Book Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows her. Margo’s always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she’s always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they’re for Q.

Book Review: I’d Tell You I Love You but Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it’s really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real “pavement artist”—but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her? Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she’s on her most dangerous mission—falling in love.

Age: 11

My thoughts (positive elements): This whole series is absolutely outstanding. Well written, interesting, funny, the whole shebang.

My thoughts (negative elements): I have no complaints.

Rating 5/5

Book Review: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): Sent to Green Gables farm by mistake, eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley prays that Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert will decide to keep her nevertheless. The middle-aged brother and sister wanted a boy to help around the farm; a skinny girl with bright red hair and a fiery personality to match is not at all what they need. But Anne’s quick wit and boundless imagination, developed over a lifetime spent in and out of orphanages, soon charm the Cuthberts and their Prince Edward Island friends and neighbors. The story of a special young girl finally finding her home, Anne of Green Gables is a masterpiece of children’s fiction and a true delight for readers of all ages.

Age: 7

My thoughts (positive elements): This is among my all time favorite books. I’ve read it at least twice a year since I was seven. Anne and I are practically the same person and I dream of finding a guy like Gilbert.

My thoughts (negative elements): Diana’s character has always kind of irritated me. She seems a bit whiny.

Rating 4.5/5

Book Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
 
We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

Book Review: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he’s got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends—true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. And when it comes to the Socs—a vicious gang of rich kids who enjoy beating up on “greasers” like him and his friends—he knows that he can count on them for trouble. But one night someone takes things too far, and Ponyboy’s world is turned upside down…

Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

Book Review: The Giver by Lois Lowry

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): When Jonas turns 12, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver—who alone holds memories of pain and pleasure in life. Now there can be no turning back from the truth.

Book Review: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Book Review: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy”s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea”s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape? They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

Book Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six–who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.