to, but they ended up as blobs.  … Not sure if that’s a comment about her writing or about my reading…

The only other complaint I had was that this book seemed to jump around a bit too much for me.  I liked that the story was not completely linear … But I didn’t feel like there were transitions from chapter to chapter.  Even after completing the book, I am not sure if I could tell someone what exactly happened in chronological order.  Maybe that was supposed to be a taste of the confusion from the drug user’s perspective… I’m not sure.

The reading level was easy – but I would not recommend the book for anyone younger than high school age.  

This book could be used for a writing project – have students write about what they think happened after the last page.  There was no cliff hanger really… But one thing I learned from Hopkins’s books – characters do not always follow the path that the author implies…

Overall, this was a decent read.  I’m not sure if I would have purchased the book if the author wasn’t right there to sign it though..  Not 100% disappointed, but had been expecting a little something more…

Book Review: A Horse Called Wonder

A Horse Called Wonder by Joanna Campbell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this book! I read it when I was younger and recently have refound my copy. I love horses (all animals really) and I remember staying up extremely late reading books from this series. I don’t remember how far I got in the series, but I know I enjoyed all of the books that I had read!

Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves horses!

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What I Want to Add:

I absolutely loved this book (and many others within the series).  I recently found my copy of the book and am already wanting to read it again!  I have always been an animal lover and have always been very fond of horses.  I remember the fact that I have read this book multiple times but honestly it has been so long … I can’t really recall anything specific about the book.

However, I would recommend this for any horse lover!  The book is aimed (I believe) more towards young girls, but I’m sure guys could like the book too.

I want to take a moment to vent/rant.  My local library does not carry this series (ok, I think they have one of the many many books in the series).  I was really disappointed and cannot figure out why this series is not more popular.  There are a variety of other horse series that I have seen out and about – but I never really see this one.  I even looked at my local Half Priced Books store and haven’t seen them there either… Sigh.  (I promise I am not trying to “call out” these places – just generally curious as to why this particular series seems to have fallen off the of the face of the earth…

Anyway, my rating: 5/5 stars!

Sincerely,

Taylor

Have questions, requests, etc.?  Then feel free to e-mail me at taylorreadingblog23@yahoo.com

Book Review: Cryer’s Cross

Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A small town looses two young members – they mysteriously disappear around the same time that a new family moves in. A girl with OCD’s best friend disappears and she tries to solve the mystery.

The books was initially bring and I worry that this was going to be too slow for young adults. However, about half way through the action begins to pick up and there was a lot of interesting things going on.

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What I Want To Add:

I loved this book.  I was not a fan of McMann’s series (Wake and the others) so when I picked up this book I did not have high hopes.  However, I decided to check this book out at the library and was pleasantly surprised.  I enjoyed the book a great deal!!

The story line picked up sooner and kept my attention.  I could have read this book in under a day, but it ended up taking me a few days due to various other stuff going on when I read it.

When I finished the story I was upset that it ended (another good sign).  I wanted there to be more!  I had the idea of having students (if this is a class we read together or something) write their own conclusions/sequels.  I would love to hear others’ thoughts on what they think happened next!

My rating: 5/5 stars

Sincerely,

Taylor

Book Review: The Book of Three

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book!! Got it for $0.50 too! A friend recommended it to me. I am trying to expand what I read and I felt the fantasy part of my reading life had been neglected for the most part. The book itself is cute and full of life lessons.

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What I Want to Add:

This was a really good book!  I had no idea what to expect – other than my friend telling me it was amazing.  I have not read a great deal of fantasy, so I figured that a children’s book might be the place to start.  I was beyond pleased with it!  I actually bought the rest of the series the last time I was at Half Priced Books!  I cannot wait to read the rest!!

I loved the cover art on this book as well.  Had my friend not been with me to recommend it, then I might have bought the book based off of the cover alone (a big “no-no” in book buying, I know).  It would have been worth it though!!  (I’m still not over that it was only $0.50 when I bought it!!!)

I would recommend this book to anyone really.  Even if someone dislikes fantasy – I think they could find something positive about this book.

My rating: 5/5 stars.  Truly an awesome book!!

Sincerely,

Taylor

Have questions, requests, etc.?  Then feel free to e-mail me at taylorreadingblog23@yahoo.com

Book Review: I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous & Obscure

I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous & Obscure by Larry Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of six word memoirs from teens from all over. There is no plotline or anything of that nature – just a collection of interesting bits of people’s lives.

This would be a great book to use to introduce students to poetry (even though these weren’t necessarily poems). Like the book suggested, it might be interesting to get students to write their own six word memoir.

This book was an easy read and one that I think many students would enjoy. After finishing the book I found myself wanting to create my own six word stories. I hope the same would be true for my students.

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What I want to Add:

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book.  I checked it out from the library for a class.  Honestly I mostly grabbed it in an attempt to expand the variety of books that I had for an assignment.  The results ended in me finding something that I really enjoyed!

The title really sums up what the book is – a collection of six word memoirs.  Some of them were funny and others seemed to be more serious.  It was a bit hard to tell with only six words.

I read this book in under a day.  I liked trying to figure out what the deeper meaning was behind the six words on the page . Of course, as soon as I put the book down, I wrote some of my own.  Once I started, I couldn’t stop!

I think my future students would enjoy this book and an activity. It is different from any assignment that I ever did in high school (or middle school … or ever in my education that I can remember….).  This book might help students get in the mood for poetry … Maybe.

I would recommend this book for anyone in middle school (or older).  The only reason elementary students might not be a good match is because some of the memoirs have “adult content” in them.  However, I am sure if  teacher were to actually go through and pick out some “appropriate” ones, then it could be a fun activity for younger kids too!

My rating: 4/5 stars

Sincerely,

Taylor

Have questions or requests?  Then feel free to e-mail me at taylorreadingblog23@yahoo.com

Book Review: Kissed by an Angel

Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When death comes to Tristan and Ivy’s relationship, it would be easy to say it was over. However, Ivy thinks she still can interact with Tristan, but how is that possible?

This is actually a trilogy and each book flows into the next easily. This might be a good collection that might inspire students to explore their own views of religion. While not appropriate for a class discussion, it might be something for students to journal about.

This series was really easy to read. The storyline was not as predictable as some of the others, and as a result I stayed engaged with it and think my students would enjoy this.

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What I Want to Add:

I read this book a while back.  While I do not remember a lot of specific details, I do remember the fact that I really enjoyed reading this book.  This was a nice break from some of the vampire books that I had been reading (and still read…).

I just recently saw that there are stories the follow the trilogy and I want to read them too!

I cried a lot while reading this book – which is actually a good sign.  Any book that can actually pull me in means (to me) that it is an excellent book.  While I did not enjoy being upset, I did enjoy knowing that I had an escape.  I like getting sucked into books as it gives me a mental break from things going on around the home.  (Not that things are bad at home – but it’s just a break from an otherwise mundane life… If that makes sense???)

I would recommend this book to any young adult girl.  (Guys, I think you might like this, but I am not sure if you’d feel comfortable carrying this book around… Or maybe I’m just using stereotypes?)

My rating: 4/5 stars

Sincerely,

Taylor

Have questions, requests, etc.?  Then feel free to e-mail me at taylorreadingblog23@yahoo.com

Book Review: Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlie has to grow up fast and learns how to be himself and how to interact with others. He goes through many of the changes that teenagers have to face.

This book is written in formatted to look like letters from Charlie. A possible project might be to have people write a letter to someone telling them about life experiences, etc. – anything to get them talking.

The story was easy to follow and sounded like what a legitimate teenager would say. I think students would be able to relate to the story easily and maybe they can see some perks to being themselves instead of conforming to what the popular people do.

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What I Want to Add:

A friend of mine let me borrow this book during my freshman year (or was it sophomore year?) of college.  I enjoyed the book a great deal, but I am afraid to say that I do not see what the hype is about.  I liked reading it and I would like to read it again, but I do not really think that it is worth how much people are talking about.

With that being said, I am not saying that I do not think people should read this book.  In fact, I think young adults could find this book very interesting and could probably relate to it easily.

I have not seen the movie yet though.  Anyone care to comment about the movie version in comparison to the book?  I am interested it – just never have the chance to watch it.  Wondering if it would be worth my time?

I would recommend this book for anyone ages high school and up – for both guys and girls.  (It was actually a guy that I borrowed the book from.)  I also own my own copy now – so I have little to no excuse for not (eventually) re-reading this book!

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Sincerely,

Taylor

Have any questions, requests, etc.?  Then feel free to e-mail me at taylorreadingblog23@yahoo.com

Book Review: Make Lemonade (Make Lemonade, #1)

Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

LaVaughn is going to college. There has never been a doubt about it since she hit the fifth grade. She needs to earn money, however, and decides to take up a babysitting job. Jolly, the young mother of two, hires on LaVaughn. LaVaughn may have gotten herself in deeper than what she had planned.

This book is written in free verse. Therefore, sections could be examined to help students better understand the purpose and some of the techniques of this style. Teenage pregnancies and teen moms are a fairly hot topic still, so I think a lot of students could relate to it. On top of this, the book also has hidden little hints about the importance of an education (regardless of high school, college, etc.).

I really liked this book. I am always paranoid when it comes to teenage mothers as this is a strong emotional thing for me. However, this did not even become a main focus for me as I read because the story-line was so compelling. Very lifelike and I think very meaningful—a must read!

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What I Want to Add:

This was another book that I read for a college class about YA reading.  I was skeptical of this book when I first started it.  The form was different from the norm and honestly was feeling pretty tired due to all of the other assignments, etc.  However, I found that I could eventually get into it.

Teenage pregnancies in literature (fiction or nonfiction) always worry me.   However, this book had a more eye-opening view for many people in my class. The girl was different from me and had a different experience… But I could still relate to her.

I would recommend this book for high school students (and older).  I think the free verse aspect would be interesting for during a poetry session or something.  It might help students to see something other than “classic” poems…

My rating: 4/5 stars

Sincerely,

Taylor

Have questions, requests, etc.?  Then please feel free to e-mail me at taylorreadingblog23@yahoo.com

Book Review: The First Part Last (Heaven, #2)

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bobby is the typical teenager. He hangs out with his friends, has a girlfriend, and goes to school. When Bobby’s girlfriend tells him she’s pregnant, Bobby thinks that worse has happened. Unfortunately for Bobby, there were more hardships to come.

The book is not written in chronological order. In addition to being a unique take on teen pregnancy, this book adds more interesting perspectives of storytelling. Students might be able to learn a new style or even just learn from Bobby’s experiences.

I really enjoyed this book. While I was concerned that it would upset me (given my closeness to teen pregnancy) – the book did just the opposite. I did almost cry at one point, but because I could feel Bobby’s pain – not because of stupid choices made.

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What I Want to Add:

I didn’t even realize that this was part of a series until after I read the book and went to review it on goodreads.  I’m not sure if I want to read the other books in this series, but would not be opposed to checking them out (if that makes sense…).  I borrowed this book from a professor.

I was really worried given the fact that it was written about teenage parents – something that I care deeply about.  I was afraid of the book’s characters – that they would be stereotypical and trashy.  I was surprised (mostly happily surprised) by the twist in what could have easily been another episode of Sixteen and Pregnant.  Having the father being more involved than the mother was pretty awesome!

I wasn’t expecting the big plot twist.  I wont ruin it now – but will tell you that there is one.

Honestly I skimmed a lot of this book when I read it.  It wasn’t that it was poorly written or anything like that – I just had a lot of stuff going on in my life.  I did get through the whole thing in a matter of hours – very easy to read.

I would recommend this book for older middle school students (and above).  While some may fear that this will cause more teenage pregnancies (a fear that I do not understand at all!) – well… I have no response to those who fear this book.  Guys might be interested in it to see that they (as potential fathers) have a say as well!

My rating: 4/5 stars

Sincerely,

Taylor

Have questions, requests, etc.?  Then feel free to e-mail me at taylorreadingblog23@Yahoo.com

And for you at home that are keeping score: this is review 2/6 for the month of August!  4 more to go to get caught up!