The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The Story:  In The Glass Castle, Jeannette tells the story of her memorable childhood. From the deserts of Arizona to Park Avenue, Jeannette has lived everywhere.  Her parents aren't your usual types of parents, as you can see.  Rex Walls is an alcoholic that can seem like the best dad in the world one minute, and then the worst all in the flip of a page.  Rose Mary Walls is a free-spirited artist that makes her kids seem like a burden.  Both parents don't take care of their children very well, so the Walls' children grow up tough.  From eating sticks of butter to survive, to dragging their mother out of bed to work, The Glass Castle is a story of resilience and hope.

Chloe's Critique:  I really enjoyed this book.  I think Jeannette wins the award for "Most Memorable and Crazy Childhood" :).  It really makes you think about how much you love your family, even if they're a little peculiar.  Also, at the end, it shows you that you control your future.  Jeannette and her siblings didn't want to be stuck in Welch, the town they were living in, and they didn't want to take care of their parents their whole lives.  So, slowly, they started saving up to start sending each of the kids to New York City.   You just have to read this book. Now. 

Rating:  5/5 stars

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

The Story:  Ed Kennedy's life isn't going anywhere.  He's 19, an underage taxi driver, and is hopelessly in love with his best friend Audrey.  One day though, his life turns around when he stops a bank robbery from happening.  From taxi driver, he turns into a town hero.  That's when the cards start arriving.  Aces, to be exact.  Someone is sending Ed Kennedy playing cards with addresses on them.  It's up to Ed to figure out the problem and how to solve it.  Some will involve happiness, others death.  It's up to Ed to help these people or else his own life will be threatened.

Chloe's Critique:  This is one of those books that you don't mind re-reading over and over again.  Highly imaginative and humorous, you won't be able to put it down!  Ed and his gang of friends, his smelly dog, the Doorman, and his potty-mouthed mother, star as the... interesting main characters.  No one else gets the messages besides Ed.  It transforms a regular nobody like Ed, into a hero.  The point is, if Ed can help make people's lives better, than anyone can do it to.  Like in the last sentence of the book, Ed says that he's not the messenger, "I'm the message.". 


Chloe's Rating: 5/5 stars

Al Capone Does My Shirts

The Story:  Moose Flanagan isn't exactly thrilled when his family has to move to Alcatraz.  The year is 1935 and Alcatraz Prison holds the worst of the worst criminals.  Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and Roy Gardner are a few of the many notorious inmates there.  Moose and his family move here because of his, um, special, older sister, Natalie.  His mother believes that the Esther P. Marinoff School is the best school to help Natalie with her... special needs (called autism now).  Moose is sometimes embarassed by Natalie when he has to act like the older brother, since he's 12 and Natalie's 16.  His mom's attention always belongs to Natalie, in the process, neglecting Moose.  On Alcatraz, Moose's dad works as an electrician and a guard.  Every family that lives on the island has their father as a guard.  On Alcatraz, Moose makes friends with an incredible cast of characters.  There's Theresa, the 7 year old, I meant, 7 and THREE QUARTERS year old that insists that her mother's baby is hers, Annie, the girl with the killer throwing arm (well, for a GIRL), Jimmy, and his rock flinging contraptions, and Piper.  Piper.  The cute but dangerous warden's daughter that always has a scheme in mind.  They all have their adventures trying to meet some criminals while Natalie is trying to get into the Esther P. Marinoff.  One rejection after another, Natalie still can't get into the school.  So what happens when Moose asks Al Capone to get her in?

Chloe's Critique:  Al Capone Does My Shirts was a fun, quick read.  While all the schemes mentioned in the book weren't true, the book still gave you a detailed look into the life of people living on Alcatraz.  The book also gives you an idea of how autistic children act and think by Natalie's actions and dialogue.  While this book doesn't have a lot of driving action, it has a lot of heart.  It centers on a family's love for their child.  Every thing they do is to try to help Natalie with her condition.  Witty and clever, Al Capone Does My Shirts will please young readers (8 up?)

Rating:  3.5/5 stars

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

*This will be a spoiler-free review for Mockingjay, minor spoilers for Catching Fire*

The Story:   Katniss Everdeen has made it out of the arena twice.  It wasn't by accident that she was rescued out of the Quarter Quell instead of her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark.  After those last hectic moments in the Quell, Katniss learns that Peeta has been taken by the Capitol, and the whole country is in rebellion.  She is the face of the rebellion, ever since she pulled out those berries in the arena.  But now, will she be able to become the Mockingjay and lead the whole country of Panem to revolution?  Can she bring unity to all the districts and overthrow the Capitol?

*Sorry, I take my word back :)  This part will have a lot of spoilers and angry rants... don't say you haven't been warned :)*
Chloe's Critique:  This has been one wild ride.  It's hard to believe that the series is over already!  Mockingjay is the darkest of the trilogy, yet it's full of hope.  Hope that the rebels will win.  Hope that Peeta's okay.  Hope that life will be better.    By the end of the book, I was an emotional wreck, crying uncontrollably.    But it still didn't live up to my expectations.  Really? Did she really need to kill Prim?  I mean really?????  That was totally unnecessary!  And Katniss wasn't Katniss at all in this book!  I mean, shes' an emotional wreck and just gives up.  And the biggest upset: Gale.  For all the fans out there, I'm team Gale.  Even though Gale didn't win Katniss' heart, I hated how Suzanne made it seem like they never talked again.  He was her best friend!  And technically, even though it was his bomb design that killed Prim, he didn't drop the bomb!  Katniss doesn't deserve Gale and I hope she's happy with Peeta Mellark- "Today, we let him feed himself pudding! Plutarch says".  Peeta = epic fail. Even though I didn't like it that much, Mockingjay will be sure to delight Hunger Game fans around the world.

Rating: 4.999999991/5 stars :)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Super pumped for Mockingjay tomorrow! *squeals in excitement*

The Story:  Katniss Everdeen has beat the odds and has won the 74th annual Hunger Games- a televised fight-to-the-death competition.  But, she won by defying the Capitol- challenging the rule of only letting one victor survive by having her and her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, commit suicide.  Now, the Capitol is mad.  This spark of rebellion may lead all the 12 districts in Panem to rebel against the Capitol.  Now, Katniss' victory tour throughout Panem is the only way to turn things around.  She has to prove without a shadow of a doubt, that she was driven crazy in love with Peeta, and couldn't live without him.  Any sign of rebellion was coincidental.  With not only that on her shoulders, soon, she has to be a mentor for the 75th Hunger Games, also a Quarter Quell.  But what happens when Katniss is sent back into the arena?  Will the districts ban together and start a revolution against the Capitol?

Chloe's Critique:  After the Hunger Games, I was desperate to find out the continuation of Katniss' story.  Luckily enough, I read the Hunger Games just when Catching Fire was due to come out.  Catching Fire, to me, was still a great book, but it couldn't capture the magic as in the first book.  It's set at a much slower pace, with the action happening in the second half of the book.  It provides a view of all the districts in Panem from the Victory Tour, and starts to hint at what is coming in the third book, Mockingjay.  Needless to say, another great book from Suzanne Collins that will leave fans desperate to know what will happen in the final book, Mockingjay.


Rating:  5/5 Stars

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Since Mockingjay's coming out tomorrow *squeals in excitement*, I better pay tribute to this ground breaking trilogy!  All hail Suzanne Collins!  :)


The Story:  Katniss Everdeen lives in a future world called Panem, controlled by the Capitol.  Every year, the 12 districts of Panem are forced to submit 2 tributes( boy and girl) to play in the Hunger Games- a televised fight-to-the-death game.  The winner will receive fame, fortune, and glory.  But what happens when Katniss' little sister Prim's name is drawn to be a tribute?  Since she knows Prim can't survive, Katniss volunteers to take her place as the tribute.  Now, can Katniss survive the Hunger Games and possibly become the second victor District 12 hosts?  And what happens when her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, declares his love for Katniss in front of all of Panem?  Is he telling the truth or just playing a game?  It's the game within the Games.  Will Katniss buy into Peeta's speech?  Only one can win the Hunger Games.

Chloe's Critique:  OH MY GOODNESS.   What an amazing book!  I was a fan of the Gregor the Overlander series already, but this book has made it official- Suzanne Collins is my favorite author ever!  The Hunger Games has a little bit of everything: action, violence, and even some romance too!  This is easily one of the best books of the year and the trilogy is the gold-standard for sci-fi writers.  Warning: very addictive.  You won't be able to put it down or stop thinking about it. 

Rating:   5/5 Stars   Can I say like 500 Stars??? :)

Suzanne Collins reads from the first chapter of MOCKINGJAY!!!

Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton

The Story:  Rusty-James is a pretty tough teen, but he wants to be tougher, just like his older brother, Motorcycle Boy.  He wants to be the strongest streetfighter and the most respected guy on this side of the river.   He doesn't want to use his head- he just relies on his fists instead.  Whenever he's gotten into trouble, Motorcycle Boy has always bailed him out.  But one day, his world comes flying apart in an explosive chain of events and Motorcycle Boy isn't here to pick up the pieces.

Chloe's Critique:  Personally, I hated this book.  Seriously.  The ideas aren't really well developed and there seems to be no plot.   The climax wasn't built up to at all, and when it happened, the book abruptly ended.  There wasn't no resolution, falling action, nothing.  Nada.  I'm sorry if anyone likes the book, but I really dislike it.  Sorry.  I would like my time back from reading this.

Rating:  1/5 stars  0/5 stars  -1/5 stars

The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Story:  Eddie has spent his whole life at Ruby Pier- all the way from his childhood watching his dad work there, his adulthood working as a repairman there, and to his death, trying to save a little girl from a falling rollercoaster car.  Yet when he dies, it seems like he can't escape Ruby Pier- he ends up there too in heaven.  While in heaven, he meets five people whose lives have affected his.  There, his earthly life is explained to him by these five people- either strangers or loved ones.  One by one, they each give him insight about all the things he didn't see in his time on earth.  As Eddie meets each new person, his fatal question still isn't answered- did he save the little girl?  Was it a heroic success or was it a failure?  Can the same be said about his life?

Chloe's Critique: This book is practically on every reading list out there!  I loved Tuesdays With Morrie, so why not give this a shot?  This book isn't meant for those who enjoy reading action books- heck no!  It's one of those books you read when you feel philosophical and just need to relax.  It proposes an interesting view of the afterlife and talks about old man's life.  While it uncovers part of Eddie's life, it makes you question yours too!  It's filled with lessons of regret, sacrifice, and hope, too.  While I still favor Tuesdays With Morrie, this book is still very good.

Rating:   4.5/5 Stars

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Story:  It's 1939.  Nazi Germany.  Death has never been busier, but still takes time to watch Liesel Meminger's story unfold.
     Liesel's life is forever changed when she finds The Grave Digger's Handbook,  partially obscured by the snow, at her brother's funeral.  It sparks her love of words ,  and when she arrives at the Hubermann's,  her accordion-playing foster father teaches her how to read.  Soon, she starts stealing books everywhere- from Nazi book burnings to the mayor's wife's library,  some with the help of her best friend, Rudy Steiner.
    But Liesel's world is about to be turned upside down.  When her loving father, Hans Hubermann, decides to hide a Jew in their basement,  her life becomes much more dangerous.  As she learns more about the man in the basement, Liesel and Max start to become great friends.  Yet, with the constant air raids, and meager supply of food, will Max survive?  After all, hiding a dead Jew is just as dangerous as a live one. 
  Who will Death carry away in Liesel's life? Max?  Her papa- who soon goes to war?  Even Rudy?  In Nazi Germany, Death is always busy.

Chloe's Critique:  This has to be one of my favorite books I've ever read.  There is a certain depth to each character that makes it seem like you've known them forever.  My favorite character has to be Rudy.  Oh... that saukerl  Rudy.  The crazy kid who painted himself to be Jesse Owens, the fearless best friend, always longing for the Book Thief's kiss.  The story is told from a very interesting, yet fitting narrator- Death.  He is not a cruel, sadistic soul; just a tired soul , exhausted by his immortality and job.  He's afraid of humans because they have a way of growing on him, but when they die, he feels the emptiness inside of him.  This is probably one of the best books in the century.  If you haven't read it, go to your bookstore, or library and read it!  You won't be disappointed.

Rating:  5/5 Stars

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

The Story:  Alton Richards' summer isn't going anywhere.  He's 17, without a job, heartbroken about his breakup, and his family's finances aren't exactly in check.  Then, to make matters worse, his mother volunteers him to drive his blind, diabetic, grumpy, old, great-uncle to bridge club every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, in hopes of getting on Uncle Lester Trapp's "good side".  It seems as though everybody knows that he has only a couple of months left, so they are trying to weasle their way into his heart, and more importantly, his will.  So,  Alton has no choice to drive Trapp to bridge club and be his cardturner, meaning telling Trapp what cards he has.  Soon, he meets Toni Castaneda,  Trapp's previous cardturner, and it seems like his family isn't the only one that Trapp's close to.  Trapp is something of a bridge genius and is intent on winning nationals,  after a heartbreaking experience there 40 years ago.    Will Trapp win nationals or will he even live to play it?

Chloe's Critique:  This was actually a surprisingly good book!  When I first read the summary, I was skeptical.  Who wants to read a story about a card game- especially bridge!  Yet, when you get into the story, it doesn't talk about bridge- it talks about the effect that a simple card game can have on a group of people.    Sure, there's a bunch of bridge gibberish like, "One banana, pass, pass, two-no-trump."  There's also lengthy explanations about certain moves, but Alton has got us covered.  When you see Moby Dick, you can skip to this box that gives you a basic cliff notes version .  Full of quirks, philosophical questions, and humor, you'll feel yourself start to root for Trapp and Alton.

Rating:  4/5  Stars

Booklists

Chloe's Favorite Books

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Mockingjay by Suzanne Colins
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak
• The Help by Kathrynn Stockett
• Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson
• Daniel X Series by James Patterson
• Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz
• Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
• The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
• A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith

       * I'll add more lists and links soon, as I review more books.  Thanks for your patience! *

Book Reviews

Here's a list of books I've reviewed so far!  Enjoy!

-Numbers-

 -A-

• Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

-B-

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

-C-

• The Cardturner  by Louis Sachar 
• Catching Fire  by Suzanne Collins

-D-


-E-




-F-

• The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

-G-

• The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

-H-

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

-I-

• I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

-J-




-K-




-L-


-M-

• Mockingjay  by Suzanne Collins
  

-N-




-O-




-P-




-Q-




-R-

• Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton

-S-




-T-


-U-




-V-




-W-




-X-




-Y-




-Z-