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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.
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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 A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
This book is about to be released as a movie, and the trailer looks a bit sentimental for my tastes. It looks like a movie about sunshine, rainbows and lollipops and all things overly sweet. Here's the trailer: A Dog's Purpose Movie See what I mean?? Looks good, right? (if you are a pre-teen in love with Justin Bieber, fuzzy pink slippers and The Disney Channel!!). Well, the book is sooooo much better! I'm writing this review because, if you love dogs, I really want you to read this book BEFORE you go to the movie. If you love any animals at all, you should read this book. It is a wonderful tribute to dogs, our relationship with our pets, finding a purpose in life, and it's about all sorts of love. The book takes on syrupy sweet subject matter without becoming saccharine. I did cry (a few times, to be honest), but I also laughed out loud! And I came away feeling as though I understood my own dog better than ever. I LOVE this book. Is it in my top 10? No. Is it literary genius? No. Is it one of the best books you will ever read? Probably not. But, this book changed things for me. It changed the way I interact with my pets. It may have even changed my views on life and death. Most importantly, though, it entertained me. I hope it does the same for you. Ms. Gammon We Were Liars by E. Lockhart Here is a YA novel I will remember for a long time to come. A wealthy family spends all their summers together on their private island. A group of four friends/cousins - known as The Liars - happily reside two months of the year together in blissful, restful, mischievous enjoyment of everything summer offers. But there are politics, lies, love, secrets. And a plot twist... I had no expectations when I picked up this book. I didn't even read the back cover to see what I was getting into. Once I started the book, it didn't take long to feel like I was spending time with the family, looking over the shoulder of the narrator (Cadence), who is unreliable at best in her telling of events, and I liked her. I felt a connection with her and her feelings toward those around her. I imagined I could see the island of their summers (it helps that there is a map on one of the end pages), and I thought about what I would do with my time on that island. I was absorbed, interested, and whizzing through the pages. Then I went camping, and read the last few chapters while sitting in my chair in the sun. Some may have thought I had tears pouring down my cheeks, but it was just the sun making my eyes water. The plot twist ending had no effect over me. Really. I'm no liar. Read this book. It's awesome. I really enjoyed it. Ms. Gammon As with all book reviews, it's important you realize this is a subjective opinion. IF you enjoy a good love story, IF you enjoy dystopian novels, IF you enjoy a little YA tragedy, this is the book (and review) for you.
This is the story of 17-year old Lena, who lives in an alternative American civilization where it has been discovered that love is actually a disease (amor deliria nervosa) for which there is a surgical cure everyone undergoes when they turn 18. Apparently the disease of love "affects your mind so you cannot think clearly, or make rational decisions about your own well-being", leading to an unhappy and unproductive society full of crazies. Everyone must undergo the procedure, which is not without risk. Lena is excited to be disease-free and is counting the days until she gets the cure. Then she meets Alex. "They say that the cure for love will make me happy and safe forever. And I've always believed them. Until now. Now everything has changed. Now, I'd rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie." Although this is definitely a dystopian novel, it's also a love story, a drama, a tragedy. And I fell for all of it! It was a page-turning read, and I found myself really caring about what happens to the characters. I found it to be well-written, well-imagined and beautifully descriptive. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for true love. Now I can't decide if I should read part two, Pandemonium, or look for my next unexplored adventure! Ms. Gammon |
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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