Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed revisiting John Green’s smart, snappy, snarky, funny prose after a long break. I also appreciated his insight into the mind of an obsessive, compulsive teen, something he portrayed with empathy and realism. The plot, a “mystery,” definitely felt like a device for him to explore the characters and their relationships, which didn’t bother me much because that part was done well, but a mystery reader would be seriously disappointed by the predictability and anticlimactic nature of the ending. Read it if you’re a John Green fan or if you suffer from or want to learn more about obsessive compulsive disorder. ~ Ms Dimmick

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The Mothers, by Brit Bennett

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Mothers was an enjoyable read with a disappointing ending. The lack of a complete narrative arc left me wondering what the point of the story was, and in fact I wondered whether it was written as a cautionary tale for those considering abortion. Though the message was not actively anti-abortion, the teenaged abortion in this story seems to have left an indelible mark on the prospective mother, father, grandparents, friends and an entire church for years to come. Then again, the protagonist’s mother, who was apparently depressed over her fate which was decided at a young age due to an unplanned pregnancy, committed suicide. Maybe the message is just not to risk an unplanned pregnancy because you’re damned either way. The story was well-written, but felt unfinished. ~ Ms Dimmick

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Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Royals by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a review of an advance reader copy, the book is scheduled to be published May 2018.

Daisy Winters is not exactly your typical Florida teenager – sure she’s got a job at the local convenience store, boy troubles and all the standard teen drama, but she’s also got an mermaid princess hair, an ex-British rock star for a father, and oh yeah, a sister who just got engaged to the future King of Scotland.

Hawkins was clearly *thrilled* with the announcement of Meghan Markle’s engagement to Prince Harry – the timing could not have been better for her YA romance. The story follows Daisy as she heads to Scotland for the summer to meet her royal soon to be in-laws, dodging paparazzi and drunken minor royals. There were a few too many barely sketched out characters – if even Daisy can’t keep the group of friends around the prince’s younger brother straight, how is the reader supposed to? – and the main “villain,” the current Queen of Scotland, is a bit one-note. The romance ends up exactly where you think it will, but that’s perfectly fine for this sort of book. Something nice and fun to read while waiting for the real royal wedding.

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~ Ms Schoen

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories, by Stephanie Perkins

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A perfect holiday read — stories you can chip away at during the margins of your day. Most are very sweet, heart warming romances. A few cross the border into syrupy and are almost offensive in their use of teenage romance tropes, but they’re easy to skip past in favor of the next. There’s a nice mix of contemporary realistic fiction, mystical realism and pure fantasy, and while they are holiday-themed, they do not focus exclusively in Christmas (though it does dominate). The authors, a veritable who’s who of YA fiction, seemed to genuinely enjoy crafting their contributions to this delightful collection. ~ Ms Dimmick

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Americanah, by Chimandanda Ngozi Adichie

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a very well written story, and thought provoking, but in the end I almost resented the time investment required to get through it. I appreciated the insight into race in America as observed through the lens of a young, accomplished African immigrant woman, and I especially enjoyed the contrast with Nigerian culture, but I never really warmed to the protagonist. Ifem struck me as judgmental and superior without adequate empathy for the people who loved her. I found myself wondering why she inspired such deep devotion from at least three wonderful men, each of whom she needlessly and thoughtlessly wounded. They deserved better. Then again, perhaps that was what I was supposed to feel. Perhaps the author was also conflicted about Ifem? A worthy read for those exploring race in America, but prepare yourself for a significant commitment. ~Ms Dimmick

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Dumplin’, by Julie Murphy

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Willowdean is the overweight teenaged daughter of a former beauty queen living in North Texas. You might think that would give her a bit of an insecurity complex, but Dumplin’, as her disappointed mom calls her, is actually quite content, and even confident, in her own skin. It’s that confidence that draws other girls who don’t fit the typical teenage beauty standards to Willowdean for friendship and guidance. It also attracts Bo, the hot private school boy who works with her at a fast-food restaurant and surprises her with his undeterred admiration. When Willowdean and her gang of atypical friends decide to enter their small town’s beauty pageant, a series of amusing and endearing escapades ensue. This book is pleasant read filled with the predictable teenage drama that romance, friendship and high school can bring, but stamped with its own brand of uniqueness in its small town North Texas setting (I had to Google pictures of homecoming mums to see what on earth they were!), its Dolly Parton sound track, and of course, its challenge to the American ideal of female beauty. Read this if you’re looking for some light, breezy, young adult romantic fiction. This is not the book for you if you’re seeking genuine depth or high literary quality. ~ Ms Dimmick

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Student Review: The Truth About Alice, by Jennifer Mathieu (reviewed by Rebekah E.)

The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Truth About Alice, written by Jennifer Mathieu, tells the story of a high school girl whose life gets changed forever after attending one party. Alice, a seventeen year old girl is named a slut after having sex twice in one night with two different guys, at the same party. After the night takes a negative turn Alice is blamed by her entire town for the tragedy that occurs. While coping with the constant hate and judgment from fellow classmates and families a boy, Kurt befriends Alice. Kurt helps Alice feel safe and be able to share her feelings while being treated like an outcast by her community. The book touches upon the theme of being alone and feeling like an outsider. The book is an amazing read for those who enjoy constant mystery, it is also extremely real. The situations Alice is put in and how others react are not hollywood movie style. The author, Mathieu does a superb job creating a sense of truth to the story. Those who would not like this book are people who are more sensitive to the subjects of death, loneliness, and sadness. Over all the book, The Truth About Alice is a great read for many people. ~ Student: Rebekah E.

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Student Review: Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher (reviewed by Tiffany W.)

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY by Jay Asher is a tragic story about Hannah Baker, a girl who commits suicide and leaves behind 7 cassette tapes for thirteen people to listen to. Hannah threatens that if these tapes aren’t sent to each person in chronological order, she’ll have someone release a second set of tapes to the public. Within these tapes, she explains how these thirteen people are the thirteen reasons why she took her own life. She explains how she was used and tormented by horrible people. The story follows Clay Jensen, one of Hannah’s reasons, and his reaction to hearing her story from her perspective. When Clay first gets the tapes, he’s shocked that he’s listening to Hannah’s last words on tape. Through the night, Clay listens to the tapes on his friend’s walkman. He strolls around the city to the various places marked on the map that was given to him with the tapes. There are very serious topics discussed in this book, such as rape, suicide, and depression. People should definitely read this novel just for the experience. Depression and suicide aren’t really topics that are openly talked about, especially if one experiences it firsthand. The book also talks about signs of suicide that one could apply to everyday life. Reading this would give someone that doesn’t suffer from suicidal thoughts insight on the real hardships some people go through. On the other hand, this book probably isn’t suited for people that are easily triggered by these topics. ~ Student: Tiffany W.

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Student Review: Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins (reviewed by Brett G.)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, romance, drama and gore are displayed. This book is about two people from a poor, poor town in a mystical country of Panem. Each year, two people from their “district” are picked from a bowl to fight in what’s called the “Hunger Games,” which is where 24 kids under the age of 18 fight to the death in an arena. In the prequel to Catching Fire, Katniss and Peeta win the Hunger Games, together. Which is forbidden. Only one victor may be crowned, so this is seen as ludicrous. Throughout Catching Fire, Katniss and Peeta fight to prove that what they did is alright.

I recommend this book to any teenager or young adult who is looking for a good read. To understand fully, I would recommend reading the first book, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, then finally Mockingjay, in that order. If you enjoy a book with a lot of action, this is just right for you. If you like a calm, soothing book, then this is not for you. This book is filled with tons of action, as well as drama and love. If you like those 3, then this series is for you. If not, I advise you stay away from Catching Fire.~ Student: Brett G.

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Student Review: Looking for Alaska, by John Green (reviewed by Carly S.)

Looking for Alaska by John Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Looking for Alaska is a novel by John Green. Miles, who everyone calls “Pudge,” moves to a new school in Alabama. This is the school that his dad went to so it is a tradition in his family for Pudge to go, as well, by a certain age. Pudge’s roommate, Chip, who is a small quirky guy, instantly clicks with Pudge and they become good friends. Early in the semester, Pudge meets a girl named Alaska (who becomes a main character) and instantly he falls for her. He loves Alaska’s presence and her views of the world. She makes Pudge do rebellious things that he might have not have done otherwise. Pudge begins to realize Alaska isn’t as happy as she makes herself out to be. One day Alaska goes missing and Pudge, along with their other friends, go looking for her. Will they find her? Is she alive? Where did she go? This book covers topics on being a good friend and learning how to solve problems. I think other people should read this book because it’s very unpredictable and has a lot of twists and turns. A reader who likes fiction and mysteries would really enjoy this book. A reader that likes predictable books should definitely avoid this book because you won’t be able to figure out what is going to happen so easily. ~ Student: Carly S.

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