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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: "There is a multitude of stories (a mere handful, as I have previously suggested) that I allow to distract me as I work, just as the colors do. I pick them up in the unluckiest, unlikeliest places and I make sure to remember them as I go about my work. The Book Thief is one such story." This quote describes the book perfectly (this is a direct quote from the book, pg 549). The Book Thief is about a girl living in Germany during the Holocaust. It is written from death's perspective as well as the German perspective, unlike most Holocaust novels which are written from a Jewish perspective. The girl, Liesl Meminger, steals her first book, The Grave Digger's Handbook, at her brother's graveside. Soon she begins to realize that stealing, books mostly, brings her joy in a life filled with pain. She learns that "the words" can bring both joy and pain, and they can be a burden to carry. Get your tissues ready if you plan on reading this! It made me cry several times! But it's fantastic.    Hill H :)

 

 

ps- A little bird told me that this might be an Aspire book.

 

 

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Ever been transported to another world? Or secretly yearned for a colloquial utopia? Life on Asteroid B-612 might just be what you are looking for. Here in this land filled with roses and space, you will meet a little prince, a spunky yet insightful young fellow who will lead you to further discovery in your life, and maybe even more.  All you have to do is listen to his story. Timeless, and classic, I enjoyed this book, and took the Little Prince and his philosophies of life to heart. -T. Muñoz

 

 

 

 

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. 

Have you ever thought about where your food comes from?  Read this book and you will be ready to join the Slow Food Movement.  Kingsolver writes about her year long adventure of living on a small family farm and only eating food that is locally grown and raised.  According to Kingsolver, our bodies, our environment, and our economy would be much better off if everyone would eat more locally produced food.  Did you know that almost everything we eat is corn-based?  Did you know that most of the animals that are raised for consumption never see sunlight?  This is a highly readable book that I thoroughly enjoyed.  In my next life I will live on a small working farm deep in the Shenandoah Valley.  Mrs. T.

 

Laika by Nick Abadzis

This graphic novel recounts the story of Laika, the Russian space dog, shot on a one-way ride into space on Sputnik II.   It chronicles the story of the dog from her days as a stray on the streets of Moscow, her training at the space institute, her affectionate relationship with her comrade trainer, and her heroic but unfortunate demise as the first living thing to travel to space.  The drawings are wonderfully rendered and the history of the Soviet space race and the era of Khruschev are well-documented and historically accurate.  This isn't just a dog story or a cartoon, it's a real gem.  Here's the author's web site.  Mr. VZ

 

 

 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

The great Native American writer Sherman Alexie turns his talents to the young adult market, and with considerable success.  Arnold is something of a misfit on the reservation, and begs his parents to allow him to go to the nearest white school in a town 22 miles from home.  The book follows his attempts to fit in at both his new school and with his people at the "rez," the latter who consider him nothing less than a traitor for trying to better himself.  Arnold finds his niche as a basketball player and begins to find his footing straddling both the white and red worlds in the midst of almost unending personal tragedy.  Arnold's parents agree a bit too readily to his switching schools, and Alexie's suggestion that Arnold might walk home 22 miles on occasion, stretches credibility, but beyond a few missteps, Alexie has created a memorable character and a rare portrayal in YA literature of an authentic representation of native Americans.  Mr.  VZ

 

 

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

This novella is a pleasure to read, especially for a librarian, but is a fun choice for anyone who may be a royalist, anglophile, or a reading enthusiast.  What happens when Queen Elizabeth happens upon a bookmobile parked outside of Buckingham Palace?  After decades of taking all her information from her handlers, she finally becomes an avid independent reader.  When she progresses to Proust, and her passion for reading begins to crowd her other duties and obligations, her royal handlers start to become concerned.  This whimsical book will leave you with some food for thought about the place of reading in today's society and may inspire you to, as Liz so aptly puts it, "excersie your reading muscle."  Mr. VZ

 

 

 

 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. A fantastic book with a lovable narrator. This book poignantly and beautifully portrays the struggles of Francie and her family throughout her poor childhood in Brooklyn and as she grows up. Francie's unique view on the world enchants the reader. A MUST READ!!!! ~L~

 

If you're a fan of Arthurian legend or fantasy filled with courtly love, knights, and damsels-- why not try this new translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Simon Armitage?  The original text dating from around 1400, the only copy of which is now in the British Library, has been translated into language that's easily understandable by today's modern reader.  The original verse appears on the left side of the page, the new translation on the right.  If you like Beowulf, you'll like this.  This is the root of English literature, and much of today's fiction relies on its narrative and plot devices.  And less than 200 pages!  Mr. VZ

 

 

The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

This is Matt's recounting of a troubled childhood to his younger sister Emmy, one who was too young to remember the details of their manic mother's unpredictable behavior and neglect of her three children.  Matt is the eldest, and along with his sister Callie, they plot their escape from the roller-coaster existence with their unstable mother.  Frustrated by the seeming indifference to their plight and inaction of the adults in their lives,  Matt seeks to recruit Murdoch, a man he happens upon in a neighborhood convenience store whom he thinks will lead them to a life of safety.  It doesn't work exactly as anyone planned.   This is a great YA book-- well crafted, extremely well-written, with characters that are credible and have their own voices.  Far from sensationalizing the story of abuse, it is told in a measured way that makes it all the more believable.  Learn the fate of Matt and his sisters by reading The Rules of Survival.  It's hard to put down.  Mr. VZ

 

 

These are called Blue Bloods and Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz. Two of the best Vampire books I have ever read. They have historical meaning as well. They have many real characters in it who came over on the Mayflower. These books follow Schuyler Van Alen (pronounced "Sky-ler") a blue blood vampire. De la Cruz stays true to her fashion roots by encompassing the modeling industry. These books are very different from the Twilight series. The whole book is written in third person, this makes it hard to really connect with a character but you know enough about the characters to understand their descisions. I highly recommend these books. A third one should be out next year. We recently got these in the library, check them out when you get a chance. Hill :D

ps. Oh yeah, in the "Hillaries at the library" READ poster I am holding Masquerade.

 

This by far is my favorite of all Francesca Lia Block's books. It is called Wasteland. Again I couldnt put this book down. It is about the growing love between a brother and sister, Lex and Marina. The subject matter is mature teen. When you pick this book up be prepared to deal with a very disturbing story. One review that I read of this book says it brings both "great joy and incredible anguish", this is very true. (I cried at the end.) Throughout the book you know there is a connection between Marina and Lex. But when Lex mysteriously commits suicide Marina is thrown into a depression and constantly searches for the truth behind her brothers death. The book is constantly switching perspectives: Lex (after death), Marina, and third person. If you are looking for a book to sit down with and have a bit of light reading, this is not for you. But if you want something substantial that will evoke emotions, pick it up! It is awesome and you will enjoy every minute of it. Hill :D

p.s. Just so you know I started this book while on a golf course with my dad. DO NOT READ IT WHILE DRIVING A GOLF CART! I was trying and did not succeed.

 

Violet and Clare by Francesca Lia Block. This book is nothing short of amazing! If you like books about showbiz, modeling, and many other teenage fantasies then Block's books are for you. They are very descriptive and almost poetic. This is the first of Block's books that I read. I was amazed by the intensity of her writing. The story follows Clare a shy, imaginative girl who enjoys writing, and Violet an ambitious, outgoing girl. They are two very unlikely friends. It follows Violets love for a rockstar named Flint Cassidy and Clares growing affection for her poetry instructor. It touches on many hard to face issues such as drug abuse and rape. I finished this book in a day. I highly suggest reading this. If you like this book she has written any more that are very similar to this (all are just as short). Hill :D

 

Candy: Kevin Brooks

This book is amazing. At parts it can be hard to read, meaning content not context, but it is truly worth it. I read it about two years ago. It is by the same author that wrote Lucas. I am rereading it currently. I believe the author captured the way the teenage mind thinks perfectly. If you like things such as Crank(listed below), or other teenage reads, check it out. Takes place in London, and gives you a view that you have never before seen in a place so beautiful.

Hill B ;)

 

 

 

 

Redeeming Love: Francine Rivers

Ohhh goodness gracious this book rocks. :) I know I know, religious books are AWFUL...no really they aren't. At least not this one...or the Bible! Although this book is based on the book Hosea from the Bible, you would not be able to tell. It is a beautiful story about a man that falls in love with a harlot (nicer way of putting prostitute). It truly touched me and i nearly cried at the end!! I've read it twice already and am hoping to not have a life this summer so I can read it again! Enjoy!

Hill B ;)

 

Northern Lights/The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman.

This is such a good book! I originally read it in third grade but reread it after seeing the previews for The Golden Compass Movie (Dec 7, 2007); I still love it. If you feel an uncontrollable urge to cover your ears and hum every time something contradicts your religion, perhaps this isn't your read :-) GC, the first book in the His Dark Materials series is actually not that bad religion-wise. There has apparently been a lot of controversy about this book since the series has some serious anti-God themes. Emails are currently circulating saying that people should not see the movie, but I think it will be fantastic as long as people don't actually believe that magic dust will come out of the sky and carry them through the clouds to alternate universes of magic and fabulous adventure. This is a definite yes:-) ~Laura~

 

Atonement by Ian McEwan.

 

I read this book because of the exposure it has gotten (among my friends, at least) from the upcoming movie starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy (December 7, 2007!!). The book follows Cecilia, Robbie, and Briony. Cecelia and Robbie are old friends discovering a new relationship. Briony is the younger sister to Cecelia who claims to witness an event that will get Robbie arrested, and her testimony to this "fact" changes the course of all their lives. I liked it; the story was interesting and well expressed.  ~Laura~

 

 

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.

Great movie. BETTER book! I read it last summer before the movie. I was sadly dissappointed at the movie. It was a great movie but the book was hilarious and a great beach read. (Going to the beach on spring break? Pack a copy.) It follows the same storyline as the movie but on a deeper level. But it is not a deep book by any means. But if you are looking for light, fun, easy read then pick it up. Hill :D

 

 

Alright, this book is called A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray.

I know most of the female population of the school has read Twilight (If you haven't, "Shame on you!" --See below) Check it out from the library, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer we have about a billion copies that are always checked out.). I read this book almost directly after Twilight to stop me from reading it yet again. I was surprised that I really liked the subject. This book takes place in the Victorian-ish age, it doesn't always stay true to the Victorian England time period, but it is great anyway. It is about Gemma Doyle, a girl living in India who loses her mother on her birthday. Her mother is brutally murdered and she is sent to a boarding school in England. While at the school she learns she has 'powers' and magical things happen around her. She is frequently transported into another realm where she must battle 'Circe'. This book has sequels: Rebel Angels and The Sweet Far Thing. I was recently told that this book will be made into a movie! (Read the book first!) Enjoy! Hill :D

 

 

I just finished this book a couple of weeks ago. It's called Crank by Ellen Hopkins. This book is semi-autobiographical, it is written in poetry. It follows the character Kristina who goes to see her dad for the first time in years and is introduced to the "monster", crank (meth). Kristina no longer the straight-A student, goes by "Bree", an alter-ego. In the persona of Bree, she is able to do things she wouldnt normally do, like date 'dangerous' boys who feed her need for crank. I was skeptical at first of this book, but the reality of the story (it is based on Ellen Hopkins' daughter) is very moving. If you like poetry, or just want a quick 500 page read (just to say you did it) then pick it up! It's great! Hill :D

p.s.- Don't be discouraged by its size I read it in about 2 days! If you like it then she has written three others that I have not read yet: Glass, Burned, and Impulse.

 

 

Hi! It's Hillary Heath. Sorry, I feel obligated to put Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, up here. I bought this book about a week after it came out. I didn't think it looked that great so it sat by my bed for about a month until I saw a friend of mine reading it. I took her advice and picked it up that night before bed. Needless to say, at about 2AM I made myself stop, I was about six chapters in. I finished it in the next two days and then immediately gave it to a friend. She had the same first impression and reaction when she started. Haley Joel Osment said it best in 'Pay it Forward', "It gets pretty big, pretty fast." I haven't stopped reading since I picked this book up. Well, enough about me, back to the book. It follows the character Bella (my hero) and her first year at Forks High School. In Forks she meets Edward (sigh), he is the 'statue of Adonis' (perfection). Unfortunately, Edward has one small flaw, he is a vampire. Don't be deterred by the 'cheesy' vampire subject. It is anything but! The first two chapters are a little slow, just wait! You will be done with the trilogy before you know it! Stephenie has written other books in the 'twilight' series: New Moon, Eclipse, and soon to be released (fall of '08) Breaking Dawn. She has also written and Adult fiction novel called The Host, to be released in '08. Hill :D

p.s. If you want to know more you can ask almost any junior or sophomore girl and they can quote the book for you. :)

 

 

Mr. VZ just finished Persepolis 1 and 2 by Marjane Satrapi, graphic novels done in the Maus style (read Art Spiegelman's Maus if you never have).

These books tell of the extraordinary journey into adulthood of a teenager growing up in Islamic-revolutionary Iran after the toppling of the Shah. Being an adolescent girl is hard enough without religious-fanatic police looking for stray strands of hair falling down from your headcovering, or making sure that you and your friends don't enjoy your free time at "decadent" western-style parties. Her parents eventually move her to Vienna because they fear it is too dangerous for her in Tehran, especially when bombs begin to fall during the war with Iraq. The second book picks up with her experience in Vienna, her rebelliousness, and her return to Iran. Don't think just because it's a "comic book" that it is for kids. There are some gritty themes in these graphic novels-- about growing up, personal responsibility, and the freedom to be and define yourself. Watch for the animated feature coming out this Christmas. Great way to introduce yourself to the graphic novel genre. More details on the movie here: http://www.sonypictures.com/classics/persepolis/ Mr. VZ

Look at this recent story from the BBC, which is something mirrored in Persepolis: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7091272.stm

 

 

Slam by Nick Hornby

I've admired Nick Hornby for awhile. While he is English, he writes for a world audience, and his characters are such "real" people, that you'd swear you've met them before somewhere. This is his first book (after his adult novels High Fidelity, About a Boy, A Long Way Down, How to Be Good, among others) that has intentially been marketed to the teen audience. It's a problem novel about a skateboarder who becomes a father at age 15. Sam's single mother had him when she was sixteen, and now he finds himself in similar straits. A child having a child brings up the predictable situations-- fear, denial, avoidance, and gradual acceptance. Nick Hornby focuses on the human side of the dilemma, taking on some thorny issues, never becoming too melodramatic, but all the while injecting his trademark good humor and readability into the mix. Mr. VZ

 

 

Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks

This gripping historical novel chronicles the fate of the villagers of a 17th century English hamlet that is quarantined after the Black Death starts to fell its inhabitants. A novel whose meaning is even more potent with the advent of the flu season and the current threat of bioterrorism! Based on true fact. It's almost as good as vampires. Mr. VZ

 

NOTICE: The book reviews above reflect the opinion of the reviewer and do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the St. Pius Library.

 

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