Book Reviews/Talks

Book Review 3: Out of my Mind 

December 11, 2016

Initially, I just liked the cover of this book. I will show this down below. I liked the cover because it stood out. As soon as I saw the cover, I decided I wanted to look at what this book is about. I read its summary on the back, and I thought it sounded intriguing. It had a different plot from most books I typically read, so I thought I would give it a shot. 

Then the actual reading of the novel took place. It began with a truthful discussion on the power of words. I immediately got interested. Sharon M. Draper, the author's, hook strategy was extremely successful. I wouldn't necessarily say I couldn't put the book down. It was a very good book, especially the morals behind it, but it wasn't my favorite. That has not much to do with the book, but to do with me and my interests. 

I think the biggest part of the book for me was the aftermath. After I read it, my perspective on people with mental illness changed. I'm not talking anxiety, schizophrenia or depression. I mean autism, down syndrome and cerebral palsy, what the protagonist form Out of my Mind has. They have voices, even if they can't speak. They could be incredibly smart and we don't acknowledge that. It changed my thoughts on them immensely. I now know that there is so much more to each and every one of them and we all need to realize that. I strongly suggest it. It is extremely eye-opening. 

Book Review 2: Side Effects May Vary

December 7, 2016

When I went to my favorite book store, Copperfield's, I didn't know what book I wanted. I just knew I wanted a book. I was scavenging for the right book. I then saw the cover of this one, The Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy. The cover was eye-catching, at least to me. I got intrigued and decided I wanted to see what it was about. I read its synopsis and I immediately fell in love with what it was about. Notice I said what the book was about, not the book itself. 

I began reading it, and at first, I was really enjoying it. I liked the plot points and their development, I liked how it was progressing, I liked the characters, but as I kept reading, it started to get boring. I found myself dazing off while reading, not as interested in the book and all around not looking forward to reading it. I was so bummed out, though. When I read its summary on the back, which I will put a picture of below this, I was so excited. They made it sound so good. I think that they had a good and genuine idea, but the author, Ms. Murphy, didn't write it to its full potential. I was really looking forward to it, but it was a major let down. I wouldn't necessarily suggest it. It wasn't at all horrible, but it also wasn't amazing. If you decide to read it, keep that in mind.

Book Review 1: The Problem with Forever 

December 1, 2016

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout is my absolute favorite novel. I'll give you a slight summary of it, but just because that's how much I love it.

 It's about a teenage girl named Mallory Dodge, otherwise known as "Mouse" by her childhood friend, Rider Stark. She was previously a foster child, but she got adopted by two loving people after a horrible incident (something you will have to read to know more about. I am not spoiling that.) with her not-so-loving foster parents. She was under the care of these people with Rider, who I mentioned called her "Mouse." They lost touch after the occurrence that got her her adoptive parents. She got adopted and hadn't spoken to him in years. That was until the day of her first day in public school, and from that point on it was a bunch of unforgettable adventures they shared together. To know the rest you must read this breathtakingly beautiful book. 

I want to say the main reason I liked this book so much was because of the way it's written, or because of the plot, or maybe even because of the ending, but that technically wouldn't be true. It isn't just one thing that made this book seem so praiseworthy to me. It was every small detail that it possessed. To me, it was one of those books I hated putting down. After I finished it, I cried. Literally. Tears were streaming down my face. Please keep in mind, I hardly cry and I am sixteen years old. Also, when I finished it, I ran downstairs to my mother and grandmother that were seated on my couch and ranted to them for an hour. It was one of those books that I just kept reading and reading, and once I was done I felt empty. Like I said, it was everything that made it so amazing. The author did an amazing job with the writing, character development, plot line, plot points, plot development, and so much more. If you're interested, I strongly suggest reading The Problem with Forever.