Monday, February 10, 2014

Catherine Book Review

Catherine by April Lindner

April Lindner's second book is a modern retelling of Wuthering Heights, and is told in two points of view:

Catherine, and her daughter Chelsea, 20 years later.  Catherine just met Hence, the boy she's sure is the love

of her life.  He works as a janitor in her dad's nightclub, which is legendary among bands.  Her dad is okay

with the relationship, but her brother, Quentin is not.  He poses as the antagonist to their relationship,

although Hence also becomes this when he expects more of Cathy than she can give.  Told interchangeably

is Chelsea's story: she came to New York to find her mother, Cathy, after she discovers a letter hidden

from her from her father.  Once she comes to the nightclub that her mother once lived in, she meets Hence,

who now runs it.

This book is pretty interesting, and a much easier read than Wuthering Heights, because it's not written in the

olden English language.  The characters are all intricate, and there are many plot twists that seem obvious in

hindsight.  The only complaint is the older character of Hence--he is stoic and rude for a lot of the book,

only to come out of his shell once Chelsea mentions Catherine.  All in all, Catherine, is an interesting book

that lots of people would like.  Briana B.; Teen Reviewer

A Wounded Name Book Review

Wounded Name by Dot Hutchison


 A modern-day retelling of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Dot Hutchison’s debut doesn’t disappoint. Ophelia has lived a relatively quiet life on the estate of the Hamlet’s with her father, brother, and the Hamlet family. However all that changes when the patriarch of the Hamlet family suddenly dies in suspicious circumstances. Now Ophelia must deal with his son, Dane, who has suddenly fallen in love with her and is also showing signs of becoming insane. Not to mention, Ophelia can see magical creatures. This story doesn’t disappoint any modern Shakespearean fan. Briana B, Teen Reviewer

Requiem Book Review

Requiem by Lauren Oliver


The last book in Lauren Oliver’s Delirium trilogy doesn’t disappoint. Told in the point of views of old best friends Lena Haloway and Hana Tate, Requiem takes us through their struggle to do what they believe is right in a world where love is outlawed and seen as a disease. Lena has allowed herself to love and is trying to overthrow the people who make people take a cure in order to prevent themselves from love. Meanwhile, Hana is one of the cureds who is fighting against Lena and her people. With incredibly well-developed characters, amazing setting, and an excellent plot, this book will leave everyone amazed. Briana B, Teen Reviewer

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

That Was Then, This Is Now Book Review


      “That Was Then, This is Now” by S.E. Hinton was a good book. It is mostly about two teenage boys named Bryon and Mark. Bryon’s mom had adopted Mark when he was little. His parents had gotten drunk and killed each other. The boys are best friends, but start to find that they are growing apart. Bryon seems to be maturing and growing up while Mark isn’t. Bryon soon learns that Mark has been dealing drugs to make money. Even though this was to help pay his mother’s hospital bills, Bryon knew it was wrong. He has to decide whether to keep this a secret or tell the truth. This could just possibly change everything.

          I think the author fulfilled her purpose in what she set out to do. Bryon is the narrator of the story and the plot flows. S.E. Hinton explains how difficult it is to grow up and face adult-like challenges and choices. It shows that life isn’t always easy. I feel like this book would be more for high school students. It is appealing to teens because it deals with growing up. It shows how sometimes our friends can change. Some mistakes cannot be forgiven. Even though I had hoped for a happier ending, I think that is the whole point of the story. Sometimes life isn’t fair and choices that we make can change everything. I think this title is worth having in the library collection. Most kids will like it, especially if they like S.E. Hinton. Elizabeth Y.; Teen Reviewer