Tino Book Talk

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

cupertinohslibrary — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:08:40 +0000

Summary: Eragon Shadeslayer, son of Brom, and his Dragon partner Saphira on their final epic quest to overthrow the tyrannical king Galbatorix with the help of both old and new friends. Eragon marches to Uru’Baen fighting magicians, monsters, and dueling his half brother dragon rider who reluctantly serves the king. Secrets await both Saphira and Eragon as the final battle comes to a close in this thrilling finale that will keep its readers on its toes.

Why I picked it up: Have read the other three books in this series, and I really enjoyed them.

Why I kept reading it: I had to find out how the series ended, it’s a thrilling story that’ll keep its readers attentive.

Who would I give it to next: Anyone who enjoys a good fantasy or fictional novel and more.

Review by Billy C.

Catching Fire by Susanne COllins

cupertinohslibrary — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:14:41 +0000

Summary: Catching Fire is the second book of the Hunger Games Trilogy. Catching Fire is about Katniss’s life after winning the Hunger Games with Peeta. Returning home, Katniss gets a visit from President Snow who basically tells Katniss if she does not make her and Peeta’s love for each other believable, he will kill her family and the people she loves. Peeta purposes to Katniss in front of a huge audience to convince them that Katniss and Peeta’s love for each other is “real”. On top of that, Katniss gets the news that for the 75th Hunger Games, victors from previous years will be thrown back into the arena to compete once again.

Why I picked it up: I picked this book because I already read the Hunger Games and at the end of Hunger Games it leaves you with a cliff hanger. So because of that, I had to read Catching Fire to get more background knowledge on things. The Hunger Games was so beautifully written I had a feeling Catching Fire would too.

Why I kept reading it: I kept reading Catching Fire because I never got bored with it. Every chapter I learned something new about the characters and I likes how I got to learn about the other victors of Hunger Games and not just Peeta and Katniss.

Who would I give it to next: I would give this book to anyone who has read the Hunger Games.

Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie

cupertinohslibrary — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:10:34 +0000

Summary: In the beginning of the book, a news article is published in the Gazzette. The article states how at 6:30 PM, there will be a murder that will take place. Since people believed that it was a party game, everyone around decides to go. They gather around. At exactly 6:30, the lights go off and a couple gun shots are fired. Miss Blacklock is injured after the gun fires; she was shot in the ear. Also, the person that fired the gun shots is dead. Craddock, a detective is soon put on this case and investigate what happened. Craddock interviews everyone at the party and any neighbors who were around during the firing. Craddock then interviews Miss Marple, a guest at the spa. In the very same spa, the shooter worked there. As Craddock goes deeper into the case, he finds that although Letitia Blacklock, the women shot, is nor rich, she is about to gain a good deal of money. Letitia Blacklock happened to have a sister, Charlotte, who apparently died. At the end, the case came open and Craddock found out that Charlotte was not the one who died. Instead, it was Letitia. Charlotte just pretended to be Letitia to get the inherited money.

Why I picked it up: I picked up this book because I read another book written by the author, and found it interesting and fun. The other book was Murder on the Orient Express. I could not stop reading it, and I thought I’d feel the same way for this one.

Why I kept reading it: I kept reading it because it was somewhat filled with some suspense and a couple

twists.

Who would I give it to next: I’d give this book to anyone who is a murder mystery fan, especially those of Agatha Christie.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

cupertinohslibrary — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Summary: The book sets itself sometime in the near future in a post-apocalyptic, perspective of the world, where a son and his father are one of the last surviving “good guys.” In this book, both of the protagonists remain nameless, the book begins with the boy and his father both waking up while suffering from a nuclear winter, which is dominated by rain, snow and almost freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, the pair decide to head south for the almost endless winter. While on a constant alert for shelter and food, along with the fear of other belligerent survivors or cannibals.

Why I picked it up: I selected this book, because I seen the movie The
Road and I took an interest in the movie and liked the general feel to the
movie, because it had strong themes of the father-son relationship, survival of the fittest and how humanity had broken down because of the apocalyptic event which took place. Additionally, this book was also highly recommended by Mrs. Accorinti for me to read, which is one of the other reasons on why I selected this book.

Why I kept reading it: I kept reading this book, because I have always been
interested in the genre of a post-apocolyptic era. I proceeded to read this
book because the book was quite ambitious, and used constant foreshadowing and used cliffhangers at the end of each of the chapters. Furthermore, this book somewhat kept me wanting to read, because it I wanted to know what was going to happen to the pair, at the end of the novel.

Who would I give it to next: I would recommend this book, to readers who like he mystery genre, because of the foreshadowing throughout the book, along with other individuals who like the sci-fi genre, due
to this book taking place in a fictional world of a post-apocolyptic environment and how humans
attempt to survive in the annihilated wasteland

by Jonathan Brizuela

Maus by Art Spiegelman

cupertinohslibrary — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:23:50 +0000

Summary: The graphic novel tells of the author’s father, Vladek Spigelman’s experience as a Jew during the World War II era. Vladek’s experiences show the kind of pain one is accustomed to hearing about during the War. However, he always has moments of joy- intimate moments which the reader is also able to bask in as Vladek’s personal narration (with his charming grasp of the English language) introduces you to the workings of his life and family. The young Vladek was infinitely resourceful, always sharp-minded, and mindful of the people around him- tools that allowed him to survive the Holocaust. But the book also touches on the topic that vitality during the Holocaust was not black and white. People who die didn’t “lose”- situations oftentimes came down to bad luck, and people who survived didn’t “win”- while some, like Vladek, were able to survive of their own doing, at the end of the day, it also depended very much on luck and winning didn’t grant them anything- in fact, I’m sure they would wish the whole “game” had never taken place. Yet between his re-tellings, the author also presents his own moments with the now present, embittered Vladek, who is very similar to caricatures of the “cheap Jew” stereotype. The two Vladeks shown act as a foil against each other, and leave the reader wondering just what must have changed between the era after the war that would have caused Vladek’s beloved wife Anja to suicide and Vladek to morph. The novel is blissfully honest, and the art that it is presented with
has its own distinct life. Surprisingly, the cartoon does not take from the story- instead it embraces it to lure the reader into the cold world of World War II Eastern Europe.

Why I picked it up: I’ve always been intrigued by the two World Wars and when I was filing away books for the school library I came across Maus. At first, I thought it was a joke when I saw the cover- a swastika flag with two mice cowering before it. I opened it up only to see pictures of Nazi cats chasing after Jewish mice… it definitely must have been a joke novel. I then jokingly asked the librarian if I could read it for my book report and she said yes- in fact, it was a Pulitzer prize winner! After hearing that, the possibility it might have been a serious novel was too much so I actually did end up checking it out.

Why I kept reading it: Because it was good! Some scenes were a bit dull but chapters were never too long, the art was amazing in its own way, the story inspirational, and the honesty presented in such a well-known book was a major relief and pleasure to read.

Who would I give it to next: Someone mature enough to understand the story behind the art, and who has an open mind about sensitive race-related topics. Someone who wants to read an easy-to-read novel about the Holocaust who has already read Elie Wiesel’s Night.

Reviewed by Lora L.

We Were Here by Matt De La Pena

cupertinohslibrary — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:09:17 +0000

Summary: Miguel is half Mexican, half white who feels guilty for what he did to end up in Juvi. He’s smart, and has a good heart but is struggling with his conscience. The judge gives him a year in a group home and tells him he has to write in a journal so a counselor can try and figure out how he thinks. The judge has no idea that he’s doing Miguel a favor by sending him away because since the incident his mom can’t even look at him in the face. ANY home besides his own would be a better place to live in. But Miguel doesn’t plan on meeting Rondell and Mong in the group home and the journey they go on. Miguel stays away from the other boys in the group home and spends all his free time reading. He doesn’t want to talk or connect with anyone in the group home especially the mysterious Mong, who has a reputation of extreme violence. Nor does he want to talk to his roommate Rondell who irritates him by calling him “Mexico” even though Miguel can’t even speak Spanish. So it’s a big surprise when one night Rondell, Mong, and Miguel run away from the group home they’ve been court assigned to. They steal $750 from the home and try to make their way up to Mexico where they plan to become fishermen. Mong and Rondell run away to start a new life in Mexico, but Miguel is running away to forget about his past. Even though they are so different from each other, the three boys find a connection as they hide, steal, fight, and work they’re way up to the Mexican border. They’re journey from Venice Beach all the way to the Mexican border changes they’re lives forever. The book follows the journey of a boy who runs away to forget. Forget about his mom. Forget about his brother. Forget himself. But most of the time running away is the quickest path right back to what you’re running from. Through out his journey Miguel must try to forgive himself in an unforgiving world.

Why I picked it up: I picked up this book because I needed an ER book, but once I started reading the first page I was automatically hooked. I really enjoy when books are in first person. The author also made the main character have a strong, engaging voice.

Why I kept reading it: I kept reading this book because it was a funny, heartbreaking, and it’s a story about friendship. The friendship that develops between three guys and the journey they go through. Reading the book was also
like a mystery because the main character did something terrible to end up in a group home, and get cut off from his family, but readers don’t learn what it is until the end.

Who would I give it to next: I would give this book next to anyone who enjoys reading in a first person and anyone who likes books about friendship. I would also give this book to anyone who enjoys reading about journeys that people go through. In general I would give this book to anyone simply because I really enjoyed this book and found it very heartwarming and enjoyable.

Reviewed by: Miriam C.

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

cupertinohslibrary — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:22:17 +0000

Summary: In Bright Sands Beach, a region that used to be America’s Gulf Coast Region, there are poor workers who are forced to strip ships in order to survive and feed themselves. One ship breaker is Nailer, a teenage boy who strips small metal like copper. One stormy day, a hurricane, also known as a city killer, blows through and destroys a clipper, a speedy boat that the rich own. While walking around the beach, Nailer and his friend Pima find the wrecked clipper and claim it for scavenge. During their scavenging, they find a young girl Nita who is barely alive. They save her and because of their action, Nailer gets caught in an adventure to save the girl and return her home to her dad while fighting off his own dad and others trying to stop them on their journey. Along the way, they become part of a war between Nita’s dad and her uncle, and must try to survive the journey.

Why I picked it up: I really wanted a story that was similar to The
Hunger Games and I was recommended this book due to its similarity in
themes and character development between Ship Breaker and The Hunger
Games. Also, the cover looked interesting and really caught my eye.

Why I kept reading it: The gripping tale of Nailer’s ways of trying to
survive and get out of any situation just motivates me to keep going. Also, I
am really interested in what will happen next and what trouble they get into. Plus, I really want to see the development between Nailer and Nita’s relationship and some of Nailer’s family troubles.

Who would I give it to next: I will give it to any fan of The Hunger Games and even people who are casual readers. It’s a great book and I think anybody who picks it up will enjoy it.

Reviewed by Ruijing L.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

cupertinohslibrary — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:03:17 +0000

Summary: Hadley is tired of being smothered and cloistered when by chance she meets Ernest Hemingway. As they get to know each other, Hadley falls in love with Ernest and ends up marrying him. She is warned by her friend that Ernest ‘likes women’(37) but decides that she will give Ernest another chance. She puts his writing career ahead of her goals and ambitions, and leads a life that revolves around her husband. Through Ernest’s scrapes, affairs, and lack of constant income, Hadley is Ernest’s rock,-forgiving him each time. She is fed through her all consuming love of her husband and will do anything for him. When Hadley encounters a deadly deception, she is forced to evaluate just how much she loves her husband and how much she is willing to sacrifice for his sake. Why I picked it up: I wanted to know how Ernest Hemingway’s wife felt during their marriage and how strong a women she was (very!!!). I also liked the author’s writing style and truthful honest and emotional way McLain wrote the book.

Why I kept reading it: for bits of’ uncommon’ common sense and the truthful and powerful way that Hadley views the world “Ernest once told me that the word paradise was was a Persian word that meant “walled garden”. I knew then that he understood how necessary the promises we made to each other were to our hapiness. You couldn’t have real freedom unless you knew where the walls were and tended them. We could lean on the wall because they existed; they existed because we leaned on them.”(296) -Hadley

Who would I give it to next: anyone who likes honest emotional books that reveal human nature or who wants to know the definition of unconditional love.

Reviewed by Juanita D.

New Books

cupertinohslibrary — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:21:05 +0000

This month’s shipment from Atlantis has arrived with 7 new paperbacks. They will be on display for check-out in the library.

DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS by C.J. Omololu When her unstable mother dies unexpectedly, sixteen-year-old Lucy must take control and find a way to keep the long-held secret of her mother’s compulsive hoarding from being revealed to friends, neighbors, and especially the media.

EXPOSURE by Mal Peet Paul Faustino, South America’s best soccer journalist, reports on the series of events that hurl Otello from the heights of being a beloved and successful soccer star, happily married to the pop singer Desdemona, into a downward spiral, in this novel loosely based on Shakespeare’s play, Othello.

GOLDSTRIKE by Matt Whyman After escaping Camp Twilight, eighteen-year-old Carl Hobbes and Beth, his girlfriend, begin a new life in London, England, where he attempts to program Sphynx Cargo’s highly intelligentsupercomputer to help protect them from the CIA and assassins.

NUMBERS by Rachel Ward Fifteen-year-old Jem knows when she looks at someone the exact date they will die, so she avoids relationships and tries to keep out of the way, but when she meets a boy named Spider and they plan a day out together, they become more involved than either of them had planned.

PURPLE HEART by Patricia McCormick $8.99While recuperating in a Baghdad hospital from a traumatic brain injury sustained during the Iraq War, eighteen-year-old soldier Matt Duffy struggles to recall what happened to him and how it relates to his ten-year-old friend, Ali.

RIKERS HIGH by Paul Volponi Arrested on a minor offense, a New York City teenager attends high school in the jail facility on Rikers Island, as he waits for his case to go to court.

THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF CHARLEY DARWIN by Carolyn Meyer In nineteenth-century England, young Charles Darwin rejects the more traditional careers of physician and clergyman, choosing instead to embark on a dangerous five-year journey by ship to explore the natural world.

You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin

cupertinohslibrary — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:39:36 +0000

Summary: Dalton Rev is a private detective, who is charged with finding out who is guilty for the murder of Wesley Payne. He navigates the vicious hallways of Salt River High School, learning about a war brewing between the two biggest cliques of the school, and how it can be advantageous to his investigation.

Why I picked it up: The book was in the New Books section, where I usually find books to read.

Why I kept reading it: This book was hilarious. Not hilariously bad, just hilarious. It was funny, sarcastic, and fast-paced, just the way I like them.

Who I would give it to next: Everyone. I’d get as many copies as I could and throw them randomly at everyone I see. Literally.

Reviewed by Sheila K.