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The Nest by Kenneth Oppel Warning: This book contains BUGS, specifically WASPS!! Beware...
Here is a book I have mixed feelings about. This is a book about a boy named Steven and his quest to help save his baby brother. That sounds simple enough, but every good story needs conflict. So, Oppel made Steven into a kid with anxieties, OCD and other emotional problems. After getting stung by a wasp, Steven's babysitter (who is a biology student) takes time to teach him more about the insect he is afraid of, and show him that wasps aren't necessarily bad. Meanwhile, Steve starts to have some very realistic dreams about the queen wasp and her hive. Without giving more of the plot away, let's just say if you don't like wasps, the climax of this story might just have you on the edge of your seat. My heart was pounding in the last third of the book! Kenneth Oppel is one of my favorite Canadian authors, and I usually love his writing style. I can say I loved the writing style in the second half of the book, but found the first half a little dry. Also, the plot is a bit strange, once the surreal parts start with the wasps and their intentions. Be careful what you say 'Yes' to Steven! If you are reading fiction for grades 5-8, this is likely a book you will enjoy. It is not a YA or adult novel, but will appeal to middle grades. If Kenneth Oppel is an author you enjoy, I would highly recommend The Boundless. Hotel Ruby by Suzanne Young Audrey and her brother, Daniel, have tragically lost their mother and it's tearing their family apart. Their dad is having a difficult time recovering from the loss, and he has decided to send his teen kids to live at their grandmother's house "for the summer". The siblings are fairly certain he is too distraught to ever want them back, and they are not happy about it. While on their way to their new home, the fractured family stops at the Hotel Ruby for a night. The night turns out to be an entertaining distraction from their new normal, and their stay becomes two nights, then three. Which leads to the question, will the family ever leave the Ruby? Will the Ruby let them leave?
This is a book about family, love, tragedy, being a teenager, and the effect other people can have on our lives. There are some characters I cared about, some characters we are meant to fear, and some who are just kind of boring. The story is a bit cliche at times, but works for me when it becomes a ghost story. My recommendation is, if you can hang on through the boring stuff about family, then wade through the confusing parts about the hotel and its occupants and staff, the ending will be worth the wait. I spent a lot of time asking questions without answers (and being frustrated that Audrey wasn't pushing for answers), but was rewarded in the end. If I were a reviewer who gives a star rating, which I am not, I would rate this book a solid 3 of 5. If I could rate the book in halves, I would give the first half a 2 and the second half a 4. Give it a try! The Selection by Kiera Cass Because this series is so popular here at Massey, I wish I could say The Selection was a good book, but it's really not. It is not well written. If it is meant to teach us to be who we are and be true to ourselves, then the plot itself works against the characters, who I found to be flat and not particularly well imagined.
The main character, America Singer (she's a singer, imagine that!) is a cross between Cinderella and Katniss Everdeen. She is both pathetic and brave at the same time, but I don't entirely buy it. Her love interests are equally unbelievable - Prince Maxon is the guy who has no experience with life but can run a country, and he feels the need to find a bride through playing a nation-wide competition of The Bachelor in his castle. Please. America's boyfriend, Aspen, is a gorgeous guy with no money and no future who insists America try to win the heart of the prince. Aspen has spoken to America many times of marriage, then decides she should try to marry the prince, then breaks up with her for her own good, then follows her to the castle to kiss her all over again. It just isn't convincing to me. Don't get me wrong, I totally see why young ladies like this novel. There is a fairy-tale element here that can't be denied. When America actually gets to the castle and gets to wear all the pretty dresses, and catches the eye of the prince, I got a bit caught up in the romance too. I couldn't help but cheer for her. Until, that is, her situation becomes her "new normal" and I lost interest in the outcome. I would never tell a student to avoid this book. It is a very popular choice, and I can see why. But if you are looking for a dystopian YA romance, there are better novels out there. Delirium (also reviewed in this blog) is similar (and dare I say more well written). Hunger Games involves a similar love triangle, and if you haven't read it, you should. Divergent has an equally tough and stubborn main character, whose struggles do not become first world problems like America's do once she gets to the castle. If The Selection is the selection for you, go for it. I liked it well enough, I guess. I didn't love it at all. Book Reviewed by guest reviewer Mr. M. Littel So, let's get the obvious, but very important information out of the way:
1. This is a script for a Harry Potter play, not a full novel. That means it is a fast read, but also lacks the depth and world-building that the Harry Potter novels have. it also keeps in mind the limitations that theater has over what is possible just in the imagination. 2. The "prime" target audience for this novel, unlike the original books, does not seem to be for children and teenagers, but an older generation that would go to the theater. That's not to say it isn't a good book for children and teenagers, but they might not relate to the characters with the same ease as the original series. 3. The screenplay was not written by JK Rowling, although she was involved in ensuring the continuity and accuracy of its content. As a reader, I knew these limitations and entered into reading the story with very few expectations. Because of my realistic expectations, I highly enjoyed the story. It was not an original Harry Potter novel, but it still had what I came to expect from Harry Potter novels: tangible and emotional conflict that needed to be resolved. What makes it fascinating is that the characters can try to solve their problems with magic. To be honest, I would recommend this book to anyone who has already read the original series. it would be hard to enjoy without knowing the story that has come before. I would also recommend teh book and tell you to remember the three base understandings that I mentioned at the beginning of this review: it's a script for a play, the "prime" target age is adults, and it was not written by JK Rowling. With these understandings, the book will be enjoyed. Happy Reading! Mr. Littel In an internet world full of lists, here's a link to one you may find interesting - YA books that have been or are being made into movies or TV shows. Because we can never get enough books to read or movies to watch!
IMDB YA Books to Movies The library has already received 5 shipments of new books this school year! There is something here for everyone! If you are a fan of Graphic Novels, check out Star Wars the Original Trilogy, Dog Man by Dav Pilkey or the comic version of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
Animal lovers may enjoy The Art of Racing in the Rain, A dog's Purpose or The One and Only Ivan. In grade 9? the Game of Thrones series has arrived! Also 3 copies of Room by Emma Donoghue. If it's a romance novel you are after, try A Week of Mondays or Heartbreakers. Into action or adventure? We have Kenneth Oppel's The Boundless, Every Hidden Thing, The Land of Stories or a new title called Asylum. We ordered many classics too - The War of the Worlds, The Lost World, The Curse of the Viking King, and Around the World in Eighty Days. Oh, and did I mention 4 copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?? Stop by the library soon to check out all that's new and exciting! |
AuthorThis book lover's blog is brought to you by the Learning Commons at Vincent Massey School, Calgary. Specifically, Ms. Gammon and various student book reviewers. We want to share our favorite titles with you! Archives
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