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.