Review: Between Shades of Gray

Hey Readers!

Based on the title, you might be wondering if I am in fact recommending a sequel to the infamous Fifty Shades of Gray. Don't be fooled: Between Shades of Gray is actually a compelling historical fiction novel by Ruta Sepetys that depicts the perilous journey of a Lithuanian family to Siberia. Lina, the 15-year-old protagonist, is a writer and an artist. When the Soviets take her away from her father, she is forced to use her creativity in new ways to keep her mother and brother safe. I liked the Anastasia-esque flavor of the book, from the romantic descriptions of European wealth to endless train rides through ice. Definitely consider this book if you would like to see history through new eyes.
Happy Reading!

~Dorothy

Interview with Jennifer E. Smith!

Hello Readers!
I have an incredible post for you guys today! I contacted Jennifer E. Smith, author of "The Statistical
Probability of Love at First Sight," (among other amazing books) and she was willing to answer some of my questions! I recommend any book by her, and her newest, "This is What Happy Looks Like," is definitely on my summer reading list. Below is an interview I conducted with her via email. Enjoy!

1) What was your favorite book when you were in high school? Why?

I really loved To Kill a Mockingbird, and I still do -- it's a book that only ever seems to get better with each reading.

2) Where do you get ideas for your books? Are you ever inspired by real life experience or your favorite authors?

Most of my books are sparked by something that happened to me in real life, and then they go spinning off into fiction from there.  For example, with my newest one, This Is What Happy Looks Like, the idea came about because I have a very common name, so email intended for me often go astray.  Of course, I don't usually get responses from famous movie stars!

3) How do you write? Do you have any rituals or favorite places to write?

I'm lucky enough to have a big window in my apartment that looks out over a beautiful park.  So I tend to write there, which is usually great, though it can sometimes be tough to be productive on a gorgeous day when everyone else seems to be outside -- it's a good test of willpower!

4) Do you have any advice for high school writers? 

Read a lot and read widely.  The very best way to understand how to write a book is by reading a whole lot of great ones.

Many thanks to Jennifer for making this interview possible! If you want to learn more about her books, visit http://www.jenniferesmith.com/. I am so excited we get to have it on our blog!

Happy Reading,

Alice

Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Hi Guys!

Over last summer, I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow. The book is about Guernsey Island, located in the English Channel between Normandy and South England. Guernsey Island is the only part of British soil that was ever occupied by the Nazis and Hitler during WWII. The book tells a historical fiction story of the islanders, and how they managed to endure five years of German occupation. I absolutely adored this book because how realistic it was. By the end of it,  I felt like I knew the characters and I wanted to run over to Guernsey to meet them in person. The stories about their experiences were very touching, not just because they were hard, but because the people of Guernsey were so courageous. Horrible things happened to them, but I wasn't really traumatized reading them. I was, instead, uplifted at their endurance. The title is a little strange but if you can get past that I highly recommend this book!

Keep Reading!

Sara C.

Review: Gimme a Call

Hey Readers!

As you can probably tell, we're trying to post more often (again)! I haven't finished any books since my last review, but I've started three: "Let It Snow" by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson, "The Book Theif" by Markus Zusak, and "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire. So far, "The Book Theif" is one of the best books I've ever read, and I'm not even halfway through! In any case, I've decided to review a book that I read a few years ago, but never reviewed. At first it seems to only skim the surface of literary goodness, as it's sort of written for young teen girls. But I was so intrigued by the ideas it presented. It's basically about high-school girl who realizes that she has spent all of her time with a not-so-great boyfriend, and lost many friends and opportunities along the way. When she drops her phone in a fountain, it breaks and is only able to call one number: her freshman self. This is the perfect opportunity for her to change her life, but will she take it? I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it's presented as a very juvenile book about high school (the fact that the main character's name is "Devi" doesn't help). On the other hand, the situation is presented so realistically, and who hasn't wondered what it would be like to talk to your younger self? This book brings up so many questions. What would you do? What would you say? I still find myself thinking about the book's premise years later.
Happy Reading!
-Alice

Review: Great Expectations

Hey Readers!

If you have heard of this book, your expectations are probably high––it is well-known as one of Dickens' literary masterpieces, alongside A Tale of Two Cities. In case you are curious about the "classic," here is the general gist: It begins in early-19th century England, and a young boy, Pip, is raised by his older sister and her husband Joe the blacksmith. After childhood adventures (and horrors), such as meeting a convict in a graveyard, Pip experiences a twist of fate that lands him in high society. He regularly visits the old, wealthy (but mysterious) Miss Havisham, and there he falls in love with her assistant, the young Estella. As he comes of age, we see how his expectations of himself change, and as readers, we see our own expectations confirmed and reversed.

~Dorothy G.

Review: Room

Hi Everyone!
Happy Spring! Over March vacation I read a book called "ROOM" by Emma Donoghue. It is a national best seller and is, not surprisingly, a brilliant book. The book is written from the perspective of a five year old boy. At the beginning of the story, the boy, Jack, is trapped with his mother in a small room. Jack doesn't know anything but that room, but his mother knows the world outside of it. She was imprisoned in the room after being kidnapped, so she has seen "outside." But Jack was born and lived for five years inside the small space. I know this book sounds a little creepy so far, but I promise you it is worth it. It is a story of the bond of mother and son and a mind blowing impartial narrative of our world. Jack brings into question societal norms and the complexity of normal life. Why is it that girls have long hair? Why is it that you have to behave differently "in public"? His young and very naive perspective encourages the reader to also gain perspective. This is a book worthy of your time and can be read in one sitting. I would say that due to some not-so-pleasant themes, this book is appropriate for 15 year olds. Don't let that discourage you though. I highly highly recommend it!

Best,

Sara C.

Review: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns)

Hey Readers! Surprise! Another review! I just remembered that I read this book over winter break. It's really skinny, and easy to read in small bits. If you have a LOT of work and are looking for something lighter, this is for you! You might recognize Mindy Kaling as Kelly from The Office, or from her new show, The Mindy Project (i highly recommend both shows). But did you know she wrote for both those shows, and has been a guest writer for SNL? She is hilarious, and her book is basically a funnily narrated autobiography, filled with awesome stories and interesting ideas. It has a lot of great life lessons, as well as like 50 laugh-out-loud moments per page. So if you're super busy, just carry this book around for some light reading.
<3
Alice

Review: Divergent & Insurgent

Hey Everyone! We are SO sorry for not updating lately, but high school is a lot busier than I thought! We hope you'll keep reading, because we plan to post more :). I've read a lot of books this past fall, but one book that really stands out is Divergent by Veronica Roth, and the sequel, Insurgent. If you like the Hunger Games, this is a must read! Basically, it's about a distopian world sometime in the future where the government is split up into five "factions" based on what they think the most important quality of government is.

The factions are Dauntless (who believe in bravery), the Candor (honesty), Amity (kindness), Abnegation (selflessness), and Erudite (knowledge). When each person reaches a certain age (around 14 or 15), they can choose to transfer into a different faction than the one they were born in based on their beliefs. Our heroine, Tris (short for beatrice), was born in Abnegation, but transfered to Dauntless. This was a huge leap, and the initiation was full of hurdles. The first book is about her initiation into Dauntless, including overcoming simulated "fear landscapes," finding love, making enemies, and figuring out that she might not fit in to just one faction. The next book starts out slow, but it is completely worth reading! I recommend these books so much, and don't worry, there IS a third one coming out!
Happy Reading!
Alice

P.S. If you want to read along with me, I'm currently reading The Casual Vacancy (Rowling), Wicked (Maguire), and Let it Snow (Green, Myracle, Johnson). I'll review one of them next!

Review: The Sweet Far Thing

Hi Everyone!!

So... I know I haven't posted anything lately, and I apologize for not!! I can't believe it is already 2013. Another year gone by, and I unfortunately can't say that I have been doing much reading lately. High school has been quite busy. Other than what we have been assigned in school, I have not been reading for fun on a normal basis.  However, I have been trying to read The Sweet Far Thing, by Libba Bray, when I have time. Though it is long, I so far would highly recommend it. I am really enjoying it, and I would recommend it for anyone who loves romance, historical fiction, and fantasy. The third book in the trilogy of A Great and Terrible Beauty, the romance between Kartik and Gemma is continued, though Kartik is not in a portion of the book. Gemma still has the magic of the realms, and Gemma and Felicity are preparing to make their debuts in London's society, while Ann is struggling to think of a way to avoid having to become a governess to her awful cousins. Dealing with the scandals of the upper class of London during the reign of Queen Victoria and the troubles of the realms at the same time, Gemma Doyle is faced with many challenges that make for an exciting book. The Sweet Far Thing is so far very enjoyable, and I will let you all know when I finish it!! :)

Until next time,
~Anne Shirley~