The Hunger Games

Pages: 374
Genre: Action, Adventure, Futuristic
Rating: 5/5

Summary (from Goodreads.com)

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


My Thoughts

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. I really took my time with it, marvelling over the writing style and details. The author knew how to capture your attention and imprison it inside her pages. Collins did an unbelievable job with the characters, she took great patience in describing the kids from the other districts without boring the reader, and actually I felt myself hungering to know more about the other tributes. I wondered about what it would be like if she included scenes in the book which were based upon Peeta’s perspective, however, I knew that would only ruin the mystery of being inside of Katniss’s head.

The only wish I had for it was that Collins would have given more flashbacks to what Katniss’s life used to be like in the district, and get to know Gale a little more. Perhaps this will be more covered in the next books, especially Gale...there’s no doubt about that.

All in all, it’s certainly one of my favourites!

Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger

 

Rating: 3
Pages: 214 (depending on the version you read)
Genre: Coming of Age



Summary (from Goodreads.com)

Anyone who has read J.D. Salinger's New Yorker stories—particularly A Perfect Day for Bananafish, Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut, The Laughing Man, and For Esme—With Love and Squalor, will not be surprised by the fact that his first novel is fully of children. The hero-narrator of THE CATCHER IN THE RYE is an ancient child of sixteen, a native New Yorker named Holden Caulfield. Through circumstances that tend to preclude adult, secondhand description, he leaves his prep school in Pennsylvania and goes underground in New York City for three days. The boy himself is at once too simple and too complex for us to make any final comment about him or his story. Perhaps the safest thing we can say about Holden is that he was born in the world not just strongly attracted to beauty but, almost, hopelessly impaled on it. There are many voices in this novel: children's voices, adult voices, underground voices-but Holden's voice is the most eloquent of all. Transcending his own vernacular, yet remaining marvelously faithful to it, he issues a perfectly articulated cry of mixed pain and pleasure. However, like most lovers and clowns and poets of the higher orders, he keeps most of the pain to, and for, himself. The pleasure he gives away, or sets aside, with all his heart. It is there for the reader who can handle it to keep.


My Thoughts
Now that I’ve read Catcher in the Rye, I’m starting to see a little bit of Holden here and there in the books I read. I think Holden is a lonely, lost teenager, and an angry one at that. I like him because he doesn’t edit what he has to say when he talks, he’s blunt. But I don’t like him because he is sort of a hypocrite. I also got tired of the “Goddamn’s” in the story, yet the “phony’s,” although tired of them, actually amused me.

I read this book for English, and I think that’s why I didn’t get as much as I could have out of it. I felt like it was work to read it and of course, I would have read it even if it wasn’t for English, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it on my own terms.

But if I wrapped it all up, I would say that the book is extremely negative, yet is funny. I think that everyone can find a something about Holden that they can relate to. The parts of Holden that I found myself relating to, were the fact that he didn’t care about being popular and being antisocial was what he was okay with. I found that even though being alone is nice, that you do get lonely, and then you want to talk to someone. And it doesn’t matter who it is really, especially when you’re alone. But, I don’t think I would ever in this lifetime find myself talking to nuns. Personally, sometimes I felt if I were sitting in a coffee shop or somewhere and Holden came up to me and wanted to buy me a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) I would wonder what his intentions were, and think “weirdo” and then possibly eventually come to the conclusion that he’s simply lonely and not some creeper, or up to something.

Overall, the book was interesting, gross in parts, grossly hilarious in others, and I still feel like I missed out on a bunch of what Holden was saying and what was happening, so I’ll return to the novel in time. Meanwhile the phrase “Goddam skates” continues to ring in my head for some crude reason.

Fat Vampire by Adam Rex

Rating: 2/5 (It was okay)
Pages: 324
Genre: Supernatural, Humour

Summary (from book)

Doug Lee is undead quuite by accident--attacked by a desperate vampire, he finds himself being cursed with being fat and fifteen forever. When he has no luck finding some goth chick with a vampire fetish, he resorts to sucking the blood of cows under cover of the night. But it's just not the same.
Then he meets the new Indian exchage student and falls for her--hard. Yeah, he wants to bite her, but he also wants to prove himself to her. But like the laws of life, love and high school, the laws of vampire existence are complicated--it's not as easy as studying Dracula. Especially when the star of Vampire Hunters is hot on your trail in an attempt to boost ratings....
Searing, hilarious, and always expected, Fat Vampire is a satircal tour de force from one of the most original writers of fiction today.

My Thoughts

The good:

1. I really love the cover of this book. It's unique and creative and very eye-catching.

2. The summary and reviews on the back of the book were convincingly funny and appealing.

3. It had some parts that did make me laugh-out-loud and I was genuinely interested in Doug's conflicting situation. And a good start in the plot.

4. Jay is my favourite character. Although he was a bit cliche character-wise, I still enjoyed his company.

 The bad:

1. The book went bad after the first sixty or so pages. The interest rate really dropped for me and the book started focusing on diffrent things. I really wished it would have focused more on the main character instead it begins to more greatly focus on Segal and I'm left wondering isn't this supposed to be about Doug and his fatness, his thirst for blood and issues with girls?

2. I began to feel very disconnected with the characters and I didn't feel attached the them or the story at all.

3.  The stroy began to throw in all this random stuff about a vampire hunter TV show and a vampire mentoring program among other things. And I'm sitting there wondering where did all this come from? What happened to Doug being fat and drinking from cows?

4. I wasn't too crazy about the ending. It didn't leave me feeling satisified. The book in all didn't do it for me really.

Overall, the book was unique, much different from anything I've read. It was funny, which I liked, however, the story just didn't satisfy me.

Maximum Ride: Saving The World And Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

Maximum Ride Series: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Book 3)
by James Patterson
Pages: 405
Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Science Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Comedy/Humour
Rating: 5/5

“‘We will destroy you,’ the Flyboys droned. ‘You have no escape.’ That was the most imaginative, threatening thing the whitecoats had programmed these “droids” to say” –Maximum Ride

Summary
The time has arrived for Max and her winged "Flock" to face their ultimate enemy and discover their original purpose: to defeat the takeover of "Re-evolution", a sinister experiment to re-engineer a select population into a scientifically superior master race...and to terminate the rest. Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel have always worked together to defeat the forces working against them--but can they save the world when they are torn apart, living in hiding and captivity, halfway across the globe from one another?

Why Read It?
I think if you've read the other two books, you'll know you have to read this one. And the ones after this. They're so fast-paced and pulse-pounding, with all the actionb, thrill, adventure and suspense with a twist of romance I don't think anyone is going to be able to put this series down.

My Thoughts
As I’ve mentioned before the character development is not that great. However, James Patterson doesn’t have much time to squish in much of that with all the action going on and with their lives on the line all the time. However, I can pick out a few traits of each character for the most part, to me I think they’re well-developed enough, although I would appreciate sometime in the book just to get to know the characters.
Anyway, put that aside and this third instalment of the Maximum Ride series has still got me on the edge of my seat. There is so much going on! I do have to admit it’s rather overwhelming; in a good way though. If it weren’t overwhelming where would all that suspense and thrill be? (laughs).
I don’t exactly have too much else to say... But Saving the world and Extreme Sports has taken the books to a whole new level! And I wonder what the fourth will be like! I hope the author will throw in a little more romance; as long as he doesn’t get mushy.

Maximum Ride: School`s Out - Forever (Book 2) by James Patterson

ATTETNION: If you have not read the first book in the series scroll down to the bottom of this post and look in the LABELS for the link The Angel Experiment.

Genre: Action, Thriller, Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction
Rating: 5
Pages: 368

Summary

(Note: I thought the summary for this book was better off copied from the book. So here it is...)

Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, Angel and Maximum Ride: six incredible kids genetically engineered with the ability to fly, free as birds...until Max and her gang are discovered by an FBI agent and forced to face their worst nightmare. Yes, you guessed it-school. That is the abominable place where they learn everything except how to survive as winged mutants relentlessly hunted by killers...

Flock Report Card:
Computer Skills: A. Can hack into any computer at lightning speed-bonus in a quest to locate missing parents.
Scientific Research: B-. Score points for discovering source of a diabolical plot, but often fail to identify clones and imposters.
Extreme Sports: A+. Earn extra credit by trading Dumpster diving for supersonic travel, aerial ballet, and flying with dogs.
Dating: C. Relationships with non-winged peers improve. Need work on picking suitable mates.
Discipline: D. Setting off explosives, stealing hidden documents, and harassing faculty are no-nos – even if the headmaster is evil.
Saving The World: This is a pass/fail course...

Why Read it?

I hope your ready for another thrill ride because here it comes. James Patterson has continued the Maximum Ride Series and it’s about to get even more pulse-pounding, with twists and turns that are going to come out of nowhere. If you loved the first Maximum Ride book, you’ll go bird crazy for this! Keep your feathers on will you! Sheash...





My Thoughts

I don’t know where to begin, because I read this so fast my head is still spinning. Let me think. Right, Maximum Ride and her gang or should I say flock are back in a second book.
I wish that I could have dedicated an entire day to reading this book, however it’s really hard to do when I have school, and every chance I get I’m reading it. Eventually, I was able to take Friday night and just read the entire book.
Yes, I guess you could say that I am loving the series!
Apparently, the characters are not well developed according to a few reviews I’ve read. I think personally, that it’s difficult to stop, take the time to develop six characters in these lightening-speed-paced books. However, I believe that the characters are actually well developed. What do you think?
I love Max’s ability to be strong, independent and sarcastic. The fact that... A) she hates girly stuff, B) refuses to show emotion, C) is a terrible cook, D) acts like she’s a mom, and E) knows a lot of swear words and sometimes uses them but tries not to shows that she has a matured far beyond anyone. It also shows that she is a reliable leader who loves her flock to pieces. However, she is burdened with a bunch of kids, people trying to kill her and her family (the flock) twenty-four/seven and lack of food and shelter which produces the flaw of swearing. I think she should be allowed to swear as much as she wants, to be honest. And the nice thing about it is, she does her best to keep those words locked up around the flock.
I’m not going to describe the rest of the flock. But I’d say the characters are pretty well developed. They are all well developed but Angels, the Gasman’s, Nudge’s and Iggy’s parts aren’t as big as hers. In fact, their parts in the book are not equal. Fang, on the other hand, probably has the second biggest part. However, he’s a little more hard to figure out because he’s so quiet and mysterious, his two biggest traits.
What do you think? And I hope you enjoy reading the second book! It’s so worth buying!

Thunder From The Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow

(ATTENTION: I’d just like to say that this is NOT a sad story!)

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Adventure
Rating: 3
Pages: 238

Summary

(Note: I copied the summary form the back of the book.)

It’s 1929 and thirteen-year-old Tom Campbell has always wanted a real family with a real house and a dog of his very own. Since he was three years old, the only home he has ever known has been the Mission orphanage.
When he is sent to live and work with fisherman Enoch and his wife, Tom finally sees his dream within reach. And when he rescues a Newfoundland dog in the middle of a terrifying squall, Tom feels as if both he and the dog, which he names Thunder, have found a place to call home at last.
But when Enoch’s wife becomes pregnant and it looks like Thunder’s owner might be found, Tom’s wonderful new world is turned upside down. Will the Murrays still want Tom? And will Tom be forced to give up his beloved Thunder?


Why Read It?

If you love dog stories, coming of age, stories and happy endings, you’ll fall in love with the characters of this children’s novel. It’s really meant for all ages!

My Thoughts

First, I have to say that this story made me want to run to my dog, Oscar, and squeeze him to death. I’m sure if you have a dog, you’ll want to do the same thing and if you don’t have a dog then you’re gonna want one.
What I loved about Thunder from the Sea was its not suspenseful, but it kept me guessing. Its easy level of reading made it so I could read it in a day, which I always love being able to read something all at once. Another thing I lvoed about it was, it had a happy ending!
I didn’t feel there was anything wrong with this novel, so just because I rated a three, which means I wouldn’t read it again, doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading at all. It really was a great heart-warming story! I recommend this for boys and girls of all ages.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (Book 1) by James Patterson

Genre: Action, Thiller, Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction
Rating: 5
Pages: 413

CAUTION: THESE PAGES FLY!!!!

“Basically, if you put a fence around New York City, you’d have the world’s biggest nontravelling circus.” –Max

Summary

Young Fourteen-year-old Maximum ride is 98% human and 2% bird. And the girl can fly. She’s got a load on her plate and more than she can eat and if you know her you’d know that the girl could win three pie eating contests in a row.

Max’s Dinner Plate (Also known as Missions):
• To protect the rest of her gang – Fang, Iggy, Nudge, The Gasman and Angel, from a pack of half-wolf, half-human mutants with a taste for flying humans.
• Rescue angel from a team of wack-job scientists.
• Infiltrate a secret facility to track down their missing parents (if they have any).
• Interpret what she really thinks about Fang.
• Get revenge on the one person she thought she could trust.
• Discover the best chocolate-chip cookie in New York City.
• And finally, save the entire world, why not?

Why Read It?

Fasten yourself in tight for this thrill ride that you can go on as many times as you please without the risk of getting sick to your stomach. It's a boys and girls read and if you love nonstop action, adrenaline, mystery, and suspense you better prepare for launch... no joke... these pages truly fly!



My Thoughts

Okay, so I completely and utterly loved this book. I cannot wait to read the next book. However, I’m trying to buy myself a little time between reading each book. I mean I want to read these books so fast but I want to read them slowly so the story lasts longer.
Anyway, I’ve rated it a five. I’m going to read this book multiple times for sure. I’m pretty sure I hit a new speed of reading. I’ve bumped up about ten pages in an hour, that’s how good it is and I can guarantee that any person who thrives for adventure, a little thrill, chocolate chip cookies and mystery this is something they’ll enjoy. I’d say especially people who hate reading, the chapters are no more than three pages long, which makes you feel like you’re accomplishing a lot in a way, maybe. My point is it has a super easy reading level, and those who prefer a challenge, well, all the mystery and suspense does it for you.
My favourite thing about this book though is all the sarcasm Max puts into the story, I love being in her head. However, something you should know is it will switch to a third person perspective and then back to hers. Like I said, it’s a easy read so it’s not hard to follow, it’s not like you’re suddenly in someone else’s head. It’s all her head and here and there a he/she perspective.
Now I want wings! Maybe I should think that desire through a little more... Nah, I like the idea of being able to fly, which is why I plan on going Norwegian Free Falling! I mean when I’m of age, because my mom says if I went now it would be abuse or something, I don’t know. I wasn’t really listening I was too busy daydreaming about flying. And you won’t be able to blame me if you read this book, the way Max describes her experience, well it’ll leave you breathless to the point you’re turning blue to purple. I’ll post a link at the bottom or you can search for it on YouTube or something.
I guess that’s about all I have to say for this book. Pfft. Yeah, right! I could go on forever about how much I love this adventurous series James Patterson has put together.
Literally, these pages fly! (Mentioned for the third time!!!!).

FREE FALLING IN NORWAY

NEXT IN THE SERIES: Maximum Ride: School's Out- Forever (Book 2) by James Patterson

The Rules Of Survival by Nancy Werlin

Genre: Tragedy, Reality,
Rating: 3
Pages: 259

Summary

Enter Matt’s world where he lives with his two younger sisters and his crazy, insane mother and all her boyfriends. Meanwhile Aunt Bobby is downstairs stuffing her face with food and not paying the smallest speck of attention to the bigger picture: Matt, Cali and Emma need to get away from their mom. It’s a struggle to survive under the roof of his mom, which feels more like a rain cloud.
But then Matt discovers Murdoch, a man he witnessed rescuing a little boy in the convenience store. And Matt knows if he can get his attention their might just be a little hope. Amazingly, Murdoch begins dating his mom and life’s almost good. But when Murdoch dumps his mom all roads lead to hell. Matt knows he’ll need to take action, but can he survive these measures alone?

Why Read It?

This isn’t a typical “Mom goes through a bunch of boyfriends” classic. It’s a scary adventure for Emma, Cali and Matt, just kids. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating, yet brilliant and satisfying, a story you won’t want to forget. For Girls and Boys!



My Thoughts

The Rules of Survival is basically about these three kids trying to get away from their insane crazy mother. Her actions simply made me want rip her hair out at some points. Other times she confused me with her behaviour.
It’s a great story about overcoming adversity. It covers mostly family relationships and the romantic relationship between Murdoch and her. However, it is mainly about surviving a parent that might as well be a scary uncontrollable teenager.
I rated The Rules of Survival a three because it was a good book, and I don’t think I’d read it again. Mostly because the story line wasn’t in that great of my interest and books like this aren’t something that I enjoy particularly. Reality and Tragedy novels I find don’t lift my mood although sometimes they give me a great sense of relief and that’s why I enjoy them for the most part.
I think the lesson in this book is just to take action and seek help and don’t stop until you get it. I believe that’s an important ability to have, and I’m glad Matt had it in him to get word out, no matter how difficult it was and he kept trying whether he succeeded or failed. I admire him for that. So maybe you want to pick this up and read it, maybe you don’t, but I think you’re missing out on a great novel, after all it’s a National Book Award Finalist, a Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist and a ALA Quick Pick!