Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

I read Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz a long time ago. Still though it is one of my favorite books. *SPOILER ALERT* If you haven't read the series don't keep reading and just know that it is an amazing book and a fabulous series so make sure that you do read it. It is about Alex Rider who is a teen who lives with his baby sitter because his parents and uncle a dead. He is sucked into the world of MI6, the same intelligence agency that his parents and uncle were a part of, which you don't find out until later in the series. This particular book in the series focuses on Alex stopped a mass breakout of small pox through a new brand of computers, Stormbreakers. These computers will be put throughout schools all across England, as the books setting is London. The villain in this book has made a set of computers, much like the MacBook pro is called that these are called Stormbreakers. They are a breakthrough in electronics and everything so naturally everyone wants one. The man who created them though is putting them in schools. It is later discover when Alex goes on a mission that the man has put enough of the disease small pox in each computer that when they are turned on at the same time all over England small pox will be released and there will be an epidemic. Alex does what he can to stop it. What I always found incredible with these books is that just when you think it's over, there is a sudden plot twist that is very unexpected and shocking. Just when I would think the book was over and all that was left was the conclusion there would be another explosion of action packed adventure. Usually it is short and is only a chapter long. This is a fabulous series and I recommend it to anyone who loves action and spy books and anyone who craves adventure and suspense. This is an amazing series and you should read it even if you only like action a little bit.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

You Never Give Me Your Money

This book focuses mostly about the break up of the Beatles. It explores everything from Yoko Ono to George Martin. It is a pretty long book but worth it. It also focuses on the quality and production of their music their later days. Also, it shines a light on the Beatles company Apple Corp. Apple Corp is a pun. When you say the words, it sounds like Apple core. Anyway, the book delves into the deep emotions and events that shaped the Beatles. It talks about John's obsession with Yoko, and Paul's racist remarks about Yoko. This book might sound like the Beatles were a dysfunctional group that only argued. The Beatles did argue but this book explains why they were the most influential band of all time.

Endurance by Alfred Lansing

Endurance by Alfred Lansing is a phenomenal novel about Shackleton's voyage to Antarctica. The description it uses to bring the setting and characters alive is amazing. When I'm reading it I feel like I'm on the Endurance and in Antarctica. Shackleton and his many crewman fight to try to cross the Antarctic Ocean. Shackleton takes many journeys and gets so close to being the first person to get to Antarctica, but he didn't succeed. He was so close to getting there, though, that he was knighted and was respected in a lot of countries all over the world. I'm not very far through the book because it's very hard to get through. Not because it's bad but because it's a hard read with a lot of large vocabulary. The parts I have read though are great. One of the many reasons this book is looking so good is the fact that it is the sea voyage and an adventure story. This specific voyage is not his first as I explained before. He wanted to break the boundaries between just adventure and exploration of places never seen before. This book is amazing and I think that almost anyone would enjoy it and love it as much as I do. I have learned how to use large vocabulary words in the right context and in ways that bring words alive much like in the pages of this novel. I recommend this book to anyone who is a confident reader but loves adventure and true stories.

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi is a graphic novel. It's about a girl who loses her dad in a car accident and her, her mom and her brother all have to move to "the middle of nowhere" because they can't afford their home anymore. When they get out there it turns out that it's the house where her great grandfather went missing. She discovers his library and gets a magical amulet. It helps them when they are plunged into an adventure in a fantasy world. It was a good book and I would recommend it but in about forty-five minuets I was almost done so it's more of a relaxation book than a sit down and read for hours and only be half way done kind of book. It's a little boring at times, but it certainly kept me wanting to know what would happen next. Don't read this if you don't like comics because it's got a lot more pictures than writing.
Since that book was so short half of this is going to be about Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie. I really like this book in the same way that I liked When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. It uses so much imagination to come up with a book that is based around a sea that if drunken lets you speak stories. I also think the characters are amazing and really good, I feel like I can connect with them. I think it's ironic that I often fall asleep reading it and it's set somewhere like a dream world. Salman Rushdie did a great job with the descriptive language and I get very into this book and find it hard to put it down. I recommend this to anyone who isn't looking for a quick read, but one that will make you think.

The Hunger Pains by Harvard Lampoon

This book surprised me. I had heard so much about it and it sounded really good. A few pages in and I was laughing. About twenty pages in and I stared to get bored with the same jokes just repeated at random times. I would say I was quite disappointed considering I was expecting a hilarious parody, I seemed to start reading a funny joke book. Except in the arsenal of funny jokes there are about four. Then they just get repeated and quickly die out into a nuisance. Like someone farting in silence, humorous the first time but after a while it just gets annoying.
The characters are the same with a twist of comedic stupidity. The plot is practically identical, but some humorous changes in small events. If you've read the real book first you will realize the parts that are the same and the parts that are changed a small amount. Really, it's truly just a parody, but I'm not so sure how it's going to turn out the way it's going.
My dislike for this book might also come for my obsession with the real thing, The Hunger Games. I can't shake the feeling that it's mocking the real book, which bugs me because I found it so powerful. I'm not really sure I should recommend it, but certainly give it a try. I don't want to say don't read it because everyone has a different view with things but I'm not even sixty pages in yet but I'm already pretty bored. It's definitely not one of the best books that I have ever read.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Today my blog post is not just about one book, but about two. I have already done one on Mockingjay, but I just recently finished it and I think it's important to follow up on. At the same time I also just finished Thirteen Reasons Why, which is probably one of the most powerful/depressing books I have ever read. I'll start with Mockingjay because that just seems to make the most sense. Mockingjay as I said before was a fabulous book and a great ending to a phenomenal trilogy. I thought it was going to have a happy, and somewhat boring, ending but I was partially delighted and partially upset to find out that's not really how it ends at all. This is one of those books, where if all your looking for is some upbeat, power to em' kind of novel, don't read it. In my opinion, though the ending was great and I was very shocked, it didn't really end in a great way. It really depends on how you look at it though because I suppose "mission accomplished" but how far would you go to succeed? Even after the bombshell rockets the core of the earth, there is one heck of an aftershock. It surprised me greatly to know that who I thought Katniss was, turned out to be a different person entirely. The more I think about it the more my opinion changes. I can absolutely imagine Katniss making the decisions she makes, but they're unbelievable. Don't let this Book Review throw you off. These books are amazing, breathtaking even. I very much hope everyone reads them regardless of what books you think you like these have everything. A little bit of comedy, some romance, a lot of action and if the suspense and drama don't get you choked up and scared witless I don't know what will. I sincerely recommend this book to everyone, of course read the first two before hand but those I have to say are no less stunning.
On to Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, this book actually changed me a little bit inside. It's is really intense and depressing in a lot of ways, so I can't tell everyone to read it, but if you have any interest for something suspenseful and dramatic this is a great book. All the characters come alive, no pun intended, and I can picture their attitudes through every moment. Basically in a nut shell this book is about a girl who commits suicide and leaves 13 tapes counting their backs and sends them to thirteen people. According to her each one had a part in her sad story and the reason why she committed suicide. Hence the name Thirteen Reasons Why. It's not a story I can really do justice by explaining and I have to recommend it because it made me a better person in some ways. Maybe not drastically but definitely changed the way I look at some situations. I recommend this book for its very, very descriptive images, unbelievable characters and plot twists. I can't say this book is worse in any way than Mockingjay, but it's certainly different in a lot. I recommend this to everyone except the faint of heart.

Word of the Day

Flibbertigibbet
-scatterbrained or flighty little girl
example:
"Why are you laughing at everything those boys say? It's not even funny! You're being such a flibbertigibbet!"

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney is a series that is of course in diary form. It's about a kid that is pushed around a lot and has made some pretty bad decisions. I'm not just talking about one book but all of the ones out so far. They are easy reads because of how many pictures there are and of course since its supposed to be written by kid there it has easy vocabulary. It's more of a relaxing read then a challenging novel.
Greg is the so called wimpy kid and the author of this dairy, of course not the real author as that is Jeff Kinney. Greg is pushed around at school and all his life goals revolve around becoming rich and famous. He thinks that school is the worst idea every and isn't necessarily what you would call a straight A student. His older brother Rodrick bullies him and only goal is to be in his rock band loded diapers, which is supposed to be loaded diapers but he isn't a great speller.
The books basically have no plot except to tell you what Greg Heffley is up to everyday and his opinions on school and what not. They are okay but I wouldn't call them the best books I have ever read. In truth they aren't very good but are perfect for young early readers, or maybe someone just learning english. These also might be good to read on the beach. So I recommend this to small children or those looking for a relaxing or easy read.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay is one of the best books I have ever read. I previously did a blog about the first book in the trilogy, The Hunger Games. I had great things to say about that one as I do this one. I love all the characters and I think it's safe to say that I am obsessed with Peeta Mellark. This third book is about what happens after Katniss, Beetee and Finnick escape the Quarter Quill and defy the capitol. If you haven't read the first two books don't read any further as there will be spoilers about the first and second books, just proceed to the next *. Katniss has agreed to be the Mockingjay as long as the other tributes are not punished for anything they have or might say or do. Along with other agreements she is gussied up and put in front of the camera. Unfortunately her acting skills are not up to snuff and she is plunged into battle to have a real affect.
*Now for the non-spoilers. The characters in these books or so real and so likable, that I feel truly connected to them. Peeta, Gale, Katniss and Prim are some of the most well described characters I have ever come across. They all have very different attitudes towards things but are all amazing. Katniss is brave and has a just-doesn't-care attitude. Gale is the man of his family even though he's only eighteen and is also valiant and brave in his own way. Peeta has never had love and once he finds it his heart is broken so fast it hurts me, too, he is also so sweet and kind. Prim is so brave but I can also imagine having her as a loving little sister who I tell everything to and looks up to me. Words cannot describe the connection I feel with these characters and if there is any series I could more ecstatic about some one tell me. I have a feeling the movie is going to be spectacular but won't do the books justice. I strongly recommend every one with a craving for books with romance and action read this series. I also suggest that you read it before seeing the movie so you can be surprised at what comes next.

Audrey, Wait!

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway is one of my favorite books. I usually don't read books like this. It has a lot of drama but is hilarious. Robin Benway, the author, did a fantastic job of describing what Audrey was going through. Audrey was dating someone who she broke up with and he wrote a song about her. The song was called, Audrey, Wait!. The song is called that because as Audrey was leaving his house after she broke up with him he called, "Audrey, wait!" and she pretended not to hear him. The book is about Audrey's struggle to stay a normal teenager and lead an average life. As the paparazzi storms her and writers for various magazines try to interview her, she struggles to still have privacy and still have fun.

Her friend, Victoria, loves the attention, though. Audrey keeps getting sent free stuff and Victoria enjoys them while Audrey dislikes them. Audrey and Victoria's friendship is stretched and tested as they go on this journey. The end of this book was shocking but very well done. I loved this book and the characters in it. I felt connected to them even though I haven't been put through situations like this. I loved this book and recommend this to anyone and everyone who likes drama and hilarious dialogue and plot twists.

Bone by Jeff Smith

Bone by Jeff Smith is a graphic novel about, what you would guess, a bone. Fone Bone is the main character of the book and is witty and funny. The plot of the book is quite gripping and Fone Bone makes everything interesting. The general plot in the first book is that Fone Bone is looking for his cousins. One of which was chased out of Boneville. Boneville is the town for all the bones. Though it is a graphic novel I feel as though it has more than enough words to explain the story and the pictures of course are always a big part of graphic novels. A lot of graphic novels aren't considered books because there are so many pictures and not just words. I think just because a book has pictures doesn't mean its not a novel. I believe graphic novels are just as good as books and novels. They explain stories just as much as books and their characters are almost even more clear. The only bad thing I can say is that it takes only a little imagination to visualize the characters since it is done for you. I love making a movie in my mind with books, it is one of my favorite parts of reading, and when I can't it is a little bit of a let down.
I recommend Bone to everyone. It is fun, smart and funny with a great plot. Jeff Smith did a fabulous job describing Fone Bone and his cousins.

Dive by Gordon Korman

Dive by Gordon Korman is one of my favorite series ever. It is a trilogy full of drama, suspense and action. It is about teenagers who go on a diving program in the summer. They each have their own specific reasons to be there. One is a hockey player who hurt someone with a legal check and won't play again. One girl has a walking disability and dives because it makes her look and feel like someone without a disability.
This is one of my favorite series because of all the suspense and action. In each book there is an explosion of tense action. In one book a large shark circles the hockey playing boy. In another some of them get the bends. For some reason I have always been attracted to things about underwater adventures. Something about the unknown and dangers of not being able to breathe without the right equipment always keeps me hooked. Sharks, treasures and plane crashes buried under waves and bubbles hold secrets that sometimes take years to find keep me reading cover to cover. All the characters in this series are some of the most interesting characters in any series I have read.
This book is meant for those who love suspense and constant action sneaking around every corner. I loved this series and recommend it to whoever out there loves deep sea adventure.

Book Review

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is one of my favorite books ever. Whenever I read it I can't put it down. I have read it before, as I have the whole series, but every time I read it I pick up something new and I always enjoy it more. Rick Riordan is one of my favorite authors because he is so creative and always grasps the reader from the beginning. For example on page 1 the narrator Percy Jackson says, "Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood." The first time I read the series I was mystified and curious at the same time. What's a half-blood? Why didn't this person want to be one? Who is this person? and many more questions were spinning and running around in my head. I was intrigued by the very first sentence and can never put the book down from the very first page.
Percy Jackson is a half-blood. A half-blood is a mix between a God and a human. Any one of the many greek Gods that live in twenty-first century America. This isn't your normal action thriller book. You might be imagining that it's just another boring fantasy where around every corner there is another shock and change in the plot. Well it isn't. Though there are shocks throughout the book they are spaced perfectly together and are never too close or too far apart. I have never gotten bored of this book or the series. Each paragraph holds important details to the story. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who enjoys action, suspense and a perfect amount of fantasy, that happens to relate to the greek gods.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I have recently started a new book called The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This is the first in a trilogy and I must say I'm quite impressed. I thought this was going to be one of those books that follows the common pattern and is really predictable. My first three guesses about what would happen were wrong and I haven't made any up since then. I love the spontaneousness that Suzanne Collins writes with. I love the suspense and the plot. I think the characters are well thought out but a little emotionless and whiney. I still love the book so far though. It really makes you feel how it must have felt to be starving and be in despair. My favorite character is Peeve. He seems like a generous boy who really has a big heart and I'm interested to know if he dies in The Hunger Games or not.
I'm not sure how the sequels will do because I feel like even now that a chain off would be boring or repetitive. Most people have told me that the second and third are worse than the first, and Katniss turns into a very whiney person. Most books have at least one character you really don't like. Harry Potter has Draco Malfoy, Percy Jackson has Clarissa, even Moby Dick has Moby Dick. Very rarely is the annoying or mean person the main character, only in The Diary Of A Wimpy Kid have I seen something like this before. I'm sure it happens but rarely. I really recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fantasy/action/suspense book.

Word of the Day

ubiquitous
to exist everywhere all the time

Example Sentence
"Wow, Bob, I've been seeing you everywhere. It's like you are ubiquitous!"

Book Review

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
One of the many things I've always admired about J.K. Rowling's writing is her ability to pull the reader into the book, so much so that it's hard to find a good "stopping point". I feel as though I can really connect with the characters. I feel as though I have been in their position, even though I haven't. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is one of those books that people really wish were true; the whole series makes this same craving. The characters are fantastic. I love them and I know all their attitudes to events and I can predict the things they say. The reason I love to read is the fact that very descriptive books like this one can make a movie in your mind. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is so descriptive that sometimes I look at something and think, Wow! That looks just like the toy described in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
My favorite type of books is the one with action, humor and fantasy. When I say fantasy, I don't mean flying ponies and fairies, though this book has things like that; I mean Quidditch and Hagrid, the half-giant, not just spells but curses and hexes. In this particular book action doesn't have guns, with the exception of the odd reference, but wand battles and death eaters, not to mention He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. It's an exceptional book and I recommend it to everyone and anyone who loves laughing, crying and smiling.

Word of the Day

-Raad
Siluriformes in the family of Malapteruridae.
In other words, electric catfish.