Th1rteen R3asons Why

Summary: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Official Reviews:

...compelling reading -Booklist

This page-turner will keep you up all night, as Clay pops in cassette after cassette, to find out what his role is exactly in Hannah's death. Could he really be somewhat responsible? You won't regret reading this book, and it won't take you very long. It is a fast read and will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you read on to find out more about the circumstances surrounding Hannah's death. -Allen Review

This provocative tale touches on universal topics of interest, is genuine in its message, and would be a good choice for high school book discussions and booktalks. -VOYA

Hannah's story is a freight train of despair and suspense that picks up speed as it moves to her final undoing. Like the protagonist in John Green's Looking for Alaska (Dutton, 2005), Hannah is an animate ghost; Clay's bereaved voice bears witness to her tragedy. The episodic structure is nicely suited to reluctant readers, but the breakneck pace and dizzying emotion are the true source of this novel's irresistible readability at all levels.-Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

My Review: Thirteen Reasons Why was a lovely debut from author Jay Asher. It was a true page turner, and I found myself emerged in the plotline. It really got me to consider the significance of small actions, and how something seemingly unimportant to us can affect someone else. It was well written from start to finish. Also, the characters were likeable and memorable. Hannah Baker is witty and charming, and by the end of the novel you will be mourning her death and celebrating her life at the same time, a combination only a truly great book can provide. Through every mishap and bad experience that Hannah is forced to endure, I was wishing that I could’ve been the one to stop it and comfort her. This book makes you consider life for others after the suicide of a loved one, and what you can do to prevent one from happening. Clay Jensen was another memorable character. He struck me as being similar in personality to Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye, sweetly awkward and quirky. Jensen makes for an amusing ride. Overall, I would highly recommend Thirteen Reasons Why and I think we could all learn a valuable lesson about how we treat others.

Anonymous Review: I personally had a hard time getting into this book. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Its more of a 'girls' book and a teen-girls' book at that. I have a bit of trouble getting into books that are made for one gender alone. I'm not sure why.

So here, ladies and gentlemen, you can see that we have two different reviews of this book. So tell me, do you like this book, or did you find it kind of 'turn-offish'? Leave a comment and let us know! By doing so you could help start the Reading Revolution.

I am the Messenger

Another wonderfully written book Markus Zusak, one of my new favorite authors.

(Book may have different cover art depending on where you live)

Summary: Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.

    That's when the first ace arrives in the mail.

    That's when Ed becomes the messenger.

   Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who's behind Ed's mission?

Official Reviews:

"Compulsively readable." - Publishers Weekly

"Unpretentious, well conceived, and appropriately raw." - School Library Journal

"Zusak succeeds brilliantly." - Booklist

" Funny, engrossing, and suspenseful." - KLIATT

"Raucous, poignant, and at times laugh-out-loud funny." - Bookpage

My Review: I have read this book twice this year and both times I have found it 100% amusing and always surprising. The story follows Ed through his perspective, and is written at times very simply, yet completely human. I have never read a book (save for the Book Thief also by Zusak) where the characters seem more believable. Even books such as Percy Jackson or Maximum Ride both written in first person point-of-view can't compare to this book. The book dives into the psyche of an underachieving cab-driver and you read his thoughts in a way that is very easy to relate to and very realistic. If I could I would rate this book  six out of five stars just because of writing style alone. The plot, is one that I find very unique, but in a way reminds me slightly of Because of Winn-Dixie. I would definitely recommend this book, but it is more of a young-adult, to an adult book. There are swear words and some more adult themes, but it is an extremely eye-opening book, and for anyone (such as myself) who aspires to become an author, the unusual writing style can prove to be a refreshing change.

Anyone else read this book? If so, you should click on that little comment button and tell me what you thought of it. Did you like it, love it, or by some chance not like it? Tell me why? Remember, I can't start a reading revolution by myself. I need help doing it! So come on, don't be shy, and help me start the reading revolution.

Mortal Instruments

What a great series!This series is one I came across while skimming through the public library last summer.

Summary: While at a teen night-club, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray witnesses a murder committed by three teenagers, who explain themselves to be Shadowhunters, part angel, part human, whose job it is to kill demons. Things get stranger for Clary, as her mother is kidnapped. Throughout the series, Clary must try to save her mother, while also dealing with falling for a certain blond-haired Shadowhunter, Jace. Books by Cassandra Clare.

Official Reviews: Publishers Weekly commented that it "is a sprawling urban fantasy packed with just about every type of creature known to the genre".

Holly Black, best-selling author of the books The Spiderwick Chronicles and Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale, stated that City of Bones was,"Funny, dark, and sexy. One of my favorite books."

School Library Journal noted that the book contained a variety of narrative flaws including characters that were "sporadically characterized" and whose behavior was predictable. In spite of this they noted that the book was entertaining and would leave readers anticipating the next installment.

Booklist  said that there was "plenty of romance, loss, honor, and betrayal to make the journey worthwhile. An experienced storyteller, Clare moves the plot quickly to a satisfying end."
Reviews Courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mortal_Instruments_(series)#Critical_reception

My Review: I liked this series. I felt it unleashed my inner teenager, but it's definitely not a dude's novel. I would recommend it for mostly teenage girls. I really liked this series, which still has two more books, plus the prequel, and I would give it a good four out of five stars. The only flaw I found in the book, was that in the third book, City of Glass, it ended to abruptly. I felt the ending was too rushed and not as challenging as you anticipated it to be. A great series over-all and I would definitely recommend it.

You all know the drill, that's my opinion on the book, but I need to know what you think. Tell me if you loved it, hated it, etc... Also, if you have any book recommendations, let me know. I'm always open to try new books, so come on, help me start the Reading Revolution.

Robin Hood

This story I came across while trying to type out a story that required the characters speaking in Old-English (which, by the way, is harder than it may seem) so there I was skimming through the old, dusty book, and I found myself intrigued and ended up reading it from beginning to end. It was a bit drier than I thought it'd be, but it was a favorite of my dad's and I just had to finish it.

No Image Available

Summary: The book follows Robin Hood on his quest to help the poor of Nottingham. Based off of old English folk-lore.

There are no official reviews seeing as there are many versions of the story, all of which are based off of the old English legends.

My Review: I found it intriguing. I'll admit it was kind of dry, but I overall, I'm glad I read it. It led to many possible story ideas, and Robin Hood is a classic. I had to read it. I'll admit that there were parts in the version I read that bothered me however (SPOILER WARNING!!! for example, Robin meets Maid Marian in one chapter and doesn't see her again until almost the last chapter where he marries her, also, he asks Friar Tuck to join him, and he isn't mentioned again.). I liked it though. It has you rooting for Robin the entire time and though I was ready to move on having taken a month to read it, I was truly sad to come to the end of it. Five stars all the way. An amazing piece.

As I always say, I need help. Starting a reading revolution is harder than it seems. So come on, don't be shy, and tell me what you think. Help start the reading revolution.

Alex and the Ironic Gentleman

I love this book ever since I first read it in seventh grade. I witty book that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Summary: This book follows ten-and-a-half-year-old Alex Morningside on her quest to save her 6th grade English teacher Mr. Underwood from the infamous pirate Captain Steele.

Official Reviews:

Eoin Colfer: "I read Alex and the Ironic Gentleman, and to be honest it had me at the title. A clever title to live up to and the story did not disappoint. I found it quirky, hilarious and genuinely exhilarating. There was a nod to Lewis Carroll and a wink to Charles Dickens, but no more than that, Adrienne's words are packed with originality. Alex is a wonderful hero who deserves to return for further adventures, indeed I suspect there will be a riot if she does not. Great plot, larger than life characters. The future is bright.”

Publishers Weekly: "Kress has a delightful simple, observational prose style that recalls A.A. Milne, right down to the frequent capitalization of Good Things and Very Interesting Things and so on. This inspired book should hold up to many re-readings. ”

Michelle Branch: "This is a swashbuckling tale of adventure and loyalty in the tradition of The Princess Bride and Harry Potter.”

Chicago Tribune: "Looking for a story with an edgy style and a smart girl? This tale tumbles across the map….Fun and fast.”

The Austin-American Statesman: "A welcome departure [from traditional gender roles] marks Alex and the Ironic Gentleman. Kress infuses a madcap sense of plot, with a deadpan, Lemony Snicket-esque writing style. No wonder there’s a glowing blurb from Eoin Colfer.”

(Reviews courtesy of http://www.weinsteinbooks.com/catalog/book/alex_the_ironic_gentleman)

My Review: A witty, original plot, with not one dry spot. An entertaining read from cover to cover. I would recommend it for anyone grades 4-8 though the unique plot and entertaining sub-adventures within Alex's larger one (to find her teacher), the story can be read by anyone with a sense of humor. Earns five stars easily.

These are only a few books though, and no matter how hard I try, I can't read every book out there. I need YOUR help. Tell me what you think of a book, or suggest a book that hasn't been listed yet. Come one, I can't do this on my own. Help me out and join the reading revolution!

Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel

So as you probably know, when I posted my original Max Ride post, I hadn't read Angel, but I have finished reading it last night, and can honestly say that was my favorite of the series. If you liked FANG or MAX, than this book is about twenty-gajillion times better. I don't want to say anything that'll spoil the book, but it was just so amazing with a totally cruel cliff-hanger (Mr. Patterson if you're reading this, let me tell you that that cliff-hanger was just mean). Now I have to wait another year for the last installment of the Maximum Ride series. Hopefully everything will come to a close. Until then I may possibly just go insane waiting. Ha Ha Ha, just kidding.
Seriously though, this book was so great it deserved a post of its own. By the end of the book I was shaking, crying, and ready to rip my hair out and punch anyone who came near me. It was that intense. If you haven't read Angel yet you seriously need to, just be sure that you read the books in order. Wait to get to Angel. Trust me.
I couldn't find any reviews on this book yet but once I do, I'll let you all know. Thanks for reading, and if you've read this book (or want to try to sucker some info on the book out of me), or have any suggestions for books I should read, than post a comment. I can't do this all alone. So come on, join the reading revolution!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians/ Heroes of Olympus

Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Jeez I love this series so much! I've read the series probably three or four times since sixth grade when I was introduced to the series. Incorporates modern day teens with ancient myths of Greece which for me was right up my alley.

Summary: Percy Jackson, just your regular son of Poseidon. The series starts off when Percy discovers that he is the son of a Greek god and is whisked off to Camp Half-Blood, a camp for demigods like him. He befriends a satyr named Grover and a daughter of Athena named Annabeth. Throughout the series, Percy and his friends go on numerous quests in order to thwart the evil Titan Kronos. Great for kids grades 4-9.

Official Reviews: Won as School Library Journal Best Book of 2005
The New York Times praised The Lightning Thief as "perfectly paced, with electrifying moments chasing each other like heartbeats
Matt Berman, of Common Sense Media, praised the book, saying "The Percy Jackson series continues to be pure fun, with the author doing nearly everything right to produce a book that few kids will be able to resist"
Kirkus reviewed The Battle of the Labyrinth as, "This volume can stand alone, but no one will be able to read just one...look no further for the next Harry Potter, meet Percy Jackson as legions of fans already have."
(Reviews courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Jackson_%26_the_Olympians#Reception)

My Review: A stunning piece of work with a very satisfying ending, I can't wait to find out what happens in the newest series which is a spin-off of the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. For a nerdy kid in love with Greek Mythology, this book was perfect. I'd give it an easy 5 stars out of 5.

So that's what I think, but I can't do all of the reviewing alone. I need to know what YOU think! So leave a comment, and join the Reading Revolution! And if you've got a good suggestion for a book, let me know. I'm always eager to read new books.