Divergent is the first book in the dystopian trilogy written by Veronica Roth. This book is set in the post-apocalyptic Chicago where all the survivors are divided into factions – Abnegation (selfless), Dauntless (daring), Edurite (intellectual), Candor (honest) and Amity (peace). All sixteen-year-olds take an aptitude test in order to decide which faction they really belong to. However the protagonist, Beatrice has results that are inconclusive hence making her a Divergent. Being divergent is very risky because the government doesn’t want people to have an independent will. The rest of the plot revolves around how Tris overcomes this challenges and discovers a war between factions. This book is very interesting and engaging. It has smooth transitions. The key details and descriptions about the five factions are really fascinating. The characteristics of each faction such as what they wear, what they eat, what they do and much more are the ones that attract the readers. The book is very detailed so that the readers understand everything about the book. There are some emotional moments when Beatrice leaves her family. At the same time the bizarre rules and procedures of the government, really puzzle the reader. The simulations are the scary and action-filled parts of the book. Overall this book is an action-filled, entertaining book. I would recommend it to anyone who loves books in the dystopian genre and who enjoys fast-paced events. Anyone who likes these types of books will find this book enjoyable.
The book, Going Bovine by Libba Bray, orbits around the illusions of 16 year old Cameron Smith as he is slowly taken over by Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, the human equivalent to mad cow’s disease. His story begins after he accepts a quest offered by Dulcie, a literal pink “punk rock” angel, to engage in an exorbitant adventure find Dr. X, the time traveling physicist who triggered the end of the universe via his excessive trips across dimensions through the means of wormholes. Along with Gonzo, his neurotic hospital roommate affected with dwarfism, the sudden appearances of Dulcie, and random signs of guidance, Cameron goes on a utopian road trip to Disney World, the location of Dr. X’s secret laboratory. En route, they meet Balder, a Norse god cursed to appear in the form of a lawn gnome, escape the ever appearing theoretical fire dragons commanded by the Wizard of Reckoning, encounter a mysterious cult, meet the acquaintance of several physicists and fight against a notorious snow globe corporation. At their final destination, Cameron realizes his true identity and twist that shakes the reader’s entire perspective of the book is revealed. The book offers valuable insight to the true meaning of life and leaves the reader wondering even after the last page, regardless of the number of times, has been turned.
The novel brings up unpopular yet eye-opening perspectives on modern education, religious cults, as well as American materialism, and includes several references to wormholes and string theory. Its overall bold quirkiness and unpredictable storyline also added to the book’s appeal. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot made the book more intriguing and harder to put down. Although the book supports several disliked opinions and contains varying degrees of profanity, it offers stimulating views on various topics trending in modern culture. The book invites the reader to be more curious as to how a character ends up. I would recommend this book to readers interested in profound, vivid and yet cryptic dark comic tragedy.
Summary: I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban, is by Malala Yousafzai, a young girl from Swat Valley, who is standing up for girls rights and education against the Taliban. I am Malala is an autobiography that describes the hardships of living under the Taliban, and the ways Malala herself stood up against their bans on the things that women could do, such as being educated. This book is her journey through her life that started peacefully without the Taliban, and then as the Taliban gains power how life changed and instead of doing as the Taliban wanted and keeping safe, she spoke up against the inequalities and stood up for women’s rights. It shows her dedication to a safer and educated world for not only girls, but boys as well. Not just children but adults. Even after being moved to England, she continues to fight for education.
I thought this book was amazing because Malala was 12 year old girl that impacted the world so greatly and in such a positive way. It shows how a girl who doesn’t let go of her hopes and dreams can achieve so much, even though they are from a humble background. The book was very informative and encouraging. Malala talks about all the things that are going on as she struggles against the Taliban with her father and a few other outspoken individuals.
I agree with Malala’s opinions, that every child and adult should be given an education because it is their right. No matter the gender of a person, people have a right to being informed, and it is crucial world that people are educated. A common theme is that people should be informed and educated. That people should have the rights that they deserve, rights that all people should have because they are human.
I believe this book is encouraging and that it really shows a human face to this great international hero that Malala has become. It also shows the hardships that people face, living under the Taliban and breaks the many stereotypes that people have gained of Muslim people. I really liked this book, because Malala spoke out through this book to show people what was really going on in the Middle East. Many people have a very withdrawn perspective on what is going on in the Middle East. They don’t really understand what it is like to live there, but I am Malala can change this spectator view and show what is really going on. Living in America, or really anywhere not in the Middle East, it is hard to be able to “walk” in these people’s shoes. We don’t know what it’s like, but through Malala, we can understand. I would definitely recommend this to everyone. I believe that everyone should read this book, not just because of the ideas that Malala Yousafzai talks about, but also because it is an incredibly encouraging and life changing story.
I picked up this book because I was curious to learn about Malala Yousafzai. It was wonderful to see someone my age, though at the time younger, to go through these hardships that she faced and still keep fighting for something that is so dear to her heart, and because of her struggles and her continuous efforts has changed the world for the better in so many ways. Malala Yousafzai’s tale is an encouraging tale, and I would recommend it to everyone. Malala’s story is sure to grab anyone’s attention, and it can really change a person’s perspective as well as help them make a difference in their own community.
Summary: In Jeff Hirsch’s novelThe Darkest Path, In a dystopian version of America’s future,Callum Roe, a sixteen- year-old former child soldier struggling to survive in the midst of the Second American Civil War, which is between the Glorious path who wanted total control over America, and the U.S federal army who wants to restore peace and is the remainder of America’s army. Callum and his brother (James Roe) were taken away from their family 5 years ago and were forced to serve in the Glorious Path, but when Callum finds out what is in store for them in the future, he escapes into a long and tiring journey to seek his long-lost parents with the odds of survival stacked against him. Sadly, his brother James doesn’t believe him and decides to remain in the Glorious path. Along Callum’s 2,147 mile journey from Arizona to New York (location of the U.S federal army) he befriends a dog named Bear and murders his Commander/trainer who was going to train him into a killing machine. Together, they must overcome fate’s test for friendship, betrayal, and loyalty in ways you would never think were ever possible.
I decided to read this book because of its positive reviews by the people who read it and an interview of Jeff hirsch talking about the book. Another reason is because Jeff Hirsch is one of my favorite authors when it comes to books, one of his most recent books was the eleventh plague, which received some rewards and a lot of amazing reviews for it. Amazingly, The Darkest Path showed some signs of similarity to the eleventh plague genre-wise, which made me think Jeff Hirsch likes post-apocalyptic subjects.One reason why I kept reading The Darkest Path was because I was so intrigued with the plot due to its fast paced/heart pounding events and how it kept me at the edge of my seat…literally. Secondly, The Darkest Path got me so emotionally hooked, I had to shed a few tears along the way to process the unfortunate moments the book has to offer which was not common when I read books! Lastly, as I continued to read Jeff Hirsch’s story, I got pulled into Callum’s point of view and felt, saw, heard, smelled, and tasted throughout his journey.I believe this is for anyone who wants a face paced, heart pounding, and emotional ride into a post-apocalyptic version of America’s future. I would also recommend this book for fiction/adventure readers, if you are not looking for any of these, I would definitely still pick it up because trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
The Lightning Thief, the first book of the Percy Jackson series, is written by Rick Riordan. He has also written two other series, one about Egyptian mythology and the other about Greek as well as Roman mythology. The Lightning Thief is a fantasy fiction, revolving around Greek Mythology. Riordan uses the three powerful Greek gods: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades as well as the Titan Kronos to play major roles in this novel. This fictional book is based on a dyslexic 6th grade boy, finding out that he is a half-blood, meaning his father is a god, however his mother is a human mortal. This boy, named Percy Jackson, finds out that he is not a normal human. He is taken to a camp to be trained to face evils that he will face in the future. As the title states the Lightning Thief, this book is about a thief who stole the Lightning Bolt, a symbol of power, from the Greek god, Zeus, in order to ignite a significant war against the powerful gods. The ending of this novel, is left at a cliff-hanger as the thief is known only to Percy. The overall theme of this book is associated with the motif of identity. Riordan suggests that the theme of the novel is: identity should be recognized as life progresses, rather than at rough times of life. This fictional book talks about a young boy and his ambiguity of his reality. This novel is really interesting as a boy in middle school finds his real parents and sets out on adventurous journey to help a god. This is an action packed book which ensures that the reader doesn’t get bored at any point of the plot. The only question that this book would raise in a reader, is, “What happens next?” By ending the plot with a cliff-hanger, Riordan compels the reader to continue reading the next book in the series. In my opinion, this book lacks nothing. It is both relatable as well as action-filled. By visualizing the plot of the novel, I personally find it amusing to read this book. I love this book, because it is fascinating to portray in my mind. As the plot deepens, so does my attention to detail as I visualize the images of the plot in my mind. The book talks about the strength that each god posses, and their power granted to their children. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in action-filled novels.
I picked up this fictional book, because it had a displayed a contrasting and interesting juxtaposition of an innocent boy in a dangerous world. The novel implied a relatable yet an engaging tone as suggested by the adventurous almost dangerous cover. I selected this novel, because of both the peculiar and the conceptual title, The Lightning Thief. Finally, I chose this novel, due to the vast majority of my friends and peers recommending it. I was genuinely drawn into the novel because it was fascinating to me. Not only was it easy to comprehend, but also this book was extremely relatable to me and displayed to me that even though school and life gets rough, just seek comfort by surrounding yourself with people that give you positive influence in your life. This book was also exceptionally easy to visualize the scenes in my mind, which in turn made it better for me to effortlessly understand the entire plot. I would give this fictional book to anyone interested in reading action and adventurous books. People who are interested in fantasy fiction and greek mythology would love reading this book. This text could be given to anyone as it is easy visualize the plot.
The book If I Stay by Gayle Forman is about a young girl named Mia who wakes up to an unexpected joyful snow day, making her and the rest of her family now have some available free time. They all together decide to take a small trip to visit some family friends at their home. They could have visited, then go to a bookstore to roam all of its inviting ailes, and then have dinner with the grandparents, but everything changes within seconds. There is a sudden car accident, completely totaling the car. Mia gets up only to shattered pieces of the car everywhere,both her now deceased parents, and her younger brother lying on the ground. She finds her own wounded body on the ground as well. She watches as the ambulances arrive quickly rushing her body in an ambulance and follows. Mia is in very critical condition putting her in coma. Now, Mia is forced to accept the death of her family and realizes she might not want to stay at all. This story brings attention to the difficult question that Mia has to answer that will make out what her life will become. In the end,she still is struggling with making her decision whether to take the easy way out and leaving with her family or to fight and live with the loss of her family. Will she have the power and courage to stay?
I picked this book up because it caught my eye after hearing and many good reviews about it. I also knew there was a movie and was excited to read before watching to compare and contrast. I kept reading even though it was upsetting to me, I was determined to find out what she decided. It helped me in a way I could relate, my situation is not as tough and difficult as hers but it still guided me on my own life decisions making me realize every decision has an impact and effect. I would give this book to be honest to anyone really. It’s a great fictional read that could very much be a real life thing. It has the message of how in the matter of seconds everything can change and any decision you make no matter how easy or hard there’s always needs to be consideration of yourself and others.
2 people, Josh, and Lillian, just graduated high school. They plan to do nothing the summer. But, a shy girl at their school, Penny, who becomes friends with Lillian, is kidnapped/ or did she kidnapped herself? So, Lillian and Josh decide to go on one last trip before college and go on a road trip all around USA to find her, using only a car without A/C and Josh’s rich dad’s money. This book is kind-of funny book with a dark insight on Penny’s thoughts. It is mostly “intense” because you never know what is going to happen, or where they will go next, and where they can find Penny. I agree with the author’s opinion about making Lillian and Josh go find Penny because even though they aren’t good friends, Lillian is Penny’s “acquaintance” because of the way Penny follows Lillian everywhere. One question this book can raise up is that will Josh and Lillian ever meet again after the trip and Lillian goes to college. I really liked the book because it was really descriptive and explained each part of their road trip, where they stayed, ate, went to see, hike, visit, etc. Also, at the end of each chapter, it gives a page about Penny’s (The girl who is kidnapped) thoughts and feelings. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes humor, some romance, and one big mystery that gets solved at the end. In all, this was a really good book.
I really liked the cover and I picked it up because the book is about a road trip, adventure, and most importantly, kidnapping. I kept reading because it went on about the road trip described all the places Lillian and Josh went, and where they stayed/ ate. It was nice to learn about new places across USA. Also, I kept reading because I wanted to know where Penny was and why she is/gets kidnapped. I would give this to anyone who likes comedy, a bit of romance, and mystery.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower talks about the various stages of teenage life. Through Charle, the author depicts the lifestyle of most teenagers today. From love and romance to drugs and sex, this book has it all. It is extremely engaging and provides us with a lot of advice, as teenagers to deal with difficult situations. Slow at first, this novel captured my heart. It is very informational and at the same time , it stays interesting. The book also has some emotional aspects to it that enthralls and entertains the reader. Overall, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower describes the everyday schedule of tenagers. It takes the reader on an entertaining ride. The novel deals with sensitive situations and helps readers understand them. This novel looked interesting to me and hence I picked it. Though it started slightly slow, it is very entertaining. I would advise students from all backgrounds to read it . But Mostly, I would encourage middle and high school students to read this as it makes the unhappy teenage years easier.
I really liked this book because it was action packed, and the main character does not have his memory so it made me want to continue reading to see if he ever gets his memory back.I enjoyed this book a lot, and I want to continue reading the other books in the series.Overall I believe that this is a great book and that everyone should both read and watch the movie.My brother brought this book from his school library and it seemed really interesting so after him, I picked it up and started reading it.I kept on reading this book because I wanted to find out if the characters would survive and if the main character would get back his lost memories. I would give it to my friends, because they enjoy books that are action packed and have some mystery to them.
Divergent is the first book in the dystopian trilogy written by Veronica Roth. This book is set in the post-apocalyptic Chicago where all the survivors are divided into factions – Abnegation (selfless), Dauntless (daring), Edurite (intellectual), Candor (honest) and Amity (peace). All sixteen-year-olds take an aptitude test in order to decide which faction they really belong to. However the protagonist, Beatrice has results that are inconclusive hence making her a Divergent. Being divergent is very risky because the government doesn’t want people to have an independent will. The rest of the plot revolves around how Tris overcomes this challenges and discovers a war between factions. This book is very interesting and engaging. It has smooth transitions. The key details and descriptions about the five factions are really fascinating. The characteristics of each faction such as what they wear, what they eat, what they do and much more are the ones that attract the readers. The book is very detailed so that the readers understand everything about the book. There are some emotional moments when Beatrice leaves her family. At the same time the bizarre rules and procedures of the government, really puzzle the reader. The simulations are the scary and action-filled parts of the book. Overall this book is an action-filled, entertaining book. I would recommend it to anyone who loves books in the dystopian genre and who enjoys fast-paced events. Anyone who likes these types of books will find this book enjoyable.
Tino Book Talk 