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The Metamorphosis
Kafka, Franz
Reviewed: October 23, 2024
The novella, The Metamorphosis was written by Franz Kafka and published in 1915. The story follows Gregor Samsa, a salesman tasked with providing for his family, following his metamorphosis into a giant beetle.
As Gregor awakes one morning, he is startled by the realization that he is late for work, only to realize soon after that he has transformed into a horrifyingly giant bug. Laying on his back, unable to move or communicate with his family in the other room, Gregor is eventually discovered after his employer makes a home visit inquiring about his whereabouts. Shocked... Read Full Review
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The Bell Jar
Plath, Sylvia
Reviewed: October 9, 2024
The novel The Bell Jar was written by Sylvia Plath and published in 1963. The novel follows Esther, a young woman aspiring for a future career, and her inner turmoil as she attempts to navigate who she wishes to be.
The novel takes place in New York City in the 1950s, a hub of music, culture, people, and opportunity. Esther, originally from a small town, is interning for a fashion magazine and is unacquainted with the hectic environment. The first half of the novel centers on Esther’s time in New York, where she interacts with various characters, many of whom also... Read Full Review
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Freak the Mighty
Philbrick, W. R.
Reviewed: October 2, 2024
Freak the Mighty is a novel about the inseparable friendship between Maxwell and Kevin. Kevin is referred to as “Freak” throughout the story, for he is abnormally small but greatly intelligent, contrasting to Max, who is a large boy and has cognitive challenges. As they navigate their lives, they build an imaginary world where they team up and fight off people with bad intentions and go on exciting adventures.
The theme of this book is identity and the way you look at the world, as well as overcoming obstacles with support around you. I would recommend this book to those... Read Full Review
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If Only I Had Told Her
Nowlin, Laura
Reviewed: September 25, 2024
If Only I Had Told Her is a poignant love story that delves into the complexities of unrequited love, friendship, and the power of honesty. Finn's deep-seated feelings for Autumn, juxtaposed against his commitment to his girlfriend Sylvie, form the narrative's emotional core. From the very first page, readers are drawn into Finn's internal struggle, feeling the weight of his unspoken emotions and the turmoil they bring. The story is artfully told through three distinct perspectives, offering readers a multifaceted view of the tangled relationships. Finn's perspective provides... Read Full Review
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You'd be Home Now
Glasgow, Kathleen
Reviewed: September 18, 2024
You’d Be Home Now is one of the best portrayals of the young adult experience that I have read to date. The novel follows Emory, a by all means average teenage girl, after a tragic accident leaves her isolated from the majority of her peers. Meanwhile, her brother Joey has been sent to a rehabilitation facility to treat his drug addiction, and Emory grapples with her anxiety surrounding his return. Despite all of her worries, she remains optimistic that her brother will return as the warm and supportive version of himself she remembers from childhood. However, upon Joey’s return... Read Full Review
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Reid, Taylor Jenkins
Reviewed: September 11, 2024
Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo explores the life of a Hollywood icon through an exclusive interview with an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant. As Evelyn recounts her journey through fame, wealth, success, and seven marriages, she reveals all the secrets and truths that reshape Monique's understanding of love and ambition. The first thing that caught my eye was the book's formatting, featuring newspaper articles that showed the opinions of the public and multiple perspectives, switching between Evelyn's past and Monique's present. These elements... Read Full Review
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National Treasure
Reviewed: September 4, 2024
For any fans of history, action, and romance, this is for you! My favorite subject in school has always been history, and when I found out these movies existed, I immediately binge-watched them. My favorite movie genres are usually fantasy/historical with romance, which was perfect for me. The main character, Ben (named after Benjamin Franklin), studies history and is related to one of the people who had access to the Declaration of Independence. He and the men in his family line have always been interested in finding lost history puzzles. When one is mysteriously related to gold and the... Read Full Review
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Fate Breaker
Aveyard, Victoria
Reviewed: August 28, 2024
Fate Breaker unfolds as a gripping tale of epic proportions, where the fate of the realm hangs precariously in the balance. With Taristan and Queen Erida's triumphant rise from the battlefield and Corayne's narrow escape with Taristan's Spindleblade, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown between light and darkness. As Corayne and her scattered Companions race against time to reunite and gather allies, they face daunting challenges and formidable foes. Taristan and Erida, bolstered by the malevolent god, What Waits, loom as near-invincible adversaries, willing to sacrifice... Read Full Review
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Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School
Jewell, Tiffany
Reviewed: August 21, 2024
In Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School, Tiffany Jewell poignantly examines racism's widespread impact on American education. Jewell recounts her childhood and college experiences to show how systemic racism influences education. Jewell painstakingly deconstructs school prejudice via personal narrative and underrepresented authors' voices. Each example shows how black and brown students face systemic hurdles and microaggressions daily. The book inspires readers to explore racism and education critically. Jewell urges readers to examine their collaboration and... Read Full Review
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Ignite Me
Mafi, Tahereh
Reviewed: August 14, 2024
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi is an exhilarating and deeply emotional third installment in the Shatter Me series and has quickly become one of my favorite books ever. The novel begins right after the events of Unravel Me, with Juliette finally embracing her newfound strength to its full potential and filled with determination toward overthrowing the Reestablishment. As she assumes a leadership role within the resistance, she faces formidable opponents, such as the ruthless and cruel Supreme Commander, Aaron Warner's father. One of the most prominent aspects of the novel is... Read Full Review
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Brotherhood
Chen, Mike
Reviewed: August 7, 2024
As a hardcore Star Wars movie fan who’s wanted to get into the book series, this was a great introduction and start to my journey! This book introduces new villains commonly shown in the Clone Wars series but also includes many of the main characters from the prequel movies. The book's primary focus is the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan, now that they are not master and padawan.
Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker's brotherly relationship is one of my favorite ones I’ve ever seen in cinema. Their relationship is very complex, and this book explains their... Read Full Review
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The Summer of Broken Rules
Walther, K. L.
Reviewed: July 31, 2024
The Summer of Broken Rules follows 18-year-old Meredith Fox, who is dealing with the death of her sister, whose life was claimed in a car accident a year and a half ago. Still trying to navigate a world where someone so dear to her is no longer present, she heads to Martha’s Vineyard with her family for their annual summer vacation. This year, however, is a little more special as her cousin is getting married. In honor of her sister, the bride declares they play her favorite game, Assassin. Each guest is assigned a target which they must eliminate so that they may ultimately... Read Full Review