Book Reviews by LHS Students
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3rd DEGREE by James Patterson

The most recent thriller in The Women's Murder Club series, 3rd DEGREE, is the most exciting yet. Lindsay Boxer, one of James Patterson's most loved heroines, is about to die... While on a jog in San Francisco, a fiery explosion rips through a near by neighborhood, leaving a town house owned by an Internet millionaire up in flames. Lindsay plunges inside to search for survivors and finds three

people dead, along with a mysterious message at the scene leaving her and the San Francisco Police Department completely puzzled. Even more terrifying, the killer has targeted one of the four friends who call themselves the Women's Murder Club in his game. The investigation rages furiously, and at the same time, Lindsay finds out that one member of the Club is hiding a secret so dangerous and unbelievable that it could destroy them all.

I highly recommend this book to all readers and believe that it is one of James Patterson's most well thought-out and structured novels. It is filled with action and twists from beginning to end and I guarantee that you will enjoy it! -Drew, Grade 12

Anne Frank's Tale from The Secret Annex by Anne Frank

This book is when Hitler took over Amsterdam because of discrimination. Hitler believed that the Jews are responsible for everything bad happening and he wants to eliminate them. Took over towns and built concentration camps that are made to kill Jews. The Jews tried to hide and some were successful and others hid for a long time but Anne Frank's family was unfortunate. Anne Frank tells us about her everyday moments, fears, feelings and how her and her family hid. Anne Frank was only 13years old when she was killed. ~ Shanna, Grade 12

They'll make you laugh and cry. These stories follow the life of a wonderful character, Anne, as she "soars on the wings of anticipation then falls and lands with a thud." Delightful. They are a nice quick read when you don't have time to dig into a huge book because of homework, jobs, and school activities. -Amy

to end and that they will be saved by going up a mountain and creating a retreat, Marina and Jed’s lives are upturned. Marina’s mom drags Marina and her siblings up the mountain in hopes to be saved. Both Marina and Jed have more attitude and fear toward this end of the world prediction. Why are people patrolling electric fences around the retreat with automatic rifles at that?! Why will the world end now? Marina thinks this is God testing her faith and Jed believes God betrayed his family by letting is mother and sister die in a fire and has Jed and his father spared. Is this summer an adventure, a lunatic’s crazy influence, or the end of the world as Marina and Jed know it? ~ Andrea, Grade 12

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer

This is the final book in the Artemis Fowl books, and I think one of the best. After his best friends gets shot he vows never again to take up an act of crime ,but you know Artemis once a thief always a thief. Artemis makes a cube out out of fairy tech. and decides to blackmail one of the con/business men in the world. This is a must read for anyone and everyone who loves fairytales.

Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt

The book Black Elk Speaks was the best book I have ever read. The book was based on true events, and this book taught me a lot on some native cultures back in the day. I would recommend this book to everybody. If you would want to learn a little about the native culture, this is the book to read. ah ho. -Matthew

The Blooding by Patricia Windsor

When Maris can’t take anymore of her mother criticizing her she takes on the job of an au pair in England. Maris takes this job as a chance to prove to her mother that she can be responsible and make her own decisions.
After arriving in England Maris meets her new employer, Barb Forrest. Her summer job in England is to help Barb with her two children, because Barb is ill. Mrs. Forrest has a very strange exhaustion disorder and is very grateful for the extra help Maris can give her. Things are strange in the Forrest household. Mr. Forrest, Derek, is unpredictable and Maris sees a weird look in his eyes that unnerves her, but everything is peaceful in the household. Aside from the Forrest’s late nights and the unsightly mess Maris cleans every morning after in the bathroom leaves Maris with some underlying questions.Things go awry, though, when Maris finds Barb killed in the bedroom…and what’s worse is the way she was killed. Maris can only make conclusions that this woman had killed herself and did it for horrible reasons. Soon though Maris’s fears of the things she is unraveling are quenched when Derek unveils the truths behind those late nights and his plans for Maris. She can’t be afraid, because deep down she wants this. It is something her mother can never take away from her, not after The Blooding. ~ Andrea

This book was awesome. It combines good art in a comic way. I love the great red dragon. He is the best, but my favorite character is Bone. I hope my art skills becomes good one day. I think if you haven't read it, you should! This book will make you laugh inside and out. ~Patrick

Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier

When I was told to read the book Born Confused I was a little hesitant. The cover looked different from most books and the main character had one of the strangest names I'd ever heard, Dimple Lala. But soon after I got started in to her life I couldn't put the book down. I could relate very well with the problems in her life, even though it was filled with Indian foods, words,

Boy Meets Boy by Levithan David

Boy Meets Boy is a romantic comedy starring teenaged Paul and his love interest Noah. His friends Infinite Darlene, the quarterback, Tony, the boy with ultra-conservative parents, and Joni, his best girlfriend who tried to kiss him before she discovered he was gay, add humor to almost every situation. As the drama of various relationships unfolds the reader is sucked into the story and taken on a crash course through the daily life of Paul and his friends. This comical yet inspiring story is a great read for any occasion. - Carmen, Grade 10

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

The novel Catherine, Called Birdy was a very good book. It is a novel about a girl named Catherine who writes a diary about 1 year of her life. The book, I thought, could have had more details and more distinguished thoughts about what the Middle Ages were like. Catherine has a variety of names that she is called in this novel, including Birdy. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in

A Child Called "It" by David Pelzer

One of the most inspirational stories ever written, David Pelzer tells the struggle he had to endure growing up with alcoholic parents and a mother who constantly abused him. A true story which portrays life struggling situations very well, A Child Called It was a remarkable book. As an infant up until his toddler days, Dave Pelzer was very happy. His parents spoiled him and his brothers. Family vacations, wonderful dinners, and memorable Christmases, Dave Pelzer appeared to be one of the happiest kids on the block. But as Dave got into elementary school things started changing around his home. His mother constantly called him a “bad boy” and said he never did anything right. His brothers were treated normally and cared for like any young child deserves. As each day went by, the treatment Dave had to endure grew worse and worse. The name calling grew to yelling which lead to nonstop hitting. He was forced to all the housework within a desired amount of time; otherwise he was not “rewarded” with dinner. Dave’s father never helped during the abuse. He shyly asked his wife to stop many times, but Dave knew his mother ran the show and what she said was what went on. Dave battled not only his mother, but the will to survive. He desperately seeked a way out of the pain, looking to death numerous times, but Dave knew he could not give up. The events that take place in this story are so heartbreaking and
unbearable, you sometimes wonder if this is the kid’s nightmares and not his reality. Dave had to suffer countless harsh acts from his mother, but with unlimited courage and a warm heart, Dave manages to beat all odds and become a hero. This is only the first book of the trilogy, and already I wonder what happens to David Pelzer, the man, in the last book. I could not put this book down, it had my total attention and I can only hope Dave lives a much happier life now.~Steven, Grade 11

A classic Grisham novel. The Client is written to produce many emotions during the tennor of the novel. It starts with a street smart 11 year old witnessing the suicide of Jerome Clifford, an attorney incharge of defending Barry "Blade" Muldanno. Now everyone from the F.B.I. to the mafia is trying hurt Mark. He immediately requests the service of Reggie Love, a compassionate and shrewd

It's a story on how a teenage boys' life changes forever. Pat Berman finds out that his sister is Gay. He gets made fun of in town and at school. When people made fun of his sister for acting more like a boy then a girl he sticks up for her. Then, he confronts her. Evie does not deny that she is a lesbian. She also tells her brother that she is dating the baker's daughter. The Banker sends his daughter to a private school in order to keep Evie away from her. It does not help because they still end up together.- LeeAnna, Grade11

It's dumb. -Roger

front lawn. To make matters worse the daughter threatens to run away if Edgar Allan stays. It affected me because Edgar Allan did not ask to be born black it just happened and being placed in foster care as a child has an effect on you. LeeAnna, Grade 12

This book is an excellent reference guide for learning about diseases that shaped the World History. The dates and numbers are fairly accurate and hold a much better standing than some text books. There is also recommendations for books for further reading after the type of plague you are reading on. A timeline and table are in the back of the book, showing when the major plagues have hit and in which region. It is a fine example of a wonderful reference tool in the Library. -Erin

I read it, trust me, its good. Real good. No Joke, its really good. Seriously :) -Roland

If you're in the mood to read about up to date sports, then this is a great magazine for you. It has great inside reports and stories about the athletes that make it happen. This is surely one of the best sports magazines that I have read. -Martin

Eyes of a Storm by Jeff Smith

It is about a little kid and Grandma going out into the woods. When they go out into the woods they all of the sudden see animals coming up from out of the ground. It storms alot out in the woods. When it storms they leave the woods. I like this book because it was a good book.~Jordon, Grade 12

Far From Xanadu by Julie Ann Peters

Far from Xanadu is a gripping story. It deals with dating, sports, homosexuality, suicide, drugs, alcohol, future, friendships, and college. Mike "Mary-Beth" Szabo is a softball player. Two years after her fathers suicide Mike is given the chance to get out of Coalton, the small Kansas town she lives in. Mike falls in love with Xanadu. Xanadu is a new girl in Coalton and she makes friends with Mike right away. Jamie. Mike's best friend keeps telling her that Xanadu will use her, but she does not believe him. Darryl, Mike's brother, organizes a campaign to get her to a softball scholarship to college.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever fallen in love with someone they knew would never love them back. This book deals with sexuality, friendship and sacrifices that are made for ourselves and our future. LeeAnna, Grade 12, Gra

This book is very vague and appealing to the critique in the story. The narrator in the short stories pretty much details that have to do with a lot of meaning and details that provide the rest of the story. The characters are different in each story and the plot is different regarding to the book. I would recommend it to anybody who is a Orson

Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Foundation is a great read. It is an epic story about the foundation of an instute to keep alive the knowledge of the galaxy after the fall of the great galaxic empirer.~ Eric, Grade 12

Gone With the Wind is a classic tale of a very selfish and stubborn woman. It reads like a soap opera would, if any of those actors every decided to publish their scripts. Its got love and violence but disappointingly lacks rock n’ roll. I suggest it as a way to get your daily does of cheesy romance and outrageous fashions without frying a single brain cell watching TV. -Liz

Harris and Me is about a boy that gets moved around from relative to relative. One particular relative is a family that lives way out in the country. His cousin Harris is an obnoxious boy that gets into a lot of trouble--sometimes on purpose and sometimes not. This family gets up, does chores, eats humongous meals four or five times a day and are very mellow. Yet, this book is a laugh out loud book that everyone should read! - Lacey

J.K. Rowling has a remarkable talent in writing fantasy novels. This book can easily go head-to-head against The Lion,The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Rowling's writing style simply mezmerized me after reading the first few chapters. He right away got my attention and kept me in suspense throughout the novel. This book is a must read. -Duc

This book is about a troubled teenage boy who has to go work on a farm for his community service hours. The boy's relationships and experiences are trully intense. I really liked this book because it was so real and heartfelt. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading about things that will touch their hearts. -Sara

Hiroshima by John Hersey

"Hiroshima" offers readers an unflinching view of the horrifying power of the atomic bomb. The story begins on the morning of August 6, 1945, and introduces 5 characters, all adults, who live in constant fear of the inevitable bombing of their city by the Americans. After Hersey has finished describing the characters environment, he describes it's destruction as the city

The Hithchiker's guide to the galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is an intertaning story about Arthur Dent travel through the galaxy. It is an intertianing spoof of every thing science fiction. It is a most read for any science fiction lover.~ Eric, Grade 12

It is one of the best collections of short fiction stories that I have ever read! The characters are real enough that you can kind of relate, but so out there that you know it isn't real. The plot doesn't hold together much, but that's okay. I would not read it, though, if you don't appove of sex, drugs, prostitution, violence, magic, witches, or anything else that makes a book be banned. -Ben

Hoops by Walter Dean Myers

“Hoops” is an exciting story of a young boy that lives in Harlem who wants to become a basketball player.  He is befriended by an ex-pro who was forced to quite playing because of a shaving scandal.  He tries to help all young kids to try not to make the same mistakes as he did.  A seventeen year old named Lonnie

Jackson plays for his coach Cal.  He coaches for a basketball team that is in a city wide basketball Tournament of Champions.  Cal knows that Lonnie can make it to the NBA because of his talent that he has on the court. Even though they make it threw the tournament and get to the championship game Cal sits Lonnie on the bench.  Cal knows for a fact that once Lonnie gets in the game he will bring the championship home.  But because of his high betting problems he refuses to put him in the game.  Lonnie wants to make it because of his family and he wants to help them because of the struggle they go threw.  Despite that Cal wouldn’t let Lonnie in the game he still wanted him to make it.  Cal made some very stupid decisions he once had a chance to make it but sold out.&n;! bsp; He is trying to help Lonnie not to give in to pressure and focus on his talent.  Lonnie and his mother go threw a hard life in Harlem and Cal knows all about it.  He sees it and wants Lonnie to get threw the hard life and help his mother get out of the struggle.  Before the big tournament he woke up and was very nervous because he wanted to know how he would do.  He doesn’t want to mess up and do well.  He really wants to get him and his mother out of Harlem so she can live a great life.  Cal is showing him the way along with other young boys so they all don’t make the same mistakes he did.  During the tournament they were down at the last seconds’ time ticking away from them.  Then Lonnie threw it up and scored the bucket to win the game for Harlem in the big tournament.  After winning the game Lonnie noticed that Cal was walking towards the locker room.  Then he noticed that he had been stabbed to death with blood everywhere.  Cal asked Lonnie how it felt to win the game how it felt to be out there on the court.  Then Lonnie told him it felt great…it felt great Cal.  Five days later Cal was buried and Lonnie was crushed because his couch his best friend died.  This book was very heart touching to see that a young boy made it and to see how much you work for something.  In the long run something is always taking away from you even if it is a special friend.~Justin, Grade 12

Hoops by Walter Dean Myers

Hoops is a story about a young black man that is having a hard time getting things to go his way. "His mom is giving him the normal mom routine "I want it done" and his reply is "I do it in a little bit", just like a normal boy-- in one ear out the other. As he becomes a man, he makes some wrong decisions. One day he was at the hotel where he worked and across the street he could see a beer truck making a stop at the liquor store. In the store, he can see that there is hold-up taking place. He steals some liquor thinking he can make some fast money. But other kids in the neighborhood had the same idea.
He runs into a young "Michael Jordon" and he is reminded of the games on the basketball court.~ Ryan, Grade 10 rt so many years ago. ~ Ryan, Grade 10

Huckleberry Finn is a wonderfully animated book about a boy (Huck) and slave (Jim) escaping from society. Mark Twain uses his knowledge of the Mississippi River to create exciting adventures throughout the book, and their encounters with various people are humorous. I enjoyed it, and I hope you do, too. -Jeannie

This book is different and a challenge. -Susan

I Robot by Isaac Asimov

For those of you who are expecting the latest I Robot movie starting Will Smith, you may be disappointed. The movie is a continuation based off of Asimov's stories.
I Robot is an anthology of the evolution of intelligent design in robots Asimov deals with a time where people were still superstitious about the role of technology in society. He attempts to predict in his book, I Robot, the future of the robotic population and society. Beginning with basic explorations of robots in space, he follows an evolutionary time-line to full robot integration in society! .
The stories deal with issues such as the safety of robots, replacing people with robots, religion, robots that evolve to have superior abilities than humans, time travel, politics, global economics, and even what being human means. Though his writing is intriguing and radical; the transition chapters between each story are not as solid as the rest of the writing. Asimov's inventive tales and classic science fiction writing will be satisfying to any science fiction connoisseur. ~ Kayla, Grade 12

Kiss The Girls by James Patterson

Kiss The Girls, by James Patterson, is another book in the Alex Cross series. The book is action-packed and full of suspense. I also believe that it has one of the most powerful and creepy beginnings ever. Just when you think Alex Cross has it figured everything out, something else surfaces, causing him to be barely off target. The way the book ends
leaves you wondering if its leading up to the next book in the

Gretal Samuelson is a young woman growing up to witness the breakup of her parents' marriage, her cousin Margot's search for love, the deterioration of a brother who passes up Harvard for a job at the local grocery store, and emotional explosions that shatter the suburban quiet.

This book was a quick read, however it lacked real substance for me. I finished the book wanting more, more of a conclusion, more emotion, and frankly more of a book. I think however that this book may be a good read for a teenage audience. It deals with situations that are more common than not in a teenager's life.  ~ Andrea, Grade 12

This book is about a young girl who is forced to hold a terrifing secret. A secret of hate, filth, and discomfort. Every summer, her and her family goes on a vacation to a cabin in the woods. It tells how her dad tries to teach her how to swim. But one day, a boy who lives down the street that comes and plays with them, asked if they could go to her room and read a book together. but the book never gets opened. She tells how he puts his hand

inside of her, but she is to afraid to say no. Time and time after again he does it. finally she tells her mother what is happening. her mother then tells her every thing will be okay from then on. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks there isnt any hope for getting help, or thinks they are the only one being treated wrongly.~ Tori

It was a good book about a group of little boys who were stranded on an island. At first they elect a leader, but most of them don't want to follow him. The main thing this leader asks of them is to keep a fire going. They consider this request to be too much work so they go off hunting instead. Four people stay with the original leader. The hunter captures two and kills the other two. The captured boys join them because they were afraid of torture. All of the kids went out the next

The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh

This book is about two people named Mr. Joyboy and Aimee Thanatogenos. Their friendship is being tormented by another guy named Dennis Barlow. It's more like a comedy type of story, but very interesting.~Shannon

NOTE: his other books, MinJangle and the Flying Fortress and MinJangle Takes on Timy the One Legged Monkey, are also spectacular. -Karl

This book is number 3 in an 8 book series. This book is a great pick for those who like reading about the end times. Dr. Lahaye and Mr. Jenkins do an outstanding job depicting the last book of the Bible. This book is about a power hungry man from the east who wants to unite the world "take over." You must read it along with the others in the series. -Casey

This book is a good read, and Ithink that Lenny and George have a tough life in this book because they have to live from town to town and job to job. This book does a good job of showing the world of two men who do not know what they are doing until Lenny does something bad, and they have to

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders is a good book to read if you like fighting and gangs. There is also a movie that goes to it. I offer people to read this book or watch the movie, because it is a fun book to read. ~Alex, Grade 12

The Partner by John Grisham

The Partner by John Grisham was an extremely well written book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is about a man, Patrick, who stole $90 million from his own law firm. This book definately keeps you on your toes, especially since it starts in the middle of the story and is a wonderful read. I strongly recommend this book. ~ Mary Elizabeth~ Grade 11

The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This book was impossible to put down, in fact I read it front to back in one sitting. It's only flaw is it's length - too short! The characters were beautifully real and likeable. I also enjoyed the story thoroughly. Basically, this is a classic coming of age story about Charlie, a freshman in high school with little or no social skills who, upon his English teacher's suggestion begins participating in life. He soon makes friends and is introduced to a world of sex, drugs, homosexuality, and his own personal struggle which he is unconventionally open to. A very good read - one you could pick up and start over at any time. I loved it.~John, Grade 10

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

One of the greatests imaginative stories ever. Told by a man who was very much a boy in his own right, Peter Pan is the classic fairy tale, by J. M Barrie. I absolutely loved this story of wonder, pirates, and the question of when is it time to embrace adulthood, and when to cherish the values and innocence of youth.
This story is for anyone, who love adventure and the visions of our youth. ~Katie, Grade 11

Promise (My dear daughter Amuro Namie) by Aeiko Daira (Namie Amuro's Mother)

This book is about Japanese top female singer, Namie Amuro. Her mother wrote this book when Amuro Namie was young before she became star. You can look at the sad side and happy side of Namie. She had so many hard times before ahe became a top singer.~ Jay, Grade 11

A girl with a teachers help records her life in a diary with a teachers help. -Jessica

I recomend anyone to read this book. whether your straight, gay or bisexual. It talks about standing up for what you believe is right. LeeAnne~ Grade 11

The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan

This is a touching tale of a poor, outspoken girl who comes to a strange town with a new husband who is not the gentleman he first appeared. After he dies in a horrible accident, she is befriended by the local minister and a "mad-man", who she makes a startling discovery about. The townspeople rave that she is a witch because of her friendship to the supposed "mad-man" as she struggles to survive.~ Mary, Grade 11

Scorpions by Walter Dean Myers
I am currently still reading this book called Scorpions. It is an interesting book about an African American boy named Jamal, whose older brother had recently went to jail and is facing more than 2 years of prison time. The little boy who lives with his mother and younger sister are a low income family that barely have enough to food and money to live on. They have to ask their neighbors for food and eat a little portion of what they got so they could save the rest for another day. The conclusion of this book is Jamal following the foot-steps of his older brother and heading in the wrong direction, until Jamal gets into a life and death situation.
That's how far I am in the book now.~Shannon, Grade 12

Shades Of Simon Gray by Joyce McDonald

Shades of Simon Gray is two stories in one. The First is about Simon Gray himself who ran in to a tree, which sends him into a coma. This tree is the same tree that Jessup was killed as a murder. In Simon's coma he is sent back in time to and meets up with the killer. Yet the more he gets to know Jessup the less it seems possible that he was the killer. All through Simon's life he was told that Jessup was the killer but in the last scene with Jessup he discovers that it was Jessup's lover, Hannah that killed her own father so that she could be free from him.

The other story is that of Simon's "friends". They are involved with a cheating ring. When it is discovered that someone has been using the printers at school to print out the test they go into a flurry about whether Simon has covered up the tracks. Some hope that Simon never breaks through the coma because if he tells they are all lost. Through many close calls the group begins to realize that they should be more worried about Simon coming through the coma not if they are going to get caught. ~ Stephanie

As a young brahmin, Siddhartha, has been taught that Brahmin is the soul of "Atman" or the 'Only One'. It means that Brahmin is the highest position beside the Creator. This intellect alienates Siddhartha's 'Self'. He does not think that his superior's 'Self' will give him salvation. Siddhartha thinks his 'Self' conquers himself. He wants his 'Self' to die to find wisdom and spiritual knowledge.

Rather than searching for his soul, Siddhartha attemps to destroy his 'Self' through suffering of Samanic asceticism. He sees that Samana's knowledge might lead him to his salvation. In page 11 chapter 14, we read: "...had one single goal--to become empty, to become empty of thirst, desire, dreams, pleasure and sorrow--to let the Self die. No longer to be Self, to experience the peace of an emptied heart, to experience pure thought..." Although Siddhartha does the scourge, he does not find his salvation. He quests his torment which is only escaped from the 'Self' for temporarily. Again, Siddhartha rejects and leaves the Samana ascetic knowledge.

Siddhartha ends his knowledge quests: Brahminism, Samanic asceticism, and Buddhism. He turns to the use of his senses in finding his goal. His main goal is to be his 'Self'. His sense of 'being' is isolated by his knowledge. He realizes that he does not know his 'Self' which he has spent his life avoiding. He vows himself to explore the 'Self'.

The second step of Siddhartha's journey is realizing that although he has knowledge, knowledge is not enough without experience. Experience can be gained through practicing knowledge. Also he realizes that thought and sense must be used together to find the way. He meets with Kamala whose beauty and intellegence overwhelms him. Kamala's observation and sensitiveness help Siddhartha to develop his sense of love. To paid for her lecture, he has his "think, wait, and fast". With Kamala's help in another lecture, he gains the combination of the simplicity and intelligence.

As he grows older, he makes a friend with Vasudeva, the river's man. Their life is near to the end of the harmonization of the universe. Siddhartha learns another secret with Vasudeva's help, that if one listens long enough to the river, he will hear all of the voices of the universe. Another secret is that if one listens even more carefully, all the voices blend into one sound 'Om'. He hears the universal within the 'Om'. When Siddhartha works as a river's man, he learns that Kamala has a son from him. When Kamala is dying in Siddhartha's hand, he is not ruined by the sorrow. But love for his son ruins him badly. Siddhartha learns human experience that his son is resembled of the love and the brotherhood of man. His son's rejection is so painful that it reduces his humanity. Again, we see the difference between the path of knowledge and wisdom.

In the last part he finds his true 'Self'. Siddhartha, says (chapter 12): "I learned through my body, and soul that it was necessary for me to sin, that I needed lust, that I had to strive for property and experience nausea and the depths of despair in order to learn not to resist them, in order to learn to love the world..." He discovers that all has been harmonious and unified. A man who seeks a goal is one who seeks something in the universe for the 'Self'. Since a man has potential to be within the universe, he has potential to simulating the good, the evil and all the morals in between. Wisdom is difficult to speak. - David

In a society where ego and identification are prevalent in most thought and cultural influence, very little insight could be considered more valuable than that of Hermann Hesse in his account of a wanderer searching for meaning and truth. In this story of self-discovery, Siddhartha undergoes a multitude of changes influenced by the people around him, and his own thoughts turned action in the world around him, in an attempt to rid himself of his ego. Siddhartha embarks on a journey, joining with different groups of people. Some are also wndering truth-seekers, but finds no peace with them. He later discovers the perils of being saturated in an elitist and materialistic society, requiring one to ignore their "inner voice," and eventually leads him to such despair that he considers suicide to escape from the evil imprinted in his heart. Through all of his experiences, Siddhartha learns all about the suffering in life and the fact that it is completely unavoidable. On top of! that, he learns that there are ways to overcome all of this, noting that "meaning and reality were not somewhere beyond things, they wer in them, in everything." This story is truly great for those who believe they have everything figured out in life, or for those who don't have the slightest clue. -Tyler

Something Upstairs by Avi

This book was about a kid named Kenny who finds himself in an awkward position. Kenny ends up moving into a house in Rhode Island, this house was haunted by a spirt by the name of Caleb. This ghost was trapped and couldn't be freed until he found out who murdered him. Kenny ends up

Miriam has a secret, that if found out by her neighbors she will be condemned. Her seizures are what put her as the unclean in the eyes of her ancient Israeli people. Only Abraham, the son of her caretaker, knows of her ailment, but he’s not telling anyone as he too has one of his own. He is crimpled and the people of their village consider an imperfect body means an imperfect mind too.

As their friendship builds, Abraham teaches Miriam to read the sacred texts, lets her sing, and he challenges her to believe that those who are different are not to be feared. They grow together with love and share together one soul, but fate had other plans for Abraham and Miriam.

Miriam is eventually forced from her home, exiled, and excluded from society. The only was for her to find true peace again is to find this miraculous healer in Galilee and it gives her hope to go on. ~ Andrea, Grade 12

Sophie's Choice takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the mind of a Nazi concentration camp survivor. It begins as a young author meets Sophie, a survivor of the Holocaust, in Brooklyn, NY four years after the end of WWII. As the two become close Sophie gradually reveals pieces of her past and the horrors of living in one of the most infamous concentration camps of the Nazi regime. The deeper the author

The Wheel of Time: The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan
Great booooooook! The series is one of my favorites. This book takes the main character into the background in order to catch the other characters up to the scene. It serves as a transition book, in my opinion. Ending one way to become another. That is exactly what occurs here. Everyones roles become more apparent and take on a life of their own in order to fullfill destiny.

There are 11 books to the series with one in production.

The Wheel of Time: Lord of Chaos (book six) by Robert Jordan

As the series grows, it becomes more difficult to keep reading. So far, This book has been of tactics. Tons of Foreshadowing and lots of hide and seek schemes. The earlier titles were more of a grab then this book has been.~Melanie, Grade 12

This book is about a boy who gets kidnapped and returns 2 years later. After his return, he must face being interrogated by his old friends and family. This story is very unpredictable and has a lot of 'twists and turns' in it. -Sara

Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen

The book told me "what does POSITIVE" mean. This book changed my life. I always have stress in my life, because I always think negative and
say to my self "You can't". If you are Christian or in same situation as
me, you should read this book. It will change your life. ~Jae, Grade 11